God’s Creative Word

The Way, the Truth, and the Life

Lesson Text: John 14:1-14

#SundaySchool #COGIC #TheWayTheTruthTheLife

When the disciple realized that His departure was imminent, they became distressed. As such, Jesus encouraged them with the image of His rising from the grave, being glorified by God the Father, and ascending to heaven. Yet, He promised to return. The Lord desired that they recognize their role as His agents, who will perform greater work than He did.

Thought to remember: The only way to the Father is through Jesus Christ.

Lesson learned: Jesus' encouraging words in John 14 allow me to know that my destiny transcends the mundane routine and challenges of everyday life. I must remember the heavenly home that He has prepared upon my departure. At the same time, I must remember that He empowered me to perform greater works for God's glory. When I feel depressed or when things look bleakest, the best response is to exercise faith, for nothing less will open the door to His peace and comfort.

My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, You sent your only Son, Jesus, to show us the way to You. I pray that You will help each of us to know You more and more every day. I repent for times that I tried to run my own life. So I am giving You my ambitions, my hopes, and my dreams. I commit my way unto You so that Your plan can become my plan. I ask for the courage to share the way, the truth, and the life I have found in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!


The Resurrection and the Life

Lesson Text: John 11:17-27

#SundaySchool #COGIC #TheGoodShepherd

Jesus gave up His life on the cross so that we could have life. Jesus starts His death, burial, and resurrection by bringing Lazarus back to life. Yet, the lesson on raising Lazarus from the dead points us to the provision of life through the death of the Son of God.

Thought to remember: Nothing in Life is hopeless as long as Jesus is on the throne.

Lesson learned: When Jesus got to Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days. Applying natural reasoning, it was a hopeless situation for Mary and Martha. The Resurrection and the Life don't work with natural logic, so Jesus wants us to rely on Him instead. Even during delays, believers must practice the truth that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. Remember, Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, You are mighty to save and redeem. Thank You that we can confidently place our hope in You in the most challenging times. I constantly pray to be reminded of the truth of Your love and care toward your loved ones. Your Word tells us to call to mind, to speak of Your wondrous works. Give me opportunities to share with others who are going through so that they may receive encouragement while placing their trust in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.



The Good Shepherd

Lesson Text: John 10:7-18

#SundaySchool #COGIC #TheGoodShepherd

You'll see how much love the Father and Son have for each other in this lesson. The same love the Son shows when he takes care of his sheep. As a result of this intimate relationship, the sheep will only hear the shepherd's voice (commands), and others don't matter.

Thought to remember: Good Shepherds are Good Leaders for Godly people.

Lesson Learned: When Jesus states, I am the door and I am the good shepherd, it means that He loves me, He protects me, and He provides for me. I cannot receive His love, protection, and provision outside the door. Therefore, I need to heed His voice and step into the door for Him to become a part of me.

My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing Your Son to become a dying Lamb, to take the guilt of our sins. We know that You turned away Your face as Jesus bore Your wrath against sin. He became sin itself when He hung on the Cross. Yet, because of His willingness to die, we have Grace. May we never forget that great sacrifice. May we never forget the gift of your perfect righteousness. Now, enable us to become good leaders for Your Kingdom. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.


The Bread of Life

Lesson Text: John 6:22-35

#SundaySchool #COGIC #TheBreadOfLife

The people Jesus fed with the ten loaves and five fishes only temporarily satisfied their hunger. Yet, Jesus offered them a permanent solution to their need and it will have an eternal beneficial option. This lesson explains their reaction to this choice.

Thought to remember: God in Christ is our source for everything.

Lesson Learned: Jesus is the Bread of Life who would make eternal life possible by fulfilling His messianic purpose. Anyone who would believe in Him would never hunger and thirst again. Manna only sustained the Israelites physically, but Jesus sustains us spiritually, making the way for eternal redemption.

