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Sunday School Lesson

Lesson for Oct. 5, 2008: Empowered Community (Acts 2:1-17)

Jon Walker

 

This week’s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for October 5) is written by Jon Walker who serves with Willowbrook Christian Church in Victor, New York.


Empowered Community (Acts 2:1-17)

“If you took all the people sleeping in church buildings on Sunday morning and laid them end to end, they would be . . . much more comfortable.”

Explanations for falling asleep when the church meets?
1. Inadequate rest.
2. Somnolent surroundings.
3. Boring sermons (if people fall asleep while I’m preaching, wake me up!).
4. Tradition (he always falls asleep there!).

They sure weren’t falling asleep in the beginning! (Well, OK, there was Eutychus. I wonder which excuse he gave Paul.)

WAITING DIRECTION
It’s Pentecost and Jesus’ group is in Jerusalem, awaiting further direction (Acts 1:1-14). They hear tornadic wind, but see nothing blowing. They watch flames engulf them, but feel no discomfort (other than a sudden urge to speak a foreign language!). The Spirit of God has landed (Acts 2:1-4).

Unlike previous arrivals he’s orchestrated (a scrawny shepherd and his brother knocking at Pharaoh’s gate, a long line of people sneaking silently around Jericho’s walls, a baby born in a barn), God goes big with this one! God’s Spirit is moving into his new home, and he does way more than tie balloons to the mailbox! Jews from 14 different countries are awestruck—by the heavenly pyrotechnics and by the incomprehensible fact that the guys announcing God’s greatness in their native tongues are Galileans, usually unable to speak their own language fluently (Acts 2:5-11).

The crowds can’t figure it all out. They don’t even have a good guess. Drunk? Drunkenness doesn’t lead to speaking eloquently in your own language, much less one you’ve never studied before! (Although, that idea might appeal to seminary students cramming for Greek finals!)

It’s at this point that Peter stands up in front of thousands (what a difference spending 40 days with a “not-dead-anymore” friend makes!), and begins to make good on Jesus’ Caesarea Philippi prediction (Matthew 16:13-20). “This is not the result of spirits, but of the Spirit!” Peter says. “Not chardonnay, but what the prophets say!” (Walker paraphrase.) And Peter tells them what Jesus told him, that Joel predicted that when God poured his Spirit on all people, we would be in the last days! That, says Peter, is now! (Acts 2:12-17).

START AT THE BEGINNING
I grew up studying, memorizing, and defending Acts 2—probably more than any other passage. I’m good with baptism as the biblically defined point at which Jesus promises to cover us. I like congregations that start counting at 3,000. I’m in favor of the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. And our church’s goal is to live such that the Lord adds daily to our number! I’m a big fan of Acts 2.

The latter half.

But you can’t get to the end of Acts 2 without going through the beginning—logically or experientially. I heard Roger Chambers refer to our evangelical neighbors as “soteriological hydrophobiacs”—suffering from a mortal fear of combining salvation and water! My problem? I grew up Holy Spirit phobic.

Yes, I’ve taken the classes; I know the Spirit hovered above the chaos, got a temporary work permit to reside inside Old Testament heroes, gave power to Jesus (even in the grave), undid Babel on Pentecost, inspired God’s Word, regenerated us into new creaturehood. I am aware of, dependent on, and thankful for what God’s Spirit has done, but I wonder. Could we be limiting ourselves by an unspoken belief that the Spirit’s greatest moments are behind him?

When I watch friends who are making a difference today, those I think should be featured in Acts 29, they seem kind of crazy. (In a good way.) “Christians should be doing stuff!” they say. “Commit to produce, and then produce!” When faced with something impossible that needs doing, they say, “OK, I’ll try.” And they have great stories of God delivering through moments of sheer panic.

I want stories like they have, but I don’t want to live on the edge of disaster like they do. I ask, “How do you do that?” They say, “It’s him, not me!”

CREDITING GOD’S SPIRIT
That’s what they said in Acts 2. Jesus’ crew credited God’s Spirit with arranging opportunities, providing needed words, and encouraging success (e.g., Acts 8:29, 10:19, 9:31). With God’s Spirit leading, they changed the world!

