Sunday School Lessons

Click here for a print-friendly version The Mountain of God Fall Quarter: The Sovereignty of God Unit 1: The Sovereignty of God Sunday school lesson for the week of September 11, 2016 By Rev. Denise Walton Lesson Scripture: Isaiah 25:6-10a Background Scripture: Isaiah 25 Greetings and blessings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The lesson this week entitled “The Mountain of God” emerges from First Isaiah (25:6-10a). I must admit, as a preacher, this is an excellent ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Foundations of the Earth Fall Quarter: The Sovereignty of God Unit 1: The Sovereignty of God Sunday school lesson for the week of September 18, 2016 By Rev. Denise Walton Lesson Scripture: Isaiah 40:21-31 Background Scripture: Isaiah 40 God is doing a new thing! Blessings and peace be upon you, brothers and sisters in Christ. I have sought to be transparent with you; I am a preacher at heart. When I engage the Book of Isaiah, it brings forth an urge ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God Prunes and Crafts Summer Quarter: Toward a New Creation Unit 3: Life on God’s Terms Sunday school lesson for the week of August 21, 2016 By Rev. V.L. Daughtery, Jr. Lesson Scripture: Romans 11:11-36 Background Scripture: Romans 11:11-36 Introduction: During the Passover meal in an orthodox Jewish home, an empty chair will be placed at the table. It is for the prophet Elijah. In the ritual, the youngest child will be sent to open the front door. ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Love Fulfills the Law Summer Quarter: Toward a New Creation Unit 3: Life on God’s Terms Sunday school lesson for the week of August 28, 2016 By Rev. V.L. Daughtery, Jr. Lesson Scripture: Romans 12:1-2; 13:8-10 Background Scripture: Romans 12:1-2; 13:8-10 Introduction: Design of the place of worship in many United Methodist churches will have the Lord’s Table and an altar. On the table will be a cross and two candles (symbols of the divinity and ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Peaceful Kingdom Fall Quarter: The Sovereignty of God Unit 1: The Sovereignty of God Sunday school lesson for the week of September 4, 2016 By Rev. Denise Walton Lesson Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-9 The writer of the Adult Bible Studies Sunday School Lesson suggests we begin with an overview of the book of Isaiah. A common understanding divides Isaiah into three major sections: chapters 1-39; chapters 40-55; and chapters 55-66. Today we focus on text ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Living under God’s mercy Summer Quarter: Toward a New Creation Unit 3: Life on God’s Terms Sunday school lesson for the week of August 14, 2016 By Rev. V.L. Daughtery, Jr. Lesson Scripture: Romans 9:6-18 Background Scripture: Romans 9:6-29 Introduction: Some adults reflect on childhood games played during recess in elementary school. The painful process of choosing team members one at a time was the sole responsibility of elected leaders. To be chosen...

Click here for a print-friendly version Safe in God’s love Summer Quarter: Toward a New Creation Unit 3: Life on God’s Terms Sunday school lesson for the week of August 7, 2016 By Rev. V.L. Daughtery, Jr. Lesson Scripture: Romans 8:28-39 Background Scripture: Romans 8:28-39 Introduction: In the Old Testament is the story of Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel (Genesis 30:25). Joseph was loved more dearly by his father than all of the other children. This relationship created an atmosphere ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Not without hope Summer Quarter: Toward a New Creation Unit 2: A World Gone Wrong Sunday school lesson for the week of July 24, 2016 By Rev. V.L. Daughtery, Jr. Lesson Scripture: Romans 5:1-11 Background Scripture: Romans 5:1-11 Introduction: On Dec. 2, 1942, at 2:20 p.m., Enrico Fermi began the first controlled nuclear reaction in his lab at the University of Chicago. The experiment lasted for 28 minutes. Afterward, Arthur Compton, a colleague of ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Death becomes life Summer Quarter: Toward a New Creation Unit 3: Life on God’s Terms Sunday school lesson for the week of July 31, 2016 By Rev. V.L. Daughtery, Jr. Lesson Scripture: Romans 6:1-4, 6:12-14, 6:17-23 Background Scripture: Romans 6 Introduction: Spanish explorers of America were convinced that they had discovered the end of the world. Spain celebrated their achievement by minting coins. Each coin had the words, “Neplus Ultra” – no more ...

