Sun Sch Media Unit, AG D/line

13/05/2018

13/05/2018

The General Council of Assemblies of God declared today, 13/05/2018 as Mothers Day. It was quite awesome at Assemblies of God, 25 Okoroji St, D-line, PH as mothers showcased their God given talents and the Church was mightily blessed. To our amiable mothers, we say a big congrats for a successful 2018 Mothers Day. You are blessed

29/04/2018

We give God the glory for a successful national Royal Rangers day today. We had a wonderful time with the Lord at Assemblies of God Church, 25 Okoroji Street, D-Line, Port Harcourt. Bravo to our Rangers for their admirable performance.

29/07/2017

UNDERSTANDING GOD'S GRACE

QUESTION: What is the definition of God's grace?

ANSWER:

To learn the definition of God's grace, it is wise to understand the Greek and Hebrew words of "Grace."

A prominent Old Testament word describing God's grace is chesed. This word speaks of deliverance from enemies, affliction, or adversity. It also denotes enablement, daily guidance, forgiveness, and preservation. The New Testament word is Charis. It focuses on the provision of salvation.

Definition of God's Grace – How do theologians define it?

"What is grace ? In the New Testament grace means God’s love in action towards men who merited the opposite of love. Grace means God moving heaven and earth to save sinners who could not lift a finger to save themselves. Grace means God sending His only Son to descend into hell on the cross so that we guilty ones might be reconciled to God and received into heaven. ‘(God) hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him’" (2 Corinthians 5:21). 1

"Grace may be defined as the unmerited or undeserving favor of God to those who are under condemnation."

What does the Bible say about grace?

"This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:22-24).

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace" (Ephesians 1:7).

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:8-10).

"For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17).

"For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!

God is Gracious

WHAT DO YOU THINK? - We have all sinned and deserve God's judgment. God , the Father, sent His only Son to satisfy that judgment for those who believe in Him. Jesus , the creator and eternal Son of God, who lived a sinless life, loves us so much that He died for our sins, taking the punishment that we deserve, was buried , and rose from the dead according to the Bible . If you truly believe and trust this in your heart, receiving Jesus alone as your Savior , declaring, " Jesus is Lord ," you will be saved from judgment and spend eternity with God in heaven.

What is your response?
Yes, today I am deciding to follow Jesus
Yes, I am already a follower of Jesus

Sunday School Media Unit

11/12/2016

Wow! It was a huge success. A big thank you to everyone who contributed towards the success of our harvest and thanksgiving programme today. May our good Lord bless you greatly.

28/11/2016

THIS WEEK LESSON

LESSON 24 - DECEMBER 4, 2016

TOPIC - Justice for All

MEMORY VERSE Micah 6:8. He hath showed thee, o man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?(KJV)

Lesson Text
Exodus 18:13-26; 20:16; 21:22-25;
22:21; 23:6-9; Leviticus 19:15;
Deuteronomy 16:18-13;
19:15-21; 25:1-3

Central Truth
God demands nations and individuals to be just.

Focus
To consider that God commands us to be just and practice social just.

Outline
1. A Biblical Legal System
A. Fair and Honest
B. Wise and Orderly

2. Justice Requires Truthfulness
A. Truth Brings Stability
B. Justice Sustains Interdependence

3. Justice Must Be Impartial
A. Be Balanced
B. Be Impartial

Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Explain how orderly plan of God’s legal system assured justice.
2. Understood God’s principles of justice
3. Define their role in a community of faith that is to be marked by justice.

Introducing the Lesson
Question: What is justice, and why do you think God commands us to practice justice?
God demands justice, meaning fairness and reasonableness, in the way people treat each other. The prophet Micah lived in an affluent society that was indifferent to the plight of common people. God commanded justice for all. And for their failure to provide it, Israel suffered judgment.

