SS Preview Dec. 3, 2017

 
Greeting Members and Friends
 
It time once again for our weekly Sunday School preview so thanks for joining me and welcome back.  This Sunday we will begin the Winter Quarter entitled “Faith In Action” that explores faith as both belief and action.  The Quarter is divided into 3 Units.  The first or December unit is entitled “The Early Church Proclaims Faith in Christ” that reveal what the early leaders proclaimed about living our faith in Christ. 
 
The first lesson in this unit is entitled “Faith in Jesus” and will be the subject of this Sunday’s lesson.  Our main task as Christians is to have faith in Christ and help to cultivate that faith in others.  This is what occurred when Peter and John encountered a known lame man and helped him to walk.  First, they had faith in Christ and through that faith led the lame man to believe he could get up and walk.  Secondly, they wanted everyone who witness this miracle of healing to know that all the credit for it goes to Jesus Christ and Him alone.  Thirdly, they wanted them to know that they knew who Jesus is because of the part they had in His execution and the fact the He is no longer dead, but alive.  Finally, they offered them the opportunity to place their faith and trust also in Jesus by letting them know He will be returning when all things are restored according to the will of God. 
 
Our faith also must be one of action.  It is not enough just to say we have faith in Jesus, but our actions, the things we do and say must be a witness or testimony to our belief in the promises of God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  And through our actions we demonstrate our faith and can then invite and led others to have faith also.  Just like Peter and John we must always be careful not to look for or receive glory and praise for anything we do or that is done for Christ.  But always allow Him to receive all the glory and praise for whatever is done in His name and on His behalf.  You can get a better understanding of this lesson by reading the daily SS readings found in your SS book which can also be accessed through our website and mobile app.  Well, that’s all for this week’s preview.  Be sure to join us in Sunday School this week for a fuller discussion of this lesson and the general topic of Faith In Action.  So, until then
 
Grace and peace
 
Pastor Jordan