Course B Leader's Guide

BIBLE STUDY OUR HERITAGE LEADERSHIP DISCIPLESHIP

LEADER’S

GUIDECOURSE B SPRING 2021 BOLD FOR CORPS CADETS Course B | Spring 2021 | 2nd Edition Published by The Salvation Army National Christian Education Department, National Headquarters

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Captain Matt Satterlee EDITOR: Carolyn J.R. Bailey WRITERS: Carolyn J.R. Bailey, Cari Nimeth ART DIRECTION & DESIGN: Steven E. Carpenter, Jr., Erin Morris MULTIMEDIA: Joshua Duenke CURRICULUM MANAGER: Bethany Pousinho

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT This publication is a national document and cannot be changed without the approval of the Commissioners’ Conference. All rights reserved. No part of this curriculum may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopies, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission from The Salvation Army National Christian Education Department. This includes the scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means. For permission information write:

The Salvation Army National Headquarters Christian Education Department 615 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Every effort has been made to contact the copyright holders, but should there be any errors or omissions, The Salvation Army would be pleased to insert the appropriate acknowledgment into future productions of this publication.

MISSION STATEMENT The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

TERRITORY ADDRESSES The Salvation Army Central Territory The Salvation Army Southern Territory 5550 Prairie Stone Parkway 1424 Northeast Expressway Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60192 Atlanta, GA 30329

The Salvation Army Eastern Territory The Salvation Army Western Territory 440 West Nyack Road 30840 Hawthorne Boulevard West Nyack, NY 10994 Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 TABLE OF CONTENTS BOLD FOR CORPS CADETS | COURSE B | SPRING 2021 FEBRUARY: TRINITY SOAPS...... 11 WEEK 1: THREE IN ONE...... 13 WEEK 2: MONOTHEISTIC...... 23 WEEK 3: OBJECT LESSONS...... 33 WEEK 4: A RELATIONAL GOD...... 43 MONTHLY QUESTIONS...... 51

MARCH: LOVE SOAPS...... 55 WEEK 1: THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT...... 57 WEEK 2: CHARITY...... 67 WEEK 3: JESUS...... 77 WEEK 4: LOVE NEVER FAILS...... 87 MONTHLY QUESTIONS...... 97

APRIL: HOLY SPIRIT SOAPS...... 101 WEEK 1: THIRD PERSON...... 103 WEEK 2: BAPTISM...... 113 WEEK 3: TESTING...... 123 WEEK 4: SPIRIT-FILLED...... 133 MONTHLY QUESTIONS...... 143

MAY: WORSHIP SOAPS...... 147 WEEK 1: WORTH-SHIP...... 149 WEEK 2: CORPORATELY...... 159 WEEK 3: PLANNING WORSHIP...... 167 WEEK 4: SAY WHAT?...... 179 MONTHLY QUESTIONS...... 189 ACT...... 193 MONTHLY QUESTIONS - ANSWER KEY...... 205 SOURCES...... 213

COURSE B BOLD FOR CORPS CADETS | SPRING 2021 WELCOME TO THE 2ND EDITION OF BOLD BOLD for Corps Cadets recently completed its first five-year cycle, referred to as BOLD 1st Edition. Welcome to the first year of BOLD 2nd Edition! There are several changes to the curriculum, particularly the delivery method, which are outlined in training materials provided by your Territorial Youth Department. You can also access a basic overview at https://corpscadets.com/resources.html.

BOLD is about helping our teens understand and fall in love with God’s Word through Bible Study; teaching them who we are, where we came from, and how we fit in the picture of the larger Church through Our Heritage; training up the next generation with practical skills and knowledge of good historical and modern day examples through Leadership; and equipping them to live out their faith and a life of holiness through Discipleship.

The goal of Corps Cadets is to bring people into a deeper relationship with Jesus. A graduate corps cadet, ideally, is one who has grown as a disciple of Jesus, in love with Scripture, who has confidence in speaking about their own Christian faith, and experientially practices these things through the leadership skills of communication and service in The Salvation Army and the greater community.

COURSE B In Course B, the corps cadets will be covering the themes of Trinity, Love, Holy Spirit, and Worship. While several of these themes are woven into all lessons throughout the five years of Corps Cadets, we will take a more direct approach in teaching on these concepts in this course.

The Trinity lessons will help them to understand who the Godhead is. They will learn how our belief in the Triune God is monotheistic and how each member was involved in redemption on the cross. They will learn the skill of teaching an object lesson. And they will explore what it means to have a personal relationship with the Trinity.

The Love lessons begin with teaching on the greatest commandment: love God. They will learn that charity is another word for love and will see how that characterizes the work of The Salvation Army. They will look at the leadership example of Jesus, who is love. The theme ends with teaching on the second greatest commandment: love others.

The Holy Spirit lessons look at this third Person of the Godhead and the pouring out at Pentecost. They will learn about Scripture’s teaching on the baptism of the Holy Spirit and what that looks like in The Salvation Army. Corps cadets will explore what it means to “test the spirits” and how to be aware of false teaching. They will also consider what it means to be Spirit-filled as well as how free will fits into the picture.

The Worship lessons explain what worship is, both personally and corporately. Corps cadets will explore unique aspects of corporate worship in The Salvation Army. They will learn the skill of planning a worship service. And they will explore prayer as a part of our lives of worship.

Our teens are not learning about most of these things in school or from their peers. Many, in fact, are not hearing these concepts at home, either. As you guide your corps cadets through these topics, it is our desire that your passion and focus will directly influence your corps cadets. After all, the material we provide is only words on a page or images on a screen. You bring life to those words, with the power of the Holy Spirit, as you lead and disciple the teens in your corps. VIDEOS The videos are key elements of engagement and teaching each lesson. By allowing the media to present the teaching, this frees you up, as the Corps Cadet Counselor, to be in much more of a mentor role than a teaching role. You will still guide discussions with your brigade, but most of your efforts can be moved away from teaching prep and delivery to pouring into the lives of your corps cadets.

You will see a thumbnail in the Leader’s Guide when it is time to play the next video. Clicking on these icons will take you to the video page for each weekly lesson. Most lessons have three videos—which, combined, take up less than 15 minutes of the total class time. Of course, we know that sometimes technology does not cooperate. The script for the videos is included in your Leader’s Guide. If needed, you can read the lesson rather than playing the video. This is only for backup, however. The videos contain graphics, animations, photos, text, and other visual cues to help drive the lessons home. The videos should be the primary source of teaching as often as possible. All videos can be found under the current course button at https://www.corpscadets.com/.

