farewell - caribbean christian publications - home

Season’s greetings and grateful thanks to you our most valued and faithful customers, donors and volunteers.

We could not have done it without you. As you continue to give so selflessly to this highly important literature

ministry, may you receive God’s matchless favour.

Farewell We say farewell to two team mates of Caribbean Christian Publications - Ms. Sheryl Ward Bradshaw and Mrs. Joan Mars who recently left the organisation. Sheryl came on

staff as executive assistant then later became our marketing officer. Joan was the editor for Older Children publications. CCP extends sincere gratitude to them both

and our best wishes for the future. We look forward to their service as volunteers in the future.

We’re Done!This past summer we embarked on the final leg of lesson

writing under the fourth phase of the Youth and Adult curricula. We began in the summer of 2014 and wrote every summer since then. We cannot express enough gratitude to all who were a part of this faith journey.

Thanks to every person, donor churches, prayer partners, trustees, other volunteers and the staff of CCP who have

been totally committed to this work. God willing it,Phase V will begin with new curricula for the three

children’s departments in due course. Please be in prayer for this ministry and do offer yourself as a possible volunteer curriculum developer, writer, reviewer,

proof-reader in this future undertaking.

Again, a Blessed and Holy Christmas to everyone.

Season’sGreetings

Caribbean Christian Publications27 Balmoral Avenue, Kingston 10, Jamaica, West IndiesTel.: (876) 906-2828 • Fax: (876) 908-3844E-mail: [email protected] | Website: http://www.ccpcbf.orgISSN0799-3161

September • October • November • December • 2019

FEATURES

Adult • Age 19 and Up • Teacher GuideAdult

The Adult Teacher Guide provides suggestions for teacher preparation, a step by step teaching plan for adult Bible study, an alternative teaching plan for young adults and suggestions for applying the lesson. Each adult teacher needs a copy of the Adult Learner Guide in addition to this Adult Teacher Guide.

ATURES

Christmas Issue 2019Phase 4, Vol. 13, No. 1

Editor: Erica James-King Reviewers: The Rev. Arthur Edgar, Grace Peart

Cover Design: Carleen Clother, John Hatton, Ramon MorganCover Image: Jamaica Baptist Union

Produced and published by Caribbean Christian Publications Ltd 27 Balmoral Avenue, Kingston 10, Jamaica;

E-mail: [email protected]; Website: www.ccpcbf.org; E-mail: [email protected]: Beryl H. Roper; Under the auspices of the Caribbean Baptist Fellowship

Executive Secretary-Treasurer: The Rev. Everton Jackson© 2019 Caribbean Christian Publications All rights reserved

Unit 1: Mission to and from The MarginsSeptember 1, 2019 Mission as Transformation 6September 8, 2019 Mission as Liberation 10September 15, 2019 Mission as Evangelism 13September 22, 2019 Mission as Inclusion 16September 29, 2019 Mission as Community Development 19

Unit 2: Unmask. Get Real!October 6, 2019 Live with Passion and Purpose 23October 13, 2019 Rise Above Turbulence 26October 20, 2019 Seek Supernatural Strength 29October 27, 2019 Seize Victory! 32Unit 3: Giving All November 3, 2019 Worship through Service 37November 10, 2019 Be A Selfless Servant 40November 17, 2019 Gifted for Service 43November 24, 2019 Fellowship: Twin Partner of Service 46Unit 4: He Came...December 1, 2019 As Sacrifice for Our Sin 50December 8, 2019 To Provide Redemption 53December 15, 2019 To Reveal God 56December 22, 2019 To Give Hope 59 December 29, 2019 To Defeat Satan 62

Trends in Evangelism 9Unit Two Overview 22Focus on Depression 35Unit Three Overview 36Unit Four Overview 49

Editor’s Corner 2Meet Our Writers 3 Teaching Tips 4 Special Recognition! 4 Unit One Overview 5

Dear teachers of adults,Welcome to the Christmas edition of the Carib-

bean Bible Lessons Bible Leaders Teacher Guide.I am delighted that you could join me for anotherengaging exploration of Christian educationthrough the pages of the Teacher Guide.

In one sentence, how would you des-cribe your life and Sunday School teach-ing/learning experience for most of thisyear? I hope 2019 has so far been a fulfilling

and productive year for you and your adultstudents.

I encourage you to make prayer a vitalpart of your Sunday School classroom experi-

ence. It is important for you to pray for and with youradult students. Engage your adult students in different types ofprayers. Some of those prayers should include chain prayers, focusedprayers, assignment prayers, litany, intercessory prayers as well asprayers of confession and commitment.

Be reminded to always be a source of encouragement to youradult students. Recognize and commend them for the contributionsthey make to the class’ Bible Study, discussions, and applicationactivities, even when those contributions are small. When you givethem genuine encouragement, it helps to inspire their self-confidenceand passion in the things of God. Be careful not to be condescendingwhen dealing with adults. Watch your tone of voice! Ensure you are notspeaking with the adults in the tone of voice you would use withchildren. Many adults will find that offensive, annoying and evendamaging to their self-esteem. If they find the way you speak with themoffensive, then they will be unwilling to participate in class and mighthave a general distrust of you. Ensure that you are a kind, genuinemotivator to the adults.

