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