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

Sunday School Lesson

Sunday School Lesson

Pharaoh's Last Chance (Fearing God)
by Craig

LESSON OBJECTIVE
Topics: Moses, Plagues, Fearing God, Hardened Heart, Wrath After completing this lesson, the children will learn to look for God's warnings about bad behavior and how we can benefit when we listen and obey God.
AS KIDS ARRIVE (15 minutes)
Warning Signs (Activity) Click here
OPENING PRAYER AND PRAISES (5 minutes) Further info? Click here
MEMORY WORK (6 minutes)
"Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble" Proverbs 28:14 Have the kids find this verse in their Bibles, and read it several times out loud. Have them close their eyes and try to say the verse again.
SCRIPTURE READING AND DISCUSSION (15 minutes)
Introduction: Last week we learned how God spoke to Moses, telling him to go back to Egypt to help free the Israelites from Pharaoh's grip. God gave Moses the words to say, and the power to perform miracles before Pharaoh to make him let the people go. To convince Pharaoh he was dealing with the one and only true God, He sent ten plagues on Egypt. A little later we will sing about these plagues (optional). But each time, Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not obey God. Instead, he did not let the people go. Our lesson today begins with the tenth plague. It was the most devastating plague of them all. It was Pharaoh's last chance. It was his last warning. Let's find out what happened. Exodus 11:1-8, 12: 29-32 (Pharaoh Finally Gives In) Discussion Questions: 1. What did God say would happen after this plague? (Pharaoh would drive the Israelites completely out of Egypt.) 2. What was going to happen to all of the Egyptian families? (All of the firstborn males, both people and cattle would die) 3. At what time was this plague going to take place? (Midnight) 4. What did the Israelites take from the Egyptian people? (Silver and Gold) 5. Why do you think Pharaoh let the people go after this plague when he didn't after the first nine plagues? (It affected him personally, taking the life of someone dear to him.)   6. Is having a fear of the Lord a good thing or a bad thing? Why? (It is a good thing, because when we fear the Lord, we become obedient to His Word and receive His blessings.)
CLASS EXERCISES ( 5 minutes and 15 minutes )
Hardened Heart (Object Talk) Click here   The Passover (Skit for up to 9 volunteers) Click here
ALTERNATE CLASS EXERCISE (10 minutes)
The Plague Song (Song) Click here
APPLICATION (2 minutes)
Although Pharaoh was given many signs to know God was in control, he did not fear Him. Instead his heart was hardened and that led to disobedience. We have warning signs too. Not only are there signs that warn us about physical dangers, like we discussed earlier today, but the Bible is also full of warning signs. The Ten Commandments are a good example of some of these warnings, and there are many others. So what do we need to do to learn how to fear God and try to be obedient to Him in every area of our lives.
NEXT WEEK
What would you do if when we tried to leave this room today, the doors would not open no matter how hard we tried. Would you panic? Something very similar happened to the Israelites. Come back next week to see how they got out of their difficult situation.
CLOSING PRAYER (2 minutes) Further info?
TAKE HOME PAGE
Give one copy to each child at the end of the class to take home.			From http://www.kidssundayschool.com

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Sunday School Lesson

The Life Of Moses (Lesson 2) God Speaks with Moses (God's Holiness) Sunday School Lesson by Craig

LESSON OBJECTIVE

Topics: Moses, Holiness, Listening, Will of God After completing this lesson, the children will learn that God desires to communicate with us and how important it is for us to listen.

AS KIDS ARRIVE (15 minutes)

Ways to Communicate: As the children arrive, hand them a blank sheet of paper and a pencil and have them write down as many ways or things they can think of that people use to communicate. Give one or two examples (see below). After everyone has arrived, and jotted down a few things, write their unique answers on the board. Include any additional items of your own they could not think of. Then take a vote by a showing of hands which item the kids believe is the best or most effective way and the least effective way to communicate. Close the activity by saying, "There are many great ways to communicate, some are more effective than others, but God can communicate with us in miraculous ways. Today we will discover one unforgettable way God talked with Moses. Examples: Radio, Television, Books, Magazines, Loud speakers, Prayer, Angels

OPENING PRAYER AND PRAISES (5 minutes) Further info? Click here

MEMORY WORK (6 minutes)

"My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth" Psalm 121:2 The kids should be familiar with this verse from last week. Today, have the kids sit in a circle, and call out one name. That child will say the first part of the verse. The child to his left (clockwise) must say the second part of the verse, and the next child to the left say the reference. Do this several times so everyone has a chance to say part of the verse.