Click here for a print-friendly version We’re all under sin’s power Summer Quarter: Toward a New Creation Unit 2: A World Gone Wrong Sunday school lesson for the week of July 10, 2016 By Rev. V.L. Daughtery, Jr. Lesson Scripture: Romans 3:9-20 Background Scripture: Psalm 136:1-9; 136:26; Romans 3:9-20 Introduction: Purchase of a new appliance brings an inevitable question by a salesperson. “Do you wish to purchase a long-term service contract? There is only a one-year warranty?” Beyond 365 ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God sets things right Summer Quarter: Toward a New Creation Unit 2: A World Gone Wrong Sunday school lesson for the week of July 17, 2016 By Rev. V.L. Daughtery, Jr. Lesson Scripture: Romans 3:21-31 Background Scripture: Psalm 148; Romans 3:21-31 Introduction: A minister had purchased a white robe for Easter. As he stood behind the pulpit, his adoring spouse, seated in the second pew, was heard to whisper, “Doesn’t he look like an angel with wings.” ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Ignoring God’s Truth Within Us Summer Quarter: Toward a New Creation Unit 2: A World Gone Wrong Sunday school lesson for the week of July 3, 2016 By Rev. V.L. Daughtery, Jr. Lesson Scripture: Romans 2:17-29 Background Scripture: Psalm 104; Romans 2:14-29 Introduction: A sacred site for many in South Georgia is Saint Simons Island. It is along the bank of a coastal waterway. When there is time of personal meditation during youth camps at Epworth By The...

Click here for a print-friendly version Assurance and Joy for the Faithful Summer Quarter: Toward a New Creation Unit 1: Judgment and Salvation Sunday school lesson for the week of June 19, 2016 By Rev. V.L. Daughtery, Jr. Lesson Scripture: Zephaniah 3:9-14 Background Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:3; Zephaniah 3:9-20 Introduction: A powerful teaching sermon on Christian perfection concluded with a question, “Will any present who are perfect please stand?” There was no movement in the pews. “Does...

Click here for a print-friendly version Ignoring God’s Plain Truth Summer Quarter: Toward a New Creation Unit 2: A World Gone Wrong Sunday school lesson for the week of June 26, 2016 By Rev. V.L. Daughtery, Jr. Lesson Scripture: Romans 1:18-23: 1:28-32 Background Scripture: Psalm 8; Romans 1:18-32 Introduction: A member of a choir, with a foghorn voice, was ruining all anthems. The senior minister was requested to convey the message that the person’s gifts might be used in another arena. “...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Consequences of Disobedience Summer Quarter: Toward a New Creation Unit 1: Judgment and Salvation Sunday school lesson for the week of June 12, 2016 By Rev. V.L. Daughtery, Jr. Lesson Scripture: Zephaniah 3:6-8 Background Scripture: Genesis 1:1 – 2:3; Zephaniah 3:1-8 Introduction:  In a class of 5-year-olds, one was using crayons. “Van, what is your drawing?” asked the teacher. “I am painting a picture of God,” he responded. “But God is a spirit, ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Day of the Lord Summer Quarter: Toward a New Creation Unit 1: Judgment and Salvation Sunday school lesson for the week of June 5, 2016 By Rev. V.L. Daughtery, Jr. Lesson Scripture: Zephaniah 1:4-6; 1:14-16; 2:3-4 Background Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:3 Introduction: During the westward migration on the American frontier, the Methodist circuit rider was an accompanying companion. Approaching a homesteader plowing new land, the visiting horseman said:...

Click here for a print-friendly version Joyous Faith Spring Quarter: The Gift of Faith Unit 3: The Fullness of Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of May 29, 2016 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Luke 19:1-10 The story before us today has Jesus passing through Jericho, a city not far from Jerusalem, the place where Jesus will fulfill his mission by submitting to death on the cross. The story here involves a number of themes that Luke has emphasized in his gospel – including Jesus ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Childlike Faith Spring Quarter: The Gift of Faith Unit 3: The Fullness of Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of May 22, 2016 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Luke 18: 15-17; Mark 10:16 It is essential to see that this story of Jesus receiving the children has often been misinterpreted. Frequently, it has been misinterpreted as a call for Christians to be satisfied with simplistic faith. But hopefully, as we proceed, it will become clear that ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Humble Faith Spring Quarter: The Gift of Faith Unit 3: The Fullness of Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of May 15, 2016 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Luke 18-9-14 She exclaimed rather excitedly, “God hears and answers every prayer. He gives a yes, a no, or a maybe.” But according to our scripture lesson, there is a time when God turns a deaf ear. There are some prayers that God will neither hear nor respond to. In his familiar parable of...

Click here for a print-friendly version Grateful Faith Spring Quarter: The Gift of Faith Unit 3: The Fullness of Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of May 8, 2016 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Luke 17: 11-19 The key focus of this lesson is how people respond to Jesus. While the disciples are still struggling to understand Jesus, a rather unexpected person becomes the model for how to respond to the coming of the Kingdom in the person of Jesus  In reality, the story before us ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Family Reunion Spring Quarter: The Gift of Faith Unit 2: The Gift of Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of April 24, 2016 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Luke 15: 11-32 The parable before us today is perhaps the most loved story in all the Bible. Labelled, “The parable of the prodigal son,” it is really about the benevolence of a loving and forgiving Father.  At any rate, this parable is the third in a row concerning lost things. Jesus told...

