Sunday School Enlightenment

Stephens’s Martyrdom Lesson Text: Acts 6:8-7:2A #SundaySchool #COGIC #WhoUnderstandsFaith This week’s lesson continues with Stephen’s defense when he is before the Sanhedrin council. Because of his outspokenness, the council becomes enraged, and things quickly turn for the worst. Thought to Remember: One must either submit or resist Jesus Lessons learned: Stephens received a glimpse of heaven before he died. I believe that this is one of the glorious privileges that God grants faithful believers as they transition from earth to heaven. As I witnessed my father's transition, I noticed the expression of peace on his face at that moment. Likewise, I, too, want to glimpse into heaven and see my Lord standing, ready to deliver the words Well Done, my faithful servant. My Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for all the examples of true believers like Stephen. Gives us the power that we need to live for You and witness to others. Allow us to fulfill Your intention on Earth because we desire to see Je

Faith Inspires Gratitude Lesson Text: Hebrews 12:18-29 The focus of this week’s lesson is the holiness of God and the grace of God that has opened the door to salvation through Jesus Christ. Thought to Remember: Our faith in God inspires our gratitude Lessons learned: As a result of this lesson, I challenge myself to become more thankful for God's grace even during difficulties that shake this world. Since grace is only available to the believer, I must serve God with love. I must never abandon this love, especially my first love for Christ. Like romantic love between a man and a woman, my first love for Christ involves passion, too. Therefore, I must continue a passionate pursuit of relevance and admonition of God all because of grace. My Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You that we have access to You through the blood of Jesus. Help us to live for You in great reverence. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.

Faith Requires Mutual Love Lesson Text: Hebrews 13:1-3 I Corinthians 13 The focus of this week’s lesson is the importance of love as the character of believers. Love is the key component of faith. Love becomes a practical and necessary part of the daily lives of believers. Thought to Remember: We must have an attitude of love Lessons learned: As a result of this lesson, I challenge myself to stop thinking like a child. A child is only aware of the present moment - the here and now. A mature believer, however, can view the world from a spiritual perspective. For instance, because of the blood of Jesus, God sees us dressed in the righteousness of Christ. In the same manner, I should see the world around me as an extension of God's love. My Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the gift of your son, Jesus, which has demonstrated your love for us. Please help us to demonstrate the same kind of love to those around us. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.

Stephens’s Arrest and Speech Lesson Text: Acts 6:8-7:2A This week’s lesson focuses on the courage to speak, as demonstrated by Stephen. He faces opposition and reflects the power and wisdom of the Spirit to speak the truth of Jesus the Messiah. Thought to Remember: Holy Spirit will aid you when you take a stand Lessons learned: The lesson reminds me of the Bigger Picture from a heavenly perspective. Stephen provided a heavenly perspective with his earthly work. Why? After being appointed a deacon to serve the Libertine (Freedmen) Synagogue widows, Stephen exercises faith with great power and miracles. Yet, his conviction came to fruition when nonbelieving Jews debated him in the Libertine Synagogue; there, he demonstrated power and wisdom under the leading of the Holy Spirit. The same is true when I face opposition in doing the will of God, and I must take a stand for what is right. My Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the Holy Spirit who gives us the power we need to live for You an

The Wedding at Cana Lesson Text: John 2:1-11 Marriage in the Bible consisted of feasts of joyous celebrations with much wine that could go on for days. Culturally, running out of wine brought shame and embracement to the bridegroom family. Yet, Mary intervenes with a request from her son, Jesus. His intervention created a different joyous event and avoided a disaster. Thought to remember: God saves the best for last! Lesson Learned: The significance of Jesus' first miracle rests in the results. He transforms what seems disaster into a joyous and praiseworthy event. So, likewise, when I obey His words, the results will transform my life. My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, Your love, Your awesomeness, and Your miracles are true blessings to us. Thank You for Your miracles and help us not take them for granted, but share Your love and mercy with others. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. Follow the COGIC Legacy Version in God's Creative Word from this website: https://www.beyondtheotherside.me/god-creati

The Word Became Flesh Lesson Text: John 1:1-14 Jesus was more than a personification of God's revelation, but He was indeed God's perfect revelation of Himself in the flesh. Because He was both divine and human, His light illuminated our path toward God. Thought to remember: Jesus is God, the I AM. He existed before the creation. Lesson Learned: When Jesus walked the earth, many lacked the faith to believe that he was both divine and human. Likewise, many today lack faith. So, I must refrain from becoming like Philip when he asked Jesus to show him the Father. Jesus' reply is still valid today – he that hath seen me hath seen the Father. (John 14:9) My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, keep us in Your care, and remind us of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. We bless You, and we praise You. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Wisdom's Part in Creation Lesson Text: Proverbs 8:22-35 This lesson opens with a personification of Wisdom as a woman. Proverbs 8 is Lady Wisdom calling out for people to listen to her message. Lady Wisdom tells us that she was with God initially and was instrumental in the universe's design. Thought to remember: Wisdom is a life-giving source. Lesson Learned: Wisdom is necessary as I walk toward the direction of Christ. Wisdom wants me to listen and follow her advice, leading me into a blessed life and eternal life forever. I, too, realize that the Word of God contains Wisdom. My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, I realize that God's Wisdom is precious and wonderful to have and to keep. Therefore, show us how to use Wisdom in our personal and collective lives. Help us see Jesus as true Wisdom for us to have each day. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Lesson on Angels including Heavenly Angels and Fallen Angels. What do the Scriptures say about angels?

