(15–20 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will study Matthew 16:13–20 and Acts 1:1–3 to understand the central belief of the Church.
(15–20 minutes, easy set-up)
Provide a copy of the Learner Worksheet and a pen for each learner. Display the Essential Truth poster The Church is God's Plan or write the statement on the board.
Pass out pens and copies of the Learner Worksheet. Then ask: What role has the Church played in your life? What role should the Church play in the world today? Explain that today’s lesson will examine why the Church was formed and what the Church’s mission should be.
1. Members of the Church confess Jesus as Christ, the Son of God (Matthew 16:13–17).
Read Matthew 16:13–17. Emphasize that Jesus first asked the disciples to explain what others thought about His identify. Ask: What does our world believe about Jesus? How does that affect the moral climate of our country? Observe that Jesus challenged Peter to state clearly his decision about Jesus’ identity. Ask: Who is Jesus to you? How does that affect the way you live? Note that Jesus had not Himself claimed to be the Christ; rather, He allowed the Father to reveal that truth about Him to Peter. Ask: Is it possible for believers to convince unbelievers to accept Christ? How can our witnessing efforts help or hinder God’s work in an individual’s life? Emphasize that each person must examine Jesus’ life and teachings and then decide how they will respond. Encourage learners to write confess on the first blank on their copy of the Learner Worksheet.
2. Members of the Church proclaim the Kingdom of God (Matthew 16:18–20).
Read Matthew 16:18–20. Point out that Jesus is the rock upon which the Church is built. Ask: What promise did Jesus make to His disciples concerning the Church? (Answer: Nothing will overcome His church because nothing has the power to defeat the mission of the Church.)
Instruct learners to take out their key rings and discuss how their keys give them authority over some things. Then use the commentary to explain the significance of phrase “the keys of the kingdom.” Ask: How can we use our keys to encourage others to enter into the Kingdom of God? Is it possible that we can close the Kingdom to unbelievers through our actions? Discuss the importance of properly representing Christ to those around us. Encourage learners to write proclaim on the second blank of the worksheet.
3. Members of the Church follow Jesus’ teachings revealed in the Bible and by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:1–3).
Read Acts 1:1–3. Explain that Acts was written by Luke, who also wrote the Gospel of Luke. Ask: What things have been recorded? Who taught and gave instructions? What did Jesus speak about in the 40 days before He ascended into Heaven? (Luke recorded what Jesus did, said, and taught. In Jesus’ absence, He gave instructions to the disciples through the Holy Spirit. He taught much about the Kingdom of God.) Why did Luke record Jesus’ actions and teachings? (to prove that Jesus had returned to life and to give us His instructions to follow) Encourage learners to write follow on the third blank on the worksheet. Then ask: How does our commitment to following Jesus’ teaching continue to build the Church? What happens when we fail to live according to Jesus’ standards?
Draw attention to the Essential Truth The Church is God's Plan. Emphasize the important role believers, the Church, plays in telling others about Jesus through their words and their actions. Challenge learners to embrace these responsibilities as they represent Christ in the world.