David C. Cook Bible-In-Life SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON REVIEW

David C. Cook Bible-In-Life SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON REVIEW March, April, May 2004 The Bible-in-Life Sunday School Lesson Review is designed to help Sunday school leaders understand and maintain uniform teaching direction throughout the quarter. As a pastor you will be able to tell at a glance what the children are studying. Sermon, children s sermons, and church time activities can be organized so that Sunday school themes can be supported throughout the entire Sunday morning experience. As a Christian education director you will be able to see the Bible Basis for each age level and the focus of each lesson. You will be able to organize opening programs, plan whole school worship services, order materials needed for activities, and plan for special programs that might be valuable for your students. The Sunday School Lesson Review makes teacher training more efficient and effective since you can see at a glance exactly what each teacher needs to know each Sunday. The Sunday school superintendent will find the Sunday School Lesson Review important for supporting teachers in their planning and preparation. Classroom arrangements, large or small group activities, and bulletin board ideas can be prepared ahead of time to make Sunday morning easier for your teachers. 1

David C. Cook Bible-In-Life SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON REVIEW Copyright '2003 Cook Communications Ministries. All rights reserved Bible-in-Life curriculum has unified Themes which are assigned for each unit (units normally coincide with calendar months). This makes possible unified teacher training, lesson introduction, or review in combined assembly and home activities. A thorough Bible study program for all ages Toddler/2 curriculum targets the unique needs of two-year olds in a two-year cycle. Preschool and Early Elementary curriculum use their own Unified Themes in a two-year cycle, which take into consideration the special needs of these children. Elementary High School classes are studying the same book or period of Bible history with age-level appropriate lessons that support the Unified Theme. This curriculum is on a three-year cycle. Adult curriculum is built around the Uniform Lesson Series, which provides comprehensive and in-depth Bible study for the adult learner. Comprehensive Bible Study from the Adult curriculum is covered on page 17. Cycles adapted for each specific age level Scripture texts are carefully selected for each lesson according to the students age-level experiences and learning abilities. Not all age-levels will be studying the same text. Toddler/2 uses specific themes and Bible passages to which they can relate. Preschool and Early Elementary curriculum has a two-year cycle of topical Unified Themes. Bible coverage correlation for the Elementary High School age levels is achieved by the fact that these age levels are studying the same book of the Bible or the same historic period throughout the three-year cycle (e.g., Paul s missionary journeys and related Pauline Epistles) except for summer topical studies. Designed to take students completely through the Bible nearly four times Bible-in-Life Sunday school lessons systematically cover all sections of the Bible at each level. Grades 2-12 Sunday school students progress through the Bible together, studying the same themes and related texts. 2

The Unified Themes March, April, May 2004 Toddler/2 Units Unit 7: GOD GIVES US lessons show how God provides for daily needs. Unit 8: JESUS IS SPECIAL lessons help children understand Jesus uniqueness through the pre-easter events. Unit 9: GOD MADE THE WORLD lessons present God s creation. Lessons emphasize the values of trust, thankfulness, awareness.. Preschool and Early Elementary Units Unit 7: GOD GIVES US HIS SPECIAL SON lessons show the uniqueness of Jesus in the events before and after Easter. Unit 8: GOD GIVES US A WONDERFUL WORLD lessons look at God s creation of plants, seasons, animals, and people. Unit 9: GOD GIVES US WHAT WE NEED TO LIVE lessons help children understand how God takes care of every need. Preschool lessons emphasize the values of appreciation, faithfulness, goodness. Early Elementary lesson values are creativity, appreciation, dependability. Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, and High School Units Unit 7: WHERE WE HURT lessons show how Jesus cared for people s physical and spiritual needs. Unit 8: WHAT WE NEED lessons focus on the latter part of Jesus ministry, His death, and resurrection. Unit 9: HOW WE RELATE lessons help students discover and implement God s guidelines for building good relationships and healing broken ones. Elementary lessons emphasize the values of reverence, conviction, forgiveness. Upper Elementary lesson values are repentance, forgiveness, thankfulness. Middle School lesson values are conviction, dependability, forgiveness. High School lesson values are commitment, unselfishness, trustworthiness. 3

