PPT slides for "Persevering Faith," Exodus 13:1-15:20

I struggle sometimes to stick precisely with the Lifeway lesson, and this week I decided to cover most of the verses in Exodus 14. I hope you find the individual slide notes useful and the slides for “Persevering Faith” helpful. If needed, it is easy to cull the few extra slides I added.

A word of caution: I prepared one slide with a map that can be used to convey your understanding of the route Israel followed during the Exodus (it has no routes on it). I plan to point out the possible routes using a cool PowerPoint feature in presentation mode, called a pointer highlighter. In preparing my thoughts on  Exodus routes I read about recent archaeological discoveries (chariot wheel photos), the real location of Mt Sinai (Saudi Arabia), and a route far different from the traditional understanding (Nuweiba beach). I think good science requires confirmation of results by independent researchers, which is not the case in these purported new discoveries. If you present any of these new ideas, I would caution again being dogmatic since the true route is not known.

P.S. Co-teacher Randy Stewart also made his PPT slides available for "Persevering Faith." Also, you might consider comparing a hard heart to a hard-boiled egg that stops spinning (see this video).

Building base

I took the picture in the slide on a long hiking day on Mt Kilimanjaro last October. The porters easily caught me and passed by even though they were carrying 40 pound loads. They were very fit to persevere the multi-day journey.

Since I’m a runner and hiker, I’m thinking about introducing the lesson, "Persevering Faith," with a story about hiking Kilimanjaro last October. I’ll follow up by asking members “How do you build your faith in God?”

Lesson plan strategy

One strategy for teaching a given background passage is to look at examples of how other people have successfully taught it and copy their approach. We do this when we teach the suggested plan from Lifeway, for example. Jeff Meyer of Bayleaf Baptist structured his teaching plan for “Persevering Faith” along these lines as did Floria Perez of Second Baptist in her lesson help. I like Jeff’s opening suggestion and Floria understanding of the Israelite organization/structure.

Another strategy is to use elements of a plan, such as the Life Goal suggested by Lifeway, and then structure your plan around it. Gary Payne of Henderson Hills Baptist uses the Lifeway aim “to help adults persevere in their faith in God” for his lesson, “Persevering Faith.” In his PowerPoint slides, Gary focuses on the issue of route taken by the Israelites.

I’m still studying, thinking and praying about the approach I’ll take this week. I may use Bob Deffinbaugh’s article as a basis for my PPT slides and put the focus on how God ultimately deals with His enemies (as opposed to a believer’s persevering faith). If nothing else, you have to like his opening story!

If you have a suitable plan developed for teaching Exodus 13, 14 in a Southern Baptist Church, let us know about it.

Persevering Faith, Exodus 13:17-15:21

Co-teacher Curt did a great job yesterday with the lesson from Exodus 12:1-14. He titled his lesson, “Lamb of God Illustrated,” and related how the Exodus lamb was needed, chosen, slain, eaten, trusted, and honored.

He then gave a New Testament equivalent of each point presenting Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God who was needed, chosen, slain, eaten, trusted and honored. Curt ended by saying, “God is the same yesterday and today. The difference is now one of administration—we are now under the new covenant, not the Abrahamic covenant.”

I’ve already started thinking about how to teach this week’s lesson, “Persevering Faith,” based on Exodus 13:17-15:21, with a focus on Exodus 13:17-18; 14:9-18, 31. For example, I'm thinking about taking some unleavened bread to class and have members eat a sample while I give the background in Exodus 13:1-16. This will help to make the lesson memorable.

Where can I buy unleavened bread? I don't have time to make it :-).

PPT slides for "Amazing Deliverance", Exodus 12:1-14

Gary Payne is a bible teacher at Henderson Hills Baptist Church in Edmond, OK. I'm including a link to his PowerPoint slides for this week's lesson, "Amazing Deliverance."

Also, I want to call you attention to a lesson plan by Phillip Inman of Second Baptist in Houston. He grabs attention by announcing members will learn how the first passover relates to Christians today. This sets up an expectation, which members listen for as the lesson progresses.

Protecting memorable moments

To prepare to teach the lesson, “Amazing Deliverance,” check out the opening suggestion in the lesson plan by Jeff Meyer of Bayleaf Baptist Church. His question about 'protecting memorable moments' is a variation of the Lifeway alternate teaching plan for Step 5, published in the Adult Leader Guide. However, I believe Jeff's approach will get the class talking, and prepare them to hear your discussion of Exodus 12:1-14.

