12/23/2007

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EXTRA!
Weekly Supplemental Teaching Plans

Adult

Explore the Bible
ETB Adult EXTRA

December 23, 2007

Accept God's Promised Savior
Gregory T. Pouncey

John 1:1-18
 

Before the Session

 

For teaching plans and full explanations of all the verses in today’s lessons, consult the Explore the Bible leader guide or commentary. Make sure each learner has his or her own Explore the Bible learner guide.

Choose a painting to bring to class to use in step 1. Collect Christmas cards from this year to distribute in the final step.

 

 

Identify the Savior (John 1:1-5)

 

Bring a painting to class and display it. Ask learners what the painting might tell them about the one who created it. For example, if the painting depicts a landscape, it might suggest that the painter enjoys the beauty of nature.

Ask learners to read John 1:1-5 and describe what these verses tell them about God, who is the Creator of everything. Then, ask them to read the verses again and discuss the characteristics of Christ they find in the passage.

 

 

Heed the Witness (John 1:6-9)

 

Read John 1:6-9 and introduce the ministry of John the Baptist.

Read the Christmas devotional excerpt by Calvin Miller and ask the questions that follow:

A Christmas Devotional: A Man Named John

His name was John. He was born to be the forerunner of Christ, born to bear witness of the light. In a way, John was like us. We, too, have been born to bear witness of that light. Each time we approach the Advent season, we become joyously occupied with celebrating what the light has done in our lives. While John the Baptist was the first person called to be a witness of that light, His calling has become ours.

John knew people would always be critical of the light. The light has always had to shine in a darkness that fails to appreciate it. Still, though the darkness rejects it, the light of witness shines still.

What does it mean to be a witness of the light? It simply means that we point to Jesus and say, “See, Jesus is the light of the world!” How did John the Baptist do this? Well, when he first saw Jesus coming to the Jordan River, he pointed to Him and cried, “Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the One I told you about.” John’s job was not to coerce those around him to accept his announcement as truth. Nor did Jesus expect him to make believers all by himself. Like John, we cannot make believers. Believers make themselves by voluntarily coming to faith, one at a time.

But like John, we can point to Christ and say with all of our hearts, “Here is the Lamb of God!”

What if they do not believe us? No matter. We have done our best to tell them of God’s grace. God will never hold us accountable for being ineffective in pointing the way. But He will hold us accountable for our cowardly silences. Being an effective witness means that we call attention to our testimony and leave the results to Him. Anything else – anything less – is failing the expectations of God.

We are born again; we must bear witness!

Source: Miller, Calvin. A Christmas Devotional: A Man Named John. Full article available at www.lifeway.com.

Ask:

  • How did John testify about the light?
  • How did you first hear the gospel of Christ?
  • How is your witness like John’s?
  • How is your witness unlike John’s?

 

 

Respond with Faith (John 1:10-13)

 

Familiarize yourself with the term radically unchurched, as defined by evangelism professor Alvin Reid from Southeastern Seminary:

Who Are the Radically Unchurched?

By radically unchurched I mean people who live in the United States and who have no clear personal understanding of the message of the gospel, and who have had little or no contact with a Bible-teaching, Christ-honoring church. Numbers of radically unchurched grow each year; while the church’s ability to penetrate the culture seems to be waning. For example, Chip Arn reports the following statistical evidence: Active, practicing Christians, even when being generous, compose only 82, 080, 000, or 29% of the population in the United States. Those Christian in name only, who give no evidence of any consistent practice of their faith comprise 86,070, 000, or 30.2%.

Americans reporting no religious affiliation totals 116, 850, 000, or 41%. The largest percentage consists of the last group, whom the writer would describe as the radically unchurched. George Hunter, whose writings refer to “secular” people in similar terms to my use of “radically unchurched,” states approximately 120,000,000 Americans fit this category.