Click here for a print-friendly version Increased Faith Spring Quarter: The Gift of Faith Unit 3: The Fullness of Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of May 1, 2016 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Luke 17: 1-10 Our lesson scripture today, Luke 17:1-10, contains four parts, and each part concerns some aspect of discipleship. As you know, discipleship is a topic Jesus highlights as he draws closer to Jerusalem. The four parts of the passage can be listed as follows:              ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Reversal of Shame Spring Quarter: The Gift of Faith Unit 2: The Gift of Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of April 10, 2016 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Luke 7:36-50 Just as the authority of Jesus was the crucial issue in healing the centurion’s servant in last week’s lesson, so the authority of Jesus is the key issue in today’s lesson. But this time the question is not who has the authority to heal and teach, but who has the authority ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Sound Mind Spring Quarter: The Gift of Faith Unit 2: The Gift of Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of April 17, 2016 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Luke 8:26-36 Though Jesus had interacted with Gentiles previously, this exorcism story today is his first experience in Gentile territory. Luke informs us that Jesus went to the other side of the lake (8:22) and that is opposite Galilee (8:26). We are also told of a herd of pigs, a food that ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Renewed Health Spring Quarter: The Gift of Faith Unit 2: The Gift of Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of April 3, 2016 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Luke 7:1-10 “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith” (key verse Luke 7:9). These words of Jesus make all of us sit up and take notice. For there is not any of us who does not long for a greater faith. Who was this fortunate person about whom Jesus spoke in our scripture ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Resurrection Faith Spring Quarter: The Gift of Faith Unit 1: Tests of Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of March 27, 2016 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: Mark 16:1-8 One of the songs that young people sing attests to the reality of this glorious Easter morning.  Listen!  “Every morning is Easter morning, from now on! Every day is Resurrection Day, the past is over and gone! Goodbye guilt, goodbye fear, good riddance! Hello life, hello sun! ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Simple Faith Spring Quarter: The Gift of Faith Unit 1: Tests of Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of March 13, 2016 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: Mark 10:17-31 The biblical story before us today is familiar but full of surprises. It challenges our ideas both of how to please God and of how we can tell that a person is blessed.  This story of the rich young ruler takes place while Jesus is “setting out on a journey” from Galilee to ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Struggling Faith Spring Quarter: The Gift of Faith Unit 1: Tests of Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of March 20, 2016 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: Mark 14:26-31, 66-72 As a young minister, I attended Pastors’ School when it was held at Wesleyan College in Macon, Ga. One year the preacher for the occasion was Dr. Hoover Rupert, who at the time was pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor, Michigan. I will always remember ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Day of Atonement Winter Quarter: Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings Unit 3: Holy Days Sunday school lesson for the week of February 21, 2016 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Leviticus 16:11-19 Background scripture: Leviticus 16; Leviticus 23:26-32; Numbers 29:7-11; Hebrews 7:26-28; 9:24; 10:4-18 In the study this week, we are facing the difficult tasks of understanding ancient Jewish customs of sacrifice for sins and searching for relevance ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Feast of Booths Winter Quarter: Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings Unit 3: Holy Days Sunday school lesson for the week of February 28, 2016 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Leviticus 23: 33-43 Background scripture: Numbers 29: 12-40; Deuteronomy 16: 13-17; I Corinthians 15:20-29; Revelation 14:1-5 As we conclude the Winter Quarter, with its emphasis upon Sacred Gift and Holy Gatherings, and the final unit, highlighting Holy Days, we arrive ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Powerful Faith Spring Quarter: The Gift of Faith Unit 1: Tests of Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of March 6, 2016 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: Mark 9:14-29 During the spring quarter, faith will be the theme of the lessons. The lesson series itself is called “The Gift of Faith” as it is seen in the Gospels of Mark and Luke. Our studies will center on three units: “Tests of Faith” (Mark); “Restorative Faith” (Luke); and “Fullness of Faith...

Click here for a print-friendly version Feast of Weeks Winter Quarter: Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings Unit 3: Holy Days Sunday school lesson for the week of February 14, 2016 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Leviticus 23:15-22; Numbers 28:26-31; Acts 2:1-36 We continue our studies of the celebrations of Jewish Holy Days by focusing on the second pilgrimage celebration, the Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost. The name is derived from the method of counting the Sabbaths from Passover....

