Timothy loved the trumpet. By the time he turned fourteen he could play scales in all the keys and challenging exercises. He even presented “special music” for church. During secondary school Timothy listened carefully to all the trumpet music he could get his hands on and taught himself to slur notes, to manage extreme vibrato, … Continue reading –>
“Christmas! Christmas! I can hardly wait for Christmas!” Four-year-old Randy Williams clapped his hands and did a tumble to the Christmas tree in the corner of the family room.1 “What’s so special about Christmas?” his dad teased. “Presents. Lots of presents. And cake and cookies and ice cream and—“ “Christmas is for you?” “Yes! Yes! … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: Living by the Spirit involves a daily walk with Christ. It requires choices that starve our sinful self. [Teaching plan for “Living by the Spirit” December 14, 2011] 1. Have a volunteer read Galatians 5:1-16,17. A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is. … Continue reading –>
Let Freedom Ring1 The Israelites in bondage. Do you think they dreamed of freedom from slavery? The woman from church dying of cancer. Do you think she dreams of freedom from pain? The family on their way home from church. Do you think they dream of freedom from each other? The alcoholic in lockup. Do you … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: Faith in Christ frees us from slavery to sin, death, and the devil. We are free to express our faith in loving and joyful service. [Teaching plan for “Freedom in Christ” November 7, 2011] 1. Have a volunteer read Galatians 5:1-6. A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the … Continue reading –>
Madeline and Melvin were in love. No question about it. At every opportunity they would steal glances at each other and talk with nudges and grins. Everybody knew.1 They would soon be married. Then Melvin dropped a bombshell. Both Madeline and Melvin had been married before, and Melvin wasn’t ready to risk a repeat performance of … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: Self-righteousness is referred to as the old covenant. The new covenant is the everlasting covenant of grace ultimately fulfilled in Christ. [Teaching Plan for “The Two Covenants” November 30, 2011] 1. Have a volunteer read Galatians 4:21-23. A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this … Continue reading –>
Carol knew the nausea would go away, but it was too much to endure sitting in the pews. At home she slept a while and then turned on the computer and within a couple of hours she was listening to Pastor Randy Roberts preaching at the Loma Linda University church.1 What was that he was … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: After strong spiritual argument, Paul made an emotional appeal to the Galatians to remain in the gospel of grace. [Teaching plan for “Paul’s Pastoral Appeal” November 23, 2011] 1. Have a volunteer read Galatians 4:12. A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is. … Continue reading –>
