Sunday School Lessons

Click here for a print-friendly version Blessing, Glory, Honor Forever   Sunday school lesson for the week of April 29, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady   Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 2: All Glory and Honor   Lesson Scripture: Revelation 5:6-14   Lesson Aims Describe the makeup of the expanding numbers of worshippers in Heaven. Explain why the Lamb is worthy of worship.   Writing in his book, “Breaking The Code,” the late Dr. Bruce Metzger, American biblical scholar, speaks of Revelation 4 and...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Lord God Almighty   Sunday school lesson for the week of April 22, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady   Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 2: All Glory and Honor   Lesson Scripture: Revelation 4:1-6, 8-11   Lesson Aims Describe the content of John’s vision in Revelation 4. Explain the worship reality behind the text’s symbols.   There are numerous theories as to how Revelation should be interpreted. Scholars point out that some believe it is prophetic of ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Follow Me   Sunday school lesson for the week of April 15, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady   Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 2: All Glory and Honor   Lesson Scripture: John 21:15-25   Lesson Aims Summarize the conversation between the risen Jesus and Peter at the Sea of Galilee. Explain the relationship between loving Jesus and imitating his gracious love and service. It is true that most football fans will recognize the name Joe Montana. Montana was a ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Risen Lord Appears   Sunday school lesson for the week of April 8, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady   Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 2: All Glory and Honor   Lesson Scripture: John 21:1-14   Lesson Aims Recount the story of Jesus’ appearance at the Sea of Galilee following his resurrection. Identify elements of the story that reveal Jesus’ constant provision for his followers.   21:1-14 reminds us that for God no matter is too big or too small. In this...

Click here for a print-friendly version He Has Risen   Sunday school lesson for the week of April 1, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady   Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 2: All Glory and Honor   Lesson Scripture: Luke 24:1-12, 30-35   Lesson Aims Restate the mystery of Jesus’ missing body and the resolution of that mystery. Explain why the women’s preparation was unnecessary. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving that God keeps his promises.   On this joyful Easter Sunday, we are full of hope! In many ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Keep My Statutes and Ordinances   Sunday school lesson for the week of March 25, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady   Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 1: Follow in My Ways   Lesson Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:12-22   Lesson Aims Summarize the promises of both blessing and discipline that the Lord spoke to Solomon. Think how these promises serve to both encourage and warn Christians today.   The previous two lessons were about the dedication ceremony of the newly...

Click here for a print-friendly version There is No God Like You   Sunday school lesson for the week of March 11, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady   Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 1: Follow in My Ways   Lesson Scripture: 2 Chronicles 6:12-21 Background Scripture: 2 Chronicles 6:1-21   Lesson Aims Recount what Solomon said concerning the Lord’s character and faithfulness in keeping promises. Explain how Solomon’s prayer can serve as a model for the Christian’s prayer life. List scriptural promises...

