Sunday School lesson June 30

Summer Sunday School

This week’s passages are from Psalm 16:1-8 & Luke 9:51-62.

Psalm 16:1-8

Psalm 16 is a song of thankfulness and praise. David delights in God’s blessings and he expresses his gratefulness in terms of loyalty and devotion to God. The psalm was probably used years later by the people of God in much the same way as we sing our national anthem. It’s a wonderful song of both personal and community thankfulness.

‘Saints’ are mentioned in the third verse. They are not people from the past who are venerated for their holy beliefs; saints are people living in the present who serve God faithfully, which means that we are all saints in Christ’s eyes.

Questions for study and reflection

Where does David begin his song of thankfulness? Why does this cause him to delight in God?

David expresses that apart from God, he has nothing that is good. Does this way of thinking equate with our own spirituality today?

Why do you think David states that those who follow other gods will only see their sorrows increase? How do we interpret those words in a cosmopolitan and inter-faith world today?

Security and safety have a lot to do with David’s faith in God. How do those attributes affect our own faith?

At night, David experiences the counsel and instruction of God. Do we feel the same when we reflect upon our experiences at the end of each day?

Luke 9:51-62

            

This small passage contains two important issues that still effect Christianity today. The first issue concerns religious followers severely judging those who do not welcome faith into their communities. In a 21^st century inter-connected world, this has become a major issue for all of the world’s great religions.

            

The second issue deals with being absolutely committed to Christ. We all lead terribly busy lives and even Christians are finding it difficult to remain fully dedicated to Christ and the church. Sports programs and leisure pursuits are constantly pinching time away from God. All of us are wrestling with what it means to truly serve Christ in a very busy, stressful, and over-committed culture.

Questions for study and reflection

What made James and John so angry with the people of the Samaritan village? What did the disciples actually expect of the villagers?

Why did the brothers want to destroy the village? How did Jesus respond? Why? What does this tell us about being judgmental?

How often do you think that people came up to Jesus and said they would follow Him? How many do you think actually followed through with this?

What excuses did people use for not following Christ immediately? What was His response?

Has Christ ever called us to serve His Kingdom in a special way? How did we respond to that invitation or call? Why?

What does being a Christian mean to us today? How do we actually follow and serve Him with our lives? What does being a Christian actually mean to Christ?

Any other thoughts or questions?

Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm 66:1-9 & Luke 10:1-11

Sunday School Lesson June 23

This week’s passages are from Psalm 42:1-7 and Luke 8:26-39.

Psalm 42

Psalm 42 is a lament which was written at a time when the psalmist was feeling spiritually empty. It has been used by many people over the centuries to express moments of depression and despair, loneliness and vulnerability. It depicts the plight of humanity feeling separated from God.

Psalms 42, 43, and 73 express similar thoughts and prayers. The writer is spiritually weary and almost burnt out, which is a common complaint among many Christians today. Church membership can be highly demanding of our time, commitment, and resources. Burnout generally occurs when we focus on what we want to do, rather than seeking God’s will. The secret to a joyful faith and a healthy spiritual relationship is not to overextend our obligations, but instead specialize in what we can do effectively and efficiently for what God calls us to accomplish.

Questions for study and reflection

How does the psalmist express his spiritual emptiness? What reduces him to tears each day?

What things does he remember about worshiping God? Why were those joyful occasions?

What do you think is causing him to be downcast and disturbed about his faith? Have you ever had a similar experience?

How should praising God lift our spirits? Is this what worship is all about, or is it just a side effect?

Luke 8:26-39

            

It has been said that the quality of any society or civilization can be seen in how it treats those who are mentally ill. In today’s passage, we read about Christ’s encounter with a very disturbed person. The community has tried to shackle the ‘demon-possessed’ man, in order to keep him under control. He lives in a cemetery where only the dead provide him with company.

            

The story is a remarkable and puzzling episode in Christ’s ministry. The high point is the curing of the disturbed man, but at a high cost to the economy of the local community and livestock. Despite the miracle’s success, Jesus is asked to leave the region, for the people fear Him.

Questions for study and reflection

Why do you think Jesus was immediately confronted by the disturbed man when He went ashore? What was Christ’s response?

Why did Jesus ask the man His name? Who was He actually talking to?

Why did the demons beg to be allowed to possess the herd of pigs? Why were they so afraid of Christ?

The local community were astounded that the ‘demoniac’ had been cured, but what upset them about this miracle?

Why did the cured man ask to go with Jesus? What was Christ’s reply? Why?

How do we treat mentally disturbed people in our own community? Is this Christ-like?

Any other thoughts or questions?

Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm 16:1-8 & Luke 9:51-62

Summer Sunday School: June 16

This week’s passages are from Psalm 5:1-8 and Luke 7:36-50.

