Sunday School (April 25, 2010)

Sunday School (March 2010 Quater At-A-Glance)

This quarter’s study explores the concept of community in the Old Testament books of Jonah and Ruth, as well as in the teachings of Jesus and the early church.  It highlights the response of faithful people to God’s call and how their Spirit-led mission inspires a new kind of relationship between God’s followers.

UNIT 1  COMMUNITY WITH A MISSION

The four lessons in this unit examine community through the themes of mission, redemption, family, and survival as seen in the books of Jonah and Ruth.

Lesson 1:  March 7, 2010 Mission to the Community Jonah 1:1-3; 3:1-9

Jonah was unwilling to help a community that God wanted to save.  When told of their impending destruction, the community of Nineveh mourned their sin and repented.  The people acted individually and as a community.  Fasting and applying ashes were a part of their sign of penitence.

Lesson 2: March 14, 2010  A Community to Redeem  Jonah 3:10-4:5 

God responded positively to the repentance of the Ninevites.  Because the people of Nineveh were the Israelites’ enemies, Jonah responded to God’s forgiveness of Nineveh with anger.  He did not want to accept God’s will.  However, Jonah came to realize that God is sovereign (in control of things in the world) and God’s way of dealing with others differs from ours.  He also learned that God’s steadfast love abounds to all.

Lesson 3:  March 21, 2010  Family as Community  Ruth 1:1-9, 14b, 16

Because his own community experienced famine, Elimelech and his family moved to a foreign Community, Moab.  But when Elimelech and his two sons died, for support, his wife Naomi decided to return to her original community, Judah.  Ruth, her daughter-in-law, forsook her own native community of Moab to remain with her mother-in-law and moved to Judah as well.  She also made a loving commitment to her mother-in-law and accepted Naomi’s God as her God.

Lesson 4:  March 28, 2010  Acceptance in Community  Ruth  2:5-12; 3:9-11

Boaz admired Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi and offered her work and protection in his household, clan, and community.  Ruth asked why she should be favored in Boaz’s household, acknowledging that she was a foreigner.  Boaz revealed, by expressing care for her, his willingness to accept kinsman-redeemer responsibility for Ruth.  Most of us long for acceptance in our communities.  Ruth, who felt she was a foreigner in a strange land, took the initiative to let Boaz know  that she was willing to be a part of the community.

UNIT 2  TEACHINGS OF JESUS

 This unit looks at four lessons that illustrate “Teachings of Jesus” in relationship to community.  The themes deal with light, love, connectedness, and a feast.

Lesson 5:  April 4, 2010 (Easter) The Community Faces Pain and Joy           John 16:16-24; 20:11-16

Communities experience not only great pain and sorrow but also great relief and joy.  Why should communities have hope?  Jesus foretold His betrayal, death, and resurrection, and He taught that pain and sorrow will be replaced by relief and joy.

Lesson 6:  April 11, 2010 Love within the Community  1 John 2:9-11, 15-17

Hate is rampant in our world, and we see evidence of that daily.  Is there another way to live?  John reiterates Jesus’ teaching about love and exhorts believers to walk in the light of love.

Lesson 7:  April 18, 2010 Connecting to the Community  Matthew 22:34-40

Jesus taught about God’s Law saying that He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it.  When later asked by religious leaders which of the commandments was the greatest, Jesus replied by telling them the two greatest commandments are to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” and to “love your neighbor as yourself.”

Lesson 8:  April 25, 2010 Inclusion in the Community  Luke 14:15-24

Jesus told the parable of the great feast, noting in the parable how many people turned down the invitation to attend because the timing was inconvenient.  People send flimsy regrets to invitations without realizing that what they missed could have been a fantastic, life-changing event.  Who is offering a life-changing-event today?  God is inviting everyone, anyone, to a banquet of food for the soul, and we had better not miss it!

 UNIT 3  TEACHINGS OF THE CHURCH

The last five lessons draw on three teachings from Colossians and one each from Philemon and Jude that relate “Teachings of the Church” on community.  In Colossians, the learners will study the faithfulness of the community and how the community was established and chosen.  The letter to Philemon helps us look at welcoming in the community, and the letter of Jude examines a community at risk.

