SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON - JUNE 7TH

Bible Passage: 1 John 1:1–2:2

What This Lesson Is About:

Fellowship with God and with other believers is based on a correct understanding of who Jesus is and why He came.

Spiritual Preparation Through Personal Bible Study - by Scott A. Blue, Visiting Lecturer in religion at the University of North Carolina-Pembroke; attends Grace Baptist Church in Laurinburg, NC.

Over the past several years, a multitude of dating Web sites invaded the Internet. Two of the most popular sites promise a harmonious relationship and a perfect match for those registering and paying a fee to find that “special someone” in their lives. Through personal descriptions, posted photographs, personality tests, and listed dating preferences, singles can search and receive matches with whom they can possibly make a relational connection. Television commercials tout success stories and celebrities add their “professional” advice. Certainly, there are positive results for some looking for love in cyberspace, but no doubt others are disappointed.

Dating Web sites are just one indication of uncertainty in the area of relational connectedness. Still, there is the most-important relational need to have fellowship with God through Jesus Christ. But in our pluralistic culture, any claim that Jesus is the exclusive way to God is not always welcomed. Additionally, Christ-followers need to stay connected with other believers. Yet, those relationships are too-often lacking. A study LifeWay Research conducted in 2007 for The Shape of Faith to Come by Brad J. Waggoner revealed only 27 percent strongly agreed they had developed significant relationships at their church, only 18 percent agreed strongly they intentionally made significant time for fellowship with other Christians, and only 30percent strongly agreed participation in a local church is necessary for a believer to be truly obedient to God.

How This Lesson Can Impact Your Life:

With a greater degree of certainty of who Jesus is and why He came, you will be challenged to live consistently in fellowship with God and with other believers.