Thousands were won in the first century because thousands were taught. Thousands are not being won today (where I live) because thousands are not being taught. So we implement WillowCreekian or Saddlebackian methods to cause teachable moments. Sad truth is, an engineless car can be pushed down a hill and it can go fast, but without a motor, it can’t go up again. And I’ve seen that a group of Jesus followers can be positioned in such a way that they apparently accomplish a lot, but without his power, they won’t be able to go uphill—and kingdom work is mostly uphill.

Might I suggest that it behooves us to let the Spirit out of the box (or the book)? That not only is he capable of doing stuff today, he’s eager to, if we would but ask? And that we should be asking, whatever our doctrinal inclinations.

God said that in the last days he would pour out his Spirit on all people. That, says Peter, be us!

People absolutely open to God’s Spirit, following his lead wherever that may take them, lined up end to end? I bet that would result again in the Lord adding daily to our number! (And maybe to less falling asleep in church assemblies on Sunday mornings!)

________

* All Scripture quotations are from the New International Version, unless otherwise indicated. 

HOME DAILY BIBLE READINGS

Sept. 29: 1 John 1:1-4

Sept. 30: Acts 2:22-36

Oct. 1: Acts 2:37-47

Oct. 2: John 20:19-23

Oct. 3: Romans 12:3-8

Oct. 4: Acts 2:1-13

Oct. 5: Acts 2:14-21

ABOUT THE LESSON WRITER: Jon Walker, his wife, Linda, and his two children (Karis, 22, and Jess, 20) love Hawaii and the New York Mets. They have been doing life with the Willowbrook Christian Church in Victor, New York, since 1982. Jon loves listening to his dad tell stories, Bob Russell preach, Jack Cottrell teach, Dick Alexander strategize, and mostly wrote this article because his mom likes it when he gets published.