Click here for a print-friendly version The People Gave Thanks to God   Sunday school lesson for the week of March 18, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady   Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 1: Follow in My Ways   Lesson Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:1-9 Background Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:1-11   Lesson Aims  Describe God’s response to Solomon’s prayer of dedication at the temple and how Solomon and the people gave thanks to God. Explain why giving thanks to God receives the emphasis it does in today’s ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Good Fight of Faith Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 3: Self-Controlled, Upright and Godly Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of February 25, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers   Scripture Lesson: I Timothy 6: 11-21   The final lesson of the quarter is from Paul’s letter to his beloved son-in-the-faith—Timothy.  We are aware many scholars deny the Pauline authorship of the two letters addressed to Timothy, but we are assuming they were ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Lord Will Provide   Spring Quarter: Acknowledging God Unit 1: Follow in My Ways   Sunday school lesson for the week of March 4, 2018 By Dr. Hal Brady   Lesson Scripture: Genesis 22:1-3, 6-14 Background Scripture: Genesis 22 Lesson Aims Describe the events surrounding Abraham’s near sacrifice of Isaac. Explain the implications for Abraham of obeying God’s command to sacrifice Isaac. The theme of the third quarter is “Acknowledging God.” As we are ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Disciplined Faith Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 3: Self-Controlled, Upright and Godly Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of February 11, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: James 3: 1-12 In the title of the unit and in this lesson, an issue of long-standing debate is raised. The issue is expressed in many ways: Nature/Nurture; Environment/Heredity; and in these days of the 21st Century, Chemistry/Character. In other ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faithful Disciples Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 3: Self-Controlled, Upright and Godly Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of February 18, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: Acts 9: 36-43 Over the next two weeks, our lessons will focus on those two early Christian leaders, Peter and Saul/Paul. The ninth chapter of Acts is filled with information about the earliest days, as the Christian faith spread across the Roman world. ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faith without Works is Dead Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 3: Self-Controlled, Upright, and Godly Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of February 4, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: James 2: 14-26 Communicating is hard work! We have been married for more than 60 years, and making ourselves understood to the other is sometimes still difficult! The early Church had the same problem. Earlier this quarter we had lessons based ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Strong Faith Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 2: A Living Faith in God Sunday school lesson for the week of January 28, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: Daniel 10: 10-19 Background Scripture: Daniel chapters 10 and 11 In this final lesson from the Book of Daniel we encounter a new kind of biblical literature—apocalyptic. The word means “revelation” or “disclosure.” The timeline is always in the future, but dating is not the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Bold Faith Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 2: A Living Faith in God Sunday school lesson for the week of January 14, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: Daniel 3: 19-23; 26-28 Background Scripture:  Daniel 3 The account of the four young men from Judah continues in chapter 3. The training to serve the king has been completed, and they are assigned strategic positions of administration in the kingdom. Remember their names:  ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Prayer for Obedient Faith Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 2: A Living Faith in God Sunday school lesson for the week of January 21, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: Daniel 9: 4-18; 15-19 Background Scripture:  Daniel 9: 1-19 Our next lesson in Daniel moves several chapters and years ahead. The ruler in the Middle East is now Cyrus of Persia, who came to power in 538 BC when the Persians defeated the Babylonians. Since Daniel ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faithful Seekers of the King Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 1: The Early Church Proclaims Faith in Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of December 24, 2017 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: Matthew 2:1-12 Enrichment scripture: Isaiah 49: 1-7 Today is Christmas Eve. We move from Acts to Matthew to pay attention to a familiar story of the beginnings of the Church built around faith in Christ. Matthew’s version of the birth of ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faith to Unite Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 1: The Early Church Proclaims Faith in Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of December 31, 2017 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: Ephesians 4: 1-16 Background Scripture: Ephesians 4 Paul is writing from prison in Rome to the church in the great city of Ephesus. The last time he had communicated with these believers was when he bid the leaders of the church farewell on his return to ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Sincere Faith Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 2: A Living Faith in God Sunday school lesson for the week of January 7, 2017 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: Daniel 1: 8-21 Background Scripture: Daniel 1 Today we begin a series of lessons from the Old Testament Book of Daniel. The historical background is intriguing, and the relevance for today is how we Christians can face crises in our lives with faithfulness and perseverance.  ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faith to Discern Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 1: The Early Church Proclaims Faith in Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of December 10, 2017 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: Acts 13:1-12 The second lesson skips over several chapters in the Book of Acts describing how the church begins to spread out from Jerusalem, as Jesus had told them in his valedictory in Acts 1:7ff—“you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea, in ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faith to Persevere Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 1: The Early Church Proclaims Faith in Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of December 17, 2017  By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: Acts 14: 8-11; 19-23 Background Scripture:  Acts 14 We continue with Paul, Barnabas and Mark on what is now called the First Missionary Journey.  The sacred travelogue moves us from the island of Cyprus to Perga on the mainland of Asia Minor, modern ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faith in Jesus Winter Quarter: Faith in Action Unit 1: The Early Church Proclaims Faith in Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of December 3, 2017 Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Scripture Lesson: Acts 3: 11-21 Background Scripture: Acts 3 Once again we have the joy of sharing our study through the Advocate. For eight years we have worked together to grow in our understanding and commitment to our loving Father and His gift of grace in Jesus. The word ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s True Covenant People Fall Quarter: Covenants With God Unit 3:  An Everlasting Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of November 26, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Scripture Lesson: 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 Background Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11; Jude Purpose: To celebrate in worship and our daily lives by remembering the redemptive life and death of Christ. Key Verse: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Every time you drink it, do ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Promise of a New Covenant, II Fall Quarter: Covenants With God Unit 3: An Everlasting Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of November 12, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Scripture Lesson: Jeremiah 31:27-34 Background Scripture: Jeremiah 31 Purpose: To thrive in the confidence that God can forgive our sins and transform our hearts with a new covenant Key Verse: I will put my instructions within them and engrave them on their hearts. I will ...

