The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Quarter Two

  • Lesson 1: Power to be Witnesses: Acts 1-2

    Key Verse

    But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

    —Acts 1:8

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. Use the following definitions to help you better understand this verse:

    • power means “the great power of God, meaning His almighty energy; of prophets and apostles as empowered by the Holy Spirit.”
    • witnesses means “one who has information or knowledge of something, and can give information, bring to light, or confirm something.”

    Recognize that the words in this verse are words that were spoken by Jesus. Jesus planned to give his followers “power” to be the witnesses the world needed – so that the world could know Jesus.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that each person who has Jesus in their heart has God’s Spirit who will enable them to be witnesses for Jesus. Just as the disciples started in Jerusalem (for that is where they were), we are to tell people in our hometown – beginning in our neighborhoods. We are to learn about Jesus and have Christian friends that can encourage us.

    Lesson Summary: We ended our study of Jesus’ life with His final words to His eleven disciples in Matthew 28:19-20. We also took a glimpse of Jesus’ plan for the furtherance of the Gospel message that is recorded in Acts 1:6-8 before He ascended into heaven. In this lesson, we will learn more about these verses as we begin our study of the book of Acts.

    Acts is the only book of History in the New Testament, and Luke, the physician who also wrote the Gospel of Luke, recorded it. In this lesson, we will learn that Jesus kept His promise of sending the Holy Spirit, which gave His followers power to be witnesses – beginning in Jerusalem. With that power, the people in Jerusalem were able to hear the gospel shared by Jesus’ followers in their own language – for there were people from many nations in Jerusalem.

    Peter preached Jesus to the Jews in Jerusalem – many of which had witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus. He declared that Jesus had died, was buried, and raised again – conquering death once and for all. After hearing this, the people were brought to a time of decision. Those people were given the choice to believe or reject, and three thousand of them believed. One of the most important things these new Believers did was that “they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 1 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 1 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, here is an idea for a children’s craft to reinforce this lesson:

    We made a Bible marker with stickers and the verse Acts 2:42.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two is available through Amazon.

  • Peter Grows

    “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

    2 Peter 3:18

    The following is an excerpt from “The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two” Lesson 6:

    “During the time Peter stayed with Simon a tanner, Peter was taking that time of rest and retreat where he prayed. Recognize that God was ready to teach Peter something he needed to learn. While Cornelius’ men were on the way to Simon’s house, where was Peter? ‘… Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour‘ (Acts 10:9b). While Peter was praying, he became hungry, and fell into ‘a trance‘. Trance means “a sacred ecstasy or rapture of the mind beyond itself when the use of external senses are suspended and God reveals something in a peculiar manner.” Peculiar is exactly what we see. Read Acts 10:10-16 where Peter sees a sheet full of animals come down from heaven. God showed this to him three times, telling him to rise, kill, and eat. Nevertheless, Peter argued with God that the animals were unclean. However, God told him not to call common what God had cleansed. ‘Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate‘ (Acts 10:17). Peter had no idea what this meant, but while he ‘doubted in himself‘, men were at his door, asking for him. ‘19. While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them‘ (Acts 10:19-20). Sometimes one does not learn what God wants them to learn – at first.

    “See what Peter learned as he obeyed God’s instruction. What did he do? ‘Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?‘ (Acts 10:21). Read what they said to Peter. ‘And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee‘ (Acts 10:22). The men stayed with Peter, and the next morning went together to Caesarea – to see Cornelius. Read what Cornelius had done while he was waiting. ‘And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends‘ (Acts 10:24). Cornelius called is friends and family to his house. Not only would he hear the Gospel message that was promised to him, but his family and close friends would also hear and have opportunity to respond.

    “Peter was really a special man used by God, but take note of his heart as you read the following verses. ‘25. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man‘ (Acts 10:25-26). Peter understood, and wanted these people to understand, that it was not Peter who was to be worshiped. God, and God alone, is to be worshiped (see Exodus 34:14).

