Sunday School Lessons

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 ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Ever-Persevering Petitions Winter Quarter: Honoring God Sunday school lesson for the week of February 23, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Luke 11:1-13 Key Verse: Luke 11:19 I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Lesson Aim: To understand the act of persistent, persevering prayer and the nature of God as expressed in Jesus’ parable. (Clarification: Most often the...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Call to Accountability Spring Quarter: Justice and The Prophets Unit 1: God Requires Justice  Sunday school lesson for the week of March 1, 2020 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures: Amos 5:18-24 Key Verses: Amos 5:24  Lesson Aim:  Summarize the misconceptions concerning the day of the Lord. Explain why the Lord detested the people’s worship rituals Focus on one lifestyle change that will improve your obedience to the imperative of the key verse.  ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Kingdom-Seeking Prayer Winter Quarter: Honoring God Sunday school lesson for the week of February 16, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Matthew 6:9-15 Key Verse: Matthew 6:10 Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Lesson Aim: To understand the historical significance of the Lord’s Prayer, its role in Jesus’ ministry, and its significant content. Historical, Geographical, and Experiential Background for Text: ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God-honoring Piety Winter Quarter: Honoring God Sunday school lesson for the week of February 9, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Matthew 6:1-8 Secondary study text for reading: Ecclesiastes 5:1-6 Key Verse: Matthew 6:1 Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do you will have no reward in heaven. Lesson Goal: To note and understand the stark distinction Jesus makes between self-serving...

Click here for a print-friendly version Single-Minded Obedience Winter Quarter: Honoring God Sunday school lesson for the week of February 2, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11 Key Verse: Matthew 4:10 “Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” Lesson Aim: What purpose was served in the ministry of Jesus through the temptation in the wilderness? What responses to such temptations do we learn from ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Solomon Anticipates Praise Winter Quarter: Honoring God Sunday school lesson for the week of January 26, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: I Kings 8:54-66 and II Chronicles 7:4-9 Key Verse: I Kings 8:57,58 “May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us. May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in obedience to him and keep the commands, decrees and laws he gave our ancestors.” Historical,...

Click here for a print-friendly version Solomon Speaks to the People Winter Quarter: Honoring God Sunday school lesson for the week of January 12, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: I Kings 8: 14-21 Supplementary text: 2 Chronicles 6 Key Verse: I Kings 8:15 “Praise to the Lord, the God of Israel, who with his own hand has fulfilled what he promised with his own mouth to my father David.” Aim and Goal of the Lesson To hear Solomon’s blessing upon his people, a historical ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Solomon Seeks God’s Blessing Winter Quarter: Honoring God Sunday school lesson for the week of January 19, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: I Kings 8:22-53 Supplementary text: 2 Chronicles 6:12-42 Key Verse: I Kings 8:30 “Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear forgive.” Aim and Goal of the Lesson Understanding the Lord we...

Click here for a print-friendly version Mary’s Praise Winter Quarter: Honoring God Sunday school lesson for the week of December 22, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Luke 1: 39-56 Key Verse: Luke 1:46-47 “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” Aim and Goal of the Lesson To study the events leading to the beautiful, inspired Magnificat. To recognize the contrasts and comparisons in this narrative that help us grasp the full wonder and meaning of ...

Click here for a print-friendly version David’s Prayer Winter Quarter: Honoring God Sunday school lesson for the week of December 29, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: I Chronicles 17: 16-27 Supplementary text: II Samuel 7: 17-25 Key Verse: I Chronicles 17:20 “There is no one like you, Lord, and there is no God but you, and we have heard with our own ears.” Aim and Goal of the Lesson To comprehend the beauty and humanity of David’s prayer. To recognize the power of acceptance ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Solomon Summons the Ark Winter Quarter: Honoring God Sunday school lesson for the week of January 5, 2020 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: I Kings 8: 1-13 Supplementary text: 2 Chronicles 5: 1-14 Key Verse: I Kings 8:13 “I have indeed built a magnificent temple for you, a place for you to dwell forever.” Aim and Goal of the Lesson To gain an understanding of the significance and context of moving the Ark of the Covenant into the newly ...

