HOPE IN THE DAY OF THE LORD

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

UNDERSTAND the significance of holy living; FEEL CONFIDENT that Jesus will return for His Church; and ANTICIPATE the day when God will make all things new. 

FOCAL VERSES: 2 Peter 3:1-15

KEEP IN MIND:

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).

AT-A-GLANCE

1. Believe God's Word (2 Peter 3:1-4)

2. Believe in God's Creation (vv. 5-9)

3. Believe God's Promise (vv. 10-13)

4. Be Spotless, Blameless, and at Peace with Him (vv. 14-15a)

IN FOCUS:

Willie was looking out of the window when his mother, Falicia, arrived home. "Willie, what are you doing at the window?" she asked. Willie did not turn to look at her. He continued to stare out of the window as he replied, "I'm waiting for my daddy to come and take me to the ball game." 

Falicia walked over to Willie. "Honey, did your dad call today?"

"Yes, ma'am," mumbled Willie. "He said that he'd pick me up around 4 o'clock."

Falicia walked away. It was already 5:30, and she did not have the heart to tell her son that his daddy probably was not coming. Falicia knew her former husband, Johnny, was not a man who kept his promises. He would simply not show up, then call a couple of weeks later with some lame excuse. 

As Falicia walked to her room, she turned to look at Willie who was still staring out of the window. She know her son was counting on his father to keep his promise. She prayed that Johnny would not let Willie down again. 

A promise is a binding declaration between two or more people or institutions. Only God keeps every one of his promises. In this week's lesson, Peter confirms Jesus' promise to return and to usher in the new heaven and new earth. 

BACKGROUND:

The Apostle Peter wrote this text not only to warn the church about false teachers but to exhort them to grow in their faith and in the knowledge of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. One principle area of attack from false teachers was the return and future judgement of Jesus Christ. If there was no future judgement, then people were free to live as they chose. In the final chapter of his second epistle, Peter directly challenges this error.

He begins by admonishing the people to remember those things that he had taught them. It is important to remember the words proclaimed by anointed men and women of God. They challenge us to live holy lives, to use our gifts and talents for God, and to keep us from becoming complacent. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES:

1. What three things does Peter want to remind the people of (2 Peter 3:2-4)?

2. Why is the Lord delaying His coming and the execution of judgement of the world (v.9)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. What are some false teachings that are being spread in the church today? How do you know that these teachings are false?

2. Wille (In Focus) is waiting but without hope. Use Scriptures from today to explain our hope in waiting for the Second Coming of Jesus. 

3. If the "day of the Lord" is coming as a thief in the night, what characteristics can you identify in people's behavior or in institutional activities that suggest the Lord may be coming soon?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

Many people in our society live according to a "bumper sticker" mentality. Some believe they should "live fast, die young, and make a beautiful corpse." Others believe that "the person who dies with the most toys wins."

These people live for immediate pleasure and are not concerned with the consequences. They believe they will somehow escape the consequences of their actions today and in the hereafter. They are either ignorant of or flatly deny the return of Jesus and God's judgement of the rebellious. How does society perpetuate the idea of living just for the now?

MAKE IT HAPPEN

Read the following Scripture texts. Identify the statement said to be the will of God: 1 Thessalonians 4:3;  5:18;  2 Peter 3:9. Decide to obey God's will in these matters until Jesus comes. 

(Except for The Apostolic Way)

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FROM ACORNS TO OAK TREES

Something for the Youth

Time's a-Wastin'

"Sade, come in here for a minute." "Yes?" Sade's big sister, Mecca, was home from graduate school and wanted to talk to Sade before Sade headed out with her friends. "I haven't had a chance to really talk with you. You are a busy girl."

Sade smiled. "Yeah, I've got lots of friends this year. Senior year has been fun!"

"Seems like it is dangerous, too. I found the cigarettes in your glove compartment."

"What are you doing snooping around in my car?" Mecca sighed. "Our car. I also found the condoms under our bathroom sink." Sade rolled her eyes and turned around to leave. 

"Wait, Sade! I just want you to talk to me. Are you happy?" 

"Of course! I'm popular. Boys think I'm pretty. I get invited to all the important parties."

"Do the boys also think you are smart and worthy of their respect? I don't want you to make decisions that have consequences you aren't ready for. You are still so young."