Amazing Deliverance, Exodus 12:1-14

Couching his lesson last Sunday in the truth that God keeps His promises to us, co-teacher Randy Stewart did a masterful job presenting the plagues God performed to deliver the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage.

Jeremiah 25:11 and Jeremiah 29:10-14 relates another time when God promised deliverance to the Israelites—this time from Babylonian captivity.

Jesus Christ gave up His life to deliver us from the bondage of sin.

This week’s lesson, Amazing Deliverance, based on Exodus 12:1-14, intends to help adults determine if they have experienced the Lord’s deliverance.

How are people enslaved today? Four types of slavery are defined in the article, “Types of Slavery”. To start the class talking about the subject of bondage, present these types of slavery. The topic of spiritual bondage will come up in the lesson.

Teachers step up

Gary Payne, an adult class teacher at Henderson Hills Baptist Church in Edmond, OK, gave permission to post his PowerPoint slides for Sunday's lesson, "Divine Purpose."

Thanks Gary, I'm sure other teachers will look through it and see how it might help.

Late add, but co-teacher Randy Stewart also posted his slides for the lesson, "Divine Purpose". 

Thanks Randy!

Divine Purpose, Exodus 5:1-10:29

To begin the lesson, “Divine Purpose,” with an exercise (and perhaps fun), consider drawing a clock face on a marker board before class. Give members some of the words from the suggested activities list and have them note their activities around the clock face at the time they typically do them. This should get class members actively engaged in what’s going to happen in the lesson (this exercise will cause them to break with their normal class routine).

PPT slides for "Compassionate Action," Exodus 1:1-4:31

I'm posting my PowertPoint slides for this week's Explore the Bible, lesson "Compassionate Action."

All the best on your lesson preparation.
Ronnie

Working through

Working on teaching step 4 of the lesson, "Compassionate Action," I thought about presenting the slide below with a picture from the old TV show The Millionaire. The slide presents a few of many instances in Scripture illustrating God's work through others. Do you have a favorite "working through" verse, or example that I should use instead?

God introduces Himself

I like the LifeWay Adult Leader Guide alternate suggestion for starting Step 3 of the lesson, "Compassionate Action." First have class members shake hands and formally introduce themselves to someone sitting nearby. Encourage them to learn something about each other. (Use left side of slide below.)

Next, have them call out characteristics of God as they read Micah 7:18-20 and Exodus 34:6-7. Then show the right side of the slide, which lists the characteristics.

Hard work then and now

The Lifeway Adult Leader Guide plan for teaching Step 2 of the lesson, "Compassionate Action," suggests a discussion of hard work: then versus now. I'll facilitate that discussion in my class with a slide somewhat like the following one. However, the right hand column is not quite right. It needs to speak more directly to hard work, and working harder. Any suggestions?

Based on the comment below, I changed the slide to better define Hard Work now. Make sense?

Compassionate Action, Exodus 1:1-4:31

This week we start a series of lessons from Exodus. The first is "Compassionate Action" from Exodus 2:23-3:10, 3:19-20.

The Lifeway Adult Leader Guide suggests asking members to brainstorm the questions hurting people ask. I plan to use the four questions posed in the book, Hope When You're Hurting: Answers to Four Questions Hurting People Ask, by Dan B. Allender and Larry Crabb, as illustrated in the following slide.

When Life is Unfair, Mark 15:1-16:20

"When Life is Unfair" is the last lesson from Mark. It comes from Mark 15:1-16:20.

To help class members focus on the issue of unfairness, consider showing something like the following slide and having them answer its question after they examine each picture. The first is based on Luke 18:1-8. The second is a scene from nature. The third is a man appealing to a judge as a couple of members of the jury look on. To me they are pictures of injustice, partiality and deception.

Lesson plans

Here are a few lesson plans in case you are still deciding how to teach Sunday's lesson: "When you have difficult decisions".

Co-teacher Randy Stewart's PowerPoint slides

Houston's Second Baptist, James Patterson

Bayleaf Baptist, Jeff Meyer

On prayer

It's clear from the focal passage of the lesson, "When you have difficult decisions," that Jesus believed in prayer. That is, he prayed, so he clearly viewed it as necessary and desirable. But why? In what ways is prayer beneficial? Why is it necessary?