1. A Biblical Legal System
A. Fair and Honest
Exodus 18:13-26
Exodus 18 describes a visit between Moses and his father-in-law, Jethro. During their time together, Jethro discovered that Moses was serving as judge for the nation, overseeing situations that required instruction as well as the settlement of disputes (verses 23-16). Jethro wisely noted that such an arrangement would not work. Moses was bearing too much of a burden in his leadership. Not only was he wearing himself down, but the patience of the people was being taxed as well (verses 17-18). The stress of such a situation is not difficult to imagine: Moses was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of needs and the people found themselves frustrated by the bottleneck of having only one judge.

Question: What solution did Jethro propose and why was this good and effective solution?
The solution preserved Moses’ concern that he remained God’s representative before the people. However, Moses was also advised to choose a group of men who would serve as judges under him, only appealing to Moses for direction in difficult cases. It was important that difficult cases. It was important that these men possessed a particular set of qualities: fair, trustworthy men who despised dishonesty in favour of fearing the lord. Note that all the qualities mentioned are moral in nature, rather than based upon intellectual prowess, social standing, or physical features. The people had to be able to depend upon godly men to dispense godly judgment.

Question: What are some principles of Christian leadership and justice we can glean from Jethro’s advice to Moses?
Leaders today need help, too. First and foremost, they need the help and direction of God. It is also essential that leaders understand their limitations and develop a plan to meet their responsibilities. But all these qualities must be undergirded with a fear of the lord, a commitment to justice, and desire to see that God’s commands are honoured.

B. Wise and Orderly
Deuteronomy 16:18-20; 17:8-13
Deuteronomy 16:18 notes that judges were to be appointed for each of the tribes of Israel. This critical command provided for fair representation and distribution of judgment as Israel expanded its control over the land. Judgment was to be without regard to persons, position; or geography (verses 19-20). Wise counsel was essential, and it had to be devoid of any hint of favouritism. Note that there is a clear connection between pure justice and God’s promise of provision and protection in the Promised Land (verses 20).

Question: What is the value of having a clear, concise plan for executing proper judgment in a community?
Proper order in a judicial process leads to fairness and impartially. This is still important in the body of Christ today. When individuals within a group are held to different standards, it is easy for injustice and prejudice to enter the situation. God desires that His people use wisdom and order i\n resolving disputes.

2. Justice Requires Truthfulness
A. Truth Brings Stability
Exodus 20:16

Question: Why do you think the Ninth Commandment, ‘Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour’ (Exodus 20:16, KJV), is included in the Ten Commandments?
False testimony was potentially a big problem in a land susceptible to extreme poverty, since bribery could form a real temptation. False testimony would inflict a terrible injustice on the accused. However, while the judicial application is foremost in view, this command carries the greater principle of truth telling in every area of life. In essence, to despise truth in dealing with others is to reject God’s commandments.

Question: How does it benefit a community when members feel assured that they are being dealt with in a truthful manner?
Truth develops trust and stability within a community. People have confidence that they will be treated justly when it has been demonstrated that others are truthful. They learn to depend on each other, knowing it is possible because each, member of the community is looking out for the good of others.

B. Justice Sustains Interdependence
Deuteronomy 19:25-21
Society often use associates maturity with independence. The opposite is true in God’s kingdom, however. He places great value on interdependence among His people. Believers are reminded of that they need each other and are responsible for one another. God’s moral law is sustained by interdependence, asserting the value and responsibility of each community member to the community. In this environment of mutual dependence, the innate value of justice is cultivated.

Question: How do you feel when someone tells a malicious lie about you? How might that experience impact your view of the community as a whole?
Lies lead to injustice which leads to distrust. And distrust can create a poisonous atmosphere within the body of Christ. When Christians place a high priority on treating one another justly, those barriers are avoided. Only in an atmosphere of mutual care and respect can Christians learn to trust and depend on one another.

3. Justice Must Be Evenhanded
A. Be Balanced
Exodus 21:22-25;
22:21; 23:6-9
Question: What is the difference between vengeance and justice?
When seeking justice, for ourselves or others, we must be careful not t6o focus on vengeance instead. Vengeance involves seeking to get even as playback for the harm someone has done. Justice is a reasonable consequence for any harm inflicted, while vengeance is unreasonable and extreme. Justice focuses on accountability, while vengeance is intended to hurt.

