ACTS 4:32-37 ALL THINGS IN COMMON

ACTS 4:32 Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. 33 With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. 35 They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). 37 He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

 

6: 7 The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON GUIDE: SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON GUIDE: APOSTOLIC WAY/LIGHT 2020

Lesson 3: September 20, 2020 Love versus Guilt Genesis 42:6-25

Some people allow the guilt of the past to poison their present. Is it ever possible to be free from condemnation for past actions? When Joseph saw and remembered his brothers who sold him into Egyptian slavery, he showed compassion while motivating them to recall and take responsibility for their earlier actions.

 Lesson 4: September 27, 2020 God’s Plan Revealed Genesis 45:1-15

 Sometimes one is overwhelmed by tragic events in his or her life. What can keep hope alive after the struggle ends? Joseph tells his brothers what they meant as harm was God’s plan for saving them, a remnant of God’s people

Lesson 5: October 4, 2020 Love and Devotion to Others 1 Samuel 19:1-7

 Although families are important, family dysfunction can skew our priorities and lead us to ruin. Is there a greater priority than family? Jonathan opposed the unjust intentions of his father, King Saul, in order to offer support and protection to David.

Lesson 6: October 11, 2020 Love Your Enemies Luke 6:27-36

 We often wonder how we should treat our enemies. How should we respond to them? Jesus taught his disciples to love their enemies by forgiving them, responding to their needs, and by being nonjudgmental.

 Lesson 7: October 18, 2020 Loving Your Neighbor Luke 10:25-37

Selfish desires, self-gratification, and self-interests are highly valued in our time. How can we become better neighbors to one another? Jesus challenges us to address the needs and welfare of everyone, including perceived enemies.

Isaiah 61 & 62: The Lord Loves Justice

Isaiah! Appointed by God to deliver words of confrontation and confirmation to a (seemingly) disparaged nation. They say you cannot separate a man from his message…Isaiah’s name truly sums up his message. His name means “The Lord is Salvation.” He was one of the most quoted prophets in the Bible (65 times in the New Testament). He was born to a well-off family (Isa. 7:3;8:2), married, and had two sons. He grew up in Jerusalem and responded to the call of God to ministry “in the year king Uzziah died” (Isa. 6:1; ca. 739 BC).

It is important to note the times in which Isaiah delivered his messages in the texts of our concern (chaps. 61-62). These two chapters declare (1) the good news of salvation – messianic allusions, and (2) salvation and justice/judgment for God’s people and nation. It was during the time of the divided kingdom (Judah to the south and Israel to the north). There were rampant idolatry and ritualism. Judah had not yet fallen in captivity to the Babylonians as King Hezekiah still had control and a prosperous reign (715-686 BC). Recall Hezekiah appealing to God for his life because of an illness (2 Kn. 20; Isa. 38)? Eventually, the nation would fall into captivity, with Isaiah as God’s voice (one of) to proclaim messages of judgment upon their captors, comfort to a people now Babylonian exiles, and declarations of future glory. Keep in mind, these were difficult times. 

Sunday School Materials Order Guide - BTCC/P.A. of W. 2020-2021

Leaders!!!! The time is now. Given current uncertainties and the anticipated rush to purchase Sunday School materials, we encourage you to place your orders ASAP.  We have provided a convenient alternative to getting your material.

Here's how:

1. Look at the list below (notice the price)
2. Determine how many of each item you'll need based on your congregation
3. Calculate the cost (that's your budget)
4.  Touch bases with the national superintendent


This is Apostolic Way material broken down into an age-appropriate level to facilitate a more relevant and student-centered experience.  
Pricing:

Teacher's Manual and Student's Manual  @ $5

Preschool 2 - 5

Primary  6 - 8

Juniors  9-11

Jesus' Last Week: Saturday! Is it all over? Has the Devil won the fight?

It’s Saturday! It’s the Sabbath. This will be a day of rest for the Jewish people. What was God’s command to His people about the Sabbath?

                Exod. 20: 8 “Observe the Sabbath and keep it holy. 9 You have six days in which to do your work, 10 but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to me. On that day no one is to work—neither you, your children, your slaves, your animals, nor the foreigners who live in your country. 11 In six days I, the LORD, made the earth, the sky, the seas, and everything in them, but on the seventh day I rested. That is why I, the LORD, blessed the Sabbath and made it holy.

And, so Jesus rested on the Sabbath anticipating the next move. A move He alluded to in His exchanges:

Jesus' Last Week: Friday

It’s Friday!  

So much has happened since Thursday evening. Jesus was betrayed and taken into custody. He endured a series of 6 trials! The first trial was before the High priest Annas (seeking a reason to accuse Him). The second was before the Sanhedrin, where He was condemned. The third trial was at dawn, where Peter denied him the third time. From there He was taken to the Romans. 

His fourth trial was before Pilate. His fifth trial was before Herod the king. He was once again taken to Pilate.

At this 6^th trial, Jesus was scourged, mocked, beaten, and turned over to be crucified.  In other words, Jesus was sentenced to capital punishment – death on a cross. They spit on Him, torment Him, insult Him, place a crown of thorns upon His head and lead Him out toward Golgotha.

Judas hangs himself early this morning

All of this before 9:00 am.

Jesus' Final Week: Thursday

It’s Thursday. Tomorrow, they will kill Jesus. How does Jesus and His followers spend the day?

Well, it was a long day, to say the least. Peter and John are tasked with getting ready for the Passover meal (Mk. 14:13). Would you have liked that job?

Just imagine the pressure of knowing the show is about to start, last-minute details...this is it! Three years of toil. It comes down to this last night before the curtains open. They are gathered for their last meal. Jesus sets the model for servant leadership at the gathering. Remember?