SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE
Sunday School at our Church, Please Come Join Us!
Sunday School at our Church, Please Come Join Us!
9:45 am: ASSEMBLY (General S.S.-wide assembly to receive instruction, direction, prayer & encouragement).
10:00 am CLASS START (Dismiss assembly to go to their individual classes for prayer and lesson)
10:40 - 10:45 am: CONCLUSION (Wrap up Lesson, Dismiss for Choir Rehearsal, prepare for main worship service, etc.)
10:00 am CLASS START (Dismiss assembly to go to their individual classes for prayer and lesson)
10:40 - 10:45 am: CONCLUSION (Wrap up Lesson, Dismiss for Choir Rehearsal, prepare for main worship service, etc.)
Our Classes
Co-Ed Adults ClassTeacher: Lynette Dean
Substitute Teacher: Duane Lietha Substitute Teacher: Dennis Riggs (3-8-26) |
Ladies ClassTeacher: Cathy Marieh (Alternates Priscilla, etc.)
Lesson Plan: Same as Co-Ed Adults (see below) |
BIBLE Studies for Life: (SPRING 2026)
|
Session: 2
Date of First Use: March 8, 2026 Title: God Is Love The Point: We can only truly know love by knowing God. Life Connection: For many people, love means whatever they want it to mean. They can express a deep and profound love for someone or something, but later that love disappears. Too often our examples of love disappoint or fail us. We see in God a whole different example of love. He is the very embodiment of love because He is love. The Bible shows us that we can know and experience that love through Jesus Christ. Session Passage: 1 John 4:7-19 
|
LESSON SCRIPTURE
1 John 4:7-19 (KJV)
7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
19 We love him, because he first loved us.
Dennis' Notes:
1 John 4:7 commands believers to practice active, sacrificial love (agape) because God is the source and definition of love. It teaches that genuine love for others is the primary evidence of spiritual rebirth (being "born of God") and an intimate, personal knowledge of Him.
1 John 4:8 states that failing to show love—specifically selfless, sacrificial "agape" love—proves a lack of true relationship with God. Because God's very nature is love, those who know Him will reflect His character by loving others. It emphasizes that love is not just an action, but essential to God's identity
1 John 4:9 explains that God’s love is not just a feeling, but a concrete action: sending Jesus, His only Son, to Earth to save humanity from sin and death. This act of sacrifice enables people to have eternal life and a restored relationship with God. It highlights that true love originates from God, not from human effort
The Cross is the ultimate proof: If there is doubt about God's love, this verse points to the cross as the supreme demonstration
1 John 4:10 defines true love not as human affection for God, but as God’s initiating, sacrificial love in sending Jesus to atone for human sin. It highlights that God loved humanity first, despite our sins, and provided the necessary sacrifice (propitiation) to satisfy justice and reconcile us to Him.
God's Initiative: God took the first step, loving humanity even when we were not loving Him back. The Propitiation: Jesus’ death on the cross serves as the "propitiation" (an atoning sacrifice) that satisfies God’s justice and removes the guilt of sin.
Propitiation refers to the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ satisfying the righteous wrath of God against sin, thereby turning away judgment and enabling reconciliation. It signifies the atoning sacrifice (often linked to the Greek hilasmos) that justifies sinners and makes it consistent with God's holy character to offer mercy.
1 John 4:11 states, "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another" (KJV), highlighting that God's unconditional love (demonstrated by sending His Son) is the foundation and motivation for believers to love others. This command signifies that loving others is a direct
1 John 4:12 , which highlights that while God is invisible to human eyes, His presence and love become tangible and "perfected" or "complete" within believers when they actively love one another. It serves as a testimony that communal love is the primary evidence of God's dwelling within humanity
1 John 4:13 in the King James Version states that the presence of the Holy Spirit within believers is the evidence of mutual indwelling between them and God. This verse highlights that God's Spirit acts as a witness of this relationship, signifying a bond of love, faith, and communion
1 John 4:14 , which serves as a foundational apostolic witness to the divinity and mission of Jesus Christ. The verse emphasizes that eyewitnesses (the apostles) testify that God the Father sent the Son, Jesus, specifically to be the Savior of the world
1 John 4:15 in the Bible affirms that acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God establishes a reciprocal, intimate, and abiding relationship with God. This confession indicates a heart-felt belief that connects a person to God's love and indwelling Spirit.
ey insights on this verse include: Significance: It serves as evidence of being "born again" and living in God's love.
Context: Written to counter false teachers who denied Jesus's incarnation, this verse emphasizes the necessity of recognizing both Jesus's humanity and divinity. Meaning: "Confessing" involves more than intellectual agreement; it is an open declaration of faith and a commitment to a life in union with God
1 John 4:16, "And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him" (KJV), highlights that Christian faith is rooted in experiencing and trusting God’s foundational, self-giving nature. Abiding in love—acting with compassion and grace—is described as the evidence of remaining in union with God.
Key Aspects of 1 John 4:16 Known and Believed: This indicates a personal, experiential knowledge of God's love, not just intellectual understanding. God is Love: Love is not just an attribute of God, but His very nature and essence.
Abiding/Dwelling: Those who live in a state of love remain in close, continued communion with God. Reciprocal Indwelling: The verse promises that if one lives in love, they dwell in God, and God dwells within them. This passage serves as a core tenet of Christian theology, emphasizing that love for others is the mark of a true believer and proof of God’s presence within them
1 John 4:17 (KJV) addresses the confidence a believer can have regarding the final judgment, anchored in their present, transformed identity in Christ.
John 4:17 "Herein is our love made perfect..." (Made Complete/Mature): This refers to God’s love reaching its intended goal or maturity within the believer. It is not merely a feeling but is demonstrated by active love toward others, which proves the presence of God’s love in the heart. "...that we may have boldness in the day of judgment..." (Confidence): "Boldness" (parrēsia) means having free access, confidence, and lack of fear when facing God, similar to having a confident, open speech before a judge. It means not being afraid of condemnation. "...because as he is, so are we in this world." (Union with Christ): This is the foundational reason for the confidence. Because of their union with Christ, believers share His standing before the Father. "As He is" refers to the risen, glorified, and righteous Christ. "So are we" indicates that God sees the believer justified and holy through Christ. "In this world" emphasizes that this reality is true now, not just in heaven.
Context and Implications Removal of Fear (v. 18): Perfected love drives out the fear of punishment. A fearful life—fear of death or judgment—indicates that love is not yet fully formed or "perfected" in that person. Evidence of Faith: This passage serves as a test of true faith. The presence of this love is evidence that one is "born of God" and thus shielded by the propitiation (the sacrifice for sin) that Christ provided. Daily Life vs. Judgment: The ability to be "as He is" in the world is shown by practicing love and obedience to God, which prepares the believer to face the day of judgment with joy rather than fear. In short, 1 John 4:17 means that as believers walk in love and obedience, they are transformed into the likeness of Jesus. Because they are united with Him, they share His righteousness and can face the final judgment with absolute confidence, knowing they are under grace, not condemnation.
1 John 4:18 (often cited from NIV or ESV) highlights that mature, unconditional love—specifically God’s love—eliminates fear. Because fear stems from dread of punishment or judgment, experiencing perfect love provides the security that removes that fear, indicating that one still fearing is not yet fully embracing this, say Facebook posts.
Key Aspects of the Passage: Definition of Perfect Love: Refers to a complete, mature, and unconditional love, particularly God's love, which is free from doubt and conditions. Fear and Punishment: Fear is associated with the expectation of punishment or judgment, which contradicts the security of being loved. The Goal of Love: As one grows in experiencing and trusting God's love, fear is driven out or "cast out".
Context: The verse is often interpreted in the context of salvation, where understanding one is secure in Christ removes the fear of eternal judgment.
How to Live in This Love: Surrender and Trust: Daily surrendering to God and trusting His word, notes Pastorrick.com/study. Recognize God's Love: Understanding that God’s love is not based on performance.
Receive and Extend Love: Allowing oneself to be loved by God to then love others without fear.