When You Have Difficult Decisions, Mark 14:1-72

Bible lessons are grounded in Scripture, but the message should also be clear and relevant.

In addition, the lesson should be interesting. This usually requires a degree of creativity.

What creative ideas do you have for teaching the lesson, "When You Have Difficult Decisions"?

Perhaps you can share your ideas as a guest blogger on this site? I'm open to the idea!

As an example (and one that is relevant to this week's lesson), read a post by a guest blogger, Two Questions To Ask Yourself Before Making A Difficult Decision.

I suggest using these two questions to open your lesson on Sunday, then ask class members to critique the two questions.

Lesson ideas

If you plan on an exegesis of this week's lesson from Mark 13 you might want to read the outline posted by Brian Harbour (see page 11).

Also, Gary Payne posted his PowerPoint slides for "When you feel overwhelmed."

Mark 13 in pictures

While studying the Gospel of John last night, I had an idea for how to teach Mark 13 and the lesson, "When you feel overwhelmed."

The idea was to present the text in a series of pictures. I searched the web, and you can stitch together a disconnected set of images concerning each passage, or you can use a series of pictures like this one.

It's actually pretty cool. Give the author credit, which is Brendan Powell Smith, and he calls it the Brick Testament.

What I would do is place each image on a PPT slide and I would also stick to the verses in Mark rather than make references to other verses on the slides as he does.

Let me know if you need help making PPT slides of his pictures.

When you feel overwhelmed, Mark 13:1-37

If you're like me you probably feel overwhelmed just thinking about preparing to teach this week's lesson from Mark 13:1-37. The passage involves the then future destruction of the temple, the Second Coming of Christ, and the end of the age.

An exegesis of the key verses seems appropriate, but the thought of preparing and cramming it into a 40 minute lesson seems overwhelming. The lesson is appropriately titled: "When you feel overwhelmed."

What to do?

Pray.

Read the passage.

Pray.

Trust God to make clear what to do.

See anything helpful?

Remember to look at the question based lesson plan offered by First Baptist, Chester, IL.

Also Scott Susong of Second Baptist, Houston posted his lesson plan, which might be helpful. His angle is "loyal love".

Gary Payne posted his PPT slides for the lesson, "When Your Priorities are Challenged," as did co-teacher Randy Stewart (see Presentation_Mark_11_12).

If you see something else that would help teachers on Sunday, be sure and post it as a comment.

What's your mindset?

The Lifeway material presents the lesson, "When Priorities are Challenged," in a time-management context. I'm not saying that's not an issue, but managing overly busy lives is not the focus of Mark 12:13-17, 28-34.

Those trying to trap Jesus wanted to put him on the "horns of a dilemma"-- a place where regardless of his answer he would be open to further accusation. Jesus skillfully moved away from the issue being paying or not paying taxes to the priority of meeting both obligations -- to God and to government.

Where in our lives do we face such dilemmas? For example, should a young mother take a job or stay at home? Either way some element of modern society will judge her. Should a sports-minded individual pay for cable TV in order to receive desired sports channels and along with them offensive programming on other channels, or not and miss some fun sports events? Should a high school kid make a choice that will gain some friendships, perhaps some not with the best character, or stay at home and play video games alone?

Anyway, I thought the lesson passage was teaching that we should be priority minded--that is, meet our obligations first regardless of what the resource issue is--time, money, talent, energy, etc.

Perhaps a way to start talking about "mindset" is to ask the class to match the opposites in the following list:

1. Broad Minded A. Weak Minded
2. Double Minded B. Closed Minded
3. Strong Minded C. Earthly Minded
4. Spiritually Minded D. Narrow Minded
5. Open Minded E. Single Minded

Then ask which mindset best characterizes their perspective:

I. Literal minded
II. Money minded
III. Tough minded
IV. Career minded
V. Mission minded
VI. Business minded
VII. Priority minded

When Your Priorities are Challenged, Mark 12:13-17, 28-34

The lesson title this week is "When Your Priorities are Challenged." Its focus is taken from Mark 12:13-17, 28-34.

