Sunday School Lessons

Click here for a print-friendly version Justice, Judges, and Priests Winter Quarter: Justice, Law, History Unit 2: God: The Source of Justice Sunday school lesson for the week of January 23, 2022 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Deuteronomy 16:18-20; 17:8-13; 19:15-21 Key Scripture (NIV): “Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the Lord your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly.” Deuteronomy 16:18 Lesson Aims  To understand ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Justice and the Marginalized Winter Quarter: Justice, Law, History Unit 2: God: The Source of Justice Sunday school lesson for the week of January 30, 2022 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Deuteronomy 24:10-21 Key Scripture (NIV): “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this.” Deuteronomy 24:18 Lesson Aims To recognize the remarkable contribution of the Mosaic ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Justice and Fairness Winter Quarter: Justice, Law, History Unit 2: God: The Source of Justice Sunday school lesson for the week of January 16, 2022 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Exodus 23 Key Scripture (NIV): “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd, and do not show favoritism to a poor person in a lawsuit.” Exodus 23:2-3 Lesson Aims To better ...

Click here for a print-friendly version  Injustice and Fairness Winter Quarter: Justice, Law, History Unit 2: God: The Source of Justice Sunday school lesson for the week of January 9, 2022 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Genesis 21:8-21 Key Scripture (NIV): “God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, ‘What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up, and take him by the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version  Justice and Deliverance Winter Quarter: Justice, Law, History Unit 1: God Requires Justice Sunday school lesson for the week of December 26, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Nahum 1 Key Scripture (NIV): “The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies.” Nahum 1:2   Lesson Aims To better understand progressive ...

Click here for a print-friendly version  Justice, Vengeance, and Mercy Winter Quarter: Justice, Law, History Unit 2: The Source of Justice Sunday school lesson for the week of January 2, 2022 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Genesis 4 Key Scripture (NIV): “The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.” Genesis 4:10 Lesson Aims To better grasp the breadth and depth of the human family. To better recognize the walls that divide ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Justice and Kindness Winter Quarter: Justice, Law, History Unit 1: God Requires Justice Sunday school lesson for the week of December 12, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: II Samuel 9 Key Scripture (NIV): “David asked, ‘Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’” Lesson Aims To understand the historical background of the text. To understand the importance of a vow and promise in ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Justice and Righteousness Winter Quarter: Justice, Law, History Unit 1: God Requires Justice Sunday school lesson for the week of December 19, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-7 Key Scripture (NIV): “Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the...

Click here for a print-friendly version Marriage of the Lamb Fall Quarter: Celebrating God Unit 3: Visions of Praise Sunday school lesson for the week of November 21, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Revelation 19:1-8 Key Scripture (NIV): “Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.” Revelation 19:7 Lesson Aims To better understand the “transcendence” of heaven. To better understand the nature ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Good News for All Fall Quarter: Celebrating God Unit 3: Visions of Praise Sunday school lesson for the week of November 28, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Acts 10:34-47 Key Scripture (NIV): “Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.’” Acts 10:34-35 Lesson Aims: To understand Simon Peter’s call. To understand the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Justice and Obedience Winter Quarter: God Requires Justice Sunday school lesson for the week of December 5, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Deuteronomy 5; 10; 27; 28 Key Scripture (NIV): “Now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I ...

Click here for a print-friendly version  United in Praise Fall Quarter: Celebrating God Unit 3: Visions of Praise Sunday school lesson for the week of November 7, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Revelation 7:9-7 Key Scripture (NIV): “I answered, ‘Sir, you know.’ And he said, ‘These are they who have come out of the great tribulations; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.’” Rev. 7:14 Lesson Aims To understand the grand message of ...

Click here for a print-friendly version  God of Power Fall Quarter: Celebrating God Unit 3: Visions of Praise Sunday school lesson for the week of November 14, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Revelation 11: 11-19 Key Scripture (NIV): “The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said, ‘The Kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.’” Rev. 11:15 Aims of the Lesson To...

Click here for a print-friendly version Praise God for His Presence Fall Quarter: Celebrating God Unit 2: Called to Praise God Sunday school lesson for the week of October 24, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Psalm 84 Key Scripture (NIV): “Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.” Psalm 84:4 Lesson Aims To understand the importance of our places of worship. To understand our individual and corporate spiritual journey. To understand the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Praise God for His Greatness Fall Quarter: Celebrating God Unit 2: Called to Praise God Sunday school lesson for the week of October 31, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Psalms 147-150 Key Scripture (NIV): “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Psalm 150:6 Lesson Aims  To help us comprehend that all things will end in praise unto God. To help us comprehend our individual redemption and collective redemption. To help us ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Praise for God’s Ultimate Justice Fall Quarter: Celebrating God Unit 2: Called to Praise God Sunday school lesson for the week of October 10, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Psalm 9:1-12; Ecclesiastes 3:16-22 Key Scripture (NIV): “He rules the world in righteousness and judges the people with equity.” Psalm 9:8 Lesson Aims To understand the importance of acknowledging God in life. To understand God’s constant love and care. To ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Praise God for Past Deliverance Fall Quarter: Celebrating God Unit 2: Called to Praise God Sunday school lesson for the week of October 17, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Psalm 107 Key Scripture (NIV): “They cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.” Psalm 107:6 Lesson Aims To understand the importance of spoken testimony. To understand the importance of the redeemed community. To understand...