PREVIOUS COLUMNS:
Lesson for Nov. 22, 2009: A Faithful People (2 Peter 1:3-15)
Lesson for Nov. 15, 2009: A Suffering People (1 Peter 4:12-19)
Lesson for Nov. 8, 2009: A Chosen People (1 Peter 2:1-10)
Lesson for Nov. 1, 2009: A Holy People (1 Peter 1:13-25)
Lesson for Oct. 25, 2009: Opting Out (Mark 10:17-31)
Lesson for Oct. 18, 2009: Begging to Get In (Mark 7:24-37)
Lesson for Oct. 11, 2009: Recognizing Jesus (Mark 5:1-13; 18-20)
Lesson for Oct. 4, 2009: Looking for Jesus (Mark 1:32-45)
Lesson for Sept. 27, 2009: Nehemiah: Motivator for the People (Nehemiah 2:5, 11-20)
Lesson for Sept. 20, 2009: Ezra: Priest for the People (Ezra 9:5-11, 15)
Lesson for Sept. 13: Gideon: Deliverer for the People (Judges 6:1-3, 7-16)
Lesson for Sept. 6, 2009: Joshua: Leader for the People (Joshua 1:1-11, 16, 17)
Lesson for Aug. 30, 2009: Deciding to Follow (Deuteronomy 30:1-10)
Lesson for Aug. 23, 2009: Obeying the Commands (Deuteronomy 6:1-9; 20-24)
Lesson for Aug. 16, 2009: Dishonoring God (Numbers 20:1-13)
Lesson for Aug. 9, 2009: Doubting and Rebelling (Numbers 14:1-12)
Lesson for Aug. 2, 2009: Grumbling and Complaining (Numbers 11:1-6, 10-15)
Lesson for July 26, 2009: Providing a Fresh Start (Leviticus 25:8-21, 23, 24)
Lesson for July 19, 2009: Commissioning for Service (Leviticus 8:1-13)
Lesson for July 12, 2009: Remembering and Celebrating (Deuteronomy 16:1-8)
Lesson for July 5, 2009: Accepting God’s Rules (Deuteronomy 5:1-9a, 11-13, 16-21)
Lesson for June 28, 2009: Finding Protection (Exodus 14:15-25, 30a)
Lesson for June 21, 2009: Recognizing Authority (Exodus 5:1-9, 22, 23; 6:1)
Lesson for June 14, 2009: Accepting Responsibility (Exodus 4:10-16, 27-31)
Lesson for June 7, 2009: Hearing God’s Call (Exodus 3:1-12)
Lesson for May 31, 2009: New Armor for Battle (Ephesians 6:10-18)
Lesson for May 24, 2009: New Life in the Home (Ephesians 5:21–6:4)
Lesson for May 17, 2009: New Message from God (Ephesians 3:1-13)
Lesson for May 10, 2009: New Works in Grace (Ephesians 2:1-10)
Lesson for May 3, 2009: New Family in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14)
Lesson for April 26, 2009: Helping Those in Need (Acts 9:32-43)
Lesson for April 19, 2009: You Are Witnesses (Luke 24:44-53)
Lesson for April 12, 2009: He Is Risen! (Luke 24:1-12)
Lesson for April 5, 2009: Jesus is Crucified (Luke 23:32-47)
Lesson for March 29, 2009: A New Source of Life (Ezekiel 47:1-12)
Lesson for March 22, 2009: A New Breath (Ezekiel 37:1-14)
Lesson for March 15, 2009: A New Respect (Ezekiel 36:22-32)
Lesson for March 8, 2009: A New Shepherd (Ezekiel 34:23-31)
Lesson for March 1, 2009: A New Spirit (Ezekiel 11:14-21)
Lesson for Feb. 22, 2009: Isaiah Answers God’s Call (Isaiah 6:1-8)
Lesson for Feb. 15, 2009: Esther Risks Her Life (Esther 4:1-3, 9-17)
Lesson for Feb. 8, 2009: Nathan Confronts David (2 Samuel 11:26—12:7a, 13-15)
Lesson for Feb. 1, 2009: A Shunammite Woman Hosts Elisha (2 Kings 4:8-17)
Lesson for Jan. 25, 2009: Samson’s Mother Prepares (Judges 13:1-13, 24)
Lesson for Jan. 18, 2009: Joshua Leads Israel (Joshua 3:1-13)
Lesson for Jan. 11, 2009: Rahab Helps God’s People (Joshua 2:1-4a, 11b-14; 6:22-25)
Lesson for Jan. 4, 2009: Midwives Serve God (Exodus 1:8-21)
Lesson for Dec. 28, 2008: John the Baptist Preaches God’s Message (Luke 3:7-18)
Lesson for Dec. 21, 2008: Shepherds Glorify God (Luke 2:8-20)
