News
1. Attendance 3/22/09 -- We had 575 in Sunday School Sunday!! 285 at 8:30 and 290 at 9:45!
2. CARE Ministry -- Every Tuesday night -- supper at 5:30, activities at 6:00 p.m.
3. Project Care: Mission Possible -- Sign up for volunteers begins THIS WEEK! Event date is Saturday, April 25!
Lesson Supplement for March 29
Explore the Bible
"Stay Spiritually Alert"
Isaiah 38:1-6; 39:1-2,5-8
Intro. -- Remember that the topic for the current unit is, "Maintain Spiritual Health." The title of each lesson for the month then answers the question, "How can I maintain spiritual health?" The lesson for this Sunday would have us to understand that we can maintain our spiritual health by staying spiritually alert. There are many similarities in principle between physical health and spiritual health. Some examples are: what goes in comes out (sorry about this one, but it's true), when one part is hurting the whole is impacted, and exercise and discipline make for a happy and healthier life. Today's lesson identifies another shared principle between good physical health and good spiritual health: Be alert! The slightest distraction can have catastrophic results. I'll leave you to think of examples where this is true in the physical and spiritual realm.
Isaiah 38:1-6 -- In order to stay spiritually alert we must practice fervent prayer. Hezekiah was confronted with an enemy that sought to destroy Judah and him. He had already seen the devastation that Israel, the northern kingdom, had experienced at the hand of the Assyrians. In addition to this threat, Hezekiah was suffering from a terminal illness. These were dire circumstances. As Thomas Paine said during the difficult days of the American Revolution, "These are the times that try men's souls," so Hezekiah's soul was experiencing trial. In these kinds of moments, we face the risk of being distracted into thinking about ways out of the existing situation in order to relieve the stress. We run the risk of making a bad choice or giving in to temptation. What can we do to manage that risk? Follow the example of Hezekiah in this case. Pray fervently. Turn to God at all times but especially in these kinds of moments. Do so before you rush into something that risks your spiritual health. God is concerned about your health, and He will answer. Pray!
Isaiah 39:1-2 -- In order to stay spiritually alert we must guard against pride. Hezekiah had prayed fervently to the Lord, and the Lord saw his tears and his humility and blessed him with an extension on life. Now completely healed, Hezekiah receives visitors bearing gifts from Babylon sent to him by the king of Babylon after he heard about Hezekiah's physical recovery. Instead of giving God the glory for protecting Judah and healing his body, Hezekiah pridefully showed off the treasures of Judah, treasures that could have been lost forever if God had not intervened in response to Hezekiah's prayer. Pride always goes before the fall, and not too many years later, Judah fell - Hezekiah had died and now all the treasures became someone else's. When we neglect to give God His glory and we no longer acknowledge our dependence on Him, we cease to be spiritually alert and we risk giving into to prideful temptation. Remain humble and acknowledge your dependence on Him (Prov. 3:5-6). Guard!
Isaiah 39:5-8 -- In order to stay spiritually alert we must consider long-term consequences. Every decision we make, whether good or bad, will have its consequences. What we decide today will, in many ways, determine how we live tomorrow. This is why there is such a great need to be alert at all times. Attention should be given to the potential outcomes of every decision we make before we actually make the decision. Thinking through a decision in this way will keep us from harmful consequences. Hezekiah turned toward the wall and to God when he was ill and in dire straits, but he turned away from God after God had heard his prayer, healed him, and saved Judah. Verse 8 further highlights human selfishness. Once made aware of the consequences of his prideful actions, Hezekiah rejoiced that those consequences would not be felt heavily during his lifetime. This reminds us that it is as important to stay spiritually alert in good times as well as in difficult times. Remember, your decisions will impact your future and potentially the future of people you care about. Decide carefully. Consider!
Conclusion -- In order to maintain spiritual health, we must stay spiritually alert. Three disciplines to practice in order to stay spiritually alert are to pray fervently, guard against pride, and consider the long-term consequences. Pray-Guard-Consider is the plan to implement in our lives to maintain our spiritual health. Jesus told his disciples something similar when in the Garden of Gethsemane, he told them to "watch and pray."