SCRIPTURE READING AND DISCUSSION (15 minutes)

Introduction: Last week we learned about how God protected Moses by having the Pharaoh's daughter raise him as her own child. God had a plan for Moses from the time he was born. Now Moses is a married man, and it is time for God to tell Moses what to do. During this time the Israelite people who are living in Egypt are being treated very badly. The Egyptians are using them like slaves to do all the hard work. But the Israelites are God's chosen people, so God is going to use Moses to free them from their suffering. Our lesson begins with Moses tending the sheep belonging to Jethro his Father-in-law. Exodus 3:1-15 (The story of Moses and the Burning Bush) Discussion Questions: 1. What was strange about the bush that Moses saw in the mountain? (It never stopped burning) 2. Why do you suppose God chose a burning bush as a way to speak to Moses? (To get the attention of Moses and to show His fearsome power) 3. Why did God tell Moses to take off his sandals? (Because he was on holy ground) 4. How did Moses react to God's request? (He didn't think he was worthy -said "who am I") 5. How was God going to help Moses deliver His message? (God would be with him) 6. Who was Moses to say sent him, if asked by the Israelites? (Moses was to say "I AM has sent me.")

CLASS EXERCISES (20 minutes)

Selling God's Word (Activity) Click here

ALTERNATE CLASS EXERCISE (10 minutes)

Old Time Telephone (Game) Have the kids either sit in a circle or line up, and play the old telephone game to show how important it is to listen carefully to the Word of God. You can use the following phrases or make up your own: 1. When God spoke to Moses, He did it in a very strange way, by using a bush. 2. Moses was not prepared to hear what he heard up in the mountain. 3. God has a special plan for all of us, so we need to listen carefully to what the Word of God says.

APPLICATION (2 minutes)

God desires to communicate with us all the time. Sometimes however we are just too busy to listen to God. Perhaps we feel God has more important things to do than talk to us. But that cannot be further from the truth. God loves us very much and wants to tell us many things. That's why we need to take time to pray, and hear what God has to say. Let's pray now, and ask God to help us to listen to Him.

NEXT WEEK

If you really wanted to do something, what would make you change your mind. Next week we will learn about a man who wouldn't change his mind even when he was covered with flies and other creepy things.

CLOSING PRAYER (2 minutes)

TAKE HOME PAGE

Give one copy to each child at the end of the class to take home. ********************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Sunday School Lesson

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON OBJECTIVE

Topics: Moses as a baby Moses, Protection After completing this lesson, the children will learn that God protects us and has a plan for each of our lives.

AS KIDS ARRIVE (15 minutes)

Draw the following chart on the board:   Things that protect us People that protect us (examples: bicycle helmets, seat belts, gloves) (examples: Fireman, policeman, God) As the children arrive, give them a sheet of paper and have them copy the chart from the board, or have copies already made up before class. Have them jot down as many things and people they can think of while waiting for everyone to arrive. When finished, discuss what everyone came up with and write unique items of the board for all to see.

OPENING PRAYER AND PRAISES (5 minutes) Further info? Click here

MEMORY WORK (6 minutes)

"My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth" Psalm 121:2 Have the kids find this verse in their Bibles, and read it several times out loud. Have them close their eyes and try to say the verse again.

SCRIPTURE READING AND DISCUSSION (15 minutes)

Introduction: Today we will learn about the birth of Moses. Moses was born a long time ago in Egypt. But he was not an Egyptian. He was an Israelite. At that time the Pharaoh of Egypt gave an order that every newborn baby boy was to be thrown into the Nile River and killed, but baby girls could live. That doesn't sound fair does it? Can you imagine the sadness parents had when a baby boy was born? But this is a story about how God can protect His own chosen people, even during evil times like this. Exodus 2:1-10 (The story of the birth of Moses) Discussion Questions: 1. Instead of throwing Moses into the Nile, what did his mother do with him for the first three months of his life? (She hid him) 2. When his mother could hide him no longer, what did she do with Moses? (She put him in a basket and set him among the reeds in the Nile) 3. Where did Pharaoh's daughter find the baby? (Along the bank of the Nile among the reeds) 4. What was Pharaoh's daughter doing when she found Moses? (Bathing with her servants) 5. Do you think Moses was found by accident, or was it God's plan? (God's plan) 6. Who did Pharaoh's daughter find to nurse the baby? (His mother) 7. How do we see God's protection in this story? (God protected Moses from dying in the Nile River by allowing Pharaoh's daughter to find him and raise him as an Egyptian.)