Lesson for Dec. 14, 2008: Elizabeth Honors the Messiah! (Luke 1:39-45)
Lesson for Dec. 7, 2008: Mary Praises God (Luke 1:46-55)
Lesson for Nov. 30, 2008: Grace in the Community (2 Corinthians 11:17, 21-30; 12:9, 10)
Lesson for Nov. 23, 2008: Leadership in the Community (2 Timothy 2:1-3; 3:14—4:5)
Lesson for Nov. 16, 2008: Joy in the Community (Philippians 3:17–4:9)
Lesson for Nov. 9, 2008: Conflict in the Community (Galatians 2:9-21)
Lesson for Nov. 2, 2008: Unity in the Community (Ephesians 4:1-16)
Lesson for Oct. 26, 2008: Evangelistic Community (Acts 13:1-12)
Lesson for Oct. 19, 2008: Transformed Community (Acts 9:1-11, 16-19)
Lesson for Oct. 12, 2008: Growing Community (Acts 6:1-15)
Lesson for Sept. 28, 2008: Community of Service (Matthew 20:17-28)
Lesson for Sept. 21, 2008: Community of Values (Matthew 5:1-16)
Lesson for Sept. 14, 2008: Community of Humility (Matthew 1:18-25; 2:13-15)
Lesson for Sept. 7, 2008: Community of Repentance (Mark 1:1-8; Matthew 3:1-3;, 7-9)
Lesson for Aug. 31, 2008: Prayerful Community (James 5:7-18)
Lesson for Aug. 24, 2008: Godly Servants (James 4:1-12)
Lesson for Aug. 17, 2008: Wise Speakers (James 3)
Lesson for Aug. 10, 2008: Impartial Disciples (James 2:1-13)
Lesson for Aug. 3, 2008: Doers of the Word (James 1:17-27
Lesson for July 27, 2008: Promised Messiah (Matthew 16:13-23)
Lesson for July 20, 2008: Exemplary Servant (John 13:1-20)
Lesson for July 13, 2008: Powerful Healer (Mark 1:29-45)
Lesson for July 6, 2008: Master Teacher (Luke 4:31-37; 20:1-8)
Lesson for June 29, 2008: Eternal Christ (Hebrews 13:1-16)
Lesson for June 22, 2008: Trustworthy Leader (Hebrews 12:1-13)
Lesson for June 15, 2008: Perfect Redeemer (Hebrews 9:11-18; 10:12-18)
Lesson for June 8, 2008: Only Intercessor (Hebrews 7:20-28)
Lesson for June 1, 2008: God's Son (Hebrews 1:1-12)
Lesson for May 25, 2008: Renewing the Covenant (Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5, 6, 13, 14, 17, 18)
Lesson for May 18, 2008: Finishing the Task (Nehemiah 4:1-3, 6-9, 13-15; 6:15)
Lesson for May 11, 2008: Following a Visionary Leaders (Nehemiah 2:1-8, 11, 17, 18)
Lesson for May 4, 2008: Setting Priorities (Haggai 1:1-10, 12-15)
Lesson for April 27, 2008: Praying for the People (Daniel 9:1-7, 17-19)
Lesson for April 20, 2008: Refusing to Compromise (Daniel 6:4-7, 10, 16, 19, 21, 22, 25, 26)
Lesson for April 13, 2008: Taking a Stand (Daniel 3:10-13, 16-18, 21, 24-26)
Lesson for April 6, 2008: Holding to Convictions (Daniel 1:8-20)
Lesson for March 30, 2008: Josiah Renews the Covenant (2 Chronicles 34:15, 18, 19, 25-27, 29, 31-33)
Lesson for March 23, 2008: God Fulfills His Promises (2 Chronicles 6:12-17; Luke 24:44-49)
Lesson for March 16, 2008: God Calls Solomon to Build the Temple (1 Chronicles 28:5-10, 20, 21)
Lesson for March 9: God Makes a Covenant with David (1 Chronicles 7:1-4, 6-15)
Lesson for March 2, 2008: The Ark Comes to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:1-3, 14-16, 25-28)
Lesson for Feb. 24, 2008: Called to Be a Disciple (Luke 14:25-33)
Lesson for Feb. 17, 2008: Called to Be Humble (Luke 14:1, 7-14)
Lesson for Feb. 10, 2008: Called to Repent (Luke 13:1-9)
Lesson for Feb. 3, 2008: Called to Labor (Luke 10:1-12, 17-20)
Lesson for Jan. 27, 2008: Inspired to Trust (Luke 12:22-34)
Lesson for Jan. 20, 2008: Inspired to Pray (Luke 11:5-13)