Click here for a print-friendly version Passover Winter Quarter: Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings Unit 3: Holy Days Sunday school lesson for the week of February 7, 2016 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Exodus 12:1-14 Background scripture: Numbers 28: 16-25 and Mark 14: 12-26 In this final unit of the Winter Quarter, we will be walking with Jesus through the major festivals and celebrations of the Hebrew faith to discover their meaning for Him and for us. Never forget, God sent ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. A wedding in Cana Winter Quarter: Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings Unit 2: Four Weddings and a Funeral Sunday school lesson for the week of January 24, 2016 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: John 2:1-12 The scriptures for the next two lessons are from the Gospel of John. John is very different from the three synoptic gospels – Matthew, Mark, and Luke. To run the risk of over-simplifying, John is more theological. All the gospels interpret ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. The death of a friend Winter Quarter: Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings Unit 2: Four Weddings and a Funeral Sunday school lesson for the week of January 31, 2016 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: John 11:38-44 Background scripture: John 11:1-44 The second lesson from the Gospel of John describes another sign pointing to the glorification of Jesus. Remember, by glorification John means the death and resurrection of Jesus. Calling Lazarus out...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Most Beautiful Bride Winter Quarter: Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings Unit 2: Four Weddings and a Funeral Sunday school lesson for the week of January 10, 2016 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Song of Solomon 6: 4-12 Background Scripture: Song of Solomon; John 10: 1-11 A disclaimer must be stated at the beginning of this lesson: we are not ignorant of the joys and ecstasies of romantic, physical love. However, this lesson is difficult ...

Click here for a print-friendly version An Unfaithful Bride Winter Quarter: Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings Unit 2: Four Weddings and a Funeral Sunday school lesson for the week of January 10, 2016 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Hosea 1 Background Scripture: Hosea 1-3 Every prophet (and every preacher!) speaks in the context of current events, with the eternal purposes of God in mind. One of Sam’s professors at Seminary often said, “Preach with the newspaper in one hand and ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Generous Gift Winter Quarter: Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings Unit 1: What We Bring to God Sunday school lesson for the week of December 27, 2015 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Matthew 23:1-12; Mark 12:38-44    This last Sunday of the year and the last Sunday in this unit is a good time to take stock and understand where we are and what we have been doing. Remember the title of the quarter’s study, “Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings,” ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Bride Worth Waiting For Winter Quarter: Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings Unit 2: Four Weddings and a Funeral Sunday school lesson for the week of January 3, 2016 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Genesis 29: 15-30 Background Scripture: Genesis 28-30 Every lesson has both primary and background scripture for study. Never has the background scripture been more important than this week’s excursion through the twists and turns of Jacob’s ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Acceptable Offerings Winter Quarter: Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings Unit 1: What We Bring to God Sunday school lesson for the week of December 13, 2015 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Leviticus 22:17-25, 31-33 The Book of Leviticus is not one we Christians read! In fact, Sam cannot recall any sermon he preached from the book in 42 years served in the Conference – except, of course, the passage Jesus used in the summary of the Law – “...

Click here for a print-friendly version Dedication of Firstborn Winter Quarter: Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings Unit 1: What We Bring to God Sunday school lesson for the week of December 20, 2015 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Exodus 13: 13-15; Luke 2: 22-32 Background Scripture: Exodus 13: 11-16; Leviticus 12; Numbers 3: 5-13; Luke 2: 21-39 Jesus is born into a Jewish family that faithfully observes the rituals of their faith. Today, we look back at the origins of those ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings Winter Quarter Unit 1: What We Bring to God Sunday school lesson for the week of December 6, 2015 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Exodus 20:8-11; 31:12-17 The theme of the lessons we begin today is different! The focus is on holy celebrations in the Jewish tradition and their meaning for Christians today. Jesus participated in these Jewish traditions and gave us all the true meaning of them that adds rich ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The mission of spreading the Gospel in Thessalonica, Berea and Athens Sunday school lesson for the week of November 22, 2015 By Rev. Denise Walton Lesson scripture: Acts 17:1-4, 10-12, 22-25, 28 I have often shared my understanding of leadership and teamwork as such: the best teams recognize that all persons have value and aid in the success of the mission, vision, and goals. In order to reach our goals, we need everyone’s gifts at the table of God. ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Teaching God’s Word Sunday school lesson for the week of November 29, 2015 By Dr. Charlene Black Lesson scripture: Acts 18: 1-28 The Book of Acts is an account of work of the Holy Spirit. At Pentecost Jesus tells all who are gathered there, not just the apostles, that when, not if, they are empowered by the Holy Spirit they are, “To be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria and to the uttermost parts of the earth.” It is a command, not a ...

Click here for a print-friendly version From Derbe to Phillipii Sunday school lesson for the week of November 15, 2015 By Dr. Charlene Black Lesson scripture: Acts 16: 1-15   Prompted by the Holy spirit to “offer them Christ,” Paul began his second missionary journey which will lead to the spread of Christianity to Europe and ultimately to the entire western world. Paul’s journey was a model for many missionaries including two South Georgians. Bishop Arthur J. Moore, a native of Waycross, ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God makes no distinction Sunday school lesson for the week of November 8, 2015 By Rev. Denise Walton Lesson scripture: Acts 15: 1-12 So why do you now tempt God by placing on the necks of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we had the strength to bear? Acts 15:10 NRSV This morning God allowed me to visit a dear friend whose life is full of love and light. She is resting peacefully in a hospice facility surrounded by the love and care of...