Lesson 9: May 2, 2010 A Faithful Community   Colossians 1:1 – 14 

Paul prayed that the Colossians would be made strong in the strength of Christ and Assured them of their salvation promised in Christ.  There are people in the communities of faith who lack the power to lead worthy lives.  Where and how can we connect with God’s strength and glorious power?  Paul told the Colossians that their power as congregation of hope and faith had come to them by their acceptance of the Word of Truth, the Gospel.

Sunday School (Sep09)

September 2009

The study this quarter focuses on God’s covenant
as manifested in communities. It highlights persons
God chose as covenant leaders, the invitations God
offered to enter into community, people’s responses
to the invitations, and the nature of God’s new
covenant community.

UNIT 1. LEADERS IN THE COVENANT
COMMUNITY
The four lessons in this unit look at four people—
Joshua, Gideon, Ezra, and Nehemiah, who were
called to lead the Israelites in living in covenant with
God.

Lesson 1: September 6, 2009
Joshua: A Leader for the People
Joshua 1:1–11; 16–17
God chose Joshua to succeed Moses as Israel’s
leader. God’s criterion for choosing Joshua was
based on Joshua’s careful observance of the Law
given through Moses. God promised to be with
Joshua, and encouraged him to be strong, obedient,
and courageous.

Lesson 2: September 13, 2009
Gideon: A Deliverer for the People
Judges 6:1–3, 7–14
The Israelites were disobedient to God. As punishment,
God allowed them to suffer at the hand of
the Midianites for seven years. God then called
Gideon to deliver the Israelites. Gideon, an ordinary
person with feelings of inadequacy, was empowered
by God to complete the task. The story of Gideon,
the self-described weakest member of the weakest
family in Israel, demonstrates that God calls and
equips ordinary people to bring about extraordinary
changes.

Lesson 3: September 20, 2009
Ezra: A Priest for the People
Ezra 9:5–11, 15
Ezra leads the people of Israel in a prayer of confession
for their disobedience to God. Sin, wherever
it may be found, seems so prevalent that we often do
not know how to deal with it. What should be our
response to sin? The priest Ezra, who had opened his
heart and mind to God’s teachings, diligently taught
the people the laws of God and responded to sin
among the Israelites by fervently praying for God’s
forgiveness and grace.

Lesson 4: September 27, 2009
Nehemiah: A Motivator for the People
Nehemiah 2:5, 11–20
Nehemiah prayed for guidance and then sought
permission from the king to go to Jerusalem to
rebuild the temple. His actions motivated Jews to
help accomplish this task. Life’s problems sometimes
threaten to immobilize us. Where can we find
encouragement to move in the right direction
again? The story of Nehemiah shows us that God
sends dedicated leaders who pray for change and
motivate people to move in God’s direction.

UNIT 2. AN OPEN INVITATION TO
COVENANT LIVING
In these four lessons, stories are taken from the
book of Mark in which Jesus interacted with people
and invited them to live in covenant with God.

Lesson 5: October 4, 2009
Looking for Jesus
Mark 1:35–45
Because of people’s recognition of His teaching
and healing, Jesus’ ministry extended into all of
Galilee. We often seek out people we believe can
help us solve our problems. Where can we find such
people? The people of Galilee realized that Jesus
had the words of life and a healing touch, so they
went looking for Him.

Lesson 6: October 11, 2009
Recognizing Jesus
Mark 5:1–13, 18–20
Jesus encountered a man possessed by demons.
He delivered the man and cast the demons into a
herd of pigs. Afterward, He commissioned the man
to go out and share his story. At times, our problems
are so overwhelming and can cause such alienation
that we do not know where to turn. What help is
available? Mark’s account of the Gerasene demoniac
demonstrates that Jesus is able to break the chains
that bind and isolate us, and bring us back into community.

Lesson 7: October 18, 2009
Begging to Get In
Mark 7:24–30
Jesus encountered a Gentile woman who believed
that He could heal her daughter who was possessed
by an unclean spirit. Though Jesus challenged her,
the woman persisted in her faith. We are sometimes
astonished by the faith and tenacity that people
exhibit. What motivates people to maintain such an
attitude? The woman of Syrophoenicia believed that
Jesus could heal her daughter, so she persisted
despite Jesus’ challenging questions.

Lesson 8: October 25, 2009
Opting Out!
Mark 10:17–31
A rich young man asked Jesus what he must do to
inherit eternal life. Jesus instructed the young man
to sell all that he had, give to the poor and follow
Him. The young man was unwilling to do so and
went away sad. People wonder whether eternal life
exists and how they may obtain it. What leads to eternal
life? Jesus teaches that to become true followers
and inherit the gift of eternal life, we must submit
ourselves wholly (completely) to God.