In this edition of the CBL Bible Leaders Teacher Guide we delve intothe importance of doing mission wherever we are and no matter in whatsocio-economic circumstances we find ourselves. The Unit, Mission to andfrom The Margins, is our guide on that arm of our exploration which marksthe observance of Mission Month in some parts of the Caribbean region.We bare our hearts and souls on certain realities of life in the trek forOctober: Unmask. Get Real! November is sometimes celebrated as Ste-wardship Month in areas of the Caribbean and the Unit, Giving All! bidsus to be sacrificial managers of our resources to the glory of God. The Unit,He Came..., is our compass for the Advent/Christmas season.

May you experience steady spiritual growth. I pray that God will blessyour life and ministry with the spark of His power and the favour of HisSpirit’s anointing. Best wishes for a happy and holy Christmas.

Yours in the Lord’s service,Erica James-King

2 Caribbean Bible Lessons—The Living the Word Series

EDITOR’S CORNER

Adult—BIBLE LEADERS—Teacher Guide 3

UNIT ONE:UNIT ONE:

MEET OUR WRITERSMEET OUR WRITERS

Mr Hartley has been a Christian for over 40 years. He is vicepresident of the Panama Baptist Convention and retiredChairman of the Board of Inspectors of the Panama CanalAuthority. He serves as a church planter, lay preacher,deacon and Sunday School teacher. He is passionate aboutleading people to commit to serving the Lord. Deacon Hart-ley believes that the more a person comes to understandGod's Word is the more that individual will appreciate WhoGod is, and will be more likely to serve God sacrificially.

Ms. James-King is a Christian career journalist who has servedfor many years in the broadcast and print media. Whileworking as a communication manager in corporate Jamaicashe responded to God’s call on her life to engage in full-timeministry through Christian literature. She is the AssistantDirector/Editor-Adult Publications at Caribbean Christian

Publications. Sister James-King has a zeal for evangelism,Christian Education, as well as mission to vulnerable persons.

She is a lay preacher and also serves on the Jamaica BaptistUnion Print Media Committee and Social Issues Study Commission.

UNIT ONE: Arcelio Hartley, PanamaUNIT ONE: Arcelio Hartley, Panama

During her high school years, Dr Simpson became awareof her Christian responsibility to help others to find Christand to grow in Him. Since then, she has used her writingand teaching skills to disciple others. The guiding Bibleverse of her life is Ezra 7:10, because it confirms and fuelsher passion for studying and sharing the Word. She hasserved as the Christian Education Director of herdenomination. Dr. Simpson is the Executive Director of aservice organization for teen mothers.

The Reverend Charles-Julien has been a Christian inexcess of 40 years and a minister of religion for over 12years. He is the president of the Baptist Convention ofGuyana and pastor of the Wismar Baptist Church. Witha zeal for helping others to experience Christ, it is littlewonder then that the Rev. Charles-Julien is passionateabout evangelism, pastoral service and community

outreach. His community involvement includes homevisitation, serving as a member of the Linden Ministers’

Fellowship, and providing marital and guidance counselling.

UNIT TWO:UNIT TWO: Erica James-King, JamaicaErica James-King, Jamaica

UNIT THREE: Zoë Simpson, JamaicaUNIT THREE: Zoë Simpson, Jamaica

UNIT FOUR: Alfred Charles-Julien, GuyanaUNIT FOUR: Alfred Charles-Julien, Guyana


Teaching TipsTeaching Tips

THE FOLLOWING TIPS should help you to engage your adult Sun-day School students in interactive teaching-learning experiences:r Make your classroom welcoming — Strive to have a wel-coming appearance and to let your classroom atmosphere bewarm and engaging. Initiate and encourage positive vibes andgood camaraderie among your adult students. Create a cheer-ful, comfortable atmosphere.

r Be well prepared for your class — A well-preparedteacher makes visitors and regular students feel morecomfortable. If you are well prepared, you will also use a varietyof teaching approaches and generally make the classinteresting and meaningful. Try a discovery-oriented approachto learning. It engages the adult students, by allowing them tovoice their views, ask questions and do practical activitiesrelated to the lesson. Overall, it affirms that each person hassomething of value to contribute to the lesson.

r Always make your lessons relevant to life—Use exam-ples of real-life experiences to convey major messages in yourLesson. Ask adult students open-ended questions about howthe lesson can relate to their daily life. Such questions do nothave a single “correct” or “right” answer and elicit morethoughtful responses from adults.

r Make adult students feel important — Address adultstudents in a friendly but respectful manner. Do not belittletheir views. Instead, be accommodating and explain anyChristian beliefs and concepts which they may not understand.Make every effort to address your students by their names.