Click here for a print-friendly version David’s Gratitude Winter Quarter: Honoring God Sunday school lesson for the week of December 8, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: I Chronicles 16:7-36 Key Verse: I Chronicles 16:8 “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.” Aim and Goal of the Lesson To learn to appreciate and understand the depth, height, and depth of what it means to praise the Lord. Historical, Geographical, ...

Click here for a print-friendly version David’s House Winter Quarter: Honoring God Sunday school lesson for the week of December 15, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: II Samuel 7:1-17, 24:18-25; I Chronicles 17: 1-15, 21:18-31 Key Verse: I Chronicles 17:11, 12 “When your days are over and you go to be with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for me, and I will ...

Click here for a print-friendly version David’s Worship Winter Quarter: Honoring God Sunday school lesson for the week of December 1, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: I Chronicles 15:1-3, 14-16, 25-29a Key Verse: I Chronicles 15:28 “And all Israel brought up the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord, with shouts and the sounding of rams’ horns, and trumpets and of cymbals and the playing of lyres and harps.” Aim and Goal of the Lesson To learn the importance of the sacred in life, ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faith That Escapes Corruption Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of November 24, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: 2 Peter 1 Key Verse: 2 Peter 1:4 Key Verse: “He has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” Aim and goal of the lesson To be reminded of how precious is ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faith That Sets an Example Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of November 10, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: I Thessalonians 1: 2-10 Key Verse: I Thessalonians 1: 7-8a You became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia – your faith in God has become known everywhere. Geographical and other background information ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faith That Is Focused Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of November 17, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: I Peter I: 13-25 Key Verse: I Peter 14-15 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do. Geographical and other background information for text The first letter of Peter is addressed ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Humble Faith Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of October 20, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Luke 7:1-10 Key Verse: Luke 7:7 I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. Lesson Aim: To understand and learn the important role of humility in faith and life. Geographical Context Jesus has finished giving the Sermon on the Plain just outside ...

Click here for a print-friendly version  Grateful Faith Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of October 27, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Luke 7:37-48 Key Verse: Luke 7:38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. Lesson Aim: To understand and learn the important role of generosity and gratitude in faith and life. To ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faith That Is Tested Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of November 3, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: II Corinthians 13: 1-11 Key Verse: II Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you – unless of course you fail the test? Lesson Aim: To learn that each Christian must test themselves before judging ...

For years, the South Georgia Advocate has provided weekly Sunday school lessons as a resource to churches and Sunday school teachers. We are profoundly grateful for the gifted and Spirit-led writers – all South Georgia Conference laity and clergy – who have given of their time and talents to provide this much loved and well-used resource. This fall, Cokesbury departed from the Scope and Sequence of the Uniform Series for their Adult Bible Studies (the quarterly curriculum published by United ...

For the fall quarter, we are using the Adult Bible Study for Fall 2019. It follows the Standard Lesson Quarterly, based on the International Sunday School Lessons (ISSL)/Uniform Series. To help us make a decision about the curriculum we (the South Georgia Advocate) will use for Winter 2019 and beyond, please complete this survey: click here. Click here for a print-friendly version Obedient Faith Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of October 6, 2019 By ...

For the fall quarter, we are using the Adult Bible Study for Fall 2019. It follows the Standard Lesson Quarterly, based on the International Sunday School Lessons (ISSL)/Uniform Series. To help us make a decision about the curriculum we (the South Georgia Advocate) will use for Winter 2019 and beyond, please complete this survey: click here. Click here for a print-friendly version Active Faith Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of October 13, 2019 By ...

For the fall quarter, we are using the Adult Bible Study for Fall 2019. It follows the Standard Lesson Quarterly, based on the International Sunday School Lessons (ISSL)/Uniform Series. To help us make a decision about the curriculum for Winter 2019 and beyond, please complete this survey: click here. Click here for a print-friendly version Faithful Despite Unfaithfulness Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of September 22, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard ...

