May 15, 2023
Click here to download the May 21 Sunday school lesson. Spring Quarter: Jesus Calls Us Unit 3: The Birth of the Church Lesson 12: Week of May 21, 2023 Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures: Acts 8:29-39, 40 Key Verse: Acts 8:38 Lesson Aims Recite from memory the passage from Isaiah studied by Philip and the Ethiopian. Analyze the importance of biblical knowledge for recognizing Christ as the Messiah. List one or more hindrances to recognizing the Spirit’s leading in cross-cultural evangelism ...
May 15, 2023
Click here to download the May 28 Sunday school lesson. Spring Quarter: Jesus Calls Us Unit 3: The Birth of the Church Lesson 13: Week of May 28, 2023 Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures: Acts 9:9-17 Key Verse: Acts 9:17 Lesson Aims Summarize Ananias’s objection and the Lord’s response. Explain the significance of blindness as a possible spiritual metaphor. Cultivate an attitude that seeks clearer spiritual sight. John Newton was an eighteenth-century Englishman who served as captain for ...
May 01, 2023
Click here to download the May 14 Sunday school lesson. Spring Quarter: Jesus Calls Us Unit 3: The Birth of the Church Lesson 11: Week of May 14, 2023 Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures: Acts 3:1-11 Key Verse: Acts 3:8 Lesson Aims Describe the life of the man who was lame. Compare and contrast the people’s reactions to the healing with reactions in Acts 4:1-22 and 14:8-13. Write a prayer for discernment to recognize when to offer Jesus before offering material help. The Lesson Context ...
May 01, 2023
Click here to download the May 7 Sunday school lesson. Spring Quarter: Jesus Calls Us Unit 3: The Birth of the Church Lesson 10: Week of May 7, 2023 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures: Acts 2:1-8, 14-24, 37-40 Key Verse: Acts 2:39 Lesson Aims List the ways the Holy Spirit was active on Pentecost. Explain why the Day of Pentecost was ideal for the birth of the church. Write a prayer for empowerment by the Holy Spirit to follow Jesus more boldly. A taxi driver in New York City said to ...
April 17, 2023
Click here to download the April 23 Sunday school lesson. Spring Quarter: Jesus Calls Us Unit 2: Experiencing the Resurrection Lesson 8: Week of April 23, 2023 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures: John 21:15-19 Key Verse: John 21:15 Lesson Aims Summarize the conversation between the risen Jesus and Peter and the reason(s) for it. Explain the relationship between loving Jesus and caring for his flock. Describe the way he or she will act on that relationship in the coming week. A ...
April 17, 2023
Click here to download the April 30 Sunday school lesson. Spring Quarter: Jesus Calls Us Unit 3: The Birth of the Church Lesson 9: Week of April 30, 2023 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Acts 1:1-11 Key Verse: Acts 1:8a Lesson Aims State the initial sequence of the geographical progression of the gospel message. Analyze what the disciples meant when they asked Jesus about the restoration of Israel. Recommit to the work Jesus has given him or her in accomplishing the gospel mandate. ...
April 01, 2023
Click here to download the April 16 Sunday school lesson. Spring Quarter: Jesus Calls Us Unit 2: Experiencing the Resurrection Lesson 7: Week of April 16, 2023 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures: John 21:1-14 Key Verse: John 21:12 Lesson Aims List key points of the disciples’ third encounter with the resurrected Christ. Provide reasons as to why the disciples did or did not recognize Jesus. Write a prayer asking for eyes that recognize Jesus at work or play this week. Some scholars ...
March 31, 2023
Click here to download the April 9 Sunday School lesson. Spring Quarter: Jesus Calls Us Unit 2: Experiencing the Resurrection Lesson 6: Week of April 9, 2023 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures: Luke 24:13-27, 30-31 Key Verse: Luke 24:31 Lesson Aims Summarize the conversation that took place on the road to Emmaus. Compare and contrast the disciples’ experiences of Jesus when they did not and then did recognize him. Write a prayer for his or her eyes to be opened to Jesus’ presence ...