Click here for a print-friendly version Praise God with Joy Fall Quarter: Celebrating God Unit 2: Called to Praise God Sunday school lesson for the week of October 3, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Psalm 100 Key Scripture (NIV): “Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:3 Lesson Aims To understand whom we worship. To understand how we worship. To understand why we worship. Preparation for Lesson Who wrote the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Praise for Salvation Fall Quarter: Celebrating God Unit 1: God’s People Offer Praise Sunday school lesson for the week of September 26, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Acts 2:32-33, 37-47 Key Scripture (NIV): They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. (Acts 2:42) Lesson Aims To realize the importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ in our salvation. To realize ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Praise in Dance Fall Quarter: Celebrating God Unit 1: God’s People Offer Praise Sunday school lesson for the week of September 12, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: 2 Samuel 6 Key Scripture: David and all Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with castanets, harps, lyres, timbrels, sistrums, and cymbals. (2 Sam. 6:5 NIV) Aims To explore the power of renewal. To explore the importance of the sacred in life. To ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Praise by Expecting and Following Fall Quarter: Celebrating God Unit 1: God’s People Offer Praise Sunday school lesson for the week of September 19, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43 Key Scripture: “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” (Mark 10:51) Lesson Aims To understand the context of Bartimaeus’ healing. To understand Jesus’ response to ...

Click here for a print-friendly lesson A Conquering Faith Summer Quarter: Confident Hope Unit 3: Faith Gives Us Hope Sunday school lesson for the week of August 22, 2021 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: 1 John 4:2-3, 13-17, 5:4-5 Hope and Assurance: By This You Know In this unit we are learning how faith gives us hope, and how hope, in turn, sustains our faith over time. In today’s lesson, we will be learning about a “conquering faith.” A conquering faith is one that withstands the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version An Eternal Hope Summer Quarter: Confident Hope Unit 3: Faith Gives Us Hope Sunday school lesson for the week of August 29, 2021 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16 – 5:10 So We Do Not Lose Heart We are coming to the end of the summer quarter with its emphasis on Confident Hope. It makes sense that this quarter would culminate with a focus on eternal hope. The focus of the third unit in this quarter has been how “faith gives us ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Praise with Music Fall Quarter: Celebrating God Sunday school lesson for the week of September 5, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Exodus 14:1-15:21 Aims To understand the motivation of our praise. To understand the motivation of God in caring for us. To understand the power of music as a vehicle of praise. Personal word: The author of this lesson believes God is a infinite, personal, boundless spirit. God cannot be defined by gender....

Click here for a print-friendly version A Patient, Persevering Faith Summer Quarter: Confident Hope Unit 3: Faith Gives Us Hope Sunday school lesson for the week of August 15, 2021 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Hebrews 10:23-36 Hope Sustains Our Faith and Growth In this third unit, we continue to spend time learning not only how faith gives us hope, but also learning what hope does to sustain our faith. How does hope sustain our faith and growth after we say “yes” to the relationship...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Necessary Faith Summer Quarter: Confident Hope Unit 3: Faith Gives Us Hope Sunday school lesson for the week of August 8, 2021 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-8, 13-16 Faith Gives Us Hope We are starting the third and final unit in this summer quarter. In many ways, the second unit helped us see how faith and salvation give us hope. In this third unit, we will spend the next four weeks learning not only how faith gives us hope, but...

Click here for a print-friendly version Salvation Available For All Summer Quarter: Confident Hope Unit 2: Faith and Salvation Sunday school lesson for the week of August 1, 2021 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Romans 10:5-17 Propagating the Faith The second unit this quarter, which culminates with this lesson, has been devoted to Faith and Salvation. One of the most wonderful events to witness is the Christian faith taking root in a person’s life – saving faith that results in the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Peace with God Summer Quarter: Confident Hope Unit 2: Faith and Salvation Sunday school lesson for the week of July 25, 2021 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Romans 5:1-11 The Peace for Which Our Hearts Long One of the most apt metaphors for the human condition, in my opinion, is the metaphor of the God-shaped hole. Once I heard of this metaphor, it made so much sense to me. I did a quick online search recently and discovered it is attributed to ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Power of the Gospel Summer Quarter: Confident Hope Unit 2: Faith and Salvation Sunday school lesson for the week of July 11, 2021 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Romans 1:8-17 Introduction to Unit Two The second unit this quarter focuses on the Apostle Paul’s epistle, or letter, to the church in Rome. We will feel the switch from the gospels in the first unit to an epistle written by Paul. Gospels and epistles present two distinct literary forms....