"We love him, because he first loved us" is a foundational Christian scripture found in 1 John 4:19 (KJV/NKJV). It highlights that human love for God is not initiated by humans, but is a response to the preemptive, unconditional love God has already shown. Key Meaning and Context: Divine Initiative: God loved humanity first, even while they were sinners or, as some interpretations suggest, enemies. The Source of Love: This verse establishes that God is the source of all true love; our capacity to love Him and others stems from His love poured into our lives.
7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
19 We love him, because he first loved us.
Dennis' Notes:
1 John 4:7 commands believers to practice active, sacrificial love (agape) because God is the source and definition of love. It teaches that genuine love for others is the primary evidence of spiritual rebirth (being "born of God") and an intimate, personal knowledge of Him.
1 John 4:8 states that failing to show love—specifically selfless, sacrificial "agape" love—proves a lack of true relationship with God. Because God's very nature is love, those who know Him will reflect His character by loving others. It emphasizes that love is not just an action, but essential to God's identity
1 John 4:9 explains that God’s love is not just a feeling, but a concrete action: sending Jesus, His only Son, to Earth to save humanity from sin and death. This act of sacrifice enables people to have eternal life and a restored relationship with God. It highlights that true love originates from God, not from human effort
The Cross is the ultimate proof: If there is doubt about God's love, this verse points to the cross as the supreme demonstration
1 John 4:10 defines true love not as human affection for God, but as God’s initiating, sacrificial love in sending Jesus to atone for human sin. It highlights that God loved humanity first, despite our sins, and provided the necessary sacrifice (propitiation) to satisfy justice and reconcile us to Him.
God's Initiative: God took the first step, loving humanity even when we were not loving Him back. The Propitiation: Jesus’ death on the cross serves as the "propitiation" (an atoning sacrifice) that satisfies God’s justice and removes the guilt of sin.
Propitiation refers to the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ satisfying the righteous wrath of God against sin, thereby turning away judgment and enabling reconciliation. It signifies the atoning sacrifice (often linked to the Greek hilasmos) that justifies sinners and makes it consistent with God's holy character to offer mercy.
1 John 4:11 states, "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another" (KJV), highlighting that God's unconditional love (demonstrated by sending His Son) is the foundation and motivation for believers to love others. This command signifies that loving others is a direct
1 John 4:12 , which highlights that while God is invisible to human eyes, His presence and love become tangible and "perfected" or "complete" within believers when they actively love one another. It serves as a testimony that communal love is the primary evidence of God's dwelling within humanity
1 John 4:13 in the King James Version states that the presence of the Holy Spirit within believers is the evidence of mutual indwelling between them and God. This verse highlights that God's Spirit acts as a witness of this relationship, signifying a bond of love, faith, and communion
1 John 4:14 , which serves as a foundational apostolic witness to the divinity and mission of Jesus Christ. The verse emphasizes that eyewitnesses (the apostles) testify that God the Father sent the Son, Jesus, specifically to be the Savior of the world
1 John 4:15 in the Bible affirms that acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God establishes a reciprocal, intimate, and abiding relationship with God. This confession indicates a heart-felt belief that connects a person to God's love and indwelling Spirit.
ey insights on this verse include: Significance: It serves as evidence of being "born again" and living in God's love.
Context: Written to counter false teachers who denied Jesus's incarnation, this verse emphasizes the necessity of recognizing both Jesus's humanity and divinity. Meaning: "Confessing" involves more than intellectual agreement; it is an open declaration of faith and a commitment to a life in union with God
1 John 4:16, "And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him" (KJV), highlights that Christian faith is rooted in experiencing and trusting God’s foundational, self-giving nature. Abiding in love—acting with compassion and grace—is described as the evidence of remaining in union with God.
Key Aspects of 1 John 4:16 Known and Believed: This indicates a personal, experiential knowledge of God's love, not just intellectual understanding. God is Love: Love is not just an attribute of God, but His very nature and essence.
Abiding/Dwelling: Those who live in a state of love remain in close, continued communion with God. Reciprocal Indwelling: The verse promises that if one lives in love, they dwell in God, and God dwells within them. This passage serves as a core tenet of Christian theology, emphasizing that love for others is the mark of a true believer and proof of God’s presence within them
1 John 4:17 (KJV) addresses the confidence a believer can have regarding the final judgment, anchored in their present, transformed identity in Christ.