    “Recognize what Peter learned from the vision God had showed him. ‘And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean‘ (Acts 10:28). That is why Peter went to see Cornelius.

    “Cornelius told Peter what had happened to him (see Acts 10:30-33), ending with the following. ‘… Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God‘ (Acts 10:33b). All of the people present wanted to know what they must do to be saved.

    “Peter reiterated what he had said before, about God teaching him that Peter was not to call any man common or unclean. You can almost see the light bulb going off in his head, as he was beginning to understand what God was trying to teach him. ‘34. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35. But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him‘ (Acts 10:34-35). Worketh means “figuratively, to do, commit, practice.” Righteousness means “that righteousness which has regard to God and the divine law; internal, where the heart is right with God, piety toward God, and hence righteousness, godliness, i.e.: faith acceptable to God.” Peter was recognizing that he was there to tell these people about Jesus. He then proceeded to preach Jesus (see Acts 10:36-42). Specifically read Peter’s final words in this testimony, as from one who was a witness to what Jesus had done. ‘To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins‘ (Acts 10:43). What did it take to be saved? To believe on the name of Jesus, where the heart can become right with God.”

    As Peter recognized that Jesus came to save anyone who would believe, by faith, in Him (see Romans 10:8-13), he grew in his Christian life. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). Peter encouraged Christians to continue to grow.

    Do you continue to grow in your Christian life?

    Do you know one who needs to believe in Jesus by faith?

    How to be Saved

  • Search my Heart

    “23. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

    Psalm 139:23-24

    The following is an excerpt from “The Biblical Path of Life – Year Two, Quarter Two” Lesson 4:

    “As David was addressing the people before Solomon became king, notice that he was able to proclaim that he had lived a life that was pleasing to God. As we have learned, David was not perfect, but when he sinned, he repented and God forgave. Because of that, he was in a position to be an encourager to all of Israel to seek God and obey His commands. We can read of many throughout the Bible who lived a life to the end that was pleasing to God. Read what Paul wrote to Timothy. ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith‘ (2 Timothy 4:7). Just as David’s words were an encouragement to all of Israel as he addressed them, Paul’s words were an encouragement to a young preacher named Timothy. Our goal as Christians is to be able to make the same claim: to fight a good fight, to finish the course God has for our life, and to keep the faith until the end. By living a life pleasing to God, from beginning to end, we can be an encouragement to others that they, too, can live a life pleasing to God…

    “David understood that God saw the intent of man’s heart. See what David recorded that can be an encouragement to us today: ‘23. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting‘ (Psalm 139:23-24) and’Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart‘ (Psalm 44:21). Also see what Jeremiah recorded about God knowing man’s heart: ‘I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings‘ (Jeremiah 17:10).”

    After reading this excerpt, understand the following:

    Remember that God knows man’s heart. Christians are not perfect, however we have instructions in the New Testament helping us understand how we reveal what is in our heart by living as a Christian: “22. That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27. Neither give place to the devil. 28. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:22–32).

    Christians are not to live like the world. “17. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18. Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19. Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness” (Ephesians 4:17–19).

    Stop and think about these verses. Be encouraged to compare your own life to these verses and see what kind of a life you live in comparison to God’s Word, and the kind of witness your life is to others.

    Read the warning Jesus gave to those who claimed to be righteous apart from Christ. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27). Jesus knew their heart. He understood that they lived a life on the outside that appeared to believe, yet Jesus knew what was in their heart, “all uncleanness”. They could not hide from Jesus what was within their hearts. Jesus knew.

    After reading these verses, consider the following: Knowing that Jesus knows the heart, look into your heart and see if this verse is a picture of your life. “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate” (Titus 1:16). This is a picture of a life that does not have Jesus in the heart (a Christian). If you do not really know Jesus, today is the day to meet Him. “9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10).

    Do you live a good life, yet with a heart that has not truly believed in Jesus?