An analogy can best describe the radically unchurched. In the first century, the apostle Paul was called of God as a missionary to the Gentiles. The Jews were Paul’s people. They had a heritage of faith, a Scriptural underpinning, and a common cultural background. However, the Gentiles in the first century were those who for the most part knew nothing of the gospel message until someone like Paul told them. They had no heritage of Scripture as did the Jews. Some were religious, some were not. They are analogous in our day to the millions of people in our country who have almost no real knowledge of Christianity. Oh, they know what a clerical collar is, and they recognize a church building; but they have no functional knowledge of the gospel. Whereas the “Jews” in our day could be described in this analogy as nominally churched, the “Gentiles” can be called the radically unchurched. They may be devoutly religious, as were some first century Gentiles; they may be irreligious. They may be Muslim or Hindu or New Age or Mormon; or they may be agnostic. The difference between them and the nominal Christians, the “Jews” to use the analogy, is that any idea they have of Christianity is obscure or totally flawed. Some of them recognize the golden arches of McDonald’s much more quickly than a cross as a symbol with meaning. So, if Arn’s statistics are correct, and if anything they are inflated toward Christian practice, the following could be said: New Testament, genuine believers comprise 29%, the “Jews” or the nominally churched–30.2, and the “Gentiles” or the radically unchurched–41%, of the nation’s population. Sadly, little evidence can depict any significant inroads by the church at reaching the largest statistical category.

Each year anywhere from 6,000 to 8,000 Southern Baptist churches report baptizing no new converts in a year. That statistic alone is worthy of the denomination calling for a day of fasting, prayer, and public humiliation before the Lord of glory who deserves far better. But look closer: of the thirty thousand-plus churches who do reach people for Christ, very few effectively penetrate the radically unchurched.

How can this be demonstrated? First, look at the statistical evidence. According to a recent study by the North American Mission Board, in 1993, only one in nine adult baptisms came from people who described themselves as unchurched. In other words, eight of nine, almost 90 %, of adult baptisms came from persons who had a connection with a church. These form the worst evangelistic group in America.

The situation declines far more seriously when one examines the effectiveness of all churches in America to reach the radically unchurched. George Hunter defines a secular person similarly to my view of the radically unchurched: persons “who have navigated their whole lives beyond the serious influence of Christian churches.” Hunter notes that there are over 350,000 churches in U.S. About eighty percent of these are stagnant. Of the twenty percent that are growing, most increase by biological or transfer growth. Less than one percent are growing by conversion growth. So, a minuscule fraction of the radically unchurched are being reached.

Source: http://alvinreid.com/archives/21

Read John 1:10-13 and write the following numbers on the board: 6,000-8,000, 90%, 80% and 1%. Using the article above, explain that:

  • 6,000-8,000 churches each year baptize no new converts.
  • 90% of those who were baptized already had a connection with the church.
  • 80% of churches are stagnant or declining.
  • 1% of churches are growing by conversion growth.

Ask:

  • Why do you think so few churches are growing by conversion growth?
  • What are some reasons that the world does not recognize Jesus (John 1:10)?
  • If you have received Christ as your Savior, what made you aware of His identity and the truthfulness of His claims?

 

 

Experience Grace and Truth (John 1:14-18)

 

Bring some of the Christmas cards you have received this year.

Distribute a card to each person and ask:

  • What qualities of grace in the Christmas story do you see represented on your card?
  • What qualities of truth in the Christmas story do you see represented on your card?

Ask a learner to read John 1:14-18 and suggest evidences of grace and truth that they find in those verses concerning the coming of Christ into the world.

Consider extending an invitation if someone in your class has never trusted Christ for salvation. Close the session with prayer.

 

Adult

Bible Studies for Life
Bible Studies for Life EXTRA

December 23, 2007

Celebrating the Savior's Birth
Dana Armstrong

Luke 2:4-12,16-20
 

Before the Session

 

For teaching plans and full explanations of all the verses in today’s lesson, consult any of the Bible Studies for Life leader guides or commentaries.

Make sure each learner has his or her own learner guide.

 

 

Luke 2:4-7

 

Enlist a volunteer to read Luke 2:4-7.

Read or paraphrase the following article:

The Christmas Miracle

Winter came early to the mountains of Arkansas the year I was 11, and our family was not prepared. My five siblings and I needed almost everything, but because of the Depression, there was no extra money. My dad had hoped to use proceeds from the annual sale of our hogs for the purchase of winter clothing and shoes. Unfortunately, the porkers barely brought enough to buy some food supplies. We needed a miracle, and it came in a most unexpected way.

My father once owned a thriving general store. He lost the store because he gave credit to his neighbors when he knew they would not be able to pay. Now we needed help, but everyone in our area was poor.

I could tell my parents were worried as they sat down to read The Kansas City Star, a week-old newspaper my dad had brought home.

Suddenly my mother said, “Listen to this.” She began to read an advertisement in the paper. “If your family needs clothing, shoes, and other necessities, please write to our organization. If we determine there is indeed a need, supplies will be shipped to the nearest railway depot in your area.” An address in Portland, Oregon, was given.

“I’m going to write them,” my mother said.

“That’s too good to be true,” my dad replied. “Besides, they will be getting thousands of letters requesting help, and Arkansas is a long way from Oregon. Why would they respond to our needs?”

“We’ve been praying for a miracle,” my mother countered. “Maybe this is it. I’m going to write a letter to them right now.”

Mom wrote to the organization and told about our family. She even gave our clothing sizes. She told about my little sister having pneumonia. She also mentioned the poverty of our community.

My dad mailed the letter that day, and we began a waiting game. I thought of that letter often as I shivered in the cold. I was the only tall gangly one in my family, and I had outgrown all my clothes. My trousers were almost halfway to my knees, and my coat sleeves were short. I longed for a warm coat.

The winter weather worsened as snow and ice came down. How will we get a package if it comes, I wondered. It was getting closer to Christmas, and I knew an answer to that letter was our only hope.

Suddenly the weather broke. The sun came out and melted the snow. Then the impossible happened. We got word a huge box was waiting for our family at a nearby town.

Early the next morning, my dad and I started out in the wagon. I couldn’t keep from talking about what might be in the box. In a package that big, surely there would be something to fit me.

We found the railway depot, and the huge parcel was loaded on our wagon. It filled almost the entire bed of the wagon. I wanted to open it just enough to look, but my dad said we would all examine its contents together.

We arrived home very late, but my dad got everyone up as he opened the big box and brought the items into the house. The box was filled with plenty of winter clothing and shoes, school supplies for us boys and my older sister, and a doll for my little sister. She had never had a doll, and she was speechless. A large bag of candy also had been included.

After we had claimed several outfits apiece along with socks, caps, gloves, and shoes, my dad said, “Our children have everything they need. Let’s give the rest of the things to our neighbors.”

That was typical of my dad. He was always helping someone and often sent us boys to help neighbors cut wood or do chores.

“They could have written a letter just as we did,” I reasoned.

“Yes, but they didn’t,” my dad said. “Many desperately need warm clothing. Besides, Christmas is all about giving.”

So for the next few days all our neighbors and many in surrounding communities came by and tried on clothing and shoes. As we helped our friends find items to fit, we found it was almost as much fun as getting something ourselves. By Christmas everything had been claimed.

As our family sat around the fireplace on Christmas Day, we all agreed it was the best Christmas ever. We could not quit talking about the joy and hope that package had brought to our family and community.

I do not recall the name of the organization that responded to my mother’s plea, but I will never forget the Christmas miracle supplied by strangers who lived thousands of miles away.

Source: Moody, Wilma. The Christmas Miracle. Retrieved December 11, 2007 from www.lifeway.com. This article is courtesy of Mature Living.  

Ask:

Say: We can take hope from the example of Jesus' birth that God knows the details of what His people are going through and providentially helps as they live for Him.

 

 

Luke 2:8-12

 

Read Luke 2:8-12.

Ask:

Say: Southern Baptists have many opportunities to work together in proclaiming the good news to all people.

Emphasize the effectiveness of the Cooperative Program and special offerings such the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® for International Missions as channels for missions giving.

Read the following information from the International Mission Board (IMB) website:

Give, so they can hear

It's a simple story, yet the most powerful ever told: the story of Jesus. Do you remember the first time you heard - and believed? Now, imagine no one ever told you. How would your life be different? It's an eternal reality for the world's 1.6 billion souls with little or no access to the Gospel.

But there is hope. New missionaries are answering God's Great Commission call, but their opportunity to share is squandered without churches' continued commitment to give.

Won't you give generously to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so the lost can hear that same simple story that changed your life?

Source: Retrieved December 11, 2007 from www.imb.org. The International Mission Board also can be reached at 1-800-999-3113. The North American Mission Board (NAMB) can be reached at 1-800-634-2462 or www.namb.net.