Have an “Adult-Friendly” Classroom

Special Recognition !Special Recognition !Caribbean Christian Publications expresses appreciation to thefollowing persons for their contribution to this issue of theCaribbean Bible Lessons Bible Leaders Teacher and Learner Guides: Curriculum Developers: The Rev. Arthur Edgar, Erica James-King,Rebecca McHenry and The Rev. Norva Rodney.


Unit Aims: 1) To encourage adults to realize that God has calledthem to do mission wherever they are, and whether or not theyare experiencing oppression or other situations of vulnerability.2) To help adults in developing positive attitudes and whole-some faith responses to God’s invitation to mission. Lesson 2: Mission as TransformationThe first lesson in the Unit provides definitions for “mission” and“transformation”, while outlining the Christians’ role as agents oftransformation in whatever location or circumstance, in whichthey find themselves. It affirms God’s care for those who are fa-cing all forms of discrimination. The study appeals to believers tobe God’s ambassadors to persons within and outside of their own socio-economic grouping, especially to the materially and spiritually poor. Lesson 2: Mission as Liberation Lesson 2 discusses different forms of oppression and captivityand outlines that believers have a significant role to play inleading people to spiritual, social, emotional, mental and otherforms of oppression. Pointing adults to Jesus’ lifestyle as Libera-tor of humankind from sin, eternal death and all forms of broken-ness, the lesson encourages learners to pattern Jesus’ lifestyle.The lesson inspires adults to use the Word of God and theirresources to convey hope to others in tangible ways.Lesson 3: Mission as Evangelism By exhorting adults to reflect on the need of all persons to hearthe message of salvation, the lesson discusses the importance ofevangelism as a calling on the lives of all Christians. The studyappeals to Christians to be evangelistic in their words, actionsand lifestyles. It invites Christian adults to identify areas in theircommunities and nation where persons need to be reached withthe gospel. Lesson 3 also urges adults to identify and act uponways of reaching persons with the gospe.l Lesson 4: Mission as Inclusion The lesson summons adults to reflect on the fact that Christiansmust encourage and nurture others in wholesome participationin the kingdom-building purposes of God. The lesson inspiresadults to abandon their comfort zone and any discriminatory tra-ditions they may have, so that they can spread the loveof Christ.Lesson 5: Mission as Community Development Lesson 5 teaches adults to acknowledge that they have a God-given responsibility to contribute to the development of theircommunities. It engages adults in discussing that God requiresthem to improve their personal commitment to Him and toexpand their godly influence in their communities.

UNIT ONE OVERVIEWMission to and from The Margins


Mission to and from The MarginsUnit One Lesson 1

Mission as Transformation Mission as Transformation

Desired

Outcome

Adults will assess their attitudes towards missionand acknowledge that no matter their social orphysical condition, God requires all Christians toengage in mission that improves the lives of others.

A DEEPER LOOKMission — The Greek word for mission is apos-tellowhich means, to send. The Christian missionis an organized effort to spread the gospel ofJesus’ sacrifice to redeem humankind and recon-cile humankind to a right relationship with Him.Our mission is informed by the commands ofJesus in Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8. Transformation — A distinct or completechange in nature, character, lifestyle and/or ap-pearance. To change for the better.Marginalize — To marginalize is to treat asinsignificant or peripheral; to have a powerless orunimportant position within a society or group;to deny someone an active voice in a group. On the Margins — Persons on the margins of asituation or group have very little power, impor-tance or influence. They live outside socially ac-ceptable norms (e.g. the homeless; prisoners;the poor; persons discriminated against on thegrounds of race, class, health or educational status ).

TOGETHER ON SUNDAYIntroduce the Lesson 10 minutesWelcome the adults. Introduce the Unit

and lesson titles. Ask four members to de-fine the terms respectively: mission; trans-formation; marginalize; on the margins. Afterreceiving the responses display the chart out-lining the definitions from AA DEEPERDEEPER LOOKLOOK (TG).Discuss the meaning of the terms and theirrelevance to Christians.

Mount a poster board or cardboard,which displays newspaper clippings ofgroups of marginalized people in yourcountry and the wider world. Ask: How canChristians improve the welfare of the margin-alized groups cited in the newspaper arti-cles? Take responses. Note that God callsthe materially poor, spiritually poor, mate-rially rich, spiritually rich, middle-income

PREPARE FORSUNDAY

• Exodus 3:1-12; 4:19-20;Matthew 10:1-10;1 Corinthians 1:18-31 • For Introduce theLesson:1) Invite four volunteersto define the termslisted in AA DEEPERDEEPER LOOKLOOK(TG). 2) Highlight on a chart,the information from AADEEPERDEEPER LOOKLOOK. 3) Know the informa-tion displayed.4) Cut out newspaperarticles of persons whohave been marginali-zed in your nation andother countries. Pastethese clippings on aposter board orcardboard.• For BIBLE STUDY:1) Know Section 1 (LG).2) Be knowledgeable ofBIBLEBIBLE STUDYSTUDY OPTIONOPTION (TG).• For LIVING THELESSON:1) Provide pens; pencils;sheets of writing paper.2) Before Sunday, assignan adult to do a mono-logue based on LeonEdwards of THATTHAT’’SS LIFELIFE (LG).

