An Intro idea for Glory Revealed 02.05.2012

Forgiveness Offered

Luke 5:17-26,29-32
To introduce the lesson theme that God wants all people to experience the forgiveness and grace Jesus offers, share a summary of the following article about an injured martial arts competitor who prayed for healing, but also asked for forgiveness in case he didn't make it. www.lvrj.com/sports/gunshots-knock-johnson-down-not-out-130408978.html

Ask:

• When Johnson realized he had been shot, he asked God to forgive him for his sins if he didn't make it. What other circumstances could cause a person to pray a prayer like this?
• Why do many people give no thought to their need for divine forgiveness until they face the prospect of death? What are the consequences of not dealing with our sins?
• What can we do to increase our awareness of our personal sin and our need for God's forgiveness so we address the problem on a timely basis?

Many people today are paying attention to their diet and exercise habits out of concern for their physical health. And that's a good thing. If we're sick, we go to the doctor because we want to get better. This lesson about Jesus' healing of the paralyzed man reminds us that in God's eyes, our spiritual health is more important than our physical health. In calling sinners to repentance, Jesus brings healing to the spiritually sick (Luke 5:31-32).

To highlight the truth that when we have been forgiven we should show grace to others, share a summary of the following article in which a typical interaction between young children encourages us to be gracious to others. www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/86/article/56011/

Ask:

• Do only young children find it hard to share what they have been freely given? Why is that?
• How did the man in Luke 5:17-26 respond to the grace Jesus showed him?
• If we have freely received grace and forgiveness from the Lord, how should we respond? Would it be right to keep this grace to ourselves? How do we share it?

Hope Discovered

Luke 7:1-17

To introduce the lesson theme that in Jesus, believers can find the hope they need to face the challenges of life, share a summary of the following article about a major city where many buildings are sinking and tilting due to the unstable ground they are built on. seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2016310507_mexicosinking...

Ask:

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• Would you knowingly buy a house with a sinking foundation and uneven floors? Why or why not?
• The article observes, "There's no hope that things will get better." Do you think this inevitable sinking is an apt metaphor for our physical bodies? How should Christians feel about that?
• Predictably, the posted comments to this article deny the problem or blame it on a conspiracy. What are some ways we try to deny the reality of our aging and inevitable physical death?

In the Scripture passages for this lesson, Jesus raised two people from death to life. We should not conclude from these accounts that it is His will and plan to keep believers from sickness and death today. His purpose was to reveal His divine power, including even His power over death (Luke 7:16). Reflecting on his own death, the apostle Paul encouraged his readers to focus not on our declining bodies but on the inner spiritual renewal and the hope of resurrection we have as believers (2 Cor. 4:16).

To highlight the truth that in Christ we have real hope no matter how grim our circumstances, share a summary of the following article about a young man, formerly in the grip of drug addiction, who is now free to serve Jesus Christ. www.times-herald.com/local/Former-addict---shares---story--1864990

Ask:
 

• Stewart's former hopelessness was connected to his drug addiction. What was (or is) the source of the hopelessness you felt in the past, or feel at times today?
• How has Jesus Christ brought you hope in the middle of your hopeless situation?
• Stewart is eager to give his testimony of hope. What are you doing to share your story of hope found in Christ with people around you?

Wholeness Restored

Mark 5:1-3,6-13a,15-20

To introduce the lesson theme that people need to realize that Jesus has power over evil and can restore a person to wholeness, share a summary of the following article by a swimmer who was rescued by a young surfer after he got caught in water over his head: Tiring swimmer saved by a young surfer
 

Ask:

• What are some similar situations in which we may find ourselves "in over our heads," unable to deliver ourselves out of our trouble?
• Why do you think we often attempt, like the man and his wife in this story, to get ourselves out of a bad situation without calling on others to help us?
• Why was it so important to the rescued swimmer to thank the surfer who helped him? How would it transform our worship if we had the same awareness of Jesus' rescuing us?

Like this article, the Scripture passage for this week's lesson describes a situation where a man was in a desperate situation. The people around him tried their best to help according to their own abilities, and failed. They thought the situation was hopeless. Without Jesus, they were right - it was hopeless. Our churches may offer great programs and resources to help people with their problems, but we should remember that some of our problems can be resolved only with divine help.

To highlight the truth that Jesus has the power to rescue and restore people to wholeness, share a summary of the following article about the journey of a young girl from hopelessness in a Russian orphanage to faith in Christ and adoption into a loving family: Russian orphan speaks about a simple gift

Ask:

• Oksana clearly believes God delivered her from a hopeless situation. How would you answer a skeptic who said her story isn't a miracle - it's just a series of coincidences?
• How is your life different because Jesus has intervened and given you hope? How might you share your story with your church? With an unbelieving friend?
• How could our class be part of letting people know about Jesus who gives hope to the hopeless?

Welcome to our Spring 2012 Study:
FINDING A HEART OF WORSHIP
(Psalms)

This week we'll be reading Psalm 42& 43...

Many things can cause us to long for God the way a thirsty creature longs for water. some believe that Psalm 42 was composed after the division of the Israelite Kingdom by a Judean in the North who was cut off from the Temple at Jerusalem.

Continuing the tone established in the previous Psalm, Psalm 43 implores God to allow the worshiper to return to Jerusalem and the Temple. While worship today does not require believers to travel to a particular location, these Psalms may be of special comfort for those who live where freedom of worship is prohibited.

What would your heart long for if you were prohibited from worshiping Jesus Christ?