Commitment -- Lead students to determine how they will implement these disciplines into their lives this week (praying fervently, guarding against pride, and considering the long-term consequences).
For Further Help with this Week's Lesson Visit http://www.lifeway.com/articleclick/?id=166474 and read Dan Kassis' weekly article
Comments Welcome -- Any ideas for illustrations, other scripture, or class activities to enhance the lesson?
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
For March 22
News
1. Attendance 3/15/09 -- We had 590 in Sunday School Sunday!! 308 at 8:30 and 282 at 9:45!
2. CARE Ministry -- Every Tuesday night -- supper at 5:30, activities at 6:00 p.m.
3. Project Care: Mission Possible -- Sign up for volunteers begins Sunday March 29. Event date is Saturday, April 25!
Lesson Supplement for March 22
Explore the Bible
"Follow the Lord's Will"
Isaiah 29:13-16; 30:1-3,15-18
Intro. -- Remember that the topic for the current unit is, "Maintain Spiritual Health." The title of each lesson for the month then answers the question, "How can I maintain spiritual health?" The lesson for this Sunday would have us to understand that we can maintain our spiritual health by following the Lord's will. It is spiritually unhealthy to be out of God's will. We might say, "That's obvious." We say it's obvious, but why do we struggle to do God's will? One reason is that we seem to struggle to know what His will is. Have you ever made a statement similar to "I just wish I knew what God's will is." The first three focal passages we will look at introduce three ways we can know God's will. The fourth focal passage tells us how to live it.
Isaiah 29:13-14 -- The place to begin the search for discerning God's will is in worship. What if you are faithful to attend church for every worship service opportunity and yet you still struggle to know what God's will is for you? Attending worship services and doing any other rituals are not worship. Jesus says in John 4:24 that God desires for people to worship Him in spirit and in truth. It's not about the rituals or the things we do. Worship is about the God we encounter through our praising and honoring. You know that you have experienced worship in truth and in spirit when you completely give of yourself openly and honestly to honor and praise Him, and He then in turn "speaks" to you through the experience. You cannot truly enter into the presence of God and leave the same person that you were before you came into His presence. If you are the same person, you failed to worship in truth and in spirit. If you want to know what God's will is and if you want to maintain spiritual health, then truly worship Him with your whole being.
Isaiah 29:15-16 -- I am not much of a craftsman, but with the few things I have made, I have never heard any one of them speak back to me in anger and disappointment with the way I made them. And believe me, if they could, they had a right to. Neither did they make plans on their own for how they would be used. As ridiculous as this line of thinking may sound, it is just as ridiculous if not more so for us to speak back to our Creator in anger and disappointment or for us to make our own plans about how we will live life and be used. Who's in charge? Give up control of your life and give in to His control. If you want to know what God's will is and if you want to maintain spiritual health then acknowledge the one in charge -- it ain't you and it ain't me.
Isaiah 30:1-3 -- I had a friend say one time, "Be persistent until you are consistent." If there is something that you want to be or do in life, then make that something a habit until it becomes a way of life. If you want to know God's will for your life, don't wait until something "big" comes along before you go searching for His will. If you do, you put yourself under so much stress to try to determine what God's will is in the situation. The stress is compounded because you have not been in the habit of hearing God speak. Everyday we should be in the habit of listening for God's voice to direct us in all things. When we are persistent in this then hearing God speak and knowing His will will be as natural to us as breathing. God knows best about everything in our lives. Why not seek His guidance in everything? If you want to know God's will and if you want to maintain spiritual health, then make it a habit to seek His will daily even in the "small" things.