Click here for a print-friendly version Faith of Abraham Summer Quarter: Confident Hope Unit 2: Faith and Salvation Sunday school lesson for the week of July 18, 2021 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Romans 4:1-12 Father Abraham When I was a kid at Vacation Bible School, we didn’t have the awesome “praise and worship” songs of today that kids now begin singing at an early age. We had songs like “Father Abraham.” It went like this: “Father Abraham had many sons, many sons had Father ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Attitude of Gratitude Summer Quarter: Confident Hope Unit 1: Jesus Teaches About Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of July 4, 2021 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Leviticus 13:45-46; Luke 17:11-19 The theme for this week’s lesson is “Attitude of Gratitude.” The theme for this first unit of the quarter has been “Jesus Teaches About Faith.” The theme for the whole summer quarter is “Confident Hope.” I remind us of these three themes because so...

Click here for a print-friendly version Rescued from Doubt Summer Quarter: Confident Hope Unit 1: Jesus Teaches About Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of June 27, 2021 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33 The focus for today’s lesson is being rescued from doubt. Circa 1978, I was 14, and felt very confident purchasing a stark white three-piece suit. Being made of polyester, it was not as expensive as other suits. I was confident I had made a shrewd purchase. I felt ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Healed by Faith Summer Quarter: Confident Hope Unit 1: Jesus Teaches About Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of June 20, 2021 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Matthew 9:18-26 Healing and Faith Today’s subject is healed by faith. We’re not just looking at healing. We’re giving attention to where healing meets faith. Furthermore, how does this particular experience of faith contribute to our understanding of confident hope? When we suffer from...

Click here for a print-friendly version Delivered from Fear Summer Quarter: Confident Hope Unit 1: Jesus Teaches About Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of June 13, 2021 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Matthew 8:23-27 The lesson this week is about being delivered from fear. Fear can paralyze us and demoralize us. Fear can stand in the way of a confident hope and hinder us from moving forward in life and in faith. Context The scripture says, “And when he got in the boat, his ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Freed from Worry Summer Quarter: Confident Hope Unit 1: Jesus Teaches About Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of June 6, 2021 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34 Theme for the Summer Quarter and for the First Unit The theme for this quarter is Confident Hope. There is no better confidence in life than what we get from our faith and hope in Jesus Christ. With faith providing the vital link to this confident hope, we will be ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Spring Quarter: Prophets Faithful To God’s Covenant Unit 3: Courageous Prophets of Change Sunday school lesson for the week of May 23, 2021 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Ezekiel 18:1-9, 30-32 Key Verse: Ezekiel 18:4 Lesson Aims Quote the mistaken proverb the exiles believed. Explain the reasons for the exiles’ misconception regarding how God judges people. How can anybody refrain from or avoid blame-shifting? A word about Ezekiel and the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Preaching to the Enemies Spring Quarter: Prophets Faithful To God’s Covenant Unit 3: Courageous Prophets of Change Sunday school lesson for the week of May 30, 2021 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Jonah 3 Key Verse: Jonah 3:10 Lesson Aims Class members define and discuss repentance. List reasons why the Ninevites’ reaction to Jonah’s proclamation was unexpected. Commit to one needed change to obey God more fully. Imagine that you are nearing ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Preaching Doom Spring Quarter: Prophets Faithful To God’s Covenant Unit 3: Courageous Prophets of Change Sunday school lesson for the week of May 16, 2021 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Jeremiah 38:14-23 Key Verse: Jeremiah 38:15 Lesson Aims Explain the context of Jeremiah’s ministry in the days of King Zedekiah. Contrast Zedekiah’s indecision with Jeremiah’s resolve. It is reported that Katsuhiko Ishibashi, a seismologist and university ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Offering Hope for the Future Spring Quarter: Prophets Faithful To God’s Covenant Unit 3: Courageous Prophets of Change Sunday school lesson for the week of May 9, 2021 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Isaiah 29:13-24 Key Verse: Isaiah 29:24 Lesson Aims Describe God’s intentions regarding the spiritual condition of Israel. Give an example of a similar condition today. Create a personal plan to guard against unfaithful worship. Lesson Context ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Nation’s Plea Spring Quarter: Prophets Faithful To God’s Covenant Unit 2: Prophets of Restoration Sunday school lesson for the week of April 25, 2021 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Lamentations 5 Key Verse: Lamentations 5:21 Lesson Aims Describe the historical context of the book of Lamentations. Summarize the reasons for the people’s mourning. How many sermons or lessons have you heard on Lamentations? In all probability, not many. As the...

