I         When individuals put their situations on Jesus' shoulder, they become new creatures and Jesus takes care of them. If you are a believer do not be discouraged when trouble increase. God has a plan for you, and He knows what you have to go through. God knows your weaknesses. Persevere in your hardship because God has a door open for you. God told John,"I Kow your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for  you have little strenght, have kept My word, and have not dinied My name" (Rev 3:8). Heavenly Father Your name is wonderful; thank you for everything You have done for us. Help us understand Your will. I know that You are a God who keep Your promises. Please help us to glorify Your name for who You are. Your are an excellent God.

 

 

Topic: Love You Neighbor

Lesson Plan: God commands us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. For instance, if you love your friends, you will not hurt them. If your friends do you wrong, you should not pay them back for the wrong they have done to you. On the contrary, help them if they need help, God commands us to help those who do not like us. (Matthew 5:43-44; Prov. 25:21-22; Romans 12:19).

Objectives: Small group will learn how to treat everyone when they have been treat wrong, the small group will not hurt people back when they hurt them. The small group will know that love is not always getting what they want. Paul emphasizes, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not  seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not  rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, endures all things” (I Cor.13:4-7). The take away is people will not do evil to evil, they will learn to forgive those who hurt them. People will humble themselves because they are Jesus Christ followers. Jesus humbles himself, so we need to do the same.

 

1.        Love: This kind of love we are talking about is Divine love from God. He does not only say that He Love us, but He Gave His Son to die on the Cross for our transgression. Paul insists, “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being likeminded, having the  same love, being of one accord, of on mind”( Phil. 2:1-2). The love of God is beyond a human being’s ability to understand. He walks with human beings even when individuals hesitate or reluctant to walk with Him. God is a perfect, God knows our weaknesses, and He chose to be on our side. If Jesus Christ humbled Himself to demonstrate His love to us, as individuals let’s live like Jesus to show the same love He show us. Paul emphasizes, “Let nothing be done trough selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interest of others. Let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:3-5), because He operated his ministry according to His Father’s will.

2.        Humble: Jesus Christ humbled Himself, and demonstrated His love to us. He is God and He came on hearth lived like us, so we can proclaim life. Paul indicates, “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Phil.2:8). He did what men would not be able to do. As men, we are sinners and unable to save ourselves, but Jesus Christ saves us.

3.        Confess: John baptized Jesus Christ in the Jordan River, and He preached the Gospel to the Jews by telling them to come repent their sins for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Paul emphasizes, “And every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will  and to do for His good pleasure” ( Phil.2:11-13). In short, Christian brothers and sisters do not be reluctant to confess to repent of your sins. We all are sinners and it is impossible for anyone to live a sinless, but we have to constantly confess to God. In that way, our sins can be washed away and we can be ready to do the work of God.

Material, Bible verses: Gal.5:26; Rom. 2:4; 12:10; 1Cor 2:6; 10:24, 33 John1:1, 2; 2:9; 5:23; 10:17; 15:5; 17:5; Gen. 1:27:2:7; 3:5 1Tess 2:13, 19; 1Pet.1:17; 2:15; 4:9; Mat. 5:14; 10: 16; Rev. 5:13; PS.2:11; Eph.5:8; Det.32:5; Isa.45:23; 49:4; 53:3; 2Cor 3:5; 8:9 Heb.1:3, 4; 2:14, 17; 5:8; 12:2;

      A taxi driver is dealing with many people: Young and Old, rich and poor, and all kind of races. Some people are really nice and quiet, but others are noise and rude. When people react in the taxi cab with their own friends, the driver is among them. The driver usually has no idea what they are going to do next. When some customers are getting out of control with their partners or friends, if the driver decides he or she cannot take it anymore, some drivers call the office and the office personal tells him what to do. Other drivers are dropping them on the side of the road without calling the office. In any case, I was driving around the downtown area. Then I picked up a group of men and women who were going very far north of Columbia from downtown Portland. When these individuals reach their destination, they have the driver stop near their apartment, and they  got out of the car and ran off without paying. When they ran a great distance from my taxi, these guys look behind to see if I were coming after them. When they realize that I was not running after them, they stopped running and walked normally. What I am saying is when people want your goods, let them have it. What God has for you is greater than what some people take from you.

