Preview of This Week's Sunday School Lesson September 12, 2010 By Minister Charleton Cunningham WHO’S THE BOSS Unifying Topic: God’s Law as a Covenantal Agreement Background Scripture: Exodus 20 Exodus 20:1-11 Author: Moses Times: about 1445 B. C. Place: Mt. Sinai   Lesson Setting Come join us 9:45 am This passage of scripture takes place at Mt. Sinai, the mountain of God. This is where God, after delivering the people of Israel from the bondage of Pharaoh in Egypt chose to give His law as a covenantal agreement, most notable of His laws are the Ten Commandments.   In this lesson we will explore the first four of the Ten Commandments. These four commandments relate to God’s relationship with man. Prayerfully, students of the Word will learn that God keeps his promises like no other and that God gives us His rules for our blessing. God’s Truths This week we will explore: a. How God speaks, Exodus 20:1 b. How God acts, Exodus 20:2  Israel’s Response A. Recognizing His Uniqueness Exodus 20:4 B. Respecting Him in worship Exodus 20:4-6 C. Revering His Name Exodus 20:7 D. Remembering His Day Exodus 20:8-11 Let us all measure our life against the Ten Commandments and determine what change or changes we will make in our behavior to please God in the coming week. 　   Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Sunday School           Sunday School Review God’s Revelation to Moses Exodus 3:1-6, 13-15 Background Scripture: Exodus 3 5 September 2010   　 Minister Connie Godette　 In this lesson Moses was in the fields tending to his father in laws flock. Out of nowhere he saw something that seemed strange in nature to him. He saw a bush that appeared to be on fire but not being consumed by the fire. This scene caught his attention. God makes the choice of how and when to reveal anything about Himself or His nature to us. Sometimes He may send revelations to us in the forms of dreams, sometimes through conversations with others, or through activities that take place in our day to day lives.   We must learn to take the right posture when accepting the things of God. This posture is humbleness. Although Moses did not feel worthy of the calling and made some excuses, (over in verses 11- 13) he humbled himself unto the authority of God and did as he was told. As children of God we too must be humble and accept everything that God says to be true, even when we can’t see it. We must also assume the right position. We must not walk around in defeat when you claim to be a child of the King. We must remember to hold our heads up despite what the atmosphere we find ourselves in at the time may be saying to us. We have to realize that Jesus’ blood was shed, once and for all, for remission of ALL sins. Sins of the past, present, and future for them that believe on Jesus Christ and His life, death, burial, and resurrection. Lastly, in order to receive or accept the revelations of God, we must be patient. Moses did not immediately go from the palace to rescuing the children of Israel from bondage through our Lord God. At first Moses attempted to deliver the Israelites in his own way which lead him to killing one of the Egyptian soldiers in his anger. He knew that their enslavement was wrong but did not know hat God already had a plan in place to save them. So while living and working as a shepherd for forty years, he learned some patience and how to wait and follow God’s plan instead of expecting God to follow his plan. Remember to pray and work while you wait on God’s revelations in your life.   Meet us at 9:45 am at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church for our weekly Sunday School service            Sunday School Review "Keeping Commitments" Act 28:16-25, 28-31 August 29, 2010 Sister Donald Commitment, a word we studied several weeks ago in Vacation Bible School, means to promise or pledge to do something. Sounds pretty simple, doesn’t it? But, what happens when you are faced with the worst case scenario: no money, no job, no hope, and even death. Are you still committed? Even as believers we fall short at times when we face harsh situations. Today’s lesson is a great example of being committed through all circumstances. Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem on his third missionary journey and sent to a Caesarean jail where he was imprisoned for two years. After pleading his case, he was released and sent to Rome to be tried. Although Paul was under house arrest in Rome, he immediately started ministering to the people there. He even sent for the Jewish leaders to come because he wanted to preach the Gospel to them. Some believed and some did not. Paul was still allowed to minister to those who sought after him. Despite the adversity Paul faced, he was committed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In peaceful times most of us don’t have a problem staying committed, but in times of trouble we often forget who is really in control. No matter how gloomy things seem, we have to remember our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ made the greatest commitment of all. He came to save a dying world from its sins and He remained committed to the mission his Father had given him even unto death. Are you committed no matter what?  Meet us at 9:45 am at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church for our weekly Sunday School service        Finding Peace Phillipians 4:2-14 August 22, 2010 Minister Barbara Cooper   In this fourth chapter of the book of Phillipians Paul is addressing a conflict between two prominent women in the church at Phillipi, Euodia and Syntyche. He is making a direct appeal to the church members who are apparently at the center of this controversy. Ironically, Euodia’s name in Greek literally means "a good journey." It is always a good, joyful journey when we travel the road of reconciliation While studying this lesson think and reflect on how you handle conflict. Do you handle it like a person of God? Is your approach to handling a conflict in the Church godly or wordly? If we want a life of joy in Christ, we will have to learn to get beyond the people and circumstances of life that threaten our joy. We must make a firm stand on the resolve that God is bigger than problems." Paul gives these women a three step approach to dealing with conflict. They are to handle conflict as described below: They are to be "of the same mind of the Lord He calls them to humility and obedience He reminds them to pray in the midst of controversy He reminds them to rejoice in the Lord always. In spite of their circumstances to focus on the Lord and His grace and what he has done thus far in their lives. He reminds them to act gracious towards other people. But more importantly to avoid worry. Don’t worry about food, clothing, length of life, or the future. Instead he admonishes them to engage in prayer. Through prayer Paul informs the Church in Phillipi that they will have peace with God. God can give them peace in the midst of turmoil. An inner peace is obtainable through prayer by making your request directly and specifically to God. Paul finally instructs them that the can do all things through Christ who strengthens them. To find out more about this Peace join us at 9:45 am at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church for our weekly Sunday School service.                     