Click here for a print-friendly version Speaking Truth to Power Spring Quarter: Prophets Faithful To God’s Covenant Unit 3: Courageous Prophets of Change Sunday school lesson for the week of May 2, 2021 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: 1 Kings 22:15-23, 26-8 Key Verse: 1 Kings 22:14 Lesson Aims Identity the roles of Ahab, Jehoshaphat, and Micaiah. Compare and contrast how each of these three related to God’s truth. Create a plan to pursue and apply God’s knowledge in the week ahead. ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Faith-in-Action Preacher Spring Quarter: Prophets Faithful To God’s Covenant Unit 2: Prophets of Restoration Sunday school lesson for the week of April 11, 2021 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Ezra 10:1-12 Key Verse: Ezra 10:6 Lesson Aims Summarize Ezra’s reaction to the people’s sin. Explain why intermarriage with foreigners caused Ezra such grief. Write a confession to God for a specific sin and a corresponding course of repentant action. ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Restoration Builder Spring Quarter: Prophets Faithful To God’s Covenant Unit 2: Prophets of Restoration Sunday school lesson for the week of April 18, 2021 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Nehemiah 2:11-20 Key Verse: Nehemiah 2:17 Lesson Aims Summarize the results of Nehemiah’s nighttime excursion around Jerusalem. Explain why faith in the Lord and careful planning are not necessarily contradictory. Prepare a testimony of how God’s hand has ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Suffering Servant Spring Quarter: Prophets Faithful To God’s Covenant Unit 2: Prophets of Restoration Sunday school lesson for the week of April 4, 2021 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Isaiah 53:4-11a Key Verse: Isaiah 53:5 Lesson Aims Restate what the servant of the Lord would accomplish through suffering Explain how Jesus fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy. Write a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord, using language from today’s passage, and use ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Prophet of Wisdom Spring Quarter: Prophets Faithful To God’s Covenant Unit 1: Faithful Prophets Sunday school lesson for the week of March 21, 2021 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: 2 Kings 22:14-20 Key Verse: 2 Kings 22:19 Lesson Aims Identify the two major parts of Huldah’s prophetic message. Explain the key verse (2 Kings 22:19) in light of the text’s spiritual principles. Pray for our nation’s leaders that they will seek the common good, one ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Prophet of Courage Spring Quarter: Prophets Faithful To God’s Covenant Unit 1: Faithful Prophets Sunday school lesson for the week of March 28, 2021 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: 1 Kings 18:5-18 Key Verse: 1 King 18:18 Lesson Aims Tell what happened during the meetings between Elijah and Obadiah, then between Elijah and Ahab. Explain a purpose of a prophet’s ministry as it confronted the righteous and the wicked. Write a message of ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Prophet of Conquest Spring Quarter: Prophets Faithful To God’s Covenant Unit 1: Faithful Prophets Sunday school lesson for the week of March 14, 2021 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Joshua 5:13-15; 6:1-5, 15-16, 20 Key Verse: Joshua 6:2 Lesson Aims Following the death of Moses, to summarize Joshua’s role as God’s chosen servant in leading the Israelites to their promised inheritance. To review how God’s plan, Israel’s faith and obedience led to ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Prophet of Deliverance Spring Quarter: Prophets Faithful To God’s Covenant Unit 1: Faithful Prophets Sunday school lesson for the week of March 7, 2021 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:15-22 Key Verse: Deuteronomy 18:15 Lesson Aims Summarize what God said about the prophet and message to come. Explain how Moses’ words were intended to guide Israel as God’s covenant people. Prepare a set of guidelines for distinguishing true from ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Explain Winter Quarter: Call in the New Testament Unit 3: The Call of Women Sunday school lesson for the week of Feb. 21, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Acts 18:1-26, Romans 16:3-4, 1 Corinthians 6:19, 2 Timothy 4:19 Key Verse: “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.” Romans 16:3-4 Lesson Aim: Our ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Serve Winter Quarter: Call in the New Testament Unit 3: The Call of Women Sunday school lesson for the week of Feb. 28, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Acts 16:11-15, 40; I Corinthians 1:26-30 Key Verse: “When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us into her home. ‘If you consider me as a believer in the Lord,’ she said, ‘come and stay at my house.’ And she persuaded us.” Acts 16:15 Introduction ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Support Winter Quarter: Call in the New Testament Unit 3: The Call of Women Sunday school lesson for the week of Feb. 14, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Mark 15: 40; 16:1-9; Luke 8:1-3; John 20:10-18 Key Verse: “After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Testify Winter Quarter: Call in the New Testament Unit 3: The Call of Women Sunday school lesson for the week of Feb. 7, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: John 1: 37-51; 4:25-42 Key Verse: “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I ever did.’” (John 4:39) Lesson Aim: Jesus teaches us in this text to highly value testimony and learn the power of personal ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called for the World’s Belief Winter Quarter: Call in the New Testament Unit 2: Jesus and Calls in His Ministry Sunday school lesson for the week of Jan. 24, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: John 17: 14-24 Key Verse: “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.” (John 17: 20) Lesson Aims: To understand the disciple John and his writing. To understand Jesus’ intent when praying ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Prophesy Winter Quarter: Call in the New Testament Unit 3: The Call of Women Sunday school lesson for the week of Jan. 31, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Luke 2:36-38; Acts 1:12-14; Acts 2:16-21; Acts 21:8-9 Key Verse: “In the last days, God said, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17) Lesson Aims: To ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Follow Winter Quarter: Call in the New Testament Unit 2: Jesus and Calls in His Ministry Sunday school lesson for the week of Jan. 10, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Luke 5: 1-11 Key Verse: “Jesus said to Simon: ‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.’” (Luke 5: 10b) Lesson Aims: To understand the dynamics involved in the miracle of the great harvest of fish. To understand the difference between a miracle ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called in Authority Winter Quarter: Call in the New Testament Unit 2: Jesus and Calls in His Ministry Sunday school lesson for the week of Jan. 17, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Mark 2: 2-12 Key Verse: “Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk?’” (Mark 2:9) Lesson Aims: To understand the reasons why Jesus was so popular, only to die with few at the cross. ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Prepare Winter Quarter: Call in the New Testament Unit 1: The Beginning of a Call Sunday school lesson for the week of Dec. 27, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Matthew 3 (NIV) Key Verse: This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” (Matthew 3:3) Intro for teacher You may have noticed that I use different ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Proclaim Winter Quarter: Call in the New Testament Unit 2: Jesus and Calls in His Ministry Sunday school lesson for the week of Jan. 3, 2021 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Luke 4 Key Verses: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for thee prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Worship Winter Quarter: Call in the New Testament Unit 1: The Beginning of a Call Sunday school lesson for the week of Dec. 20, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Matthew 2: 7-15 Key Verse: On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11) Lesson Aims To understand ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to be Immanuel Winter Quarter: Call in the New Testament Unit 1: The Beginning of a Call Sunday school lesson for the week of Dec. 13, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25 Key Verse: Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will birth to a son, and you shall give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to be Heir Winter Quarter: Call in the New Testament Unit 1: The Beginning of a Call Sunday school lesson for the week of Dec. 6, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Matthew 1: 1-6, 16-17; Hebrews 1 Key Verse: In these last days (God) has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things; and through whom he also made the universe. (Hebrews 1: 2) Lesson Aims Learn how the dynamic of covenant moves through the ancestry...