Question: Do you think the principle of ‘an eye for an eye’ represents justice?
God’s moral law provided a reasonable standard for accountability (Exodus 21:22-25). This passage is sometimes misinterpreted as allowing for harshness or a lack of mercy. However, it was in fact a means of restraining punitive measures, ensuring that punishment would be fair, just, and not extreme. The application today will not be that if someone injures your hand, you can look for a way to injure his hand. Instead, you seek true justice from those in authority. In this passage, a judge determined intent (accidental or intentional) and punishment was meted out in accordance with the degree of the wrong that was done.

Question: Who are some of the most vulnerable among us, and in what ways might they be dealt an injustice?
Exodus 23:6-9 addresses several situations in which injustice might not present itself. The poor often cannot defend themselves. The falsely accused are stigmatized, leaving them open to false imprisonment. The believer must avoid attitudes and actions that lead to injustice, choosing instead to treat others with godly love and mercy, in accordance with God’s commands.
B. Be Impartial
Leviticus 19:15;
Deuteronomy 25:1-3
Justice demands impartiality. In Bible times aliens, widows, orphans, and the poor were often victimized by favouritism toward the rich. By following God’s commands, His people would be evenhanded in their dealings (Leviticus 19:15). Note that this verse also condemns gossip, apathy, and other attitudes or actions that allow the vulnerable to be treated unjustly.

Question: What are some examples of injustice that might cause you to become especially infuriated and why it is important to respond with godly attitudes and actions?
When we observe injustice, it is tempting to seek our own solutions, or to seek out an overly stern penalty, especially when we are particularly offended by the misdeed. But God calls us to be thoughtful and restrained, seeking evenhanded justice. We often observe wrong in the world around us. But God wants us to respect the value of all humanity, even perpetrators of wrong. When we respond with prayer and forgiveness, we can help mend divisions in the church and seek redemptions for those who need Christ.

Discipleship in Action
Micah 6:8 succinctly defines what God expects of His people. Justice and mercy go hand in hand, and must be rooted in a sense of humility that God is the final authority when His people are treated unjustly. Instead, we are to focus on acting justly towards one another.

20/11/2016

LESSON 22 - NOVEMBER 27, 2016

TOPIC - Honour God’s Name

MEMORY VERSE Exodus 20:7. Thpu shalt not take the name of the lord thy God in vain; for the lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain(KJV).

Lesson Text
Exodus 20:7; 22:28; Leviticus 19:12;
24:10-16; Numbers 15:30-31
2 Samuel 12:14; Proverbs 14:31;
Matthew 5:33-37; Romans 2:17-24;
2 Corinthians 9:12-13

Central Truth
God’s name is to be honoured by our speech and actions.

Focus
To consider what it means to honour God’s name and revere His name by how we live.

Outline
1. Do Not Misuse God’s Name
A. Show Respect
B. Don’t Blaspheme

2. Sin Dishonours God
A. Do Not Defy God
B. Do Not Hurt God’s Reputation

3. Integrity Honours God
A. Keep Your Word
B. Safeguard God’s Reputation

Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Explain what it means to misuse God’s name
2. Recognize how a Christian’s words and behavior affect God’s reputation.
3. Commit to preserving integrity and respect when using the name of the God.

Introducing the Lesson
God’s name is important. When people hear His name, they form impressions about His character, power, and nature. As Christians, we are responsible to see that our words and actions provide an accurate perception of our God when others hear His name.

1. Do Not Misuse God’s Name
A. Show Respect
Exodus 20:7;
Leviticus 19:12

Question: What does it mean to show respect for God’s name?
Respect for God’s name reflects for Him and a reverence for His sovereign majesty. This respect-or lack of respect-is evidence in a number of ways.

Question: What do you think it means to misuse God’s name?
One aspect of misusing God’s name involves misrepresenting God by using that name in an unholy or irrelevant way. Those who walk in relationship with Him must recognize the importance of respecting His name. Casual uses of God’s name often betray a lack of regard for who God is. Yahweh is regarded as the personal, covenantal name of God. (See Genesis 17:1; Exodus 3:14). Through the course of Bible times- and continuing yet today-a sense of reverence for this name has led some to avoid using the name Yahweh. The use of Adonai, meaning ‘Lord’ or ‘Master,’ would then be used in oral and written communication.