MONTHLY QUESTIONS & ACTIVITY RECORD The Monthly Questions pertinent to each lesson appear at the end of the lesson in the Leader’s Guide. We suggest having the corps cadets answer those questions while the information is still fresh in their minds. We have updated the Activity Record significantly in BOLD 2nd Edition. Points should be more equitable for all corps cadets, their family environment, and their opportunities for participation and outreach. Note that one change includes the Act (formerly DIY) options. One option each course is for corps cadets to complete all four monthly SOAPs for their Act credit. This encourages use of SOAPs and helps brigades who find it more difficult to do a combined activity due to scheduling. Both the Monthly Questions and the Activity Record are available as fillable pdfs.

SOCIAL MEDIA We encourage all leaders to like the BOLD page on Facebook (which you can find by going to www. facebook.com/BOLDcorpscadets) as well as follow BOLD on Twitter and Instagram with the handle @BOLDcorpscadets. Encourage corps cadets who use these platforms to follow BOLD as well, with guardian permission.

Articles of interest, quotations, and food for thought in line with the lessons are posted regularly. We’d love to see your brigade actively posting as well! When you have guardian permission, post photos of what your brigade is up to. It’s a great way to encourage the rest of the nation as they see how corps cadets are learning, growing, and participating in discipleship and leadership.

For posting photos on social media, it is important that your corps cadets—most of whom are minors— have media waivers signed by a parent or guardian. You can find the waiver form included with the Leader Resources at https://www.corpscadets.com/resources.html.

NEW LEADER INFORMATION If this is your first time teaching Corps Cadets, you will notice that the teaching material is divided into two major documents – the Leader’s Guide and the Student Book. The Leader’s Guide is provided for Corps Cadet leaders as a guide to direct you in teaching each lesson. It is written in script format with bold text being what you share with your corps cadets, italicized text with a side bar being the script that comes from the videos, and blue text being leader information to help give you tips above and beyond the teaching and/or for adaptation to different brigade needs. • Each month has one overarching theme.

• The Leader Overview is a key component to your preparation – be sure to read this before you prepare your lesson.

• All highlighted portions in the Leader’s Guide include the text that your corps cadets have in their student books.

• Be sure to have your corps cadets answer the Monthly Questions that pertain to each lesson and fill out their Activity Record points for that week before you close.

• Note, when capitalized, Corps Cadets refers to the overall program and curriculum. When in lowercase, corps cadets refers to the participants.

Thank you for your commitment to your corps cadets. We pray God’s richest blessing on your ministry! THE 6

DOCTRINES We believe that the Lord Jesus 1 Christ has by His suffering and death made an atonement for the We believe that the Scriptures whole world so that whosoever of the Old and New Testaments will may be saved. were given by inspiration of God and that they only constitute the Divine rule of Christian faith 7 and practice. We believe that repentance towards God, faith in our Lord 2 Jesus Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, are necessary We believe that there is only to salvation. one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver and Governor of all things, and 8 who is the only proper object of religious worship. We believe that we are justified Together, the doctrines by grace through faith in our and “I Will” statements Lord Jesus Christ and that he form The Soldier’s Covenant 3 that believeth hath the witness (formerly Articles of War), in himself. which is signed when We believe that there are becoming a senior soldier. three persons in the Godhead Each course of BOLD —the Father, the Son and the 9 focuses on 1-2 doctrines, Holy Ghost, undivided in essence helping you know what and co-equal in power and glory. We believe that continuance we believe and why we in a state of salvation depends believe it, firmly based in upon continued obedient faith Scripture. Our theology 4 in Christ. impacts our behavior. Our doctrines summarize our We believe that in the basic theology. Check out person of Jesus Christ the Divine 10 the Go Deeper section of and human natures are united, so each lesson for “I Will” that He is truly and properly God We believe that it is the privilege statements that specifically and truly and properly man. of all believers to be wholly relate to that lesson. Get to sanctified, and that their whole know The Soldier’s Covenant spirit and soul and body may be better throughout BOLD. 5 preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that our first parents were created in a state of innocency, but by their 11 disobedience they lost their purity and happiness, and that We believe in the immortality in consequence of their fall all of the soul; in the resurrection men have become sinners, totally of the body; in the general depraved, and as such are justly judgment at the end of the exposed to the wrath of God. world; in the eternal happiness of the righteous; and in the endless punishment of the wicked. “I WILL” G

STATEMENTS I will abstain from alcoholic drink, tobacco, the non-medical A use of addictive drugs, gambling, pornography, the occult and all I will be responsive to the Holy else that could enslave the body Spirit’s work and obedient to His or spirit. leading in my life, growing in grace through worship, prayer, service and the reading H of the Bible. I will be faithful to the purposes for which God raised up The B Salvation Army, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, endeavoring I will make the values of the to win others to Him, and in His Kingdom of God and not the name caring for the needy and values of the world the standard the disadvantaged. for my life. I C I will be actively involved, as I am I will uphold Christian integrity able, in the life, work, worship in every area of my life, allowing and witness of the corps, giving nothing in thought, word or deed as large a proportion of my that is unworthy, unclean, untrue, income as possible to support its profane, dishonest or immoral. ministries and the worldwide work of the Army. D J I will maintain Christian ideals in all my relationships with I will be true to the principles and others; my family and neighbors, practices of The Salvation Army, my colleagues and fellow loyal to its leaders, and I will show Salvationists, those to whom and the spirit of salvationism whether for whom I am responsible, and in times of popularity the wider community. or persecution.

I will uphold the sanctity of marriage and of family life.

I will be a faithful steward of my time and gifts, my money and possessions, my body, my mind and my spirit, knowing that I am accountable to God. COURSE RECORDS BOLD FOR CORPS CADETS | COURSE B | SPRING 2021

Monthly Questions/ Points Earned CORPS CADETS Monthly Report Received for Each Month Total

FIRST AND LAST NAME FEB MAR APR MAY FEB MAR APR MAY POINTS SCRIPTURE • OBSERVATION ACTIVITYSOAPs APPLICATIONRECORD • PRAYER BOLD FOR CORPS CADETS | COURSE B | SPRING 2021 | FEBRUARY - TRINITY

NAME:

Read the Scripture S COMPLETE THE SOAP s SECTIONS USING THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-14.

Write an Observation WRITE AN OBSERVATION ABOUT THIS SCRIPTURE. O IN OTHER WORDS, WHAT DO YOU “SEE” IN THIS SCRIPTURE?

Write an Application A WRITE HOW THIS SCRIPTURE APPLIES TO YOUR LIFE.

Pray PRAY SPECIFICALLY ABOUT THIS SCRIPTURE AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS, P ASKING FOR GOD’S HELP IN APPLYING ITS TRUTH TO YOUR LIFE.