1.        Do you think it is right for others to run away without paying their taxi cab fare?

2.        What would you do if you were in the driver’s place?

3.        Would you call the police to make sure you get paid?

4.        Would you run after them to get your money?

 

 

 

The gospel of the Kingdom of God, the ministry of John the Baptist, Jesus’ early Galilean ministry, and  how John and Jesus focused on repentance.

 

“The gospel of the kingdom” (Matt.3:1-7).

“The ministry of John the Baptist” (Matt. 1-12)

“The Baptism of Jesus”  (Matt. 3:13-17).

“The Beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God”  (Mark 1:1-5).

 

   John preached he baptized with water, but “there comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose” (Mark 1: 7-8).

 

After John the Baptist “was put in prison, “Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel”(Mark 1: 14-15).

 

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 ‘He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned”(Mark16:15-16).

 

Paul emphasized, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” ( Romans 8:1).

 

Memory verse Acts 2:38

Lesson Plan: Evangelism is preaching the Gospel around the world to persuade people to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, so they may be saved from the punishment of their sin.

Objectives: Students will learn how to share the Gospel around the city or around the world. This lesson will help children and adults learn how to teach the Word of God. For those who are Christians, the take away will be to learn how to spread the Gospel across the street, across the city, or across the world. For those who are not Christian, it’s to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, and to be saved from the punishment of their sin.

1.        Problem: Something is fundamentally wrong with the world because our relationship with God was broken after Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden Gen.2:16.

2.        Repent: Jesus Christ preached the Gospel to the disciples when He told them to “Repent the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The disciples did not understand what Jesus was talking about, but He was talking about Himself.

He wanted them to receive His message by believing and accepting Jesus Christ into their hearts. Mathew emphasized, “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mat.4:17).

3.        Baptism: John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. When He walked to John, John questioned Him, “Why do You come to me?” I am the one who needs to be baptized by You.  Jesus told him do it now. It is the right time. Peter said to them, “Be sorry for your sins and turn from them and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and your sins will be forgiven. You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you and your children. It is to all people everywhere. It is to as many as the Lord our God will call”( Acts 2:38).

Materials, Bibles, and Scriptures: Acts 2:38, 16: 31, 10: 43, 1Cor 15:3-4;Rom 3:23, 6:23 5:8, 13; 10:13; 10:9-10

Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures was buried, raised, from the dead, and there were eye witnesses.

       My job is not to prove to anyone what Jesus Christ has done for us to be saved, but my job is to give my testimony and how Jesus Christ saved me. I was striving to get one of my friends to come to Christ. I explained something that happened to me several years ago, and it was the grace of God because I had never done anything to deserve it. However, God’s grace works in tremendous ways. It is unmerited favor that I do not work for nor deserve. It just came to me. A club I usually attended on the weekend on Saturday night, I went there to have fun with a few friends. Because my pants were too big, Security would not let me in the club. It was about 11:00 o’clock at night. I went back home and went to bed. I slept all through the night. If I would have stayed at the club, around 4:00 am I would have come home. God used Security not to let me in the club because the pants he said were too big. Some other security used to let me in with it, but that night he would not let me in for any reason. So, long story short, a gang member killed a young man across from my house around 4:00 am. I was deeply asleep, so I did not hear any gunshot at the time. The police circled the area, and walked around the neighborhood asking if people heard a gunshot the night before. They asked me if I heard any gunshot, I did not hear anything, I told him. After I shared my personal life story with him, I can see a change in his face right away.

1.        How do you know when God is talking to you?

2.        How do you say no to your flesh and follow the Holy Spirit?

3.        How do you know when God wants to get your attention?

4.        What happen at 11:00 pm when he tried to get in the Club?

5.        When he went home, what happen to him?

7.        What happen around 4:00 am?

 

Tittle: The Good Shepherd

Memory verse: 2 Timothy 4:17

Topic:

Lesson Plan: The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep, so there is only One person who can clearly say that He is a good shepherd because He gives His life for His flock.