For the fall quarter, we are using the Adult Bible Study for Fall 2019. It follows the Standard Lesson Quarterly, based on the International Sunday School Lessons (ISSL)/Uniform Series. To help us make a decision about the curriculum for Winter 2019 and beyond, please complete this survey: click here. Click here for a print-friendly version Faithful During Consequence Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of September 29, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard ...

For the fall quarter, we are using the Cokesbury Adult Bible Study for Fall 2019. It follows the Standard Lesson Quarterly, based on the International Sunday School Lessons (ISSL)/Uniform Series.  Click here for a print-friendly version Faithful During Uncertainty Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of September 15, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Exodus 16 Key Verse: Exodus 16: 15 “When the Israelites saw it they said to each other, ‘...

For the fall quarter, we are using the Cokesbury Adult Bible Study for Fall 2019. It follows the Standard Lesson Quarterly, based on the International Sunday School Lessons (ISSL)/Uniform Series.  Click here for a print-friendly version Faithful During Grief Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of September 8, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: I Samuel 1:1-2:10 Key Verse: I Samuel 1:17 Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Covenant of Mutual Love Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 3: Covenant: A Personal Perspective Sunday school lesson for the week of August 25, 2019  By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Ephesians 5:21-33 Key Verse: Ephesians 5:21 Purpose: To embody God’s self-giving and self-emptying love in the covenant of marriage Once upon a time “There’s a universal desire to discover love and it can be hard to find, but that’s where we step in — we ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Faithful During Distress Fall Quarter: Responding to God’s Grace Sunday school lesson for the week of September 1, 2019 By Dr. D. Craig Rikard Lesson Scripture: Genesis 19: 1, 4, 5, 15-26, 29 Key Verse: Genesis 19:29 When God destroyed the cities on the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived. Lesson Aim: to understand, experience, and respond to God’s grace in the midst ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Mother-Daughter Covenant Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 3: Covenant: A Personal Perspective Sunday school lesson for the week of August 11, 2019  By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Ruth 1:6-11, 14-18 Key Verse: Ruth 1:16 Purpose: To reflect on how vows inspire us to love and commit to others “My ancestor was a wandering Aramean” Of all the people featured in scripture, there are very few who live their lives without finding ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Covenant to Marry Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 3: Covenant: A Personal Perspective Sunday school lesson for the week of August 18, 2019  By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Ruth 3:1-6, 8-12, 16-18  Key Verse: Ruth 3:10 Purpose: To recognize the risk and the reward that comes with covenantal love A Chance to Build a Decent Life Following the Second World War, millions of Europeans had fled or lost their homes. Some of them had ...

Click here for a print-friendly version A Covenant between Friends Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 3: Covenant: A Personal Perspective Sunday school lesson for the week of August 4, 2019  By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:1-5; 19:1-7 Key Verse: 1 Samuel 18:1 Purpose: To understand how God’s covenant love shapes and transforms our friendship with others A mirror to reflect your soul It is rare for a week to go by and not get a “friend request” on Facebook. Most ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Encourage One Another Jesus Teaches about Spiritual Discernment Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 2: A Heartfelt Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of July 28, 2019  By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Matthew 7:1-6, 15-23 Key Verses: Matthew 7:15-16 Purpose: To examine ourselves honestly in light of God’s truth and love A Long and Honorable Tradition You have heard the news: “Today a federal grand jury returned a six-count ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Jesus Teaches Us to Love One Another Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 2: A Heartfelt Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of July 14, 2019  By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Matthew 5:21-32  Key Verses: Matthew 5:23-24 Purpose: To meet each broken relationship with the hope of reconciliation. To Love and To Cherish The sanctuary was even more beautiful than usual. More flowers. More candles. And there were more people in the pews, as ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Jesus Teaches about Transforming Love  Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 2: A Heartfelt Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of July 21, 2019  By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48 Key Verses: Matthew 5:43-44 Purpose: To discover the love that overcomes evil with goodness Yours, Mine, and Ours This happened many years ago, so I may not remember all of the details exactly.  Laine and I were visiting some friends of hers in ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Jesus Teaches about Right Attitudes Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 2: A Heartfelt Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of June 30, 2019  By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12 Key Verse: Matthew 5:12 Purpose: To embrace Jesus’ teachings amidst today’s struggles and difficulties. Mountains to Climb There is something about mountains. While some people may prefer a visit to the beach, most people will tell you the mountains ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Jesus Teaches about Fulfilling the Law Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 2: A Heartfelt Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of July 7, 2019  By Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Matthew 5:13-20 Key Verse: Matthew 5:16 Purpose: To heed Jesus’ call to be a model of faith to those around us. Let Your Light Shine I worked at a summer camp in North Carolina while I was in college. It was a residential camp for children ages six to 16. The camp had...