March 20, 2023
Download the April 2 Sunday school lesson. Spring Quarter: Jesus Calls Us Unit 2: Experiencing the Resurrection Lesson 5: Week of April 2, 2023 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures: Luke 24:1-12 Key Verse: Luke 24:5b-6a Lesson Aims List important facts surrounding the discovery of the empty tomb. Compare and contrast the women’s expectation of the tomb versus its reality. Identify his or her personal expectations that Jesus might upend. If you ever go into an old cemetery and spend ...
March 19, 2023
Download the March 26 Sunday school lesson. March 26 Lesson: Jesus Overpowers Legion Spring Quarter 2023: Jesus Calls Us Unit 1: Called from the Margins of Society Lesson 4: Week of March 26, 2023 By Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures: Mark 5:1-13, 18-20 Key Verse: Mark 5:20 Lesson Aims List some key elements in Jesus’ encounter with the demoniac. Explain the messianic secret and how this story breaks with this theme in Mark’s Gospel. Share testimony about Jesus’ intervention in his or her ...
March 05, 2023
Download the March 19 Sunday school lesson Spring Quarter 2023: Jesus Calls Us Unit 1: Called from the Margins of Society Sunday School Lesson for the week of March 19, 2023 By Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures: John 4:7-15, 28-30, 39-41 Key Verse: John 4:39 Lesson Aims Identify the barriers that Jesus ignored when talking with the Samaritan woman. Explain the significance of Jesus’ discussion with the woman in light of the prevailing cultural, political, and religious taboos he ignored. ...
March 04, 2023
Download the March 12 Sunday school lesson Spring Quarter 2023: Jesus Calls Us Unit 1: Called from the Margins of Society Sunday School Lesson for the week of March 12, 2023 By Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures: Matthew 18:1-9 Key Verse: Matthew 18:4 Lesson Aims Summarize Jesus’ view of greatness. Compare and contrast Jesus’ view of greatness with that of the disciples. State one way that he or she will practice childlike humility in the coming week. As Jesus prepared to journey to ...
February 21, 2023
Download the March 5 Sunday school lesson Spring Quarter 2023: Jesus Calls Us Unit 1: Called from the Margins of Society Sunday School Lesson for the week of March 5, 2023 By Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Luke 15:11-24 Key Verse: Luke 15:21 Lesson Aims Identify the younger son’s choices and the outcome of each choice. Identify who each figure in the parable represents in real life. Today’s lesson begins a new quarter of studies on the exciting theme of “Jesus Calls Us.” According to the...
February 20, 2023
Download a printable version of the Feb. 26 Sunday school lesson Winter Quarter 2022-2023: From Darkness to Light Unit 3: God’s Call Sunday School Lesson for the week of February 26, 2023 By Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1-10 Key Verse But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9) Lesson Aims To retrace the journey ...
February 15, 2023
Download a printable version of the Feb. 19 Sunday school lesson. Winter Quarter 2022-2023: From Darkness to Light Unit 3: God’s Call Sunday School Lesson for the week of February 19, 2023 By Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: James 2:1-12 Key Verse Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? (James 2:5) Lesson Aims · To emphasize the vital connection ...
February 03, 2023
Click here to download a printable version of the February 12 Sunday school lesson. Winter Quarter 2022-2023: From Darkness to Light Unit 3: God’s Call Sunday School Lesson for the week of February 12, 2023 By Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:3-14 Key Verse Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 1:13) Lesson Aim To introduce the idea of reminders and confirmations of the call of God to be a...
January 27, 2023
Click here for a downloadable version of the Feb. 5 Sunday school lesson. Winter Quarter 2022-2023: From Darkness to Light Unit 3: God’s Call Sunday School Lesson for the week of February 5, 2023 By Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Key Verse God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. (1 Corinthians 1:28-29) Lesson Aims To prepare for this unit’s focus ...
January 19, 2023
Click here for a downloadable version of the January 29 lesson. Winter Quarter 2022-2023: From Darkness to Light Unit 2: God’s Promises Sunday School Lesson for the week of January 29, 2023 By Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Joel 2:21-27 Key Verse You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel and that I, the Lord, am your God and there is no other. And my people shall never again be put to shame. (Joel 2:27) Lesson Aims To focus on how we experience God’s presence in our lives To ...