God calls Christiansfrom all social

groupings to beagents of

transformation in the society.

September 1, 2019

Unit One

TRUTH FOR THEDAY


economic groups and allpeoples to reach those withinand outside of their socialgrouping, with the gospel.BIBLE STUDY 20 MINUTES

Examine Exodus 3:1-10;4:19-20. Use your knowledge ofExodus 2:1-21 to highlight back-ground information on Moses andwhy he was a fugitive in a foreigncountry. Note that Moses was onthe margins of his society. Pointout that the king of Egypt, thePharaoh, had died (Exodus 2:23).State that when this occurred, byEgyptian law all pending chargesagainst accused persons weredropped, so Moses would now befree to return to Egypt. Mentionthat making use of this newfreedom was not in Moses’ plansbut God had planned it for Moses.

Note that Moses’ criminal andlow economic status did not deterGod from calling him to deliverthe Israelites from Egypt. Empha-size that it is God who has thepower to take us from whateverlowly status or circumstance wemay be in and fit us for whateverservice He may call us to carry out.Discuss points from Section 1(LG), paragraphs three and four.Ask: How does the Lord expect usto respond to the needy anddesperate people in our society?Accept answers.

Have two readers read alter-nate verses of Matthew 10:1-10.Dis-

cuss the passage using Section 2 (LG).Call their attention to the fact thatwhen Jesus sent the disciples outHe instructed them to preach amessage that would bring thepeople hope and draw them intoa closer relationship with God (vv.5-8). Point out that such a mes-sage is not only imparted withwords but may also be communi-cated by our lifestyle, by ouractions of love, and by our res-ponse to the needs of those whoare experiencing the effects ofmarginalization and crying out forhelp. Refer once again to the de-finition of mission.

Point out that Jesus also toldthe disciples not to carry gold orsilver, or extra shirts or sandals (vv.9-10). State that He was caution-ing them not to go with theresources that were the results oftheir own efforts and strength.Assert that Jesus had not calledthem to serve based on who theywere in the society or whatresources they could provide ontheir own. Emphasize that Jesushad called them considering whatHe Himself knew He could dowith them and through them,based on His own power to trans-form us. Say that Jesus transformsus in all areas of our lives; and Hesummons us to lead others to Histransforming power.

Focus on 1 Corinthians 1:18-31usingBIBLEBIBLE STUDYSTUDY OPTIONOPTION (TG), page 8.

LIVING THE LESSON 15 MINUTES Invite the adults to write their answers to the LIFELIFE QUESTIONQUESTION (LG) and

the Reality Check (LG). Allow volunteers to share their answers. Allow the assigned member to do a monologue pretending to be

Leon Edwards, featured in THATTHAT’’SS LIFELIFE (LG). Enquire: As a Christian, whatdifference can you make in the life of prisoners? Take answers. Next,request answers to the THATTHAT’’SS LIFELIFE questions. Close in prayer for adults toredouble their efforts in helping to transform the lives of others.


FOR YOUngeR aDULTsFOR YOUngeR aDULTs

PREPARE FORSUNDAY

• Exodus 3:1-12; 4:19-20;Matthew 10:1-10;1 Corinthians 1:18-31

• For BIBLE STUDY OPTION: 1) Be familiar with the Unitand lesson titles.2) Project on a multimediascreen or depict on achart, the information fromAA DEEPERDEEPER LOOKLOOK (TG).3) Be knowledgeable ofall the Scripture passages.4) Do background readingon defending the Christianfaith.5) Think about theintellectual argumentswhich are used to attackChristianity and what aresound biblical grounds tocounter those arguments.Identify some verses fromtoday’s lesson which canbe used in defending theChurch against unfaircriticisms from intellectualsand others.

• For APPLICATION:1) Provide markers andsheets of cartridge paper.2) Prepare an assignmentsheet with the instructionsfor each of the groups.3) Allow each group tomake its presentation to theclass.4) Display the posters onyour church’s bulletinboards and on communitynotice boards.

ON SUNDAYBIBLE STUDY OPTION

Highlight the definitions projected on themultimedia screen or displayed on the chart.Turn the attention of the class to 1 Corinthians1:18-31. Indicate that Apostle Paul pointed outthat his presentation of the gospel had not beenbased on any skilful manipulation of words as wascustomary among the debaters of his day. In-stead, his message was based on the truth ofthe cross, which in essence spoke of the deathand resurrection of Jesus to set everyone free.