God Preserves a Remnant (Lesson Text: Genesis 45:3-15) Joseph demonstrates true forgiveness in this lesson while allowing God's providence to unfold in his life. Joseph acknowledges that God is always in control even when others have no knowledge of His divine plan. Remember, faithfulness brings us favor. Thought to remember: God will always preserve His people. Lesson Learned: Like Joseph, I must exercise forgiveness even when I cannot grasp the divine purpose for my current situation, but His Word reminds me that God has a divine plan for my life. Therefore, I must continue to trust because afterward, I will become like pure gold when He finishes. My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, You are a gracious and forgiving God, full of mercy and compassion. So we thank You for the good times in our lives. Help us to forgive our brothers and sisters. Allow us to render assistance in time of need like Joseph did for his family. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen!

Joseph Finds Favor (Lesson Text: Genesis 41:37-52) Joseph did not run after fame. He did not bride his way to the top or manipulate his circumstances. Joseph relied on God. Even when he experiences a major setback, he continues to wait on God. Thought to remember: God always works through men performing His tasks on Earth. Lesson Learned: Joseph became an agent of revelation in a pagan culture. First, he was his father's favor, then he became a slave and was sentenced to prison. Finally, he was raised from his lowest point to the highest office next to Pharaoh. I, too, can become an agent of revelation despite my present situation if I trust God. My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, we trust that You will reward us in Your time and in Your way. Help us to do our very best in every responsibility we are given. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen!

A Blessing for All Nations Lesson Text: Genesis 12:1-9 This lesson explores the origin of God’s promise to Abraham. Through Abraham, God will call a people for His witness. The promise of a great name and a great nation leads Abraham to commit to God through obedience. Thought to remember: We must commit to obeying God’s Word. Lesson Learned: Abraham gathered together his family and obeyed God’s direction to leave. Obedience remains a prevalent action for all believers today. Therefore, I must examine my allegiance in following God’s directions by asking, “am I committed to doing what God requires me to do, or am I doing what I want to do? My Prayer: My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, help us be sensitive to Your leading in our lives. Please help us to listen and then obey. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen!

A Promise to Abraham Lesson Text: Genesis 15:1-6; 12-18 This lesson revisits God’s promise to Abraham more fully. Remember through Abraham, and God will call a people for His witness. This reminder of God’s promise enabled Abraham to believe God, and God counted it to him as righteousness. Thought to remember: We must know that God keeps His promises. Lesson Learned: Abraham renewed his faith when God reminded him of the same promise by gazing at the stars. Today, I have His Word to study and renew my faith when I, too, begin to doubt about His promises. Remember God created humans in His image to participate in His Kingdom by bring forth both physical and spiritual children. My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, we thank You that You always keep Your promises, even though we may have to go through some hard times. Help us to wait patiently, in faith by trusting You as Adonai. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen!

The Lord Provides Lesson Text: Genesis 22:1-2; 6-14 This lesson emphasizes the faith and obedience of Abraham. Although, God promised to give Abraham: 1) a land, 2) a great name, 3) a great nation, and 4) a blessing that would spread to the whole world. Yet, faith and obedience work together. Abraham’s faith in God exercises his obedience to God’s Word, as demonstrated in his willingness to sacrifice his promised child, Isaac. Thought to remember: God will provide when we obey. Lesson Learned: Abraham’s relationship with God leads to faith and obedience to His Word. Like a child who must have faith in his parents with obedience toward their guidance to achieve maturity. It is no difference in God’s Kingdom because obedience is the evidence of faith. Remember, faith without works is dead. (James 2:26) My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, we thank You for the tests. However, don’t allow our tests to lead us toward the temptation of the Evil One. Enable us to remember that our test empowers us to become full

According to the Promise Lesson Text: Luke 1:46-55 Mary, the mother of Jesus, sings a praise song richly detailed with references to God's promises. She mentions the glory, goodness, power, and faithfulness of the Almighty God. Finally, Mary describes how God punishes the proud and powerful rich while alleviating the poor's suffering. Thought to remember: God will always fulfill His promises. Lesson Learned: God stands on His promises; therefore, our faith in God is an endowment through our Savior, Jesus. Because of our faith, we are joint-heir through Christ. Our belief liberates us from human limitations while allowing God to dominate and power over negative influences and experiences in this life. My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, we thank You for fulfilling Your most significant promise, and that is sending Jesus Christ, our Savior. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen!