My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, thank You for supplying my every need; I am so grateful to You! You are my source, my portion, and my provider. I look to You for everything I need, and Your Word promises that if I seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness that all other things will be added unto me. Help me to be content in whatever state I am in, and to always give thanks for this is Your will, concerning me. I pray that my life will be a testimony of Your goodness and draw others unto You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Healing the Blind Man

Lesson Text: John 9:1-17

#SundaySchool #COGIC #HealingTheBlindMan

This lesson reveals two significant opposites – tradition vs. progress, the old vs. new, change vs. the status quo. Jesus’ position in the New Testament seems to challenge the religious leaders with His unorthodox ministry. The Pharisees rejected the Savior in this lesson, but the blind man saw the Christ and accepted his natural and spiritual light. Are we too fighting the progress in our society to maintain the status quo?

Thought to remember: Jesus meets the needs of others and expects us to do the same.

Lesson Learned: This lesson warns me to avoid Spiritual Abuse, Legalism, or mandatory Traditions. I must examine my approach to people in need and refuse judgmental techniques when dealing with them. The blinded man’s faith led him to the pool of Siloam, where he received his sight. Such an act brought glory to God. Upon examining my actions, does God get the same glory?

My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, I ask You to forgive me when I make judgments about people, even if I didn’t say it. I thought about it. Please help me accept people for who they are and see the best in them. I pray for those in need, and when You show me their need, I beg to promptly obey You in meeting their condition, even if it is inconvenient. If it is money, I pray not to judge how they use it but leave that between you and them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.



Woman of Samaria

Lesson Text: John 4:7-15, 23-26, 28-30

This lesson reveals two significant challenges in our society today – stereotypes and hostilities between ethnic groups. Yet, Jesus demonstrates how to overcome such biases. This lesson unfolds how he avoided stereotypes and hostilities to win over an entire community.

Thought to remember: The gift of salvation is for all people.

Lesson Learned: Jesus intentionally traveled into the hostile area to win souls. His conversation with the Samaritan woman led to the conversion of many in that region. His love extends beyond societal boundaries to all people. Likewise, I, too, must overlook racial complexities, social outcasts, ethnic differences, and cultural factors to share the good news of my Savior.

My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, I am to be a carrier of Your light everywhere I go. I pray for those I encounter through the course of my day to receive Your love through me. Help me, Lord, love like You and see people beyond their exterior and reach their spirit. I pray to bring the best out of everyone I meet and that they see the best of You in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Cleansing the Temple

Lesson Text: John 2:13-22

Today’s lesson dealt with Jesus cleansing the Temple of everything that was not of God and everything that hindered true worship of the Living God. The church is a sacred place where congregants assemble to praise, lift up the name of Jesus, and hear from His inerrant Word.

Thought to remember: Understand Jesus’ actions of cleansing the Temple

Lesson Learned: The question that I ponder from this lesson is - “does my temple needs cleansing.” Since Jesus stated, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” This quote during that time lacked the understanding when spoken by Jesus. Likewise, am I looking to cleanse the church building representing the outside – the physical being or the temple representing the inside – the spiritual being.

My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, I pray that my local church is a place where Your Spirit is pleased to dwell. I pray that every sanctuary is a place of honor where Your holiness is revered. I pray to examine myself daily and quickly repent of anything that does not please You. Because Your Son gave His life for me, I present my body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto You, which is my reasonable service. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


The Living Word

Lesson Text: John 20:1-10;19-20

For three years, Jesus walked the earth, teaching His disciples and demonstrating before the Jewish religious leaders that He was the long-awaited Messiah. Finally, they rejected Him one day and conspired with the Roman government to kill him. Yet, His resurrection will enable all believers to access a new beginning.

Thought to remember: Jesus’ resurrection is evidence of His deity, His Word, and His presence with the believers.

Lesson Learned: The question that I ponder is how does my relationship with God change how I view death? Since the Apostle John reminds his readers, Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (I John 3:2) Because Jesus broke the bonds of death, I, too, must claim this same victory by accepting the exact words that he delivered to His disciples, "peace be unto me.”

My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, we thank You and praise You for giving us Jesus, His death, and His resurrection. He gave His life so that we could have life eternal. Thank You! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.


Jesus Testifies to the Truth

Lesson Text: John 18:28-37

This lesson helps believers to understand why the prosecution of Jesus was intense and rigged. Jesus’ arrest and hearing centered on bogus charges. Yet, Romans (Gentiles) and Jews were responsible for the death of Jesus. Although Jesus was wrongfully convicted, His death exposed the Truth to Man.    

Thought to remember: God’s Word is always the truth that prevails.

Lesson Learned: Reading the last few days of Jesus’ life on earth gives me a new insight into truth. Truth rarely feeds anyone genuinely innocent. Yet, Jesus’ truth rebuilds my heart and my soul. His truth exposes my sins and enables me to flourish in the Kingdom of Heaven.

My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, You continually bless us with Your love, mercy, and presence in our lives. Thank you for standing up for us through the ridicule and suffering that began even before You were nailed to the Cross. Thank you for your demonstrated love, and likewise, I must respectively show my love to you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.


God's Word Saves

Lesson Text: John 3:11-21

One's heart must believe in Jesus totally to gain access into God's Kingdom. So the question we must ponder is our true belief in Jesus. Unlike Nicodemus, who lacked the understanding of the real Savior, we must grasp the rationale for Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.

Thought to remember: God's Word is essential to rescue a dommed world.

Lesson Learned: Jesus teaches Nicodemus about the relationship between faith and life. By recalling what happened in the wilderness with the Israelites, we today must look to Jesus with the same belief of deliverance from our sinful nature. Like a snake is believed to be more sinful than any other creature. Likewise, our faith in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection makes us acceptable in God's sight.

My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, thank You for Your abounding love in us and us. We thank You for forgiving us so much more than we deserve. Thank You for leading and guiding us to learn how to love and share Your love while learning to love ourselves. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.


The Wedding at Cana

Lesson Text: John 2:1-11

Marriage in the Bible consisted of feasts of joyous celebrations with much wine that could go on for days. Culturally, running out of wine brought shame and embracement to the bridegroom family. Yet, Mary intervenes with a request from her son, Jesus. His intervention created a different joyous event and avoided a disaster.

Thought to remember: God saves the best for last!

Lesson Learned: The significance of Jesus' first miracle rests in the results. He transforms what seems disaster into a joyous and praiseworthy event. So, likewise, when I obey His words, the results will transform my life.

My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, Your love, Your awesomeness, and Your miracles are true blessings to us. Thank You for Your miracles and help us not take them for granted, but share Your love and mercy with others. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.


The Word Became Flesh

Lesson Text: John 1:1-14

Jesus was more than a personification of God's revelation, but He was indeed God's perfect revelation of Himself in the flesh. Because He was both divine and human, His light illuminated our path toward God.

Thought to remember: Jesus is God, the I AM. He existed before the creation.

Lesson Learned: When Jesus walked the earth, many lacked the faith to believe that he was both divine and human. Likewise, many today lack faith. So, I must refrain from becoming like Philip when he asked Jesus to show him the Father. Jesus' reply is still valid today – he that hath seen me hath seen the Father. (John 14:9)

My Prayer: Dearest, our Heavenly Father, keep us in Your care, and remind us of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. We bless You, and we praise You. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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Wisdom's Part in Creation

Lesson Text: Proverbs 8:22-35

This lesson opens with a personification of Wisdom as a woman. Proverbs 8 is Lady Wisdom calling out for people to listen to her message. Lady Wisdom tells us that she was with God initially and was instrumental in the universe's design.

Thought to remember: Wisdom is a life-giving source.

Lesson Learned: Wisdom is necessary as I walk toward the direction of Christ. Wisdom wants me to listen and follow her advice, leading me into a blessed life and eternal life forever. I, too, realize that the Word of God contains Wisdom.

My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, I realize that God's Wisdom is precious and wonderful to have and to keep. Therefore, show us how to use Wisdom in our personal and collective lives. Help us see Jesus as true Wisdom for us to have each day. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.