Say that it is possible that the believerswere being challenged by the philosophers, thescholars, and the intellectuals who abounded inthe Greek city of Corinth, many of whom mighthave considered the gospel message as foolish(v. 18), inferior or of lesser importance to theirphilosophies. Indicate that the intellectuals andscholars of that city would have looked downwith disdain at those they considered less intel-ligent and would dictate to them what theyshould or should not believe. Stress that Godchose to reveal the message of salvation tomany who were then regarded as unschooled,ordinary men (1 Corinthians 1:27-28; Acts 4:13).Note that God reaches out to those who are oftenridiculed, despised, and rejected. Highlight thatthose who accept the gospel by faith would under-stand that they are very special to God and areequal to others in other social groupings. Point outthat mission is not reserved for any special group. Itis the business of believers from all strata of life.

Ask young adults to identify the intellectualarguments of today that are meant to havethem think that their belief in the gospel ofChrist is foolishness. Lead them to talk aboutgroups such as those that are promoting theview that Christianity is a white man’s religionand is foreign to Caribbean blacks of African orIndian ancestry.

APPLICATION 20 MINUTESDivide the class into two groups with the following instructions:Group 1 – Make posters advising Christians who are marginalized and

non-marginalized to engage in mission.Group 2 – Plan an outreach activity for the class to minister to the

needs of persons in your community, who are facing acts of discrimination.


TRenDs in evangeLismTRenDs in evangeLism

CHRISTIANS NEGLECT EVANGELISM

AALTHOUGHLTHOUGH GGODOD CALLSCALLS every Christian to spread thegospel, many believers and church congregations areneglectful and fearful of or disinterested in evangelism. Thedata shared by Michael Parrott (1993) speaks volumes aboutthe approach, which many Christians have taken to evangelism:➢ 95% of all Christians surveyed have never led someone toJesus Christ.➢ 80 % of all Christians surveyed do not consistently witnessfor Christ.➢ Less than two percent are involved in the ministry ofevangelism.➢ 71 % of respondents do not give towards the financing ofthe Great Commission.

One particular denomination did a survey on its leadershipministries. The results are as follows:➢ 63% of the leadership in this denomination, including dea-cons and elders, have not led one stranger to Jesus in the lasttwo years through the method of “Go Ye” evangelism.➢ 49% of the leadership ministries spend zero time in an ave-rage week ministering outside of the church.➢ 89% of the leadership ministries have zero time reserved ontheir list of weekly priorities for going out to evangelize.➢ 99% of the leadership ministries believe that every Chris-tian, including leadership, has been commanded to preach thegospel to a lost world.➢ 97% believe that if the leadership had a greater convictionand involvement in evangelism, that it would be an example forthe church to follow.➢ 96% of the leadership believe their churches would havegrown faster if they had been more involved in evangelism.Some of the information was sourced from: Parrott, M. (1993), Acts Evangelism.“Street Level Evangelism, Where is the Space?” Spokane, WA. pp. 9-11. www.-bible.org/illustration/evangelism-statistics


Lesson 2

Mission as LiberationMission as LiberationAdults will be led to: 1) understand that they should allowGod to free them of enslavement to worldly values and 2) identify ways in which they can be agents of liberationon God’s mission in improving the lives of others.

A DEEPER LOOKLiberation — Liberation is the action of set-ting someone free from any condition that hasbeen dominating, controlling, oppressing orrepressing that person. Liberation Theology — This is a branch oftheology that provides a biblical basis for pro-moting the welfare of the poor as an obliga-tory endeavour for the church. It requiresChristians to follow the example of Jesus ingiving priority attention and care to the poorand most vulnerable. The theologian GustavoGutierrez of Chile is a leading proponent ofliberation theology. Tax Collectors — The Tax Collectors men-tioned were like the customs official of ourera. They operated out of tax collection sta-tions or booths (Mark 2:14), which wereusually located along the trade route or at theports or banks of the lakes.

TOGETHER ON SUNDAYIntroduce the Lesson 15 minutesWelcome the adults and introduce

the lesson title. Ask adults to share theirperspective of the meaning of liberation.After taking the responses, cite the mean-ing from AA DEEPERDEEPER LOOKLOOK (TG).

Discuss the THATTHAT’’SS LIFELIFE (LG) story.Allow members to respond to thequestion which follow. Assert that today’sstudy will build our awareness of the needfor Christians to view liberation as one ofthe components of mission.

BIBLE STUDY 20 MINUTESInstruct three members to read Mat-

thew 1:21-23; Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:16-21.Discuss the passages by mentioning keymessages from Section 1 (LG). Divide theclass into three groups. Invite Group 1 tolist in the first column of the chart, the cate-gories of persons Jesus came to liberateaccording to Luke 2:18-19. Their list shouldinclude the spiritually and materially poor;

PREPARE FORSUNDAY

• Luke 4:16-21; Matthew 1:21-23; 6:19-24;Isaiah 61:1-3; Mark 2:13-17• For Introduce theLesson:1) Know the definitionof liberation cited in AADEEPERDEEPER LOOKLOOK (TG).2) Reflect on theTHATTHAT’’SS LIFELIFE (LG) story.• For BIBLE STUDY:1) Study the assignedportions of Scripture.2)Share key messagesfrom Sections 1 (LG).3) Prepare assignmentsheets for the threegroups.4) Make a three-column chart with thetitle of the lesson.5) Provide markers.• For LIVING THELESSON:1) Be familiar with theinformation on Libera-tion Theology in AA DEEDEE--PERPER LOOKLOOK. Also, dobackground reading onthe topic.2) Before Sunday, invitethe adults to take theircell phones to the class.3) Supply paper; pens.

