For February 15

News

1. Attendance 2/8/09 -- We had 591 in Sunday School Sunday!! 315 at 8:30 and 276 at 9:45!

2. Discipleship Classes!! -- Classes have already started but you can still join today. Encourage class members to come Sunday night 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. and become part of one of the classes offered.

3. CARE Ministry -- If your class has not been involved in the CARE ministry on Tuesday nights, please come out and get involved. One class that has consistently been involved in CARE has grown twofold in attendance. CARE is every Tuesday night -- supper at 5:30, activities at 6:00 p.m.

4. Spring Sunday School Curriculum -- All adult classes will be using Explore the Bible curriculum during the March, April, and May months. This Sunday you will see this curriculum in your classroom to be distributed to students. You can also pick up your teaching materials.

Lesson Supplements for February 15

Bible Studies for Life
"Show Fresh Respect"
Genesis 3:20 - 4:26

The lesson for this Sunday is the annual emphasis on the Sanctity of Human Life. It is about showing godly respect for all human life from conception to natural death. Usually, the most obvious issue that arises with lessons like this is the issue of abortion, and it should be emphasized. Some 50 million abortions worldwide have occurred in the last thirty plus years. These are known abortions. There could be many more unrecorded. Practically every day you can see stories in the news related to this issue. With a President in office who supports choice when it comes to abortions and who will most likely be appointing Supreme Court justices to the bench, this issue will continue to be before us.
Abortion is not the only area of concern when it comes to respecting human life. Issues like euthanasia, murder, and violence are other obvious concerns, but what about even milder forms of mistreatment of our fellow man? What about seeing a person in need and not doing anything to help them when you have the means to do so? What about spreading rumors that injure another person? We should not do anything to another individual that does not promote life in that person. The way to do that is to get a fresh perspective on our fellow human beings. Here's how:

1. Recognize that all of life is a gift. God is the author of life. None of us would be here if it wasn't for Him. This levels the playing field. It makes me no better than the next person. My life is a gift, but so is that other person's life.

2. Refrain from Self-centered living -- The root of sin can always be traced back to pride, and living in pride is living a self-centered life. Cain was self-centered when he allowed his frustration to turn into anger that burned within him to the point that he acted maliciously toward his own flesh and blood, killing his brother Abel. James 1:13 discusses the progression of sin in one's life from desire to death. God tells Cain that sin is crouching at his door as a predator preparing to pounce on his prey. God tells Cain that he must master sin. Otherwise, it can master him. Self-centered living will always interfere with a proper treatment of your fellow human being.

3. Accept Responsibility for one another -- Cain seems to sarcastically say to God, "Am I my brother's keeper?" To which I believe God's response in short was, YES! We are accountable to God for each other. We are responsible for the well-being of our fellow man. We will suffer consequences when we fail in that responsibility.

4. Turn to the Lord -- The creator of life will restore life and give us a greater appreciation for it. We need to see human life through the eyes of God! That's an interesting thought!


Explore the Bible
"You Can Stay Calm"
2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

This lesson is designed to help believers understand the basic biblical truths about Jesus' return and clarify how these truths can help us remain calm when we encounter unbiblical or various teachings about the second coming of Christ. As was the case in Paul's day, in our time there are varied ideas about Christ's second coming. When we encounter any idea, we should examine the idea against what the Bible declares. Paul wanted to dispel any worry or fear in the Thessalonians that may have crept into their hearts because of a false teaching that stated that Jesus had already returned. This was alarming to the people because it did not match up with what they had come to understand. So if we are going to remain calm in a world of uncertainty and in a world where so many "prophets' may be declaring "truth" about the second coming, we should:

1. Realize that deception is real and should be rejected -- Paul tells the people to reject falsehood. He says, "Don't let anyone deceive you in any way." How can we protect ourselves from deception? How do you recognize deception?

2. Remember the truth -- Remember the things you have been taught through the word of God. Paul takes a moment in his letter to remind them of the truth. We should regularly remind ourselves and each other of the truth. Think about people God has used throughout the years to instill the truth in your life. If they are still living, consider sending a thank you note or calling them to tell them how thankful you are to God for them.

3. Rest in the truth -- Paul encourages the Thessalonians to stand strong in the truth. Perseverance is the key. God who has chosen you and called you will also encourage and strengthen you if you stand firm on the truth.

If we do these things, we can remain calm whenever we encounter varied and unbiblical ideas related to the second coming of Christ.


Comments Welcome -- Any ideas for illustrations, other scripture, or class activities to enhance the lesson?