    Knowing Jesus sees the heart, have you believed and confessed unto salvation only through Jesus?

    If you want to know how to be saved, click here: How to be saved.

  • Pricked in the Heart

    “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

    Acts 2:37

    The following is an excerpt from “The Biblical Path of Life, Year Three Quarter Two, Lesson 1”:

    “As Peter preached Jesus to the people, he initially directed his message to the Jews, for they had rejected Jesus, crucifying Him. ‘22. Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23. Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24. Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it‘ (Acts 2:22-24). Holden means “to use strength to hold or retain.” When Jesus could not be held by death, He took the power of death that had previously been held by the devil, Satan. See the following verse to understand this: ‘… that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil‘ (Hebrews 2:14b). Understand that death could not hold Jesus, for he conquered it. (See also, how Paul later explained what Jesus did because of his death on the cross: ‘54b. … Death is swallowed up in victory. 55. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56. The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ‘ 1 Corinthians 15:54b-57.) Jesus gave the power of life to any who would believe in Him.

    “Peter continued to explain to the people that because Jesus could not ‘be holden of it‘, Jesus rose from the dead – and this people, which had waited in the upper room, were witnesses. ‘32. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear… 36. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ‘ (Acts 2:32-33, 36). … All of the house of Israel should have recognized that Jesus, whom they had crucified, was both Lord and Christ. Christ means “the Savior of the world.” They were to believe Jesus was the Savior of the world.

    “How did they respond? ‘Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?‘ (Acts 2:37). When they heard the Gospel message preached, they were ‘pricked in their heart.‘ Pricked means ‘greatly pained or deeply moved.’ It is important that the Gospel message had a movement in their heart. Sometimes we call this ‘conviction’ (which means ‘found guilty of an offense‘). However, it is more important what those people did with that movement. Peter told them what they must do. ‘38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call’ (Acts 2:38-39). The people had to take action: repent. Repent means ‘to imply pious sorrow for unbelief and sin, and a turning from them to God and the gospel of Christ. To think differently; a change of mind demanding a change of action.‘ Repentance is a response between a sinful man and God. Baptism is an outward testimony of what happened to that individual’s heart. Notice that God ‘called’ them. Call means ‘God’s call through the Gospel message.’

    “Remember what Jesus taught: Jesus wanted the people to receive (receive means ‘to accept an offer deliberately and readily‘) the kingdom of God. Understand the kingdom of God by the following: When the Pharisees asked Jesus when it should come. ‘And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation‘ (Luke 17:20). The words not with observation mean ‘you cannot see it with human eyes.” Jesus went on to say, ‘Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). Within you means ‘it is located in your heart and affections; not external.’ If you remember, that is one reason we refer to being saved as ‘asking Jesus into your heart.’ You cannot see it with your eyes. The Gospel message is very simple – one must just believe. In other words, simply believe and receive without question. Jesus spent much of His ministry calling people to a time of decision – to believe in Him, or choose to reject Him. When Peter preached to the people, he preached the same message: God must call the individual’s heart, and that individual must repent. Then it is important to reveal to others just what God did (a testimony) by being baptized before witnesses. What did the people do once they understood? ‘Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls‘ (Acts 2:41). Those who believed and responded to God’s call were baptized. Notice that there were three thousand people who believed!

    “What they did next was very important. ‘And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers‘ (Acts 2:42). Once there has been such a change in one’s heart and life, it is important to learn how to live this new life. Continued stedfastly means ‘faithfulness and steadfastness in the outgoings of the Christian life – especially in prayer.’ They understood that learning from the Apostles was important. These new Believers not only learned the doctrine (doctrine means ‘the teaching of the Apostles‘), but fellowshipped with them. Remember that the Apostles had spent three years of their lives walking with Jesus, learning from Him. This is something important that Christians should do even today: learn from Bible teachers who know God’s Word, and fellowship with other Believers as opposed to the lost world who have not given their hearts and lives to Jesus. Next, read of the blessing for those who not only believed, but also shared the Gospel message with others. ‘… And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved‘ (Acts 2:47b).”