Click here for a print-friendly version Trusting God to answer prayer Sunday school lesson for the week of November 1, 2015 By Dr. Nita Crump Lesson scripture: Acts 12:1-11 Years ago, my cousin was told that she would never have children. She was deeply disappointed and mourned the news for a long time. Several years later she caught the flu. After a few days, the fever and aches subsided, but a new symptom developed – severe nausea that lasted most of the day. This symptom lasted for weeks....

Click here for a print-friendly version What if we disagree? Sunday school lesson for the week of October 25, 2015 By Dr. Nita Crump Lesson scripture: Acts 11:1-18 In 1995, Dr. Roy W. Trueblood published a work entitled “Partners in Ministry.” The “Partners in Ministry” program was designed to teach the skills needed to work as a team so that we, clergy and laity together, could become more focused on the work of Great Commission. In the “Partners in Ministry” program, all team members ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Peter takes a risk Sunday school lesson for the week of October 18, 2015 By Rev. Denise Walton Lesson scripture: Acts 10:24-38 In the book “Hearing God’s Call,” author Ben Campbell Johnson writes the following about the call of God in our lives: “God has always called human beings to share in the divine mission in the world – and he still does. God calls women and men to ordained ministry in the church, and he calls other followers of Christ to ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Saul earns credibility Sunday school lesson for the week of October 11, 2015 By Rev. Denise Walton Lesson scripture: Acts 9:19b-31 This week I had the unique opportunity to visit a local church and join them in the community. This small but faithful congregation made their regular visit to the local nursing home. It was a joy to meet the residents, hear the pastor share, and sing with the members of the church the old songs of Zion. The most beautiful...

Click here for a print-friendly version.  The Spirit is not for sale Sunday school lesson for the week of October 4, 2015 By Dr. Edwin M. “Buddy” Cooper, Jr. Lesson scripture: Acts 8:9-24 Have you ever watched the Olympics and wished you could run, jump, and compete at such a level? A wish is a prayer without commitment or discipline. When we see someone on the podium, receiving a gold medal, we try to imagine how that feels. The celebrity of winning is a strong wine to the human spirit. ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Remembering God’s Faithfulness   Sunday school lesson for the week of September 27, 2015 By Dr. Edwin M. “Buddy” Cooper, Jr. Lesson scripture: Acts 7:2-4, 8-10, 17, 33-34, 44-47, 53, 57 This chapter that has been selectively chosen is the chapter containing the account of Stephen’s martyrdom. In this chosen text what has been separated out from the seventh chapter is an account of the faithfulness of God from the time of Abraham’s call to Solomon’s ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Sharing All Things  Sunday school lesson for the week of September 13, 2015 By Rev. Denise Walton Lesson scripture: Acts 4:32-5:11 The Resurrected Christ and Power of the Holy Spirit  All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power, the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Witnessing to the Truth Sunday school lesson for the week of September 20, 2015 By Rev. Denise Walton Lesson scripture: Acts 5:27-29, 33-42 God is in control The purpose of today’s lesson is to recognize that God’s truth prevails. To see more clearly God’s truth, we will revisit the background text to remind the reader of the overall story. I invite you to respond to the primary question that drives our lesson today. As we read the book of Acts, who...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Praying for One Another  Sunday school lesson for the week of September 6, 2015 By Rev. Denise Walton Lesson scripture: Acts 4:23-31 As we reflect on Acts 4:23-31, the primary themes are the Holy Spirit, chronic resistance, and community of believers praying for courage. The book of Acts, a continuation of Luke, describes Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and community of believers post-resurrection with the spreading of the gospel throughout the world. Luke ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. God demands justice Sunday school lesson for the week of August 23, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: Zechariah 7:8-14 About Zechariah The name Zechariah means the “Lord has remembered.” Along with Haggai and Malachi, Zechariah was one of only three post-exilic prophets.  With a message similar to Haggai, his contemporary, Zechariah wrote to the remnant returned from Babylon (Ezra 6:14). The prophet was seeking to encourage the returned ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Return to a just God Sunday school lesson for the week of August 30, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: Malachi 3:1-10 About Malachi Indications are that Malachi prophesied somewhere between 430 B.C. and 420 B.C. Clearly, the prophecy occurred after the rebuilding of the “Temple” in 516 B.C. which, according to Malachi, had become corrupt. After only a few generations, the returned remnant had lost the spiritual vitality of their fore-parents ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. A call for repentance Sunday school lesson for the week of August 16, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: Ezekiel 18:1-13, 30-32 The prophet Ezekiel’s activity was between the years 593 B.C., when he received his call to prophesy, and 571 B.C., about 22 years later. Evidently, Ezekiel was married as the death of his wife is reported in Ezekiel 24:18, and at the time of his call was living in exile in Babylon. Thus, Ezekiel prophesied to the people...