Click here for a print-friendly version High Priest of the New Covenant Fall Quarter: Covenants With God Unit 3: An Everlasting Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of November 19, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Scripture Lesson: Hebrews 12:14-15, 18-29 Background: Hebrews 12:14-15, 18-29; Psalm 66 Purpose: To pursue peace and express gratitude for the gift of God’s unshakeable kingdom through Jesus. Key Verse: Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that can’t be shaken, ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Promise of a New Covenant Fall Quarter: Covenants With God Unit 3: An Everlasting Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of November 5, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Scripture Lesson: Numbers 25:10-13; 1 Samuel 2:30-36 Background Scripture: Nehemiah 25; 1 Samuel 2:27-36 Purpose: To understand that our service to God is built upon integrity and fidelity to our commitments to God and to others Key Verse: Then I will establish for myself a ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Covenant With David Fall Quarter: Covenants With God Unit 2: Called Into Covenant With God Sunday school lesson for the week of October 22, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Scripture Lesson: 2 Samuel 7:1-6, 8-10, 12-16 Background Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:1-16; Psalm 89; 1 Chronicles 22:6-8 Purpose: To discern how God has guided our lives with purpose and faithful love Key Verse: Your dynasty and your kingdom will be secured forever before me. ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Covenant With the Returned Exiles Fall Quarter: Covenants With God Unit 2: Called Into Covenant With God Sunday school lesson for the week of October 29, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Scripture Lesson: Nehemiah 9:32-38; Nehemiah 10:28-29 Background Scripture: Nehemiah 9–10 Purpose: To be able to admit our faults and pledge ourselves to a life that honors our relationship with God Key Verse: You have been just in all that has happened to ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Written Covenant Fall Quarter: Covenants with God Unit 2: Called Into Covenant with God Sunday school lesson for the week of October 15, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Scripture Lesson: Exodus 20:18-26 Background: Exodus 20 Purpose: To embrace the presence of God in awe, wonder, and commitment to doing God’s will Hearing the Word The Adult Bible Studies’ writer begins this lesson with a reminder of the Israelites agreed covenant at Mount ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Covenant with Israel Fall Quarter: Covenants with God Unit 2: Called Into Covenant with God Sunday school lesson for the week of October 8, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Scripture Lesson: Exodus 19:16-25 Background: Exodus 19; Isaiah 60:3 Purpose: To eagerly anticipate meeting God in many ways and many places Key Verse: “Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their place at the foot of the mountain.” (Exodus ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Covenant With Abram Fall Quarter: Covenants With God Unit 2: Called Into Covenant With God Sunday school lesson for the week of October 1, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6, 17-21 Background Scripture: Genesis 15 Purpose: To have the courage to question and trust in the Word of God. Key Verse: “That day the Lord cut a covenant with Abraham: ‘To your descendants, I give this land, from Egypt’s river to the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Spirit-Filled Heart Fall Quarter: Covenants With God Unit 1: Signs of God’s Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of September 24, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Ezekiel 36:22-32 Background Scripture: Ezekiel 36—37; Titus 3:1-11; Ezekiel 36:22-32 Purpose: To cultivate a new heart and a new spirit, transformed by the grace of God. Key Verses: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. I will remove your ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Circumcision Fall Quarter: Covenant with God Unit 1: Signs of God’s Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of September 10, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Genesis 17:1-14 Background Scripture: Genesis 17 Key Verse: This is my covenant that you and your descendants must keep: Circumcise every male. (Genesis 17:10) Purpose: To live with hope and faith in God’s assurances Hearing the Word The Adult Bible Studies’ writer ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Sabbath Observance Fall Quarter: Covenant with God Unit 1: Signs of God’s Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of September 17, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Exodus 31:12-18 Background Scripture: Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 31:12-18; Isaiah 56:1-8 Purpose: To value God’s call to rest and renew our relationships with God and one another Key Verses: “Be sure to keep my Sabbaths, because the Sabbath is a sign between me and you ...