Isaiah 30:15-18 -- The first three sections of this lesson were about how to know God's will. This last section deals with how to live it. We should follow God's will patiently, consistently, and confidently trusting Him to show us the way. We stumble at this step when we try to "get ahead of" God. Maybe we have worshiped in spirit and in truth. Maybe we have given up control of our lives and given in to His control. Maybe we have developed the habit of seeking His guidance in all things such that we recognize His voice of direction in our lives. But we can still miss the mark if we get impatient with God's movement on a matter. If things don't move fast enough, we may be tempted to move forward in directions that seem good to us, but are never what God intended. Patience requires trust. Wait patiently for Him. If we do, we can know it will be done right. If you want to know and live God's will, and if you want to maintain spiritual health, then wait patiently upon His guidance and work to bring to pass the fulfillment of His will. Getting "ahead of" God only puts us way behind.
Conclusion -- In order to maintain spiritual health, we must follow the Lord's will. It is harmful to your spiritual health if you do not.
For Further Help with this Week's Lesson Visit http://www.lifeway.com/articleclick/?id=166474 and read Dan Kassis' weekly article
Comments Welcome -- Any ideas for illustrations, other scripture, or class activities to enhance the lesson?
1. Attendance 3/15/09 -- We had 590 in Sunday School Sunday!! 308 at 8:30 and 282 at 9:45!
2. CARE Ministry -- Every Tuesday night -- supper at 5:30, activities at 6:00 p.m.
3. Project Care: Mission Possible -- Sign up for volunteers begins Sunday March 29. Event date is Saturday, April 25!
Lesson Supplement for March 22
Explore the Bible
"Follow the Lord's Will"
Isaiah 29:13-16; 30:1-3,15-18
Intro. -- Remember that the topic for the current unit is, "Maintain Spiritual Health." The title of each lesson for the month then answers the question, "How can I maintain spiritual health?" The lesson for this Sunday would have us to understand that we can maintain our spiritual health by following the Lord's will. It is spiritually unhealthy to be out of God's will. We might say, "That's obvious." We say it's obvious, but why do we struggle to do God's will? One reason is that we seem to struggle to know what His will is. Have you ever made a statement similar to "I just wish I knew what God's will is." The first three focal passages we will look at introduce three ways we can know God's will. The fourth focal passage tells us how to live it.
Isaiah 29:13-14 -- The place to begin the search for discerning God's will is in worship. What if you are faithful to attend church for every worship service opportunity and yet you still struggle to know what God's will is for you? Attending worship services and doing any other rituals are not worship. Jesus says in John 4:24 that God desires for people to worship Him in spirit and in truth. It's not about the rituals or the things we do. Worship is about the God we encounter through our praising and honoring. You know that you have experienced worship in truth and in spirit when you completely give of yourself openly and honestly to honor and praise Him, and He then in turn "speaks" to you through the experience. You cannot truly enter into the presence of God and leave the same person that you were before you came into His presence. If you are the same person, you failed to worship in truth and in spirit. If you want to know what God's will is and if you want to maintain spiritual health, then truly worship Him with your whole being.
Isaiah 29:15-16 -- I am not much of a craftsman, but with the few things I have made, I have never heard any one of them speak back to me in anger and disappointment with the way I made them. And believe me, if they could, they had a right to. Neither did they make plans on their own for how they would be used. As ridiculous as this line of thinking may sound, it is just as ridiculous if not more so for us to speak back to our Creator in anger and disappointment or for us to make our own plans about how we will live life and be used. Who's in charge? Give up control of your life and give in to His control. If you want to know what God's will is and if you want to maintain spiritual health then acknowledge the one in charge -- it ain't you and it ain't me.
Isaiah 30:1-3 -- I had a friend say one time, "Be persistent until you are consistent." If there is something that you want to be or do in life, then make that something a habit until it becomes a way of life. If you want to know God's will for your life, don't wait until something "big" comes along before you go searching for His will. If you do, you put yourself under so much stress to try to determine what God's will is in the situation. The stress is compounded because you have not been in the habit of hearing God speak. Everyday we should be in the habit of listening for God's voice to direct us in all things. When we are persistent in this then hearing God speak and knowing His will will be as natural to us as breathing. God knows best about everything in our lives. Why not seek His guidance in everything? If you want to know God's will and if you want to maintain spiritual health, then make it a habit to seek His will daily even in the "small" things.