Click here for a print-friendly version The New Covenant’s Sacrifice Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 1: A Fulfilled Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of June 16, 2019  By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Hebrews 9:11-28 Key Verse: Hebrews 9:22 Purpose: To consider how the blood of Jesus symbolizes life, healing, cleansing, and forgiveness. Blood Saves Lives There’s reason why there are so many lawyers on television urging you to call them when you have a wreck. ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Hearts United in Love Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 1: A Fulfilled Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of June 23, 2019  By Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Colossians 2:1-15 Key Verse: Colossians 2:6-7 Purpose: To deepen commitment to faith that is rooted and built on Christ. Agriculture and Architecture Agriculture has to do with cultivating the land, raising crops, and getting those crops to market so they can feed people. ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Jesus Institutes the New Covenant Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 1: A Fulfilled Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of June 2, 2019  By Rev. Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Mark 14:17-24; Hebrews 8:6-7, 10-1 Key Verse: Hebrews 8:6 Purpose: To explore the amazing promise and invitation of the new covenant embodied through Jesus. This Is Life Agreements are an essential part of life. They are so numerous and commonplace that you may ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Jesus Seals the New Covenant Summer Quarter: Living in Covenant  Unit 1: A Fulfilled Covenant Sunday school lesson for the week of June 9, 2019  By Ashley Randall Lesson Scripture: Mark 15:6-15, 25-26, 33-39 Key Verse: Mark 15:39 Purpose: To recognize how God through Christ restores our relationship with God and others. “First, do no harm…” If you have a chronic medical condition, regular visits to the doctor are a part of your routine. Some folks ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Be Transformed Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 3: Call to Life in Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of May 26, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Romans 12:1-8 Key Verse: Romans 12:1 Lesson Aims To commit to a life of sacrificial service to others as an obedient disciple of Jesus Christ. To understand the importance of spiritual gifts. In a number of Paul’s letters, he spent the first part of the epistle ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Mutual Acceptance Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 3: Call to Life in Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of May 19, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Romans 11:11-24 Key Verse: Romans 11:18 Lesson Aims To realize how easily pride can destroy effective Christian discipleship. To understand the components of Paul’s analogy of the olive tree and why they are important today. As Paul’s letter to the church in Rome ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Life in the Spirit Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 3: Call to Life in Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of May 12, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Romans 8:1-14 Key Verse: Romans 8:1 Lesson Aim To grasp what it means to live in the Spirit. In recent years, researchers have detected an increase in spiritual interest among people. At the same time, they have detected no increases in church affiliation or ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Believe the Resurrection Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 2: Call to Ministry Sunday school lesson for the week of April 21, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Matthew 4:12-22 Key Verse: Matthew 4:19 Lesson Aims To celebrate the joy and hope of Easter as we proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Compare and contrast the reactions of those who became aware that Jesus’ body was missing. It has been noted that an online ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Make Disciples Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 2: Call to Ministry Sunday school lesson for the week of April 28, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Mathew 28:16-20; Acts 1:6-8 Key Verse: Matthew 28:19-20 Lesson Aims Give the content of Jesus’ commissions. To accept Jesus’ call and commission to make disciples. To be effective, churches need to know where they are going. They need to know what business they are in and ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Righteousness Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 3: Call to Life in Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of May 5, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Romans 3:21-31 Key Verse: Romans 3:24, 25 Lesson Aims Explain how God maintains his just nature while providing a way for sinful humans to be justified. To acknowledge our sinful nature and accept God’s forgiving grace. Since we are going to be dealing with the Book of ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Mission Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 2: Call to Ministry Sunday school lesson for the week of April 7, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Matthew 10:1-15 Key Verse: Matthew 10:1 Lesson Aims Explain Jesus’ mission instructions to the 12. To learn to accept the authority Jesus gives us to further his mission. The purpose of today’s lesson is to learn to accept the authority Jesus gives us to further his mission. It is ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Remember Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 2: Call to Ministry Sunday school lesson for the week of April 14, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Matthew 26:1-13 Key Verse: Matthew 26:13 Lesson Aims Locate events within Jesus’ final week. Contrast the religious leaders’ hostility toward Jesus with Mary’s expression of love for him. It is reported that back in 1912 President William Howard Taft was attending a Washington ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Repent Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 1: Call to Discipleship Sunday school lesson for the week of March 24, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Luke 19:1-10 Key Verses: Luke 19:10 Lesson Aims Recall details of the story of Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus. Illustrate the transforming effect of God’s grace through the example of Zacchaeus. What is the measure of your life? A number of people help you in this ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Follow Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 2: Call to Ministry Sunday school lesson for the week of March 31, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Matthew 4:12-22 Key Verse: Matthew 4:19 Lesson Aims Recall the reason for the need to repent. Explain the relationship between repentance and the kingdom of heaven. It is commonly understood that Matthew is the gospel which was written for the Jews. It was written by a Jew in order ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Sacrifice Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 1: Call to Discipleship Sunday school lesson for the week of March 10, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures: Mark 1:16-20; Luke 14:25-33 Key Verse: Luke 14:27 Lesson Aims Restate Jesus’ concept of discipleship. Explain how a Christian is to evaluate commitments in light of the call of discipleship. How many times have we heard or read stories about the percentage of people who ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Return Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 1: Call to Discipleship Sunday school lesson for the week of March 17, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scriptures:  Luke 15:11-24 Key Verses: Luke 15:22, 24 Lesson Aims Recall the details of the parable of the prodigal son. Interpret the parable as illustrating God’s response to the repentant sinner. Not long ago, I was talking with a friend about the difficulty of preaching and teaching on...