Click here for a print-friendly version. A choice to be just Sunday school lesson for the week of August 9, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: Jeremiah 7:1-15 The key verse and heart of our scripture lesson today is Jeremiah 7:3, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your doings, and let me dwell with you in this place.” Through Ezra and Jeremiah, God sent messages of hope to those who will amend their ways and messages of destruction to those who will ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Our Redeemer Comes Sunday school lesson for the week of August 2, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: Isaiah 59:15-21 Both background scriptures for today’s lesson (Isaiah 59 and Psalm 89:11-18) are liturgical in nature and focus on the issues of justice and righteousness. Scholars inform us that Isaiah 59 seems to be part of a service of worship in which the people complain that God has forsaken them. It is believed that the passage probably ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. God Shows Clemency Sunday school lesson for the week of July 26, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: Micah 7:14-20 In Chapter 7:11-20, Micah concludes his book with the hope of restoration and the assurance that God will forgive the people of Judah for their sins. Scholars inform us that this hope includes three main features: God will lead the people as a shepherd, the nations that oppressed and abused God’s people will be ashamed of themselves, ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. No tolerance for corrupt leaders and prophets Sunday school lesson for the week of July 12, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: Micah 3:5-12 Today we are dealing with corrupt leadership and how Micah confronted those corrupt leaders. The main subject of Micah 3 is the injustice and leadership failures of the “heads of Jacob” (3:1). After dealing with leaders of all types – those perverting justice, in legal decisions favoring the rich, those ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Justice, love and humility Sunday school lesson for the week of July 19, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: Micah 6:3-8 In Micah 6, we see a series of indictments and promises of punishment. The initial call for Judah to plead its case, as if in court, sums of the disposition of this chapter. As we have been told, the Lord has a case against the people because they have disregarded the covenant. They have not worshiped God purely, and as a ...

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false" DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99" LatentStyleCount="371"> w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2" /> w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3" /> w:LsdException Locked="false" ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. God will never forget Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false" DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99" LatentStyleCount="371"> w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2" /> w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Rebuked for Selfishness Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false" DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99" LatentStyleCount="371"> w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2" /> w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. God is not fooled Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false" DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99" LatentStyleCount="371"> w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2" /> w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Judgment on Israel and Judah Sunday school lesson for the week of June 7, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: Amos 2:4-8 The theme of the summer quarter is “God’s Prophets Demand Justice.” As Dr. Jerome F. D. Creach, Professor of Old Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and series writer, states, “The main subject of this series is God’s desire for justice and the consequences for not doing justice.” The 14 lessons will look at justice and ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Gift of Languages Sunday school lesson for the week of May 24, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: Acts 2:1-7, 12; 1 Corinthians 14:13-19 Luke reports, “When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place” (2:1). Were they all there? Yes. Were they all together? Yes. Were they all in one place? Yes. This community context is also mentioned in Acts 1:14 where the followers of Jesus are said to be “all united in their devotion to ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. The Greatest Gift is Love Sunday school lesson for the week of May 31, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: 1 Corinthians 13 It goes beyond feelings. It is the set of the will for the welfare of another. It is a strategy for change. Of course, I am talking about love. Today, we are dealing with what many consider their favorite passage in the Bible. The passage has been designated as Paul’s great love chapter (1 Corinthians 13), and we hear it ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Gifts of the Spirit Sunday school lesson for the week of May 10, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 In our scripture lesson, Paul is writing to a troubled church. These Corinthians have let their previous and non-Christian understanding of spirituality overcome their view of Christian spirituality. In that light, the Corinthians have misunderstood Christian Spirituality in numerous ways – what it means for leadership, for ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. The Spirit creates one body Sunday school lesson for the week of May 17, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 Some church members at Corinth were touting the ecstatic gifts, like speaking in tongues, as the best gifts. Such gifts were an unmistakable sign of closeness to God. Indeed, in those moments God seems to take over your inner self so that you are one with God. What clearer picture could there be of spirituality? Paul, ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Watch out for deceivers Sunday school lesson for the week of April 26, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: 2 John Many of us today have trouble with the subject of “false teaching.” We shy away from implying that some beliefs are so dangerous that they deprive people of salvation. To us, that attitude smacks of intolerance, narrow-mindedness and judgmentalism. Besides, we are aware of the damage that has been done to people who were condemned for ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Co-workers with the Truth Sunday school lesson for the week of May 3, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: 3 John Writing in his book, “Grandpa Was a Preacher,” Leroy Brownlow stated that the best conduct can have its exceptions. It seems that a visitor inquired of the preacher, “I suppose these people are always kind, polite and sweet spirited.” “Well, most of the time. Maybe there’s only one exception.” “How’s that?” “Just try getting in their pew,” ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Love One Another Sunday school lesson for the week of April 12, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady   Lesson scripture: 1 John 3:11-24   What is the measure of a person’s life? Is it age? Is it wealth? Is it success? What? The author of John’s letter indicates that believers’ lives are calculated by their faith in Christ and their love for one another. Our scripture lesson today stresses the importance of loving our fellow Christians. This sounds rather trite, ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Believe God’s love Sunday school lesson for the week of April 19, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: 1 John 4:13-5:5 As Dionne Warwick reminded us in her classic song, “What the world needs now, is love, sweet love, that’s the only thing there is just too little of.” The writer of 1 John is equally concerned about a “love fatigue” that he sees in the world around him. But he is even more concerned about a “love fatigue” developing in the faith ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Resurrection Guaranteed Sunday school lesson for the week of April 5, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, 20-22 Sociologist Peter Berger once wrote: “The power of religion depends, in that last resort, upon the credibility of the banners it puts in the hands of men and women as they stand before death, or more accurately, as the walk inevitably toward it.” For Christians, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the answer to our ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Receive the Holy Spirit Sunday school lesson for the week of March 22, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: John 20:19-23 It is not difficult to envision the disciples in an upper room with the doors and windows locked and shut. Just a few days prior, their master had been horribly crucified. As his followers, they figured they would be next, so they were gathered in something akin to terror. Then it was that Christ appeared among them! The first thing...

