CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Christian Education Winter 2020:  Unit 2: Dedicating the Temple of God

This unit has four sessions that explore Solomon’s dedication of the temple in 1 Kings. Solomon honors God by providing a place for the ark, by offering blessings to God for fulfilling the promise to David, by praying that God would hear prayers offered in the temple, by calling the people to keep God’s commandments, and by offering sacrifices to God.
In a courtroom, the judge is referred to as “Your Honor.” Chivalrous men vow to protect their ladies’ honor. High-achieving students work to make the honor roll. At a small bed-and-breakfast, guests might find a basket of snacks and be trusted with paying on the honor system.  This English word is very old, with its first usage being traced to the thirteenth century. Honor means “fame earned,” recognition based on merit. An appointed or elected jurist, a chaste person, an exceptional student, and trusted clientele gain a reputation by past behavior.  More than any human being, God has earned his fame. This quarter is designed to explore how the Bible teaches us to express honor to God. To do so, these lessons will focus on three studies from Scripture.
David and Mary Express Honor
In Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Brutus defends the assassination of Caesar as a noble deed. Antony undercuts Brutus’s credibility, sarcastically repeating, “For Brutus is an honorable man.” Antony insists that the claim that Brutus was acting honorably when killing the ruler of Rome must be measured by Brutus’s inner character.  People often honor God with their lips without their hearts being in it (Isaiah 29:13). Four lessons from 1 Chronicles 15–17 reveal that David’s praise of God was not superficial or self-serving, but truly came from his heart. King Saul was not an honorable man and placed his own ambition before honoring God. One way this was shown was in how he all but ignored the ark of the covenant. In contrast, David made arrangements for moving the ark to Jerusalem and even expressed a desire to build it a permanent home.  In a song that rivals David’s own for beauty, Mary celebrated being given the honor of becoming the Messiah’s mother (Luke 1:47–55). True honor will always be an expression of inner character.
Solomon Creates a Place of Honor
Sometimes a specific place helps focus our expressions of honor. People of faith know that the essence of a departed loved one does not lie in a grave, yet we lay flowers at the grave site to honor that person’s memory. Believers agree with Paul that our God “does not live in temples built by human hands” (Acts 17:24), yet we find a physical meeting place helpful for corporate worship.  The second unit in this quarter moves from focus on inner attitude to a physical structure. David was bothered that the symbolic presence of God was housed in a tent while David lived in luxury (1 Chronicles 17:1). Solomon fulfilled David’s dream of building a temple. Solomon’s words and actions at its dedication are explored in four lessons from 1 Kings 8. For years, the temple served as a focal point where God’s people honored him.
Jesus Teaches Practices of Honor

On Flag Day, June 14, 1923, representatives of over 60 organizations met to write the United States’ National Flag Code. The code standardized practices for treating the flag to honor the nation it represents. Honor can be expressed personally, in an arranged location, but also by specific observances that can be held anytime and anywhere.  The third unit in this quarter examines patterns Jesus established for honoring God. He showed us how to resist the temptation to give to others the honor that belongs to God alone, to reject superficial piety, and to pray with purpose and persistence.

This quarter’s lessons encourage us to think more deeply about our relationship to God. We are honor-bound to do the honor of inviting him to be the guest of honor in our lives.

Lesson 1  January 5—Solomon Summons the Ark   1 Kings 8:1–13; 2 Chronicles 5:1–14
When King Solomon called an assembly to celebrate the dedication of the temple, the glory of the Lord filled the house of God. This was a “grand opening” reminiscent of, but far more awe-inspiring than, any such celebration people today have experienced.

Lesson 2  January 12—Solomon Speaks to the People  1 Kings 8:14–21; 2 Chronicles 6
Solomon thanked God for fulfilling the promise made to his father, King David, when God enabled Solomon to build the temple in which the ark could be placed.

Lesson 3  January 19—Solomon Seeks God’s Blessing   1 Kings 8:22–53; 2 Chronicles 6:12–42
People begin new undertakings with anticipation of a better future. Solomon gives us a model for doing this as he presided at the dedication of the temple; he called upon God to receive Israel’s worship and to continue to be their God.

Lesson 4  January 26—Solomon Anticipates Praise  1 Kings 8:54–66; 2 Chronicles 7:4–9
After dedicating the temple, Solomon prayed for God’s continued faithfulness toward Israel while calling on his people to renew their commitment to God. For his people, and for God’s people today, such ongoing commitment is the only path to future success.

COMMUNITY BIBLE EXPERIENCE 

Reading Plan #1:   April 13 – June 8, 2016

For eight weeks, Second Baptist Church will journey through the Covenant History books of the Old Testament.  We will read 7-12 pages per day, five days per week (Monday-Friday) and share with each other through weekly small groups.  If you would like to receive daily emails with links to read and listen online, please sign up at http://cberesources.com/CH/.  If you did not turn in a registration card, they can be found in the slots near the parking lot entrance.

A Guide to The Books of Covenant History

Preface to The Books of The Bible

Invitation to The Covenant History

READING PLAN #1 
WEEK # Book(s) Pages Audio Links
Week 1 Genesis 1-45 Day 01      Day 02     Day 03
Week 2 Genesis 45-80 Day 04       Day 05
Week 3 Exodus 81-116 Day 06       Day 07       Day 08
Week 4 Exodus 116-139 Day 09      Day 10
Week 5 Leviticus 141-181 Day 11      Day 12       Day 13
Week 6 Numbers 183-225 Day 14      Day 15       Day 16
Week 7 Numbers, Deuteronomy 225-262 Day 17       Day 18
Week 8 Deuteronomy 262-296 Day 19      Day 20

 

 

Reading Plan #2:   Fall 2016

READING PLAN #2
WEEK # Book(s) Pages Audio Links
Week 1  Joshua 297-333 Day 21       Day 22
Week 2  Judges, Ruth 333-375 Day 23      Day 24       Day 25       Day 26
Week 3  Samuel – Kings 377-404 Day 27      Day 28
Week 4  Samuel – Kings  405-429 Day 29      Day 30
Week 5  Samuel – Kings 430-466 Day 31       Day 32       Day 33
Week 6  Samuel – Kings 466-490 Day 34       Day 35
Week 7  Samuel – Kings 490-525 Day 36       Day 37       Day 38
Week 8  Samuel – Kings 525-551 Day 39      Day 40

About This Recording

PRAYER
Father God, hallowed be Thy Name. As I begin this approach to the study of Your Word I pray that I will read and hear with an expectant mind and heart. Holy Spirit because I cannot understand the Word by myself, I ask that You guide me through this journey with a steady focus on what You would have me to receive. My desire is to know more about You, Father God, and to draw closer to You. Do not leave me in the dark I pray, but light my way by Your Spirit.
As You did through Jesus, I ask You to do the same for me. Give me the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You. Let the eyes of my understanding be enlightened, that I may know what is the hope of Your calling and what is the riches of the glory of Your inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of Your power to those of us who believe.
Open my understanding, Lord Jesus and purge me through Your Word, in the matchless Name of Jesus Christ, AMEN!

Daily Videos:  Watch Here

Community Bible Experience New Testament Reading Plan

Note:  You will read approximately 12 pages a day, 5 days a week, for 8 weeks.

Week 1: Luke – Acts

Adult Lesson                            Adult Lesson (Audio)                       Kid’s Lesson (Audio)
Day 01 Luke-Acts                      Day 01 Luke-Acts mp3                       Day 01 Luke-Acts Kids

Day 02 Luke-Acts                      Day 02 Luke-Acts mp3                       Day 02 Luke-Acts Kids

Day 03 Luke-Acts                      Day 03 Luke-Acts mp3                       Day 03 Luke-Acts Kids

Day 04 Luke-Acts                      Day 04 Luke-Acts mp3                       Day 04 Luke-Acts Kids

Day 05 Luke-Acts                      Day 05 Luke-Acts mp3                       Day 05 Luke-Acts Kids

 

Week 2: Luke – Acts, 1 – 2 Thessalonians

Adult Lesson                            Adult Lesson (Audio)                       Kid’s Lesson (Audio)

Day 06 Luke-Acts                      Day 06 Luke-Acts mp3                       Day 06 Luke-Acts Kids

Day 07 Luke-Acts                      Day 07 Luke-Acts mp3                       Day 07 Luke-Acts Kids

Day 08 Luke-Acts                      Day 08 Luke-Acts mp3                       Day 08 Luke-Acts Kids

Day 09 Luke-Acts                      Day 09 Luke-Acts mp3                       Day 09 Luke-Acts Kids

Day 10 1-2 Thess                      Day 10 1-2 Thess mp3                       Day 10 1-2 Thess Kids

 

Week 3: 1 – 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Romans

Adult Lesson                            Adult Lesson (Audio)                       Kid’s Lesson (Audio)

Day 11 1 Corinthians                 Day 11 1 Corinthians mp3                 Day 11 1 Corinthians Kids

Day 12 1 Corinthians                 Day 12 1 Corinthians mp3                 Day 12 1 Corinthians Kids

Day 13 2 Corinthians                 Day 13 2 Corinthians mp3                 Day 13 2 Corinthians Kids

Day 14 Galatians                       Day 14 Galatians mp3                       Day 14 Galatians Kids

Day 15 Romans                         Day 15 Romans mp3                         Day 15 Romans Kids

 

Week 4: Romans, Colossians, Ephesians, Philemon, Philippians, 1 Timothy, Titus, 2 Timothy 

Adult Lesson                          Adult Lesson (Audio)                       Kid’s Lesson (Audio)

Day 16 Romans                       Day 16 Romans mp3                          Day 16 Romans Kids

Day 17 Colossians                   Day 17 Colossians mp3                     Day 17 Colossians Kids

Day 18 Eph, Philemon             Day 18 Eph, Philemon mp3               Day 18 Eph, Philemon Kids

Day 19 Phil, 1 Tim                   Day 19 Phil, 1 Tim mp3                      Day 19 Phil, 1 Tim Kids

Day 20 Titus, 2 Tim                 Day 20 Titus, 2 Tim mp3                    Day 20 Titus, 2 Tim Kids

 

Week 5: Matthew

Adult Lesson                          Adult Lesson (Audio)                   Kid’s Lesson (Audio)

Day 21 Matthew                       Day 21 Matthew mp3                     Day 21 Matthew Kids

Day 22 Matthew                       Day 22 Matthew mp3                     Day 22 Matthew Kids

Day 23 Matthew                       Day 23 Matthew mp3                     Day 23 Matthew Kids

Day 24 Matthew                       Day 24 Matthew mp3                     Day 24 Matthew Kids

Day 25 Matthew                       Day 25 Matthew mp3                     Day 25 Matthew Kids

 

Week 6: Hebrews, James, Mark

Adult Lesson                         Adult Lesson (Audio)                   Kid’s Lesson (Audio)

Day 26 Hebrews                     Day 26 Hebrews mp3                       Day 26 Hebrews Kids

Day 27 Hebrews                     Day 27 Hebrews mp3                       Day 27 Hebrews Kids

Day 28 James                        Day 28 James mp3                           Day 28 James Kids

Day 29 Mark                           Day 29 Mark mp3                             Day 29 Mark Kids

Day 30 Mark                           Day 30 Mark mp3                             Day 30 Mark Kids

 

Week 7: 1-2 Peter, Jude, John

Adult Lesson                       Adult Lesson (Audio)                      Kid’s Lesson (Audio)

Day 31 1 Peter                       Day 31 1 Peter mp3                          Day 31 1 Peter Kids

Day 32 2 Peter, Jude             Day 32 2 Peter, Jude mp3                Day 32 2 Peter, Jude Kids

Day 33 John                           Day 33 John mp3                             Day 33 John Kids

Day 34 John                           Day 34 John mp3                             Day 34 John Kids

Day 35 John                           Day 35 John mp3                             Day 35 John Kids

 

Week 8: 1-3 John, Revelation

Adult Lesson                          Adult Lesson (Audio)                   Kid’s Lesson (Audio)

Day 36 1-3 John                      Day 36 1-3 John mp3                       Day 36 1-3 John Kids

Day 37 Revelation                   Day 37 Revelation mp3                    Day 37 Revelation Kids

Day 38 Revelation                   Day 38 Revelation mp3                    Day 38 Revelation Kids

Day 39 Revelation                   Day 39 Revelation mp3                    Day 39 Revelation Kids

Day 40 Catch up day

Closing video: ​Watch Here