Click here for a print-friendly version Responsive Love Fall Quarter: Love for One Another Unit 3: Godly Love Among Believers Sunday school lesson for the week of Nov. 22, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Acts 4:32-5:11 Key Verse: 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. (Acts 4:32) Lesson Aims: To help us understand the expectations, beliefs, experiences of the early ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Impartial Love Fall Quarter: Love for One Another Unit 3: Godly Love Among Believers Sunday school lesson for the week of Nov. 29, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: James 2 Key Verse: Listen, my dear brothers and sisters; Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? (James 2:5) Lesson Aims To help the listener to understand the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Confident Love Fall Quarter: Love for One Another Unit 3: Godly Love Among Believers Sunday school lesson for the week of Nov. 15, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: 1 John 3: 11-24; 2 John 4-11; 3 John 5-8 Key Verse: The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us. (1 John 3:24) Lesson Aims: In this lesson, we learn the various ways and ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Abiding Love Fall Quarter: Love for One Another Unit 3: Godly Love Among Believers Sunday school lesson for the week of Nov. 8, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: John 15: 4-17 Key Verse: I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5) Lesson Aims: Why do the vine and branch create an understandable metaphor for the Christian walk? How do ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Serving Love Fall Quarter: Love for One Another Unit 3: Godly Love Among Believers Sunday school lesson for the week of Nov. 1, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture John 13:1-35 Key Verse: I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. John 13:15 Lesson Aims: Jesus’ emotions at the Last Supper and their meaning. Learn the connection between loving Jesus and serving others. Choose a ministry that truly serves God’s ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Love Never Fails Fall Quarter: Love for One Another Unit 2: Inclusive Love Sunday school lesson for the week of October 25, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:27-14:1 Key Verse: Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13) Lesson Aims Learn what love can do, and what it cannot. Learn why love is necessary for the effective functioning of spiritual gifts and ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Love for Neighbors Fall Quarter: Love for One Another Unit 2: Inclusive Love Sunday school lesson for the week of October 18, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Lev. 19:18, 34; Luke 10:25-37 Key Verses: “Which of these three do you believe was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10: 36-37 Our lesson is ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Love for Enemies Fall Quarter: Love for One Another Unit 2: Inclusive Love Sunday school lesson for the week of October 11, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Luke 6: 27-36 Key Verse: To you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat him (Luke 6:27-28). Lesson Aims Doing the unthinkable for the sake of love. Contrast Jesus means of interacting with ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Love That Intercedes Fall Quarter: Love for One Another Unit 2: Inclusive Love Sunday school lesson for the week of October 4, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: 1 Samuel 19:1-7; 1 Samuel 23: 1-8; 2 Samuel 9 Key Verse: Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what has he done has benefited you greatly.” (1 Samuel 19: 4) Lesson Aims: ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Victorious Love Fall Quarter: Love for One Another Unit 1: Struggles with Love Sunday school lesson for the week of September 20, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Genesis 42 Key Verse: “Rueben replied, ‘didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn’t listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood!” (Genesis 42:22) Textual and Experiential Background Though Joseph could be described as an arrogant teen, his tenure as...

