From The Known to the Unknown
Abraham
Christ Is The One
Scripture: Hebrews 11:8
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.
Lesson Objective: To understand that knowing is not faith.
I read a quote that said that Faith is action before you get the feeling. I had to think for a minute and then it hit me. Faith is acting on nothing more than God’s word. Acting on a feeling means that I have some personal thoughts and I begin to act on those personal thoughts. This is not consistent with God’s expectation for us. We must follow the word of God not knowing where it may lead us. Many times we hesitate because we are “looking for a sign”. The fact is that it could look us directly in the face and we still miss many of our blessings because we fail to act on faith.
Thought for today: Faith is stepping off a cliff and knowing either God will catch me or I will learn how to fly.
Rebellious Child
Absalom
Scripture: 2 Samuel 18: 14
Then Joab said, "I cannot linger with you." And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through Absalom's heart, while he was still alive in the midst of the terebinth tree.
Lesson Objective: To understand that God does not want us to disobey and dishonor our parents.
I find it disturbing that we as a society have and continue to generate television shows that teach our children to disobey and dishonor our parents. This is reflected in multiple television shows where kids talk back to their parents or continually disobey them and we laugh at it or call it cute. We also go into stores and see little children acting out and think that it is cute. The problem is that these “cute” kids grow up and have no respect for their parents, other adults or the community at large and we then wonder what went wrong.
Thought for today:
It is important that we understand that rearing a child begins at birth. There is nothing cute about children talking back or shouting at adults.
In Need Of Helpmeet
Adam
Scripture: And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man."
Lesson Objective: To understand that Women are special and should be treated with dignity.
Many times society has trivialized the role of women in the world today. This is done via movies and videos as well as songs that degrade women and call them names that one would never call their mother or sister. We must understand that the Bible has given us numerous examples of women who demonstrated their faith and trust in God. The Bible has also given us many examples of women who aided their husbands in their quest to carry out the directions of God. Women were created by God not to be misused by man or treated as a slave or someone who is subservient but as a helpmeet for man to carry out the purpose of God.
Thought for today: One of the most effective teams in the Church is that of husband and wife who together understand the importance of following God’s will and fulfilling his purpose. Two together can do more than either separately.
Almost Not Enough
Agrippa
God’s love Allows For Everlasting Life
Scripture: Acts 26: 28
Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian
Lesson Objective: To understand that almost is not good enough.
There is an old song that says that 99 ½ wont do. The song is so correct. Christ said that we must be willing to give up all and follow him that means all not most. How would you like to go to a tailor to have a suit made and the tailor did not hem the pants because he did not take the time to complete the task? Or how would you like to have your brakes fixed and when you get to the next corner, the car only almost stops at the light and you go into the middle of the intersection. Neither would make you happy. God is not happy either when we almost follow his commandments or almost witness for him when given the opportunity.
Thought for today:
Close only counts in horseshoes and close never will get you into heaven.
What Kind Of Leader Are You? Ahab
Scripture: 1 King 16:33
And Ahab made a wooden image. Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him
Lesson Objective: To understand the role of the leader in serving God.
There are many examples of leaders in the Bible. Some were God fearing and others such as Ahab were an abomination to God. We must all recognize that we all will have an opportunity to lead at sometime during our lives. This leadership may be at home, work or with friends. No matter where, we must be prepared to be the leader whom God would e proud. Leadership may takes the role of being an active advocate for or against a particular issue or it may take the role where your actions can dictate to others whom you serve and they can be swayed by your example.
Thought for today: With leadership comes responsibility. Are you willing to step out and be the leader for God?
Simple Man Doing God’s Work
Amos
God ‘s Love Is Not Traditional
Scripture: Amos 7:14
Then Amos answered, and said to Amaziah: "I was no prophet, Nor was I a son of a prophet, But I was a sheepbreeder And a tender of sycamore fruit.
Lesson Objective: To understand that God looks on the inside while man looks on the outside.
There is a song that says I am just a nobody, trying to tell everybody about somebody who can save anybody. God is looking for simple and humble people who are willing to follow him and do his will here on earth. We sometimes get hung up on the number of degrees someone may have or which college they attended as if the degrees or college validates what they say. The Bible clearly gives us a multitude of examples of men who were “unlearned” but were able to speak boldly for God. Paul who was a learned scholar had to unlearn all that he knew in order to serve God. The Pharisees spent their time trying to trick Christ rather than just accepting him as who he was.
Thought for today: It is not your brain that makes you a good follower of God but your HEART.