Sunday School Lesson for August 11

This week’s passages are from Psalm 50:1-8 & Luke 12:32-40.

Psalm 50:1-8

Psalm 50 is about the almightiness of God and contains some very harsh words of condemnation upon religious people who choose to ignore God’s commands. In effect, what is expressed is God’s anger against those who would seek perfection in making sanctimonious sacrifices and the keeping of religious rites rather than actually living by God’s Word.

In our present pluralistic culture, Psalm 50 is highly relevant. It should make us all ponder over how we practice our faith. Do we express it in terms of religious obligations, or do we convey it in merciful deeds?

Questions for study and reflection

The first couple of verses present an image of God authoritatively summoning the Earth into His presence each morning. How do we initially approach God on a daily basis?

The psalmist writes about God being Judge of all the Earth. How does this type of imagery relate to our own beliefs?

God is portrayed as being angry because of the religious hypocrisy of His people. Are we prone to the same sin? Give examples.

In the second half of the psalm, God declares the wicked to be those who hate God’s commands and set aside His words. Is this still happening in the Church today? Why/why not?

Psalm 50 is not a comfortable psalm to read. How does it still challenge us today?

Luke 12:32-40

Today’s verses cover two important areas in the life of any Christian. Firstly, we are meant to be generous with our belongings and share them with the poor. We are not to spend our lives increasing our possessions, because they will eventually possess us and we may lose God.

Secondly, we are to live our lives expecting the Lord at any time. Christians are meant to believe that Jesus will return to Earth one day. As each day passes, we get one day nearer to that amazing event, so we are urged to be ready for Christ every day.

Questions for study and reflection

Why did Jesus emphasize our need to let go of our possessions and to build up our treasure in heaven? How do our hearts reveal what we treasure most?

Jesus calls us to be like servants awaiting the return of their master. Do we understand what this image means for us today? Are we willing to actually be servants?

What does Jesus expect of us while we await His return? Are we ready for Him or do we just take each day for granted?

What do you personally think will happen to you when Christ does return? Why do you think that?

The mission of the Church, as the Bride of Christ, is to prepare the world for His Return. In reality, are we doing this effectively and faithfully? Why/why not?

Any other thoughts or questions?

Next Sunday’s readings: Isaiah 5:1-7 and Luke 12:49-56

Sunday School Lesson for July 21

This week’s passages are from Psalm 52:1-7 & Luke 10:38-42.

Psalm 52:1-7

Psalm 52 is personal song written by David about one of his arch-enemies, Doeg the Edomite. When David fled from King Saul’s court, he was helped by Ahimelech the priest at a town called Nob. David and his men were given food, shelter, and Goliath’s sword, all of which was witnessed by Doeg.

Doeg reported all of this to King Saul and then carried out a dreadful slaughter of the priests and people. This psalm is David’s reaction to what occurred, so much of the language is strongly cursing Doeg, especially in the original Hebrew.

Questions for study and reflection

Read over the first seven verses of the psalm. What are your first impressions?

What are the accusations that David makes about Doeg? Were they justified?

What does David expect God to do about Doeg’s wickedness? Is this justifiable?

Have you ever prayed an angry prayer? What was the cause? What did you expect God to do? How was this resolved?

Read the remaining verses of the psalm (vv8-9). Has David found closure to his anger?

Luke 10:38-42

           

Luke’s story about the sisters Martha and Mary has been told by the church for many generations. In this passage, Jesus gets to meet the sisters for the first time. Martha has invited Him to her home, and she is honored by His acceptance of her request. Things, however, do not go as Martha plans, especially when she sees her sister spending all of her time with Jesus, instead of helping her prepare the meal for Christ and his disciples.

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Questions for study and reflection

Why do you think Martha invited Jesus to her home? How must she have felt when He accepted her invitation?

What did her sister Mary do when Jesus arrived? Why was this important to her?

What made Martha complain to Jesus? What did she expect Him to do?

How did Jesus respond to Martha? What was He trying to teach her?

Sometimes, church people can be so busy with ministries and missions, projects and programs that they forget about the one thing that is eternally important: Jesus.

What are the best ways of listening to Christ in our lives and churches? How do we keep ourselves focused upon Him, rather than being distracted by the church things in our lives?

Any other thoughts or questions?

Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm 85:8-13 & Luke 11:1-10

Connections Class: Prayer Changes Things (4) - Healing

Prayer is an essential ingredient of our Christian faith, but sometimes people find it hard to pray. This short series discusses different types of prayers, as well as focusing on how and what to pray for.

Healing – from old English word “hal” or “Helen” – to be whole, complete, perfect

1          a : to make sound or whole <heal a wound> b : to restore to health

2          a : to cause (an undesirable condition) to be overcome :mend 

            b : to patch up (a breach or division) <heal a breach between friends>

3           to restore to original purity or integrity <healed of sin>

Example of healing prayers in today’s bulletin

Pastor:             O Lord, as we abide in Your sanctuary, may Your Holy Spirit descend upon us. As                          we await Your sacred presence, may Your righteousness cover all our sins.