Click here for a print-friendly view Called to be Inclusive Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 3: Calls in the New Testament Sunday school lesson for the week of August 27, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Acts 10:19-33 Background Scripture: Acts 10 Key Verse: God has shown me that I should never call a person impure or unclean. Acts 10:28: “He said to them, “You all realize that it is forbidden for a Jew to associate or visit with outsiders. However, God has shown ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Rainbow Fall Quarter: Covenant with God Unit 1: Signs of God’s Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of September 3, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Genesis 8:20–9:17 Background: Genesis 8:20-22 Key Verse: “I will set up my covenant with you so that never again will all life be cut off by floodwaters. There will never again be a flood to destroy the earth.” (Genesis 9:11) Purpose: To recognize that despite the often ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Break Down Barriers Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 3: Calls in the New Testament Sunday School Lesson for the week of August 13, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Acts 8:26-39 Background Scripture: Acts 8 Key Verse: Starting with that passage, Philip proclaimed the good news about Jesus to him. (Acts 8:35) Purpose: To grasp the importance of and commit to ministering to the marginalized Hearing the Word The “...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Preach Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 3: Calls in the New Testament Sunday School lesson for the week of August 20, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Acts 9:10-20 Background Scripture: Acts 9:1-31 Key Verse: Ananias went to the house. He placed his hands on Saul (Acts 9:17) Purpose: To recommit to God’s call to share the gospel Hearing the Word The “Adult Bible Studies” writer begins this week’s lesson by ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Witness Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 3: Calls in the New Testament Sunday School Lesson for the week of August 6, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Acts 6:1-8 Background Scripture: Acts 1; 6; 7 Key Verse: Brothers and sisters, carefully choose seven well-respected men from among you. They must be well-respected and endowed by the Spirit with exceptional wisdom. We will put them in charge of this concern. (Acts ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Amos’ Call Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 2: Calling of the Prophets Sunday school lesson for the week of July 30, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Amos 7:10-17 Background Scripture: Amos 7 Key Verses: Amos answered Amaziah, “I am not a prophet, nor am I a prophet’s son; but I am a shepherd, and a trimmer of sycamore trees. But the Lord took me from shepherding the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people...

Click here for a print-friendly version Jeremiah's Call and Commission Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 2: Calling of the Prophets Sunday School Lesson for the week of July 16, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-10 Background Scripture: Jeremiah 1 Key Verse: “‘Don’t be afraid of them, because I’m with you to rescue you,’ declares the Lord.” (Jer.1:8) Purpose: To recognize that we can be reluctant and afraid when confronted with a divine challenge. ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Ezekiel’s Call Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 2: Calling of the Prophets Sunday School Lesson for the week of July 23, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Ezekiel 3:1-11 Background Scripture: Jeremiah 1–3 Key Verses: He said to me: Human one, listen closely, and take to heart every word I say to you. Then go to the exiles, to your people’s children. Whether they listen or not, speak to them and say: The Lord God proclaims! ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Moses and the Burning Bush Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 2: Calling of the Prophets Sunday school lesson for the week of July 2, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Exodus 3:1-12 Background Scripture: Exodus 3 Key Verse: “Now the Israelites’ cries of injustice have reached me. I’ve seen just how much the Egyptians have oppressed them. So get going. I’m sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.”...

Click here for a print-friendly version Isaiah in the Temple Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 2: Calling of the Prophets Sunday school lesson for the week of July 9, 2017 By Rev. Earnestine W. Campbell Lesson Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8 Background Scripture: Isaiah 6 Key Verse: Then I heard the Lord’s voice saying, “Whom should I send, and who will go for us?” I said, “I’m here; send me.” (Isaiah 6:8) Purpose: To realize that unexpected circumstances can lead us into new opportunities to...