January 13, 2023
Click here for a downloadable version of the January 22 Sunday school lesson. Winter Quarter 2022-2023: From Darkness to Light Unit 2: God’s Promises Sunday School Lesson for the week of January 22, 2023 By Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Isaiah 58:6-10 Key Verse If you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday. (Isaiah 58:10) Lesson Aims To learn how Isaiah 58 provides a unique ...
January 07, 2023
Click here to download the January 15 lesson. Winter Quarter 2022-2023: From Darkness to Light Unit 2: God’s Promises Sunday School Lesson for the week of January 15, 2023 By Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Isaiah 48:3-8a, 17 Key Verse Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord your God, who teaches you how to succeed,who leads you in the way you should go. (Isaiah 48:17) Lesson Aims To examine the reliable map God had given his people through the law and ...
January 04, 2023
Click here to download the January 8 Sunday school lesson. Winter Quarter 2022-2023: From Darkness to Light Unit 2: God’s Promises Sunday School Lesson for the week of January 8, 2023 By Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-4, 10-12 Key Verse But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. (Isaiah 43:1) Lesson Aims To marvel at the way God redeemed and restored his ...
December 15, 2022
Click here to download the January 1 Sunday school lesson. Winter Quarter 2022-2023: From Darkness to Light Unit 2: God’s Promises Sunday School Lesson for the week of January 1, 2023 By Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:12-22 Key Verse: “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) Lesson Aims To set the lesson ...
December 09, 2022
Click here for a downloadable version of the December 25 lesson. Winter Quarter 2022-2023: From Darkness to Light Unit 1: God’s Preparation Sunday School Lesson for the week of December 25, 2022 By Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Luke 1:46-55 Key Verse: And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. (Luke 1:46-47) Lessons Aims To set Mary’s words in the context of her visit with her cousin Elizabeth To examine the literary form of Mary’s words and ...
December 04, 2022
Click here for a printable version of the December 11 Sunday school lesson. Winter Quarter 2022-2023: From Darkness to Light Unit 1: God’s Preparation Sunday School Lesson for the week of December 11, 2022 By Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Luke 1:57-66, 76-79 Key Verse: “And you, my child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways.” Lesson Aims To reflect on the “great mercy” shown by the Lord to Elizabeth and the joy it created To ...
December 04, 2022
Click here to download a printable version of the December 18 lesson. Winter Quarter 2022-2023: From Darkness to Light Unit 1: God’s Preparation Sunday School Lesson for the week of December 18, 2022 By Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Luke 3:2b-6, 15-18 Key Verse: “He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Lesson Aims To explore the reasons the word of God came to John in the wilderness of all places To ponder the ...
November 14, 2022
Click here do download the November 27 Sunday School lesson. Fall Quarter: God’s Exceptional Choice Unit 3: We are God’s Artwork Lesson 13 Sunday School Lesson for the week of November 27, 2022 By Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Acts 19; Ephesians 6:10-24; Revelation 2:1-7 Key Text: Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground, and after you’ve done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13 Lesson Aims To understand the ...
November 13, 2022
Click here do download the November 20 Sunday School lesson. Fall Quarter: God’s Exceptional Choice Unit 3: We are God’s Artwork Lesson 12 Sunday School Lesson for the week of November 20, 2022 By Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Acts 19; Ephesians 2; Revelation 2:1-7 Key Text: We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 Lesson Aims To understand what Paul means when he states we were “spiritually dead.” To...
November 01, 2022
Click here for a downloadable version of this lesson. Christ is Wisdom Fall Quarter: God’s Exceptional Choice Unit 3: We are God’s Artwork Lesson 11 Sunday School Lesson for the week of November 13, 2022 By Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Acts 19; Ephesians 1-15-23; Revelation 2:1-7 Key Text: I pray that the eyes of your hearts may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people. Ephesians 1:18 ...
October 31, 2022
Click here for a downloadable version of this lesson. Fall Quarter: God’s Exceptional Choice Unit 3: We are God’s Artwork Lesson 10 Sunday School Lesson for the week of November 6, 2022 By Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Acts 19; Ephesians 1:1-14, Revelation 2:1-7 Key Text: Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Eph. 1:3 Authors note: All lesson intended to serve as a supplement to the ...
October 16, 2022
Click here for a downloadable version. David Anointed as King Fall Quarter: God’s Exceptional Choice Unit 2: Out of slavery to nationhood Lesson 9 Sunday School Lesson for the week of October 30, 2022 By Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Key Text: The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Sam. 16:7b Lesson Aims To understand the consequences of rash, impulsive judgements and decisions. ...