CLASS EXERCISES (10 minutes)

Moses in the Nile (Skit for six children) Click here

APPLICATION (2 minutes)

We use many thingsto protect us for instance helmets, gloves and heavy coats in the winter. People also protect us from harm, such as firemen and lifeguards. God's protection is always there, even when we don't know it. He has a plan for us just like He did for Moses. Although things may seem difficult at the time, God is always working in us for the good. The Bible says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) This week, everyone should spend some time in prayer, thanking God for His protection. Remember, our help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

NEXT WEEK

Did you ever hear a red rose talk? Come back next week and we will learn about something just as strange, but very true.

CLOSING PRAYER (2 minutes)

TAKE HOME PAGE

Give one copy to each child at the end of the class to take home. ********************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Sunday School Lesson

The Golden Rule

To Remember: We should treat others as we want to be treated

Vocabulary
   Love: putting others first

Lesson

Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

God has always given His people guidance on how they should treat one another. We tend to be selfish, unless trained otherwise. But God wants us to be considerate of others. He said that we should treat others they way we would like to be treated. How do you like to be treated? With respect, listened to, not interrupted, loved, share things with, treated fairly, honest with, follow through on promises. If we like these things from others, it is only natural that others would like us to treat them the same. Display and discuss the iron rule, silver rule, golden rule. (Define on a chart: Iron Rule "Do unto others before the do it to me." Silver Rule "Do unto others as they do unto me." Golden Rule "Do unto others as I would have them do unto me."
 
SING: I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart

Love is not just a warm fuzzy feeling of affection, although it can include that. Love is putting someone else first in your life; taking care of what they need before taking care of your needs. The golden rule is love in action; treating others well, because others are as important as you are. Jesus said that Christians' love and caring for each other would be how the world identified us.

John 13:34,35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

True or False

1. God didn't always want people to love each other. F
2. We don't know how others want to be treated. F
3. Jesus cared for others more than himself. T
4. People around us can tell if we love one another. T
5. It is easy to be unselfish. F
6. The silver rule says: love those that love you. T
7. Loving others makes us like God. T

Activities

Discussion/Worksheet: Have students choose the "rule" applied in each of the examples (iron, silver, gold)

1. When Cain killed Abel.      iron
2. When Israelites took revenge on murderers in the Old Testament.      silver
3. When Christ died for us.   gold
4. When we hit back.  silver
5. When we lie to keep from getting in trouble.      iron
6. When we forgive.    gold

Printable Worksheet: Unscramble a verse about the golden rule
 
Memory Work:

• Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
• PK "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Activities:

1. Think about how you like to be treated. Now choose one person you will make an effort to treat like this in the coming week. (Picking someone who is difficult to be around will make a significant difference in your week!)
2. Draw a picture of someone applying the "golden rule."
3. Act out the following scenarios, with both "silver" and "golden" responses. Discuss how the golden response promotes peace and love, and reflects Christ.
   • A fellow student makes fun of your outfit in the lunch line. How do you handle it?
   • You and a friend are telling your parents about your field trip. Your friend interrupted you and took over the story. He's leaving out parts. What do you do?
   • You know someone who lies all the time. One day she asks you in you can help her with a project on Friday. You know for a fact you could, but you'd rather not. How to you respond?

Review Questions for gameboard

 linguistic questions

1. Summarize the "golden rule". Treat others as you want them to treat you
2. Unscramble the word:     veol     (love)
3. Name the book where this lesson is taught.   (Matthew, John)

  activity questions

1. Act out someone who is not putting others first.
2. Draw a heart with your eyes shut.
3. Name something you will do this week for someone you don't like.

  emotion questions

1. How do you feel when others let you pick first? special, happy
2. How do you feel when other people won't share with you? unhappy, disliked
3. How does God feel when we treat each other nice? happy, pleased

application questions

1. How should I treat those who don't like me? the same as my friends
2. In what ways has God treated you better than you deserve? he always provides for us, he blesses us with more than we need, he sent his son to die for us
3. In what ways can you treat others "like yourself"? Share the best of what I have, let them go first, treat them politely and kindly, help when needed

fact questions

1. Who treats us better than anyone else? God
2. Do we deserve God's mercy? yes
3. Who should we show kindness to? everyone

review questions

1. Why should we treat others well? 1) to be like God, 2) to show we are his children, 3) because we were treated well by God, 4) it is God's law
2. How do we determine how to treat others? We do what we'd like done to us
3. What example can we look to when we are uncertain how to act? Jesus 

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Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar