Scripture Reading: Psalm 51:11-13  Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of your salvation, and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.

A Homiletical moment

The fifteenth chapter of Luke provides the supreme illumination of
forgiveness in the Bible.  It is impossible to read it without a heartfelt
appreciation of the grandeur of God and the importance of mercy.

Forgiveness is necessary when there is sin and guilt. Every life has some
burdensome secret.  In the dark of the night when you visit the secret
caverns of your heart, guilt awakens, shows its fangs and assaults the
spirit.  The splendor of the Gospel is that God does not want us to remain
filled with guilt.  God does not desire us to make  past sins our jailer.
Jesus seeks those tormented by guilt.  That is why Jesus regularly consorted
with “sinners.”  He offered forgiveness.  He offered it even without people
confessing.  On the cross he cried out, “Father, forgive them.”

Forgiveness is the pathway to personal liberation.  When you learn to feel
forgiveness and learn how to forgive others you can let the burden of guilt.

Scripture Reading:     Galatians 2:20   “It is now no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me.”

My dear friends,

Christian education is about transformation.  Transformation is not simply a change of lifestyle patterns and actions but a radical reformation of the mind and heart.   All of us want to become more loving and caring people. When Christ lives in you he remakes you into his own likeness in his image. Genesis says that we were made in the “image and likeness” of God. Sunday School teaches more than facts—it teaches Christian living.  In other words, it is transformative.  It transforms us into Christ.  St. Paul says  “It is now no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me.”  I pray that God can use us for his service and transform us into what he would have us become.

God go with you,
PT

Scripture Reading:   Proverbs 22:6

Train children in the right way,
     and when old, they will not stray.   

My dear friends,

It’s Sunday morning, mom and dad are running around the house frantically trying to get the children ready to go. Sunday School starts at 9:45 - it’s already 9:15  and no one has their clothes on - including mom. “How is it,” mom thinks, “that no matter how early we get up we are still running late.” Dad says “Get your clothes on; it’s 9:15 we’ve got to go.” or is that mom saying that . . . It all turns into the same scene and regardless of who makes the statement it is one that is many Sunday mornings. Why is it that these parents are putting so much effort into making sure their children get
to Sunday School? Why do they even try - when they themselves get so worked
up that by the time they get to their class they aren’t in a “Sunday Morning” mood? The reason - to educate their children in the most important part of life – a living relationship with Jesus.

Sunday School offers Christian Education to every member of the family. Sunday School is designed to meet the needs of students as not other program of the church can.

 6 Reasons why I believe Sunday school is important

1. Sunday school provides a basic systematic study of the scriptures at a level
   of understanding for that age group.
   
2. Sunday school allows an opportunity for students to discuss and share about
   their needs with others in similar life situations.
3. Sunday school provides an opportunity for personal application of the
   scriptures based on the age level of the class.
4. Sunday school provides for fellowship and a sense of belonging for each
   member of the class.
5. Sunday school is a training ground for young Christians to be more
   productive in their church and gives them the opportunity to develop their
   skills and talents for the Lord.
6. Sunday school is about learning life lessons.  It is about becoming closer
   to your living Lord and growing in faith and love.

This week Sunday School begins with Rally Day.  I hope to see you there,