John 4:17 "Herein is our love made perfect..." (Made Complete/Mature): This refers to God’s love reaching its intended goal or maturity within the believer. It is not merely a feeling but is demonstrated by active love toward others, which proves the presence of God’s love in the heart. "...that we may have boldness in the day of judgment..." (Confidence): "Boldness" (parrēsia) means having free access, confidence, and lack of fear when facing God, similar to having a confident, open speech before a judge. It means not being afraid of condemnation. "...because as he is, so are we in this world." (Union with Christ): This is the foundational reason for the confidence. Because of their union with Christ, believers share His standing before the Father. "As He is" refers to the risen, glorified, and righteous Christ. "So are we" indicates that God sees the believer justified and holy through Christ. "In this world" emphasizes that this reality is true now, not just in heaven.
Context and Implications Removal of Fear (v. 18): Perfected love drives out the fear of punishment. A fearful life—fear of death or judgment—indicates that love is not yet fully formed or "perfected" in that person. Evidence of Faith: This passage serves as a test of true faith. The presence of this love is evidence that one is "born of God" and thus shielded by the propitiation (the sacrifice for sin) that Christ provided. Daily Life vs. Judgment: The ability to be "as He is" in the world is shown by practicing love and obedience to God, which prepares the believer to face the day of judgment with joy rather than fear. In short, 1 John 4:17 means that as believers walk in love and obedience, they are transformed into the likeness of Jesus. Because they are united with Him, they share His righteousness and can face the final judgment with absolute confidence, knowing they are under grace, not condemnation.
1 John 4:18 (often cited from NIV or ESV) highlights that mature, unconditional love—specifically God’s love—eliminates fear. Because fear stems from dread of punishment or judgment, experiencing perfect love provides the security that removes that fear, indicating that one still fearing is not yet fully embracing this, say Facebook posts.
Key Aspects of the Passage: Definition of Perfect Love: Refers to a complete, mature, and unconditional love, particularly God's love, which is free from doubt and conditions. Fear and Punishment: Fear is associated with the expectation of punishment or judgment, which contradicts the security of being loved. The Goal of Love: As one grows in experiencing and trusting God's love, fear is driven out or "cast out".
Context: The verse is often interpreted in the context of salvation, where understanding one is secure in Christ removes the fear of eternal judgment.
How to Live in This Love: Surrender and Trust: Daily surrendering to God and trusting His word, notes Pastorrick.com/study. Recognize God's Love: Understanding that God’s love is not based on performance.
Receive and Extend Love: Allowing oneself to be loved by God to then love others without fear.
"We love him, because he first loved us" is a foundational Christian scripture found in 1 John 4:19 (KJV/NKJV). It highlights that human love for God is not initiated by humans, but is a response to the preemptive, unconditional love God has already shown. Key Meaning and Context: Divine Initiative: God loved humanity first, even while they were sinners or, as some interpretations suggest, enemies. The Source of Love: This verse establishes that God is the source of all true love; our capacity to love Him and others stems from His love poured into our lives.
- Who are the hardest people for you to love?
- What were some of the most popular love songs when you were a teenager?
- If you were writing a dictionary, what would be your personal definition of love?
What's love but a second-hand emotion?
What's love got to do, got to do with it?
Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?
What's love got to do, got to do with it?
Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?
- Be a Friend. Offer support and encouragement to someone going through a difficult season.
- Treat others how you would like to be treated. Jesus tells us to, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
- Share Burdens. Don’t let people carry burdens alone – it might be showing up when someone is sick, helping a friend financially, or taking care of kids for a date night.
- Sharpen Others. Have the tough conversations to help others and ourselves become more like Christ.
- Forgive Others. Let go of animosity and bitterness. Open your heart to learn the lesson God has for you through forgiveness.
- Humble Yourself and Consider Others.When faced with difficulty, consider the other person and humbly seek God’s will. Then act on His prompting.
- Sharing God’s Love with Others. Share the Gospel with someone who is searching or lost. This is the greatest gift someone can receive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click on Images ABOVE to view larger versions of the PLEDGE
| |||