Lessons On The Uccp Statement of Faith: Adults

LESSONS ON THE UCCP STATEMENT OF FAITH
A Sunday School Guide for

Adults
That in Jesus Christ, who was born of Mary, God became human and is Sovereign Lord of life and
history.
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

July 22, 2018
LESSON 9: JESUS CHRIST
General Concept: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, obedient and faithful in doing
God’s ministries of feeding, teaching, healing and preaching.
Biblical References: Psalm 23; Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
List of Lectionary Readings for the Week: 2 Samuel 7:1-14a; Psalm 23; Psalm 89:20-37; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Ephesians
2:11-22; Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
Age-Level Concepts
 Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
 Jesus is both human and divine.
 Jesus is obedient and faithful to the will of God.
Learning Objectives
 Expound on the nature of Jesus as the Christ and as the Son of God
 Affirm that Jesus’s compassion to the lowly is a manifestation of obedience and faithfulness to
God
 Articulate approaches by which persons can emulate Jesus as an obedient child of God
Materials: The Holy Bible (preferably the New Revised Standard Version [NRSV]), song chart, offering
plate or basket, paper, pens, flash cards where some commandments from the Bible are
written (see Lessons Learned)
Suggested Lesson Outline

Expressing Praise and Thanks to God
Visit the tree the class planted last Sunday and make sure it is doing well. Give it the care it
needs.
Opening Hymn “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” (Hymnal of a Faith Journey, p. 207)
Announcements and/or Birthday Greetings
Opening Prayer (Also pray for the birthday celebrant[s], if there are any.)
Recite a portion of the UCCP Statement of Faith:

“We believe that in Jesus Christ….”
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS ON
THE UCCP STATEMENT OF FAITH Adults
Learning Time
Discovering the Biblical Truth
 Have the participants recite Psalm 23.
 Let them reflect on the psalm in silence (2-3 minutes)
 Discuss the text:
o What is the meaning of the word shepherd?
o What makes a shepherd either good or bad?
o The following tasks of a shepherd may be expounded by the facilitator
 Provider
 Protector
 Pilot
o Why was Jesus acclaimed as The Good Shepherd? Request a participant to read
Mark 6:32-34.
o How was Jesus’ compassion for the people manifested?
o How does compassion and obedience to God reinforce each other?
 Take note that prior to this text Mark shows the possible threats to
mission by narrating the story of the beheading of John the Baptist.
 Jesus went about with the mission for he was both obedient and
compassionate.
 Jesus is referred to as “Son of God.” Sons and daughters are expected to
obey their parents. To be called a son or a child of God means being
obedient to the will and purpose of God. However, God does not
require blind obedience. What God requires is obedience with
compassion.
 The concept of Jesus as a shepherd also teaches the virtue of
obedience. Most often the shepherd does not own the flock he/she
tends. A shepherd has to obey the one who owns the sheep. Yet being a
shepherd still requires genuine compassion. A compassionate shepherd
risks his/her life to protect the flock from danger and in bringing a
wandering sheep back to fold.
Lessons Learned
 The facilitator will prepare flash cards where common laws found in the Bible are
printed. Example:
o Love your neighbor as you love yourself.
o Love God with all you heart….
o Do not covet your neighbor’s properties.
 Assess whether these laws are obeyed or not. Start with their own personal assessment
of their commitment to be obedient to God as Jesus was.
Applying the Lessons Learned

 One of the manifestations of being an obedient child of God is to be able to shepherd
others.
o Let each participant share how they can be a compassionate shepherd to
others. Example: a parent to a child, an employer to an employee, a teacher to a
student, a friend to a friend, a neighbor to a neighbor.
United Church of Christ in the Philippines Page 2 of 12

o Identify what specific tasks of a shepherd they can extend (Protector, Pilot,
Provider, etc.)
Closing Worship
Offertory and Closing Hymn “He Leadeth Me”
God leadeth me, O blessed thought! O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be, Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
Refrain:
God leadeth me, God leadeth me, by God’s own hand God leadeth me;
God’s faithful foll’wer I would be, for by God’s hand God leadeth me.
Sometimes ’mid scenes of deepest gloom, sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
By waters still, o’er troubled sea, still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
Lord, I would place my hand in Thine, nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see, since ’tis my God that leadeth me.
And when my task on earth is done, when by Thy grace the vict’ry’s won,
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee, since God through Jordan leadeth me.
Closing Prayer
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

