Sunday School "According to God's Promise

A Sunday School Lesson from the Universal Life Church Seminary

All About The Kingdom  Sunday School Lesson "According to God's Promise (Christmas)"       Lesson Text: Luke 1:46-55 Background Scripture: Luke 1:26-56; Galatians 3:6-18 Devotional Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 INTRODUCTION     Are you ready for Christmas? That is a question people frequently ask or are asked at this time of the year. In most cases, this question relates to gift buying, decorations, food preparation, and entertaining friends and family.     By the time Christmas Day arrives, many people are totally worn out from all the additional activities they have participated in during the weeks preceding Christmas. Since most retailers have their largest sales volume during this time, they seem to be trying to make the Christmas season start earlier each year.     Of course, many of the aforementioned activities have little or nothing to do with the birth of Christ. While most of the church activities during this season do revolve around the true meaning of Christmas, there is a danger that the world's values will creep into our celebrations of Jesus' birth. To avoid this, Christians must diligently examine all activities to make suite they truly honor the Lord. As has been said so often, Jesus is the reason for the season! Not What You'd Expect     Have you ever had to wait a long time for a promise to be fulfilled? Do you remember as a child wondering if a special day would ever come? Can you remember a time when a promise was fulfilled in an unexpected way? Maybe you got what you wanted, but not from the anticipated source. Or maybe what you received was better than what you expected.     The Bible is filled with situations where God kept His promises in unexpected ways and when His blessings came at unexpected times. The Christmas season is the ultimate example of a promise fulfilled in an unexpected way at an unanticipated time.     LESSON BACKGROUND          Over the past several weeks, we've looked at God's covenant promises to Abraham. In Genesis 12, God promised to make Abraham a great nation if he would leave his home country and follow God's leading. Years later, God reaffirmed this promise by telling Abraham that he would have numerous descendants, even though at that time he had no children (Genesis 15:1-6). Last week, we saw how God tested Abraham's trust by asking him to sacrifice his promised son, Isaac. Because Abraham was willing to obey even this mystifying command, God promised once more that all people would be blessed through him (22:18).     By the days of Mary and Joseph, over 2,000 years had passed since the time of Abraham. The hope of the promise seemed to be nowhere in sight. The Jews had indeed become a large people group, but centuries of internal strife, political turmoil, and idolatry had resulted in generations of exile and domination by foreign nations.     At the time of Jesus' birth, the Roman Empire, under the brilliant leadership of Emperor Octavian (Augustus), was just entering the apex of its power and had taken control of almost the entire Mediterranean world. The only chance for freedom lay in the ancient hope that God would remember His covenant with Abraham. The promise had been a long time coming by human standards. Click Here for Complete Lesson

Sunday School 'Dealing With Disobedience"

Sunday School Lesson found and offered by the Universal Life Church Seminary

All About The Kingdom  Sunday School Lesson Dealing With Disobedience Lesson Text: Joshua 7:1, 10-12, 20-26 Background Scripture: Joshua 7, 8 Devotional Reading: Romans 6:15-23  LESSON BACKGROUND Time: 1405 B.C. Place: Jericho; Valley of Achor     Israel's determined obedience to God produced the successes that the previous generation forfeited because of disobedience. Some of the people experienced the full 40 years of punishment in the wilderness wandering. The evidence accumulated to show that the repeated disobediences and complaining by their ancestors was totally unacceptable behavior to God. The rebellious adults who left Egypt perished in the wilderness.     The farewell address of Moses in the book of Deuteronomy also had a strong effect. Moses' death took place a short time before the book of Joshua begins. In his speeches, Moses vividly contrasted the results for obedience and disobedience, not only for that generation, but also in the future (see Deuteronomy 27 and 28).  Over 200 times Moses used the imperatives hear, do, obey, keep.     The second generation-that is, the one that followed Joshua's leadership-did well in listening and learning. Many good things happened as a result. The people pledged to obey Joshua. They accepted the news from the two spies sent to Jericho that the inhabitants of Canaan were terrified. The conquest of Jericho was completely successful. Simple obedience to God's unusual battle plans produced a stunning victory. This was the first of three cities in Canaan that the book of Joshua says were burned. The others were Ai (Joshua 8:18, 19) and Hazor (11:11).    From all outward appearances, the conquest of Canaan was going extremely well. But during the assault on Jericho, a deliberate, disobedient, defiant sin entered Israel. What would be the consequences for the nation of Israel, and what could be done about it to make things right again?    CLICK HERE FOR THIS WEEKS COMPLETE LESSON

