Trials are an unavoidable part of life, yet the Bible calls us to respond to them with a heart of faith and joy. James 1:2-3 reminds us that the difficulties we face are not meaningless, but are opportunities for growth and the strengthening of our character. Let's say a prayer for anyone seeking to trust God in the midst of trials, to cultivate steadfastness, and to experience joy even when circumstances are challenging.

Paul spends a long time in Galatians explaining salvation and justification by faith. In chapter 2, he spoke boldly about his own struggles and Peter’s moment of failure, showing that even the apostles could forget the heart of the gospel. Now, in chapter 3, Paul shifts his focus, choosing to firmly and lovingly turn to the Galatians themselves. The Christians in Galatia were in danger of returning to the same old trap that both Peter and Paul had escaped: the trap of believing that human effort can secure God’s favor.

Forgiven and Following Jesus This Sunday School lesson is intended for upper elementary students. All lessons on this website are protected by copyright, but you can use them for free in small groups or Sunday School classes. You may share a link to this page, but please do not copy these pages and put them on other websites. The Big Idea…

December is a month filled with light and longing. As the world prepares for Christmas, we are invited to go beyond the secular traditions and remember the deeper story: the arrival of Jesus, the promised Savior, and the hope of his return. In this season let's pause to reflect on what it means to wait well, rejoicing in God’s faithfulness as we walk in peace through the chaos of life.

Taking time to reflect on God’s faithfulness can transform how we view our days. Psalm 9:1-2 reminds us to give thanks with our whole hearts, to recount the wonderful deeds of the Lord, and to rejoice in him through praise. Even in ordinary moments, God is at work, guiding, sustaining, and providing for us. Let's say a prayer that will help us to remember God’s goodness, cultivate gratitude, and express joy and praise for all that he has done in our lives.

As we begin the Christian journey, there are many twists and turns that we will face along the way. During the entire process, we need to continually return to the basic belief that it is our faith that saves us. As a Pharisee, Paul tried being saved by good works, even approving of Stephen’s death as he was stoned for believing that salvation is through faith in Jesus.