BIBLE STUDY: TRINITY WEEK 1: THREE IN ONE

THREE IN ONE

SUPPLIES NEEDED • Bibles

• BOLD student books

• Pens/pencils

• For streaming videos: active Internet connection and a suitable device for viewing

• For downloaded videos: suitable device for viewing

• Copies of the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets

BEFORE CLASS • Read the Leader Overview.

• You can access all of the videos for this lesson through the Corps Cadets website (corpscadets.com) at https://corpscadets.com/ courses/courseb/courseb_february_wk1.html. Thumbnails throughout the lesson (like the one pictured to the right) will also link you to the multimedia page.

• Make copies of the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets.

LEADER OVERVIEW

As a result of this lesson, corps cadets will: 1. list the three members of the Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit; 2. recognize the Trinity as being complete and whole as well as active in the world; 3. express that the Persons of the Trinity can be distinguished but not separated; and 4. name three specific areas in which the Trinity is active—creation, redemption, and sanctification.

13 FEBRUARY BIBLE STUDY: TRINITY WEEK 1: THREE IN ONE

This lesson focuses on a basic understanding of the doctrine of the Trinity. It explains that all members of the Trinity were present at creation. The Our Heritage lesson will cover the Trinity’s work regarding redemption. And the Discipleship lesson will discuss the Trinity’s work in sanctification. The Leadership lesson will focus on the leadership skill of using object lessons to teach spiritual truth. Creation, redemption, and sanctification are the three primary activities in which we see all members of the Triune God at work. Together, these activities help us better understand God’s relationship with Himself and His relationship with us.

Note that there will be an entire month on the Holy Spirit later this course. The Holy Spirit tends to be the least understood member of the Trinity. As questions arise, answer what you can and what you have time for in the framework of the lesson. But also remember—and let your corps cadets know—that more teaching on the third member of the Trinity is coming later.

In The God Who is Triune, Allan Coppedge writes,

“The early church grasped the unity of the persons but did not blur the distinctions. Thus they said that everything which could be said of the Father could be said of the Son and the Spirit, except that the Father is not the Son or the Spirit. And the same is true of the Son and the Spirit. They can be distinguished only by their persons and unique relationships to each other, but cannot be distinguished by their attributes, authority, roles or external actions toward creation. The persons are one in being.”

This book is an excellent resource for a broad and deep understanding of the Trinity froma Wesleyan Holiness perspective.

THREE IN ONE (5 MINUTES) Read from the book together as a brigade.

Although the word “Trinity” doesn’t appear in the Bible, it is an important word that grew out of Christians grappling with Jesus’s divinity and His relationship to the Father and the Spirit. It is foundational for understanding how we relate to God and others.

The Trinity describes the truth that God is three in one: the Father, Spirit, and Son. We tend to have a better grasp on the Person of Jesus than that of the Father or Spirit. That is because Jesus was God incarnate, which means He took human form. He was like us. Jesus is central to our faith.

It is also important to understand the Father and Spirit. Without all three Persons of the Trinity, we have an incomplete image of God—and it’s the Triune God’s image that we are created in. We worship one God who has three Persons in the Godhead. No example or explanation is fully going to explain the Trinity, but there are some things to focus on as we explore this important Christian doctrine.

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First, the Triune God is full and complete. He is never alone. The Father, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ are always in relationship together, giving us a full image of loving one another and making a complete picture of community. The members interact with each other. Each of the members of the Trinity also interacts with us; each one has a unique role in our lives. Christianity is really about joining the community—God’s Triune Community.

Second, all three members of the Trinity are and have always been present and active, relating to the world. The Father, Spirit, and Son were (and are) all a part of creation, salvation, and sanctification. All members of the Trinity were present at the cross and played a role in that life- altering event in human history. All members take part in saving us. And all members are active in our lives after salvation.

We believe in a God who transcends the natural law and order of the universe. God is Truth beyond our understanding. As we study the Trinity, we won’t fully understand all aspects of what it means. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t keep asking questions and looking for answers in God’s Word to understand the Father, Spirit, and Son whom we serve: the Three in One.

THE WORD The following passage will be discussed in the lesson: John 1:1-14.

• John 1:1-14 – This passage, describing the Logos or the Word, can be difficult for us to understand. We tend to think of Jesus as “beginning” when the virgin Mary gave birth to Him. And, although the Father sent His Son, conceived by the Spirit, showing all three members of the Godhead present when Jesus was incarnate, the Son has always existed as a member of the Godhead. This passage in John gives us a glimpse into this mystery. The fact that this passage includes a man named John and is from the Gospel of John can create some confusion. The author, John, is one of the disciples of Jesus. The John mentioned in verse six is John the Baptist, who was a messenger sent by God to prepare hearts for Jesus’s earthly ministry.

ENGAGE (5 MINUTES) Watch “The Blind Men and the Elephant.”

Say: To begin unpacking the mystery of the Trinity, let’s look at an old parable about the blind men and the elephant. Of course, the Trinity is not an elephant, but you can still see the comparison. What if we only ever learn about one person of the Trinity? What might that do to our understanding of God?

Play the Engage video (3 minutes, 50 seconds).

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EXPLORE (15 MINUTES) Say: Think about the Trinity like the elephant in this parable again. Now consider what impact it would have if you only experienced one part of the Godhead—God the Father, God the Son, or God the Holy Spirit.

Ask: If we only ever learned about Jesus, and not the other members of the Trinity, what would we miss in our understanding of God?

Allow response.

Consider prompting your corps cadets with some further questions to help them think deeper:

• If we didn’t know about the Father, what are some of Jesus’s teachings that would make no sense?

• If we didn’t know about the Spirit, what might we think about our ability to live out Jesus’s teachings today?

Play the Explore video (approximately 6 minutes).

Video Transcript:

Volumes and volumes of books have been written on the subject of the Trinity. We can’t fully cover this incredible and important mystery in a few short lessons. But we can touch on some key points.

Like in the parable of the blind men and the elephant, we can’t understand God by only coming into contact with one part.

Each part does not equal another part. A trunk is not a tail. A tail is not an ear. But together, all of the parts are an elephant.

When it comes to the Triune God, each part does not equal one another. Jesus is not the Spirit. The Spirit is not the Father. And the Father is not the Son.

There is a difference between this explanation of an elephant and God. With an elephant, the parts combine to make up an elephant. But a trunk itself is not an elephant.

With God, the three Persons together are God. But they are also each divine. The Father is God. The Son is God. And the Spirit is God.

Also, when an ear is no longer attached to the body, it can’t hear. But because each member of the Godhead is God, each one functions individually, but always as part of the Trinity. They can function individually, but they are never separate. This is the mystery!

In Scripture, we sometimes read about all three members of the Trinity at the same time. More often, though, we read about two members or, even more common, just one.