Lesson 1, March 7 Unit 7: GOD GIVES US Bible Basis: Hannah provides for Samuel s needs (1 Samuel 1:20,26,27; 2;18,19,26). Lesson Focus: God gives us clothes. Unit 7: GOD GIVES US HIS SPECIAL SON Bible Basis: Jesus walks on the water (Matthew 14:22-32). Lesson Focus: Jesus is God s special Son. Bible Basis: Peter learns Jesus is God s Son (John 1:35-42; Matthew 16:13-17). Lesson Focus: We can know that Jesus is God s Son. Unit 7: WHERE WE HURT Bible Basis: Jesus teaches Nicodemus about being born again (John 3:1-21). Lesson Focus: Jesus offers eternal life. UPPER Bible Basis: Jesus came to call sinners to repentance (Luke 5:27-32). Lesson Focus: Jesus loves us even though we sin. Bible Basis: John the Baptist asks about Christ (Luke 7:18-23). Lesson Focus: Jesus is the answer to our doubts. Bible Basis: Christ provides the only way to God for sinful people (Luke 5:18-25; 1 Timothy 2:3-5). Lesson Focus: Jesus can forgive our sins. 4

Lesson 2, March 14 Unit 7: GOD GIVES US Bible Basis: God provides food for Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 16:11-18). Lessons Focus: God gives us food. Unit 7: GOD GIVES US HIS SPECIAL SON Bible Basis: Jesus travels from place to place (Mark 1:21-22, 29, 35-39; Luke 4:14-16). Lesson Focus: We learn about Jesus at church and home. Bible Basis: Jesus prays for His friends (John 17:6-25; Hebrews 7:24-25). Lesson Focus: Jesus prays for us because He loves us. Unit 7: WHERE WE HURT Bible Basis: Jesus tells an outcast Samaritan woman who He is (John 4:3-43). Lesson Focus: Jesus offers eternal life to all people. UPPER Bible Basis: Nicodemus hears what it means to be born again (John 3:1-16). Lesson Focus: Jesus wants us to be in His family. Bible Basis: Jesus confronts a rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-21). Lesson Focus: Jesus confronts us about our security. Bible Basis: Christ tells Nicodemus how to become God s child (John 3:3-15). Lesson Focus: Jesus offers the way to start over. 5

Lesson 3, March 21 Unit 7: GOD GIVES US Bible Basis: God provides water for Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 15:22 17:6). Lesson Focus: God gives us water. Unit 7: GOD GIVES US HIS SPECIAL SON Bible Basis: Jesus prays for the disciples and all believers (John 17:6-25; Heb.7:24-25). Lesson Focus: Jesus prays for us. Bible Basis: Jesus heals Jairus s daughter (Mark 5:21-24,35-43; Matthew 9:18-19, 23-26; Luke 8:40-42, 49-56). Lesson Focus: Jesus uses His power to help us. Unit 7: WHERE WE HURT Bible Basis: Jesus heals and forgives a sick man who is lowered through a roof (Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26). Lesson Focus: Jesus has the power to forgive sins. UPPER Bible Basis: The Samaritan woman at the well learns who Jesus is (John 4:4-30, 39-42). Lesson Focus: Jesus gives us good news to share. Bible Basis: Jesus heals and forgives a paralytic (Mark 2:1-12). Lesson Focus: Jesus can forgive our sins. Bible Basis: Christ appreciates the Samaritans, whom the Jews often despised (Luke 9:51-56; John 4:3, 4, 39-42). Lesson Focus: Jesus confronts prejudice. 6

Lesson 4, March 28 Unit 8: JESUS IS SPECIAL Bible Basis: Jesus who gives to us is always with us (Matthew 7:7-11; 28:20; Romans 8:35). Lesson Focus: Jesus is special. Unit 7: GOD GIVES US HIS SPECIAL SON Bible Basis: God made many beautiful plants (Genesis 1:11-12; 2:9; Deuteronomy 8:7-8; Ecclesiastes 3:11). Lesson Focus: God made plants. Bible Basis: God created many different kinds of plants (Genesis 1:11-12; 2:9a). Lesson Focus: Only God can make plants. Unit 7: WHERE WE HURT Bible Basis: Jesus befriends Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10). Lesson Focus: Jesus accepts us when no one else does. UPPER Bible Basis: A paralyzed man receives forgiveness and healing from Jesus (Mark 2:1-12). Lesson Focus: Jesus can help us with all our needs. Bible Basis: Jesus talks with Nicodemus about the new birth (John 3:1-8, 16-21, 36). Lesson Focus: Jesus offers new life. Bible Basis: Christ forewarns His followers of persecution (Matthew 10:34-39; John 15:18-21; 16:33). Lesson Focus: Following Jesus brings both peace and pain. 7

Lesson 5, April 4 Unit 8: JESUS IS SPECIAL Bible Basis: The crowds cheer Jesus as he enters Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11). Lesson Focus: Jesus is king! Unit 7: GOD GIVES US HIS SPECIAL SON Bible Basis: Jesus entered Jerusalem as its King (Luke 19:29-38; John 12:12-13). Lesson Focus: Jesus is king! Bible Basis: Jesus entered Jerusalem as its King (Luke 19:29-38; John 12:12-19). Lesson Focus: We can praise Jesus our King! Unit 8: WHAT WE NEED Bible Basis: Jesus foretells the Spirit s coming (John 13:1-3; 14:16-19, 25-27; 15:26; 16:7). Lesson Focus: Jesus promises to send a Helper. UPPER Bible Basis: Isaiah prophesies the coming of God s Savior (Isaiah 53:5-6). Peter says Jesus is the Son of God (Matthew 16:13-16). John says Jesus is the Savior of the world (1 John 4:14-15). Lesson Focus: Jesus is God s Son and our Savior. Bible Basis: Jesus helps His disciples respond kindly and courteously to hostile Samaritans (Luke 9:51-56; Matthew 5:38-48). Lesson Focus: Always respond in love. Bible Basis: Christ s condescension is the Christian model (Philippians 2:1-9). Lesson Focus: We need to have the attitude of Christ. 8

Lesson 6, April 11 Unit 8: JESUS IS SPECIAL Bible Basis: Jesus rises from the dead (Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-10). Lesson Focus: Jesus is alive! Unit 8: GOD GIVES US A WONDERFUL WORLD Bible Basis: Joseph of Arimathea buried Jesus body after His death (Matthew 27:50, 57-60). Mary saw Jesus, who was alive again (John 20:11-18). Lesson Focus: Jesus is alive! Bible Basis: Jesus died and rose from the dead (Luke 23:46 24:12; 1 Corinthians 15:4-5). Lesson Focus: We can believe that Jesus is alive! Unit 8: WHAT WE NEED Bible Basis: Jesus authority is questioned (Mark 11:27-33). Jesus tells the parable of the vineyard about His forthcoming death (Mark 12:1-12). Jesus is crucified (Mark 15:24-39). Lesson Focus: God sent His Son to die for our sins. UPPER Bible Basis: Jesus is crucified for our sins and then rises from the dead (Matthew 27:1-50; 28:1-6; 2 Corinthians 5:15-21). Lesson Focus: Jesus traded His life for our sins. Bible Basis: Witnesses to the Resurrection affirm Christ s victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3-7, 51-58). Lesson Focus: Jesus rose: we share the victory. Bible Basis: Christ s exaltation affects Christian living (Philippians 2:9-13). Lesson Focus: We need a worshipful response to who Christ is. 9

Lesson 7, April 18 Unit 9: GOD MADE THE WORLD Bible Basis: God created the light and darkness (Genesis 1:3-5, 14-19). Lesson Focus: God made daytime and nighttime. Unit 8: GOD GIVES US A WONDERFUL WORLD Bible Basis: God made the seasons (Genesis 1:14; Psalm 147:15-18; Song of Songs 2:11-13). Lesson Focus: God made seasons. Bible Basis: God created many different kinds of animals (Genesis 1:20-25). Lesson Focus: God made all kinds of animals. Unit 8: WHAT WE NEED Bible Basis: Jesus followers are stunned by the empty tomb (Luke 24:1-12; John 10:17-18). Lesson Focus: Jesus is alive! UPPER Bible Basis: The risen Christ explains the Scriptures to discouraged disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). Lesson Focus: Knowing the Bible helps us learn about Jesus. Bible Basis: The risen Christ restores Peter after His failure (John 21:3-17). Lesson Focus: Jesus loves us in spite of our failure. Bible Basis: Worshipers make music unto God (Psalm 150; Revelation 15:2c-4). Lesson Focus: Praise God with music. 10

Lesson 8, April 25 Unit 9: GOD MADE THE WORLD Bible Basis: God created plants (Genesis 1:11-13). Lesson Focus: God made trees and flowers. Unit 8: GOD GIVES US A WONDERFUL WORLD Bible Basis: God made the animals (Genesis 1:20-25). Lesson Focus: God made animals. Bible Basis: God created people as His special creation (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:18-22; Psalm 8). Lesson Focus: People are God s special creation. Unit 8: WHAT WE NEED Bible Basis: Jesus explains the Scriptures to two followers on the Emmaus road (Luke 24:13-35). Lesson Focus: Jesus opens the Scriptures to us. UPPER Bible Basis: The risen Jesus appears to His disciples and satisfies their doubts (Luke 24:36-48; John 20:24-31). Lesson Focus: Jesus can prove Himself to doubters. Bible Basis: Jesus introduces His Spirit, who lives within each Christian (John 14:15-21, 26). Lesson Focus: The Holy Spirit works in our daily lives. Bible Basis: Paul prays for maturity in Christian living (Philippians 1:3-11). Lesson Focus: We need to pray for each other. 11

Lesson 9, May 2 Unit 9: GOD MADE THE WORLD Bible Basis: God created animals (Genesis 1:20-23). Lesson Focus: God made birds. Unit 8: GOD GIVES US A WONDERFUL WORLD Bible Basis: God made people (Genesis 1:26-31; 2:18-22). Lesson Focus: God made people. Bible Basis: God wants people to care for His world (Genesis 1:26-31; 2:7-8, 15, 18-23). Lesson Focus: God wants people to care for His world. Unit 9: HOW WE RELATE Bible Basis: Jacob tricks his brother and father (Genesis 25:27-34; 27:1-45). Lesson Focus: Being honest helps us get along with others. UPPER Bible Basis: Jacob tricks Esau and Isaac (Genesis 25:27-34; 27:1-46). Lesson Focus: Do to others what you want them to do to you. Bible Basis: Jacob s family doesn t have healthy relationships (Genesis 27:1-24, 30, 41). Lesson Focus: Honor God in all relationships. Bible Basis: Family dynamics with Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Esau (Genesis 25:24-34; 27:1-45). Lesson Focus: Selfishness destroys relationships. 12

Lesson 10, May 9 Unit 9: GOD MADE THE WORLD Bible Basis: God created animals (Genesis 1:20-23). Lesson Focus: God made fish. Unit 9: GOD GIVES US WHAT WE NEED TO LIVE Bible Basis: God provides food for the people (Exodus 16:11-18; Numbers 11:7-8). Lesson Focus: God gives us food. Bible Basis: God helps Elisha have a place to live (2 Kings 4:8-13). Lesson Focus: God cares about where we live. Unit 9: HOW WE RELATE Bible Basis: Jacob makes up with Esau (Genesis 27:41 33:17). Lesson Focus: Forgiving heals hurts. UPPER Bible Basis: Jacob ends his feud with Esau (Genesis 32:1 33:17). Lesson Focus: Do what you can to make peace with others. Bible Basis: Jacob, the deceiver, meets his match in Laban (Genesis 29:13-30; 31:38-45, 51-53). Lesson Focus: Keeping promises builds relationships. Bible Basis: Joseph relates to his brothers (Genesis 37). Lesson Focus: Jealousy hurts relationships. 13

Lesson 11, May 16 Unit 9: GOD MADE THE WORLD Bible Basis: God created animals (Genesis 1:24, 25). Lesson Focus: God made big animals. Unit 9: GOD GIVES US WHAT WE NEED TO LIVE Bible Basis: Samuel is raised by caring adults (1 Samuel 1:20, 26-27; 2:18-19, 26). Lesson Focus: God gives us people who care for us. Bible Basis: David and Jonathan become friends (1 Samuel 18:1-4; 19:1-7; 20:1-42). Lesson Focus: Be friends to others. Unit 9: HOW WE RELATE Bible Basis: Joseph s jealous brothers mistreat him (Genesis 37). Lesson Focus: Jealousy hurts us. UPPER Bible Basis: Joseph is sold into slavery by his jealous, angry brothers (Genesis 37:1-36). Lesson Focus: Be careful when you feel jealous of others. Bible Basis: Esau forgives Jacob (Genesis 33:1-11). Lesson Focus: Forgiveness tears down walls between people. Bible Basis: Joseph relates to Potiphar and his wife (Genesis 39:1-10). Lesson Focus: God calls us to integrity in moral situations. 14