UNIT 3. THE NEW COVENANT
COMMUNITY
These four lessons examine 1 and 2 Peter to discern
the qualities that people who are part of God’s
covenant community possess.

Lesson 9: November 1, 2009
A Holy People
1 Peter 1:13–25
Peter teaches us to have holiness modeled after
God’s holiness. The world is a sordid place where
people try to step up and over others in order to get
ahead. Why, then, should we want to become holy
people? Peter’s first letter says that God’s people
should be holy because God is holy.

Lesson 10: November 8, 2009
A Chosen People
1 Peter 2:1–10
Peter called the people to come together in faith
and form a new community. He taught that salvation
includes an ongoing process of being built into a
“spiritual house” where Christ is the foundation and
cornerstone. The people of God are called to proclaim
God’s amazing deeds. The way we live sends a
clear signal about who we are and what we believe.
What distinguishes members of the Christian church
from other groups? Peter teaches that we are a “royal
priesthood,” a “holy nation,” whose purpose is to
declare God’s mighty acts, as Peter did in Acts 4.

Lesson 11: November 15, 2009
A Suffering People
1 Peter 4:12–19
Peter teaches how Christians are to respond when
they suffer for the sake of the Gospel. Life tests us in
many ways. How are we to respond to the trials and
sufferings that come our way? Peter believed that
those who suffer as Christians are to rejoice as they
follow Christ, even as the apostles did when they
were arrested for teaching people about Jesus.

Lesson 12: November 22, 2009
A Faithful People
2 Peter 1:3–15
Peter teaches about the faith of a godly person
and the relationship between deeply rooted faith
and godly living. We all have faith in something or
someone, but we often find it hard to develop this
faith. How can we support and strengthen a growing
and effective faith? Peter’s second letter teaches that
goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness,
mutual affection, and love all undergird a growing
faith.

Lesson 13: November 29, 2009
A Hopeful People
2 Peter 3:1–13
To encourage them to endure through persecution,
Peter writes to persecuted Christians concerning
the promise of Christ’s return. Even in the toughest
situations, an encouraging word from a friend
can make all the difference in how we respond to
challenges that confront us. How, then, can we
encourage others to keep persevering when barriers
seem insurmountable? Peter taught people how to
live as they awaited Christ’s return, and Paul and
Barnabas taught people to hold fast to their faith.

Sunday School (Jun09)

The study this quarter begins with the theme of God’s call of a covenant community as reflected in the Old Testament books of the law, specifically Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The call of God to live in covenant community today is emphasized through these lessons.

 UNIT 1 • CALLED OUT OF EGYPT

 This unit covers four lessons. It is concerned with God’s call to Moses, the response of Moses and Aaron, Pharaoh’s refusal of God’s call, and God’s call to the people to leave Egypt.

Lesson 1: June 7, 2009 God Calls Moses Exodus 3:1-12

Sometimes a special person is called to help another person or a people to overcome difficulties and to survive in times of hardship. Who has the power and position to help us? In this passage of Scripture, God spoke to Moses in the burning bush and called Moses to be the deliverer of the Israelites, who were oppressed and suffering in Egypt. God chose Moses to save God’s people and promised to give him all the help he needed.

Lesson 2: June 14, 2009 Moses and Aaron Respond Exodus 4:10-16, 27-31

Some persons believe they are not adequate to complete a task, so they are fearful of and resistant to accept it. How can people, who are afraid, be encouraged to do the work assigned them? In today’s Scripture passage, because of his lack of eloquence, Moses expressed reluctance to God’s call. To aid him, God provided Moses’ brother, Aaron, to speak on his behalf. Subsequently, they went to the elders of Israel and told them what God had revealed to Moses.

Lesson 3: June 21, 2009 Pharaoh Ignores God’s Call Exodus 5:1-9, 22-6:1

Some people fail to recognize true authority and power, erroneously believing that the authority and power rest within themselves. What brings us to recognize a higher authority? Moses went to Pharaoh and told him God commands that His people be set free. Pharaoh responded by refusing and making life harder for the Israelites. Afterward, Moses went to God in distress and God promised, because of who God is-His mighty hand-that Pharaoh would indeed set the Israelites free.