Isaiah 30:15-18 -- The first three sections of this lesson were about how to know God's will. This last section deals with how to live it. We should follow God's will patiently, consistently, and confidently trusting Him to show us the way. We stumble at this step when we try to "get ahead of" God. Maybe we have worshiped in spirit and in truth. Maybe we have given up control of our lives and given in to His control. Maybe we have developed the habit of seeking His guidance in all things such that we recognize His voice of direction in our lives. But we can still miss the mark if we get impatient with God's movement on a matter. If things don't move fast enough, we may be tempted to move forward in directions that seem good to us, but are never what God intended. Patience requires trust. Wait patiently for Him. If we do, we can know it will be done right. If you want to know and live God's will, and if you want to maintain spiritual health, then wait patiently upon His guidance and work to bring to pass the fulfillment of His will. Getting "ahead of" God only puts us way behind.
Conclusion -- In order to maintain spiritual health, we must follow the Lord's will. It is harmful to your spiritual health if you do not.
For Further Help with this Week's Lesson Visit http://www.lifeway.com/articleclick/?id=166474 and read Dan Kassis' weekly article
Comments Welcome -- Any ideas for illustrations, other scripture, or class activities to enhance the lesson?
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
For March 15
News
1. Attendance 3/1/09 -- We had 532 in Sunday School Sunday!! 274 at 8:30 and 258 at 9:45!
2. 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.
3. Project Care: Mission Possible -- Last year our church participated in an outreach/mission blitz in the community called Operation Inasmuch. We will be doing this again this year under the name of Project Care: Mission Possible. Stay tuned for information about projects your Sunday School class can do on the blitz date -- Saturday, April 25!
4. THANKS! -- Thanks to those who turned in their choices for the summer curriculum. For others, we will order the curriculum you used in the winter quarter.
Lesson Supplement for March 15
Explore the Bible
"Act on Revealed Truth"
Isaiah 7:1-14,16
Intro. -- Remember that the topic for the current unit is, "Maintain Spiritual Health." The title of each lesson for the month then answers the question, "How can I maintain spiritual health?" The lesson for this Sunday would have us to understand that we can maintain our spiritual health by acting on revealed truth. Life presents so many challenges and many times they come unexpectedly. The best way to be prepared for any challenge in life is to be spiritually prepared and that means that we know God's revealed truth and we are committed to living that truth in all circumstances. After all, when you are facing a challenge, wouldn't you want to know the truth? The outline for this week's lesson gives four steps that we can take in times of challenge and stress that will enable us to respond properly.
Isaiah 7:1-2 -- Fear is a natural initial reaction to challenges we face. After all, an event in our lives is not considered a challenge unless it threatens our customary way of life or threatens our expectations of life. A threat can create the feeling of uncertainty and lost control that makes us uncomfortable. If we misplace our focus, we can become gripped by fear. When this happens, the challenge we are facing controls us. The correct focus is to turn our eyes on God and begin to see that the challenge before us is no match for Him. If we want to maintain spiritual health, let us act on the revealed truth that God is faithful and powerful enough to supply everything that we need.
Isaiah 7:3-9 -- On our coins, at least for now, it says, "In God we trust." Do we really? There is no person alive who does not trust in something. It might be themselves, an ideology, possessions, relationships, etc., but we are all looking for someone or something to trust. When people feel there is nothing worthy of trust, they lose hope and die emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and sometimes physically. Placing confidence in anything other than God is misplaced confidence. If we want to maintain spiritual health, we need to act on the revealed truth that God is faithful. We CAN count on Him!
Isaiah 7:10-12 -- When challenges come, they threaten us in many ways, not the least of which is our integrity. If we are believers in the Lord, He tells us to do something. If we disobey, we lose our testimony. God tells us to trust Him and maintain our obedience to Him during times of testing as well as in the good times when it is easier to obey. When testing comes, we may be tempted to overcome the challenge outside of God's plan, purpose, and power. Check yourself before temptation becomes sin and your integrity is lost. If we want to maintain spiritual health, we need to act on the revealed truth that we should live obediently in challenging times.