    Have you been “pricked in your heart” (been convicted), understanding that you are guilty of sin?

    Have you then believed in Jesus, allowing Him into your heart and life?

    How to be Saved

  • Paul’s Encouragement and Warning

    “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”
    Romans 15:1

    Excerpt from Y3Q2 Lesson 10: Paul’s Third Missionary Journey:

    “The leaders in the church of Ephesus, of whom Paul had called to himself to speak, needed to realize that Paul would no longer be there physically to rely upon. They had to step up and take care of God’s church. “… 27. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:25-28). Paul had done the job God had given him to do: he declared to all of the people the counsel of God (counsel means “God’s purpose, or plan”). He had taught them. Knowing that Paul would not be able to return to them, these men had to be prepared. “29. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30). They must not only be prepared themselves, but they must take care of, and prepare, the church over which they were the leaders. Not only would some (“grievous wolves”) come in and try to destroy new Christians, as well as the church, but also there would be leaders arise that would be filled with “perverse things” (perverse things means “perverted; corrupt; vicious; or ‘to turn aside divine truth’”). Some leaders would try to cause people to follow them – not Jesus. What were they to do? “31. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. 32. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:31-32). They were to do just as Paul had done – for he had lived his life as an example. Paul warned that after teaching the new Christians how to live a Christian life (following Jesus), they would then have to warn the people, day and night, of these “grievous wolves” who would come “speaking perverse things” and to recognize them. Also, see what else Paul revealed. “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Support means “to take hold of another mutually as by the hand; i.e. figuratively to support from falling as by the hand; to support, help, assist.” Weak means “without strength, powerless; weak; to be afflicted, distressed as by want, oppression, calamity, and such.” Newer Christians (as well as newer churches) need extra support, for they are weak in their new Christian life. Many new Christians (and even some older ones) are often afflicted and distressed by their want (things they desire, or want, as opposed to things God would have for them), or even what seems to be a calamity in their life. Paul warned that these people needed “support from falling as by the hand,” or assistance, from stronger Christians.

    “After teaching them face-to-face one last time … one cannot help but recognized the impact that Paul had upon these Christians’ lives. These people loved Paul for the life he had lived, faithfully teaching them the things of Jesus.

    “A Deeper Path: It is the responsibilities of church leaders to help new Christians (those who are “weak”) grow in Christ. However, it is not only the responsibility of the leaders, but it is the duty of all Christians. See the following verses. “1. We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification” (Romans 15:1-2). That are strong means “one who is strong, firm, fixed, established” – referring to the things of Christ. Infirmities means “to be weak or powerless; the result of being weak: i.e. referring to the scruples which arise by being weak in the faith of Jesus.” As Christians, we are not to please ourselves, for we must always remember that there are newer Christians who may not understand the things we do – for a newer Christian may not always know what the right thing to do in a situation is. It is the responsibility of every Christian to live a life according to God’s Word, so that newer Christians are not confused. We are to live a life that is right “for his good to edification.” Good means “good, in respect to operation or influence on others; i.e.: useful, profitable, beneficial.” Edification means “building as a process; i.e.: edification, spiritual profit or advancement.” Christians are to live lives that cause other Christians to become better Christians by living a life that pleases Jesus.”

    Do you live a Christian life that helps newer Christians understand how to please Jesus, growing stronger?

  • Lesson 13: Jesus in the Old Testament The Last Adam

    Key Verse

    Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

    —1 Peter 2:10

    Key Verse Thought: Read the key verse. As we began our study of the Southern Kingdom, Judah, we learned that they had very few good kings. Although the good kings sought to please God, they, too, failed. The kingdom did not live up to the plan God had for them. Nevertheless, we will learn today that God had a better plan for His people – to be His people. It was not in obedience to the Law (as they thought), but by His mercy. Mercy means “God’s pity for man in his sin, and which reveals itself in God’s will for man’s salvation.” Today we will see God’s plan was for them to believe in His Son, Jesus. We will also understand that plan was not only for the Israelites, but also for all of mankind.