Sunday School 'God Expects Obedience'

Sunday School Lessons found and shared by the Universal Life Church Seminary All About The Kingdom  Sunday School Lesson God Expects Obedience God's Expectations Lesson Text:  Joshua 1:7-16 Background Scripture:  Joshua 1:1-18 Devotional Reading:  1 John 5:3,4 Introduction    The phrase boot camp is associated with the first weeks of training in a branch of the military. One purpose of boot camp is to condition trainees to respond with immediate obedience to legal commands. It is absolutely essential that legal orders be obeyed without argument. A father is said to have asked his son what he learned in boot camp, and the son replied that he had learned what the word now means!    Being a follower of Jesus also has expectations of obedience. Jesus says that the person who loves Him will obey what He commands (John 14:15). In the latter part of the Great Commission, Jesus states that disciples are to be taught to obey everything that He commands (Matthew 28:20). Peter affirms that the Holy Spirit is given to those who obey Him (Acts 5:32). Paul states that Jesus will punish those who do not obey Him (2 Thessalonians 1:8). Even "the apostle of love," John, writes that love is perfected by keeping or obeying the word of Christ (1 John 2:4,5).     Perhaps it would be a good idea to have a boot camp for new Christians-just to help them realize that there are important obligations in living for Christ. The training might even include the meaning of the word now! CLICK HERE FOR THIS WEEKS COMPLETE LESSON

Sunday School 'God Provides Victory"

All About The Kingdom  Sunday School Lesson God Gives Victory "God Gives Victory"  Lesson Text: Lesson: Joshua 6:2-4, 12-20 Background Scripture: Joshua 5:13-6:27 Devotional Reading: Exodus 17:8-16; Numbers 13, 14. Joshua 6:2-4, 12-20 2 And the Lord said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour. 3 And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shall thou do six days. 4 And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. ... Introduction Victory in "Complete Surrender"   Chariots of Fire is the title of a 1981 movie. The film is a tribute to Eric Liddell (1902-1945), the "Flying Scotsman," who won two medals in the 1924 Olympic games held in Paris: the gold medal in a 400-meter race and a bronze medal in a 200-meter race. The film vividly shows Liddell's commitment to his faith in that he would not participate in events on Sunday. He had learned about the timing for such events several months before, but the film portrays him as acquiring this information just as he was boarding the ship to go with the team to France. His prior knowledge gave him a chance to train for the 400-meter competition instead of his specialty, the 100-meter event. He was not expected to do well, but he set a world record with a time of 47.6 seconds. LESSON BACKGROUND The children of Israel were now west of the Jordan River and encamped at Gilgal in the land of Canaan. God had miraculously dried up the river so that the people could cross over into Canaan. Memorials had been set up, manna had ceased coming from heaven, circumcision had been performed, and everybody was waiting for the next phase of conquering the land. As Joshua waited for further instructions, he decided to go out and look over Jericho and make some observations about their first challenge. How were they going to take Jericho before moving on? God is always good to give us the directions we need when we are willing to patiently wait upon Him. It might be one of the hardest things we have to do as believers, simply biding our time until He indicates clearly what steps we are to take next. But experience has taught many of us that the only thing harder than waiting on the Lord is wishing we had!    CLICK HERE FOR THIS WEEKS COMPLETE LESSON

Sunday School 'Use Gods Strength"

The Universal Life Church Seminary finds Sunday School Lessons to share.

