Overview

The Lesson Overview is basically an outline . . . Think of it as the "nuts and bolts" of each lesson.

Biblical Passage While other passages often find their way into a lesson, the biblical passage is the main focus.

Supporting Scripture The supporting scripture often provides context to, gives additional insight to, or reiterates the message of the biblical passage in additional places of Scripture.

Memory Verse The memory verse is a key verse that illustrates the biblical truth of the lesson. It usually originates from the biblical passage but may be from an additional passage.

Biblical Truth The biblical truth is the central foundation of the lesson. It comes directly from the biblical passage and drives the formation of learning goals.

Context The context section gives the context of the current lesson in regards to its surrounding lessons. It may also provide a glimpse of the historical or literary context of the biblical passage.

Learning Goals The learning goals help teachers understand what the lesson seeks to accomplish. The first learning goal is the driving purpose of the Explore section of the teaching plan and is concerned with biblical knowledge. The second learning goal pertains is the Transform section and is concerned with life application.

Prayer Suggestions The prayer suggestions provide specific ideas for the teacher to pray during the week for his or her students. These ideas are based on the goals and truths of the lesson.

Biblical Passage

Matthew 16:13-20; Acts 1:1-3

Supporting Passages

Psalm 118:22-24; Matthew 21:42

Memory Verse

Psalm 118:22-23

Biblical Truth

The Church is the body of believers, both local and global, founded on Jesus Christ (God's Son) and commissioned with proclaiming His true identity to the world.

Context

Matthew 16:13-20 is the first mention of "church" in the New Testament. This passage describes the Church's role as Christ's unstoppable force in this world. Jesus Christ is the rock, the very source and ground of the Church. Acts 1:1-3 introduces Luke's history of the Church as a letter to someone named Theophilus. These two passages set the stage for the entire year of the study of the New Testament Church.

Prayer Suggestions

As you prepare to teach this lesson, pray for your students.

  • Pray that your students will see themselves as part of Christ’s Body, members of the Church.
  • Pray that your students will proclaim Jesus as the true Son of God not only in words but also in the way they live.
  • Pray that your students will use the ministries of their local church to bring others into the Body of Christ.