Thanks, Kim, for posting these on our ABF class page! Because you send these out I get a chance to read through the lesson.

Series: Questions of Truth & Consequence?
Lesson Title: A Hill On Which To Stand
Date: Week of January 9
Lesson Passages: 1 Kings 18:20-21,37-39; 19:1-3,13-18

This lesson teaches us that we don’t have to try and convert people to Christians; however we should bring them to the point where they are ready to decide. For people to make no choice would mean they would go on with whatever it is they believe in.

That willingness to choose is a move toward faith because it shows an openness to allow God to work. The church has no greater task than to move people toward a willingness to choose. Then it must trust God and His grace with the rest. Continue reading “Sunday Lesson” →

Hoorah – I finally get up early enough to make it to the 9 a.m. traditional service at my church. Instead of going later to Sunday School at 10:15 and then the contemporary service at 11:30 a.m. – which usually starts late – I’ll be out early by 11:30!!

Yes, kids, that’s what church services are all about, efficiency. (Editor: NOT!)

We’re studying questions of truth and consequence today. That link takes you to our class site, where Kim posts the Sunday lesson. Just in too much of a hurry to type today.

1. Can a parent submit to his/her children and yet lead?
2. How does our love for Christ reflect in our obedience?
3. Should we submit to parents who don’t follow God’s laws?

Sorry so behind! I’ve been playing hooky.

Series: What’s the Plan?
Lesson Title: God’s Power Comes By Grace
Date: Week of October 3
Lesson Passages: Ephesians 3:1-13

Through this scripture we are reminded that God’s grace is always miraculous. Too often we think we have to try hard to get close to God and only certain actions will make Him happy with our lives. But the Gospel message proclaims that God will make us the inheritors of all the promises given in Scripture.

Reading about the great work of Paul, and how much there was for God to forgive, we see there is hope for us.  Even God’s greatest enemy can be turned into a great missionary. The gospel is God’s grace, not God’s punishment.  Even those ignored, feared, and rejected by men have a place in God’s plan. His grace is sufficient for all humankind. Continue reading “Sunday lesson” →

Lesson Title: God’s Power Changes People
Date: Week of September 19
Lesson Passages: Ephesians 2:1-10

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:5

Through this scripture God reminds us that there is nothing we can do to make Him love us; he already loves us. There is nothing we can do to get God’s grace, we already have it. All we have to do is believe Him. Continue reading “Sunday lesson by Kim Westbury” →

…and that’s another blog. But while I’m waiting for the bread to finish in the oven I’ll post this week’s lesson.

Series: What’s a New Testament Church Like?
Lesson Title: Relationships: The Improvement Factor
Date: Week of August 29
Lesson Passages: 2 Corinthians 10:1-3,15-18 12:14-21

Through this scripture God reminds us that when we deal with difficult relationships, we must act out of love; with patience and humility.   We should confront disagreements, not in an inflammatory way, but as Paul did; lay out the facts, without embellishment. Then, stand ready to forgive; willing to bury the hatchet and let go of the grievance.

Why spend energy to win an argument or prove a point, just to lose the relationship?

Questions:

1. What sorts of things about Paul were questioned by those challenging his apostolic authority?
2. How do authorities in our life help to build us up?
3. How do you feel Paul’s straightforward criticism of Corinth can strengthen them?

Revelation:
Life is full of sticky situations, at work, in family life and with friends — people annoy us, betray us and hurt us. When these situations arise, difficult conversations need to be had, but many times we let the relationship languish rather than confront the issues.

When Paul faced difficulty with the church at Corinth, he didn’t clam up. He refused to give up.  He remained engaged with the Corinthians despite the difficulty. He believed their relationship was more important than his pride or his comfort level.

Some in Corinth accused Paul of being a coward, saying he was only bold in his letters and that he didn’t have a powerful enough presence to be an apostle. Paul directed their attention to Christ’s similar qualities of meekness and gentleness reminding them that what they saw as a liability was evidence that Paul was like Christ.

Homework:
Have you ever seen yourself as a spiritual parent to new Christians as Paul did with the Corinthians? Where the more you showed love, the less they return that love?  Make a special effort to start over with this relationship, maybe first with an encouraging letter, then an outing. Use that time to have the hard conversations, but to let them see your love in the process.

Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for reminding us what’s important in our relationship building. Help us to show love in the most difficult situations. We pray for all those we are in conflict with. Give us patience and courage to confront them and offer guidance with grace. Let us grow into a living example of you. Amen