People:           Speak to our hearts, Loving Father, and let Your truth comfort our souls. When                                 we are hurting, heal our pain. When we are grieving, grant us grace. When we                                  are fearful, fill us with faith.

Pastor:             Gracious Lord, we depend upon Your promises to sustain us in times of trouble,                            worry, and stress. Hear our prayers, Holy Lord. Heal our loved ones, and us, from                        all the harm and ill health that damages our hearts and minds, as well as our                              bodies and souls. Hear us now as we quietly pray.

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.

Pastor:             The Lord keeps His word, so we shall not be shaken. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.                    (Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 15)

Why do we pray for healing during worship? What are we asking for in today’s prayers? How do we use the time of silence? What is the candle for? Why use the psalms?

Bible examples of healing prayers

Psalm 38:1-8

1 O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. 

2 For your arrows have pierced me, and your hand has come down upon me. 

3 Because of your wrath there is no health in my body; my bones have no soundness because of my sin. 

4 My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. 

5 My wounds fester and are loathsome because of my sinful folly. 

6 I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning. 

7 My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body. 

8 I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart.

Is this a prayer or a complaint? How ill is the psalmist? Why does he reach out to God? What healing is he actually looking for? Do we equate God’s anger with sickness today?

Mark 7:24-30

24 Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. 25 In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet.26 The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. 

27 "First let the children eat all they want," he told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." 

28 "Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." 

29 Then he told her, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter." 30 She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

What causes the woman to beg for her daughter? Why does Jesus delay the healing? How does the woman respond? How is the healing transmitted? What does this passage tell us about praying for healing?

Acts 3:2-8

2 Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

Where do Peter and John get the power to heal? What is remarkable about this healing? What does this tell us about healing by Christ through His Church? How do we practice this today?

Any other questions?

Healing Prayers -        A word about OUR EXPECTATIONS: we are meeting together in the name of Jesus, and we are sure that according to His promise He is with us.  He is still the healing Lord, and through Him God answers our prayers.  We can therefore confidently expect SOME healing touch or gift for all those for whom we pray.  It may be a physical healing; it may be swift and dramatic, though more often it is likely to be gradual or cumulative.  It may be an invitation to trust and follow Jesus in a new way, and perhaps a call to penitence and forgiveness – or to forgive others.  It may be a healing of wounded relationships.  God has many healing gifts in store for us, if we turn to Him and work with Him, together, in faith and love. – Sandy Duff, Scotland.

Connections Class: Prayer Changes Things (2) - Confession

Prayer is an essential ingredient of our Christian faith, but sometimes people find it hard to pray. This short series discusses different types of prayers, as well as focusing on how and what to pray for.

Confession – 12^th century French word (time of Crusades)

1.         acknowledgment; avowal; admission: a confession of incompetence.

2.         acknowledgment or disclosure of sin or sinfulness, especially to a priest to obtain   absolution.

3.         something that is confessed.

4.         a formal, usually written, acknowledgment ofguilt by a person accused of a crime.

5.         Also called confession of faith. 

            a formal profession of belief and acceptance of doctrines, as before being admitted to       church membership

Example of prayer of confession in today’s bulletin

People:           Gracious Father, we still pursue our sinful desires and selfishly make bad choices; we sometimes neglect Your holy words and choose to act upon our own understanding. Forgive us for being foolish and unwise, insensitive and ungrateful. We know that we cannot hide from Your gaze, nor can we flee from Your presence. You know everything about us and every secret that we hide. Pardon us for avoiding the truth, and forgive us for allowing self-centered pride to dictate our decisions. Hear us now as we solemnly ask for mercy.

What are we saying about God with these words of prayer? What are we saying about ourselves?

Why do we have a time of silence after these confessions? How does Jesus teach us to confess in prayer?

Bible example of Prayer of Confession: Psalm 51

For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 

2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 

4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. 

5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 

6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. 

Why does David come to God with his confessions? What reasons does he give for sinning? What does he hope that God will do for him? Do we hope the same when we make our confessions?

7Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 

8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 

9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 

11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 

How does David feel about his sin? How has this affected his relationship with God? What does he hope for from God? What does he fear the most and why?

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. 

14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. 

15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 

16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 

18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. 

19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.

What promises does David say he will fulfill if he is forgiven? Why is this important to him? Why is a sacrifice not necessary? What does David declare to be essential for a true/ successful confession before God? Does verse 19 seem out of place???

Other questions/ notes/ comments about confession?

Prayer

Create in us pure hearts, O God, and renew steadfast spirits within us. 

Do not cast us from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from us. 

Restore to us the joy of your salvation and grant us willing spirits, to sustain us. 

In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.