16 FEBRUARY BIBLE STUDY: TRINITY WEEK 1: THREE IN ONE

Sometimes we assume we are reading about just the Father, when, in fact, we are reading about the Trinity. For example, Genesis 1:1 tells us that God created. Many people imagine something like an old man in a white robe, zapping things into existence. The truth is, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit were all present at creation in the one word “God” that we read in Genesis 1:1.

The way to discover the Trinity at work is by seeing Scripture all together. The Bible is one complete story about our Triune God and His relationship to us. What we read in the New Testament relates to what we read in the Old Testament.

Let’s look at the Gospel of John. He starts his book explaining that Jesus didn’t just come to Earth as a baby, starting His existence on that first Christmas. Jesus, as part of the Godhead, is eternal. Before He was God incarnate—or, in the flesh—He was God the Logos or the Word. Let’s read the first fourteen verses of the Book of John.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did not receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

This is a passage full of mystery. We might read it almost like science fiction, with the Logos shapeshifting into light then shapeshifting into Jesus. It’s hard to wrap our minds around because we usually only understand what we see. Jesus as a human is understandable because we are human. But Jesus existing as the Logos and the light of the world before He was a baby in a manger is harder to wrap our minds around. But it’s truth!

God breathed out creation. He breathed life into Adam. The Hebrew word for breath is the same word used for spirit. The Holy Spirit, or breath of God, was involved in creation. And, as we just read, Jesus— the Word—was with God and the Holy Spirit in the beginning, at creation.

In his book, The God Who is Triune, Allan Coppedge explains that breath and words are helpful pictures of the reality of the Trinity. Breath “cannot exist apart from a personal being, yet it may be distinguished from its source.”

And “words a person utters are distinct from the person, yet they also are an extension of who a person is.”

The Holy Spirit and Jesus can be distinguished from the Father, but none can be separated from one another. At times, we only see one member of the Trinity at work. Other times, such as at creation, we see all three members at work.

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Say: Jesus is central to our worship as Christians. That is why we are called Christians—we are followers of Christ. It’s important to learn about Jesus and focus on our relationship with Him. But we must keep in mind that Jesus is part of the Triune God, not the only member.

Ask: How would our faith change if we didn’t believe in the Trinity?

Allow response. Add from the following, as needed:

• It would make God “deistic”—a divine being who created the world, then just left creation on its own. Instead, God “became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14).

• It would either make us polytheistic (believing in many gods) or make the Bible contradict itself. This will be covered more in the Our Heritage lesson.

• Jesus would be a liar when He says, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). If He can’t be believed in one area, He wouldn’t be trustworthy at all. If He is not trustworthy, then He is not perfect. If He is not perfect, then His death on the cross would not have saved us.

APPLY (10 MINUTES) Ask: What is the Father’s role in the world today? In your life? The Spirit? The Son?

Allow response.

Play the Apply video (approximately 3 minutes).

Video Transcript:

The Salvation Army’s second doctrine says, “We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of worship.”

This doctrine tells us some of the main functions of the Godhead, but it takes reading Scripture as a whole to learn about the roles of each member of the Trinity. And it takes a lifetime of living in relationship with our Triune God to experience what that means in our lives.

We may not completely grasp the Triune God’s roles and functions, but we can know that God is active. God is active through three Persons of the Godhead.

All three play a role in creation. They played a role in the original creation when the world began. They all play a role in continuing creation throughout history and in our world today.

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All three also play a role in the redemptive plan of God. The Father set up the plan and will see it to completion. The Son carried out the plan for us on the cross. He will return. The Holy Spirit is the one Who invites us to believe, accept, and live out this plan in our daily lives. He helps us be redeemed and live holy lives.

Our third doctrine says, “We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead—the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.”

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines essence as “the most significant element, quality, or aspect of a thing or person.”

So, what is the essence of the Godhead? Holiness. God reveals His holiness in relationship within the Trinity and in relationship to us.

All three members of the Trinity are involved in creation and redemption. All three are also involved in our life of holiness—also called sanctification. Our Triune God isn’t just sitting back looking down at us. He is among us and at work in us!

We talked about the Holy Spirit as breath and Jesus as the Word. It’s also important to keep in mind that the Father is central to our understanding of the Trinity, too. He isn’t referred to as the Father just because He is Jesus’s Father. The title Father describes His relationship with us, too. It puts our relationship with God in the context of family.

Not everyone has a wonderful, loving family to compare their life of faith to. But most of us understand what the beauty of family can and should be, and we have a deep desire for that type of belonging.

The Father wants that for us as His children. He wants us to be in relationship with Him, full and complete as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Ask: How can you begin to explain the Trinity to family and friends who don’t understand the “Three in One”?

Allow response.

Say: We will be discussing object lessons and the Trinity in the Leadership lesson. One way we can start to understand the Trinity—and explain it to others—is to think of it like our own lives. As we were created in the Triune God’s image, we include aspects of the three Persons. We have a physical body as well as an emotional part of us, and a spiritual aspect. These three cannot be separated, yet each piece is very different. Our spiritual being—or our soul—is not the same thing as our physical body. Yet, once our body is dead, our soul is no longer in the body.

Once again, no example or explanation is fully going to explain the Trinity. We believe in a God who transcends the natural law and order of the universe. God is Truth beyond our understanding. As we study the Trinity, we won’t fully understand all aspects of what it means. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t keep asking questions and looking for answers in God’s Word to understand the Father, Spirit, and Son whom we serve: the Three in One.

19 FEBRUARY BIBLE STUDY: TRINITY WEEK 1: THREE IN ONE

Have the corps cadets turn to the doctrines in their student book and read along with you.

Say: Our second doctrine says, “We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.” Our third doctrine says, “We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead—the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.” In other words, there is only one true God. He made us and everything else deliberately to achieve His ultimate will. He maintains and cares for everything He made. He is in charge of everything and has an ultimate purpose for creation, including us. And He is the only God to be worshiped. There is only one God, but He is revealed to us in three persons, sometimes called the Trinity. Though it is hard to understand, the Bible teaches that these three Persons (Father, Son—Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit) are equally united in power and importance.

PRAY (5 MINUTES) Close with a simple prayer in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

TO CLOSE THE CLASS (5 MINUTES) Have the corps cadets fill out their Activity Record points for the week and complete Monthly Questions 1 and 2. Collect to use next week.

MONTHLY QUESTIONS FOR THIS LESSON 1. From the Explore video: True or False. The Holy Spirit and Jesus can be distinguished from the Father, but none can be separated from one another.

2. From the Apply video: All three members of the Trinity were and are active in creation. List the other two areas the Trinity was and is active in that were covered in this lesson.

STUDENT BOOK CONNECTION DOCTRINE 2 We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.