Objectives: The students will learn how the shepherd protects His flock from enemies, and how students’ soul could be restored and guidance to the righteousness. The take away understands that Jesus Christ is in them, and they have everything. For other people who are not Christians, the take could be that they learn something new. However, the hope is for someone to listen to the word and persuades by it then comes to Christ Jesus.

1.        Shepherd: Jesus Christ is the Shepherd who will not leave the flock by themselves, He always be with them to feed them. He gives them what they want or need. The Scripture says, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters” (Ps. 23:1-2). Jesus Christ is only person people can count on; He will deliver what He promises.

2.        Restores: Christians always need restoration for their soul because they fall all the time, but Jesus always helps them  to get up and start over again. The Psalmist insists, “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Ps.23:3). All people have to do for help when they fall, lift up their heads and look at up. Then Jesus will answer their prayer.

3.        Protection: Christians often need protection, and they found that in Jesus Christ. As Christians, we have Jesus Christ in our life. We constantly confronted with enemies; Jesus has been there, so He knows that we will be tempted by Satan. Therefore, we always find comfort from Jesus Christ. The Bible says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and your staff, the comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever” (Ps. 23:4-6).

Materials: Bibles:

Reference verses: Isa. 8:10; 40:11; 49:10, Eze.20:9; 34:11, 12, 14; Rev. 7:17; Ps. 27:1, 4; 34:9, 10; 45:12; 47:8.

   I remember that my son and I were going to church, and I was preaching that night.  While we were driving he asked, “Dad, have you ever felt embarrassed to point where you are going cry?” I said why? He replied, “Dad, every-time I have to stand in class to say something. I always get embarrassed and crying.”  I don’t say why. I did not tell him that, but when I was a child I used to feel the same. It was one of the main points that stop me from getting my education from an early age. I had mindset that I will not be able to speak in public. I don’t need to continue going to school, but God gives me ability learn, and I am grateful. In any case, I never share that information with anybody. I was elected to a decent job by a group of people in my country.  I went to take a test for the job I passed the test and qualified for it. There was a great meeting to attend about that job where I have to stand in front of many people and defend my position. Unfortunately, a different guy was more qualified than I was. I stop going to school because of that reason. I did not explain that story to my son, but I am glad he told me his weakness because people often do not tell something that bothers them inside. The reason I did answer yes to that question is because I don’t feel this way anymore, and I want him to get out that situation. When he told me that, in my heart I said if my little boy cannot speak in public, he gets that from both sides of his family. In short, I hope that my testimony helps any individual who struggles with the same problem.

 

1.        Why are people embarrassed to speak in public?

2.        What are the disadvantages of not being able to speak in public?

3.        Can some people have a mindset that keeps them from achieving their goal?

4.        What happen to my son when he has to speak in public?

5.        Do you think by asking questions it help him to get over it?

6.        What happened to his father in his own town? Did he get that job?

7.        How can we avoid low self-esteem and follow God plan for better future?

     God helps my son stays in school to complete his education for his brighter future.

 

Memory verse: Number 6:25-26

Topic: Praise The Lord

Lesson Plan: Praising the Lord is what God created us for, so we need to praise God all the time. When we praise Him often, His glory shines always on us. Lift up your hands and give Him praise. God knows us better than we know ourselves. We don’t even need to tell Him anything about who we are. He knows us well, let’s get together and praise Him.

Objectives: People who attend this lesson will understand why God created us. This lesson will help them to learn how to lift up their hands and praise the Lord who created the universe. Christians will understand praising God brings glory on them, and God will bless them because they obey His Word. The take away for everyone is praise God all times. God loves that, so people will be blessed.

1.        Mercy: Most of the time Christians cry out to God, so He may have pity on them. Some people constantly pray before the God of Heaven for something they need or want. The scriptures say, “God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us” ( Ps.67:1), God always accomplished what He promised. We need to do our part which is glorify His name.

2.        Salvation:  People who have Jesus Christ in their lives are saved. Obtaining salvation can be accomplished in two ways have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and trust Him for everything. He says, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Mat. 28:20). Salvation is for all nations, but people have to say believe in God. The Bible emphasized, “That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. Let the people praise You, O God; let all the people praise You” (Ps.67:2-3).

3.        Increase: God blesses us all the times. Sometimes we have an accident, and we aren’t hurt. However, when we look at the damage of the car, we look up and say, “Thank you, God.” That is blessed. Other times the manager at your apartment put notice on your door for you to move out, because you have not been able to pay your rent. Then you go to your mail Box, and receive a good amount of money from relative who live far away from you. Then you look up and say, “Thank you God.” Now you are not only able to pay your rent but also you go back to school to finish your education. God is a God of increase. The Bible says, “God, our own God, shall blesse us. God shall bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him” (Ps. 67:6-7).

Materials, Bible verses related to this lesson as follow.

Numbers 1:  4 -16; 3:31; 4:15, 24, 26; 4:31-33; 7:7, 8;

2 Samuel 6:13; 1 King 15:15; 7:10, 13; 8:63 Det.28:10

 Lev. 1: 2, 3; 2:4-7; 3: 1, 6 12; 4:23, 24; 7:16, 17; 8: 10, 11

 Ps.4:6; 2 Tess. 3:16; 6:27

       I remember that I drove a Cab for one of the biggest Cab companies in Portland, Oregon. I picked up a customer at Portland International Airport, and I dropped him at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Portland. It was at night after a big rain, and I was driving on Alder Street heading to the Morrison Bridge from downtown Portland on my way to the Airport. Before I got to the top of the Morrison Bridge, there was a little hill and as soon as I pass it. The steel on the bridge was as slippery as ice. As soon as the car reached the steel on the Morrison Bridge, the vehicle was no longer stable on its four tires. The tires in the front were up in the air, and the vehicle was skidding by itself on the two rear tires. The vehicle moved forward and turned back to the West. The car flew in the air as if it were going into  the river. Eventually, the vehicle stopped by the fence on the side of the road. The fence prevented the vehicle from getting into the river. I did not lose consciousness. I was experienced a terrifying moment in my life. Meanwhile, I was blessed because there were no other vehicles that came near while I lost control of the car.

 

       There were two people who stopped to remove me from the car, and  I remember that one of them was crying because I felt the tears from that person drop on my face. When they pulled me out of the vehicle, they did not ask any question. These people drove behind me; they saw how the accident happened. Both of them were terrified because they watched how the vehicle had split into several parts. The transmission, front tires, and the radiator were detached from the vehicle. This accident was not a collision because there were no other cars involved. Even though my vehicle was broken up into several parts, I lived through that accident. In short, I hope that I never have an accident happen like this one again. When the police came and examined the accident, they grabbed my license and did not issue any ticket. These officers called an ambulance and the paramedics came and took me to Providence Hospital. The doctors and nurses rushed me into a room; they did several different tests on me. They did not find any broken bones, but I was hurt inside. One of the doctors prescribed a medication which he though would help me. I was in excruciating pain inside of me, but they did not see it. I strongly believe the accident happened for a reason. Sometimes no one knows what the reason is, but God does everything for a specific reason. As I described the accident, it was awful and terrible. However, the doctors did not find anything wrong with me. The vehicle I was driving fell a part, but I was uninjured and alive. The Bible says, “O God, You are my God. I will look for you with all my heart and strength”  (PS. 63:1). It was painful to talk about a terrifying accident of this sort, but I did not get hurt too badly.

 

1.        What did the driver think when he lost control of his car?

2.        Was the driver operating on the job?

3.        Where was he coming from at the time the accident happened?

4.        Was the ground wet or dry?

5.        What caused the driver to lose control of his vehicle?

6.        Where was he going at the time?

7.        What lesson do you think God wants to teach us

            when a terrible accident happen, and the driver is not injured?