HOPE COMES FROM GOD'S GRACE

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

EXPLORE the purpose for which God has called us; TRUST that God has a significant plan for our lives; and PRAY for a clear understanding of God's assignment. 

FOCAL VERSES: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 & 9-17

KEEP IN MIND: "Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work." (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

AT-A-GLANCE

1. Those Not Left Behind (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

2. Those Fooled by the Man of Sin (vv.9-12)

3. Loved, Chosen, and Called (vv. 13-14)

4. Standing Firm in the Faith (vv. 15-17)

IN FOCUS:

John and Mary saw there was a lot to be done in their church, which was located in the heart of an inner-city neighborhood. In 25 years, they saw several pastors come and go and had witnessed firsthand the financial personal, and spiritual struggles of the church. It was tempting for them to retreat to the beautiful suburban church closer to their home. 

However, one day as John studied the Scriptures, he ran across a passage in Luke's Gospel: "But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:30-32).

John felt convicted. He knew the Lord had him and Mary in their current church because there were may who were spiritually sick who could benefit from their biblical wisdom and needed to be taught God's Word. John and Mary learned that God had called them to make a needed and lasting difference in a lost and dying world-in an inner-city venue. 

In today's lesson, God is calling for commitment to His agenda: saving lost souls and helping to build His kingdom. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES:

1. What two things will happen before the day of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 2:3)?

2. Who is the power behind the man of sin (v.9)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING: 

1. Why did Paul tell the Thessalonians that first a falling away and then a man of sin would be revealed before the Day of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3)?

2. Why would people believe a delusion (vv. 9-12)?

3. Using today's Scriptures, what could you say to John and Mary (In Focus) to encourage them to be faithful in the word of the Lord?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY:

Not to long ago, a rich Christian man announced via radio, billboards, etc., that the rapture was going to happen, and he gave a date for it. Many of the unsaved made fun of him, especially as the date passed and nothing happened. How could a careful reading of today's Scripture passage help us avoid deception by such messages? Do you know other Scriptures that would also show that this prophecy was wrong?

MAKE IT HAPPEN:

Paul was writing to console the Thessalonians, and his words are God's words for us today. Look again at the key verses to focus on how God gives us hope through His grace. What should be the result of His comfort? Are good words and good works flowing from God's grace in our lives?

(Except from the Apostolic Light)

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From Acorns to Oak Trees: Something for the Youth!!!

PARIS STANDS FIRM

It was a hot summer afternoon, and it seemed as if the entire city was on Blair Boulevard. You could hear the sound of Mr. Easter's lawnmower. You could hear the neighborhood children yelling and laughing while riding their bikes, playing with water balloons, or playing basketball. You could hear the loud music coming from TaRon's new car (a graduation present from his parents). With all that going on, Paris was still bored stiff. She thought this might be the best day to introduce herself to her new neighbor's daughter.
"Hi, my name is Paris. Do you want to go to the store with me for ice cream? It is to hot today,"she said. "Sure! That would be nice. Let me tell my mom where I'm going. By the way, my name is Autumn," she said with a pleasant grin.
It wasn't long before Paris and Autumn became good friends. They liked the same music, the same TV programs, and the same foods. There was something that bothered Paris, though: Autumn didn't believe in God. She found this out when she asked Autumn to attend a youth concert at her church.
Autumn's response shocked Paris. "Don't you know that God does not exist?" Autumn said. "He's just a fairy tale; church is a waste of time."
After that day, things were not the same between them. Autumn was constantly challenging Paris's beliefs. She called Paris and her family fools and weird. One day, Paris decided it was best not to be Autumn's friend anymore.
"Autumn, I think it's best we not be close friends," Paris said. "I strongly believe God and His Son, Jesus. I need friends who believe with me."
Even though Paris had her bored days on Blair Boulevard, she preferred boredom over having a friend who would lead her in the wrong direction.

FINDING THE WORD: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, & 9-17

IN MY HEART:

"But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth" (2 Thessalonians 2:13 KJV)

SIDEBAR

HOPE COMES FROM GOD'S GRACE

Before Jesus returns to earth, many things will occur. This is why God's children must be strong and confident in their beliefs. There will be active wars and rumors of wars. Unity among the nations will be almost unheard of. There will be many nonbelievers. People will love themselves and things more than God. False prophets will perform seemingly great and wonderful things, but it's all deception. Parents will teach their children to be unbelievers, and leaders will teach their nations not to believe. Through it all, there is hope for God's children.

HOW TO REMAIN HOPEFUL

S tudy the promise of God you were taught by your leaders and read in the Word. 

T rust that whatever God says is true and trustworthy.

A sk questions if you need answers. Don't be confused about spiritual matters. 

Y ou are God's most important creation. He has a plan for your life. 

GOT IT!

A.)  PAUL LONGS TO SEE THE THESSALONIANS

Use Word! to help you get the best answer to make the sentence true. 

1. Satan (paved / blocked) Paul's way to see his brothers and sisters in Thessalonica. 

2. Paul sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage their (faith / families). 

3. Brothers and sisters were asked to stand firm and hold (fast / slow) to the teachings passed on to them. 

B.)  STAND FIRM 

1. Get a partner.

2. Discuss at least three ways you should respond when confronted with non-Christian's challenging questions. 

3. Share your answers with the your class. 

JAM SESSION

SURE SOURCE OF HOPE

Information about the future come to us from a variety of sources. How can we know which source to trust? Paul warns us against the deception that can come from satanic sources. In the story of Paris Stands Firm, Paris's new neighbor, Autumn, does not believe in God! They have many things in common, but a relationship with Jesus Christ is not one of them. They became friends but later had to end their connection because Autumn's constant agitation and taunting. Paris stands firm in her hope despite it all. She understands that to grow in her faith and remain strong to what God has called her to, she needed to distance herself from Autumn. 

If you were in a similar situation, what would you do?

JAM ON IT!

THE ASSIGNMENT

Call this week "a week of prayer." God has given you an assignment concerning your life and purpose!

This week, specifically pray to God concerning your assignment. You were created for a purpose and a reason. God has clear plans for your life. Pray to Him about His plans!

LAST JAM

GOD HAS A SIGNIFICANT PLAN FOR MY LIFE!

(Except from the Apostolic Light)