Click here for a print-friendly version Samson’s Call Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 1: Called to be Strong Sunday school lesson for the week of June 25, 2017 By Rev. Denise Walton Lesson Scripture: Judges 13:1-7, 24-25 Background Scripture: Judges 13-16 Key Verse: You are pregnant and will give birth to a son. Don’t allow a razor to shave his head, because the boy is going to be a Nazarite for God from birth. He’ll be the one who begins Israel’s rescue from the power of the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Jephthah Answers the Call Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 1: Called to be Strong Sunday school lesson for the week of June 18, 2017 By Rev. Denise Walton Lesson Scripture: Judges 11:4-11, 29-31 Background Scripture: Judges 11 Key Verse: “And Jephthah said to Gilead’s elders, “If you bring me back to fight the Ammonites and the Lord gives them over to me, I alone will be your leader.” Judges 11:9 Purpose: To affirm that people who disagree on ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Gideon’s Call Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 1: Called to be Strong Sunday school lesson for the week of June 11, 2017 By Rev. Denise Walton Lesson Scripture: Judges 6:11-18 Purpose: To recognize that God is with us even we doubt or feel abandoned. In today’s Adult Bible Lesson, I invite you to consider engaging in a kinesthetic learning activity (learning by doing). Kinesthetic Activity: Invite one person to be Gideon, one the angel, and ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Deborah and Barak Summer Quarter: God’s Urgent Call Unit 1: Called to be Strong Sunday school lesson for the week of June 4, 2017 By Rev. Denise Walton Lesson Scripture: Judges 4:1-10 Purpose: To consider how we can accomplish great things when we work together to carry out any mission God gives us. Judges 4:8-10 Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” “Certainly I will go with you,” said Deborah....