Unless we allow Godto free us from

selfishness, greedand other sinful

conduct, we cannotbe genuine agents

of liberation for others.

September 8, 2019

TRUTH FOR THEDAY

Desired

Outcome


the oppressed; the spiritually,mentally and emotionally cap-tive; the spiritually and physicallyblind; the hurting, and the spiri-tually lost. State that some exam-ples of marginalized people whoneed liberating which would fallin the category of the oppressedare: exploited domestic helpers ordomestic caregivers; poorly paidfactory workers; subsistence fisher-folk; victims of human trafficking;persons with disabilities.

Request that Group 2 writein the second column, the diffi-culties that the categories ofpeople in the first column , maybe facing (for example: unem-ployment; discrimination; home-lessness). Let Group 3 write inthe third column, ways in whichChristians can assist the categoryof persons listed in column .

Direct the class to reflect si-lently on the responses in eachcolumn of the chart. Encouragethem to commit to help withliberating at least one personwhom they may know that is ex-periencing some challenges notedon the chart. Let them write theircommitment on the slips of paperprovided.

Mention that Jesus came toliberate people from conditionsexternally imposed, such as therich oppressing the poor or thestrong subjecting the weak, andalso from internally imposedconditions. Point out that theenslavement to greed or to thelove for money is a condition ofenslavement of the mind andheart that we cultivate ourselves.

Refer to Matthew 6:19-24 andcaution that we have a respon-sibility to honour God both in theway we accumulate wealth andalso in the way we make use of it.

Assign a member to readMark 2:13-17. Cite informationfrom AA DEEPERDEEPER LOOKLOOK to explainwho were the tax collectors andindicate the locations from whichthey operated. Use Section 3(LG) to explain why the Israelitesdespised tax collectors. Point outthat in the Jewish culture thepeople of high moral standing,especially those who were rab-bis, did not socialize with peopleof ill repute. Indicate that by call-ing a tax collector to be a disci-ple, then later eating and socia-lising with tax collectors, Jesusshocked the sensibilities and tra-ditions of the people of His time.

Highlight that Jesus wasteaching that the tax collectorswere not to be shunned and con-demned. Instead, they should betreated as persons who are spir-itually sick and who need spiritu-al healing and liberation by theSaviour of the world. State that,like Jesus, our mission is to makethe stigmatized rich, those mid-dle classes who have beensnubbed by others, and theostracized poor, feel loved andcherished by God and us.Underscore that Jesus wasshowing that there is hope for all,especially for those who areconsidered foolish or feel unlova-ble, in contrast to those who arewise or self-righteous in theirown counsel.

LIVING THE LESSON 10 MINUTESCite AA DEEPERDEEPER LOOKLOOK to highlight Liberation Theology. Ask the

adults to write on the paper provided or record on their cell phones,some actions or attitudes in their lives that need to change, if theywould like to be new or better agents of liberation on God’s mission.Allow volunteers to share what they have written.

Close with silent prayers of confession and commitment.



PREPARE FORSUNDAY

• Luke 4:16-21;Matthew 1:21-23; 6:19-24;Isaiah 61:1-3; Mark 2:13-17

• For Attention Getter: 1) Reflect on THATTHAT’’SS LIFELIFE(LG): 2) Prior to Sunday, selectthree young adults to actthe following charactersbased on THATTHAT’’SS LIFELIFE:Bertram, Bertram’s wifeand John.3) Be aware of themeaning of liberation.See AA DEEPERDEEPER LOOKLOOK (TG).

• For BIBLE STUDY OPTION: Know the assigned por-tions of Scripture.

• For APPLICATION:1) Provide markers; pens;sheets of cartridge pa-per; sheets of writingpaper. 2) Think about godly waysin which we can liberateourselves from the threatof greed and the lure ofplacing priority onacquring material things. 3) Know the LIFELIFE QUESTIONQUESTION(LG) and consider proba-ble answers.

ON SUNDAYAttention Getter 15 minutes

Welcome the young adults. Invite the as-signed adults to role-play the charactersBertram, Bertram’s wife and John from theTHATTHAT’’SS LIFELIFE (LG) story. Allow members to res-pond to the question which follow. Invite avolunteer to explain the meaning of libera-tion. After the responses, state the meaningfrom AA DEEPERDEEPER LOOKLOOK (TG). Say that today’slesson will explore the significance of libera-tion in the Christian mission.