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DOCTRINE 3 We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

MEMORIZE “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14)

DID YOU KNOW? Our Triune Creator God often uses groups of three in His creation. For example, there are three primary colors: red, yellow, and blue. There are also three states of matter: gas, liquid, and solid. The largest part of creation comes in three: space, time, and matter. And the smallest part of creation also comes in three—atoms are made up of electrons, neutrons, and protons.

GO DEEPER Read the 2nd and 3rd doctrines and “I Will” statements A and B of “The Soldier’s Covenant.” Discuss or journal how they relate to today’s lesson.

Listen to “Three in One” from the album We Believe by transMission.

Listen to Seedbed’s 7-Minute Seminary, “Does the Doctrine of the Trinity Really Matter?”: tinyurl.com/ulzfk68.

Read other passages that relate to this month’s theme: Genesis 1:26; Matthew 3:17; Matthew 28:19- 20; Mark 1:10-11; John 10:30; John 14:16, 26; John 17:5; Romans 8:11; Romans 8:27; Philippians 2:5- 11; Colossians 1:15-20; 1 Peter 1:1-2.

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OUR HERITAGE: TRINITY WEEK 2: MONOTHEISTIC

MONOTHEISTIC

SUPPLIES NEEDED • Bibles

• BOLD student books

• Pens/pencils

• For streaming videos: active Internet connection and a suitable device for viewing

• For downloaded videos: suitable device for viewing

• At least one copy of The Song Book of The Salvation Army to share, or enough for each corps cadet to read or sing from

• Copies of the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets

BEFORE CLASS • Read the Leader Overview.

• You can access all of the videos for this lesson through the Corps Cadets website (corpscadets.com) at https://corpscadets.com/ courses/courseb/courseb_february_wk2.html. Thumbnails throughout the lesson (like the one pictured to the right) will also link you to the multimedia page.

• Have the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets—that were filled out after the last lesson—ready. Or, if needed, make copies now.

LEADER OVERVIEW

As a result of this lesson, corps cadets will: 1. define polytheism and monotheism; 2. classify Christianity as monotheistic with the Trinity as its unique factor; 3. recognize The Salvation Army flag as a symbol of the Trinity;

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4. express that Scripture never contradicts Scripture; and 5. define redemption and recognize the Trinity’s participation in it.

In the Bible Study lesson, corps cadets learned about the Trinity’s work in creation. In this lesson, they will learn about the Trinity’s work in redemption. In the Discipleship lesson, they will learn about the Trinity’s work in sanctification. These three aspects together—creation, redemption, and sanctification—give us one of the most complete pictures of the activities of all three members of the Trinity. An excellent book that covers this in depth is Allan Coppedge’s The God Who Is Triune.

Our doctrine of the Trinity is based on practice and the earliest disciples. Much more than compiling Scriptures to explain why we believe in the Trinity, the first disciples began to worship Jesus while, at the same time, continuing to worship God, whom Jesus called “Father.” That doesn’t make them polytheistic (worshipping many gods), but rather believers in the Trinity. This is our unique, distinct heritage as part of the Christian Church.

MONOTHEISTIC (5 MINUTES) Read from the book together as a brigade.

The Salvation Army flag displays our belief in the Trinity. The blue stands for the purity and holiness of God the Father; the red points to the blood of God the Son, Jesus Christ, and His atoning work on the cross; and the yellow signifies the fire of God the Holy Spirit.

While our flag may be unique to our denomination, our belief in the Trinity is what makes our denomination fall in line with the greater heritage of Christianity. Founded in Scripture, our belief in a Triune God makes Christianity unique—holy, set apart—from other religions.

The Trinity describes the truth that God is three in one: the Father, Spirit, and Son. This does not mean that we serve three gods. That would make us polytheistic, which means worshiping many gods. We are monotheistic. We serve one God with three Persons. Many religions, such as Hinduism, worship many gods. Many religions, such as Islam, worship one god. However, only Christians worship a God Who is Three in One.

The doctrine of the Trinity can make Christian teaching seem contradictory. In other words, it can look like our teaching is inconsistent or that we have various teachings that oppose one another. But, when we look at the whole of Scripture, we see that what seems contradictory to the world points to the truth of a Triune God, who is the only One worthy of our worship.

Catherine Booth stated that our flag “is an emblem of victory.” It represents our allegiance to a Triune God who shed His blood for our salvation and gives us His fire to live a sanctified or holy life. We have victory through the Trinity.

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THE WORD The following passages will be discussed throughout the lesson: Luke 4:8; John 10:30; and Hebrews 1:6.

• Luke 4:8 – This verse is in the context of Jesus’s temptation by Satan in the wilderness. He is quoting Deuteronomy 6:13. God tells us to worship God alone. By Jesus quoting this passage, He is showing He agrees with the Father’s teaching.

• John 10:30 – In this passage, Jesus is talking to the Pharisees about His identity. He has just described Himself as the Good Shepherd. When asked if He is the Messiah, He explains to His opponents that He and the Father are one. They accuse Him of blasphemy.

• Hebrews 1:6 – In this passage, the author of Hebrews is outlining that Jesus is God’s Son, superior to all others. Specifically, here, Jesus is presented as superior to angels, worthy of their worship.

ENGAGE (5 MINUTES) Listen to “Redeemed.”

Say: The members of the Trinity are all a part of our redemption. Before we discuss this later in the lesson, let’s listen to “Redeemed” by Big Daddy Weave.

Play the Engage video (4 minutes, 31 seconds).

EXPLORE (15 MINUTES) Explore polytheism vs. monotheism.

Allow for some discussion on this if your corps cadets have any basic knowledge on world religions. If they don’t, you can review some of these questions after the video to check for comprehension.

• What is polytheism?

• What is monotheism?

• What are some religions that are polytheistic?

• What are some religions that are monotheistic?

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• What makes Christianity different from Islam, even though they are both monotheistic religions?

Say: Does the Bible contradict itself? Explain your answer. If possible, give an example.

Allow response. Most corps cadets likely know the Bible does not contradict itself, but they probably cannot explain why. It is okay if your corps cadets do not have any answer to this. An example will be provided in the Explore video, but one you can provide to give them an idea of what some may call a “contradiction” is:

• Exodus 33:11 – “The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.”

• 1 Timothy 6:16 – “…who [God] alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see.”

You will likely not have time for a deep dive into this example, but if asked about this seeming contradiction, you can share with your corps cadets that God is able to show Himself in whatever way He chooses to humanity, such as in the case of Moses. However, God cannot be seen in His full glory on this side of death.

Play the Explore video (approximately 5 minutes).

Video Transcript:

Let’s explore polytheism versus monotheism.

Polytheism is the belief in and worship of many gods. Most world religions are polytheistic.

One of the main polytheistic religions is Hinduism. Hindus believe that there is a supreme creator who should receive much of their devotion, but not all of it. They say there are, in fact, many gods worthy of worship.

Ancient Greek religion and mythology is also based on polytheism. Some of the more well-known Greek mythological gods are Zeus, Poseidon, Ares, and Apollo. The accounts of the New Testament largely took place in a culture that believed in these gods.

Monotheism is the belief in and worship of one God. The three main religions that are monotheistic are Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.

The followers of Islam are called Muslims. Muslims believe in one god they call Allah. You will learn more about Islam when you get to lessons on World Religions. For now, it’s important to understand that Muslims believe in one god, but it is not the God of the Bible.

The followers of Judaism are called Jews. There are also Jews by culture or birth who do not follow the religion. In fact, Jesus was of Jewish descent and culture. But in this context, when we are talking about Jews, we mean those who practice the religion of Judaism.

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Jews believe in one God. They use the name Yahweh. This is the same God of the Bible we believe in. But Jews do not believe in His Trinity. In other words, Judaism does not see Jesus as the Son of God and part of the Godhead. They do not believe Jesus was the Messiah that the prophets promised. They are still waiting on a Messiah.

Christianity is unique in that we believe in the Triune God. If we didn’t believe in the Trinity, then we would have to believe that the Bible contradicts itself. If it contradicts itself, then it is unreliable. Let’s look at an example in the Gospel of Luke 4:8. Jesus is being tempted by Satan in the wilderness. Satan says, “Worship me.” Jesus responds by quoting Scripture from Deuteronomy.

“Jesus answers, ‘It is written: “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.”’”

Now let’s look at the Book of Hebrews. The author of Hebrews also quotes from Deuteronomy as he is explaining the superiority of Jesus. Let’s read Hebrews 1:6.

“And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, ‘Let all God’s angels worship him.’”

Here we find ourselves with a seeming contradiction. Luke says to only worship God. But Hebrews says God wants the angels to worship Jesus. Which is it?

The only way to understand what appears to be a contradiction is to look at all of Scripture. Scripture will never contradict Scripture. Our God does not contradict Himself. His teaching is true and whole and complete, just like His character. In this case, we can find the explanation in the Gospel of John. Let’s read John 10:30, where Jesus is speaking. He says: “I and the Father are one.”

Jesus just explained that He is a member of the Triune Godhead. As the Son, He is God, just like the Father. They are one. Without the Trinity, we would be left with contradictions, confusion, and unreliable text on which to base our faith!

God called the Israelites His people. They were unique. They stood out because they believed in one God when everyone else around them believed in many gods. They were monotheistic in a polytheistic world.

Many Jews missed the signs and prophecies that pointed to a more complete revelation and understanding of this God they were called to worship—a Triune God. Many did not and continue not to believe that Jesus is the Son, or God incarnate.

With Jesus showing up on Earth, and His teaching about the Holy Spirit, the doctrine of the Trinity becomes extremely important. We can see through all of the Bible that there is only one God who relates to His people through the three Persons in the Godhead: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Ask: What are some steps we can take to address apparent contradictions in Scripture?

Allow response. Add from the following, as needed:

• Read the entire context.

• Look for other passages that may help with understanding.

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• Use footnotes and commentaries.

• Get to know all of Jesus’s teachings, in particular.

• Become more and more familiar with the Bible as a whole.

• Be aware that some contradictions may come from the limitations of language and translation. As we dig deeper into the original language, we gain a clearer grasp on theology.

• Ask others! Be sure, though, they are people grounded in God’s Word. And it is helpful if they are rooted in Wesleyan theology and teaching.

APPLY (10 MINUTES) Say: Some words have a unique meaning when they relate to our Christianity.

Ask: What does redemption mean?

Allow response. Redemption literally means “to buy back.” This term will be discussed in the Apply video.

Ask: What was the role of the Father, Spirit, and Son in redemption on the cross?

Allow response. Most likely, the Son’s work on the cross will be evident to corps cadets. In the Apply video, they will learn that all three members of the Godhead were and are at work in redemption.

Play the Apply video (approximately 2 1/2 minutes).

Video Transcript:

In our culture, we usually use the word “redeem” along with coupons. We redeem a coupon and get something in exchange for less money or for free.

For Christians, the word “redeem” is used with salvation. The Fall caused sin to enter the world and become a part of all of humankind. This is called depravity. It means we are slaves to sin.

But God sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins, “buying us back” from slavery. In other words, we were redeemed and given freedom. All three members of the Trinity were a part of this redemption. First, let’s look at the role of the Father.

The Father planned redemption—for you. Even if you were the only one who sinned, He would have created this marvelous, mysterious, incredible, all-redeeming plan for you.

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The Son died on the cross for your sins. Even if you were the only one who sinned, He would have suffered and died on the cross for you.

Keep in mind, the Son didn’t just die on the cross to buy us back from our sins. Sin itself was defeated! This means that at the cross, the Triune God ultimately and emphatically defeated all evil, misery, sin, and the sinful nature that propels the world into darkness.

The Spirit lives in you. He is your guide, giving you spiritual life. He is your Comforter and Counselor. He is fully present in your life if you have believed in Jesus’s death and resurrection.

The entire Godhead was and is at work in redemption. Our Salvation Army flag reminds us of this. As Catherine Booth said, our flag is “an emblem of victory.” We have victory because the Father created us and has an eternal purpose for our lives. We have victory because the Son provides redemption from our sin. We have victory because the Holy Spirit works out this redemption in our daily lives.

When we look at our flag, we don’t pledge our allegiance to The Salvation Army. The symbolism points us to the only One worthy of our allegiance: the Triune God of the Bible.

Ask: What have the Father, Spirit, and Son done for you, personally?

Allow response. Encourage the corps cadets to share a piece of their testimony by answering this question, as time allows. This could be an appropriate time to encourage them to “practice” sharing what God has done and then share it with a larger audience, such as in the Holiness meeting in the near future.

Have the corps cadets turn to the doctrines in their student book and read along with you.

PRAY (5 MINUTES) Consider having your corps cadets sing a benediction if they are comfortable doing that. If not, have them read it together.

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Song #1035 in the Benedictions section of The Song Book of The Salvation Army.

O Father, let thy love remain, O Son, may I thy likeness gain, O Spirit, stay to comfort me, O triune God, praise be to thee. (Hendrik Ghysen, transl. William Frederik Palstra)

TO CLOSE THE CLASS (5 MINUTES) Have the corps cadets fill out their Activity Record points for the week and complete Monthly Questions 3 and 4. Collect to use next week.

MONTHLY QUESTIONS FOR THIS LESSON 3. From the Explore video: Choose the false statement.

a. We can understand what appears to be a contradiction in Scripture by looking at all of Scripture.

b. Scripture will never contradict Scripture.

d. God’s teaching is lacking and incomplete.

d. God’s character is true and whole and complete.

4. From the Apply video: Choose all that apply. What is true about redemption?

a. It means to buy us back from slavery to sin.

b. Jesus accomplished it on the cross.

d. Jesus was the only member of the Trinity involved in it.

d. Redemption provides us with freedom.

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DOCTRINE 3 We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

MEMORIZE “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14)

DID YOU KNOW? The prefix poly means “many.” Polydactyl means having many fingers or toes. A polyglot is someone who knows many languages. The prefix mono means “one.” A monocle is an eyeglass for one eye. Monopoly means to have one company in complete control. We are monotheistic, which means we serve and worship only one God—the Triune God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

GO DEEPER Read “I Will” statement J in “The Soldier’s Covenant” and about the 2nd and 3rd doctrines in The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine. Discuss or journal how they relate to today’s lesson.

Listen to Munnday Morning with Col. Richard Munn, Season 1, Episode 3 on the Trinity at saconnects.org/munnday-mornings/.

Listen to Seedbed’s 7-Minute Seminary, “Beholding the Mystery that Jesus is God”: tinyurl.com/ ttpg53b.

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LEADERSHIP: TRINITY WEEK 3: OBJECT LESSONS

OBJECT LESSONS

SUPPLIES NEEDED

• Bibles

• BOLD student books

• Pens/pencils

• For streaming videos: active Internet connection and a suitable device for viewing

• For downloaded videos: suitable device for viewing

• “Object Lessons in the Bible” handout

• Copies of the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets

BEFORE CLASS

• Read the Leader Overview.

• You can access all of the videos for this lesson through the Corps Cadets website (corpscadets.com) at https://corpscadets.com/ courses/courseb/courseb_february_wk3.html. Thumbnails throughout the lesson (like the one pictured to the right) will also link you to the multimedia page.

• Please note: Only videos produced by The Salvation Army National Christian Education Department will be available for Click these images to open the video page. download from our site. You can stream external videos from our site or download them from the original source, when that option is available. The video “St. Patrick’s Bad Analogies” for Engage can also be accessed at youtube.com/ watch?v=KQLfgaUoQCw&feature=youtu.be.

• Make copies of the “Object Lessons in the Bible” handout.

• Have the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets—that were filled out after the last lesson—ready. Or, if needed, make copies now.

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LEADER OVERVIEW

As a result of this lesson, corps cadets will: 1. describe object lessons as a way to make intangible things tangible; 2. identify object lessons in the Bible; 3. outline the steps to present an object lesson; and 4. brainstorm their own object lesson on the Trinity.

In this lesson, the corps cadets will be engaged by watching a satire about object lessons. They will explore the biblical background of object lessons and learn how to teach an object lesson. As application, they will brainstorm an object lesson about the Trinity.

There are plenty of places to find Bible object lessons on any topic. The corps may have some object lesson books. Your local Christian bookstore has a wide variety. If you type “Bible object lessons on the Trinity” into your computer’s search engine, you’ll find well over 350,000 choices. Scan through the first ones and be prepared with some options. You could allow corps cadets to use their smartphones if they have them.

OBJECT LESSONS (5 MINUTES) Read from the book together as a brigade.

It’s not surprising to find that God used object lessons to help His prophets understand the messages He wanted them to deliver or that He encouraged His prophets to use object lessons to present the messages He had given them. After all, God is the master communicator, and the purpose of an object lesson is to use something tangible to illustrate the intangible, something concrete to demonstrate the abstract.

Finding the right combination of object and lesson can be challenging in two ways. First, the object can overshadow the lesson. You don’t want the reaction to be, “Really cool object lesson! What was the point?” So, for example, if you’re going to build a volcano on the platform or use pyrotechnics, aside from the safety issues, make sure the point doesn’t get lost in the smoke.

Second, the object can teach a different lesson than the one you’re trying to get across. Let’s say you want to talk about Scripture as layered—that each time you read it, it’s like pulling back another layer and you learn something new. You could use an onion, because an onion has layers. But an onion also stinks. So the lesson being learned from your choice of object might be that Scripture is layered, but the more layers you pull away, the more it stinks. Not what you were hoping for. So a flaky biscuit might be better since each layer is delicious and makes you want more. Also, when you taste it, you know it is good.

No object is perfect, and no comparison is complete. But the best object lessons are the ones that successfully link the object and the lesson—so every time you see the object afterwards, the lesson comes to mind.

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THE WORD The following passages will be discussed throughout the lesson: 1 Kings 11:29-39 and Acts 21:10-14.

• 1 Kings 11:29-39 – This chapter covers Solomon’s apostasy (abandonment of beliefs). First, he increased the number of his horses, which was a direct violation of God’s commands (Deut. 17:16). Then, he took on foreign wives, also directly disobedient to God (Deut. 17:17). This led to Solomon mixing worship of Yahweh with worship of idols and to internal turmoil in the kingdom as well as external war. Internally, Jeroboam took control of the kingdom when it was not due him; it should have remained in the family line, but he took over. This turmoil is the foundation for the prophet Ahijah’s object lesson. He tore his own new cloak into 12 pieces, showing what was to come of the kingdom.

• Acts 21:10-14 – Paul is traveling and is currently in Caesarea. A prophet named Agabus describes how Paul will be bound and imprisoned. The people plead with Paul not to go to Jerusalem, but Paul insisted he must go.

ENGAGE (5 MINUTES) Watch “St. Patrick’s Bad Analogies.”

Say: An analogy is “a comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification.” An object lesson is an analogy. No analogy is perfect. They all break down at some point. Let’s watch Saint Patrick’s Bad Analogies to see this in action.

Play the Engage video (3 minutes, 49 seconds).

Say: The Irish twins point out that all of the analogies about the Trinity break down. When they are taken literally, they can lead to mistaken beliefs. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. Simple analogies can help us begin to explain complex truths. No mystery will be fully explained with an object lesson. But it can be a good place to start.

EXPLORE (15 MINUTES) Give each corps cadet a pen or pencil to complete “Object Lessons in the Bible” handout. As they learn about two object lessons in Scripture, have them take notes on the handout.

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Play the Explore video (approximately 6 minutes).

Video Transcript:

God used object lessons to help His prophets understand the message He wanted them to deliver. He also encouraged His prophets to use object lessons to present the messages He gave them. God knew object lessons would make the messages easier to understand. Let’s look at two examples in Scripture.

First, we will read from 1 Kings 11. The context of this passage is the life and reign of King Solomon. Solomon started out obeying God and being wise. He sought after God in his life and in his reign as king.

But then Solomon began disobeying God. One way he disobeyed was by marrying foreign women who worshiped idols. He then mixed his own worship of God with idol worship. This led to war with outside enemies and unrest within his own kingdom. A rebellious man named Jeroboam rose up to take over the kingdom from Solomon’s son. This is where we pick up in 1 Kings 11, 29 through 39.

“About that time Jeroboam was going out of Jerusalem, and Ahijah the prophet of Shiloh met him on the way, wearing a new cloak. The two of them were alone out in the country, and Ahijah took hold of the new cloak he was wearing and tore it into twelve pieces. Then he said to Jeroboam, ‘Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the Lord, the God of Israel says: “See, I am going to tear the kingdom out of Solomon’s hand and give you ten tribes. But for the sake of my servant David and the city of Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, he will have one tribe. I will do this because they have forsaken me and worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Molek the god of the Ammonites, and have not walked in obedience to me, nor done what is right in my eyes, nor kept my decrees and laws as David, Solomon’s father did.

But I will not take the whole kingdom out of Solomon’s hand; I have made him ruler all the days of his life for the sake of David my servant, whom I chose and who obeyed my commands and decrees. I will take the kingdom from his son’s hands and give you ten tribes. I will give one tribe to his son that David my servant may always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put my Name. However, as for you, I will take you, and you will rule over all that your heart desires; you will be king over Israel. If you do whatever I command you and walk in obedience to me and do what is right in my eyes by obeying my decrees and commands, as David my servant did, I will be with you. I will build you a dynasty as enduring as the one I built for David and will give Israel to you. I will humble David’s descendants because of this, but not forever.”’”

What the prophet said came true. The kingdom was taken away from Solomon’s son. You can read more of the history of the kingdom of Israel in first and second Kings. God used an object lesson as a promise to Jeroboam for obeying and as a warning to the people for disobeying.

There is a pattern throughout the Old Testament of God giving commandments, the people disobeying, and God allowing them to live out the consequences for disobedience.

Let’s look at an object lesson from the New Testament. We will read from the book of Acts. Paul knew

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the Old Testament inside and out. When he became a follower of Jesus Christ, he also began to live in obedience. In this passage, he has been traveling around to preach the message of Jesus and is currently in Caesarea. Let’s read his friend Luke’s description in Acts 21, verses 10 to 14.

“After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, ‘The Holy Spirit says, “In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.”’

When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, ‘Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’ When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, ‘The Lord’s will be done.’”

Paul did the opposite of what the Israelites did. He trusted the God of history. He was warned about being arrested and imprisoned in Jerusalem, but he obeyed and went anyway.

God used object lessons to help people understand His message. We can use object lessons to help people understand things about God, too.

For each of the passages, go over the following questions:

1. What is the object being used?

2. What senses are being engaged?

3. What is the message being delivered?

Allow response. Add from the following, as needed:

In 1 Kings 11:29-39, Ahijah the prophet delivered the message to Jeroboam.

1. What is the object being used? Ahijah took his new cloak and tore it into twelve pieces. Then he told Jeroboam to take ten of the pieces.

2. What senses are being engaged? Seeing—the cloak and the pieces; touching—holding the torn pieces; and hearing—the sound of the cloak tearing.

3. What is the message being delivered? Ahijah told Jeroboam: God is going to tear the kingdom out of Solomon’s hand and give you ten of the tribes, if you walk in His ways and do what is right in His eyes.

In Acts 21:10-14, Paul stopped in Caesarea on his way to Jerusalem and met a prophet named Agabus who came down from Judea.

1. What is the object being used? Agabus took Paul’s belt and tied his own hands and feet with it.

2. What senses are being engaged? Seeing—the belt around Agabus’ feet and hands.

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3. What is the message being delivered? “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’” (v. 11b) The people pleaded with Paul not to go to Jerusalem. But Paul said he was ready to be bound and more for the sake of Christ’s name.

APPLY (10 MINUTES) Go over “Things to Remember When Preparing an Object Lesson.”

Play the Apply video (approximately 2 1/2 minutes).

Video Transcript:

The purpose of an object lesson is to use something tangible to illustrate the intangible, something we can see and touch to help us understand something we cannot see or touch.

There are several things to remember when preparing and presenting an object lesson.

Know your target group. Be sure your audience knows the object you’re using or that you can explain it briefly. For example, if you were doing an object lesson for people who live where there is no electricity, you wouldn’t use electronic devices and talk about plugging into the power source. What you’re using must mean something to the audience or the point will be lost.

Be sure the lesson is well suited to the size of your audience. Something people can touch works well with a small group, not a large one, unless you have several things to pass around. If there’s something to taste, there needs to be enough to pass around quickly if there’s a large group. Anything you’re using needs to be large enough for everyone to see.

Know the point of the object lesson and know the Scripture you’re using. The Scripture should reinforce the point of the object lesson. An object lesson works when the listeners remember the point each time they see or think of the object. If people walk away saying, “That’s really cool!” but can’t remember the point, then it didn’t do its job.

Know what supplies you need. Gather any and all supplies needed for the object lesson. Then practice, practice, practice!

Know the right timing for the object lesson. There are three options. You can explain first and then do the object lesson; you can present the object lesson and then explain the meaning; or you can explain while doing the object lesson.

Know what senses the object lesson engages. Challenge yourself to make your object lesson appeal to more than one sense: seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, and/or tasting. Is there a way for your object to make noise? Can people touch it? Can people smell it? Can people taste it?

38 FEBRUARY LEADERSHIP: TRINITY WEEK 3: OBJECT LESSONS

Finally, know what cleanup will be necessary. Have a plan. Don’t leave a mess for someone else to deal with.

Now it’s your turn to create an object lesson to help explain the Trinity. Keep these tips in mind.

Brainstorm an object lesson to explain the Trinity.

Consider the makeup of your brigade. If you have a large group, you may want to split them into smaller groups or pairs for this activity. If you have a small group, it may work best to brainstorm together. If your corps cadets need movement, have them get up and look for objects in your meeting area that might work to describe the Trinity.

If your corps cadets have trouble coming up with ideas, use some of the most common ones as examples:

• Egg: the shell, white part, and yolk are all separate, but together they are one egg

• Apple: the skin, meat (juicy part), and core/seeds are all separate, but together they are one apple

• Water: it can be in three forms—gas, liquid, solid (frozen), but all forms are water

• Shamrock: it has three leaves, but together they are one shamrock

Have the corps cadets turn to the doctrines in their student book and read along with you.

PRAY (5 MINUTES) Close in prayer. Say something like:

39 FEBRUARY LEADERSHIP: TRINITY WEEK 3: OBJECT LESSONS

Thank you for giving us tangible ways to understand the intangible. Thank you for engaging all of our senses as you teach us. