Old Enterprise Baptist Church

Old Enterprise Baptist Church Old Enterprise Baptist Church is located in Enterprise, Mississippi......
Bro. Marvin Evans serves as Pastor.

06/07/2026

Women in Leadership
Sunday School Lesson
June 7, 2026
Judges 4:4-10, 14,21-22 And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. 5 And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment. 6 And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the Lord God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun? 7 And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand. 8 And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go. 9 And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the Lord shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh. 10 And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him.
14 And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the Lord hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the Lord gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him.
21 Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died. 22 And, behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said unto him, Come, and I will shew thee the man whom thou seekest. And when he came into her tent, behold, Sisera lay dead, and the nail was in his temples.
Key Verses: And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. 5 And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment. [Judges 4:4-5]

Lesson Outline:
Deborah, the People’s Savior [Judges 4:4-10]
Jael, the People’s Deliverer [Judges 4:14, 21-22]

Deborah, the People’s Savior
Israel’s commitment and rebellion to God again comes to the forefront in their history. Their crypto God is answered due to God being faithful. God raised a woman, by the name of Deborah, a prophetess and Israel’s first prophet since Moses. As a judge she had judicial and military responsibilities during Israel’s history.
The palm of Deborah was her station to assist individuals. Deborah sends for Barack to have him assemble an army of ten thousand soldiers from the tribes of Naphtal and Zebulum and to lead them to Mount Tabor for a victory. Barak’s faith wavers and he negotiates with Deborah to go with him and the army for the battle. Deborah declares that a woman would get the credit for the victory and not Barack due to his trusting in humans rather than God. Barack and Deborah go to Kedesh to gather an army then proceed to face Sisera, Jabin’s military leader for the victory.
God’ choice is always the correct choice whether we agree with it or not. Those called by God are already given the strength and authority needed to accomplish the task.

Jael, the People’s Deliverer
Deborah and Barak attack Sisera and his army and are successful. Sisera is the only Canaanite individual to escape from the battlefield. He flees on foot to the camp of Heber the Kenite, who is at peace with Jabin, the king of Hazor.
Heber’s wife, Jael, welcomes Sisera with the customary hospitality of the culture of that day. Sisera is exhausted from the battle and falls asleep feeling safe and secure in friendly confines. Jael, maybe opposed to her husband's political views, led by divine intervention takes a tent peg and quietly approaches Sisera as he sleeps and drives the peg into Sisera’s temple and into the ground killing him.
Barak, still in pursuit of Sisera, is passing rather than the camp of Heber when Jael gets his attention and shows Barak the body of Sisera, his enemy. This fulfills Deborah's prophecy of a woman getting the honor of the victory, rather than Barak.
God is able to use whomever He chooses to fulfill His purpose. Our views do not change God' s intentions.

Prayer : Thank You for faithful leaders during adverse situations. Lead us where You would have us to go. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

05/24/2026

Provoke One Another!
Sunday School Lesson
May 24, 2026
Matthew 28:18 -20; Hebrews 10:22-25
Matthew 28:18-20 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Hebrews 10:22-25 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having 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.

Key Verse: Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) [Hebrews 10:23]

Lesson Outline:
Pushed to New Service [Matthew 28:18-20]
Holding On to a Faithful God [Hebrews 10:22-23]
Why We Come to Church [Hebrews 10:24-25]

Pushed to New Service
Jesus informs the disciples of the authority he now has in verse eighteen. Jesus proceeds by giving “The Great commission” in verses nineteen and
twenty. First, they are to make disciples. Second, baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy spirit. Third, teach obedience to everything He commanded.

Holding On to a Faithful God
Christianity was not an official religion in the Roman Empire. Persecution of Christians by the Romans was common, while hiding behind their Jewish identity was a denial of Christianity. The author of Hebrews compels the christians to draw near to God with sincerity and assurance, hearts cleansed and bodies washed with pure water. Verse twenty-three urges them to hold on to their faith in Christ, remember the faithful promises God has already done.

Why We Come to Church
Preserve in gathering together for the blessings it brings. Assembling in love and good deeds is a reminder that you are not alone. The perseverance of the groups help to deal with life issues where encouragement is needed. Be aware of “the Day approaching” Jesus’ return. Mutual worship is needed as love, hope and faith are instrumental in our being.

Prayer: Lord God, increase our faith as we share love one with another. In Jesus name. Amen.

05/17/2026

Cultivating Generosity
Sunday School Lesson
April 17, 2026
Deuteronomy 24:14-22; Ephesians 6:5-9; 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Deuteronomy 24: 14 Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates: 15 At his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the Lord, and it be sin unto thee. 16 The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin. 17 Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow's raiment to pledge: 18 But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing. 19 When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands. 20 When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. 21 When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. 22 And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt: therefore I command thee to do this thing.
Ephesians 6 5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
1 Timothy 6: 17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Key Verse: When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands. [Deuteronomy 24:19]

Lesson Outline:
Gleaning and Generosity [Deuteronomy 24:14-22]
Treating People with Dignity [Ephesians 6:5-9]
How to Obtain Riches [1Timothy 6:17-19]

Gleaning and Generosity
“Thou shalt not”– Moses' words to the Israelites in Chapter twenty-four verses fourteen and fifteen are commands for generosity to the less fortunate. Verse sixteen places the responsibility of individuals on themselves and not on others. Verse seventeen is another “thou shalt not” verse for the fatherless, strangers, and widows. The remaining verses are promotions that should be done or acknowledged as ways of life to support those willing to help themselves. Verse twenty-two is a reminder of God’s deliverance from bo***ge in Egypt and how we too must make good choices.

Treating People with Dignity
The ancient world’s acceptance and use of slavery as economic and social reality is evident, even in the Bible. The rules or guidelines given by Paul are there to prevent cruelties. Paul's insistence of applying faithful service “as unto Christ” is not Paul’s view of the oppressed and less fortunate individuals nor of the authority of those in leadership positions. Paul is using “as unto Christ” as a balancing point for all. True discipleship enjoins relationships in all circumstances. God’s impartiality applies on all sides.

How to Obtain True Riches
Paul speaks to those with resources to not put their trust in their riches but to rather put their riches to good works for others. In doing so their good foundations would be in place for eternity and life will be more enjoyable. Releasing in love reveals our true wealth.

Prayer: Dear LORD, help us to remain faithful in sharing and modeling the generosity You have shown us. In Jesus name. Amen.

05/09/2026

A Good Day’s Work
Sunday School Lesson
May 10, 2026
Genesis 2:18; Exodus 20:9; John 5:17; 9:4; Acts 20:33-35 2Thessalonians 3:6-12
Genesis 2:18 18 And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. Exodus 20:9 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
John 5:17 17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. John9:4 4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Acts 20:33-35 33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; 8 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: 9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. 10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

Key Verse: I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. [Acts 20:35]
Lesson Outline:
A Foundation for Work [Genesis 2:18; Exodus 20:9]
Knowing Your Purpose [John 5:17; 9:4]
We Must Help [Acts 20:33-35]
Avoid Idleness; Work Hard! [2 Thessalonians 3:6-12]

A Foundation for Work
God’s work ethics are part of our DNA. God worked six days and on the seventh day, God rested. Adam was given the work of attending to the Garden of Eden. God recognized that Adam was in need of a help mate. Eve was a companion as well as a partner for Adam. This relationship provides evidence that men and women should work together, thus creating a community of God’s design. This establishment reveals that work honors God and that rest is also important. The balance is precisely what we need.

Knowing Your Purpose
Opportunity comes about to reveal God's power. Urgency in this passage, “as long as it is day”, reminds us of the limited time we have on earth. Community in our passage reminds us of God’s mission on earth is shared work. Understanding purpose is realized by prayer, use of scripture, wisdom and by faith. Night reminds us of limited opportunities. Work while it is day.

We Must Help
Paul represents God by restating his willingness to work to support himself and his companions. Paul goes on and shows in verse thirty-five the ways we should support the weak and reflect on the opportunity, It is more blessed to give than to receive. This is the example of Jesus as He walked the earth. An act of duty/ worship for the Christian walk, is God’s mission on earth.

Avoid Idleness; Work Hard!
Following the example set by us is equivalent to Paul’s statement to the Thessalonians. The work ethic must not stop. Encouraging support of the community while not enabling laziness becomes a fine line to distinguish the difference of the two. When one does not work he shall not eat. Being a busybody– the act of involving oneself in the affairs of others but failing to add value- Paul urges those to earn their positions with work.

Prayer: Father, we thank You for the strength to work and serve others. Allow Your generosity to flow through us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

05/03/2026

Grace beyond Borders
Sunday school lesson
May 3, 2026
Jonah 1:1-3; 3:1-5; 4:6-11
Jonah 1:1-3 Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. 3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. Jonah 3:1-5 And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying, 2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. 3 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey. 4 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. 5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.

Jonah 4:6-11 6 And the Lord God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd. 7 But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered. 8 And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live. 9 And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death. 10 Then said the Lord, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night: 11 And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?

Key Verses: Then said the Lord, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night: 11 And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?

Lesson Outline:
Disobeying a Direct Order (Jonah 1:1-3)
The God of Another Chance (Jonah 3:1-5)
Get Your Priorities Straight (Jonah 4:6-11)

Disobeying a Direct Order
The Word of God came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee the LORD.
Failure, by choice. The LORD gives a clear and precise plan for Jonah to follow. Jonah chooses to run away from Nineveh and its rebellious populace due to fear, arrogance and idol worship. Jonah’s plan was the exact opposite of God’s intentions for Ninevevh. The LORD sought intervention for the people. Jonah wanted judgement to overtake them. Jonah did not have a heart of mercy for God’s creation. Jonah’s running was useless against the creator of all.

The God of Another Chance
Again the word of the LORD came unto Jonah. “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” This time Jonah obeys the word of God and goes to Nineveh. The vastness of the city took three days to cross. Jonah begins by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” The Nineveh’s believe God’s message. A fast is announced and all of Nineveh put on sackcloth.
God extended another chance to Jonah, a reluctant prophet and to a people known for rebellion to god. His mercy endures forever.

Get your Priorities Straight
God loves our enemies— even when we do not. Jonah’s feelings for a plant appear more intense than his feelings for thousands of souls. God’s attention getter provides an opportunity for Jonah to see himself. Nineveh’s outward actions show repentance after Jonah follows the LORD’s directions but Jonah is also in need of repentance for himself. Self interest must not integer with God's purpose.

Prayer: Father, allow us to show mercy as you have shown us mercy. Let Your compassion for people become our compassion for people.

04/25/2026

Loves that Shapes Society
Sunday School Lesson
April 26, 2026
Deuteronomy 6:3-9; Matthew 19:3-9
Deuteronomy 6: 3 Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey. 4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: 5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
Matthew 19: 3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? 4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? 8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
Key Verses: 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? [Matthew 19:6-7]
Lesson Outline:
Promise and Obedience Work Together to Fulfill God’s Will (Deuteronomy 6:3-6)
Religious Education Happens Constantly (Deuteronomy 6:7-9)
Jesus on Divorce (Matthew 19:3-9)

Promise and Obedience Work Together to Fulfill God’s Will
The LORD is not slack concerning His promises. We as a people are often impatient, desiring God’s will to fit our timeframes. Moses reminds the Israelites of the attributes of God in these verses. God is one; Love God with all your heart; Love Him with all your soul; and Love Him with all your strength. These are the mandates given by God for the establishment of home, family, and relationships. Faithfulness to God is the essential goal for all believers.
Religious Education Happens Constantly
These verses illustrate the importance of teaching and modeling by example. Parents are to teach in the home and in all aspects of life God’s truth. Teach your children, have and display God's truths in everyday experiences. Have evidence in your homes and openly available for them to see.
Jesus on Divorce
Matthew’s gospel reverts back to God’s intended purpose for marriage. The Pharisees desired to test Jesus on this divisive issue. Some Rabbis were now allowing divorces to take place with minimum causes made by men, based on Moses' permission to permit divorce. Jesus explains God intended the purpose of permanence in marriage except for sexual immorality which leads to adultery. Permanence supplies the strength and stability our society needs.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the family. Help us to seek Your permanence and stability as we go from day to day. May Your presence be established in our daily walk of life. In Jesus name. Amen.

04/19/2026

The Beauty of Dependence
Sunday School Lesson
April 19, 2026
Mark 9:36-37,42; 10:13-16 36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, 37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
Mark 10:13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. 16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
Key Verse: Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. (Mark 10:15)

Lesson Outline:
The Welcoming of God (Mark 9:36-37)
The Danger of Hurting Children (Mark 9:42)
Bring Them to Be Blessed (Mark 10:13-16)

The Welcoming of God
Jesus took a child and placed him in the middle of the crowd. He stated, “Whosoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
Welcoming a child in His name meant welcoming Jesus, the Savior, Himself. His name is above all names.

The Danger of Hurting
Jesus identifying a child as important to Him helped the people to see the harm in leading children astray. He goes on with the consequence which follows the action. A large millstone was hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea. A believing child being led in the wrong direction has eternal weight.

Bring Them to Be Blessed
Jesus was blessing the children as parents brought them to Him. The disciples began to rebuke them when Jesus saw their actions.
Jesus spoke. “Let the children come unto me, do not stop them, for such is the kingdom of God. Jesus was illustrating the childlike character needed to enter the kingdom. He took them in his arms and blessed them.

Prayer: LORD we thank you for a child like faith and trust. Help us to continue to love and share as you do. In Jesus name. Amen.

04/12/2026

Sunday School Lesson
April 12, 2026
Mark 12:17; Romans 13:1, 6-8;1 Peter 2:13-17
Mark 12:17 17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.
Romans 13:1, 6-8 13 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 1 Peter 2:13-17 13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

Key Verse: And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.[Mark 12:17]

Lesson Outline:
Render to Caesar and to God [Mark 12:17]
You Are the Boss of Me! [Romans 13:1, 6-8]
Christian Freedom [1 Peter 2:13-17]

Render to Caesar and to God
The question of taxes was used to try to entrap Jesus by the Sadducees and Pharisees, the religious leaders. Jesus' response satisfies the Roman government and also the obligation to the church in Judea. The religious leader had no evidence to hold against Jesus.

You Are the Boss of Me
The teachings of Paul are still in use by the church of today. The relationship of the believers and the government are addressed in Romans chapter 13. Paul’s citizenship as a Jew and a Roman obligated him to both. The coexistence of believers and the government would defer the harsh treatment many Christians had undergone. Paul also had a desire to speak with Caesar about the gospel. After all God has control of the people placed in positions.

Christian Freedom!
Submission for the Lord’s sake is what Peter is encouraging the oppressed Christians scattered in the region. The rulers stand in need of prayer. Christian must pray for leaders, use their freedoms to serve God, display honor, and not excuse sin.

Prayer: Father, we thank You for Your grace and faith which enables us to stand. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

04/05/2026

Thoughts on Life and Death
Sunday School Lesson
April 5, 2026
I Corinthians 15:13-20, 51-58 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Key Verse: But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. (I Corinthians 15:20)
Lesson Outline:
The Point of Preaching [I Corinthians 15:13-20]
The Mystery of Faith [I Corinthians 15:51-53]
It Pays to Serve Jesus [I Corinthians 15:54-58]

The Point of Preaching
Paul points people to the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. As the redeemer has been raised so shall the redeemed. Jesus was the first fruit of those who have fallen asleep. Jesus followers are to die and be raised from the dead also. The resurrection is the message of preaching.

The Mystery of Faith
The mystery of the faith is Paul’s way of saying a transformation is to take place. This transformation is God-gifted and cannot be fully explained. Paul’s experience on the Damascus Road along with the Holy Spirit helps Paul to better understand this transformative work.

It Pays to Serve Jesus
Christians were facing hardship and even death because of their beliefs. Paul reassures the populace that standing firm in the face of immorality was a must. The competing philosophies eagerly swayed some from their faith. Paul insists that all of these steps were necessary for them to stand firm in the Lord.

Prayer: Thank You LORD for Your continued faith in Your guidance of transition from earth to heaven. In Jesus name. Amen.

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P. O. Box 334/319 South Street
Enterprise, MS
39330

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+16012745236

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