Perhaps a way to get your class involved in the lesson is to begin by asking them, "Name some things you 'had to' do this past week?" The emphasis is on "had to". Make a note of things people mention. "I had to go to work." "I had to go to a funeral." "I had to renew my drivers license." "I had to pay my taxes." etc.

After that discussion, ask members another question. "What did you 'get to' do this week?" Put the emphasis on "get to". The gig is over at this point they will catch on and may clam up. Some may mention a few things like "Baby sit the grandkids," "Attend church," or "Take a friend to the doctor," but the key is the first question exposes our typical mindset. Ask rhetorically, "Are you a 'have to' person, or a 'get to' person?"

You can close your introduction and get into the lesson, by asking members the question, "What is your mindset about your obligations to God, to government, to others?" That's the focus of this lesson.

PPT slides for "How to Be Successful," Mark 10:32-45

I uploaded my PowerPoint slides for "How to Be Successful," a lesson on how a Christian can take up his/her cross based on Mark 10:32-45. I made a few notes on the some of the slides to help you understand how I plan to present them.

I didn't create an overview slide for Chapter 10, or a slide relating the healing of Bartimaeus to the lesson. You may not like the plan I developed. In either case, consider Jon Klubnik's lesson from Houston's Second Baptist as an alternative.

May God bless our classes this Sunday as we teach His Word. What a privilege!

10 secrets to success

Well, I'm going to start my lesson on "How to Be Successful," using the following slide posing a question regarding 10 Secrets to Success.

Most likely to succeed

Continuing my quest for question/picture slides to teach: "How to Be Successful," I will use the following slide to introduce Step 2. Note: I changed my mind and decided to use the "cup" slide to introduce Step 3. Now if I can just come up with an overall introductory slide, I'll have a plan.

Some of the Great

Again, thinking about my slides for teaching, "How to be Successful," from Mark 10:35-45, I think I'll use the following question/picture slide to introduce the last step.

How to Be Succesful, Mark 10:35-45

I was thinking about starting off this week's lesson with the following question/picture slide. Can you name these famous cups and what they represent?

This will lead into the lesson, "How to Be Successful" from Mark 10:35-45.

Randy's slides

Co-teacher Randy Stewart posted his slides for "How to Get Along With Others," based on Mark 8:34-10:31.

Monty's slides

Thought I'd make sure you saw Monty's slides by posting a link to his comment.

Good job Monty!

A different aim

This week's lesson, "How to Get Along With Others," is challenging. For a different take on the same verses (Mark 9:33-50), see "The Sovereign's View of First," by Karen Conner, from Second Baptist, Houston.

Her lesson aim is "To examine different scenarios where great courage was needed, see the response, and see what Christ desired so that we can grasp towards the same." This is different from the aim of the Lifeway lesson, which is to "Help adults strive to get along better w/other people."

Do you plan to mention the term Servant Leader? It was used in the lesson material posted by Jeff Meyer.

How to Get Along With Others, Mark 8:34-10:31

With a title of "How to Be Pro Life", I worried yesterday's class might anticipate a dry, uninteresting lesson. However, the Lord blessed my question based lesson plan, and the class was very interactive. They left in a buzz even though we ran late. I hope your lesson was well received, too.

All of us need this week's lesson, "How to Get Along With Others," from Mark 9:33-43, 47-50. What did Jesus mean in saying, "Deny yourself, and take up your cross and follow me."?

As you go about your business this week be alert to situations that test how well you get along with others. I believe the Lord will bring learning opportunities into our lives this week that will allow us to teach the lesson with first-hand experience.

PPT slides for "How to be Pro Life", Mark 3,5, & 10

To make the class interactive, I took an approach in my lesson slides of asking questions as the commentary on each passage.

May the good Lord bless our classes as we teach tomorrow.

Past slides

Tom Ramsey (Second Baptist Houston) posted his lesson plan for "How to Be Pro Life". He takes a very different tact in teaching the lesson than what is suggested by Lifeway.

I've been busy this week, but I hope to post my PowerPoint slides sometime tomorrow morning.

Three years ago, I posted on this blog my PPT slides for the sanctity of life lesson, “Valuing Every Life.” Four years ago, I posted slides for "Live in Respect." Maybe they will help some of you?

Recently irritated

I was thinking about situations lately where I have been irritated at other people. I thought this would give me some ideas to use in teaching the lesson, "How to Be Pro-Life" (Mark 3:3-5; 5:33-42; 10:14-16). They are good examples of where I was not too caring.

