As we celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s appropriate to reflect on the importance of giving thanks from a Christian perspective, examining especially Jesus’ example and the impact it has for us. In this month’s blog, you’ll find valuable insights to share with students and ideas for reinforcing activities. Giving thanks keeps us mindful of God’s continuous generosity. … Continue Reading
Why the Protestant Reformation matters Look around you. We live in a society that is increasingly hostile to organized religion and even the basic concept of absolute truth. Even among confessing Christians, there has been a mass exodus from the historical denominations toward non-denominational churches. Both within and without the sanctuary walls, it seems that … Continue Reading
It’s often a struggle to understand, let alone teach, the freedom that we have in Christ. In the United States we enjoy a standard of living and degree of freedom unmatched in human history and unparalleled in the modern world. When one can enter a grocery store and find an entire aisle devoted to nothing … Continue Reading
As Lutherans baptize infants, it’s possible that children could pass their entire childhood before learning God’s truth about baptism during confirmation instruction. We teach God’s Word regarding baptism for the same reasons we baptize: 1) God commands that we do; 2) We need it. Jesus says in Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all … Continue Reading
Have you ever heard the expression, the days are long but the years are short? If you are a leader or volunteer in children’s ministry, you can relate to the truthfulness of this expression. I can vividly remember a young boy named Kevin, who was always moving as though he had a battery pack of endless energy. … Continue Reading
Parables are some of the most engaging portions of Scripture and are ideal for use in the Sunday School classroom. Understanding Jesus’ purpose in teaching through parables takes us to John’s words in chapter twenty of his Gospel,”. . . but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of … Continue Reading
It seems that late winter and early spring afford us nothing but letdowns. Thanksgiving starts the Christmas season. With Advent our hearts gear up for the coming of Jesus! Then the decorations come down, the hymns are gone. Wait, we’ve still got New Year’s! If that’s enough to repulse the winter blahs, how about the … Continue Reading
Lent is a penitential season of the Church year. As such, it is a time for sober reflection on the reality of our sins and the burdensome cost that Christ paid to set us free. So, it is appropriate for Christians to take on a somber mood. At the same time, we recognize that we … Continue Reading
For many of our students, the lessons we teach enhance the things they are learning in worship and at home. For some, these lessons are the only opportunities they have to hear the saving Gospel. We want to share the Gospel effectively. We strive to find time for lesson preparation. Here are three easy tips … Continue Reading
We hear about the Passion story at church. We read about it. But what would it be like to experience it? Invite your church and community to Journey to the Cross. This outreach and educational event encourages children and adults to walk the path that Jesus walked—and to experience the joy of Palm Sunday, the disappointment … Continue Reading