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Love for Ninevah Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 3: God’s Pervasive and Sustaining Love Sunday school lesson for the week of May 21, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Jonah 3 Background Scripture: Nahum 1-3 As we are aware, communities today are wrecked with separation and violence. What can bring people together to live in wholeness and peace? The scripture lesson points out that when the people of Nineveh repented, God brought peace ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Pervasive Love Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 3: God’s Pervasive and Sustaining Love Sunday school lesson for the week of May 28, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Jonah 4 In reading Jonah, Chapter 4, we get the impression that Jonah was a jerk. He was ornery and unwilling to serve God in the lives of the Ninevites. While everybody else on board the ship was struggling to survive, Jonah complacently slept. And now he is unhappy and ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Love Preserved Jonah Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 3: God’s Pervasive and Sustaining Love Sunday school lesson for the week of May 14, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Jonah 2 Last week, we saw Jonah resist a call from God to go and preach in Nineveh. In fact, he boarded a ship and fled in the opposite direction. But God sent a frightening storm to trouble the ship, which was the vehicle of Jonah’s attempted escape. However, Jonah ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Sustaining Love Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 3: God’s Pervasive and Sustaining Love Sunday school lesson for the week of May 7, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Jonah 1:7-17 Background Scripture: Jonah 1 The book of Jonah has always been somewhat controversial. Many readers have been inclined to write off the story of Jonah as fictitious. The value and beauty of the book have often been obscured by the fish story, which so many have ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Reconciling Love Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 2: God’s Caring, Saving, and Upholding Love Sunday school lesson for the week of April 23, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Romans 5:6-11; 8:31-39 Background Scripture: Romans 5:1-11 8:31-39 Paul says, “Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Romans 5:1). Our salvation features justification, peace, and hope. All these are ours ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Preserving Love Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 2: God’s Caring, Saving, and Upholding Love Sunday school lesson for the week of April 30, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: John 10:1-15 The prevailing image of this week’s scripture lesson is of shepherds and sheep. Throughout the Old Testament, this metaphor was used to describe God’s relationship to God’s people. In this lesson, Jesus uses the same rich imagery to explain who he is and ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Love as Victory Over Death Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 2: God’s Caring, Saving, and Upholding Love Sunday school lesson for the week of April 16, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: John 20:1-10; 1 Peter 1:3-5, 8-9 Background Scripture: 19:38-42; John 20:1-10; 1 Peter 1:3-9 Someone told about a friend who was caught in an elevator in New York City during a power failure. He was caught along with several other people, all strangers to ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Saving Love in Christ Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 2: God’s Caring, Saving, and Upholding Love Sunday school lesson for the week of April 9, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: John 3:1-16 Life has many important questions. What am I going to do with my life? Who will I marry? Where will I live? Where will I go to school? But perhaps it was Nicodemus who asked life’s most important question: “how can anyone be born after having grown ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God as Our Shepherd Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 2: God’s Caring, Saving, and Upholding Love Sunday school lesson for the week of April 2, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: Psalm 23 The Old Testament is almost a distant memory in the hearts and minds of modern humankind. Those sacred stories that meant so much to our fore parents are becoming more and more lost to us. How many of the commandments actually command us? Yet in the midst of ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Love Restores Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 1: God’s Eternal, Preserving, Renewing Love Sunday school lesson for the week of March 26, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: Joel 2:12-13, 18-19, 28-32 In seeking to understand the context of today’s lesson, a brief visit to Joel 1:1-11 seems in order. Every generation tends to think that its troubles are the worst the world has ever seen. Therefore, the prophet Joel paints the calamity of ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Overflowing Love Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 1: God’s Eternal, Preserving, Renewing Love Sunday school lesson for the week of March 12, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10 The speaker described his former life. He said he did a lot of things of which he was ashamed. He rebelled and drank obsessively. On a number of occasions he was rude to his mama. He was self-centered and deeply depressed. He was really, really ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Love Manifested Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 1: God’s Eternal, Preserving, Renewing Love Sunday school lesson for the week of March 19, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: John 15: 1-17 One of the unique features of John’s Gospel is its unusually long Last Supper scene. While the other gospel writers devote less than a chapter to the setting of Jesus’ Passover meal with his disciples, John devotes five of his chapters to that occasion. ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Christ Creates Holy Living Winter Quarter: Creation – A Divine Cycle Unit 3: The Birthing of a New Community Sunday school lesson for the week of February 26, 2017 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Galatians 5:18-6:10 We conclude this unique study of God’s cycle of creation with the creating work of Christ through the Holy Spirit birthing the people who will live holy lives in the Church and in the world. After all, Jesus was sent by the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Source of all Love Spring Quarter: God Loves Us Unit 1: God’s Eternal, Preserving, Renewing Love Sunday school lesson for the week of March 5, 2017 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: 1 John 4:7-19 The theme of the Third Quarter is “God Loves Us.” I cannot think of a greater theme to get to the heart of God. During this spring quarter we will explore the multiple facets of God’s constant love for humanity from selected passages in both the Old and ...

Click here for a print-friendly version New Birth Brings Freedom Winter Quarter: Creation – A Divine Cycle Unit 3: The Birthing of a New Community Sunday school lesson for the week of February 12, 2017 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Galatians 4:8-20 Background Scripture: Galatians 4 Once again Paul is in pain like unto childbirth with the churches of Galatia. His language can be heard as harsh criticism, however, in verse 19 the tone is one of a loving parent to a wayward ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Freedom in Christ Winter Quarter: Creation – A Divine Cycle Unit 3: The Birthing of a New Community Sunday school lesson for the week of February 19, 2017 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Galatians 5: 1-17 The first verse of today’s scripture is truly the theme of the Book of Galatians. A good question to ask is: What constitutes the “bottom line” in Christ? Don’t answer quickly – ponder deeply and long! Is it formulas of creed or ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Re-created to Live in Harmony Winter Quarter: Creation – A Divine Cycle Unit 3: The Birthing of a New Community Sunday school lesson for the week of February 5, 2017 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Galatians 3:26-4:7 The third unit of the Winter Quarter completes the cycle of creation with Paul’s description of the life of the Church as evidence of God’s on-going creative work in giving birth to the Church. As in all births this one is ...