October 15, 2022
Click here for a downloadable version. Who is King? Fall Quarter: God’s Exceptional Choice Unit 2: Out of slavery to nationhood Lesson 8 Sunday School Lesson for the week of October 23, 2022 By Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: 1 Samuel 8:1-9; 10: 17-26 Key Text: You have now rejected your God, who saves you from all disasters and calamities. And you have said, “No, appoint a king over us.” 1 Samuel 10:19a Lesson Aims: To learn the importance of praying before making decisions. To ...
October 03, 2022
Click here for a downloadable version. The Call of Gideon Fall Quarter: God’s Exceptional Choice Unit 2: Out of slavery to nationhood Lesson 7 Sunday School Lesson for the week of October 16, 2022 By Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Judges 6:1-27 Key Text: “Do not be afraid! You are not going to die!” Judges 6:23 Author’s Note: This lesson is intended to supplement the lessons in the Teacher’s Book. It is written to add other perspectives that might help bring depth, width, and height ...
October 03, 2022
Click here to download a printable version. The Song of Moses Fall Quarter: God’s Exceptional Choice Unit 2: Out of slavery to nationhood Lesson 6 Sunday School Lesson for the week of October 9, 2022 By Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:30-32:47 Key Text: Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of the Law. Deuteronomy 32:46 Lesson Aims: Music: the eternal gift. Music and ...
September 18, 2022
Click here for a downloadable version The Birth of Moses Fall Quarter: God’s Exceptional Choice Unit 2: Out of slavery to nationhood Lesson 5 Sunday School Lesson for the week of October 2, 2022 By Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Exodus 1: 15 – 2:10 Key Text: She became pregnant and gave birth to a son, when she saw that he was a fine child she hid him in the brushes for 3 months. Exodus 2:2 Lesson Aims: The meaning of prevenient grace as it applies to Moses’s life. Recognizing ...
September 18, 2022
Click here for a downloadable version {Please note this Sunday school lesson was updated 9/22) The Scepter Given to Judah Fall Quarter: God’s Exceptional Choice Unit 1: God Calls Abraham’s Family Lesson 4 Sunday School Lesson for the week of September 25, 2022 By Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Genesis 35:22b-26; 38:12-19, 24-26, 49:8-12 Key Text: The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience...
September 04, 2022
Click here for a downloadable version. Fall Quarter: God’s Exceptional Choice Unit 1: God Calls Abraham’s Family Sunday School Lesson for the week of September 11, 2022 By Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Genesis 25:19-34 Key Text The Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” Gen. 25:23 Lesson Aims To recognize the importance of context when ...
September 04, 2022
Click here for a downloadable version. Fall Quarter: God’s Exceptional Choice Unit 1: God Calls Abraham’s Family Lesson 3 Sunday School Lesson for the week of September 18, 2022 By Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Genesis 32:22-32 Key Text: The man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you struggled with God and humans and have overcome.” Lesson Aims To recognize our experiences of “wrestling” with others and God in our modern experiences. To understand the ...
August 29, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version Fall Quarter: God’s Exceptional Choice Unit 1: God Calls Abraham’s Family Sunday School Lesson for the week of September 4, 2022 By Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Genesis 12:1-7; 15:1-7 Lesson Aims To become acquainted with the biblical story of redemption expressed in God’s gift of covenant. To understand the need to recognize human sin, failure and mistake in order to more fully grasp God’s offer of relationship through the covenant with Abram, ...
August 15, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version A Welcoming Invitation Summer Quarter: Partners in a New Creation Unit 3: The Great Hope of the Saints Sunday School Lesson for the week of August 28, 2022 By Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Revelation 22:10-21 Leaning In to the Invitation For this third and last unit of the Summer Quarter, we have been working through the last two chapters of the Book of Revelation. Now, we are in the last lesson of the quarter. Additionally, because Revelation is ...
August 14, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version The River of Life Summer Quarter: Partners in a New Creation Unit 3: The Great Hope of the Saints Sunday School Lesson for the week of August 21, 2022 By Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Revelation 22:1-7 The End of the Story Takes Us Back to the Beginning In today’s lesson we come not just to the last chapter of the Book of Revelation but to the last chapter of the Bible. Think about that. This is where the story of our faith culminates in the ...
August 01, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version A New City Summer Quarter: Partners in a New Creation Unit 3: The Great Hope of the Saints Sunday school lesson for the week of August 14, 2022 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Revelation 21:10-21 Partners in a New Commonwealth The title of this lesson is “A New City.” When we think of cities, we often think of skylines, cityscapes, and SIZE! Perhaps a better word to use then is commonwealth – a new commonwealth. A commonwealth makes you think ...
July 31, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version A New Home Summer Quarter: Partners in a New Creation Unit 3: The Great Hope of the Saints Sunday school lesson for the week of August 7, 2022 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Revelation 21:1-9 The Great Hope of the Saints We are beginning the third and last unit in our Summer Quarter series entitled “Partners in a New Creation.” The New Creation takes center stage in this unit. The title of this unit is “The Great Hope of the Saints.” You could ...
July 17, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version The Word Resurrects Summer Quarter: Partners in a New Creation Unit 2: The Word: The Agent of Creation Sunday school lesson for the week of July 24, 2022 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: John 11:17-27, 38-44 Jesus Prepares for His Seventh and Final Sign In this unit we have been seeking a deeper understanding of the Word as “the agent of creation.” Each lesson has been uncovering another layer of who the Word is and what the Word does. Today’s ...
July 17, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version The Word Gives Peace Summer Quarter: Partners in a New Creation Unit 2: The Word: The Agent of Creation Sunday school lesson for the week of July 31, 2022 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: John 14:15-29 Jesus Prepares the Disciples for His Departure As we have said before, John’s gospel is unique. One interesting feature in John’s gospel is how Jesus often explained the meaning of an event before it happened. When the event happens, we remember ...
July 05, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version The Word Heals Summer Quarter: Partners in a New Creation Unit 2: The Word: The Agent of Creation Sunday school lesson for the week of July 10, 2022 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: John 4:46-54 The Signs that Call Us to Believe There are two emphases in this unit: 1) the Word as the agent of creation, and 2) the power of believing the Word. We learned last week that all who receive the Word and believe in his name, he gives “power to become ...
July 05, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version The Word Saves Summer Quarter: Partners in a New Creation Unit 2: The Word: The Agent of Creation Sunday school lesson for the week of July 17, 2022 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: John 12:44-50 Understanding the Mission of Jesus Once Jesus began his public ministry, we see a person who was guided intensely by his mission. His mission gave his life focus. We see this focus in all four gospels. In the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), ...
June 12, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version The Word Becomes Flesh Summer Quarter: Partners in a New Creation Unit 2: The Word: The Agent of Creation Sunday school lesson for the week of July 3, 2022 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: John 1:1-14 The Word: The Agent of Creation The theme for the Summer Quarter is “Partners in a New Creation.” We are exploring our partnership with God in all that God is creating anew in, through, and around us. We began our exploration in the Book of Isaiah ...
June 12, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version God’s People Shall Prosper Summer Quarter: Partners in a New Creation Unit 1: God Delivers and Restores Sunday school lesson for the week of June 19, 2022 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Isaiah 49:18-23 Look at All the People Being Gathered 18Lift up your eyes all around and see; they all gather, they come to you. As I live, says the Lord, you shall put all of them on like an ornament, and like a bride you shall bind them on. You might ...
June 12, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version God Offers Deliverance Summer Quarter: Partners in a New Creation Unit 1: God Delivers and Restores Sunday school lesson for the week of June 26, 2022 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Isaiah 51:1-8 Strength to Pursue Righteousness 51 Listen to me, you that pursue righteousness, you that seek the Lord. Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug. 2 Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; ...
May 31, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version God Foretells Redemption Summer Quarter: Partners in a New Creation Unit 1: God Delivers and Restores Sunday school lesson for the week of June 12, 2022 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson Scripture: Isaiah 49:1-13 When God Has Bigger Plans It is important to remember the larger context of our lesson scripture, which starts with the section of Isaiah beginning with Chapter 40. The words and images in this part of Isaiah are so powerful because they are giving ...