Isaiah 7:13-14,16 -- In this section, we find the prophetic announcement of a virgin birth and the name "Immanuel" which means, "God with us." It is interesting that this announcement of this sign comes after King Ahaz's refusal to trust God enough to give him a sign that He is trustworthy. God has indeed given us the ultimate sign that He is trustworthy and that He will deliver us by sending His only Son, Immanuel incarnate, and giving us the Holy Spirit, Immanuel indwelling the hearts of those who believe. If we want to maintain spiritual health, we must act on the revealed truth that Immanuel -- "God IS with us." There is deliverance! There is hope! There is victory in challenging times!
Conclusion -- In order to maintain spiritual health, we must act on the revealed truth of God's word. Study His word, and then you will know how to act in challenging times!
For Further Help with this Week's Lesson Visit http://www.lifeway.com/articleclick/?id=166474 and read Dan Kassis' weekly article
Comments Welcome -- Any ideas for illustrations, other scripture, or class activities to enhance the lesson?
1. Attendance 3/1/09 -- We had 532 in Sunday School Sunday!! 274 at 8:30 and 258 at 9:45!
2. 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.
3. Project Care: Mission Possible -- Last year our church participated in an outreach/mission blitz in the community called Operation Inasmuch. We will be doing this again this year under the name of Project Care: Mission Possible. Stay tuned for information about projects your Sunday School class can do on the blitz date -- Saturday, April 25!
4. THANKS! -- Thanks to those who turned in their choices for the summer curriculum. For others, we will order the curriculum you used in the winter quarter.
Lesson Supplement for March 15
Explore the Bible
"Act on Revealed Truth"
Isaiah 7:1-14,16
Intro. -- Remember that the topic for the current unit is, "Maintain Spiritual Health." The title of each lesson for the month then answers the question, "How can I maintain spiritual health?" The lesson for this Sunday would have us to understand that we can maintain our spiritual health by acting on revealed truth. Life presents so many challenges and many times they come unexpectedly. The best way to be prepared for any challenge in life is to be spiritually prepared and that means that we know God's revealed truth and we are committed to living that truth in all circumstances. After all, when you are facing a challenge, wouldn't you want to know the truth? The outline for this week's lesson gives four steps that we can take in times of challenge and stress that will enable us to respond properly.
Isaiah 7:1-2 -- Fear is a natural initial reaction to challenges we face. After all, an event in our lives is not considered a challenge unless it threatens our customary way of life or threatens our expectations of life. A threat can create the feeling of uncertainty and lost control that makes us uncomfortable. If we misplace our focus, we can become gripped by fear. When this happens, the challenge we are facing controls us. The correct focus is to turn our eyes on God and begin to see that the challenge before us is no match for Him. If we want to maintain spiritual health, let us act on the revealed truth that God is faithful and powerful enough to supply everything that we need.
Isaiah 7:3-9 -- On our coins, at least for now, it says, "In God we trust." Do we really? There is no person alive who does not trust in something. It might be themselves, an ideology, possessions, relationships, etc., but we are all looking for someone or something to trust. When people feel there is nothing worthy of trust, they lose hope and die emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and sometimes physically. Placing confidence in anything other than God is misplaced confidence. If we want to maintain spiritual health, we need to act on the revealed truth that God is faithful. We CAN count on Him!
Isaiah 7:10-12 -- When challenges come, they threaten us in many ways, not the least of which is our integrity. If we are believers in the Lord, He tells us to do something. If we disobey, we lose our testimony. God tells us to trust Him and maintain our obedience to Him during times of testing as well as in the good times when it is easier to obey. When testing comes, we may be tempted to overcome the challenge outside of God's plan, purpose, and power. Check yourself before temptation becomes sin and your integrity is lost. If we want to maintain spiritual health, we need to act on the revealed truth that we should live obediently in challenging times.
Isaiah 7:13-14,16 -- In this section, we find the prophetic announcement of a virgin birth and the name "Immanuel" which means, "God with us." It is interesting that this announcement of this sign comes after King Ahaz's refusal to trust God enough to give him a sign that He is trustworthy. God has indeed given us the ultimate sign that He is trustworthy and that He will deliver us by sending His only Son, Immanuel incarnate, and giving us the Holy Spirit, Immanuel indwelling the hearts of those who believe. If we want to maintain spiritual health, we must act on the revealed truth that Immanuel -- "God IS with us." There is deliverance! There is hope! There is victory in challenging times!
Conclusion -- In order to maintain spiritual health, we must act on the revealed truth of God's word. Study His word, and then you will know how to act in challenging times!
For Further Help with this Week's Lesson Visit http://www.lifeway.com/articleclick/?id=166474 and read Dan Kassis' weekly article
Comments Welcome -- Any ideas for illustrations, other scripture, or class activities to enhance the lesson?
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
For March 8, 2009
News
1. Attendance 3/1/09 -- We had 501 in Sunday School Sunday!! 261 at 8:30 and 240 at 9:45!
2. 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.
3. Summer Sunday School Curriculum -- I would like for teachers to let me know if they plan to use Explore the Bible curriculum for the Summer Quarter or the Bible Studies for Life curriculum by March 8 so that we can order the correct literature at the early bird discount. I will be sending by e-mail to each teacher an outline of the summer lessons for both series so that you can make your choice.
4. Project Care: Mission Possible -- Last year our church participated in an outreach/mission blitz in the community called Operation Inasmuch. We will be doing this again this year under the name of Project Care: Mission Possible. Stay tuned for information about projects your Sunday School class can do on the blitz date -- Saturday, April 25!
A Note About Our Current Curriculum!!
All adult classes are using the Explore the Bible curriculum series this quarter. The reason is that the lesson topics for March, April, and May in this curriculum series fit best with our 2009 emphasis on Spiritual growth and development. It's all about "Living for God Today." The three units covered in Explore the Bible during the quarter are, "Maintain Spiritual Health," "Affirm Spiritual Certainties," and "Choose Spiritual Paths." This will be a study of the books of Isaiah and Micah. I think you will find it to be a rewarding study experience, and I expect great things from it.
IMPORTANT!! For the summer quarter, I need teachers to let me know which curriculum you choose to use. I need this decision by March 8 so that we can get the early bird discount on our order. I will send you an outline of lessons for the summer in both series so that you can make your choice.
Lesson Supplement for March 1
Explore the Bible
"Honor the Lord"
Isaiah 6:1-13
Intro. -- Remember that the topic for the current unit is, "Maintain Spiritual Health." The title of each lesson for the month then answers the question, "How can I maintain spiritual health?" The lesson for this Sunday would have us to understand that we can maintain our spiritual health by honoring the Lord. It's not all about you and me. In fact, if we are going to be vibrant, fruit-producing Christians, living the abundant life that Jesus offers, then we have a responsibility to honor our Lord.
How do you honor someone? Synonyms for the word "honor" include: respect, adoration, credit, esteem, glory, praise, reverence, and worship. If we want to maintain spiritual health, we should praise, esteem, adore, reverence, and worship the Lord. Indeed it is not about you and me. It is all about Him. As we will see in this week's lesson, one way to honor the Lord is to serve Him.
Isaiah 6:1-4 -- Why do we honor someone? Usually it is because the individual is worthy, and worthiness is usually determined by the valuable things the individual has accomplished. But what about God? Surely, He is worthy because of the valuable things He has done, but He is also worthy of honor because of who He is. In these first verses of chapter 6, we are ushered into the presence of the Lord through the vision that Isaiah had, and we discover, as he did, that God is holy. God is worthy because He is holy. Three times He is called holy. Three is a number that represents completeness. God is completely holy. There is no fault nor error in Him whatsoever.
How do we worship? Do we really see worship as an opportunity to enter into the presence of the one and only Holy God or do we see worship as we do so many other things in life? Do we evaluate worship rather than experience worship? I evaluate worship when I leave wondering what did I get out of that. I experience worship when I leave knowing that I gave my best to God, and He changed me.
Isaiah 6:5 -- In true worship, we acknowledge His worthiness because of His holiness. In true worship, we realize our unworthiness because of His holiness. When we focus on Him and see Him for who He really is, we then see ourselves and how far short of His glory (Holiness) we fall. This is what Isaiah realizes in verse 5.
In Matthew 15:18, Jesus says, "But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this defiles a man." Some say the eyes are the window to the soul. If this is the case, then according to the words of Jesus, I would say the mouth is the front door to the soul. What comes out of the man reveals the heart of the man. Isaiah says that he is a man of "unclean lips." In other words, he confesses his sin. He acknowledges that he is sinful inside and out and falls far short of God's glory.
Isaiah 6:6-8 -- Thank the Lord there are verses 6-8! God does something that man is incapable of doing. God makes a way for us to have a relationship with Him. Isaiah couldn't make such a relationship happen no matter how hard he might have tried. We can't either. God sent His angel with fire from the altar and touched Isaiah's "unclean lips" removing Isaiah's wickedness from him. Isaiah had confessed his complete uncleanness inside and out by declaring himself a man of "unclean lips." Now the angel of the Lord cleanses Isaiah completely, inside and out, by touching his "unclean lips" with fire from the altar.
Then, if that is not enough, God issues a call to service to people formerly known as "unclean lips." Having been touched by the altar fire, Isaiah is now available to serve the Lord. From God's perspective, Isaiah is now an available servant. And when God calls, Isaiah enlists. I think he enlists so quickly because he has experienced true worship and has experienced life change because of that experience!
Isaiah 6:9-13 -- Serving the Lord is no easy task. It is filled with all kinds of potential hazards and risks. As you know, many have lost their physical lives while serving the Lord. We honor our Holy Lord when we persevere in difficult and demanding service for Him. If we ever find ourselves in difficult and demanding circumstances in our service for the Lord, we can draw strength to endure those times knowing that we are honoring a holy and gracious God whom we have "seen" in worship, who has changed our lives!
For Further Help with this Week's Lesson
Visit http://www.lifeway.com/articleclick/?id=166474 and read Dan Kassis' weekly article
Comments Welcome -- Any ideas for illustrations, other scripture, or class activities to enhance the lesson?
News
1. Attendance 3/1/09 -- We had 501 in Sunday School Sunday!! 261 at 8:30 and 240 at 9:45!
2. 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.
3. Summer Sunday School Curriculum -- I would like for teachers to let me know if they plan to use Explore the Bible curriculum for the Summer Quarter or the Bible Studies for Life curriculum by March 8 so that we can order the correct literature at the early bird discount. I will be sending by e-mail to each teacher an outline of the summer lessons for both series so that you can make your choice.
4. Project Care: Mission Possible -- Last year our church participated in an outreach/mission blitz in the community called Operation Inasmuch. We will be doing this again this year under the name of Project Care: Mission Possible. Stay tuned for information about projects your Sunday School class can do on the blitz date -- Saturday, April 25!
A Note About Our Current Curriculum!!
All adult classes are using the Explore the Bible curriculum series this quarter. The reason is that the lesson topics for March, April, and May in this curriculum series fit best with our 2009 emphasis on Spiritual growth and development. It's all about "Living for God Today." The three units covered in Explore the Bible during the quarter are, "Maintain Spiritual Health," "Affirm Spiritual Certainties," and "Choose Spiritual Paths." This will be a study of the books of Isaiah and Micah. I think you will find it to be a rewarding study experience, and I expect great things from it.
IMPORTANT!! For the summer quarter, I need teachers to let me know which curriculum you choose to use. I need this decision by March 8 so that we can get the early bird discount on our order. I will send you an outline of lessons for the summer in both series so that you can make your choice.