Click here for a print-friendly version Living with God’s Loving Assurance Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 3: Songs that Glorify the God of Love Sunday school lesson for the week of February 24, 2019 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: Psalm 91: 1-8, 11-16 Background Scripture: Psalm 91 Before we begin this lesson, allow us a personal word. We complete eight years of writing the Winter Quarter lessons for the Advocate. When we began writing in September, there were no ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Called to Serve Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 1: Call to Discipleship Sunday school lesson for the week of March 3, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Luke 14:7-14 Key Verse: Luke 14:11 Lesson Aims Describe Jesus’ view of humility. Distinguish between behaviors that indicate humility and those that don’t. The theme of the Spring Quarter is “Discipleship and Mission.” When the question is asked, “What do you do?” typically the ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Our Loving God Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 3: Songs that Glorify the God of Love Sunday school lesson for the week of February 10, 2019 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: Psalm 48 In this final unit of the Winter Quarter we will focus on three psalms. Hopefully, you remember we studied Psalm 103 on December 16. A careful review of lesson 3 (December 16) would add to your appreciation of the literary form and power of the Psalms ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Praising God’s Mighty Works Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 3: Songs that Glorify the God of Love Sunday school lesson for the week of February 17, 2019 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: Psalm 66 Hopefully, during this lesson series we have acquired an increased appreciation of the Book of Psalms as the hymnbook of the Hebrew people. In this, the third psalm we will study this quarter, we continue to see the gamut of emotions, ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Imitate Christ Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 2: Loving God by Trusting Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of January 27, 2019 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11 We have two more lessons from Paul’s beautiful, loving letter to the Philippians. Why not take the time to read the entire letter and not chop it up into sections for Sunday school? Get a feel for his heart as he communicates in prison from Rome, ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Press On In Christ Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 2: Loving God by Trusting Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of February 3, 2019 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: Philippians 3:7-14 As we complete this unit with our last lesson based on Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi, let us rejoice in the courageous voice of him who writes from prison to express gratitude for a gift of love. The gift was hand-delivered by ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Submit to God Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 2: Loving God by Trusting Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of January 13, 2019 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: James 4: 1-10 Four or five men were named James in the New Testament. The writer of the book bearing this name was likely the brother of Jesus. He never claims the authority of the family relationship, simply calling himself “a servant of God.” Josephus, the Jewish ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Rejoice in All Circumstances Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 2: Loving God by Trusting Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of January 20, 2019 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: Philippians 1:12-21 Hallelujah! What a lesson lies before us, as we join the voices across the centuries in giving thanks for Paul’s letter to the “saints in Philippi!” What a contrast in tone and content from last week’s tough message from James! Paul’...