Psalm 5

Psalm 5 initially appears to be a personal outpouring of anxieties by David. Throughout his life, he was plagued by enemies and constantly at war with neighboring nations. He also had to contend with fierce family rivalries between his sons that ended up in bloody civil wars.

In this Psalm, David appeals to God to rescue him through His mercy and righteousness. David feels as though he is a victim and therefore seeks vindication from God. However, the Temple is also mentioned, which means that some verses were added on to this original Davidic psalm. How do we know this? - because David was not alive when the Temple was built.

Questions for study and reflection

Why does David come to God for help? What does this tell us about the king’s situation?

David prays to God and makes his petitions in the morning. When and how do we make our personal requests to God on a daily basis?

David describes God as taking no pleasure in evil and hating all wrong. How would you define evil in today’s world? Does God actually oppose it?

The other psalmist comes to the house of God to make his requests. Is being in church important when we pray? What makes each of our sanctuaries a house of God?

Luke 7:36-50

            

Compassion and faith seem to be the main themes of Luke 7. In this passage, Jesus is humbly served by a heartbroken woman. The holy people in Christ’s company are offended by this intrusion. Jesus uses the event as a special teaching moment about sin, repentance, and charity.

            

Simon the Pharisee is probably a good man because he takes the opportunity to invite Christ into his home. He is blind-sided by the woman’s unexpected interruption. Jesus, however, does not rebuke Simon for his lack of understanding. Instead, He graciously takes Him to a higher level of spiritual maturity.

Questions for study and reflection

What made Simon the Pharisee invite Jesus to his home? Why did Jesus accept the invitation?

Why did the woman feel compelled to go and find Jesus? What do you think made her weep publicly at his feet?

Jesus uses the situation to talk about being grateful for the forgiving of debts. What debts have we incurred with God and how do we seek them to be forgiven?

Jesus says to the woman that her faith has saved her. From what has she been saved? How does this apply in our own situations?

Any other thoughts or questions?

Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm 42:1-7 & Luke 8:26-39

Summer Sunday School: Sunday June 09

This week’s passages are from Psalm 146:1-6 and Luke 7:11-17.

Psalm 146

Psalm 146 is the first of five psalms that the Jewish faith describes as ‘hallel’ psalms. ‘Hallel’ means to lift up praises to God and in Psalms 146-150, each psalm begins with the phrase ‘Praise the Lord.’

This psalm emphasizes the need for believers to trust God completely, and not to wholly depend upon political power or mortal leaders. Because God is the Maker of everything, He is also the One to whom we should center our lives by bringing both our praises and petitions to Him. The second half of the psalm (vv7-10) expresses God’s loving benevolence upon the poor and oppressed, challenging believers to do the same.

Questions for study and reflection

How do you praise the Lord? Does it always take place at church?

Why shouldn't we completely place our confidence in political leaders, parties, or government? How do we trust God on a daily basis?

What do you think about God as the Maker of everything? How does His creative powers affect our everyday lives?

What current hopes do you have in your life? Have you asked God to help you fulfill them? Why/why not?

Luke 7:11-17

          

           This short Gospel story is remarkable because Jesus performs a miracle that isn't requested. When He sees the funeral procession and the widow who has just lost her only son, it almost breaks Jesus’ heart.

           

            Without being asked, Jesus raises the young man from the dead and restores him to his grieving mother. It’s an amazing act of compassion and the whole incident causes the bystanders to be amazed. We are also told that the news about this remarkable event spread throughout the entire region.

Questions for study and reflection

What do you think that the widow was feeling before Jesus spotted the funeral procession? Why did such a large crowd follow her?

What might Jesus have felt when He saw the procession and watched the widow grieving? What does this tell us about Him?

What made Jesus intervene? What was the effect of the miracle upon both the widow and the crowd?

How does this Gospel story affect us today? What does this tell us about Christ’s power over death?

Any other thoughts or questions?

Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm 5:1-8 & Luke 7:36-50

Summer Sunday School: June 02

Summer Sunday School

 

All of our Sunday School classes are over for the first part of the year. They will return in August, when students of all ages can participate in special Bible lessons.

Throughout the summer, you can do your own Sunday School study at home, in a coffee house, or even in a church classroom. The pastor will write a short note about the Sunday readings for the sermon, as well as some questions for further study and personal reflection.

This week’s passages are from Psalm 96:1-6 and Luke 7:1-10. Click on the passage underlined title to read the verses online

Psalm 96:1-6

Psalm 96 reminds us that all of the original psalms were set to music and meant to be sung rather than just read. Singing has been a part of our faith since its inception. Even Jesus sang on several occasions in the Gospels - when telling one of His stories about children singing in the streets, He sang their song; after the Last Supper, He and the disciples sung a hymn; and even when He was dying on the Cross, He sang the first couple of words from Psalm 22: “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” When we gather for worship on Sundays, singing is still a significant part of how we praise God and express our faith.

Questions for study and reflection

What songs do you like to sing in church? What makes them meaningful to you?

