Echoes Adult-CBS

US: 800.426.6596 davidccook.com/echoesCanada: 800.263.2664 yourchurchzone.ca

ECHOESAFRICAN-AMERICAN CURRICULUM

For years, Echoes curriculum has been one of the most widely used resources for African-American

churches. Every lesson is easy to use, teacher friendly, strengthens the entire church body with a

shared quarterly theme, and is certain to keep your classes engaged with relevant Scriptural content

that applies to their everyday lives.

Features Include:• Easy-to-use four-step lessons make teaching a snap

• Bible-based lessons encourage application in real-life situations

• Shared quarterly themes, across all age levels, tie the study of God’s Word together

• ISSL lessons offered to suit the needs of your adult classes

• Flexible and affordable to meet any church budget

• Free weekly downloads through EchoesDownloaded.com tie into current news stories

and topics to take your class deeper into the lesson

Special Features Include:• Quarterly Superintendent’s handbook helps leaders unify their Sunday school

• African-American Book Review presented in high school Blueprint

• Highlights in Black History featured quarterly in teacher’s guides for preschool through adult

• Ministry tips and ideas and quick references assist teachers in each lesson

• Appealing African-American artwork and engaging content for students of all ages

US: 800.426.6596 davidccook.com/echoesCanada: 800.263.2664 yourchurchzone.ca

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Lesson Overview

Faith Calls for PerseveranceThe Boldness—The Book of Hebrews tells us Christians can con-

fidently stand before God and present their petitions to Him. All

God’s children have the privilege of pouring out their hearts to Him,

talking with Him, and receiving personal answers. The Blood—Before Christ’s death, a thick veil separated the Holy Place

from the Most Holy Place, the room in the temple symbolizing God’s presence. If anyone were to go into the Most Holy Place other than the

high priest, it meant certain death. The high priest entered once a year on

the Day of Atonement with sacrificial animal blood on his hands. He was

the only one who could enter, and this was the only way to approach God

to ask for the removal of the people’s sins (Lev. 16:11-17). When Christ hung His head and died on the cross, the temple veil tore

from top to bottom, without any human effort! It was as if God Himself

declared, “My Son Jesus destroyed the dividing wall between Myself and

man.” No more sacrifices are needed to reconcile God to man. Instead we

can come to Him with arms outstretched like a little child, saying, “Thank

You, Daddy.” The Believers—The Book of Hebrews encourages brothers and sisters

in Christ, as much as possible, to gather together to encourage each other

with the promises stated in the Bible. Jesus will return soon. Brothers and

sisters need to constantly pray about ways to love and help each other stay

committed and grow in the Lord. The Ban—The Gospel message is all over television, billboards, and

the Internet, yet many people are still deceived and blinded. “I’ll get into

heaven my way,” they think, by giving money, going to church, trying to

be good—all manmade ways to try to reach heaven. But God is serious;

there is only one way into His presence. The blood of Jesus has paid the

price of our sins.

Suggested Material for As Your Students Arrive:A cross and something opaque to cover it with, such as a towel or a handkerchief

1 Life NeedDiscuss ways that someone’s perseverance was rewarded.2 Bible LearningLearn why we need to persevere in believing what we know to be true about Jesus.

Suggested Material:Adult Teacher’s Resource Kit: Poster and reproducible sheet—Hebrews: A Definition of Faith3 Bible ApplicationDiscuss what we can do so we persevere in our faith.Suggested Material: • Adult Teacher’s Resource Kit: Reproducible worksheet— Persevering Together• Two sheets of newsprint, colored markers, adhesive tape4 Life Response Make a commitment to perse-vere in your faith.

Photo: © Shutterstock

Week of September 2

Lesson Scripture:Hebrews 10:19-31

Lesson Focus: Together we persevere in faith.

Church/Home Theme:God Our Creator Calls Us

Perfect for All Ages

Scope & Sequence

Format

With Echoes, you can select curriculum by a specific age level or customize it to provide one solution for all.

Toddler (18-36 months)

Preschool (3 years-Pre-Kindergarten)

Early Elementary (Kindergarten-1st Grade)

Elementary (2nd-3rd Grade)

Upper Elementary (4th-5th Grade)

Toddler through Early Elementary – 2 Year Cycle

Elementary through High School – 3 Year Cycle

Adult Comprehensive Bible Study – 6 Year Cycle

Adult Understanding the Bible – 8 Year Cycle

To view the complete Scope & Sequence visit www.DavidCCook.com/Echoes

Family-friendly

Classroom model

Printed curriculum

Additional online resources available

Middle School (6th-8th Grade)

High School (9th-12th Grade)

Adult – Comprehensive Bible Study (ISSL)

Adult – Understanding the Bible

(book-by-book study)

10

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ss

on

Lesson Overview

Faith Calls for PerseveranceThe Boldness—The Book of Hebrews tells us Christians can con-

fidently stand before God and present their petitions to Him. All God’s children have the privilege of pouring out their hearts to Him, talking with Him, and receiving personal answers.

The Blood—Before Christ’s death, a thick veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, the room in the temple symbolizing God’s presence. If anyone were to go into the Most Holy Place other than the high priest, it meant certain death. The high priest entered once a year on the Day of Atonement with sacrificial animal blood on his hands. He was the only one who could enter, and this was the only way to approach God to ask for the removal of the people’s sins (Lev. 16:11-17).

When Christ hung His head and died on the cross, the temple veil tore from top to bottom, without any human effort! It was as if God Himself declared, “My Son Jesus destroyed the dividing wall between Myself and man.” No more sacrifices are needed to reconcile God to man. Instead we can come to Him with arms outstretched like a little child, saying, “Thank You, Daddy.”

The Believers—The Book of Hebrews encourages brothers and sisters in Christ, as much as possible, to gather together to encourage each other with the promises stated in the Bible. Jesus will return soon. Brothers and sisters need to constantly pray about ways to love and help each other stay committed and grow in the Lord.

The Ban—The Gospel message is all over television, billboards, and the Internet, yet many people are still deceived and blinded. “I’ll get into heaven my way,” they think, by giving money, going to church, trying to be good—all manmade ways to try to reach heaven. But God is serious; there is only one way into His presence. The blood of Jesus has paid the price of our sins.

Suggested Material for As Your Students Arrive:A cross and something opaque to cover it with, such as a towel or a handkerchief

1 Life NeedDiscuss ways that someone’s perseverance was rewarded.

2 Bible LearningLearn why we need to persevere in believing what we know to be true about Jesus.

Suggested Material:Adult Teacher’s Resource Kit: Poster and reproducible sheet—Hebrews: A Definition of Faith

3 Bible ApplicationDiscuss what we can do so we persevere in our faith.

Suggested Material: • Adult Teacher’s Resource Kit: Reproducible worksheet— Persevering Together• Two sheets of newsprint, colored markers, adhesive tape

4 Life Response Make a commitment to perse-vere in your faith.

Photo: © Shutterstock

Week of September 2

Lesson Scripture:Hebrews 10:19-31


Church/Home Theme:God Our Creator Calls Us

Lesson Focus: Together we persevere in faith. 11

L e s s o n 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 • P a g e 5

Faith Calls for PerseveranceA Present-Day Illustration

Why the far-off look, Barbara?” Deborah asked her nursery partner, who was holding the Haynes’s 9-month-old sleeping boy. The two women had

just one baby so far this Sunday, which was a Labor Day weekend.

“I was just concerned about what’s going to happen to the church. And wondering if I should . . . .”

“Stay?” Deborah finished her friend’s sentence.Green Groves Community Church had lost nearly half its

members in about eight months. The assistant pastor devel-oped a different vision from the pastor and left to pursue it. Many members followed him, and some went looking for other churches.

“Sometimes I just wonder if it’s worth it,” Barbara said. “I’m having difficulty at work. Charles and I seem to be past our honeymoon stage. I also wonder if I’m really making a difference for the kingdom. Do I need to find a new church?”

Deborah held her peace for a few moments. Truth is the 55-year-old woman had also been reflective about some things in her life. But mostly, Deborah, like Barbara, was questioning her effectiveness in Christian living.

“Well,” Deborah began, “I think all Christians wonder about how well they’re doing. We don’t always know, and we won’t in total until we get to heaven. We have to trust God that He’ll help and lead us. We just have to keep going. We’ve come too far to turn back now.”

1. When is perseverance important?

2. In what ways are young children great examples of perseverance? Why do parents not always give in to them?

3. Think of a time when you or someone you know benefited by persevering in something. Describe the situa-tion, how you or the other person benefited, and what was learned in the process.

As Your students Arrive

Before class, place a cross on a table in front of the class and cover it with something opaque such as a towel or a handkerchief. Tell students that what is under the covering is crucial to their relationship with God.

Ask students what it might be. After several have responded, lift the covering so that the cross is revealed. Then hold the cross up and explain that this week’s les-son will focus on why the cross is crucial to our relationship with God and what students need to

do in response.

Link to Last Week: Invite a few of your students to share what needs or situations they had this past week where they went to Jesus as their deliverer and provider.

Life Need1Discuss ways that someone’s perseverance was rewarded

Read aloud the opening anec-dote in Comprehensive Bible Study. Then divide the class into small groups and ask students to discuss Questions 1, 2, and 3.

Regarding Question 1, perse-verance is important when a dif-ficult but worthwhile task needs to be accomplished, especially something that is a long-term project. For instance, getting a college education is important, but a person must put in the time and effort to receive the diploma and persevere in his or her stud-ies, even if the work seems too hard or not worth the effort at the moment.

Question 2 reminds us that young children can plead long and hard for things they want—toys, candy, staying up later at night, etc. It will be later in life before those grown-up children see that their parents were right in not giving in to their every demand.

For Question 3, students may think of a time when they had to stand in line to get a ticket for a special event. But they also may think of having to endure an ongoing problem in a relationship at home or work, one that was rewarded when they persevered and continued to do what was right in spite of the difficulties in doing so.

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BibleLearning 2


W e e k o f S e p t e m b e r 2 • P a g e 6

Understand the Good NewsHebrews 10:19-25, KJV19 Having therefore, brethren,

boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,20 By a new and living way,

which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;21 And having an high priest

over the house of God;22 Let us draw near with a true

heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bod-ies washed with pure water.23 Let us hold fast the profession

of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)24 And let us consider one

another to provoke unto love and to good works:25 Not forsaking the assembling

of ourselves together, as the man-ner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

The Book of Hebrews was written to Jewish converts who were tempted to revert to the religious traditions of Judaism they once observed rather than to rely on their faith in Jesus alone for their salvation. Before putting their faith in Jesus, they may have thought that their religious practices and sac-rifices somehow earned God’s acceptance. But the writer of Hebrews reminded them that “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Heb. 10:4). It was fool-ishness to believe that they could do anything on their own

Hebrews 10:19-25, NIV 19Therefore, brothers and sis-

ters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty con-science and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Learn why we need to persevere in believing what we know to be true about Jesus

Put up the poster “Hebrews: A Definition of Faith” from your Resource Kit and make copies of the sheet that goes with it. You will be using it for the next five lessons. On the reproduc-ible sheet, read the copy about the last chapters of Hebrews and note the photo of the model of Herod’s temple, where the veil would have been that the author of Hebrews refers to (Heb. 10:20).

The Author and His Audience

It is not known for certain who wrote the Book of Hebrews. Some have suggested that it may have been the apostle Paul. But that is unlikely as the vocabulary and style of Hebrews are very different from what is found in other letters written by Paul. The theology of the book is very much “just like Paul,” how-ever. This suggests that the writer could have been an associate of Paul or was linked to him in some other way. The writer did have a sig-nificant amount of knowledge of the Old Testament. This is evidenced by the large number of quotes taken directly from the Old Testament as well as the way the author wove Old Testament events, persons, and passages into his argument that having faith in Jesus was a far bet-ter way to have a right relationship with God than following the religious traditions his readers had adhered to in the past.

The recipients of the letter are also not identified explicitly. But it is generally accepted that they were Jewish believers living in the Roman world who were familiar with the practices and traditions of the Jew-ish faith.

bible extra

For additional Scrip-ture commentary, see pp. 9-16 in the David C Cook Lesson Commentary.

13Lesson Focus: Together we persevere in faith.


to secure a right relationship with God. Everything needed to make them holy and righteous in God’s eyes was accom-plished when Jesus died on the cross. In one single act Jesus did what their priests could not do through the daily sacri-fices they offered at the temple. His death “made perfect for-ever those who are being made holy” (Heb. 10:14).

Unlike their former days when they felt separated from God, they could now come into God’s presence with full assurance that they were completely accepted by Him. And this was good news! So what were they to do with this good news? First of all, they were to draw near to God with full confidence that their relationship with Him was secure and they were no longer separated from Him. Their hearts were sprinkled clean, and God no longer held their sins against them. They were urged to hold fast to this truth and not waver in their belief that Jesus’ death and His death alone was the reason they could enjoy fellowship with God. They were also encouraged to live differently in light of their knowledge of this. One affect should be in how they related to others who shared the same faith. They were to meet with other believers to worship God and to encourage one anoth-er to live in ways consistent with their faith.

4. What problem was the author of Hebrews addressing?

5. What did Jesus do so that people can have a right relationship with God?

6. Why was this good news to the author’s audience?

7. How did he want them to respond to this good news?

Embrace the Good NewsHebrews 10:26-31, KJV26 For if we sin wilfully after that

we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Hebrews 10:26-31, NIV 26If we deliberately keep on

sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27but

understAnd the Good news

Read Hebrews 10:19-25 and high-light the following:• The Book of Hebrews was writ-ten to Jewish converts who were tempted to revert to the religious traditions of Judaism they once

those being made holy.” It is trusting this and trusting in this alone that saves us.• Because our sins are no longer counted against us, we can come into God’s presence with full con-fidence that we are accepted by Him.• Knowing that Jesus’ death results in making us right with God should affect how we live and how we relate to other believers.

suGGested Answer to Question 4

Some Jewish converts were tempted to revert to the religious practices they once observed rather than trusting that their faith in Jesus alone saved them. The author of Hebrews said that this was foolish as it is impossible for the blood of bulls or goats to save anyone. Nothing could be gained by returning to the traditions of their past.


Everything needed to make people holy and righteous in God’s eyes was accomplished when Jesus died on the cross. In one single act Jesus did what

observed rather than to rely on their faith in Jesus alone for their salvation.• The author of Hebrews said that it was foolishness to think that the blood of bulls and goats could save anyone. • Jesus’ death “made perfect all

The Torn CurtainThe curtain referenced in Hebrew

10:20 was a veil that separated the Most Holy Place from the rest of the Jewish temple. The veil is thought to have been several inches thick and possibly 60 feet tall and 30 feet wide.

The ark of the covenant was kept in the Most Holy Place prior to the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the first temple in 586 b.c. The high priests of the temple were the only ones allowed beyond the veil, and this occurred only on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16). The curtain was torn in two at Jesus’ death on the cross (Matt. 27:51), signifying that direct access to God was no longer restricted by the Law.

bible extra

14 Lesson Focus: Together we persevere in faith.


27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.28 He that despised Moses’ law

died without mercy under two or three witnesses:29 Of how much sorer punish-

ment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the cove-nant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?30 For we know him that hath

said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.31 It is a fearful thing to fall into

the hands of the living God.

The author was concerned that some might forget who it was that saved them and what was done to secure their salvation. He was afraid that some would throw their faith in Jesus away and return to lifestyles where their worship of God was absent or their fellowship with other believers non-existent. The sin that concerned him most was the sin of abandonment. He didn’t want those who had come into a saving relationship with Jesus to quit believing that Jesus’ death provides the only path to a right relationship with God. Those who abandon their faith in Jesus after putting their trust in Him are saying that Jesus’ death doesn’t mat-ter or that there is some other way that a person can have a right relationship with God. Or worse, they may be saying that they don’t want a relationship with God at all.

Those who claim there are other paths to being made right with God other than through the cross or who abandon God

only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died with-out mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

KJV NIV

relationship with God.


The sin the writer was most con-cerned about was the sin of aban-donment. He didn’t want those who had come into a saving relationship

with Jesus to throw their faith away or to quit believing that Jesus’ death provides the only way to a right relationship with God.


If we throw our faith in Jesus

the Jewish priests could not do through the daily sacrifices they offered at the temple. His death made perfect forever those who are being made holy.


Unlike their former days when they were separated from God, they now had a way to come into God’s presence with the full assurance that they were accepted by Him and that He no longer held their sins against them. And they didn’t have to do anything to make this happen. They simply had to put their faith and trust in Jesus.


The writer wanted his readers to live differently in light of the truth of what Jesus did to secure their salvation for them. They were to meet with other believers to worship God and to provide mutual encouragement. And they were to live in ways consistent with their faith.

embrAce the Good news Read Hebrews 10:26-31, then

highlight these key points:• The writer was concerned that some believers would throw their faith away and return to lifestyles where their worship of God was absent or their fellowship with other believers non-existent.• Those who abandon their faith in Jesus are saying that Jesus’ death doesn’t matter or that there is some other way to have a right relationship with God. • Those who throw their faith in Jesus away or live as if His death and resurrection don’t matter will be treated like enemies of God.• As a result of what Jesus did, we can come into God’s presence with confidence knowing that we are fully accepted by Him. • We should live in ways that are consistent with our belief that Jesus’ death provides the only means for a person to have a right



altogether are trampling on the Son of God Himself. They are saying in effect that things holy and sacred—the death of Jesus and His resurrection—are meaningless.

There are consequences for those who throw their faith in Jesus away or who live as if His death and resurrection don’t matter. According to the writer, if someone willingly receives the truth about Jesus and later abandons that truth, they will be treated as if they were an enemy of God. And that is something to be fearful of. For “The Lord will judge his people.” And, “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb. 10:30b-31). The writer doesn’t explain what the consequences of abandoning God are. But it is something to be avoided.

How should we respond to this passage? First, we should confidently come into God’s presence knowing that Jesus did everything required so that we can have a right relation-ship with God. In the process of accepting this, we need to make sure we don’t add anything to it. It’s Jesus’ death on the cross that saves us. And it is trusting in that and trusting in that alone that makes us right with God.

Second, we should live in ways that are consistent with this belief. This includes having regular fellowship with other believers and encouraging those who share our faith to live in ways pleasing to God. Along with this, we need to avoid diluting what we know to be true about Jesus by com-promising with those that say there are other ways a person can have a right relationship with God.

8. What sin was the writer of Hebrews concerned about?

9. What are we saying to God if we throw our faith away or live as if Jesus’ death on the cross doesn’t matter?

10. How should we respond to the good news that Jesus’ death and resurrection has provided the means to have a right relationship with God?

11. How does our perseverance apply when considering how we respond to this good news?

The Danger of ApostasyApostasy is a deliberate defec-

tion from the living God. Some Bible interpreters equate apostasy with the unpardonable sin (see Mark 3:22-30). Others say it occurs when people believe for awhile but fall away in a time of testing (see Luke 8:13). Still others say it happens when people make a shipwreck of the faith (see 1 Tim. 1:19-20), or when people turn completely away from God (see Heb. 3:12), or when those who have known the way of righteousness turn their backs on it (see 2 Pet. 2:20-22). Hebrews 10 seems to indicate that those who are in danger of apostasy are peo-ple who have understood Christ’s work of salvation, have been inside the Church, and yet have rejected Him. By continuing their deliberate sin of rejecting God, they are left with no other sacrifice for their sins (Heb. 10:26). In essence, they have rejected their only means of salva-tion, and therefore have no other appeal.

away, live as if there are other ways to have a right relationship with God, or just don’t want a relationship with God at all, we are saying that Jesus’ death and resurrection don’t mat-ter. In the process, we are trampling on the Son of God Himself and are saying in effect that things holy and

also need to live in ways that are consistent with this belief. And we need to avoid adding anything to it. It is Christ’s death and His death alone that secures our sal-vation. Nothing should be added to this. And nothing should be taken away from it.


Some believers have a ten-dency to live rule-driven lives thinking that this will somehow make them more acceptable to God. And some have compro-mised their belief that Jesus’ death and resurrection provides the only path to God in order to accommodate other beliefs. God wants us to persevere in our belief—our faith in Jesus alone saves us. He also does not want us to fall into the sin of believing that there are other paths to God or that what we believe about Jesus doesn’t matter.

sacred—the death of Jesus and His resurrection—are meaningless.


We first of all need to be uncom-promising in our acceptance and proclamation of this great truth. We

WindoW on the Word

16 Lesson Focus: Together we persevere in faith.

3BibleApplication

This page reproducible for classroom use only.

W e e k o f S e p t e m b e r 2 • P a g e 1 0

Be Bold as You Travel God’s Path“Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship

Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before.”

The above phrase, voiced at the beginning of nearly every episode of the original Star Trek TV series, described the mis-sion of the crew of the starship Enterprise as it explored the galaxy and the worlds it encountered along the way. The crew of the Enterprise seldom wavered in their pursuit of their mis-sion and persevered in their efforts to complete it in spite of the obstacles they faced. What helped them was the faith they had in each other and their interpersonal relationships. Without the friendships they shared and their dependence on each other, they would not have succeeded in fulfilling their mission.

We also have a mission. God wants us to go into our own world and proclaim to others there is no way to God other than through the Cross. God also wants us to live in ways that are consistent with this belief and to develop meaningful relationships with other believers, ones that result in mutual encouragement.

Living as Christians in a world that is opposed to what we believe is sometimes difficult. It takes boldness to exhibit and proclaim our Christian faith among people who often don’t want to hear what we have to say about Jesus. It also requires perseverance. What makes it easier to be faithful in our mission is knowing that we aren’t walking the Christian path alone—others are traveling this journey with us.

12. What are some things that God wants to accomplish in and through us?

13. What character traits are needed to fulfill God’s purpose in our lives?

14. Why is it important to develop meaningful relation-ships with other believers as we travel the path God has set before us?

Worksheet: ‘Persevering Together’

Read the story and discuss the questions at the end.Discuss what we can do so we

persevere in our faith

This step will give students an opportunity to discuss things they can do so that they perse-vere in their faith. You may want to photocopy this page, cut out the boxes, and give a set of instructions to each group. Give two blank sheets of newsprint, some tape, and a set of colored markers to the group doing the pictures. Make copies of the worksheet from your Resource Kit for the group using it.

Discussion GroupRead “Be Bold as You Travel

God’s Path” in Comprehensive Bible Study and discuss Questions 12, 13, and 14. God has asked us to be bold and to persevere as we proclaim that the only path to Him is through the Cross. He has asked us to be committed to living in ways consistent with this truth. And He wants us to develop relationships with other believers who are mutu-ally encouraging.

Pictures of PerseveranceDiscuss things you need to do

so that you persevere in your faith. Draw pictures that represent this on one or two sheets of newsprint. Tape these to a wall. Then share with the class why it’s important to do these things and how you will benefit by doing them.

group activities


Life Response4


DAILY BIBLE READINGS FOR NEXT WEEK’S LESSONSeptember 3 through September 9

(See The Quiet Hour and Cross devotionals on these passages.)Mon. Mark 10:13-16—The Trusting Child.Tues. 2 Chronicles 14:2-12—The Trust of the Powerless.Wed. Psalm 3—The Prayer of Trust.Thurs. Psalm 4—The Security of Trust.Fri. Psalm 27—The Confidence of Trust.Sat. Psalm 46—The Certain Refuge.Sun. Hebrews 11:1-6—The Assurance of Faith.

Persevere in Your FaithWe need to proclaim to others that Jesus’ death provides

the only path to God and to live personally in light of this truth. We are called to gather together regularly with those who share our faith and use these opportunities to provide mutual encouragement. We also choose not to do anything that could cause us to throw our faith in Jesus away or to compromise what we know to be true about Him.

� Write out what you can do this week in each of these areas:Proclaiming the Good News and living consistently with it:

Meeting with other believers and providing mutual encourage-ment:

Avoiding things that could result in compromising or abandon-ing your faith:

KEY VERSELet us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised). —Hebrews 10:23, KJV

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. —Hebrews 10:23, NIV

Commit to persevere in your faith

The writer of Hebrews wanted believers not to waver in their

accommodate other beliefs.Read aloud “Persevere in Your

Faith” in Comprehensive Bible Study. Ask students to write out their responses to the three statements at the bottom. Then divide the class back into the small groups they were in at the beginning of class and ask them to share their responses. For example, they may realize that they’ve added something to their faith, believing that following a set of rules or traditions makes them more acceptable to God and may understand now that it’s their faith in Jesus alone that makes them right with God. Some may be meeting with other believers on a “casual” basis and may real-ize now that they need to make a stronger commitment to gather with other believers on a more regular basis. And some may be compromising their beliefs in order to be more accommodat-ing to others and know now that they need to uphold the truth that there is no path to God that doesn’t go through the Cross.

After groups have shared, end the session in prayer. Thank Jesus for dying for us so that we can come into God’s presence without fear of retribution. Pray that students will persevere in believing and vocalizing this truth, that they will meet and fellowship with other believers on a regular basis, and that they won’t do anything that would cause them to compromise or abandon their faith.

As the class members leave, hand out copies of this week’s Power for Living. Take Lesson Leaflet to class members who were not here today.

Before next week, read Hebrews 11:1-3, 6; Psalm 46:1-3, 8-11. Then think about what it means to be a person of faith.

belief in Jesus and the Cross, to persevere as they strived to live in ways that please God, and to stay committed to be in fellowship with other believers. He also wanted them to be uncompromising when it came to upholding the truth about how we are saved and not to

L e s s o n 1 • S e p t e m b e r 2 • P a g e 5

Faith Calls for PerseveranceA Present-Day Illustration

Why the far-off look, Barbara?” Deborah asked her nursery partner, who was holding the Haynes’s 9-month-old sleeping boy. The two women had

just one baby so far this Sunday, which was a Labor Day weekend.

“I was just concerned about what’s going to happen to the church. And wondering if I should . . . .”

“Stay?” Deborah finished her friend’s sentence.Green Groves Community Church had lost nearly half its

members in about eight months. The assistant pastor devel-oped a different vision from the pastor and left to pursue it. Many members followed him, and some went looking for other churches.

“Sometimes I just wonder if it’s worth it,” Barbara said. “I’m having difficulty at work. Charles and I seem to be past our honeymoon stage. I also wonder if I’m really making a difference for the kingdom. Do I need to find a new church?”

Deborah held her peace for a few moments. Truth is the 55-year-old woman had also been reflective about some things in her life. But mostly, Deborah, like Barbara, was questioning her effectiveness in Christian living.

“Well,” Deborah began, “I think all Christians wonder about how well they’re doing. We don’t always know, and we won’t in total until we get to heaven. We have to trust God that He’ll help and lead us. We just have to keep going. We’ve come too far to turn back now.”

1. When is perseverance important?

2. In what ways are young children great examples of perseverance? Why do parents not always give in to them?

3. Think of a time when you or someone you know benefited by persevering in something. Describe the situa-tion, how you or the other person benefited, and what was learned in the process.


Understand the Good NewsHebrews 10:19-25, KJV19 Having therefore, brethren,

boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,20 By a new and living way,

which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;21 And having an high priest

over the house of God;22 Let us draw near with a true

heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bod-ies washed with pure water.23 Let us hold fast the profession

of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)24 And let us consider one

another to provoke unto love and to good works:25 Not forsaking the assembling

of ourselves together, as the man-ner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

The Book of Hebrews was written to Jewish converts who were tempted to revert to the religious traditions of Judaism they once observed rather than to rely on their faith in Jesus alone for their salvation. Before putting their faith in Jesus, they may have thought that their religious practices and sac-rifices somehow earned God’s acceptance. But the writer of Hebrews reminded them that “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Heb. 10:4). It was fool-ishness to believe that they could do anything on their own

Hebrews 10:19-25, NIV 19Therefore, brothers and sis-

ters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty con-science and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.


to secure a right relationship with God. Everything needed to make them holy and righteous in God’s eyes was accom-plished when Jesus died on the cross. In one single act Jesus did what their priests could not do through the daily sacri-fices they offered at the temple. His death “made perfect for-ever those who are being made holy” (Heb. 10:14).

Unlike their former days when they felt separated from God, they could now come into God’s presence with full assurance that they were completely accepted by Him. And this was good news! So what were they to do with this good news? First of all, they were to draw near to God with full confidence that their relationship with Him was secure and they were no longer separated from Him. Their hearts were sprinkled clean, and God no longer held their sins against them. They were urged to hold fast to this truth and not waver in their belief that Jesus’ death and His death alone was the reason they could enjoy fellowship with God. They were also encouraged to live differently in light of their knowledge of this. One affect should be in how they related to others who shared the same faith. They were to meet with other believers to worship God and to encourage one anoth-er to live in ways consistent with their faith.

4. What problem was the author of Hebrews addressing?

5. What did Jesus do so that people can have a right relationship with God?

6. Why was this good news to the author’s audience?

7. How did he want them to respond to this good news?

Embrace the Good NewsHebrews 10:26-31, KJV26 For if we sin wilfully after that

we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Hebrews 10:26-31, NIV 26If we deliberately keep on

sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27but


27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.28 He that despised Moses’ law

died without mercy under two or three witnesses:29 Of how much sorer punish-

ment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the cove-nant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?30 For we know him that hath

said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.31 It is a fearful thing to fall into

the hands of the living God.

The author was concerned that some might forget who it was that saved them and what was done to secure their salvation. He was afraid that some would throw their faith in Jesus away and return to lifestyles where their worship of God was absent or their fellowship with other believers non-existent. The sin that concerned him most was the sin of abandonment. He didn’t want those who had come into a saving relationship with Jesus to quit believing that Jesus’ death provides the only path to a right relationship with God. Those who abandon their faith in Jesus after putting their trust in Him are saying that Jesus’ death doesn’t mat-ter or that there is some other way that a person can have a right relationship with God. Or worse, they may be saying that they don’t want a relationship with God at all.

Those who claim there are other paths to being made right with God other than through the cross or who abandon God

only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died with-out mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

KJV NIV


altogether are trampling on the Son of God Himself. They are saying in effect that things holy and sacred—the death of Jesus and His resurrection—are meaningless.

There are consequences for those who throw their faith in Jesus away or who live as if His death and resurrection don’t matter. According to the writer, if someone willingly receives the truth about Jesus and later abandons that truth, they will be treated as if they were an enemy of God. And that is something to be fearful of. For “The Lord will judge his people.” And, “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb. 10:30b-31). The writer doesn’t explain what the consequences of abandoning God are. But it is something to be avoided.

How should we respond to this passage? First, we should confidently come into God’s presence knowing that Jesus did everything required so that we can have a right relation-ship with God. In the process of accepting this, we need to make sure we don’t add anything to it. It’s Jesus’ death on the cross that saves us. And it is trusting in that and trusting in that alone that makes us right with God.

Second, we should live in ways that are consistent with this belief. This includes having regular fellowship with other believers and encouraging those who share our faith to live in ways pleasing to God. Along with this, we need to avoid diluting what we know to be true about Jesus by com-promising with those that say there are other ways a person can have a right relationship with God.

8. What sin was the writer of Hebrews concerned about?

9. What are we saying to God if we throw our faith away or live as if Jesus’ death on the cross doesn’t matter?

10. How should we respond to the good news that Jesus’ death and resurrection has provided the means to have a right relationship with God?

11. How does our perseverance apply when considering how we respond to this good news?


Be Bold as You Travel God’s Path“Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship

Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before.”

The above phrase, voiced at the beginning of nearly every episode of the original Star Trek TV series, described the mis-sion of the crew of the starship Enterprise as it explored the galaxy and the worlds it encountered along the way. The crew of the Enterprise seldom wavered in their pursuit of their mis-sion and persevered in their efforts to complete it in spite of the obstacles they faced. What helped them was the faith they had in each other and their interpersonal relationships. Without the friendships they shared and their dependence on each other, they would not have succeeded in fulfilling their mission.

We also have a mission. God wants us to go into our own world and proclaim to others there is no way to God other than through the Cross. God also wants us to live in ways that are consistent with this belief and to develop meaningful relationships with other believers, ones that result in mutual encouragement.

Living as Christians in a world that is opposed to what we believe is sometimes difficult. It takes boldness to exhibit and proclaim our Christian faith among people who often don’t want to hear what we have to say about Jesus. It also requires perseverance. What makes it easier to be faithful in our mission is knowing that we aren’t walking the Christian path alone—others are traveling this journey with us.

12. What are some things that God wants to accomplish in and through us?

13. What character traits are needed to fulfill God’s purpose in our lives?

14. Why is it important to develop meaningful relation-ships with other believers as we travel the path God has set before us?


DAILY BIBLE READINGS FOR NEXT WEEK’S LESSONSeptember 3 through September 9

(See The Quiet Hour and Cross devotionals on these passages.)Mon. Mark 10:13-16—The Trusting Child.Tues. 2 Chronicles 14:2-12—The Trust of the Powerless.Wed. Psalm 3—The Prayer of Trust.Thurs. Psalm 4—The Security of Trust.Fri. Psalm 27—The Confidence of Trust.Sat. Psalm 46—The Certain Refuge.Sun. Hebrews 11:1-6—The Assurance of Faith.

Persevere in Your FaithWe need to proclaim to others that Jesus’ death provides

the only path to God and to live personally in light of this truth. We are called to gather together regularly with those who share our faith and use these opportunities to provide mutual encouragement. We also choose not to do anything that could cause us to throw our faith in Jesus away or to compromise what we know to be true about Him.

� Write out what you can do this week in each of these areas: Proclaiming the Good News and living consistently with it: Meeting with other believers and providing mutual encourage-ment: Avoiding things that could result in compromising or abandon-ing your faith:

KEY VERSELet us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised). —Hebrews 10:23, KJV

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. —Hebrews 10:23, NIV

7

A u g u s t 2 7m o n d a y

What a Move!Today’s Scripture: Matthew 8:5-13Today’s Verse: “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” —Matthew 8:10 (NIV)

I was only 11, but Kent Cox, a great high school ath-lete and friend, still played basketball with me. One

day I passed the ball to him then cut hard to the bas-ket for a give and go. Kent saw and played on it like a varsity player should. After my basket he said, “Wow, what a move!” He couldn’t believe one so young could do that. What a compliment. I remember the feeling of that moment but the lesson learned is what matters.

My skill came with study, watching plays, and prac-tice. Then I could play it out on the court. Kent saw and commented so I would do it again and again.

Jesus looked for faith and saw it, played out on the “court” of a man’s daily life—a friend’s failing health. Jesus commented so people would know what faith looked like and do it again and again. Jesus is still look-ing for faith. It’s our move.

—Von mitchell

True faith will not suffer us to be idle. No, it is an active, lively, rest-less principle; it fills the heart, so that it cannot be easy till it is doing something for Jesus Christ.

—George Whitefield

8

t u e s d a yA u g u s t 2 8

Where Does Faith Come From?Today’s Scripture: Romans 10:8-17Today’s Verse: Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

—Romans 10:17 (NIV)

Have you ever thought, even as a believer in Christ, that a situation was hopeless? Been dis-

couraged about praying for change? Possibly the diagno-sis was cancer. Maybe you thought the relationship was beyond repair. Whatever the case, you just settled into the present, gritty reality of the situation to ride it out. It’s not that you doubted God’s ability to work. You just resigned to believe for less.

I admit that at times I’ve trimmed my belief, diagram-ming why I think situations are beyond hope. But none of those reasons came from faith or Scripture. In fact, those reasons were like a magnet pulling me away from God’s Word, and my regular devotions.

But sometimes I opened the Scriptures and launched myself into the daily devotions anyway. And each time my attitude changed, faith rekindled, I believed for more. God’s Word aroused my faith to see open roads where before I only saw dead ends.

—Von mitchell

Dear Lord, thanks for Your Word, its living and active power nurtures my faith and ignites my life in You.

9

A u g u s t 2 9W e d n e s d a y

Who Do You See?Today’s Scripture: Galatians 2:15-21Today’s Verse: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave him-self for me. —Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

I’ve been blessed to coach the three oldest boys in a family of seven sons. It is remarkable how much

they look alike. Each of them has a unique combina-tion of looks and character reflecting their mother and father. By their resemblance, you know right away the family they are in.

We who have been crucified with Christ have a fam-ily resemblance. Now, you might be like me by holding onto some ways that don’t resemble God’s family. The ways we hold onto might be different but we have one aspect in common—we have been crucified with Christ. It is from that place Jesus raises us up to be like Him. There is a growing resemblance because of His grace and transforming power.

Who do you resemble?—Von mitchell

Character in a saint means the dis-position of Jesus Christ persistently manifest.

—oswald Chambers

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t h u r s d a yA u g u s t 3 0

Being AuthenticToday’s Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:5-10Today’s Verse: Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you? —2 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)

A Certificate of Authenticity describes a work of art and is signed by the artist. When the artist

signature is not possible then that of a publisher, agent, or recognized expert are second-best. With a legitimate certificate you gain assurance the work is not a fake.

We want assurance we’ve got the real thing when it comes to art, jewelry, currency, Bible translations, and our faith. We don’t need any fakes. We can hold, read, and examine a certificate for art-work and make our judgment. It’s a bit different to authenticate our faith.

We examine ourselves only, inviting Christ’s domin-ion in our lives so that it shines through. Comparing ourselves to another or condemning another does not make us better or right. For life in our fleshly body today, our certificate of authenticity is our life testimony (Rom. 8:9), our practice, and our love (1 John 3:9, 14). Let’s encourage and nurture the Body of Christ with the authenticity of Christ Jesus in us.

—scott stewart

Lord, I desire Your work in my life, making me more like You.

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A u g u s t 3 1f r i d a y

Contagious HopeToday’s Scripture: Romans 5:1-5Today’s Verse: We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, char-acter; and character, hope. —Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)

As a basketball coach and fan, I have seen teams suffer through most of a game trailing 20 points

or so. That’s a lot. It can deflate a team. However, there are occasions when the singular focus and fren-zied determination of one player, refusing to quit or emotionally exit the game, leads the squad all the way to victory. These become memorable games—creating respect and legend for the athlete. And they don’t just happen but come from within the athlete.

Every player suffers in practice. A few quit, never get-ting to a game. Those who persevere will sweat, ache, and struggle to catch their breath—but they grow. They gain stamina, skill, perseverance, and character. All matter. But when the team is down 20, it’s the perse-verance that brings out the character. From character springs hope for victory and the determination to stay in the game. It comes out tangible and contagious. The team thrives on it, the spectators see and feel it.

—Von mitchell

A fire in the heart overcomes all fires without.

—richard sibbes

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s a t u r d a ys e p t e m b e r 1

Praying MoreToday’s Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10Today’s Verse: We always thank God for all of you, men-tioning you in our prayers. —1 Thessalonians 1:2 (NIV)

Friends pray for me. They are really good friends. Their gift of prayer causes me to feel an odd mix

of gratitude and humility. I’m grateful they are taking me to God’s throne, asking His good work and blessing in my life. I thank my friends and God. There’s nothing better than His blessing.

Humility comes not from knowing I’m not praying as much as I can for God’s good in their lives.

Paul’s words and my praying friends help. Both encour-age me to pray more. I’ve got a ways to go to get to Paul’s “always” but I’m on the journey and not stopping. Grati-tude and humility also nudge me to pray better. I’ve been inclined to try to bend God’s ear and twist His arm on my desire and objective for people. “God, please make … not so …” I’ve erased those prayer items.

I’m out to follow Paul’s example with my praying friends. Join with us.

—Von mitchell

God shapes the world by prayer. The more praying there is in the world the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil.

—e.m.Bounds

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s e p t e m b e r 2s u n d a y

Church All WeekToday’s Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-31Today’s Verse: Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. —Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)

What a difference it makes to have a great Chris-tian friend at work! For the last three years I’ve

been privileged to work with Rob Ames—a great Eng-lish teacher and a great person. We don’t attend the same church but on work days at the high school we “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” It’s like going to church every day!

He is involved with an FCA huddle of students on Tuesdays, I serve in a Bible study on Thursdays. In between times we talk with one another about what God is doing in our lives. We keep each other in sight so we are deliberate to connect often and encourage each other.

Good friends help us “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess” (v. 23). I am thankful that at least one aspect of “meeting together” (v. 25) for me is to go to work each day and experience God’s greatness with a true friend.

—Von mitchell

Correction does much, but encour-agement does more.

—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

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Faith Calls for Perseverance

It is not known for certain who wrote the Book of Hebrews. Some

have suggested that it may have been the apostle Paul, but that is unlikely as the vocabulary and style of Hebrews are very different from what is found in other letters Paul wrote. The theology of the book is very much like Paul’s, however. This suggests that the writer could have been an associate of Paul. The writer’s significant knowledge of the Old Testament is evidenced in the large number of quotes taken directly from the Old Testament as well as the way the author wove Old Testament events, persons, and pas-sages into his argument that having faith in Jesus was a far better way to have a right relationship with God than following the religious tradi-tions his readers had adhered to in the past. The author urged his read-ers to persevere in their new faith and not fall back to Jewish traditions.

1. When is perseverance important??2. In what ways are young chil-

dren great examples of perseverance? Why do parents not always give in to them?3. Think of a time when you or

someone else benefited by persever-ing in something. Describe the situ-ation, how you or the other person benefited, and what was learned in the process.

Understand the Good NewsHebrews 10:19-2519 Having therefore, brethren,

boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,20 By a new and living way, which

he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;21 And having an high priest over

the house of God;22 Let us draw near with a true

heart in full assurance of faith, hav-ing our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.23 Let us hold fast the profession of

our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)24 And let us consider one another

to provoke unto love and to good works:25 Not forsaking the assembling of

ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

4. What problem was the author of Hebrews addressing?5. What did Jesus do so that people

can have a right relationship with God?6. Why was this good news to the

author’s audience?7. How did he want them to re-

spond to this good news?

Lesson 1 • September 2

6 LESSONLEAFLET

KEY VERSE

[ ]Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that prom-ised). —Hebrews 10:23

Embrace the Good NewsHebrews 10:26-3126 For if we sin wilfully after that we

have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sac-rifice for sins,27 But a certain fearful looking for

of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.28 He that despised Moses’ law

died without mercy under two or three witnesses:29 Of how much sorer punishment,

suppose ye, shall he be thought wor-thy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, where-with he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?30 For we know him that hath said,

Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the

hands of the living God.

8. What sin was the writer of Hebrews concerned about?9. What are we saying to God if

we throw our faith away or live as if Jesus’ death on the cross doesn’t matter?10. How should we respond to

the good news that Jesus’ death and resurrection has provided a secure means to have a right relationship with God?11. How does our perseverance

apply when considering how to respond to this good news?

Be Bold as You Travel God’s Path12. What are some things that God

wants to accomplish in and through us?13. What character traits are

needed to fulfill God’s purpose in our lives?14. Why is it important to develop

meaningful relationships with other believer as we travel the path God has set before us?

Persevere in Your Faith � Write out what you can do this

week in each of the following areas:Proclaiming the Good News and

living consistently with it:

Meeting with other believers and providing mutual encouragement:

Avoiding things that could result in compromising or abandoning your faith:

S E P T E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 2

COOKING SCHOOL

M I N I S T R Y

R E C I P E F O R S U C C E S S

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2 POWER FOR LIVING September 2, 2012

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VICTORIA QUEEN’S

PASSION FOR PEOPLE A N D C U L I N A R Y A R T S

BY JOHN W. KENNEDY

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POWER FOR LIVING September 2, 2012 3

The daughter

of a minister,

Victoria Queen

went to church

every week as

a child growing

up in Batesville,

Arkansas. But once

she reached adult-

hood, Queen felt sti-

� ed by rules of strict morality. Although

her rebellion didn’t result in drug addic-

tion or sexual promiscuity, it did mean

turning her back on God’s involvement

in daily life.Instead of following God, Queen

poured herself into obtaining an edu-cation and pursuing career goals. She opened her � rst restaurant at age 25 and later took over the food and bev-erage service at a country club. She supervised banquets and hosted cam-pus guests working for the president of a private college. � en she worked for a major corporation as the cater-ing director at two universities. Queen didn’t attend church on Sundays; her devotion belonged to her career. During her rise in the culinary indus-try, she obtained a master’s degree in business administration at Arkansas State University.

But some practices in the corpo-rate world began to bother Queen. For instance, she witnessed salaried lead-ership running up huge alcohol tabs on travel expense accounts, as hourly workers would be limited to less than 40 hours of work per week to keep them from receiving full-time bene� ts.

Queen went out on her own again, opening a bar and restaurant.

Queen began to sense God tugging at her to return to Him. One Sunday morning she shocked her sta� by say-ing she wouldn’t be working that day—she planned to go to church instead. At the service, a weeping Queen recommitted her life to Jesus. Feeling convicted, Queen closed her success-ful bar and restaurant and moved to Spring� eld, Missouri, to further her education at Missouri State University.

One day a friend asked Queen to drop o� a donation at Spring� eld Victory Mission www.victorymission.

com, which serves needy and home-less in the area.

“I didn’t even know rescue mis-sions existed,” says Queen, now 57. While there, she picked up a mis-sion newsletter. Talking to Executive Director James M. Harriger, Queen learned of Victory Mission’s plans to open a trade school that would cater to those in recovery. Queen left her résumé. Harriger hired her to develop the new Victory Trade School, which opened with four employees and nine students in 2003.

“I came to realize making a lot of money is not that important,” Queen says.

Queen devised a plan to gain National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation certi� cation for the new trade school. She also acquired accreditation through the North Central Association, certi� ca-tion with the Missouri Department of Higher Education, and participation in Title IV Pell grants for the school. Students are billed $15,100 for the one year of study, which includes tuition, meals, and lodging. But students don’t

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VICTORIA QUEEN’S

PASSION FOR PEOPLE A N D C U L I N A R Y A R T S

BY JOHN W. KENNEDY

The daughter

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pay any of the costs because they receive a full scholarship in exchange for the unpaid restaurant work they provide. Students rotate as waiters, cashiers, dishwashers, grill, prep, and other positions. Pell grants as well as donations from churches and individ-uals enable students to avoid incurring school loans.

“Victory Mission helps a lot of peo-ple who can’t help themselves, but Victory Trade School helps people help themselves,” Queen says.

VTS started recruiting gradu-ates from recovery programs such as Teen Challenge and the Salvation Army. Although around half the stu-dents have a history of drug or alcohol troubles, early on Queen established a zero-tolerance substance abuse policy. Students are subject to urine analysis or breath tests at any time. �ey are accepted into the culinary arts pro-gram only if they have been drug-free for a year.

Food preparation instruction is

done in conjunction with classes in the VTS Christian discipleship pro-gram called PREP: Prayer, Reading Scripture, Education, and Praise to God for His blessing. �e day starts with prayers and Bible reading. Students are required to attend daily Bible-based classes as well as Sunday worship services at a local congrega-tion of their choosing.

“�ey are dealing with relation-ship issues, authority issues, moti-vation issues,” says Queen, whose

husband, Alan, is chaplain at the par-ent Spring�eld Victory Mission orga-nization. “�ey may not know how to get a job or how to be a good employ-ee. At VTS they learn how to handle anger, disappointment, and pres-sure—without resorting to substance abuse.”

Less than three weeks after VTS began, Queen opened Cook’s Kettle Restaurant as a commercial enterprise. In the heart of a city center inhabited by the homeless, Cook’s Kettle serves reasonably priced breakfast and lunch. It also functions as the culinary labora-tory for VTS. It’s not fast-food burg-ers and fries. Two classically trained chefs instruct students on how to craft salads, soups, specialty sandwiches, and pastries. Students learn everything from making salad dressings to follow-ing intricate recipes.

In 2010, VTS opened a second loca-tion—the Branch Bistro—three blocks away to meet the growing need for a venue to train culinary arts students www.victorytradeschool.edu.

Editorial Manager: Catherine DeVries Art Director: Paul Parson

POWER FOR LIVING®, a paper for adults, is published quarterly in weekly issues by SP Publications. Subscription addresses: SP Publications, 4050 Lee Vance View, Colorado Springs, CO 80918 • SP Publications, Ltd., Box 98, Paris, ON N3L 3E5, Canada. Scripture Press, Kingsway Church Ministries, Lottbridge Drove, Eastbourne, BN23 6NT, UK. © 2012, SP Publications. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without specific permission. Printed in South Korea. Website address: www.power-for-living.com. To order Power for Living, please call 1-800-323-7543 (U.S. only) or 1-800-263-2664 (Canada only) Cover Illustration: Paul Parson.

Volume 71, Number 1, September | October | November 2012

Victoria Queen with Mayor Jim O’Neal

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Initially, Queen taught all VTS classes. Now there are 16 employees. Queen, who is president of VTS, says God has sent overquali�ed sta� willing to work for less money.

“Many are fed up with the coarse language, alcohol use, and drug abuse of those working in the secular mar-ketplace,” explains Queen, who earned her doctorate in 2012 from Saint Louis University in higher education admin-istration. “Victory Trade School is a Christian atmosphere, and the sta� love to mentor others.”

Since 2003, VTS has graduated 150 students from 15 states. �ey are certi-�ed in areas such as food preparation, customer service, customer controls, and restaurant marketing. All have been placed in the workforce.

John Allen enrolled in the VTS culi-nary arts program in 2010. Under the tutelage of certi�ed executive chefs Chadwick Isom and Brian M. Romano, he quickly excelled. Allen, motivated as never before, absorbed as much as he could from the experienced and skilled teachers. He worked up to 70 hours a week to gain experience not only at the Branch Bistro but also at VTS banquets and other catering events.

After graduating from VTS in 2011,

Allen became general manager and executive chef at a new downtown Spring�eld eatery, Aviary Café and Creperie. He knew he didn’t want to return to his old stomping grounds in Bakers�eld, California.

“�ere was a lot of baggage waiting for me,” says the 29-year-old Allen, who had kicked a decade-long methamphet-amine addiction at Teen Challenge. “I had a lot of friends and family that used drugs.”

Business at the Aviary Café and Creperie has been booming. Allen believes it’s because God is pleased with those he has hired. �e restaurant’s kitchen sta� includes three VTS gradu-ates and various workers on parole or probation.

“Most of the guys have made bad choices and would have a hard time �nding employment elsewhere,” Allen says.

Queen’s goal remains for VTS stu-dents to graduate as productive citizens who are debt-free, sober, and account-able to God and to fellow Christians. And to be people who know a thing or

two about food.

DAILY BIBLE readings

1 Kings 17—19

1 Kings 20—22

2 Kings 1—5

2 Kings 6—8

2 Kings 9—13

2 Kings 14—17

2 Kings 18—20

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

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P A T C H E S O F G R A C E

Stew bubbled on the stove. Cookies baked in the oven. Jello salad hardened in the refrigera-

tor. � e microwave dinged.I balanced a pot on my hip, grabbed

a wooden spoon, and called over my shoulder. “Hey, can someone check the sauce?”

My husband stuck his head through the kitchen doorway. “Smells good in here.”

I blew out a breath. “It’ll taste good too, if I can get it all ready in time. See if the sauce is hot.” I nodded toward the microwave then jabbed my spoon in the direction of the dining room. “Is the table set?”

“Sure is.” Bryan strode to the micro-wave and opened the door. “Sauce looks perfect. It’s steaming.”

“Great. Go ahead and take it to the table.” I glanced at the clock. In

ten minutes, our guests would arrive. Ten minutes to stir and mix, taste and cook, prepare and place. � en, all I wanted to do was sit and feast, and enjoy getting to know the new family from church.

I stuck the wooden spoon into the stew and gave it a twist as Bryan lifted the sauce bowl out of the microwave and moved to the next room.

I turned back to the stew. Bubbles popped to the surface. It did smell good. I leaned over and took a deep breath.

A sni� e sounded behind me, fol-lowed by a tug on my pantleg.

I looked down.Jayden glared up at me. His two-

year-old lip quivered.“What’s wrong, honey?”He pointed toward the living room.

“Sister mean.”

© IS

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P A T C H E S O F G R A C E

Hungry for GodBY MARLO SCHALESKY

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Marlo Schaleskyis the author of

several acclaimed novels. Find out more about her

and her books at www.VividGod.com

“What happened?” He folded his arms across his chest.

“Took toy.”I sighed. “Did she take your pen-

guin toy away again?” He stared at the � oor. “I no like

penguin.”“But it’s your favorite.”“No like.” He sat down and scowled.

Tears rolled down his cheeks. “Well, our friends are coming in

just a minute. Maybe you want to go put together a puzzle while we wait.”

“No like puzzle.”“How about your blocks, then?

Sister won’t take your blocks.”“No like blocks.”“Your train set?”“Hate train.”I squatted down in front of him.

“Well, you just don’t like anything, do you?”

“Me mad.”“Yes, I see that.” I stood back up

and took the stew o� the stove. � en, I picked up a ladle and spooned the stew into a large serving terrine.

“What dat?”I glanced down. “Stew. You want

some?”He sni� ed. “Like stew.”Ah, that was the problem. Jayden

was hungry. And like his daddy, he got grumpy when he was overdue to eat.

I ladled a bit of stew into a small bowl, blew it cool, and set it on the kitchen table. “Sit on up and eat.”

He did.Five minutes later, he licked his

lips, pushed back his empty bowl, and grinned. “I play sisters now. We play

penguin. Puzzles too.”“Okay, you go play.”He trotted o� . As I carried the stew terrine to the

dining room table, I wondered if it wasn’t only Jayden and Bryan who got cranky when they were hungry. Maybe I was that way too.

Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hun-gry...” (John 6:35).

So when I’m anxious and irritable, when nothing seems right, when I “no like” life, maybe I’m just hungry for more of Jesus. Perhaps it’s not about sister being mean or the penguin or the puzzle. Maybe it’s just about needing to gobble up more Scripture, chew on more truth, do more than just nibble at the corners of my prayer life. Perhaps I need to � ll up on more time with God, tasting the goodness of His presence with me.

On the days when my husband seems inconsiderate, when I don’t like my job, when people don’t treat me like I think they should, before I start casting blame, I’ll try to remember Jayden and make sure I’m all � lled up. � en I can hold onto a much better attitude, even when someone is just a little bit mean.

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ADULT The Comprehensive Bible Study follows the International Sunday School Lectionary (ISSL) and is a quarterly, topical study which examines key Bible themes and messages. Through the Comprehensive Bible Study series, adults are equipped to build a deeper understanding of Bible principles and challenged to continue to grow spiritually.

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