May 31, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version God Foretells Destruction Summer Quarter: Partners in a New Creation Unit 1: God Delivers and Restores Sunday school lesson for the week of June 5, 2022 By Dr. Jay Harris Lesson scripture: Isaiah 47:10-15 The summer’s theme: Partners in a New Creation In this season we will be exploring the partnership between God and us in a new creation. We will learn more about who God is and who we are in relation to God. We will learn about the new creation God...
May 16, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version Freedom, Love, and Faith Spring Quarter: God Frees and God Redeems Unit 3: Liberating Letters Sunday school lesson for the week of May 22, 2022 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Galatians 5:1-15 Key Verse: Galatians 5:14 Lesson Aims Identify the key traits of a life free in Christ. Explain the connection between the law, faith and love. Plan one way to serve his or her neighbors as a practice of living a life of freedom in Christ. Christian ...
May 16, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version The Fruit of Freedom Spring Quarter: God Frees and God Redeems Unit 3: Liberating Letters Sunday school lesson for the week of May 29, 2022 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26 Key Verse: Galatians 5:25 Lesson Aims List characteristics of life in the flesh and life in the Spirit. Explain how elements of “fruit” of the Spirit and “acts of the flesh” can be rank-ordered as to importance of why such an attempt should not be made. ...
May 01, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version Freedom and the Law Spring Quarter: God Frees and God Redeems Unit 3: Liberating Letters Sunday school lesson for the week of May 15, 2022 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Galatians 3:18-29 Key Verse: Galatians 3:29 Lesson Aims Summarize what makes a person a child of God through faith in Christ. Compare and contrast life under the law with a life of faith in Christ. Write out the promises God has made to him or her as an heir. If you have ever ...
May 01, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version Freedom For The Future Spring Quarter: God Frees and God Redeems Unit 3: Liberating Letters Sunday school lesson for the week of May 8, 2022 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Romans 8:18-30 Key Verse: Romans 8:18 Lesson Aims List ways in which the Holy Spirit is active in the lives of believers. Give an example from Scripture where the Holy Spirit interceded for believers. Write a prayer to thank God for his presence during a difficult time. ...
April 17, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version Freedom in the King Spring Quarter: God Frees and Redeems Unit 2: Liberating Gospels Sunday school lesson for the week of April 24, 2022 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: John 8:31-38 Key Verse: John 8:36 Lesson Aims Identify the two referred to as “Father” and “father.” Explain the nature of the freedom available in the Son. Create a list of ways to continue abiding in Jesus. The writer of today’s lesson tells us that freedom “can be looked at ...
April 17, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version Freedom From Sin Spring Quarter: God Frees and Redeems Unit 3: Liberating Letters Sunday school lesson for the week of May 1, 2022 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Romans 6:1-14 Key Verse: Romans 6:5 Lesson Aims State the result of dying with Christ. Compare and contrast the old self with the new self. Share a plan of becoming a more effective instrument of righteousness. The Civil War ended in 1865 with a Union victory. The battle for freedom was...
March 31, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version Passover with the King Spring Quarter: God Frees and Redeems Unit 2: Liberating Gospels Sunday school lesson for the week of April 10, 2022 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures: Matthew 26: 17-30 Key Verse: Matthew 26:29 Lesson Aims Summarize what Jesus said at the last supper. Explain the historic significance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread and Passover Suggest a way to improve his or her church’s observance of the Lord’s Supper. The story is told ...
March 31, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version Resurrection of the King Spring Quarter: God Frees and Redeems Unit 2: Liberating Gospels Sunday school lesson for the week of April 17, 2022 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10 Key Verse: Matthew 28:10 Lesson Aims List facts of Jesus’ first post-resurrection appearance in Matthew’s account. Compare and contrast that account with those of the other Gospels. Sing with fellow classmates “Because He Lives” as an act of communal worship. ...
March 29, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version Triumphal Entry of the King Spring Quarter: God Frees and Redeems Unit 2: Liberating Gospels Sunday school lesson for the week of April 3, 2022 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures: Matthew 21:1-11 Key Verse: Matthew 21:5 Lesson Aims List the details of the triumphal entry. Explain Matthew’s use of Zechariah 9:9 Express worship to the Lord by writing a poem, prayer, or devotional thought. A teenage acolyte was standing with the cross at the head of ...