"C'mon, Mecca. You did all kinds of stuff in high school, and you turned out fine."

"I'm not saying I didn't make bad decisions." Mecca paused. "You ever have one of your parties or a picture of you smoking show up on Facebook, Twitter, or Tumblr?"

"Not me, but another girl at school had some really embarrassing pictures of her from a party posted online. She was drunk and half-naked." 

"You're blessed it wasn't you this time. Stuff is different for you now. Things are changing so fast. In an instant, one of your bad decisions could be permanently recorded for the whole world," Mecca said. "You have your whole future ahead of you. I love you, and I don't want one bad decision to cause you to lose future opporturnites."

"I'll holler at you when I get home," Sade said. "I'm sure I'll be fine."

IN MY HEART 

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).

SIDEBAR

Hope in the Day of the Lord

Some Christians use God's grace as an excuse to continue making selfish and sinful decisions. Christians were also doing this during the time of Peter. Peter wanted Christians to know God is patiently waiting, desiring that everyone receive salvation. Peter encouraged the believers to live holy lives, always ready for the return of Christ. There was not then and is not now a way to figure out out exactly when Christ will return for all the people of God, so Peter encouraged Christians to live joyously, expecting Christ's return. 

HOW TO BE READY FOR CHRIST'S RETURN

1. Live every day in service and gratitude to God. 

2. Pray daily for wisdom

3. Be a blessing even as you are blessed. 

JAM SESSION

There have always been people who believe that what has been and what is will always be. What will inspire them to look more positively toward the future? The writer of 2 Peter urges his readers to prepare for the day of the Lord by being patient and living holy, godly lives. Often, Christians live by taking advantage of God's grace and only looking toward heaven, but God welcomes us to live every day in His presence, not just awaiting Christ's return. Living a holy life every day is freedom instead of the restriction many people think it is. Mecca talks to Sade about Sade's poor decisions, but Sade thinks she has all the time in the world to start making better decisions and grow up. Right now she just wants to have fun. What kinds of consequences could Sade face that would change her whole future?

JAM ON IT

Are You Ready?

Is there something you'd like to change that would allow you to live a better life in service and love for God? If Christ returned this week, what would you change? Spend this week working on one improvement to your character. 

(Except for The Apostolic Way)

HOPE THROUGH STEWARDSHIP

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

KNOW the cost of discipleship: FEEL able to recall a time when we relied on God's power; and LOOK for opportunities to serve others. 

FOCAL VERSES: 1 PETER 4:1-11

KEEP IN MIND "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" (1 PETER 4:10).

AT-A-GLANCE

1. Jesus' Example (1 Peter 4:1-2)

2. Jesus' Teachings: Put Off the Old, Put On the New (vv. 3-6)

3. Jesus' Teachings: Be Sober, Watchful, and Prayerful (vv. 7-9)

4. Jesus' Teachings: Gifts of Honor (vv. 10-11)

IN FOCUS

Misson in other countries don't seem as popular as they were at one time. Perhaps it's because there are people from so many other places living within our communities. It may be a result of the busy lifestyle many have taken on. Or the decline could be a result of fear brought on by terror and unrest worldwide. 

All of these issues concerned Monigue. However, since she was a young girl, the desire to share the Gospel in another land burned within her. She longed to be a part of the Great Commission. How could she serve the Lord in a distant place?

Monique had been faithful to her church, volunteering to serve at any opportunity. It was this eagerness that caught the attention of a visiting missionary from a country Monique had always wanted to visit. When the invitation to serve on a short-term mission trip came, she gladly accepted. Overwhelming joy filled her heart as she prepared to minister to the needs of others in a foreign nation. 

The clarion call of Acts 1:8 is relevant today: "But ye shall receive power, after the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

BACKGROUND

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:1,4). Men from every nation on earth were in Jerusalem that day and were amazed when they heard these itinerant men speaking in their own languages. This same Peter stood and preached a 3,000 souls-saving message, and many were added to the Church that day. 

We should move ahead to a point many years later in Peter's life. He is filled with the Holy Ghost and has become a leader in the Church Council at Jerusalem, learning many of things God would have the Church to accept. He was visited on a rooftop and commanded to minister to a Gentile centurion (Acts 10), along with many other vital actions in the early church. Peter points his readers to Jesus, our supreme example of how to be a servant to all humankind. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES 

1. Example in your own words what it means to put on the mind of Christ (1 Peter 4:1)

2. What suggestions does Peter give for overcoming habits of the flesh to walk in the newness of life (vv. 7-11)?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

1. Today is Pentecost Sunday, the time when Apostolic churches celebrate the coming of the Holy Ghost. What about this day adds extra urgency to this passage?