Click here for a print-friendly version All Creation Praises God Winter Quarter: Creation – A Divine Cycle Unit 2: Praise from and for God’s Creation Sunday school lesson for the week of January 29, 2017 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Psalm 148 There are many tasks given the Church, but sadly, lay people seldom list the praise of God in worship as number one. Although all the others that can be listed are important, nothing is more important than the gathering of the people ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Praise God the Provider Winter Quarter: Creation – A Divine Cycle Unit 2: Praise from and for God’s Creation Sunday school lesson for the week of January 15, 2017 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Psalm 65: 1-2; 5; 9-13 Background Scripture: Psalm 65; 67: 6-7 We love music of many varieties – classical and bluegrass, easy listening and hymns. Many other genres can touch both heart and mind. The Psalms are indeed “Songs of the Heart,” and ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Praise God the Creator Winter Quarter: Creation – A Divine Cycle Unit 2: Praise from and for God’s Creation Sunday school lesson for the week of January 22, 2017 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Psalm 104: 1-4; 24-30 Background Scripture: Psalm 104 We begin this lesson with a confession: We’re glad the scripture for this lesson is limited! However, please do read all of Psalm 104. The fullness and richness of its sweep will inspire and ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God’s Promised Savior is Born Winter Quarter: Creation: A Divine Cycle Unit 1: The Savior Has Been Born Sunday school lesson for the week of December 25, 2016 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Luke 2: 8-20 Background Scripture: Luke 2: 1-21 Merry Christmas! We trust you and your class can share that wonderful greeting this morning. Sometimes, churches cancel Sunday school on Christmas morning. We understand the practicality of doing so, ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Praising God the Creator Winter Quarter: Creation – A Divine Cycle Unit 1: Praise from and for God’s Creation Sunday school lesson for the week of January 1, 2017 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Psalm 33: 1-9 Background Scripture: Psalm 33 We begin a New Year and a new unit today. May this be a blessed (happy) year for God’s good creation – and all who live in it. That is our prayer for this New Year! This unit focuses on five Psalms. ...

Click here for a print-friendly version All Creation Overflows with Praise Winter Quarter: Creation – A Divine Cycle Unit 1: Praise from and for God’s Creation Sunday school lesson for the week of January 8, 2017 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Psalm 96: 1-6, 10-13 Background Scripture: Psalm 96 In beginning of this lesson, we need to accept some insights from scholars like Walter Bruggeman. He reminds us the context of Psalm 96 is the occasion when David brought the Ark of ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Affirmation of the Promise Winter Quarter: Creation: A Divine Cycle Unit 1: The Savior Has Been Born Sunday school lesson for the week of December 11, 2016  By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Luke 1:39-56 As soon as Mary can get ready, she leaves on a trip south to one of the towns outside Jerusalem, where her cousin Elizabeth lives with her husband Zechariah. We know the town is near Jerusalem because Zechariah serves as a priest at ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God Promised Zechariah a Son Winter Quarter: Creation: A Divine Cycle Unit 1: The Savior Has Been Born Sunday school lesson for the week of December 18, 2016  By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Luke 1:8-20 Background Scripture: Luke 1:1-23; 57-66 At the outset, we must state our bewilderment at the sequence of the studies in Luke chosen by the editorial committee of the Universal Lesson Series! We began with the annunciation by Gabriel to ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God Promises a Savior Winter Quarter: Creation: A Divine Cycle Unit 1: The Savior Has Been Born Sunday school lesson for the week of December 4, 2016  By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson scripture: Luke 1:26-38 Beginnings are always exciting and filled with expectations! This new quarter is no different. The journey begins at a very familiar place, but will take us on an unusual route to our destination. Let us trust God for the result! We begin with...

Click here for a print-friendly version Alpha and Omega Fall Quarter: The Sovereignty of God Unit 3: Alpha and Omega Sunday school lesson for the week of November 27, 2016  By Rev. Earnestine Campbell  Lesson scripture: Revelation 22:12-21 Background scripture: Revelation 22:8-21 Key Verse: I am the alpha and the omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. (Revelation 22:13) Purpose: To exalt Christ as the alpha and omega of God’s creation Hearing the Word The Adult Bible ...