I've traveled a lot lately, and sometimes I'm irritated in a crowded airport when I'm nearly run over by parents pushing a kid in an SUV-sized stroller. Irritated at the parents, I ask myself "Are they transporting a child or moving?" Also, I get irritated when I get beeped at to make way for a cart carrying perfectly healthy people rushing to make a flight just like I am doing.

In one situation I was looking for a parking spot (in bad weather) and none were to be found up close to my destination. However, it was surrounded by myriad EMPTY handicap parking places, so many that the business appeared to be closed. Somewhat irritated, I parked a fair distance away and as I traipsed toward the main door, a lady whipped into a handicap spot and hussled into the building ahead of me. She was not handicapped.

To help surface uncaring attitudes in your class ask members to talk about a situation where they were recently irritated. Some might involve interruptions such as the one Jesus experienced in Mark 5:33-42, or Mark 10:14-16. You might mention how this article suggests dealing with irritation, and contrast it with the approach used by Jesus.

Yeah, but...

Perhaps a way to teach step 2 of the lesson, "How to be Pro-Life", is to read and ask members for their honest reaction to this story.

Make a few notes on a marker board as members call out their responses. If posted comments on the article are any clue, you'll probably get a range of reactions to the story.

I think you can leave it there, and go on to read Mark 3:3-5 and talk about Jesus' concern for a man in spite of the technicality of it being a Sabbath.

Ask members if they have ever used the phrase, "Yeah, but..." when making an excuse.

How to be Pro-Life, Mark 3:1-6; 5:21-43; 10:13-16

My class was well received yesterday. Several members indicated they liked the interactive nature of the lesson presentation. I've found that allowing adults to get involved in the class helps them to be more attentive and better apply the lesson points to their lives.

Learning by immersion (see 10 points) may be a unique way to teach this week's lesson, "How to Be Pro-Life," which is based on Mark 3:1-6; 5:21-43; 10:13-16.

As a teacher, I need to inspire change to get members to take specific actions to enhance the lives of others. I could suggest, for example, specific actions such as visiting members of the church who are shut-ins, writing cards to encourage the elderly, or phoning a needy friend or family member. They may not follow thru, however.

It would be more instructive to immerse the class in a learning experience in the Church nursery, the Church prayer room, or in a Church pre-school class. Of course such a visit would have to be prearranged and planned, but it would put class members into the actual environment where all their senses could help them learn, for example, to comfort a crying child, pray for a non-Christian, or help a pre-schooler learn to count.

I need to do some planning, but I'll probably teach a brief lesson from the focal passage illustrating how Jesus was people oriented, then make our immersive learning trip. An alternative is to arrange for a pre-K class to visit my class. It would shock everyone to see those kids walk into the classroom!

Think about it. It's just an idea.

PPT slides for "How to Develop Your Faith" Mark 7 & 8

I posted PowerPoint slides for "How to Develop Your Faith," based on Mark 7 and 8.

Let me also recommend Monty's slides (see link in his comment), which offers a discussion of faith and points out the resources available for Christian to use for personal growth.

A tradition of standing

I was thinking of a tradition in the modern church to use Sunday to help my class relate to how it is used in Mark 7:3-5, 8-9, 13.

Let me try it first on you. Many Sunday's in my church, a worship song is sung while the congregation is seated. Inevitability, during the song, however, someone will stand--perhaps because of a right heart attitude. Shortly, a person sitting nearby will also stand. Before long, other people stand up in what becomes a wave that sweeps over the whole congregation. Why?

I think of it as a tradition like "hand washing". It's certainly not a commandment, but why do people stand up? To avoid the appearance of not worshiping?

Perhaps other people do join in and stand to display a worshipful heart. However, my guess is that many people stand without the right heart attitude.

Jesus might say, "The act of standing does not affect the heart," or "The rightness of a person's heart is not determined by standing, or sitting."

Of course I could be wrong about all this. Am I off base?

I do not understand!

To teach Step 3 of the lesson, "How to Develop Your Faith", based on Mark 8:16-21, I think I'll use Proverbs 30:18-19.

¹⁸ "There are three things that are too amazing for me,
four that I do not understand:

¹⁹ the way of an eagle in the sky,
the way of a snake on a rock,
the way of a ship on the high seas,
and the way of a man with a maiden. Proverbs

I plan to discuss how Agur was open to admitting his lack of understanding in four areas--the physical mysteries of how such a large bird can fly, how a snake adheres and transverses smooth stone, or a heavy boat actually floats, and the relationship issues between men and women. Ask the class about their understanding of these four areas, which should make for some lively discussion!

Relate the discussion back to the issue of what is it about Jesus that the disciples did not understand? Key is for class members to acknowledge their need to admit what they don't understand. Only then can they be open to learning spiritual truth about Jesus.

How to Develop Your Faith, Mark 7:1-8:33

The lesson, "How to Develop Your Faith," challenges us to grow in our spiritual understanding of "Who Jesus is."

I've studied Mark 7&8 and the next step for me in lesson preparation is to read the LifeWay materials. This helps me understand the lesson as they have designed it. I get prepared to at least teach it, if nothing else.

I pray about it and add ideas as I have time, and study enough to make sure I "own" the lesson. You can only teach what you know, and it's amazing to me how God brings experiences into my life during the week that pertain to the lesson in some way.

Consider using the following "mistake" quotes to open your lesson (the last one was selected to help jump into the lesson):

No one is listening until you make a mistake.
Anon.

We made too many wrong mistakes.
Yogi Berra

It was when I found out I could make mistakes that I knew I was on to something.
Ornette Coleman

Three-fourths of the mistakes a man makes are made because he does not really know what he thinks he knows.
James Bryce

The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.
John Powell

Site update

I haven't posted a site update since the update in 2008.

Increase in site traffic slowed in 2009 since I traveled much of the year and didn't blog most of Oct and Nov. This reduction can be seen in the following chart from Statcounter.com.

Nevertheless, I'm excited that you continue to come to the site, and I'm praying more teachers will find it useful. I'm excited that some of you are taking time to also post your lesson ideas and PowerPoint slides. The Lord is good.

I'm teaching "How to Develop Your Faith" on Jan 10, so I look forward to posting this week as we study Mark 7 & 8. Join in when you can and comment with your ideas to help all of us teach a better lesson.

PPT slides for "How to Be Courageous" Mark 6

I posted my PowerPoint slides for the lesson, "How to Be Courageous," based on Mark 6:6b-56.

Also, co-teacher Randy Stewart posted his slides for the same lesson.

Thanks to all of you who continue to use this site. Remember to read the comments by others. A good summary chart for Mark was pointed out in a comment by patkritt.

Appreciate it Pat! Very helpful.

Also see the comments to this post by Monty.

Given authority

As I gained experience in the corporate world, I also gained responsibilities. For example, on occasions when my boss had to make business trips out of the country, I was given his executive authority via a document signed by each of us. Normally, this involved handling pretty routine matters—signing travel requests, approving personnel actions, or equipment purchases. Occasionally, however, I had to attend meetings for him that required me to make a commitment of resources from our department. Typically, a project manager would receive direction in a strategic business meeting. It was an awesome responsibility to alter a project involving many people and millions of dollars using the authority that had been given to me.

Based on this experience, I can imagine other situations where authority is given and exercised. For example, a new police officer is sworn in and given authority to arrest a fellow citizen. Imagine how he or she feels making that first arrest!

Jesus gave the disciples authority to drive out demons. Imagine the responsibility they felt as they exercised his authority!

Ask class members to relate an example of when they were given authority (no matter how small).

Expressing courage

I saw this news story on Fox News today. What caught my attention was the question, “Where is she getting her strength?” (see Automatically Generated Transcript and watch the video interview).

The question was asked in reference to the Cindy Wise, wife of a murdered Salvation Army Major Philip Wise. She is carrying on his work and evidently is a very courageous person.

I think she is an excellent illustration of expressing courage in a crisis situation, which is highlighted in the lesson, “How to be Courageous”, based on Mark 6:6b-56.

You can use this story to add interest to your lesson.

How to be courageous, Mark 6:6-56

The discussion questions for the lesson, “How to be courageous” (Mark 6:6-56) posted by FBC, Chester, IL suggest asking members to individually stand up and declare in a loud voice, “I am a follower of Jesus Christ!” Follow that with who would be willing to do it at work, or in a mall, or surrounded by a group of Muslims.

This made me think of what’s courageous v what’s stupid. See this example (click the chart to see a larger image). As I prepare my slides this week, I’ll have to think about how something like this might be useful.

PPT slides for "Is God Still Working in the World?" Mark 4-6

Merry Christmas! Co-teacher Randy Stewart posted his PowerPoint slides for the lesson, "Is God Still Working in the World?". Thanks Randy for the great present!

Unusual building

Dr. Sam Tullock begins his commentary with serious, heartfelt questions regarding the subject raised by the title of the lesson, “Is God Still Working in the World?” His questions may not trouble you, but I’m sure there are members in your class who have wondered about the same issues. Dr. Tullock doesn’t attempt to answer the questions he raises. Have you heard a good response to why prayer goes unanswered and the existence of evil?

On a lighter note, FBC, Chester, IL posted its question-based lesson plan. I like the opening question regarding a preference for working alone, or with the help of others.

As to how to teach this lesson, I still think the best approach is to first discuss the meaning of the phrase, “the Kingdom of God,” and then work thru the meaning of each of the parables in Mark 4 to help clarify the definition. Illustrate the Kingdom as an unusual building (at Futuroscope) with different sides (looks different based on one’s perspective).

They just don't get it!

In Mark 4, Jesus began to speak to them in parables. Why? He wanted to challenge the people and the religious leaders to start thinking about what he was saying and not just seeing him as a prophet, or teacher who could perform miracles.

To teach Step 2 of the lesson “Is God Still Working in the World?” you might first present the idea of the statement: “They just don’t get it!” Find and discuss a news article using Google search that mentions “they don’t get it” such as the quote from the article: “Baltimore TV stations cover the storm”:

“Some people simply won't heed words of caution, and they just don't get it unless they see pictures of what will happen to them if they jump in their cars and drive like fools. I am glad WJZ and the others did show lots of cars skidding out of control at such locations as 41st Street or Northern Parkway and Falls Road. I wonder how many accidents those images helped residents avoid.”

Using the "don't get it" idea help members think about why someone “doesn’t get it” by comparing 1 Corinthians 2:14 with 1 Corinthians 2:12-13.

Is God Still Working in the World?, Mark 4:14-32

Jeff Meyer steps thru the parables in Mark 4:14-32, which is a good teaching plan for the lesson, “Is God Still Working in the World?”.

Perhaps a way to introduce this lesson is to show a couple of slides about agricultural output and productively in the United States, or present an outline of different types of soils. The purpose is to get members thinking about different soils, growth in output, and the elements needed for successful production. This will prepare your class members to think about their role in growing the Kingdom of God, which Jesus spoke about using parables involving seeds and soils.

New born, now 8 years old

I changed the "verification" step slide to include a picture of a small new born who is now 8 years old. So small you'd have to go see for yourself!

New slides for "Why Did Jesus Come?".

PPT Slides for "Why Did Jesus Come?", Luke 2:1-35

I’m traveling this week and so I decided to prepare Sunday’s lesson today primarily using the Lifeway material. I posted my PowerPoint slides for the lesson titled, “Why Did Jesus Come?,” which is based on Luke 2:8-15 and Luke 2:25-35.

I introduced Step 1, “Seek Verification” with the idea “I had to go see for myself.”

I introduced Step 2, “Hear Testimony” with the question, “Who influenced you the most this year?”

I introduced Step 3, Make Your Choice” with “What famous people have said about Jesus.”

Empty shoe box

Step 4 of the lesson, “What Does Jesus’ Call Mean for Me?” challenges Christians to be willing to meet the needs of others. As a teaching aid for this step consider taking the lid off an empty shoebox and asking class members to look inside and identify needs they can meet.

Obviously, nothing is inside the box, and they won’t see anything to do. Here, you can make at least a couple of points.

1. In the emptiness of the box, real needs cannot be observed. In Mark 2:23-24 the Jews were stuck inside empty religious practices (eg. their observance of the Sabbath) and could not see practical needs. Ask members if any of our current religious practices prevent us from seeing needs that should be met?

2. If we insist on staying inside an empty box we will never take any action. Outside the box, Jesus correctly understood the Sabbath and easily saw the hunger of His disciples.

And you call yourself a Christian?

Step 3 of the lesson, “What Does Jesus’ Call Mean for Me?, is based on Mark 2:18-22, which includes peoples’ reactions to Jesus. Their questions to him revealed expectations of Him.

Yesterday in Little Rock, I watched a news report of a public board meeting where an audience member questioned the actions of the board. To underscore his disapproval of the board he asserted, “And some of you call yourselves Christian!”

To continue the idea of ‘expectations’, consider asking class members the meaning of the question, “And you call yourself a Christian?” Ask members to identify potential misconceptions inherent in the mind of the questioner.

Ask members to listen to this statement as you read it, and comment on the writer’s expectations. Then read Mark 2:18 and ask members to identify the expectations people had of Jesus.

He did not respond as they expected, however. He was determined to serve, not just act according to tradition.

Facebook analogy

Step 2 of the lesson, “What Does Jesus’ Call Mean for Me?” urges Christians to provide opportunities for others to hear and respond to Jesus’ call. To accomplish this Christians must be willing to reach out to those around us including people different from us.

Perhaps a way to approach teaching this step is to use the concept of social networking. Ask the class who has a Facebook page? Ask them to say how many friends they have. Ask if anyone has ever invited someone else to be a friend on Facebook? Ask them to say how Facebook makes it easy to invite someone else to be a friend. Ask if anyone has ever suggested a potential friend to someone else. Ask if anyone has rejected a friend request from someone else? Ask why?

Just as Facebook makes the opportunity to become friends easy, Christians need to make opportunities to meet and become friends with Jesus easy.

What Does Jesus’ Call Mean for Me?, Mark 2:1-3:6

Based on Mark 2:1-3:6, the lesson, “What Does Jesus’ Call Mean for Me?” teaches key principles from which we can extract three expectations Jesus’ has for His followers. In his lesson commentary, Mark Rathel summarizes these as follows:

1. Jesus calls me to reach out to sinners

2. Jesus calls me to live with a new attitude

3. Jesus calls me to meet the needs of others

To introduce the lesson, ask members to read the following list of complaints a manager has with an employee.

a. acts according to established norms versus doing what is needed

b. operates successfully only in predictable routine situations

c. tackles only trivial problems

d. inwardly focused and fails to exhibit any outward concern

e. task oriented, lack of understanding of the larger issues

Follow this by asking, “What would you do about this employee if you were the manager?” Then ask, “What would you do if you were the employee?” This should help class members to start thinking personally about the concept of expectations and what it may mean to them personally.

PPT Slides for "How Can Jesus Help Me?", Mark 1

Sorry for the late posting of my PPT slides for the lesson, “How Can Jesus Help Me?”. My hope is they can be useful to some of you.

Can do person

The Lifeway alternate teaching recommendation for Step 4 of the lesson, “How Can Jesus Help Me?”, suggests using objects such as a key or a bolt cutter to illustrate the idea of freeing someone.

I like their suggestion, but the material also presents Jesus as a “can do” person. To help members relate personally to the lesson, consider selecting 5 of the items on this “Can Do Survey” and asking members to answer the questions.

Note: Because of travel, I will not be able to post my PPT slides for the lesson until Saturday.

Jesus made me into ...

An interesting point is raised in Mark 1: 16-20, the verses for Step 3 of the lesson, “How Can Jesus Help Me?” . In v17, Jesus said, “I will make you fishers of men.” He used the occupation of the disciples to help them understand His plan and a new purpose He had in mind.

How is that true in the lives of people in your class today? How did Jesus make your class members into new people? Did He make a banker of money into a banker of people? A developer of software into a developer of people?

Here is a list of occupations. Select a handful and put these on a list to present to the class, and ask them how Jesus would remake that person to serve His purpose. Put “fishermen” first on the list as an example and note how Jesus remade Peter, Andrew, James and John into fishers of men.

This should lead to discussion of how Jesus has “made” the members of your class (that are Christians) to serve His purposes (perhaps even using their occupational skills).

How people respond to Jesus

At the time Jesus would have preached in Mark 1:14-15, the term “good news” could not have had the same meaning it assumed after His sacrificial death, burial, resurrection and ascension. If that’s so, what did Jesus mean by “the good news”? How would Jews, mindful of earthly kingdoms at that time, have understood what He meant given that early point in His ministry?

FBC, Chester, IL posted a series of questions to use as a lesson plan for teaching “How Can Jesus Help Me?” I’m still noodling about what to teach in Step 2.