Lesson Supplement for March 1
Explore the Bible
"Honor the Lord"
Isaiah 6:1-13
Intro. -- Remember that the topic for the current unit is, "Maintain Spiritual Health." The title of each lesson for the month then answers the question, "How can I maintain spiritual health?" The lesson for this Sunday would have us to understand that we can maintain our spiritual health by honoring the Lord. It's not all about you and me. In fact, if we are going to be vibrant, fruit-producing Christians, living the abundant life that Jesus offers, then we have a responsibility to honor our Lord.
How do you honor someone? Synonyms for the word "honor" include: respect, adoration, credit, esteem, glory, praise, reverence, and worship. If we want to maintain spiritual health, we should praise, esteem, adore, reverence, and worship the Lord. Indeed it is not about you and me. It is all about Him. As we will see in this week's lesson, one way to honor the Lord is to serve Him.
Isaiah 6:1-4 -- Why do we honor someone? Usually it is because the individual is worthy, and worthiness is usually determined by the valuable things the individual has accomplished. But what about God? Surely, He is worthy because of the valuable things He has done, but He is also worthy of honor because of who He is. In these first verses of chapter 6, we are ushered into the presence of the Lord through the vision that Isaiah had, and we discover, as he did, that God is holy. God is worthy because He is holy. Three times He is called holy. Three is a number that represents completeness. God is completely holy. There is no fault nor error in Him whatsoever.
How do we worship? Do we really see worship as an opportunity to enter into the presence of the one and only Holy God or do we see worship as we do so many other things in life? Do we evaluate worship rather than experience worship? I evaluate worship when I leave wondering what did I get out of that. I experience worship when I leave knowing that I gave my best to God, and He changed me.
Isaiah 6:5 -- In true worship, we acknowledge His worthiness because of His holiness. In true worship, we realize our unworthiness because of His holiness. When we focus on Him and see Him for who He really is, we then see ourselves and how far short of His glory (Holiness) we fall. This is what Isaiah realizes in verse 5.
In Matthew 15:18, Jesus says, "But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this defiles a man." Some say the eyes are the window to the soul. If this is the case, then according to the words of Jesus, I would say the mouth is the front door to the soul. What comes out of the man reveals the heart of the man. Isaiah says that he is a man of "unclean lips." In other words, he confesses his sin. He acknowledges that he is sinful inside and out and falls far short of God's glory.
Isaiah 6:6-8 -- Thank the Lord there are verses 6-8! God does something that man is incapable of doing. God makes a way for us to have a relationship with Him. Isaiah couldn't make such a relationship happen no matter how hard he might have tried. We can't either. God sent His angel with fire from the altar and touched Isaiah's "unclean lips" removing Isaiah's wickedness from him. Isaiah had confessed his complete uncleanness inside and out by declaring himself a man of "unclean lips." Now the angel of the Lord cleanses Isaiah completely, inside and out, by touching his "unclean lips" with fire from the altar.
Then, if that is not enough, God issues a call to service to people formerly known as "unclean lips." Having been touched by the altar fire, Isaiah is now available to serve the Lord. From God's perspective, Isaiah is now an available servant. And when God calls, Isaiah enlists. I think he enlists so quickly because he has experienced true worship and has experienced life change because of that experience!
Isaiah 6:9-13 -- Serving the Lord is no easy task. It is filled with all kinds of potential hazards and risks. As you know, many have lost their physical lives while serving the Lord. We honor our Holy Lord when we persevere in difficult and demanding service for Him. If we ever find ourselves in difficult and demanding circumstances in our service for the Lord, we can draw strength to endure those times knowing that we are honoring a holy and gracious God whom we have "seen" in worship, who has changed our lives!
For Further Help with this Week's Lesson
Visit http://www.lifeway.com/articleclick/?id=166474 and read Dan Kassis' weekly article
Comments Welcome -- Any ideas for illustrations, other scripture, or class activities to enhance the lesson?
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