Say: Take time during this season to rejoice that Jesus' birth as the Savior is good news for all people, not just a reason to give gifts!

 

 

Luke 2:16-20

 

Read Luke 2:16-20.

Ask:

Read the following article to suggest how Christians can celebrate the holidays in a way that connects us to the Savior and keeps us focused on the real reason for the season:

12 Days of Celebrating God's Way

If you feel spiritually frazzled during December, consider these observances, celebrated individually or as a family, to reconnect with our Savior.

1. Give meaningful gifts. “They opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh,” (Matthew 2:11).

In many cultures, people don’t exchange gifts until Epiphany. This is not to suggest you change the day you give presents, but you can take time to reflect on the meaning of gift giving. With each gift exchange, you’re re-enacting the scene of the wise men bestowing their treasures on Jesus.

2. Forgive and reconcile. “You are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins,” (Matthew 1:21).

As Christ came to forgive us, we’re called to forgive others. Who has sinned against you? Whom have you offended? While reconciliation takes time, it can begin on this day with the first thought or act of forgiveness.

3. Watch for God. “They will name Him Immanuel, which is translated ‘God is with us,’” (Matthew 1:23).

Search for God this day. You can see His hands in everything — the shining sun, laughter, the warm glow of the fire, and your heart. Take time to be still and listen to God’s voice. What is He saying to you?

4. Show hospitality. “In those days Mary set out and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah, where she entered Zechariah’s house,” (Luke 1:39).

When Mary was pregnant and unmarried, she sought refuge at the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Welcome someone into your home who is grieving a lost loved one, going through a divorce, or simply feeling lonely during Christmas.

5. Honor your mother. “Then [Elizabeth] exclaimed with a loud cry: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is your offspring!” (Luke 1:42).

Honor your mother on this day. If she’s near, spend time with her. If not, call her. If she has passed away, reflect on her gift of life. You might also help an overwhelmed mother in your church or neighborhood.

6. Serve the homeless. “And she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a manger — because there was no room for them at the inn,” (Luke 2:7).

Mother Teresa once said that to serve the homeless was to serve the living Christ. (See Matthew 25:40.) Give to the homeless this day by serving in a shelter or soup kitchen.

7. Get back to nature. “We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him,” (Matthew 2:2).

God used nature to guide the wise men. After days of turkey gluttony and sofa sitting, spend time in God’s playground — hike in the woods, make snow angels, take photographs of the stark trees. Soak in the divine creativity and presence of God.

8. Honor children. “You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a manger,” (Luke 2:12). 

Look for Jesus in the faces of children around you. Spend quality time with little ones, absorbing their playful spirits. If children don’t live with you, visit a family with children or volunteer to baby-sit for a friend.

9. Reflect on the past. “Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them,” (Luke 2:19).

Reflect on the things God has taught you or the ways He has worked in your life during the past year.

10. Worship and celebrate the Sabbath. “[The wise men] saw the child with Mary His mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped Him,” (Matthew 2:11).

Go to church during the 12 days and focus on worshiping God. Praise Him throughout the service. After church enjoy God’s gift of the Sabbath with family or friends.

11. Experience one hour of prayer. “[Anna] did not leave the temple complex, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers,” (Luke 2:37-38).

Go to a peaceful place, and dedicate an hour to communicating with God. Your thoughts might wander, but God will be present.

12. Count your blessings. “For we have all received grace after grace from His fullness,” (John 1:16).

Set aside time to name the ways God has blessed you. Write them down. Be specific. The list will provide a reminder of God’s grace throughout the year. 

Popular culture has no list for what we’re “supposed to do” on the 12 days from December 25 through January 5. We can make it intimate and peaceful. And through this celebration, we can focus on and connect with our Savior during the holiday that commemorates His birth.

Source: Borders, Patrick. 12 Days of Celebrating God's Way. Retrieved December 11, 2007 from www.lifeway.com. This article appears courtesy of HomeLife magazine.

Say: We can benefit spiritually by taking time regularly to reflect on God’s sending Jesus to be the Savior, and we must praise Him for doing so.

Close with prayer.

 

 

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EXTRA! is a supplement designed to enhance and expand the effectiveness of printed curriculum provided by LifeWay Church Resources.

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