Acts 5:27-32 The Highest Authority (Edstrom)
Rules, whether made by parents or God, are not given to make our lives difficult, but rather to guide us in the right direction. We can't go wrong when we follow rules set by God.
2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Living in Peace (Edstrom)
Even though we are all different in many ways, we are all God's children. We see much that is not peaceful in our world, but you and I, each one of us, can find a way to share friendship with others and live in peace.
Hebrews 12:18-29 Truly Awesome (Edstrom)
The Hubble telescope has given scientists much information about space that they didn't have before, but there are still many mysteries. All of this is so big and wondrous and incredibly beautiful we hardly know what to think about it. It is awesome!! We are reminded in the Bible that we are to serve God "with reverence and awe" (12:28). That doesn't seem difficult, especially after seeing pictures taken from the Hubble telescope. Photos taken deep into space give us a larger view of the universe and we are in awe of the beauty and mystery God's creation. We are blessed!
2 Corinthians 12: 2-10 Filled with Grace (Edstrom)
God understands our weaknesses and forgives us for the mistakes we have made. God's love and grace gives us the power and strength to make good choices. The Bible teaches us that when we feel weak his grace is enough. When you fill your bowl with cereal and milk each morning, think about filling yourself with God's grace and love. What power!!
Acts 4:32-35 One Heart and Soul (Edstrom)
The idea of how soup is made will help us understand today's lesson and it applies to Christians today as well. We are all individuals and we are each as different from one another as a carrot is from a cabbage, yet when we work together, doing God's work, we blend and become of "one heart and soul." We become Christians.
John 10:22-30 They’ll Know Us by Our Love (Edstrom)
Jesus teaches us that we can know who he is by thinking about how he lived his life; how he provided love and care and help to others. The same is true for each one of us – others can tell who we are by the way we live our lives. They will "know we are Christians by our love." Note: "They'll Know We Are Christians by Our Love" is a lovely song that would compliment the lesson.
2 Corinthians 8:7-15 Enthusiasm (Edstrom)
Think about your favorite teacher. I'll bet he or she is a person who loves to teach. A teacher who is excited about helping you learn new things will always be the best teacher. Find what it is you love to do and then do it with eagerness and joy. When you do something that you love to do you are a blessing to yourself and to others.
Acts 4:5-12 Giving Credit (Edstrom)
Every day we have the opportunity to honor and give credit to God. Think of the beautiful things we see around us in nature. Think about the love that comes from our family and friends. Think about your life. If we listed credits we would find God's name at the top of every list and repeated over and over again. All credit goes to God!
Genesis 2:18-24 What’s Your Name (Edstrom)
Test excerpt
Hebrews 11:29 — 12:2 A Cloud of Witnesses (Donovan)
The Bible says that we are surrounded by those great people of faith. They are in heaven, looking down at us. The Bible says that we need to get rid of the sins––the bad things that we have done––so that we can run the race of life while those great people of faith look on from heaven––and cheer us all the way. So the next time you feel like you are all alone, just remember that those great men and women of faith are looking on from heaven––and are hoping that we will do the right thing––and are cheering us on all through our lives.