2. Consider Monique's desire (In Focus story). Use the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World website (www.pawinc.org) to research the P.A.W. Mission program. What opportunities might you have to support missions?

MAKE IT HAPPEN

The American culture is one of "me first," self-reliance, and downright selfishness. Contrast how, as servants of God, we can  be a counter-cultural force in the world. Knowing this will not be an easy road to walk, identify ways we can minister to each other to encourage steadfastness in accomplishing the goal of impacting the world around us. 

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EQUIPPED WITH HOPE

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

EXPLORE biblical ways to lead a more fruitful life; FEEL empowered to live effective and fruitful lives; and DEVELOP a deeper knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

FOCAL VERSES: 2 Peter 1:4-14

KEEP IN MIND: 

"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue" (2 Peter 1:3).

AT - A - GLANCE

1. Promise to Empower (2 Peter 1:4)

2. Spiritual Growth (vv. 5-9)

3. Confidence in Our Calling (vv. 10-11)

4. Remember (vv. 12-14)

IN FOCUS: 

"I just don't understand you," Isaac complained to his wife. "I told you I would take care of the utility bill later this week!" 

They were arguing, something that seemed to occur more and more frequently these days. It seemed to Isaac that Audrey nitpicked about everything. Some of the bills were behind, but he had assured her that he would make sure they got paid. Why couldn't she just leave it alone? The bills had been delinquent before, but hadn't he always paid them?

Audrey constantly nagged him about their poor credit rating. Although she hadn't come right out and said it, Isaac felt certain that Audrey blamed him for their inability to buy a new car or move out of the apartment and into a house after eight years. Why didn't she understand that he hadn't had the time to sit down and make a plan to achieve this? Her constant reminders that a bill collector had called or another late notice had come in the mail only seemed to make things worse. 

In today's lesson, we will see that faith is not equivalent to blind optimism. To live godly lives, we must not succumb to laziness; instead, we must take full advantage of the godly resources available to each of us as saints. 

BACKGROUND:

Apostle Peter wrote 2 Peter with a two-fold purpose: not only to warn Christians about the many false teachers who were vying to take them off the foundational truths of the faith but also to exhort them to grow in the wisdom and knowledge of Jesus Christ -- to grow in their faith. At this time, Peter knew he did not have long to live and therefore, shared his heart with the saints. He wanted them to be warned about what would happen when he was no longer with them and also to remind them that the truth of God's Word is unchanging. As an overseer of the church, called by God, the Apostle Peter took his responsibilities very seriously. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES:

1. "According as his _____  ______ hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue" (2 Peter 1:3)

2. "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and _______ ______: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature" (v.4)

DISCUSS THE MEANING:

1. Discuss some of the promises God has made to us that can help us win the spiritual battle against the corruption of the world.  

2. Discuss the evidence that points to Christian ineffectiveness and fruitlessness. What are some of the causes? Which of these do you see in Isaac (In Focus)? What solutions can you suggest to Isaac? To others?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY:

Our spiritual growth in the Lord is a constant work in progess. While God perfect us, it is His desire that we work with Him in developing spiritually. God has provided us with everything we need, and we should use what He has given us to bring glory to Him as well as to help one another. We can only escape the corruption of this world and resist yielding to the flesh and falling back into our old sinful patterns by applying our spiritual power daily. As we go about our routines-conducting business, carrying out parental obligations, enjoying free time, even just running errands - remembrance is critical. 

MAKE IT HAPPEN:

Reread 2 Peter 1:1-7. Identify which of these godly characteristics are active in your life and which traits you need "to make every effort to add to your faith" (v. 5, NIV).

(EXCEPT THE APOSTOLIC WAY)

 

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 FROM ACORNS TO OAKS: SOMETHING FOR THE YOUTH!

IN MY HEART:

"Where are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Peter 1:4, KJV)

REALITY CHECK:

PROMOTED TO LEAD: 

Christiana was extremely nervous. She was so nervous her hands were noticeably trembling as she talked to Minister Jeff on the phone. 

"I'm not feeling well. Christiana, I need you to take the lead today. I believe you are capable," Minister Jeff said in a low voice. "I am fighting the flu an don't want to leave the house."

The church youth group's mentoring department was schedule to visit the local preschool. With Minister Jeff out, Christiana would have to lead. "Can you do it?" he asked. 

A few months ago, Minister Jeff had suggested that the youth group mentor preschoolers at a local day care center. The group would read stories to children and assit the teacher in whatever she needed. The group had been brainstorming about what to do with the children. One mentor, Carl, thought of a puppet show that would teach children manners. Gail was going to bring her talking parrot, and Christiana wrote a song about kindness. Everyone was excited. 

"Yes," she responded to Minister Jeff after a long pause. "Thank you. Don't worry, though. Deacon Lazenby will drive you there and will stay in case you need anything."

Once Christiana got off the phone, she went over her notes. It was a lot, but her confidence was beginning to peek through the doubt. She told her mother what Minister Jeff had asked her to do. 

"This is going to be great opportunity for you to exercise your leadership skills. You can do this. Let's pray that God leads you and strengthens you," her mother said, while taking her hands to pray. 

In the end, the day went great. Christiana called Minister Jeff to give him the good news. He said he knew she would be effective and make the right choices while leading the group. "The director wants us to come back as often as we like," Christiana said. That night, she thanked God for a great day. 

SIDEBAR:

EQUIPPED WITH HOPE

The Bible is the believer's weapon, loaded with promises, benefits, and strategies to help in everyday life. Knowing that the Bible is filled with all these precious promises, you are prepared with hope. What is a promise? A promise is a pledge, vow, or commitment someone makes to do something. It's a assurance and guarantee that particular thing will happen. A promise is also when someone says, "I give you my word." Now imagine the almighty God giving you His word. Imagine the almighty God making you a promise. You can really have hope with great expectation because the almighty God made you a promise. It's guaranteed if God said it. 

Peter said God's promise could help us escape the corruption of lust and enter into the divine nature. He knew God called us by God's own glory and goodness, and not by our own efforts. We are to respond to God's adoption of them as God's own people. 

HOW TO LEAD A FRUITFUL LIFE

Follow the example of Jesus Christ by studying His life

Reach for more knowledge of God's promises. 

Understand that God wants you to have extraordinary life. 

Inner strength is always there; find it. 

Train others in the things you have learned about Jesus Christ. 

JAM SESSION

LIFE WORTH LIVING

Many people feel they are ineffective, unproductive, and unable to make the right choices in life. Where can we find the strength to surmount this sense of despair? Peter says the inner-strength needed to face life with new assurance and hope comes from our knowledge of a faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ. In a similar way, Christiana trusted the inner-strength that comes from Christ to meet the challenge before her. Her youth director was ill and needed her to take the lead on an important project. She was nervous and felt she couldn't be effective or productive, but Minister Jeff and her mother assured Christiana she was able to fulfill the task successfully. Have you ever been in a situation like Christiana's?

JAM ON IT

DEEPER KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge is power! Brainstorm and list practical ways that goodness, knowledge, self control, endurance, godliness, mutual affection, and love are present in your life. Compare your findings with those of your classmates next week. 

LAST JAM

I AM EQUIPPED TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES!

(EXCEPT THE APOSTOLIC WAY)

 

A LIVING HOPE

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

KNOW how we can find meaning in life's challenges; FEEL the hope of Jesus Christ and be able to share that hope with others; and ACTIVELY turn to Jesus for hope and guidance. 

FOCAL VERSES: 1 Peter 1:1-12

KEEP IN MIND: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Peter 1:3).

AT-A-GLANCE 

1. Hope through Salvation (1 Peter 1:3-6)

2. Triumphant Victory (vv. 7-12)

IN FOCUS:

Rodney had heard about rampant layoffs, plant downsizing and closings, expansion overseas, and many other reasons millions of Americans have been displaced from their workplaces. But until it happened to him, he didn't know what it felt like to be without health insurance and other benefits. What was he to do?

Often, Rodney would express that God, not his job, was his source. Now it was time to really trust the Lord. Especially now that his unemployment compensation had been exhausted. Rodney knew that his only hope was in Christ Jesus. He began to stand on the Scripture, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). 

In order to make it through, Rodney knew he would need to take one day at a time. After all, he knew the Lord knows his end from the beginning. There is reason to hope. 

The daily struggles of life can cause us to experience hopelessness. How can we become confident and find hope for a better tomorrow? Peter writes that a new birth into a living hope can be found in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

BACKGROUND:

Although Peter wrote to Jewish Christians driven out of Jerusalem and scattered throughout Asia Minor, there is much that we can learn from his letter. 

He wrote to encourage Christians who were under persecution. Peter himself had been beaten, jailed and threatened often as he brought God's message to the people. He had also witnessed firsthand not only fellow Christians dying for the faith but many being scattered as the sought refuge. In the midst of his awareness of ongoing persecution and suffering, the Apostle Peter sought to bring comfort and hope to Christians under duress. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES:

1. What type of inheritance do we have as saints (1 Peter 1:4)?

2. In whom does our hope lie (Lamentations 3:24)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING:

1. With so many catastrophes occurring in the world around us, let alone the strife among nations and individuals, from where do we draw our strength to face a world in turmoil?

2. Using Scriptures from today's text, what encouragement can you give to Rodney (In Focus)? To yourself?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY:

The foundation of our society have been shaken. Everywhere a person turns there is strife, fear, and upheaval. Systems and programs that have been in place for decades such as Social Security, Medicare, college education grants and loans, and other assistance programs are in jeopardy of failing. What are some ways that the church can minister hope to the society in which we live?

MAKE IT HAPPEN:

The church of Jesus Christ is called to be a beacon of light to a dark world. The New Testament saints lived in communities that supported one another. While the spirit may be strong, our physical bodies need support when jobs, housing, etc. fail. What is your church (G.O.A.C) doing to help those in need? How are you playing a role?

(EXCEPT THE APOSTOLIC LIGHT)

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FROM ACORNS TO OAK TRESS: Something for the Youth!!!!

LESSON AIM: 

1. Describe how we can find meaning in life's trials. 

2. Share the hope of Christ with one another. 

3. Turn to Christ for hope and guidance. 

FROM THE STUDENT MAGAZINE:

HOPEFULLY HOPEFUL

Jasmine was sitting in her Sunday School class with her head on her desk. Her teacher, Sister Cynthia, saw her but waited until after class to talk to her. "Jasmine, is everything okay?" "No. I have final exams at the end of the week," she said. "I've studied, but I'm still worried." "It's good that you've studied, but have you prayed about it?" "No, I didn't think about that. Maybe I should."

"There's a hymn I used to sing when I was a little girl," Sister Cynthia said as she smiled, remembering. "It's called 'The Solid Rock.' It goes, 'My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness."

Those first two lines made Jasmine feel better. She knew that what she needed was hope. She thanked Sister Cynthia and walked out. When Jasmine got home, she began to sing the hymn to herself. She told herself she would sing it every day until her final exams. And that's what she did. 

Every day, after she was done studying, she would find a quiet place and sing the hymn to herself. Singing it gave Jasmine hope, and she felt like she could do anything with God on her side. 

When the day of the test came, she walked into the classroom and went straight to her desk. She sat and said a prayer to herself. After the prayer, she sang the hymn.

Once the test was distributed, she became full of hope. She knew everything was going to be all right. Once the test was over, she left the classroom with a smile on her face. She knew she had done well. 

PRESENT THE SCRIPTURES

God's grace helps us become better Christians and with God's grace comes hope. Hope is one of the main things that helps us believe in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are still here because of the living hope. The living hope is alive in every single person. This is very important because it can potentially get us into the kingdom of heaven. 

SCRIPTURE DISCUSSION:

Today's Scripture lesson teaches us that our hope and our faith must be strong in the Lord. You can experience a new birth and hope through the Resurrection power of Jesus Christ. Your life should be full of hope and faith. You can depend on your faith to sustain you in times of trail. In fact, hope and faith are necessary to believe that our Lord and Savior Jesus is real. In life, you will encounter tests and trails that will challenge you, but that's when your hope and faith must be at its highest. Don't lose heart; you will be rewarded for your endurance. This is what happened to Jasmine in the Life Application story. She had to keep her hope in God, and she was rewarded for that. That's what can happen to all of us. Keep your hope in Jesus Christ and nothing less!

(EXCEPT THE APOSTOLIC LIGHT)