Lesson 12, May 23 Unit 9: GOD MADE THE WORLD Bible Basis: God created animals (Genesis 1:24, 25). Lesson Focus: God made little animals. Unit 9: GOD GIVES US WHAT WE NEED TO LIVE Bible Basis: God gives water for the people (Exodus 17:1-6). Lesson Focus: God gives us water. Bible Basis: The Israelites cross the Red Sea (Exodus 14:1-31). Lesson Focus: God can help us when we are afraid. Unit 9: HOW WE RELATE Bible Basis: Joseph is faithful both in the prison and in the palace (Genesis 39:1 41:57). Lesson Focus: We can honor God when life s not fair. UPPER Bible Basis: Joseph is trustworthy in Potiphar s house and in prison (Genesis 39:1 41:57). Lesson Focus: Be faithful to God in all you do. Bible Basis: Joseph uses his privileged position to provide for his estranged family (Genesis 45:1-11). Lesson Focus: God can use our experiences to help others. Bible Basis: Joseph, as a prisoner, remembers God and is remembered by God (Genesis 39:20 40:23; 41:1, 15-16, 28, 37-40). Lesson Focus: In times of disappointment, God is still with us. 15

Lesson 13, May 30 Bible Basis: God created people (Genesis 1:26-31). Lesson Focus: God made people. Unit 9: GOD GIVES US WHAT WE NEED TO LIVE Bible Basis: God provides for all our needs (Genesis 1:29; 2:8-10, 15, 18; 3:20-21). Lesson Focus: God gives us what we need. Bible Basis: God gives His commandments to Moses (Exodus 19:1-25; 20:1-17). Lesson Focus: God gives us rules. Unit 9: HOW WE RELATE Bible Basis: Joseph returns good to his brothers who did evil to him (Genesis 41:14 47:12). Lesson Focus: Don t try to get even; do good. UPPER Bible Basis: Joseph forgives the brothers who wronged him (Genesis 42:1 47:12). Lesson Focus: Forgive those who hurt you. Bible Basis: Jacob dies; Joseph reassures his brothers of God s sovereignty in the events of his life (Genesis 49:29 50:21). Lesson Focus: God is in control. Bible Basis: Joseph is reconciled with his brothers (Genesis 45:1-7, 12-15; 50:15-20). Lesson Focus: Reconciliation repairs relationships. 16

ADULT COMPREHENSIVE BIBLE STUDY UNIT 1: The Road to Death 1. March 7 Bible Basis: Matthew 26:3-15, 20-25 Lesson Focus: Generosity and compassion are never wasted. 2. March 14 Bible Basis: Luke 1:67-80 Lesson Focus: Preparation is an important part of worship. 3. March 21 Bible Basis: Matthew 26:36-50 Lesson Focus: Christ s followers should be watchful and alert. 4. March 28 Bible Basis: Mark 14:55-64; 15:1-2, 12-15 Lesson Focus: Be careful with your preconceived ideas. UNIT 2: Victory through Death 5. April 4 Bible Basis: John 19:16b-24, 26-30 Lesson Focus: We can care for others, even when we re suffering. 6. April 11 Bible Basis: Matthew 28:1-15 Lesson Focus: We are modern-day witnesses of Jesus resurrection. 7. April 18 Bible Basis: 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10; 3:6-10 Lesson Focus: Be a model of faith for others to imitate. 8. April 25 Bible Basis: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:2-11 Lesson Focus: Encourage fellow Christians with the promise of Christ s return. LIVING EXPECTANTLY UNIT 3: Preparing for the Lord s Return 9. May 2 Bible Basis: 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4, 11-12; 2:13 3:4 Lesson Focus: Find courage and strength in the Lord during hard times. 10. May 9 Bible Basis: Revelation 5:1-10 Lesson Focus: Jesus the Lamb is worthy of our worship. 11. May 16 Bible Basis: Revelation 7:1-3, 9-10, 14 (begin with These )-17 Lesson Focus: No one is excluded from God s offer of salvation. 12. May 23 Bible Basis: Revelation 14:6-13 Lesson Focus: The hour of God s judgment is coming. 13. May 30 Bible Basis: Revelation 21:1-7, 22-27 Lesson Focus: Our inheritance is eternity with God. 17