THE LORD HAS RISEN INDEED!

By the end of the lesson, we will:

UNDERSTAND the power of a relationship with Jesus Christ; REFLECT on the resurrection of our Savior; and DEVELOP a desire to share the message of the Gospel.

Focal Verses: Luke 24:1-35

Keep in Mind:  "And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight." (Luke 24:31) 

At-A-Glance
1.) Hopelessness and Despair (Luke 24:13-21)
2.) Restored Hope (vv.28-35) 

In Focus: We can often get entangled in our own sense of grief and despair. In today's lesson we will learn that Jesus offers hope to us no matter the circumstances we face-just because He lives.  

Background: After Jesus' death, all hope seemed lost for many of His followers. They thought Jesus would become their earthly king and overthrow the government, thus providing peace for the people. When this did not happen and Jesus was crucified, they did not know where or to whom to turn for help. Two men, one named Cleopas, decided to head back to Emmaus. We do not know what they planned to do when they arrived there; we just know they were saddened by Jesus' death. However, their seven mile journey would be interrupted by an unexpected traveler. 

Discuss the Meaning: 

1.) Once Jesus broke bread with the two men, they recognized Him. What significance does the breaking of bread (the Lord's Supper) have in helping us to remember Jesus? 
2.) What does it mean to you that Jesus lives?

Lesson in Our Society: 

In today's society, it is very easy to become despondent over the problems of life. In response, Bishop Charles Ellis, III, led the saints at the 2012 P.A.W Convention in New Orleans in building a Habitat for Humanity house. How can we, individually and as an Apostolic church, offer help to those who are discouraged and in need?

Make it Happen:

This week, we may encounter people who are experiencing difficulties in their families, financial problems, sickness, grieving the loss of a loved one, etc. We can show compassion toward others by listening to them and sharing the message of the Gospel. The two men in our Scripture lesson went from being hopeless to hopeful. Then they returned to Jerusalem to share the news of the Resurrection with other disciples. We, too, have a message of hope for a hurting world-an Apostolic message to share wherever we go.  
(Excerpt from The Apostolic Light)

Freebee Answer for the On-line test!

19.) Which of the following scriptures supports that not only is Jesus willing to save, but He is able to save? Check all that apply.

The answer is E.

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From Acorns to Oak Trees: Something for the youth!

From The Student Magazine: 

He's with Us

'Dre walked in and saw that look on his mother's face. For several months, she had been telling him they'd have to move soon. The home he had grown up in was in foreclosure, and his mother didn't have the money to pay the mortgage. 

"Dre slowly walked to his room. He looked around and thought about packing his belongings. 

"I don't even know where we'll go," he said out loud.

He peered out the window at his mother's car and wondered if that would be taken away soon as well. Before he could sit down, he heard his mother reading her Bible at the dining room table. She read the words aloud and cried a little. 

"Don't cry, Mom." 'Dre reached out to hung her and began to pray that God would be with them in that moment. "I don't think I've ever prayed so hard in my life," he said. 

"I appreciate your prayers, son. And I know that God heard you."

Shortly afterward, 'Dre's grandmother called. She was coming by to give his mother a check. If it was enough, his mother could use it to prevent the foreclosure. If it wasn't enough for that, it would certainly be enough to find an apartment for them to live in. 

PRESENT THE SCRIPTURES: Luke 24:1-35

A shorter version of this event appears in Mark 16:12-13. The traveler's sad words, "We had hoped that he was the one" (v.21), indicate just how low their spirits had fallen after the crucifixion of Jesus--their hop was gone. This lesson also emphasizes that Jesus' method of teaching, "opening the Scriptures," was so powerful it caused the disciples' hearts to "burn" within them (v. 32). 

How can the Word of God be presented to the youth in such a way that it elicits this kind of response?