Praying as God's People (Lesson Text: Matthew 5:43-48) Jesus continues the Sermon on the Mount by engaging His audience with an enlightenment about prayer. This lesson provides the correct process when you are praying. Thought to remember: Jesus taught that it is more important to develop our inner relationship with God through Prayer. Lesson Learned: I learned how not to pray. I must not allow my prayers to generate into performance because meaningless words do not transform into meaningful prayers. My goal is neither to impress or inform others but to create an intimate encounter between the Creator and creation. My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that I serve an all-powerful heavenly God. Forgive me of my sins and give me the tools I need to walk with You daily. Help me to remember that you can and will provide all of my needs. Your many names equip me with the knowledge I need to follow after You. I know now that You are full of grace, feel my hurt, come to my aid, pro

Marriage of the Lamb (Lesson Text: Revelation 19:1-8) We have weddings to create memories for those who attend as well as the participants. Similarly, the wedding ceremony in heaven culminates the believers' rescue from the power of sin which set off an Alleluia scene. Therefore, this lesson encourages us to get ready. Thought to remember: Look for hallelujah moments in your life. Lesson Learned: I must grasp the events of my life through the nature of God's actions – He creates, He rules, and He redeems. My life has a purpose, and I must fulfill that purpose by remembering - Revelation 19:7, Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. Am I prepared for this ceremony to concur? My Prayer: Praise to You, God most high! Glory to You, Lord of Heaven and Earth! Thanks be to You and Your gracious gift of Jesus, Your Son, and our Savior. May our hearts give praise to the King of kings and Lord of lords. In Jesus' name, we pray

Forgiving as God's People Lesson Text: Matthew 5:17-26 The Sermon on the Mount created a setting for Jesus to emphasize the danger of unforgiveness. As followers, we must remember to avoid the temptation of unresolved conflicts, which can poison the lives of many. Thought to remember: As people of God, living in harmony with others is important. Lesson Learned: I must remember the power of forgiveness will promote connection at two different levels: 1) my connection with God (heavenly) and 2) my connection with others (earthy). In addition, the joy of forgiveness promotes inner peace, while the peace of forgiveness creates joy leading to the true cycle of living in harmony. My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, help us to become what You desire. Guide our tongues and our minds to be on one accord with You. Thank You for caring for us and forgiving us as we reconcile ourselves to one another. Let us stay focused on You and in Your Word. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen! Follow the Teaching and Learning COGIC

Living as God's People Lesson Text: Matthew 5:1-12 Matthew the 5th chapter begins Jesus' famous Sermon on the Mount. This setting provides the essence of Jesus' teaching. He unfolds the secret of connecting with God as noted in Matthew 5:48, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Thought to remember: God's reign on earth is already a blessing. Lesson Learned: I must remember when suffering for Christ will ultimately allow me to experience the same comfort He experienced after the Cross. Remember, they stoned Stephen, calling upon God and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. (Acts 7:59) because Stephen saw Jesus standing on the right hand of God. My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, thank You for Your many blessings. Thank You for being our God! May the Holy Spirit fill our hearts and guard our minds against worldly distractions that try to steal our blessings. My Lord, it is your way that we seek, so guide and direct us in all things. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen

Praise God for His Presence Lesson Text: Psalm 84:1-12 In Psalm 84, we witnessed the passion for the presence of God. As you study this lesson, ask yourself if your journey in life is leading toward God or away from God. Thought to remember: Remember the Lord’s presence and be blessed! Lesson Learned: The psalmist is very passionate about his presence in the Lord’s house. So I ask myself this question - how seriously do I take the truth that God’s presence is always with me? If I am serious about this question, then I must realize that location is nonessential instead that my heart must become passionate about spending time with God. My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, thank you for the presence of the Holy Spirit! We realize the need for humbleness because You promised to dwell with those who turn to you with simple faith. We thank you for your presence with your people when we gather in worship. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Tradition and Love Lesson Text: Song of Solomon 4:8-5:1 God created man and woman in a perfect world established in the garden of Eden. Here we sense the blessings of God as bestowed upon marriage. Therefore, the Song of Solomon paints this love picture of two characters in love as they consummate their marriage union. Thought to remember: God ordained committed relationships Lesson Learned: One of the most important lessons to take away from the Song of Solomon is that God offers an extraordinary blessing to ordinary men and women who commit themselves to a godly marriage. For instance, a repeated theme in the Song of Solomon is a warning against stirring up or awakening love until the right time (2:7,3:5,8:4). In other words, if I awaken love for another, I must continue to love because true love surpasses everything, true love is satisfying, true love is faithful, and true will last forever. My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, help us honor You as we honor our commitment to marriage and singleness. He