Click here for a print-friendly version Revealed Love Fall Quarter: Love for One Another Unit 1: Struggles with Love Sunday school lesson for the week of September 27, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Genesis 43; 45:1-15 Key Verse: Do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. (Genesis 45:5) Lesson Aims Recount the moment when Joseph revealed himself to his brothers in Egypt Joseph ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Obedient Love Fall Quarter: Love for One Another Unit 1: Struggles with Love Sunday school lesson for the week of September 13, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Genesis 41:14-57 Key Verse: Genesis 41:30-40 Lesson Aims: Describe how Joseph grew from an immature teen into a godly man. Describe how Joseph remained true to his faith in a powerful polytheistic culture. Describe the risk Joseph took in remaining true to his God. Background ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Biased Love Fall Quarter: Love for One Another Unit 1: Struggles with Love Sunday school lesson for the week of September 6, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Genesis 25:28; 35:23-26 Key Verse: Genesis 37:11 “His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.” Aim of the lesson: To reveal the powerful and generational effect of family conflict and favoritism. The lesson also helps us understand how Israel ended up in...

Click here for a print-friendly version Taming the Tongue Summer Quarter: Many Faces of Wisdom Unit 3: Faith and Wisdom in James Sunday school lesson for the week of August 23, 2020 By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: James 3:1–12 Key Verse: James 3:5 Purpose: To admit that our speech is an important indication of our attitudes and commitments Conscientious Communication One of the first books I purchased when I started graduate school in 1978 was the second edition (1974) of the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Two Kinds of Wisdom Summer Quarter: Many Faces of Wisdom Unit 3: Faith and Wisdom in James Sunday school lesson for the week of August 30, 2020 By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: James 3:13–18; 5:7–12 Key Verse: James 3:17 Purpose: To acknowledge that choosing God’s wisdom leads to life Reason and Compassion Martin Luther King, Jr. accepted the call to serve as the pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala. on May 14, ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Hearing and Doing Summer Quarter: Many Faces of Wisdom Unit 3: Faith and Wisdom in James Sunday school lesson for the week of August 9, 2020 By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: James 1:19–27 Key Verse: James 1:22 Purpose: To affirm the importance of letting what we say we believe guide our actions A Betrayal of Trust People expect their doctor to be guided by certain specific ethical standards. The Hippocratic Oath is one of the earliest – and...