Preview of This Week's Sunday School Lesson September 12, 2010 By Minister Charleton Cunningham WHO’S THE BOSS Unifying Topic: God’s Law as a Covenantal Agreement Background Scripture: Exodus 20 Exodus 20:1-11 Author: Moses Times: about 1445 B. C. Place: Mt. Sinai   Lesson Setting Come join us 9:45 am This passage of scripture takes place at Mt. Sinai, the mountain of God. This is where God, after delivering the people of Israel from the bondage of Pharaoh in Egypt chose to give His law as a covenantal agreement, most notable of His laws are the Ten Commandments.   In this lesson we will explore the first four of the Ten Commandments. These four commandments relate to God’s relationship with man. Prayerfully, students of the Word will learn that God keeps his promises like no other and that God gives us His rules for our blessing. God’s Truths   This week we will explore: a. How God speaks, Exodus 20:1 b. How God acts, Exodus 20:2 Israel’s Response a. Recognizing His Uniqueness Exodus 20:4 b. Respecting Him in worship Exodus 20:4-6 c. Revering His Name Exodus 20:7 d. Remembering His Day Exodus 20:8-11 Let us all measure our life against the Ten Commandments and determine what change or changes we will make in our behavior to please God in the coming week. 　   Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Sunday School     Living into the Future Philippians 3:4-16 August 15, 2010 Minister Jackie Davis What motivates you? What goals are you pursuing? People often question the value of what they learn, whether a bit of poetry, some algebraic formula, or even a theological position. Perhaps you wish to learn a foreign language, play a musical instrument, or win a marathon. Before tackling it, you must know if it is worth the effort. In Philippians 3:4-16, the apostle Paul shares with us his passion for knowing the One who has eternal significance. Great Accomplishments   From a human perspective, some people have many reasons for confidence. In this passage, Paul was speaking to people who valued human effort and credentials. By outward assessment, Paul was a privileged person. Some advantages were his by birth and others by personal attainment. Paul was one of the most promising young leaders of his day, recognized as a mover and shaker in Judaism. He was a doer, not just a talker. He had all the advantages and external trappings of success. What sets you apart from other highly motivated people? Others may put great stock in popularity, influence, education, ambition, morality, wealth, self-determination, or satisfaction of their desires. All of these are human accomplishments. What do they gain us? Do they impress God? A Greater Knowledge   Are these truly advantages? If we just viewed life from the perspective of this earthly existence, these things might have value. However, we have an eternal perspective. We live not just for this existence, so we have different priorities. The important things are not what we have done or hope to do, but rather what Christ has done for us. We desire to know Jesus. It is not enough to have knowledge about Jesus or knowledge of Scripture; we must identify with Jesus Christ, even with his sufferings. Jesus reminds his followers daily self-crucifixion is necessary (Luke 9:23). We must deny ourselves and be willing to sacrifice just as Jesus did. A Greater Reward   As followers of Jesus, we have different goals and different measures of our accomplishments. God’s heavenly future motivates our present. Like a runner straining toward the tape at the finish line, we lean forward into life in order to receive the accolades of God—not just starting well, but finishing well. We seek God’s prize (1 Corinthians 9:24-27), even though his full blessing has not yet arrived. Are you seeking his reward and seizing the lifestyle for which God has seized you? Just as we cannot look back with pride, neither can our regrets hinder us. Free from sin and guilt (Psalm 103:12), we lay aside any encumbrance that keeps us from reaching the goal. We look forward to what lies ahead, trusting in the promises of God to motivate us in the present. Our hope is more than a future attainment; it is a present reality that empowers our daily choices. Meet us at 9:45 am at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church for our weekly Sunday School service           Preview of This Week's Sunday School Lesson August 8, 2010 By Minister Charleton Cunningham SERVING OTHERS Unifying Topic: Giving of Oneself Background Scripture: Philippians 2:1-3:1 Philippians 2:1-13 Author: Paul Times: about A.D. 61 Place: Rome    Lesson Setting    Some have called this letter the most tender of all of Paul’s writings. Its full of expressions of praise, confidence, and rejoicing despite the fact that Paul had been arrested by Nero and was on house arrest chained to a Roman soldier 24/7.    In this passage of scripture beginning with chapter 2 verse 1, Paul makes three points as to how Christians ought to relate and respond to one another.  This week we will explore: The Exhortation to Meekness and Unity, 2:1-4 The Self-humbling Example of Christ, 2:5-8 The Exaltation of Christ, 2:9-11 The Salvation of Christ, 2:12-13   Here’s a story I read about Humility By  Dr. D.A. Ironsides. I pray that it will provoke us all to think about how we handle disagreements in our daily lives.  When Dr. Ironsides was only nine or ten, his mother took him to a church business meeting. The meeting erupted into a quarrel between two men. One of them stood and pounded into the desk, saying, “All I want is my rights.”   Sitting nearby was an old man, somewhat hard of hearing, who cupped hid hand behind his ear and said, Aye, brother, what’s that you say? What do you want?”   The angry gentleman replied, “I just want my rights, that’s all!”   The old man snorted, “your rights, brother? Is that what you want, your rights? Well, I say if you had your rights, you’d be in Hell. The Lord Jesus Christ didn’t come to get His rights, He came to get His wrongs!”   The fellow who had been bickering stood transfixed for a moment then he abruptly sat down and said, “You’re right. Settle it any way you like.”   Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 9:45 am for Sunday School Come Join Us