Click here for a print-friendly version Love God for the Gift of Jesus Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 1: God Is Worthy of Our Love Sunday school lesson for the week of December 23, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: Luke 1:26-31; Luke 2:22, 25-35 Although our scripture has verses specified for this week, we think you should read the intervening verses as well. Context is critical to understanding the scriptures, and connecting the dots here will add meaning to your ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Love God and Serve Others Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 1: God Is Worthy of Our Love Sunday school lesson for the week of December 30, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: Matthew 25: 31-46 The time is Holy Week 29 CE. The place is Jerusalem. The setting is two days before Passover. His enemies are plotting, and Jesus knows it. Shouldn’t we pay close attention to what he says? When someone is close to death, and they know it, ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Walk in Love Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 2: Loving God by Trusting Christ Sunday school lesson for the week of January 6, 2019 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: II Thessalonians 3: 1-5; 2 John 4-11 Greetings on this Epiphany Sunday, the Twelfth Day of Christmas! Also, Happy New Year! We pray you have had a blessed Christmas. Our unit title would make the greatest of all New Year’s resolutions: “Loving God by Trusting Christ.”  ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Love and Serve God Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 1: God Is Worthy of Our Love Sunday school lesson for the week of December 9, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: Joshua 24 As last week’s lesson focused on Moses’ final words to his people before his death and their entrance into Canaan, so this week we listen to what Joshua said to the Israelites before his death, after they had conquered and were living in the Promised Land. ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Love and Worship God Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 1: God Is Worthy of Our Love Sunday school lesson for the week of December 16, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: Psalm 103 The pattern of our study this quarter should be clear to all. The response we are to make to God is obedience, service, and, this week, worship. Our studies have focused on the giants of Hebrew history – Moses, Joshua, and today, David. With David, we ...

Click here for a print-friendly version God Blesses Jacob and Rachel Fall Quarter: God’s World and God’s People Unit 3: God Blesses and Creates Regardless Sunday school lesson for the week of November 25, 2018 By Dr. Nita Crump Lesson Scripture: Genesis 30 Key Verses: Genesis 30:22 Purpose: To marvel that God’s blessings are not contingent on whether we are morally upright. Once again, as we study Genesis, we find ourselves involved with Jacob. Jacob, the son of Isaac and grandson of ...

Click here for a print-friendly version Love and Obey God Winter Quarter: Our Love For God Unit 1: God Is Worthy of Our Love Sunday school lesson for the week of December 2, 2018 By Helen and Rev. Sam Rogers Lesson Scripture: Deuteronomy 6: 1-9 This quarter our focus will be on “Our Love for God,” and we begin with how “God Is Worthy of our Love.”  Our verses for study this week are the source of one of the most famous passages in the Old Testament – the Shema: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is ...