BIBLE STUDY OPTIONFocus on Matthew 1:21-23; Isaiah 61:1-3;

Luke 4:16-21. Make reference to the passagesas you discuss the name, Jesus, and how itannounced Jesus’ role as Liberator. Say thatChrist’s primary liberating role is to free humansfrom sin, spiritual death and eternal punishmentthrough the gift of salvation. Emphasize that asdisciples of Christ, it should be our leading dutyto proclaim and guide people to spiritual freedom.

Discuss Mark 2:13-17. Relate that thesociety held the tax collectors in such lowregard—that is a major reason why the religiousleaders, the Pharisees, were outraged that Jesuswas eating with tax collectors and sinners (v. 14).Indicate that Jesus not only taught the taxcollectors about the gospel, He ate with them.His words and actions made them feel wel-comed, loved and valued. They could under-stand that Jesus came to free them from theirstigmatized lifestyle. Encourage the youngadults to have attitudes and actions which in-spire persons to break free from any social stig-ma other social problems impeding their lives.

Comment that although Levi was a taxcollector, he did not hesitate in following Jesus.When Jesus called, even though Levi was atwork, he got up and followed Him (v. 14). Advise theyoung adults that we should learn from thisScripture to sacrifice our personal interests andpossessions for God and His mission. Assert thatif we live in obedience to Christ, we will not beslaves to possessions.

APPLICATION 30 MINUTESInvite volunteers to list on the cartridge paper some ways in which

they can liberate themselves from the threat of greed and materialism.Discuss. Have them answer the LIFELIFE QUESTIONQUESTION (LG) in writing. Invitevolunteers to share their answer.


Lesson 3

Mission as EvangelismMission as EvangelismAdults will: 1) demonstrate understanding that Godrequires that all Christians be faithful in sharing thegospel, and 2) commit to using at least one methodof evangelism within this week.

PREPARE FORSUNDAY

• 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Jonah 3:1-5, 10; 4:1-11• For Introduce theLesson:1) Know the lesson titleand the information in AADEEPERDEEPER LOOKLOOK (TG).2)Study the data onpage 9 (TG). Make achart highlighting theinformation. • For BIBLE STUDY:1) Reacquaint yourselfwith the definition in AADEEPERDEEPER LOOKLOOK, page 6.2)Do backgroundreading on 1 Corinthi-ans 2:4.3)Provide markers andsheets of flipchart paperor cartridge paper.4)Be familiar withSection 3 (LG).• For LIVING THELESSON: 1) Reflect on the THATTHAT’’SSLIFELIFE (LG) letter andconsider probableanswers to thequestions.2) Allocate time for theadults to do RealityCheck (LG).3)Supply pens; paper.4)Sugest someevangelism methods. SeeAPPLICATIONAPPLICATION (TG) for help.

God has calledbelievers to expand

His Kingdom byengaging

in evangelism.

September 15, 2019

TRUTH FOR THEDAY

Desired

Outcome

A DEEPER LOOKEvangelism — Evangelism is the spreading ofthe Christian gospel by public preaching, per-sonal witness or any other means. It is thedissemination of the gospel by words, actionsand lifestyle. Evangelism is from the Greekroot word, evangelizesthai, which means,bring good news.Nineveh — Nineveh was the capital of theAssyrian empire located in the vicinity of whatis today Mosul, in Iraq. At the height of itsglory it was possibly the largest city in theworld. It was about 550 miles from Samariawhere Jonah was living when God called himto evangelise Nineveh. In 2014, ISIS militantsdestroyed some of important historicalmonuments that remained of that great city.

TOGETHER ON SUNDAYIntroduce the Lesson 10 minutesGreet the adults. Announce the lesson

title and explain the meaning of evange-lism, by referring to information in AA DEEDEE--PERPER LOOKLOOK (TG). Draw attention to thechart which has the data taken from page 9(TG). Discuss the information while em-phasizing that evangelism is not optionalfor the Christian. State that it is a com-mand of Christ as one of the componentsof mission noted in Matthew 28:19-20.Ask: Given the data you are observing, inwhat percentage of Christians would youfall when it comes to evangelism? Why?Accept answers. Highlight that today’slesson will build awareness on the impor-tance of evangelism in the lives and workof Christians.

BIBLE STUDY 20 MINUTESInvite the adults to read Jonah 3:1-5, 10.

State that the book of Jonah reveals thedepth and the extent of God’s love, Hismercy, His willingness to forgive, and His


Have several adults sharein the reading of Jonah 4:1-11.Invite the adults to list on asheet of flipchart paper orcartridge paper, the major at-tributes of God noted in theScripture being studied. Next,requests volunteers to list onanother sheet of flipchart pa-per or catridge paper, the ma-jor qualities they observed inJonah. Express regret that Jo-nah, a prophet of God, was notreflecting God’s holy qualities.Note that in spite of Jonah’sdisobedience and his stubborn-ness to align himself with God’smerciful nature; God continuedto reveal extraordinary patienceand grace as He tried to get theprophet to develop a sense ofcompassion. State that if it werenot for God’s favour, too manyof us, Christians, would havealready been consumed byGod’s wrath, because of ourfailure to obey His command bysharing the gospel with others.

Discuss 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 by sharing key messagesfrom Section 3 (LG). Under-score that because the churchat Thessalonica embraced theteachings of the apostles andimmediately made it part oftheir lifestyle to share the gos-pel with others, the church grewand Christianity spread to manysurrounding areas.

LIVING THE LESSON 15 MINUTES Invite a member to read the THATTHAT’’SS LIFELIFE (LG) letter. Ask for

answers to the questions listed after the letter. Next, permit theadults to write their responses to the Reality Check (LG)exercises. Have volunteers share their answer.

Lead a discussion to: 1) identify three areas in the community or na-tion, where persons need to be reached with the gospel. 2) Elicit sugges-tions on ways in which the class will evangelise residents of those areas.

expectations that we respondobediently to His command totell others about His saving grace.Remind the adults of the meaningof marginalize (See AA DEEPERDEEPERLOOKLOOK, page 6). Say that theIsraelites had marginalized theNinevites. Indicate that the latterwere despised, distrusted, andthe subject of prejudices, by theIsraelites, who did not usuallyinteract with them. Mention thatalthough Jonah had disobeyedGod in refusing to preach to thepeople of Nineveh, God par-doned him (1:4-17), and providedhim with another opportunity tocarry out evangelism to thepeople of that city (3:1-3).

State that although Jonahdid not want to see the people ofNineveh saved, they all respon-ded positively to the messagethat he declared from God. Statethat it is not so much the mes-senger, as it is the message andthe power of God’s Holy Spiritthat produces conviction in theheart that will move a person torepentance and change. Referthem to 1 Corinthians 2:4. Men-tion that some folk are reluctant toshare the gospel because theyconsider themselves inadequateat the task. Highlight that it isimportant to remember thatevangelism is not done in ourown strength but rather in thepower of God’s Holy Spirit.



PREPARE FORSUNDAY

• 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10;Jonah 3:1-5, 10; 4:1-11

• For BIBLE STUDY OPTION: 1) Be knowledgeable ofAA DEEPERDEEPER LOOKLOOK (TG). 2) Study the Scripturepassages for the lesson.3) Be prepared to recallthe definitions for on themargins and marginali-zed noted in AA DEEPERDEEPER

LOOKLOOK, page 6. 4) Prepare assignmentsheets for the threegroups. 5) Provide markers;pens; pencils; sheets ofcartridge paper andwriting paper.

• For APPLICATION:1) Consider the methodsused in evangelism. Beprepared to share yourpersonal suggestionsand those listed inAPPLICATIONAPPLICATION (TG).2) Before Sunday, advisethe young adults to taketheir “smart phones”,laptops, tablets or othercomputer-relateddevices to the class. 3) Make writing paperand pens available.

ON SUNDAYBIBLE STUDY OPTION

Discuss the definition of evangelise, citinginformation from AA DEEPERDEEPER LOOKLOOK (TG). Point outthat in today’s lesson there are three majorscenarios: 1) a prophet of God who evangelisedthe people of Nineveh, who were perceived asbeing on the margins of the Jewish society; 2) the same prophet regretted his evangelisticsuccess; 3) a young church which is marginalizedby the society, yet it is focused on evangelizingagainst the odds. Divide the class into threegroups to peruse respectively: Jonah 3:1-5, 10;4:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10. Instruct eachgroup to role-play the leading character orcharacters in its potion of Scripture.

Additionally, ask the groups to prepare todiscuss the following based on their assignedScripture: 1) What are the attitudes to evange-lism by the messenger/messengers? 2) Whatconsequences face the messenger/ messengers?3) What were the reactions of those who heardthe message?

Permit each group six minutes to make apresentation to the class. After the presenta-tions, state that Jonah’s disobedience was a sinand in like fashion any disobedience on our partto any of God’s commands today is a sin.Indicate that despite Jonah’s disobedience, Godstill used Jonah; God is able and willing to useus in spite of any past failures or sin. Stress theneed for us to be repentant about our pastfailures and sin. Point out that God was mercifulin granting Jonah a second opportunity to carryout the assignment. Say that we also need to bealert and obedient as God from time to timepresents us with new opportunities to obey Hiscommand to share the gospel.

APPLICATION 20 MINUTESInvite the young adults to identify some methods of sharing the

gospel, which they can and should be using. Ensure that the followingare included in the methods highlighted: face-to-face witnessing, useof social media, letter writing, sharing of testimonies, and preaching.Let them commit to using at least one of those methods to spread thegospel this week.

Next, invite them to write an email, an instant message or a letter,in which they share the gospel. Have volunteers share with the class.

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