B. Don’t Blaspheme
Exodus 22:28;
Leviticus 24:10-16
Perhaps the most blatant expression of disrespect for God’s name is seen in the form of blasphemy. The Israelites were warned about blasphemy, which refers to words that dishonor or diminish God, ort treats Him with irrelevance.

Question: What are some examples of ways people blaspheme God?
God’s name is often used in very casual; ways, such as within the context of slang expressions. Sadly, this practice can sometimes be seen among Christians. Yet the basic biblical principle of respecting God’s name has not changed: Any use of His name that diminishes Him, or relegates His name to the category or temporal, is blasphemous.

2. Sin Dishonours God
A. Do Not Defy God
Numbers 15:30-31

Question: What are the consequences of sin in this world as well as for eternity?
Sin carries a high and tragic price. It places our souls in danger of eternal judgment. Sin also can carry a high price in this world. This can take the form of broken relationships, disease, and despair. Sin is no small matter in God’s, and it must not be so in ours either. Numbers 15:30-31 records a situation that reminds us of just how serious sin should be regarded in the body of Christ. It could lead to separation from that body.

B. Do Not Hurt God’s Reputation
2 Samuel 12:14;
Proverbs 14:31
God’s reputation was feared among the nations surrounding Israel. He had delivered His people from Egypt, and then empowered them to defeat the Canaanites. Yet His reputation among the nations suffered when King David intentionally sinned. David was a high-profile representative of the Most High God. But then David had an adulterous affair with the wife of one of his soldiers (see 2 Samuel 11:1-27). Scripture gives no indication that David regretted what he did as he conspired to cover his sin. Instead, he just expanded t5he cover-up. It was not until Nathan the prophet came to him that David admitted his offence. When David finally came to his senses, he realized his sin affected God’s reputation (2 Samuel 12:14).

Question: Since King David was forgiven of his sin, why do you think he still suffered consequences in the death of his son?
Since David repented and submitted himself to God. God allowed him to remain as King. But God’s reputation had been damaged, and there would be consequences that illustrated the sobering tragedy of such sin. Israel was a unique nation in the critical place of being God’s representative to the world around them (see Leviticus 20:26). This is sorrowful event depicted how crucial it was that God’s people not bring reproach upon His name in the eyes of other nations. We must heed the warning found in David’s story. It is true that we can be restored to the Christian community after we have brought reproach upon God through willful disobedience to His commands. But life will never be as good as it would have been if we had avoided the sinful act in the first place. The negative consequences that result from regarding God always outweigh the momentary pleasure of sin.

Question: In what sense can our actions reflect upon God’s reputation?
We must remember that the actions of those who profess allegiance to God can present a positive or negative impression of God to others. Proverbs 14:31 teaches that even something as simple as the way we treat the poor provides a simple glimpse of the God we serve. Since God loves the poor, we must love the poor. God expects us to be generous to the poor (psalms 37:21; 112:5; Proverbs 22:9; Luke 11:40-41; 2 Corinthians 9:10-11). To refuse conveys the impression that God does not value these matters.

3. Integrity Honours God
A. Keep Your Word
Matthew 5:33-37
Question: Why is it important to practice integrity in all areas if life?
In Matthew 5:33, Jesus referred to the Pharisees’ practice of distinguishing between two types of oaths. Such oaths taken in the name of God are fully binding, but a lesser oath was sworn by created things and allowed for withdrawal. (Note that verses 34-35 allude to these oaths). As a result, people would later use lesser oaths as a means of evading the truth.

B. Safeguard God’s Reputation
Romans 2:17-24;
2 Corinthians 9:12-13
In Romans 2:17, Paul made reference to the pride that sometimes gripped the Jews of that day. They boasted in their status as Jews, seeing themselves as holding a place of special favour for with God. This was rooted in their adherence to the law that had been taught to them all their lives. Some were inclined to believe that their knowledge of God and godliness equipped them to become teachers of others. What resulted was an attitude of condescension toward those who were not Jews (verses 18-20).