Lesson for Jan. 13, 2008: Inspired to Love (Luke 6:27-36)
Lesson for Jan. 6, 2008: Inspired to Inquire (Luke 2:41-52)
Lesson for Dec. 30, 2007: Called to Witness (Luke 2:22-35)
Lesson for Dec. 23, 2007: Called to Rejoice (Luke 2:1-14)
Lesson for Dec. 16, 2007: Called to Proclaim (Luke 1:59-65, 67-80)
Lesson for Dec. 9, 2007: Called to Be a Vessel (Luke 1:26-38)
Lesson for Dec. 2, 2007: Called to Believe (Luke 1:8-23)
Lesson for Nov. 25, 2007: Jacob Blesses His Family (Genesis 48:8-21)
Lesson for Nov. 18, 2007: God Preserves His People (Genesis 43:1--45:15)
Lesson for Nov. 11, 2007: Joseph Is Exalted (Genesis 41:25-45)
Lesson for Nov. 4, 2007: Joseph Is Mistreated (Genesis 37)
Lesson for Oct. 28, 2007: Esau and Jacob Reconciled (Genesis 33)
Lesson for Oct. 21, 2007: Jacob and Rachel (Genesis 29)
Lesson for Oct. 14, 2007: Jacob's Dream at Bethel (Genesis 27:41--28:22)
Lesson for Oct. 7, 2007: Esau and Jacob as Rivals (Genesis 25:19-34)
Lesson for Sept. 30, 2007: Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 24)
Lesson for Sept. 23, 2007: Abraham, Hagar, and Ishmael (Genesis 21:9-21)
Lesson for Sept. 16, 2007: Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac (Genesis 15:1-6; 18:1-15; 21: 1-8)
Lesson for Sept. 9, 2007: In The Image of God (Genesis 1:26--2:3)
Lesson for Sept. 2, 2007: In The Beginning (Genesis 1:1-25)
Lesson for Aug. 26, 2007: Committed to Doing Right (Malachi 2:17-3:5; 4:1)
Lesson for Aug. 19, 2007: Committed to Returning to God (Zechariah 1:1-6; 7:8-14)
Lesson for Aug. 12, 2007: Committed to Taking Responsibility (Ezekiel 18:4, 20-23, 30-32)
Lesson for Aug. 5, 2007: Committed to Hope Even in Pain (2 Kings 25:1, 2, 5-7)
Lesson for July 29, 2007: Committed to Trusting God (Jeremiah 29:1-14)
Lesson for July 22, 2007: Committed to Accountability (Jeremiah 7:1-4, 8-15)
Lesson for July 15, 2007: Committed to Hope (Habakkuk 2:1-14)
Lesson for July 8, 2007: Committed to Righteousness (Zephaniah 3:1-9)
Lesson for July 1, 2007: Committed to God's Requirements (Micah 3:1-4; 6:6-8)
Lesson for June 24, 2007: Committed to Seeking God (Isaiah 55:1-11)
Lesson for June 17, 2007: Committed to True Worship (Isaiah 1:10-20)
Lesson for June 10, 2007: Recommitted to God's Ways (Hosea 4:1-4; 7:1, 2; 12:6-9; 14:1)
Lesson for June 3, 2007: Committed to Justice (Amos 5:10-24)
Lesson for May 27, 2007: Anticipating Christ's Return (Revelation 22:6-21)
Lesson for May 20, 2007: Living in God's Presence (Revelation 21:9-11; 21:22--22:5)
Lesson for May 13, 2007: Finding a Home in Heaven (Revelation 21:1-8)
Lesson for May 6, 2007: Taking Our Place at the Table (Revelation 19:1-10)
Lesson for April 29, 2007: Christ Is Our Protection (Revelation 7:1-3, 9-17)
Lesson for April 22, 2007: Christ Is Able to Redeem (Revelation 5:1-5, 8-14)
Lesson for April 15, 2007: Christ Is Worthy of Praise (Revelation 4)
Lesson for April 8, 2007: Christ Is Risen (Revelation 1:12, 17, 18; John 20:11-16, 30, 31)
Lesson for April 1, 2007: Christ Is King (Revelation 1:8; Luke 19:28-38)
Lesson for March 25, 2007: The Way to Love (1 John 5:1-12)
Lesson for March 18, 2007: The Source of Love (1 John 4:7-21)
Lesson for March 11, 2007: The Test of Love (1 John 3:1, 2, 11-24)
Lesson for March 4, 2007: The Light of Love (1 John 2:7-17)
Lesson for Feb. 25, 2007: I Am the True Vine (June 15:1-17)