Click here for a print-friendly version Living Faith Summer Quarter: Many Faces of Wisdom Unit 3: Faith and Wisdom in James Sunday school lesson for the week of August 16, 2020 By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: James 2:14–26 Key Verse: James 2:26 Purpose: To recognize that living faith produces fruitful, faithful service A Good Long Life Abraham. Father Abraham. Father Abraham had many sons. If you grew up going to vacation bible school or summer camp, no apologies if you suddenly...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faith and Wisdom Summer Quarter: Many Faces of Wisdom Unit 3: Faith and Wisdom in James Sunday school lesson for the week of August 2, 2020 By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: James 1:1–11 Key Verse: James 1:5 Purpose: To acknowledge God as the source of wisdom that leads to life Trials and Sufferings My daughters were (and still are) avid readers. They happened to be about the same age as the title character in J. K. Rowling’s novel, “Harry ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Wisdom to Follow Summer Quarter: Many Faces of Wisdom Unit 2: Wisdom in the Gospels Sunday school lesson for the week of July 26, 2020 By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: John 14:1–14 Key Verse: John 14:6 Purpose: To affirm that Jesus shows us the way to live a life that honors God No Place to Call Home This season of isolation, social distancing, and self-quarantine has gone on for much longer than any of us would have imagined. Perhaps you ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Boy Jesus Summer Quarter: Many Faces of Wisdom Unit 2: Wisdom in the Gospels Sunday school lesson for the week of July 12, 2020 By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Luke 2:39-52 Key Verse: Luke 2:40 Purpose: Wisdom is staying focused on God’s ways—no matter what. Focus on the Numbers Katherine Johnson and I share a birthday, but little else. She was born as Creola Katherine Coleman on August 26, 1918, in White Sulphur Springs, West ...

Click here for a print-friendly version The Wisdom of Jesus Summer Quarter: Many Faces of Wisdom Unit 2: Wisdom in the Gospels Sunday school lesson for the week of July 19, 2020 By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Mark 6:1-6 Key Verse: Mark 6:2-3 Purpose: To affirm that God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. A Woman from Tuskegee On December 1, 1955, when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the Cleveland Avenue bus in front of the Empire Theater, she became an ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Vindicating Wisdom Summer Quarter: Many Faces of Wisdom Unit 1: Wisdom in the Gospels Sunday school lesson for the week of July 5, 2020 By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Matthew 11:7-19 Key Verse: Matthew 11:19 Purpose: To acknowledge the resistance people who follow God’s wisdom experience A Matter of Perspective Amy Grant grew up in a religious and loving home in Nashville, Tenn. She regularly attended worship services Sunday morning, ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Receive Wisdom’s Gifts Summer Quarter: Many Faces of Wisdom Unit 1: Wisdom in Proverbs Sunday school lesson for the week of June 21, 2020 By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Proverbs 8 Key Verse: Proverbs 8:10-11 Purpose: To understand that God’s wisdom is more valuable than all the riches of this world Imagining Community As we begin this week, let me invite you to engage in a thought experiment. Let me ask you to imagine the ideal community...

Click here for a print-friendly version Feast with Wisdom Summer Quarter: Many Faces of Wisdom Unit 1: Wisdom in Proverbs Sunday school lesson for the week of June 28, 2020 By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Proverbs 9 Key Verse: Proverbs 9:6 Purpose: To understand the transformation of our world that is possible when we enter into intimate fellowship with God’s wisdom Life around the Table Competing in triathlons has helped me sustain my focus on maintaining my physical ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Value Wisdom
 Summer Quarter: Many Faces of Wisdom Unit 1: Wisdom in Proverbs Sunday school lesson for the week of June 14, 2020 By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Proverbs 2 Key Verse: Proverbs 2:6 Purpose: To understand that God gives wisdom to establish righteousness, justice, and equity In the Know Some of you will remember the E.F. Hutton commercials that ran on TV in the late 70s. There was a room full of people engaged in conversation....

Click here for a print-friendly version Listen to God’s Wisdom Summer Quarter: Many Faces of Wisdom Unit 1: Wisdom in Proverbs Sunday school lesson for the week of June 7, 2020 By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Proverbs 1 Key Verse: Proverbs 1:7 Purpose: To acknowledge that God is the true source of wisdom Hearing through the Noise So much noise. So much confusion. Are you wondering how to sift through it all? Ken Carter, Bishop of the Florida Conference, recently invited those ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Repent of Injustice Spring Quarter: Justice and The Prophets Unit 3: Called to God’s Work of Justice Sunday school lesson for the week of May 24, 2020 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Jeremiah 22:1-10 Key Verse: Jeremiah 22:3 Lesson Aims State promised results of obedience to God and promised consequences for disobedience. Compare and contrast God’s statements regarding social justice and injustice with those in other lessons of this unit. Evaluate...