Why do you think the Bible is full of songs? What does this tell us about what God expects of our faith?

What is your favorite Psalm? Do you know a musical version of it?

Why does the psalmist encourage the whole Earth to sing a new song to God? Which new worship songs do you enjoy?

Luke 7:1-10

            The story of Christ’s encounter with the Roman centurion is remarkable because it reveals Christ’s compassion for those beyond His own people. It is also fascinating to read about a powerful foreign soldier seeking Christ’s grace.

            Luke wrote this story for the first readers of his Gospel. It gave a symbolic hope to them, for the centurion represents the Roman Empire submitting to the presence of the Kingdom of God through Christ. In many ways, the story became prophetic, taking on a greater significance as the influence of Christianity increased and the Roman Empire declined.

Questions for study and reflection

What did the centurion require of Jesus? What stories must he have heard about Him?

Why do the Jewish elders come to Jesus and advocate on the centurion’s behalf? What does this tell us about the centurion?

Why did the centurion send a message to Jesus not to come to his house? What made him feel unworthy?

Why is Jesus amazed at the centurion’s message? What is so great about the centurion’s faith?

 

Any other thoughts or questions?

 

Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm 146:1-6 & Luke 7:11-17

 

Summer Sunday School: Sunday May 26

Summer Sunday School

All of our Sunday School classes are over for the first part of the year. They will return in August, when students of all ages can participate in special Bible lessons.

Throughout the summer, you can do your own Sunday School study at home, in a coffee house, or even in a church classroom. The pastor will write a short note about the Sunday readings for the sermon, as well as some questions for further study and personal reflection.

This week’s passages are from Psalm 8:1-9 and John 16:12-15.

Psalm 8

Psalm 8 is a beautiful ancient poem about God’s creative powers. Some scholars believe that it was even written before the Genesis creation narratives. Whatever its origins, the psalm is an expression of wonder and joy. Even today, with all of our amazing technology to look at the stars at the furthest part of the universe, this psalm invokes a wonderful thought of people being lovingly and specially created by God. As we look at the night sky and think about the wonders of creation, what is it, the psalmist asks, that makes us so special in God’s eyes?

Questions for study and reflection

How does the world around us display God’s majesty and power?

When you look at the stars, what do you think about?

Why do you think God made people?

Why do you think God made you?

 

John 16:12-15

            The Gospel of John was written at a time when the Young Christian Church was in jeopardy. The apostle John was among the last known surviving followers of Jesus, so his Gospel is written at a time when second and third generation Christians were wondering if the stories about Jesus were actually true.

            In this short passage, John emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit to bring the Church guidance and truth. These gifts were essential for the ministry and mission of the Gospel to continue. They are also sacred gifts that every generation of Christ’s followers require, even down to this present day.

Questions for study and reflection

How can we know if what is written in the Gospels about Jesus is actually true? Where does that truth come from?

Why does the Church still need to be guided by the Holy Spirit? What important issues are we currently struggling with and experiencing?

Where do we see the Holy Spirit at work within the Church?

How does the Holy Spirit help us to become better disciples of Christ? Does He do it for us or Jesus?

 

Any other thoughts or questions?

 

 

Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm 96:1-6 & Luke 7:1-10

 

Online Bible Study - Happy New Me! - 01 Blind Bartimaeus

At this time of year, we all make promises or resolutions to change our lives in better ways. Usually, we fail to meet up to the higher standards that we set for ourselves. The changes that we hope to make often fall by the wayside.

       But what would happen if Jesus were to intervene in our lives and make positive changes that we could not diminish or alter? What would happen to our lives and those of others around us?

       This short series looks at some of the people who met Jesus and whose circumstances were changed forever.

              Study 01: “I Can See!” – The Story of Blind Bartimaeus

Mark 10:46-52

(also in Matthew 20:29-34 & Luke 18:35-43)

46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. 

47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" 

48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" 

49 Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." 

50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 

51 "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." 

52 "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you."Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

Questions for Discussion

What do you think Jesus and His disciples were doing in this passage? What is Bartimaeus doing?

How does the blind man know that Jesus is there? What do you think he has heard about him?

Why does he shout? Why does he call Jesus the ‘Son of David’? What is the reaction of the crowd? How does Bartimaeus respond?

What does Jesus do? How does that change the attitude of the crowd? What is Bartimaeus’ response?

Why does Jesus ask him what he wants from Him? Isn’t it obvious? Why does Bartimaeus now call Jesus ‘Rabbi’?

Did Jesus heal Bartimaeus? Why is faith necessary here? What is the outcome of the event? How is Bartimaeus’ life changed forever?

Further discussion

Pope Benedict has stated that today’s Church is the equivalent of Bartimaeus. What do you think he means by this?

Is the Church blind? If so, how can we be healed?

Any other comments?

Next Week

Go and Sin No More – the Adulteress

(John 8:1-12)