Lesson for Feb. 18, 2007: I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:1-14)
Lesson for Feb. 11, 2007: I Am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:1-7, 17-27)
Lesson for Feb. 4, 2007: I Am the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18)
Lesson for Jan. 28, 2007: I Am the Light of the World (John 8:12-20; 12:44-46)
Lesson for Jan. 21, 2007: Jesus Is the Bread of Life and Living Water (John 6:34-40; 7:37-39)
Lesson for Jan. 14, 2007: Jesus Is Authority and Judge (John 5:19-29)
Lesson for Jan. 7, 2007: I Am From Above (John 8:31-38; 48-56, 59)
Lesson for Dec. 31, 2006: Humiliation and Exaltation (Philippians 2:1-11)
Lesson for Dec. 24, 2006: The Word Became Flesh (John 1:1-18)
Lesson for Dec. 17, 2006: Light That Conquers (1 John 1:1-2:6)
Lesson for Dec. 10, 2006: What God Says About Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-9)
Lesson for Dec. 3, 2006: Who Is Jesus Christ? (Colossians 1:15-23)
Lesson for Nov. 26, 2006: God Offers Return and Restoration (2 Chronicles 36:22, 23; Ezra 1:5-7)
Lesson for Nov. 19, 2006: The People Go Into Exile (2 Chronicles 36:15-21; Psalm 137)
Lesson for Nov. 12, 2006: Josiah Brings Reform (2 Kings 22, 23)
Lesson for Nov. 5, 2006: Elijah Triumphs with God (1 Kings 18:20-39)
Lesson for Oct. 29, 2006: God Grants Wisdom to Solomon (1 Kings 3)
Lesson for Oct. 22, 2006: God Makes a Covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:8-17)
Lesson for Oct. 15, 2006: God Answers the Prayer of Samuel (1 Samuel 7:3-13)
Lesson for Oct. 8, 2006: God Leads Through Deborah (Judges 4:4-10, 12-16)
Lesson for Oct. 1, 2006: God Sends Judges (Judges 2:6-23)
Lesson for Sept. 24, 2006: Covenant Renewed (Joshua 42)
Lesson for Sept. 17, 2006: God's Covenant With Israel (Exodus 19:1-6; 24:3-8)
Lesson for Sept. 10, 2006: God's Covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17)
Lesson for Sept. 3, 2006: God's Covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:1-17)
Lesson for Aug. 27, 2006: Giving Sufficient Grace (2 Corinthians 12:1-10)
Lesson for Aug. 20, 2006: Giving Is a Witness (2 Corinthians 9:1-15)
Lesson for Aug. 13, 2006: Giving Generously (2 Corinthians 8:1-15)
Lesson for Aug. 6, 2006: Giving Forgiveness (2 Corinthians 2:5-11; 7:2-15)
Lesson for July 30, 2006: Called to Love (1 Corinthians 13)
Lesson for July 23, 2006: Called to the Common Good (1 Corinthians 12:1-13)
Lesson for July 16, 2006: Called to Win the Race (1 Corinthians 9:24--10:13)
Lesson for July 9, 2006: Protect the Weak From Stumbling (1 Corinthians 8:1-13)
Lesson for July 2, 2006: Called to Relationships (1 Corinthians 7)
Lesson for June 25, 2006: Serving Faithfully (1 Corinthians 4:1-13)
Lesson for June 18, 2006: Serving Together (1 Corinthians 3:1-15)
Lesson for June 11, 2006: Serving with Spiritual Wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:1-16)
Lesson for June 4, 2006: Serving in Unity (1 Corinthians 1:10-17)
Lesson for May 28, 2006: Living Out Wisdom (Proverbs 31)
Lesson for May 21, 2006: Follow the Path of Integrity (Proverbs 11)
Lesson for May 14, 2006: Accept Wisdom's Invitation (Proverbs 8, 9)
Lesson for May 7, 2006: Seek Wisdom (Proverbs 2:1-5; 3:1-6, 13-18)
Lesson for April 30, 2006: Living in God's Time (Ecclesiastes 3)
Lesson for April 23, 2006: Finding Life's Meaning (Ecclesiastes 1:1-11; John 20:19-23)