July 29, 2018
LESSON 10: MARY, THE MOTHER OF JESUS
General Concept: Mary accepted the great honor to be the mother of the Son of God, despite
her self-perception of being of lowly estate, proclaiming that indeed God is a God who
lifts up the lowly and brings down the powerful, modelling what it means to be a faithful
disciple.
Biblical References: Psalm 14; Luke 1:26-46

List of Lectionary Readings for the Week: 2 Samuel 11:1-15; 2 Kings 4:42-44; Psalm 14; Psalm 145:10-18; Ephesians
3:14-21; John 6:1-21
Age-Level Concepts
 Mary accepted the great honor to be the mother of the Son of God.
 Mary was an active participant in God’s liberating acts.
Learning Objectives
 Recognize that God employs people in the work of establishing God’s Kingdom on earth
 Affirm that lowliness does not hamper God’s call to be channels of transformation
 Express firm obedience to God’s call of societal transformation through dynamic involvement in
church and community ministries

plate or basket, paper, pens

needs.
Opening Hymn “Jesus Calls us O’er the Tumult” (Hymnal of a Faith Journey, p. 284)

“We believe that in Jesus Christ, who was born of Mary….”
Learning Time
 Write the words “WISE” and “FOOL” on the blackboard and encourage the participants
to share their understanding of these two words.
 Read Psalm 14. Make a comparison between the psalmist’s understanding and that of
the participants.
o Cite biblical characters who are either wise or foolish and deliberate their basis
for saying such.
 Read Luke 1:26-46. Let the participants assess the character and nature of Mary. Based
on the psalmist’s view of wisdom and foolishness, where does Mary stand?
 How was Mary’s wisdom disclosed in the text?
o She asked the right questions. (Luke 1:34)
o She found the right answers. (Luke 1:35)
o She made the right decision. (Luke 1:37-38)
 She accepted the honor of being the mother of Jesus.
 She became an active participant in God’s liberating acts.
Lessons Learned
 Reflect on what the annunciation of Mary teaches.
o God saves God’s people.
o God calls people regardless of their state/status in life.
o Responses to God’s call to participate in God’s salvific act differ. One can either
give a wise or a foolish response.
o True wisdom is important in responding correctly to God’s call.

 Have the participants reflect on the respective responsibilities (family, church,
community) placed upon their shoulders.
 Contemplate how these responsibilities could be transformed into opportunities for
service and transformation of communities.

 Example: Mary did not shirk off the responsibility of being a mother.
Closing Worship
Offertory and Closing Hymn “Mary’s Salidummay” (Hymnal of a Faith Journey, p. 116)
My soul magnifies the Lord, and in God my heart exaults:
Salidummay Salidummay, insinalidummiway. Ay ay Salidummay.
Favored look God cast on me, shadowed me so tenderly,

Generations then will see deep things God works silently.
Ay ay Salidummay.
To God-fearing souls God goes; on them mercy God bestows;

With the strength of God’s strong arm scatters all the proud who swarm.
Ay ay Salidummay.
So the promise from of old comes to life, has not gone cold;
Promise made to Abraham bears its fruit, the Kin-dom come.
Ay ay Salidummay.
Blessed Mary, all Saints say, your consent has paved the way.
Our salvation now is won, by the coming of God’s Son.
Ay ay Salidummay, Salidummay, Salidummay!
Closing Prayer
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

August 5, 2018
LESSON 11: IN JESUS CHRIST, GOD BECAME HUMAN
General Concept: God, in Jesus Christ, came to earth and lived among us to bring fullness of life
for all.
Biblical Reference: Ephesians 4:9-10; John 1:14