Click here for a print-friendly version I See a New Jerusalem Fall Quarter: The Sovereignty of God Unit 3: Alpha and Omega Sunday school lesson for the week of November 13, 2016 By Rev. Earnestine Campbell Lesson scripture: Revelation 21:9-14, 22-27 Background scripture: Revelation 21:9-27 Purpose: To embrace the hope experienced in the vision of the New Jerusalem Hearing the Word As we prepare to hear the Word, let’s identify some of the characters that we will engage in this lesson. We ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Life and Healing Fall Quarter: The Sovereignty of God Unit 3: Alpha and Omega Sunday school lesson for the week of November 20, 2016 By Rev. Earnestine Campbell Lesson scripture: Revelation 22:1-7 Purpose: Encountering God’s gift of abundant life and healing, present and future Hearing the Word The text takes us to the final chapter of the Book of Revelation. Let’s identify the characters in this text: we see the angel as the guide and speaker, John...

Click here for a print-friendly version Everything is Brand New Fall Quarter: The Sovereignty of God Unit 3: Alpha and Omega Sunday school lesson for the week of November 6, 2016 By Rev Earnestine Campbell Lesson scripture: Revelation 21:1-8 Purpose: To live in the light of Revelation’s promise of renewal of all creation Background The author of the Book of Revelation is predominantly attributed to the Apostle John of the sons of Zebedee. Some scholars indicate the date of its writing ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The High Priest Forever Fall Quarter: The Sovereignty of God Unit 2: The Sovereignty of Jesus Sunday school lesson for the week of October 23, 2016 By Rev. Earnestine Campbell Lesson scripture: Hebrews 7:1-3, 19b-28 Background scripture: Hebrews 7 In this text, the author of Hebrews continues to develop the story of God speaking to his people to live in his order. The writer develops Melchizedek as God’s orderly Priest, a King. The author writes to ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Pioneer and Perfecter of Our Faith Fall Quarter: The Sovereignty of God Unit 2: The Sovereignty of Jesus Sunday school lesson for the week of October 30, 2016 By Rev. Earnestine Campbell Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-13 (NRSV) Purpose: To affirm ways that God in Jesus Christ is with us in our journey of faith Introduction The last two Sunday school lessons concluded with Melchizedek, a king of the Most High God, and Jesus as the salvific and eternal ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Great High Priest Fall Quarter: The Sovereignty of God Unit 2: The Sovereignty of Jesus Sunday school lesson for the week of October 16, 2016 By Rev. Earnestine Campbell Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-5:10 (NRSV) In this text, the author of Hebrews continues to tell the story of God speaking to his people who are living in a transformational era, from old sacrificial rituals and high priests to the transformation to the superior High Priest. The High ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Builder of the House Fall Quarter: The Sovereignty of God Unit 2: The Sovereignty of Jesus Sunday school lesson for the week of October 9, 2016 By Rev. Denise Walton Lesson Scripture: Hebrews 3:1-6 Background Scripture: Hebrews 3:1-6; Matthew 7:19-29 Purpose: To discover the ways we can be part of God’s house, built by Jesus Christ  Key Verse: But [Jesus] deserves greater glory than Moses in the same way that the builder of the house deserves more ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Imprint of God Fall Quarter: The Sovereignty of God Unit 1: The Sovereignty of Jesus Sunday school lesson for the week of October 2, 2016 By Rev. Denise Walton Lesson Scripture: Hebrew 1:1-9 (NIV) Background Scripture: Hebrews 1 In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the...

Click here for a print-friendly version Everlasting Covenant Fall Quarter: The Sovereignty of God Unit 1: The Sovereignty of God Sunday school lesson for the week of September 25, 2016 By Rev. Denise Walton Lesson Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Background Scripture: Isaiah 61 The Suffering Servant in the Old and New Testaments This week the Sunday school lesson introduces Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 as the focus of the lesson. Over the past several weeks we have read passages from Isaiah and ...

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:...