All About The Kingdom  Sunday School Lesson Let God Rule!  Lesson Text: Lesson: Judges 7:2-4, 13-15; 8:22-25 Background Scripture: Judges 6-8; 21:25 Devotional Reading: Psalm 81 INTRODUCTION Israel's Situation      The sin cycle of the story line of Judges is clearly marked in the account of Gideon (see Judges 6:1). Apostasy led to oppression. This is an indication of God's sovereignty at work in bringing judgment on His sinful people. For seven long years the Midianites, with the aid of Amalekites and the "children of the east" (a nomadic group from the Syrian desert, east of the Jordan River), raided the Israelites at harvesttime in order to take the best of their produce, including livestock (6:3,4). The Israelites resorted to hiding in caves and assembling fortresses to protect themselves from the multitude of marauders (6:2).       LESSON BACKGROUND Gideon's Reluctance  Time: 1191 B.C. Places: Near the hill of Moreh; Near Succoth and Peniel  Like other leaders called by God, Gideon was reluctant. The Mosaic covenant required that there be no testing of God (Deuteronomy 6:16); yet Gideon tested God at least three times. The first test was just after Gideon was called by the angel of the Lord to save the people (Judges 6:12-14). From the very beginning, Gideon tried to weasel out of his calling (6:7-15). When the Lord insisted that Gideon accept, Gideon asked for "a sign" that this was truly God speaking (6:17). The angel of the Lord complied (6:18-24). The second test was requested after Gideon was filled with God's Spirit to lead (Judges 6:34). Gideon requested that a fleece of wool be covered with dew in the morning while the ground around it remained dry (6:37). It happened just that way (6:38), but that was not convincing for Gideon! So in his third test, Gideon asked God to reverse the miracle (6:39). God did so (6:40).      God has a sense of humor, indeed, for during all this God described Gideon as a "mighty man of valour" (Judges 6:12). He declared that Gideon would smite the Midianites in "thy might" (6:14). What descriptions for a reluctant warrior! What Gideon should have listened to were these words: "The Lord is with thee," "Have not I sent thee?" and "Surely I will be with thee" (6:12,14,16). Fully appreciating the sovereignty and power of God helps us overcome fear and weakness.      Click Here for Complete Lesson

Sunday School "A Man of Integrity"

The Universal Life Church Seminary Finds Sunday School Lessons for Ministers

All About The Kingdom  Sunday School Lesson "A Man of Integrity"       Lesson Text: Genesis 39:7-21 Background Scripture: Genesis 39:1-23 Devotional Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13   INTRODUCTION     Temptations come in many forms. Some people are tempted to lie or steal. Others are tempted to abuse drugs or alcohol. The greatest allurement for many is gossip or gluttony. Others might be tempted by possessions or power. But many, sexual immorality is Satan's greatest lure.     When people succumb to any of the above, the tendency of some is to wonder how they could fall prey to such a sin. It is often hard for us to see ourselves being ensnared in certain ways. But given the right circumstances, there is no sin any of us are incapable of committing.     Of course, Satan knows our weaknesses and will provide opportunities where we are most vulnerable to being caught in his snare. Peter's boasting (Luke 22:31-34) and Judas's greed (John 12:4-6) set them up for the temptations that led to their respective falls.     Joseph, however, resisted temptation. He thus provides a model for us in gaining victory over sin.     The lessons this quarter have revolved around God's establishment of and care for His people Israel.     The context of this week's lesson is found in Genesis 39:1-6. Joseph had been sold by his jealous brothers to a band of Ishmaelite merchants on their way to Egypt to sell spices (chap. 37). Once in Egypt, Joseph was sold as a slave to Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's guard. Joseph flourished and excelled in Potiphar's service as the Lord blessed them both. LESSON BACKGROUND     The first three lessons of the quarter featured Abram/Abraham to introduce the theme "God Establishes a Faithful People." Abraham is the first person in the Bible about whom it is said that he believed God (Genesis 15:5). The writer of the book of Hebrews, however, cites three others lived before Abraham whose lives exemplified faith (Abel, Enoch, and Noah, per Hebrews 11:4-7).     Abraham died at age 175. At that time, grandsons Jacob and Esau, were 15 (Genesis 21:5; 25:7,8,26). The fact that Abraham had only two grandsons through Isaac may have cause Abraham to wonder about the rate at which God was moving to fulfill the promise that his descendants would be as many as the stars (15:5). These grandsons began to change things, for Jacob became the father of 12 sons (35:23-26), and Esau had 5 sons (36:4,5).     It is Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob, who is featured in this lesson and the next three. Joseph was the first son of Jacob's favorite wife (Rachel), and Jacob demonstrated favoritism in giving Joseph a multicolored robe, the kind worn by persons in places of royalty (Genesis 37:3). The same word is used in 2 Samuel 13:18 for a robe worn by a daughter of King David.     This preferential treatment produced jealously on the part of Joseph's older brothers (Genesis 47:4). This intensified when Joseph related two of his dreams that depicted family members paying homage to him (37:5-9). When the brothers had an opportunity, they mistreated Joseph and sold him into slavery. As Jacob had once deceived his own father (Genesis 27:5-33), so he was deceived in turn by his sons: they dipped Joseph's robe in the blood of an animal, presented it to Jacob, and asked him to identify the robe. This caused Jacob to believe that his favorite son was dead (37:31-35). Click Here for Complete Lesson