List of Lectionary Readings for the Week: 2 Samuel 11:26 - 12:13a; Psalm 51:1-12; Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15; Psalm 78:23-
29; Ephesians 4:9-10; John 6:24-35
Age-Level Concepts
 The name Jesus means “God Redeems” and is a symbol of the fulfillment of God’s promise.
 Jesus is the actualization of fullness of life.
Learning Objectives
 Clarify how God’s redeeming act is readily seen in the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ
 Assert that to be human is to be humane as exhibited in the life and ministry of Jesus
 Determine means by which the church can help in the transformation of persons into becoming
more humane

plate or basket, paper, pens

needs.
Opening Hymn

“We believe that in Jesus Christ, who was born of Mary, God became human….”
Learning Time
 Stir the participants’ minds to recall the various promises and covenants made by God
with the people of Israel. A covenant is a solemn agreement between two parties and
includes a promise of faithfulness in fulfilling the agreements made.
o God’s covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:15-17)
o God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3)
o The Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19:3-8)
o The Davidic Covenant (2nd Samuel 7:12-13)
o The promise of a messiah (Isaiah 7)
o The promise of a new heaven and a new earth (Isaiah 65)
 Reflect on this: “God made the promise – Jesus fulfilled the promise”
o Why is Jesus deemed as the fulfillment of the promise made?
 The relation between God’s promise and Jesus as the fulfillment is
illuminated in Jesus’ statement in Matthew 5:17.
 The prophets long prophesied for a messiah that would redeem Israel
from its lowly state.
o How did Jesus fulfill the promise/covenant God made with Israel?
 God became incarnate.
 In Jesus, God dwelt with people. Dwelling with the people means being
one with them in their quest for a life of dignity and abundance as
clearly stated in John 10:10. Such kind of life can only be experienced
when one dwells in the Kingdom of God. The first message Jesus
proclaimed after his baptism and temptation is “Repentance for the
Kingdom of God is near” (Matthew 4:17)
Lessons Learned
 Jesus is the actualization of the fullness of life.
o What is fullness of life?

 It is freedom from all forms of enslavement and bondage.

 It is not limited to economic well-being.
 It means living and proclaiming God’s will and purpose at all times and
in all places.
 Fullness of life exceeds earthly dimensions for it includes sharing the
very life of God.
 Jesus challenged the powers that suppress the dignity of life.
o How does Jesus give new meaning to our lives?
 Jesus sets before us an example of how to be human and humane—this
we have to follow and pursue.
 Through Jesus’ proclamation of God’s Kin-dom we learn that any act,
threat or insult that places dignity of life at risk is a dishonor to God.

 Determine means by which the church can help in the transformation of persons into
becoming more humane.
 Be open to invitations to participating in activities that deal with the plight of the basic
masses (fora, exposure trips, group discussions; observe if not participate in mass
mobilizations)
 Reflect on lessons learned from these activities.
Closing Worship
The participants will pass a lighted candle around and reflect on how they can make their
lives be like a light that shines for Christ while singing “Living for Jesus”.
Offertory
Closing Prayer
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

August 12, 2018
LESSON 12: GOD, IN JESUS CHRIST, IS SOVEREIGN LORD OF LIFE
General Concept: In Jesus, God made manifest God’s saving acts and offers eternal life. We
therefore must believe and follow Christ, and be bearers of fullness of life for others.
Biblical References: Psalm 34:1-8; John 6:35,38-40

List of Lectionary Readings for the Week: 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33; Psalm 34:1-8; Psalm 130; 1 Kings 19:4-8;
Ephesians 4:25-5:2; John 6:35,38-40, 47-51
Age-Level Concepts
 Jesus is the ultimate manifestation of God’s sovereignty.
 Jesus is the sovereign Lord of Life.
 Like Jesus, we must be bearers of fullness of life for others.
Learning Objectives
 Declare that God’s sovereignty is made evident in the life of Jesus
 Indicate that Jesus’ Lordship over all of life is manifested in his resurrection

 Enumerate some of the ways by which we can be bearers of the fullness of life
plate or basket, paper, pens, small pieces of food (see Discovering the Biblical Truth)

needs.
Opening Hymn

“We believe that in Jesus Christ, who was born of Mary, God became human and is
Sovereign Lord of life….”
Learning Time
 Distribute slices of bread (boiled banana, sweet potato, candies may also be used) for
the participants to partake but make sure that there wouldn’t be enough food for all.
Observe what the participants will do.
 Reflect briefly on their experience.
 Read the texts.
o Psalm 34:1-10
o John 6:35
 Discuss the texts
o Guide questions:
 The word fear is mentioned twice In Psalm 34:1-10. Does the word fear
mean the same in these two instances?
 Note for the facilitator:
 Fear in verse 4 refers to the afflictions, sufferings and
pains of the psalmist or of the people at that time.
 Fear in verse 9 means reverence for God.
 What was God’s reaction and response to the cries of the poor?
 In response to God’s act, what must the people do? (Verse 8-10)
 Take note of the word taste. Tasting is an act that is usually connected
with eating something. We will never know how good a food is until we
taste it. Good food will never give us nourishment until we partake of it.
 What promise is given to those revere and fear God? (Verse 9-10)
 Those who fear God will have everything they need.
 The same assertion is emphasized by Jesus in his “I am the
bread of life” discourse. (John 6:35-51)

Lessons Learned
 Ask the participants to reflect on fears they face each day and of hunger which they
believe could not be satisfied by food. Ask them to identify some of it.
 In the midst of their fears, hunger, and thirst how can they respond to the psalmist’s
exhortation to continually revere God?
 What does it mean to partake of the bread of life?
o Literally, partaking the bread means eating it.
o To partake of the bread is to accept Jesus as the paschal lamb. During the Feast
of the Passover, Jews are required to partake of the paschal lamb as it reminds
them of the time of their slavery in Egypt. To partake of the bread of life is to
accept the suffering and death of Christ so that the people of God may live;
Jesus’ Lordship over all of life is manifested in his resurrection. To partake of the
bread of life is to rejoice in the promise of resurrection and new life in Christ.
 How can partaking of the bread of life ensure that every believer of God will have
everything they need?
 How can we be bearers of fullness of life ourselves?

 Suggest to the church council different ministries that would reach out to those in need.
o Exposure trips to mining areas, IP or peasant communities.
o Adopting a community or a local church that needs help
Closing Worship
Offertory and Closing Hymn “Come, and Let Us Sweetly Join”
Come, and let us sweetly join, Christ to praise in hymns divine;
Give we all with one accord glory to our common Lord.
Hands and hearts and voices raise, sing as in the ancient days;
Antedate the joys above, celebrate the feast of love.
Jesus, dear expected Guest, thou art bidden to the feast;

For thyself our hearts prepare; come, and sit, and banquet there.
Sanctify us, Lord, and bless, breathe thy Spirit, give thy peace;
Thou thyself within us move, Make our feast a feast of love
Closing Prayer
Thirteenth Sunday after

Pentecost
August 19, 2018
LESSON 13: GOD, IN JESUS CHRIST, IS SOVEREIGN LORD OF HISTORY
General Concept: God has always been with God’s people throughout history. We must be wise
and discerning, always doing the will of God, imbibing the life Jesus lived.
Biblical References: Psalm 111; Ephesians 5:15-17

List of Lectionary Readings for the Week: 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14; Psalm 111; Proverbs 9:1-6; Psalm 34:9-14; Ephesians
5:15-17; John 6:57-58
Age-Level Concepts
 God has always been with us throughout history.
 We must be wise and discerning of God’s will, imbibing the life Jesus lived.
 God is present in the life and struggle of the people.
Learning Objectives
 Convey how God solidly moves in history to realize God’s plan of total salvation of the whole of
creation
 Ascertain God’s design for humanity and the whole of creation by imitating the life Jesus lived
and the lessons He taught
 Proclaim that promoting the agenda expressing solidarity with the struggles of the people
proves God’s constant presence in the world
plate or basket, paper/journal, pens

needs.
Opening Hymn “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”

Refrain:
Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
I am weak, but Thou art strong; Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long as I walk, let me walk close to Thee. [Refrain]
Through this world of toil and snares, if I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares? None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.
[Refrain]
When my feeble life is o’er, time for me will be no more;

Guide me gently, safely o’er to Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore. [Refrain]

“We believe that in Jesus Christ, who was born of Mary, God became human and is
Sovereign Lord of life and history.”

Learning Time
 Ask the participants to recall events that happened the previous day.
o What remarkable thing did they do and accomplish?
o Could they say that it was a day well-spent? Or was it a wasted day? Why?
 Read the Biblical References
o How does the psalmist value the significant events in the life of Israel?
o What character and nature of God was revealed to the Israelites through the
historical events especially the Exodus experience?
 Righteous
 Mighty and powerful
 Provider
 Faithful and trustworthy
 God redeems and saves God’s people
Lessons Learned
 Put a wall clock in front of the participants. If there is no wall clock, the facilitator may
draw one of the board or on a sheet of paper.
o Imagine that the clock represents one whole day.
o What thing would they do to become an agent of God’s continuing unfolding of
God’s will for people and how much time would they allot for each thing they
plan to do?
o Since Paul mentions of evil times in Ephesians 5:16, make the participants think
of possible hindrances to their plan. How would they counter it?

 Encourage each participant to have a journal. The journal may contain biblical passages
they have reflected on or a list of simple acts of kindness they have done. Have them try
doing this for a few days or a few months until quiet time for reflection and doing
simple acts of kindness becomes not just a habit but part of their Christ-like character.
 Remind them that every small and simple act of kindness done out of love affects the
lives of others and the life of the generations to come.
Closing Worship
Offertory and Closing Hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” (Hymnal of a Faith Journey, p.
23)
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing,
Our present help amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe does seek to work us woe
With craft and power great and armed with cruel hate,
On earth without an equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing

But there is one who takes our side, the One of God’s own choosing.
You ask who that may be? Christ Jesus sets us free!
With mighty power to save, victorious o’er the grave,

Christ will prevail triumphant.
And though this world with devils filled should threaten to undo us
We will not fear for God has willed the truth to triumph through us.
The powers of evil grim, we tremble not for them; their rage we can endure,
For lo, their doom is sure; one little word shall fell them.
That word beyond all earthly powers forever is abiding;

The spirit and the gifts are ours, for Christ is with us siding.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill; God’s truth shall triumph still;
God’s reign endures forever.
Closing Prayer

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LESSONS ON THE UCCP STATEMENT OF FAITH

A Sunday School Guide for

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Suggested Lesson Outline

Announcements and/or Birthday Greetings

Recite a portion of the UCCP Statement of Faith:

Applying the Lessons Learned

United Church of Christ in the Philippines Page 2 of 12

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Biblical References: Psalm 14; Luke 1:26-46

United Church of Christ in the Philippines Page 3 of 12

Suggested Lesson Outline

Announcements and/or Birthday Greetings

Recite a portion of the UCCP Statement of Faith:

Applying the Lessons Learned

United Church of Christ in the Philippines Page 4 of 12

Favored look God cast on me, shadowed me so tenderly,

To God-fearing souls God goes; on them mercy God bestows;

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Biblical Reference: Ephesians 4:9-10; John 1:14

United Church of Christ in the Philippines Page 5 of 12

Suggested Lesson Outline

Announcements and/or Birthday Greetings

Recite a portion of the UCCP Statement of Faith:

United Church of Christ in the Philippines Page 6 of 12

 It is freedom from all forms of enslavement and bondage.

Applying the Lessons Learned

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

Biblical References: Psalm 34:1-8; John 6:35,38-40

United Church of Christ in the Philippines Page 7 of 12

Suggested Lesson Outline

Announcements and/or Birthday Greetings

Recite a portion of the UCCP Statement of Faith:

United Church of Christ in the Philippines Page 8 of 12

Applying the Lessons Learned

Jesus, dear expected Guest, thou art bidden to the feast;

Thirteenth Sunday after

Biblical References: Psalm 111; Ephesians 5:15-17

United Church of Christ in the Philippines Page 9 of 12

Suggested Lesson Outline

Opening Hymn “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”

When my feeble life is o’er, time for me will be no more;

Announcements and/or Birthday Greetings

Recite a portion of the UCCP Statement of Faith:

United Church of Christ in the Philippines Page 10 of 12

Applying the Lessons Learned

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing

United Church of Christ in the Philippines Page 11 of 12

Christ will prevail triumphant.

That word beyond all earthly powers forever is abiding;

United Church of Christ in the Philippines Page 12 of 12

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