Following God

Thursday:Following God
Story Passage: John 21
Other Passages: John 15:10, 1st John 5:3
Objective: Children should learn stuff.
Memory Verse: 2nd John 1:6, And this is love: that we walk in obedience to God's commands.
Visuals:Available
Introduction: ???
[Needed]
Story: Fish in the Morning
After Jesus raised from the dead, he appeared again to his disciples by the sea of Galilee. [Show map.] The disciples were sitting by the sea, and decided to go fishing, since several of them were fishermen. They fished all night and caught nothing. [Show visual.] In the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but they didn't recognise him. He called out, Friends, haven't you caught any fish? No. Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some. They did, and the net got so full [show visual] that they were unable to haul it in. John said, It is the Lord! Peter jumped in to swim to shore [show visual], and they followed in the boat. They landed, and Jesus said, Bring some of the fish you have just caught. He had a fire they had fish and bread for breakfast.
Then Jesus talked with them. He talked with Peter and said, Follow me. But Peter saw John and said, What about him? Jesus said, What is that to you? You must follow me.
First Point: Lordship
How could Jesus have known that 153 fish would be on the right side of the boat? (He was God.) When the net was full of fish, John and Peter recognised who Jesus was. What did John say? (It is the Lord.) What does it mean that Jesus is the Lord? (He is our master.)
Second Point: Resurrection
Why were they surprised that Jesus was there? Why didn't they recognise him at first? (Because he had died.) How could Jesus be there, if he had died? (He raised from the dead.)
Application: Following God
Why did Jesus tell Peter to follow him? Why should we follow Jesus? (He is the Lord.) Why did Peter ask about John? What did Jesus tell Peter when he asked about John? (What is that to you? You must follow me.) So, if other people we know don't follow God, is that an excuse for us? (No.)
Invitation: Following God
How do you follow God? (obey him: John 15:10, 1st John 5:3)
How do you know how to follow God? (from the Bible and from God)
The memory verse for today is from Colossians 1:10, Live a life worthy of the calling you have received and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.
[Invite any children who would like to talk about how they can follow God to stay after the lesson and discuss it further.]

1 comment:

Steve Finnell said...

INCONSEQUENTIAL ACTS OF OBEDIENCE? BY STEVE FINNELL
When men obey God, is it just an inconsequential act or does it produce a result?

Does obeying Jesus result in a positive outcome?

Hebrews 5:8-9 Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. 9 And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation. (NASB)

If you disobey Jesus, then obviously He is not your source for salvation.

Faith only proponents say water baptism is act of obedience, but that baptism is unnecessary to receiving salvation.

Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.(NASB)

If obedience to God was not essential to salvation, then Jesus would have said you are saved, now obey by believing and being baptized in water. Believing is an act of obedience, just as is water baptism.

Acts 16:31 They said "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved...(NASB)

Believing is an act of obedience. Men are saved as a result of believing. Salvation does not precede obeying God. Salvation follows obedience to God.

Romans 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord who has believed our report?"(NKJV)

Believing the gospel is an act of obedience.

Not believing the gospel is an act of disobedience.

2 Thessalonians 1:8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NKJV)
2 Thessalonians 1:8 bringing judgement on those who do not wish to know God, and who refuses to accept his plan to save them through our Lord Jesus Christ. (The Living Bible---Paraphrased)

Refusing to accept God's plan of salvation brings vengeance.

HOW DO MEN OBEY THE GOSPEL?

1. They obey by believing. (John 3:16) Believing is an act of obedience.
2. They obey by repenting. (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19) Repentance is an act of obedience.
3. They obey by confession. (Romans 10:9-10, Acts 8:37) Confession is an act of obedience.
4. They obey by being immersed in water. (Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 22:16) Being baptized in an act of obedience.

Salvation is subsequent to obeying the gospel.
Salvation follows being obedient to God terms for pardon.
Salvation occurs after submitting yourself to the New Covenant terms of forgiveness from sins.

SALVATION DOES NOT OCCUR PRIOR TO BEING OBEDIENT TO THE GOSPEL PLAN OF SALVATION.

Being obedient to the gospel is not keeping the Law of Moses.

Being obedient to the gospel is not a good deed.

Being obedient to the gospel is not a meritorious act.

Being obedient to the gospel is not earning salvation.

Being obedient to the gospel does not mean that we are not saved because of God's grace.

OBEDIENCE IS ESSENTIAL TO BECOMING SAVED!


YOU ARE INVITED TO FOLLOW MY BLOG. http//:steve-finnell.blodspot.com