March 21, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version Because of the Lord Spring Quarter: God Frees and Redeems Unit 1: Liberating Passover Sunday school lesson for the week of March 27, 2022 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Deuteronomy 8 Key Text: “Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day.” Deuteronomy 8:11 Lesson Aims To understand why we are called to respond to the Word of the Lord with ...
March 14, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version Free to Celebrate Spring Quarter: God Frees and Redeems Unit 1: Liberating Passover Sunday school lesson for the week of March 20, 2022 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Ezra 6:13-22; Leviticus 23:4-8 Key Text: “The people of Israel – the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the exiles – celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy.” Ezra 6:16 Lesson Aims To realize God’s providential care in the life of His people. To recognize...
February 28, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version Free to Worship Spring Quarter: God Frees and Redeems Unit 1: Liberating Passover Sunday school lesson for the week of March 13, 2022 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures: Ezra 6:1-12 Key Verse: Ezra 6:12a Lesson Aims List the main points of the decree. Compare and contrast the decree of Darius with that of Cyrus (last week’s lesson). Commit to praying for opportunities to practice faithfulness in the tasks that God has assigned. The once exiled ...
February 28, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version Freed from Captivity Spring Quarter: God Frees and Redeems Unit 1: Liberating Passover Sunday school lesson for the week of March 6, 2022 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures: Ezra 1:1-8; 2:64-70 Key Verse: Ezra 2:68 Lesson Aims Recount the who, what, when, where, why, and how of Cyrus’s proclamation and its result. Explain the significance of King Cyrus’s proclamation The subject of the Spring Quarter lessons is “God Frees and Redeems.” According to...
February 13, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version Bildad Misspeaks/God’s Justice Winter Quarter: Justice, Law, History Unit 3: Justice and Adversity Sunday school lesson for the week of February 20, 2022 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Job 8 Key Scripture (NIV): “Bildad the Shuhite replied: ‘How long will you say such things? Your words are a blustering wind.’” Job 8:1-2 Lesson Aims To better understand the background of Job and the book of Job. To recognize the theological issue being...
February 13, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version Job and the Just God Winter Quarter: Justice, Law, History Unit 3: Justice and Adversity Sunday school lesson for the week of February 27, 2022 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Job 42 Key Scripture (NIV): “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.” Job 42:3b-c Lesson Aims To realize God’s greatness in contrast to our limitations. To embrace the importance of humility in our relationship with God....
January 31, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version Ezra and the Law Winter Quarter: Justice, Law, History Unit 3: Justice and Adversity Sunday school lesson for the week of February 13, 2022 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: Ezra 7:1-26 Key Scripture (NIV): “Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and so teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” Ezra 7:10 Lesson Aims To learn the historical background of post-exilic Israel. To learn the importance of ...
January 31, 2022
Click here for a print-friendly version Injustice and Fairness Winter Quarter: Justice, Law, History Unit 3: Justice and Adversity Sunday school lesson for the week of February 6, 2022 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Background Scripture: II Samuel 12 Key Scripture (NIV): “Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man!’” II Samuel 12:7a. Lesson Aims To learn the truth our sins indeed find us out. To understand the consequences of guilt and rationalization. To embrace the importance of honest confession. ...
January 17, 2022
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 ...
January 17, 2022
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 ...
January 03, 2022
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 ...
January 03, 2022
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 ...
December 19, 2021
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 ...
December 19, 2021
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 ...
December 06, 2021
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 ...
December 06, 2021
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...
November 14, 2021
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 ...
November 14, 2021
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 ...
November 13, 2021
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 ...
November 01, 2021
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 ...
October 31, 2021
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...
October 14, 2021
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 ...
October 14, 2021
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 ...
October 03, 2021
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 ...
October 03, 2021
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...
September 16, 2021
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 ...
September 16, 2021
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 ...
September 02, 2021
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 ...
September 02, 2021
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 ...
August 16, 2021
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 ...
August 16, 2021
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 ...
August 16, 2021
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....
August 01, 2021
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...
August 01, 2021
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...
July 18, 2021
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 ...
July 18, 2021
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 ...
July 05, 2021
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....
July 05, 2021
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 ...
June 19, 2021
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...
June 19, 2021
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 ...