Click here for a print-friendly version. The One Who Comes Sunday school lesson for the week of March 29, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: Mark 11:1-11 The story of Jesus’ triumphal entry is a joyous one in all four Gospels. But in Mark’s Gospel, what seems like a story of triumph is going to look more and more like a tragedy. From beginning with 8:31, Jesus has been attempting to prepare the disciples for what is coming in Jerusalem. Repeating himself in chapters 9 and 10, Jesus tells ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. The Spirit of Truth Sunday school lesson for the week of March 15, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: John 16:4b-15 The occasion of our scripture lesson today is still Jesus’ Farewell Discourse to his disciples. His frankness about coming sufferings grows out of his awareness that he will not be with the disciples to deal with the hostility of the religious authorities. In previous times, he has been with them (16;4b), but in the future, while he ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Quarter: Acts of Worship Unit 3: Stewardship for life Sunday school lesson for the week of Feb. 22, 2015 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture: Ephesians 6: 10-20 The motto of the Boy Scouts is “Be prepared!” That was also Paul’s last word to the Christians in Ephesus. Ephesus was a major seaport in Asia Minor (today Turkey). Tradition holds John took Mary, the mother of Jesus, to Ephesus after the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus to ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. The Lamb of God Sunday school lesson for the week of March 1, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady Scripture: John 1:29-34 The theme of the 14 lessons for the third quarter is “The Spirit Comes.” According to Dr. Jerry Sumney, professor of biblical studies at Lexington Theological Seminary and series writer, the focus is on God’s work through the Holy Spirit to empower disciples to live their faith. With that exciting focus, the first unit is composed of five lessons ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Jesus promises an Advocate Sunday school lesson for the week of March 8, 2015 By Dr. Hal Brady Scripture: John 14:15-26 How often we repeat the third article in the Apostles’ Creed, “I believe in the Holy Spirit…” yet numbers of us are hazy by what we mean. We do not understand the potential of our own confession. Chapters 14-17 of John are acknowledged as the “Farewell Discourse.” The Farewell Discourse is part of John’s story of the Last Supper. At the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Serving the least Quarter: Acts of Worship Unit 3: Stewardship for life Sunday school lesson for the week of Feb. 15, 2015 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture: Matthew 25: 31-46 We return to the Gospel of Matthew this week to study one of the most powerful and, in some ways, most disturbing parables Jesus ever told. Remember, Matthew’s Gospel was written to Jewish Christians at a time when Gentiles were being brought into the Christian faith without ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Serving neighbors, serving God Quarter: Acts of Worship Unit 3: Stewardship for life Sunday school lesson for the week of Feb. 8, 2015 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture: Luke 10: 25-37 In this second lesson of the final unit of the quarter, the act of worship is demonstrated by Jesus in one of the most familiar stories He told. “The Good Samaritan” is known to all Christians of every age. Acted out in Vacation Bible School and studied in the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Quarter: Acts of Worship Unit 3: Stewardship for life Sunday school lesson for the week of Feb. 1, 2015 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture: Daniel 1:5, 8-17; Matthew 6:16-18 In just 17 days we will begin the Lenten Season. For Christians, it is imperative we prepare for Easter by walking with Jesus the way of the cross. How will you use these 40 days this year? The new unit we begin today suggests the life we live is an outward and visible sign of our ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Quarter: Acts of Worship Unit 2: Learning to Pray Sunday school lesson for the week of Jan. 25, 2015 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture: James 5: 13-18 Background scripture: James 5 Here in the eighth lesson of this quarter, the scripture is from another book of the Bible – seven so far, and we’re not through the quarter! Remember the quarter’s title: “Acts of Worship.” The unit is “Learning to Pray.” We remind you of these themes so you will not miss ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Quarter: Acts of Worship Unit 2: Learning to Pray Sunday school lesson for the week of Jan. 11, 2015 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture: John 17: 6-21 Background Scripture: John 17: 1-26 Our focus this week turns to the Gospel of John. John was written around 100 A.D., the last of the Gospels to be written. Gail O’Day describes the gospel this way: the Gospel was written by a Jewish Christian for a Jewish Christian community in conflict with the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Quarter: Acts of Worship Unit 2: Learning to Pray Sunday school lesson for the week of Jan. 18, 2015 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-5:10 From the High Priestly Prayer recorded in John’s Gospel, we move to the Book of Hebrews and the magnificent description of Jesus as The Great High Priest. The title of the letter informs us to whom it was written (the Hebrews) and this letter is filled with references to the function of the high ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. In Awe of Christ’s Power Quarter: Acts of Worship Unit 1: In awe of God Sunday school lesson for the week of Dec. 28, 2014 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture: Matthew 14: 22-36 The author of the Gospel of Matthew is a Jewish Christian writing to Jewish believers showing Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy. He demonstrates this in many ways, but mostly by quoting Old Testament scriptures. Another clue is his use of “the kingdom of heaven” in the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. A Model for Prayer Quarter: Acts of Worship Unit 2: Learning to Pray Sunday school lesson for the week of Jan. 4, 2015 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture: Luke 11: 1-13 Happy New Year! How many times have you heard or said those words recently? The unit we begin today offers a marvelous way to fulfill what should be one of your New Year’s resolutions: a closer walk with God. Praying was something Jesus did often. The disciples saw him taking time from ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Glory to God in the Highest Quarter: Acts of Worship Unit 1: In awe of God Sunday school lesson for the week of Dec. 21, 2014 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture: Luke 2:8-20 Background Scripture: Luke 2:1-20 On this Sunday before Christmas, our lesson is based on one of the most familiar and beloved Gospel texts. The details are familiar to most Christians: the decree from Caesar, the journey to Bethlehem, the manger, the birth of a baby, shepherds ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Make a Joyful Noise Quarter: Acts of Worship Unit 1: In awe of God Sunday school lesson for the week of Dec. 14, 2014 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture: Psalm 95:1-7a In last week’s lesson our focus was on Jesus, His life and work – the reasons we worship Him. This week we focus on God (the Father), and the reasons we have to praise and thank Him. The scripture is from Psalm 95. The Book of Psalms is the hymnbook and prayer book of the Hebrew ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Worship Christ’s Majesty Quarter: Acts of Worship Unit 1: In awe of God Sunday school lesson for the week of Dec. 7, 2014 By Helen & Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-9 In this new quarter of study, we will be moving through the Church year from Advent to Lent. How appropriate it is for us to focus on why we worship our awesome God, learning to communicate with God, and ways our lives can serve God! Thus, the three units of this study: The Awe of...