    Emphasis: We are to recognize that just as one man, Adam, brought sin into the world, God sent One, Jesus, to set us free from that sin – free to have eternal life with Him, if we only believe.

    Lesson Summary: In this quarter, we have studied the books of the Kings and Chronicles, learning about the scriptures from Adam until King Hezekiah of the kingdom of Judah. We know God created Adam and that Adam sinned, bringing sin upon every man. With that sin came separation from God. However, at the same time, God gave man a promise that He would send one to restore that broken relationship. 

    We then remember Abraham, and the promise God gave him – the promise of a son through whom all of the world would be blessed (the promise of Jesus). Abraham lived by faith, looking forward to Jesus. He believed the promise God gave, and Abraham was called the friend of God. We are to have the faith of Abraham.

    After Moses led the people out of bondage in Egypt, God gave Moses the Law. Without the Law, mankind did not know how sinful they were, or how far they were from God. In that Law, sin was revealed. They also learned that with obedience comes blessing, but with disobedience comes a curse.

    As we remembered the kings of Judah, we saw how few good kings there were. We could recognize good kings, for they sought to obey God’s Laws. Nevertheless, at some point, they all failed. It was then that the sin was even worse in the land. After learning of the kings, we learned that it is impossible to obey all of God’s Laws – for people are sinners.   

    In this lesson, we will learn that, “21. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive …” (1 Corinthians 15:21-22).

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 13 in full

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 13 Questions

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 13 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to younger children, the following is a craft idea to go with this lesson:

    We made a wall hanging with the verse 1 Corinthians 15:22, framing it with puzzle pieces.

  • Lesson 12: 2 Kings 18-20; 2 Chronicles 29-32: Hezekiah

    Key Verse

    For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

    —Romans 15:4

    Key Verse Thought: Read the key verse. Not only is the Bible written for our learning, but also by watching as God revealed Himself mightily to His people when they obeyed His Word, it not only comforts us, but gives us hope – a confidence that God keeps each and every promise.

    Emphasis: We are to recognize God’s Word was given so we could have confidence that God will hear anyone who will call upon Him with a repentant heart. God will then reveal himself mightily to all of the world.

    Lesson Summary: We have now learned about the first twelve kings of Judah, with only six good kings so far. After ending on such a sour note in our last lesson (remember wicked King Ahaz), it is quite refreshing to learn of the best king Judah ever had – King Hezekiah. “He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him” (2 Kings 18:5). Hezekiah was 25 when he became king and reigned for 29 years. “And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done” (2 Chronicles 29:2). In the first month of the first year of King Hezekiah’s reign, he “opened the doors of the house of the LORD, and repaired them” (2 Chronicles 29:3). Not only that, but he reestablished the offices of the priests and Levites. After acknowledging the nation’s sin, King Hezekiah led the people in the reestablishment of the broken relationship between God and His people by reinstituting the Temple worship. After this, King Hezekiah sent letters to all of Judah, calling them to keep the Passover. Hezekiah led the people by example when he brought great offerings into the house of the Lord. Once the people began bringing their first fruits into the Temple, there was such abundance; they had to build extra storage space. What they did not know, was that in their obedience to God’s commands, God was preparing them for the future siege by their enemy. Sennacherib, king of Syria, sent his army to besiege Jerusalem. Hezekiah prepared and encouraged the people. Then he prayed for God’s deliverance. God answered by defeating the enemy for them. In this mighty victory, all of the nations around recognized God’s hand in the deliverance. 

    The next thing we read about King Hezekiah was that he was sick unto death. When he prayed, God extended his life by 15 years. God gave him a sign – the sun’s shadow went backward ten degrees. However, we also learn of a very foolish thing King Hezekiah did toward the end of his life, and the consequences of that foolish act that would come.  

    The period of King Hezekiah’s reign can be considered the greatest revival Judah experienced.  

    “And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead” (2 Kings 20:21).

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 12 in full

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 12 Questions

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 12 Children’s Worksheets

    If you choose to do this lesson with younger children, the following is a craft idea to go along with this lesson.

    We made Bible markers and added stickers. This was to remind us of how important God’s Word was to King Hezekiah.

  • 2 Kings 14-16; 2 Chronicles 25-28: Amaziah, Uzziah (Azariah), Jotham, and Ahaz Lesson 11

    Key Verse

    Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy.

    —Psalm 33:18

    Key Verse Thought: Read the key verse. What does it mean to fear the Lord? (A good example is Job. “… Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil” Job 1:1. He showed his fear by turning from evil.) To fear God is to obey His word. Church is a good place to learn God’s Word.

    Emphasis: To recognize the importance of frequenting the house of the Lord often, knowing that it is there we will learn the fear of the Lord, seeking his mercy upon our lives.

    Lesson Summary: In the lesson before Joel, we remembered the last two who reigned in Judah: Athaliah (an illegitimate queen), and Joash (a good king). Although King Joash made great reformations, he forgot God after Jehoiada (his uncle the priest) died.      

    So far, we have learned of the first eight kings of Judah, with only three good kings so far. In this lesson, we continue in our study of the kings of Judah. We will look at the next four kings of Judah. When Joash was killed, his son Amaziah became king. He reigned for 29 years and was a good king. After killing the servants who killed his father, he began his reign relying upon God. Nevertheless, like many kings before him, he forgot God. It was then that God’s anger was kindled against Amaziah. When Amaziah challenged the king of Israel, Joash, and they fought, he lost the battle. Amaziah turned away from following the Lord, and conspirators killed him in Lachish. His son, Uzziah, became king. 

    Uzziah reigned for 52 years, did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord, and did much good for Judah. Moreover, God blessed him. Uzziah defeated enemies around, built up the cities, the army, and the defenses of the cities in Judah. However, when he was strong, his heart was lifted up. He went to the temple to perform the duty of the priest (he could not because he was not a priest). When rebuked by the priests, he rejected that rebuke, and God struck him with leprosy. His son, Jotham, judged the people until he died. 

    After Uzziah’s death, Jotham became king. He did right in the eyes of the Lord, but he never entered the house of the Lord. When he died, his son Ahaz became king. He was a very bad king – for he did not right in the eyes of the Lord, but walked in the ways of the kings of Israel. He made images for Baalim and burnt his children in the fire to false idols. God delivered him into the hand of Syria. When rebuked by God’s prophet, not only did he reject the rebuke, but he also sought help from another enemy nation. Instead of helping, that enemy nation took more. Ahaz shut up the house of the Lord and made altars in every corner of the city – provoking the anger of God. When he died, his son, Hezekiah, became king. We will learn about him in our next lesson.

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 11 Questions

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 11 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are doing this lesson with younger children, the following is a craft idea:

    We made a Ten Commandments to remember the importance of obeying God’s Word.

  • Joel: A Message in a Plague of Locusts: Lesson 10

    Key Verse

    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. —1 John 1:9

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Do you know what it means to confess (means “to admit; to confess your guilt exposing yourself for punishment”)? God will forgive when we confess our sin.

    Emphasis: We are to recognize the destruction sin does, not only to a nation, but also to each life. We are to place our hope in Christ, obeying and pleasing Him, not the things of this world.

    Lesson Summary: We need to remember what we have learned about Judah so far: after King Jehoshophat, the nation of Judah had a time of bad kings. King Jehoram (King Jehoshaphat’s son) married wicked King Ahab’s daughter, Athaliah. He too, was a wicked king. Jehoram’s son, Ahaziah, was yet another wicked king. He had only reigned one year when Jehu killed him (when he was visiting the king of Israel, Jehoram). When King Ahaziah’s mother, Athaliah, heard her son was dead, she made herself queen – killing all of the seed royal (except for one that was hidden – Jehoash). During this time of wicked kings, we learned that the house of God had become in great disrepair. When Jehoiada the priest revealed Jehoash as king of Judah, wicked Queen Athaliah was killed and the house of God was repaired. This is most likely the time that the book of Joel took place.

    The book of Joel begins with, “The word of the LORD that came to Joel ….”   Joel prophesied to Judah during the reign of Jehoash (Joash) that began in Second Kings chapter twelve. As we study, we will find that God directs His Words to the priests and the elders (remember that Jehoash was only seven years old when he became king, and Jehoiada the priest counseled him). God spoke, and Joel relayed God’s message to the people. After seeing a plague of locusts, Joel warned of a coming invasion that he compared to that plague of locusts. Just as a plague of locusts completely destroys everything in its path, so the enemies of God would do to His people unless they repented of their sins against God. Joel called for the people to repent.   

    Joel continued his cry with an alarm warning of the “day of the Lord.” God’s people would be taken captive, but when they repented, God would restore the years that the locust had eaten. God’s judgment would fall upon the enemy nations and hope would once again be restored, and Judah will dwell forever.

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 10 Questions

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 10 Children’s Worksheets

    If you choose to do a craft with younger children, the following is an idea:

    We made a frame and decorated it with the verses Joel 2:12a and 13a.

  • Lesson 9: 2 Kings 11-12; 2 Chronicles 22:10 – 24 Athaliah and Jehoash (Joash)

    Key Verse

    … Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

    —1 Corinthians 5:13b

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Can you describe a wicked person? Read the following definition to help you: wicked person means “of persons as in morally, meaning wicked, corrupt, or an evildoer.” Today we will see a very wicked person that God’s people “put away” (in the Old Testament they were often killed, whereas today we eliminate them from our lives). 

    Emphasis: We are to receive godly instruction, and eliminate the wicked from our lives.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we looked at the disappointing son of good King Jehoshaphat, Jehoram. He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel – for wicked King Ahab’s daughter, Athaliah, was his wife. He died of a sickness in his bowels because he rejected the Word of the Lord. We then remembered his son, Ahaziah who reigned only one year. He, too, was a bad king – walking in the ways of wicked King Ahab. Because Ahaziah visited the injured king of Israel at the same time God told Jehu to seek God’s revenge upon the household of wicked King Ahab, King Ahaziah was killed.

    At the death of King Ahaziah, his mother, Athaliah, killed all of the seed royal – or so she thought. King Ahaziah’s sister and a nurse hid one son in the house of the Lord for six years. They hid the child from Athaliah who had made herself queen over Judah. In the seventh year of Queen Athaliah’s reign, the priest Jehoiada revealed the king’s son, Jehoash, to the people as their king. Jehoiada commanded the people kill Athaliah – and they did. The new king, Joash (Jehoash), was seven years old when he began to reign doing good all of the days of Jehoiada.  “And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him” (2 Kings 2:2). Jehoash was a good king. Jehoash saw the breaches in the temple and had the people give money to repair them. After time, when the repairs had not been completed, Jehoiada bore a hole into the top of a chest to allow the people to put their money in the chest. The people brought the money, and the temple of the Lord was repaired.

    Although Joash made many reforms in Israel, when Jehoiada died, he forsook God’s Law, and God allowed the enemy to come up against Jerusalem. There was a conspiracy against King Joash, and he was killed.

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 9 Questions

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 9 Children’s Worksheets

    If you choose to do a craft with younger children, the following is an idea:

    We found these and colored them to remind us to “walk God’s way” to help us remember the good King Joash did when he read God’s Word. They had magnets that attach to the back to hang them.