Click here for a print-friendly version Pursue Love and Justice Spring Quarter: Justice and The Prophets Unit 3: Called to God’s Work of Justice Sunday school lesson for the week of May 31, 2020 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Hosea 11:1,2,7-10; 12:1,2,6-14 Key Verse: Hosea 12:6 Lesson Aims Identify Israel’s problem. Explain whether the predicted consequences of that problem better fit the concept of “restorative” justice or that of “retributive” justice. The writer of the lesson ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Promising Peace Spring Quarter: Justice and The Prophets Unit 3: Called to God’s Work of Justice Sunday school lesson for the week of May 10, 2020 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Zechariah 8:1-8, 11-17 Key Verse: Zechariah 8:15 Lesson Aims Describe the expressions of the peace that God promises. Explain why jealousy is not a sin or character defect when applied to God. Discuss “God’s New Normal” with the class. We are told that there is a little ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Practice Justice Spring Quarter: Justice and The Prophets Unit 3: Called to God’s Work of Justice Sunday school lesson for the week of May 17, 2020 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Jeremiah 21:8-14 Key Verse: Jeremiah 21:12a Lesson Aims Summarize Jeremiah’s message to the people and the royal court. Explain why God’s covenant people sometimes suffered (or seemed to suffer) more severely under his judgmental wrath then did their pagan enemies. Some...

Click here for a print-friendly version Prophesying Restoration Spring Quarter: Justice and The Prophets Unit 3: Called to God’s Work of Justice Sunday school lesson for the week of May 3, 2020 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures: Zephaniah 3:14-20 Key Verse: Zephaniah 3:19 Lesson Aims Identify themes of restoration. Explain the significance of those themes. Why do you think this lesson is important to Christians? The writer of today’s lesson introduces it by pointing out that a small ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Justice-Loving God Spring Quarter: Justice and The Prophets Unit 2: God Promises a Just Kingdom Sunday school lesson for the week of April 26, 2020 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures: Isaiah 61:8-11; 62:2-4a Key Verse: Isaiah 61:8 Lesson Aims Identify the everlasting Covenant. Explain why Old Testament parallelism promotes fuller understanding of the text. Repent of a sin of omission or commission concerning a time he or she promoted or allowed an ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Resurrected Savior Spring Quarter: Justice and The Prophets Unit 2: God Promises a Just Kingdom  Sunday school lesson for the week of April 12, 2020 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, 12-14, 20-23, 42-45 Key Verses: 1 Corinthians 15:19,20  Lesson Aims  List the key elements of the gospel as Paul sees them. Explain why Christ’s resurrection is the key to understanding everyone’s future.  The late James S. Stewart, minister and...

Click here for a print-friendly version An Executed Scoundrel Spring Quarter: Justice and The Prophets Unit 2: God Promises a Just Kingdom  Sunday school lesson for the week of April 19, 2020 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Esther 7:1-10 Key Verse: 7:10  Lesson Aims  State how Haman’s plan backfired. Suggest elements of the account that are more likely to be providential than others. Repent of a sin omission concerning a time when he or she should have opposed injustice but did not do ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Just Servant Spring Quarter: Justice and The Prophets Unit 2: God Promises a Just Kingdom Sunday school lesson for the week of April 5, 2020 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-9 Key Verse: 42:1 Lesson Aims Identify the Lord’s servant and the servant’s task. Explain the fulfillment of the lesson text found in Matthew 12:15-21. Today’s lesson begins Unit 2, which emphasizes God’s promises of a just kingdom. The prophets foretold the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version An Argument Against Corruption Spring Quarter: Justice and The Prophets Unit 1: God Requires Justice Sunday school lesson for the week of March 22, 2020 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Micah 3:1-3, 9-12; 6:6-8 Key Verse: Micah 6:8 Lesson Aims Summarize the condition of Judean leadership of the late eight century. Explain why the requirements of Micah 6:8 were especially necessary for leadership of the day. The book of Micah is another of the 12 ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Need for Just Leaders Spring Quarter: Justice and The Prophets Unit 1: God Requires Justice Sunday school lesson for the week of March 29, 2020 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures: Malachi 2:1-9; 3:5,6 Key Verse: Malachi 2:2 Lesson Aims Describe the conduct of the Judean priesthood of the late fifth century BC. Explain why God held the priesthood to a high standard. Create a plan to improve one aspect of his or her own priestly ministry (I Peter 2:5)....

Click here for a print-friendly version Consequences for Injustice Spring Quarter: Justice and The Prophets Unit 1: God Requires Justice Sunday school lesson for the week of March 15, 2020 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Habakkuk 2:6-14 Key Verse: Habakkuk 2:12 Lesson Aims List some characteristics and consequences of injustice. Contrast “the knowledge of the glory of the Lord” with human knowledge and its consequences. One of the most engrossing scenes in the classic movie “Gone With ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Prayer for Justice Spring Quarter: Justice and The Prophets Unit 1: God Requires Justice  Sunday school lesson for the week of March 8, 2020 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 12-14 Key Verses: Habakkuk 1:13b Lesson Aims Summarize Habakkuk’s two complaints. Explain the specific issue of justice with which Habakkuk was wrestling. Watch and pray to see how God is working in different situations this week. Years ago, the noted jazz ...