Sunday school lesson for the week of November 2, 2014 By Rev. John Brantley Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false" DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99" LatentStyleCount="371"> w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2" /> w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="tr...

Sunday school lesson for the week of November 9, 2014 By Rev. John Brantley Lesson scripture: Ezekiel 43.13-27 13 These are the dimensions of the altar by cubits (the cubit being one cubit and a handbreadth): its base shall be one cubit high, and one cubit wide, with a rim of one span around its edge. This shall be the height of the altar: 14 From the base on the ground to the lower ledge, two cubits, with a width of one cubit; and from the smaller ledge to the larger ledge, four cubits, with a...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Sunday school lesson for the week of October 12, 2014 By Rev. John Brantley Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false" DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99" LatentStyleCount="371"> w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2" /> w:LsdException Locked="false" ...

Sunday school lesson for the week of October 5, 2014 By Rev. John Brantley Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false" DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99" LatentStyleCount="371"> w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2" /> w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="tru...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Sunday school lesson for the week of September 21, 2014 By Rev. John Brantley Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false" DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99" LatentStyleCount="371"> w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2" /> w:LsdException Locked="false" ...

Click here for a print-friendly version. Sunday school lesson for the week of September 28, 2014 By Rev. John Brantley Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false" DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99" LatentStyleCount="371"> w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2" /> w:LsdException Locked="false" ...