 Lesson 4: June 28, 2009 God Calls the People Out of Egypt Exodus 14:15-25, 30

Many people have “protectors” to help them through difficult, even perilous, times. Where do we look for protection in difficult times? By parting the Red Sea so that they can pass to the other coast, God delivered the Israelites from the Pharaoh and the Egyptians. Therefore, He led them out of slavery, in Egypt, and destroyed the Egyptians, the Israelites’ enemies.

 UNIT 2 • CALLED TO BE GOD’S PEOPLE

 This unit has four lessons. It shows how God’s call led to the establishment of a new covenant and focuses on the people’s response to that call in celebration and worship, in commitment to special service, and in establishing the ideal of Jubilee.

 Lesson 5: July 5, 2009 God Calls People to Covenant Deuteronomy 5:1-9, 11-13, 16-21

People make agreements to give structure and rules for their life together. What regulations are necessary to enjoy mutually beneficial lives? In this Scripture passage, God set forth 10 rules of conduct governing behavior, property, relationships, and worship. Moses announced to Israel God’s Ten Commandments.

 Lesson 6: July 12, 2009 God Calls People to Remember Deuteronomy 16:1-8

Individual persons and communities regularly remember and celebrate great occasions with thanksgiving. How do we commemorate significant events in our lives? God commanded the Israelites to annually remember the Passover and to celebrate it for seven days. The Passover celebrated not only human freedom but the right to own land and flocks and to plant crops. It also helped the Israelites to recall the events of their deliverance from slavery and forced labor, while they were in Egypt.

Lesson 7: July 19, 2009 God Calls People to Special Service Leviticus 8:1-13

Some individuals in a community are set aside for special service to that community. How do we discern, acknowledge, and affirm those people chosen for special service? In this text, God called Aaron and his sons to be priests for the Israelites. He commanded that they be recognized by consecrating them with water and holy garments.

Lesson 8: July 26, 2009 God Calls People to Jubilee Leviticus 25:8-21, 23-24

The accumulation of property, in the hands of very few people, means that some are wealthy while others have no chance to escape poverty. How can communities care for the poor in just ways? God gave laws for the just redistribution of wealth to provide for the poor and thereby to honor God, who provides all. God instituted the year of Jubilee and gave laws for just transactions of land and crops.

UNIT 3 • CALLED TO CHOOSE LIFE

This unit reflects on God’s ongoing call to obedience and defines what actions demonstrate faithfulness and rebelliousness. Five Old Testament lessons illustrate that God remains faithful to God’s promise whether or not we choose to obey.

Lesson 9: August 2, 2009 People Grumble Numbers 11:1-6, 10-15

When people experience difficulties, they often forget their blessings. During times of trouble, what happens when we forget our blessings? When God brought the people out of slavery in Egypt and provided for them in the desert, Moses and the people complained repeatedly, loudly, and often about their hardships. Truly, the Israelites had forgotten what a merciful, loving God had done for them- He delivered them from slavery in Egypt.

Lesson 10: August 9, 2009 People Rebel Numbers 14:1-12

When dissatisfaction grows great, people may rebel against their leaders and benefactors. What leads people to rebel against leadership and authority? After the 12 spies returned from Canaan, the people rebelled against God’s command to take possession of the land, complained against Moses and Aaron, and spoke about getting another leader and returning to Egypt.

Lesson 11: August 16, 2009 Moses Disobeys Numbers 20:1-13

Even great leaders may fail to heed higher authority. Why do people disregard authority? As the Israelites arrived at Kadesh, there was no water and the people grumbled. An all-knowing God told Moses to speak to the rock before them and water would come out for them to drink. In his anger with and tiredness of the people, Moses disobeyed God’s command and hit the rock. Because he did not trust God to provide for the people, Moses disobeyed God. God was displeased and Moses suffered a great consequence; he did not get to go over into the Promised Land (Canaan).

Lesson 12: August 23, 2009 God Calls for Obedience Deuteronomy 6:1-9, 20-24

When people obey laws, they expect that life will be good. Why do people care at all about laws and try to follow them? Deuteronomy states that God gives laws for our benefit.

Lesson 13: August 30, 2009 God Calls for Decision Deuteronomy 30:1-10

People want to experience a satisfying life to attain joy and prosperity. How do we get what we want out of life? This lesson in Deuteronomy tells us how.