The Pat Howard Sunday School Class

PRICELESS:

Finding Your Value in God

This is our study unit for seven weeks. 

Remember this??

2 tickets to the BIG Game: $50

2 hot dogs, 2 popcorns, 2 sodas: $27

1 autographed baseball: $50

1 real conversation with your child: PRICELESS

There are some things money can not buy!

That raises an interesting question: what gives something value?

Your value as a human being is determined by God. Your worth is based on the fact that God created you, loves you, and gives you value. Unlike items that go up or down in value and worth based on the opinions of others, your value does not change.

How can you know you are highly valued by God? This study will examine seven things that God has done for you that prove your worth to Him. Remember, you are PRICELESS!!!!

THIS WEEK'S LESSON

Lesson 3

December 20th

Saved by God's Son

John 1:1-5,9-14

For this week’s study we remain in the Gospel of John as we see Jesus introduced as both the eternal, preexistence of the Word of God and the incarnate Word become flesh.

During the Christmas season, our attention turns to Jesus as a baby.  Even non-Christians may display nativity scenes in their homes.  In their midst of gifts, parties, and an emphasis on Santa Claus, they may also acknowledge the birth of Jesus as the reason for Christmas.  Unfortunately, they may not have a clear understanding of why He was born.  And, how could they?  Most probably never read the story of Jesus’ birth, or His early ministry to know just why Christians really celebrate Christmas.

Genesis 3:23-24, tells us that God drove Adam and Eve out of His presence in the Garden of Eden because of their disobedience. Thus, mankind was evermore, separated from God. However, God, in His infinite mercy, provided for our reconciliation with Him through the sacrificial death of His Son, Jesus Christ.  This provision for our salvation is the reason we Christians celebrate Christmas.  The New Testament gives us the record of Jesus’ coming to earth for the salvation of mankind.  The Gospel of John begins with the focus on Jesus as God who came to earth for our salvation.

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RECAP FOR

Lesson 1

December 6th
Adopted into God's Family
1 John 3:1-10

              

With the start of a new study theme the first lesson’s focus is on the fact that God is reaching out in love to us through Christ. He wants us to become a part of His adopted family

One of the hardest things for us to do is to love unconditionally. Even within families, our ability to love freely can be impacted by the hurts or disappointments we experience. It’s easier to love when love is returned. God is not like that. Regardless of what we’ve done, He loves us. And He loves us so much He made it possible for us to be adopted as His children.

Reading a letter in the New Testament has been compared to hearing one side of a telephone conversation.  We typically understand what letter authors such as Paul, James, or John wrote, but we do not always know what the first-century reader knew or said on the other side of the conversation.  For example, John wrote to assure his readers that they had eternal life through Jesus (1 John 5:13).  He also wrote, however, to warn them about some heretics who wanted to deceive them (2:26).  Bible scholars have considered several possible ways to identify the heresy John opposed.  These heretics had left the church, but they still tried to influence the believers (2:19).  Among their false teachings was their denial of Jesus being the Messiah and God’s Son (2:22; 4:15; 5:`).  They especially denied that Jesus was God in human flesh (4:2-3).  The traditional belief, called the incarnation, was based on texts such as John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and took up residence among us.”  These heretics also rejected the value of Jesus’ atoning death as the basis for our eternal life (1 John 5:6-13).  John clearly affirmed that Jesus is the “propitiation for our sins” (2:2; 4:10).

Many readers will study this text during the Christmas season.  Although John did not tell the traditional Christmas story, including the shepherds, angels, and wise men, he highlighted Jesus’ unique role as our Savior.  Because of Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, we can be adopted into God’s family.  We are God’s children because God’s love prompted His sending Jesus to save us from our sins (4:10).

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RECAP FOR

Lesson 2

December 13th

Freed by God's Forgiveness

John 8:2-11

The second lesson in the start of this new study theme: Priceless: Finding Your Value in God, is drawn from a familiar story from the Gospel of John that should reminds us that when others condemn us, and even when we condemn ourselves, we can experience mercy from a forgiving God.

When we see reports about crime and violence, we want justice to be served and punishment appropriately meted out. When it comes to our own sins, we want mercy. We deserve punishment, but who would willingly seek it? God offers us an alternative to punishment: full forgiveness. Jesus extended forgiveness to a woman caught in adultery. She deserved punishment but experienced mercy.

The account of the woman caught in adultery is the story of an amazing act of acceptance on Jesus’ part.  It also reminds us that we stand before Him just as we are in our sin, that we deserve judgment and punishment.  Instead, Jesus extends mercy and grants forgiveness.  Once again, we see how valuable we are in His sight.  Not trash to be destroyed, but a treasure to be reclaimed.  Therefore, we are set free, not to do what we choose, but to live as those who have been changed to become trophies of His grace.  

How does seeing Jesus deal with this woman in her sin help you face your own sin?  What lesson do you learn from this story about how to treat others who have fallen in sin?  In what ways does your life demonstrate what it means to live free from condemnation?  So how would you rate how do you deal with your own sin?  On a scale of 1(very slow) to 10 (immediately), how would you rate the quickness with which you confess your sin/s and seek forgiveness?  What does the slowness in your seeking forgiveness tell you about yourself?  Are you in need of instant forgiveness?  If so, ask God’s Holy Spirit to help you immediately seek His forgiveness when you are convicted of any sin.  He will provide you will all you need!

The implications show us that God places a high value upon His children. Enough to forgive us!

REMEMBER, the safest place for a believer is in the center of God’s will.

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SOMETHING EXTRA!!!!!!

Fighting Your Fears!

Dr. Jay Wolf

Virtually every encounter with an Angel that is recorded in the Bible began with that awe-inspiring messenger bringing the reassuring admonition of, "Fear not!" On that famous star-studded night in Bethlehem, that became the birth date of Jesus, the Angel announced the ultimate good news but preceded his proclamation with the calming words "Do not be afraid." Regardless of the source or size of the fears that you are fighting, God's Word functions as a calming agent to steady your heartbeat and lift the fog of apprehension and confusion. 

Isaiah 41:13 reassures our anxious spirits, "For I, the Lord your God, will uphold your right hand. I say to you 'Fear not, I will help you." The Bible repeats the encouraging admonition of "fear not" 365 times which covers your whole calendar with God's presence, power and perspective.

Corrie ten Boom was God's great warrior who modeled forgiveness and vividly illustrated how to redeem vicious suffering. She endured the ravages of Hitler's death camp for the crime of helping her Jewish neighbors. Corrie ten Boom experienced many fear-generating experiences. Yet, her mantra became "There is no panic in Heaven, only plans." Dear friend, God never operates in panic mode. There has never been an emergency meeting of the Holy Trinity! God has never vacated His throne in terror – He is large and in charge! Invite the love of Christ to reach through your fog of fear and set you free because His love possesses the unique power to "cast out fear." (1 John 4:18) Stand on the protective, calm-generating truth that God is in control; He wins; you are in His family now and forever; and His love will shield His child until you reach heaven's bright shore! Even now, listen carefully and you will hear God's message of good news echo across the ages straight to your racing heart and call you to "fear not!"