Scripture Discussion

Often, humans are caught up in their own sense of gloom and despair. How can we be encourage to see and take advantage of the good news surrounding us? Jesus opened the eyes of two followers He encountered on the road to Emmaus, and they recognized that He was with them. 
There are times when we go through things that might cause us to believe that our Savior has forgotten about us. In today's passage, we see that it can be difficult to recognize when we are in His presence. It can also be difficult to see good when we feel so badly. This passage is proof that sometimes Christ is nearest to us when He seems to be the farthest. 
It is a blessing to recognize when the Savior is present. 
How can today's passage teach us to focus on Christ when we feel as though we are alone?

(Excerpt from The Apostolic Light)

Song for the week: "He Lives (Remix)" by Fred Hammond

Copy and Paste!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=WAI1Ua5LWf4

THE LORD'S SUPPER

By the end of the lesson, we will:

 RECOGNIZE that even Jesus believed in service; REFLECT on the Lord's Supper; and SHARE the sacrifices of our Lord with others.

Focal Verses: Luke 22:14-30

Keep in Mind: "But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve."  Luke 22:26

In Focus: We all are called to be God's servants. In today's lesson, we will examine how Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf was an act of service. 

Discuss the Meaning: 

1.) God want us to humble ourselves and serve the people around us. How does Jesus' sacrifice of His body and blood exemplify servant hood?

2.) What models of service encourage you to serve others?

Lesson in Our Society:

There are many people who are leaders but not servants. They dictate to others what to do and demand complete obedience. God wants us to be servants. In our service, we should show humility and love to others. Jesus is our example of a servant-leader. His ministry on earth consisted of teaching, preaching, and healing the sick and other miracles. Then Jesus offered His body as a sacrifice for all humanity. He did not do these things for personal glory. Likewise, everything we do and says should be done for the Glory of GOD.

Make it Happen:

Every day and likely everywhere we go, we see people in need. Yet, we either ignore them or tell someone else to help them. Some of us would rather not humble ourselves and reach out to help. Doing something for other may ease us out of our comfort zones. Yet Jesus gave up His throne in heaven and came to earth to save us. He served without thought of Himself. What are you will to do to make a difference in someones life, the community, and the world? Start today by looking around your church and paying attention to what needs to be done. Commit to doing one thing every week that could make a difference in your home, the church, your community, and in the world.
(Excerpt from The Apostolic Light)

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From Acorns to Oak Trees: Something for the youth!

The Feast
What's It All About?
Serena was setting the table for her parents' annual feast. As she gently place the red, black and green mats on table, she thought about what would take place in a few hours. Three families from the neighborhood would join her family for a meal and fellowship. Every year, different families were invited. 

Each member of Serena's family contributed to the feast. Serena was in charge of decorating. In addition to creating banners, she also made the place mats for the table. Her mom cooked all the delicious food. She could smell the aroma of pot roast, macaroni and cheese, cajun fish, yams, and collard greens throughout the house. Dad was in charge of dessert--he baked his famous sweet potato and lemon custard pies. Serena's older sister, Jasmine, made sure the house was spotless. 
The feast was a merry time filled with laughter and joy. After dessert, everyone participated in Bible study and prayer. The night ended with game time. Serena looked forward to this day every year, when her family could do something nice for their neighbors.
What appears to be Serena's family view about service? What is your personal view about serving others? In what ways do you serve others? Is Jesus a servant? In what ways does (or has) He served you?

Learning From God:  (based on Luke 22:14-30)

The Passover feast is an annual event that remembers God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. At the time of the escape, Jews painted blood from a sacrificed lamb on their doors frames to save their firstborn sons from death-the Lord passed over the doors that were covered with blood. Each year afterward, a feast was held to celebrate Passover. In today's text, Jesus eats His last Passover supper with His beloved disciples. As Jesus would soon sacrifice His life and be crucified, He explains that the portions of bread represent His broken body and the drinking cup with wine represent the new covenant we have with God because of Jesus' shed blood. 

YOU TUBE THIS SITE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=gBGz3k37kDE

Choosing What's Best Question?

Jesus told the disciples that the cup "represented a new testament (covenant) in His blood." What covent is Jesus referring to? How does -- or can-- it affect you?

Doing My Part:

Your challenge this week, is to think of one act of service to do for someone each day of the week. Record how you felt serving others and the responses you received. 

(Excerpt from The Apostolic Light)