Lesson for April 16, 2006: God Gives Life (Job 38:1-4, 16, 17; 42:1-6; Mark 16)
Lesson for April 9, 2006: Searching for Hope (Job 14:1, 2, 11-17; 32:6, 8; 34:12; 37:14, 22)
Lesson for April 2, 2006: Responding to Tragedy (Job 1-3)
Lesson for March 26, 2006: Sing Praise to the Creator (Psalm 145)
Lesson for March 19, 2006: God Created and Knows Us (Psalm 139)
Lesson for March 12, 2006: God Created Wonderful Things (Psalm 104)
Lesson for March 5, 2006: God Made Us Special (Psalm 8)
Lesson for Feb. 26, 2006: Live and Teach the Truth (Titus 2)
Lesson for Feb. 19, 2006: Follow a Good Mentor (2 Timothy 3, 4)
Lesson for Feb. 12, 2006: Develop Christian Character (2 Timothy 2)
Lesson for Feb. 5, 2006: Be True to Your Christian Heritage (2 Timothy 1)
Lesson for Jan. 29, 2006: Practice Justice and Mercy (1 Timothy 5)
Lesson for Jan. 22, 2006: Teach for Godliness (1 Timothy 4)
Lesson for Jan. 15, 2006: Calling Godly Leaders (1 Timothy 3)
Lesson for Jan. 8, 2006: Pray for Everyone (1 Timothy 2)
Lesson for Jan. 1, 2006: Rely on God's Strength (1 Timothy 1:12-20)
Lesson for Dec. 25, 2005: Good News for the World (Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 2:8-20)
Lesson for Dec. 18, 2005: Hope for the Suffering (Isaiah 53; Luke 1)
Lesson for Dec. 11, 2005: Strength for the Weary (Isaiah 49, 50)
Lesson for Dec. 4, 2005: Justice for All (Isaiah 42:1-9)
Lesson for Nov. 27, 2005: Paul Says Good-bye (Acts 20:17-38)
Lesson for Nov. 20, 2005: Priscilla and Aquila Serve Together (Acts 18:1-19:10)
Lesson for Nov. 13, 2005: Lydia Demonstrates Faithfulness (Acts 16:6-15; 40)
Lesson for Nov. 6, 2005: Paul Meets the Lord (Acts 9:1-31)
Lesson for Oct. 30, 2005: Peter Escapes Prison (Acts 12:1-17)
Lesson for Oct. 23, 2005: God Welcomes Gentiles (Acts 10:1-48)
Lesson for Oct. 16, 2005: Philip Teaches an Ethiopian (Acts 8:26-40)
Lesson for Oct. 9, 2005: Philip Preaches in Samaria (Acts 8:4-25)
Lesson for Oct. 2, 2005: Stephen Is Faithful to the End (Acts 6:8-7:60)
Lesson for Sept. 25, 2005: The Church Is Bold (Acts 4:1-31)
Lesson for Sept. 18, 2005: Peter and John Heal a Lame Man (Acts 3)
Lesson for Sept. 11, 2005: The Believers Share (Acts 2:43-47; 4:32-35)
Lesson for Sept. 4, 2005: The Spirit Comes (Acts 2)
Lesson for Aug. 28, 2005: Accepting the Invitation (Luke 14:7-24)
Lesson for Aug. 21, 2005: Being a Good Neighbor (Luke 10:25-37)
Lesson for Aug. 14, 2005: Healing the Incurable (Luke 8:40-56)
Lesson for Aug. 7, 2005: Called to a Mission (Luke 4:14-30)
Lesson for July 31, 2005: Meeting Human Needs (Matthew 25:31-46)
Lesson for July 24, 2005: Receiving and Giving Forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35)
Lesson for July 17, 2005: Learning to Listen (Matthew 13:1-23)
Lesson for July 10, 2005: Practicing Genuine Righteousness (Matthew 6:1-34)
Lesson for July 3, 2005: Experiencing True Happiness (Matthew 5:1-16)
Lesson for June 26, 2005: Triumph (Mark 16)
Lesson for June 19, 2005: Trials and Opposition (Mark 14:53-65; 15:1-5)
Lesson for June 12, 2005: Miracles (Mark 2:1-12)
Lesson for June 5, 2005: Baptism and Temptations (Mark 1:4-13)
Lesson for May 29, 2005: Participate in the Community of Faith (Galatians 5:22-6:10)
Lesson for May 22, 2005: Live in Christian Freedom (Galatians 5:10-15)

 






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