Question: What is hypocrisy, and what are some ways we display hypocrisy?
Hypocrisy refers to an ongoing inconsistency between what people say and how they act. Verses 21-24 expose the folly of hypocrisy. If God’s people preach changes lives yet rationalize stealing from their work or idolizing possessions, they are hypocrites. Such hypocrisy destroys their reputations and reflects badly on the name of God.

Discipleship in Action
We have an awesome responsibility as representatives of God. We must never take His name lightly. Our attitude toward God is evident in our words and actions. If we disregard God’s mandates for our lives, it feeds the cynicism and coarse attitudes held by those who do not know Him. This week, examine your attitudes and actions to determine if you are living in a way that will bring honour to the name of God. If you discover that you are being hypocritical in some manner, ask God to help you remedy this inconsistency in your life.

16/11/2016

THIS WEEK LESSON

LESSON 21 - NOVEMBER 20, 2016

TOPIC. - Worship Only the Lord God

MEMORY VERSE Deuteronomy 4:39. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else (KJV)

Lesson Text
Exodus 20:2-6; Deuteronomy 4:15-40

Central Truth
Only the one True God is to be worshipped

Outline
1. Know the Lord is God
A. No Other Gods
B. God Cannot be Personally Known

2. Do Not Worship False Gods
A. Do Not Worship Idols
B. Do Not Worship Celestial Creation

3. God is Jealous and Merciful
A. God is Jealous
B. God is Merciful

Lesson Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Discuss how God made Himself known to Israel
2. Identify what is proper and improper in worship
3. Commit to worship God wholeheartedly.

Introducing the Lesson
Question: How would you define the word worship and what specific activities could be classified as worship?
Our English language falls short when trying to define the word worship. At least75% of the Biblical references to worship refer to falling on the knees or bowing, either to God or false gods

1. Know the Lord is God
A. No Other Gods
Exodus 20:2-3
God has revealed Himself to Moses in the burning bush, but He had not made Himself known to Israel until He gave them the Ten Commandments. God desired to have a personal relationship with His people, and He was about to define the parameters of the relationship.

Question: As Christians, how can we relate to the Israelites’’ experience highlighted in Exodus 20:2?
The Israelites had been held captive by the merciless Egyptians and they needed a deliverer. Before salvation, we were held in bo***ge to sin. And like the Israelites, we could not escape our captivity on our own. But Jesus came to set us free from sin and spiritual bo***ge.

B. God Can Be Personally Known
Deuteronomy 4:32-40
Forty years after the giving of the Ten Commandments, Moses was again emphasizing that God alone is to be worshipped. He told the Israelites to look back to the beginning to see if there was any god like the Lord who was as great as He is. It is interesting to note that Moses used two incredible event top emphasise the uniqueness of who God is and His relationship with the Israelites.

Question: Why did the Lord deliver Israel from Egypt?
Although the answer may seem obvious, it is Imperative that we understand that God loved Israel. That was the reason He demonstrated His power on their behalf. That was the reason He chose them. He loved the Israelites (verses 36-38).

Question: How can we apply this lesson to the Christian life today?

2. Do Not Worship False Gods
A. Do Not Worship Idols
Exodus 20:4;
Deuteronomy 4:5-18
God did not simply require His followers to refrain from participating in worship directed to false gods. He commanded them not to make images of any kind. The list is extensive: no image of any shape, male or female (Deuteronomy 4:16); no image of animals on earth or that flies (verse 17); no image of creatures that creep along the ground or fish in the sea (verse 18).

Question: After reading the prohibitions of images that the second commandment makes, how do you feel it relates to displaying these items in our homes?
The issue relating to the second commandment has been debated for centuries. Very conservative Jews who keep the Law of Moses rigidly do not allow illustrations or sculptures of any kind in their worship or homes, using only calligraphy and designs for decoration. Some Christian denomination use icons and statues in their worship of the Lord.

Question: As Christians, what should our response be to the second commandment?

B. Do Not Worship Celestial Creation
Deuteronomy 4:19-23
It is hard to look at creation and not be in awe. The stars that fill the sky, the moon that illuminates the night and the sun on the horizon are breathtaking. Those who look at these things and focus their minds on their creator can actually allow God’s creation turn their minds toward the creator in worship.

Question: What do you believe is the greatest obstacle keeping people from responding to God?
Many of the people who respect God’s creation the most go ou5t of their way to discount the creator. Those who give their lives to preserving the creation feel that without their intervention, the creation would experience disastrous results. God, in His goodness, has given us good things. We must care for the gift of His creation, but we must never fall into the trap of becoming so enamored by the gift that we fail to give proper thanks to its Giver (verse 20).

3. God is Jealous and Merciful
A. God is Jealous
Exodus 20:5;
Deuteronomy 4:24-28
Most people consider jealousy to be a negative emotion, stepped in suspicion and distrust. Scripture warns the believer against becoming jealous (see Galatians 5:19-21).

Question: Why would God refer to himself as jealous in Exodus 20:5 and Deuteronomy 4:24, when jealousy is normally understood to be a negative characteristic?
In Exodus, the term ‘jealous’ is better understood as similar to ‘zealous,’ rather than the concepts of suspicion and distrust normally associated with the word. Instead, this term indicates that God insists on exclusive devotion from His people, and reacts with judgment for those who oppose or reject Him.

B. God is Merciful
Exodus 20:6;
Deuteronomy 4:29-31
Although god is not pleased with those who disregard Him, He does not stop loving them. He was unwilling to write Israel off for their mistakes. If they would only return to Him with the intent to love and obey Him, He would forgive them (Deuteronomy 4:30-31).

Discipleship in Action
As a human being, you cannot see God through your natural eyes. As a result, you might become inclined to focus on the temporal. Instead of worshipping God, there is a human temptation to worship things associated with Him-the things He does or even the blessings He gives-rather than who He is.

07/11/2016

07/11/2016

THIS WEEK LESSON

LESSON 20 - NOVEMBER 13, 2016

TOPIC: Hold Human Life Sacred

MEMORY VERSE Genesis 9:6. Whoso sheddeth , man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man (KJV).

Lesson Text
Genesis 9:5-6; Exodus 20:13;’ Leviticus 19:16, 20:1-3, 9-10, 22-24, 26; Numbers 35:29-34; Deuteronomy 19 :1-13; 21:1-9

Central Truth
Christians’ words and actions should affirm the sacredness of human life.

Focus
To affirm and respect the sacredness of human life.

Outline
1. Do Not Murder
A. Value Life
B. Defend Life

2. Protect the Innocent
A. When Killing is Not Murder
B. Wash Your Hands of Sin

3. Promote Righteousness
A. Deter Ungodliness
B. Ensure Justice

Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Articulate what murder is and why it is a violation of God’s moral law.
2. Recognize the important of respecting, valuing, and defending human life.
3. Explain their views on life from a biblical perspective

Introducing the Lesson
One of the most controversial subjects of our time is the issue of taking life through abortion. The bible clearly states that God gives life and the penalties for taking life. Societies that offer legalized abortion demonstrate a disregard for God’s moral law. Only God is sovereign over life, and we must define our views on life by examining His commands and instruction.

1. Do Not Murder
A. Value Life
Genesis 9:5-6; Exodus 20:13
Through the story of the first family, the Bible reveals the tendency of humans to take one another’s lives (see Genesis 4). But the Bible also tells us explicitly how God feels about murder. It is forbidden, and those who commit murder must pay the ultimate penalty (Genesis 9:5-6).

Question: Why is murder wrong?
The Bible explains the reason that murder is a capital offence. Human life has value. God makes all humans in His image. In essence, this means that every person bears a moral likeness to God and is designed to be a reflection of God (see Genesis 1:27-28). God reveals himself through those He created (Genesis 9:6).

B. Defend Life
Leviticus 19:16
(NOTE: Keep in mind as you cover this material there may be students who have either experienced an abortion in the past or have been otherwise personally affected by the issue. The tone and direction of discussion should represent this possibility.) The Bible clearly teaches that people do not have the right to take the life of an innocent person as a matter of personal choice (Leviticus 19:16). This is defined as murder.

Question: Why should the local church have a voice in the fight against abortion and other sanctity of life issues?
Who am, I to say what’s right or wrong? Has become the motto in much of modern society. Christians are often accused of harboring bigotry or lacking compassion when they stand against issues such as abortion and physician-assisted su***de. If a woman does not want to carry a child to birth, society asks why it is the church’s business to tell her she has to do so. If a person is suffering with cancer and has only a few weeks to live, society asks if it is the roles of Christians to say that the person’s life should continue. As Christians, we must be prepared with clear, Biblical responses to these questions.

Question: How would you respond to those who say abortion and physician-assisted su***de are not simply private matters with no moral implications on the lives of others. These issues are moral matters-issues of life and death. When Christians stand up against these acts, they are affirming that the issue of life belongs to God.

2. Protect the Innocent
A. When Killing is Not Murder
Deuteronomy 19:1-10

Question: How would you differentiate between murder and other categories of killing?
In modern times, the legal system differentiates these matters on the basis of intent. Those who plan a murder in advance are subject to life imprisonment or death. Those who kill a person in a moment of passion or with no prior planning are generally charged with a lesser crime and often receive a lesser sentence. Someone who kills a person by negligence is not guiltless, but often is charged with manslaughter and given shorter sentence.

B. Wash Your Hands of Sin
Deuteronomy 21:1-9
We sometimes hear news reports about people who are released from prison because new evidence has been found that indicates they did not commit the crime for which they were convicted. False imprisonment is one of the greatest possible injustices.

Question: what do you think of when you hear the term, ‘I wash my hands of the situation’?
When people want to have no more to do with a situation, they will often say that they are washing their hands of the situation. They no longer can be held responsible for the actions of another person. They have done all they know to do.

Question: As Christians, what can we do to protect innocent life around us?
There is much evil in this world. We are not responsible for that which occurs outside of our ability to help. However, we must be willing to address injustice where and when it is seen. This includes asserting God’s standard of life. It also can include helping the desperate, hurting, and vulnerable who feel they have nowhere to turn. Deuteronomy 21 reminds us that God expects His people to protect the innocent and victimized. This may require sacrifice and even the scorn of society. But, we find comfort in knowing we stand for that which God values.

3. Promote Righteousness
A. Deter ungodliness
Leviticus 20:1-3, 9-10, 22-24, 26

Question: What are some arguments for and against capital punishment from a Christian perspective?
There are many differing opinions in the church regarding capital punishment. Some argue it is inconsistent to oppose abortion while embracing capital punishment because the life of a human being created in the image of God must always be defended. However, it can also be argued that capital punishment is God’s directive to take life in order to save a community and deter crime. In Old Testament Israel, God told the leaders to enact capital punishment on those who sacrificed their children to Molech as a means to stopping this atrocity in their society. (Leviticus 20:1-3). Yet while capital punishment was practiced in Israel, this passage is not a general command for every nation to engage in capital punishment.

Question: How can verse 26 help us understand the rationale behind what may seem to be harsh punishments for a variety of acts in Israel?
Israel was in the unique position of being God’s chosen people. Even before entering the Promised Land, God warned them that the only way they would endure as God’s people would be to observe His commands. Grave moral dangers lay ahead. It was critical that they maintain their distinct moral and societal purity, setting themselves apart from other nations.

B. Ensure Justice
Numbers 35:29-34;
Deuteronomy 19:11-13

Question: What safeguards should be in place if a society accepts capital punishment?
God’s word spelled out a clear path for justice. No guilt would e established through the testimony of one person; multiple witnesses were required. Also, an impartial judge would hear the testimony. If guilt was established, the punishment could be carried out (Numbers 35:29-34).

Discipleship in Action
God places a high value and priority on life. Students should stop the increasing acceptance that some lives hold less value than others. Every life is equal. The scriptures covered in this lesson remind us that every life is precious in God’s eyes, no matter age, social status or economic status.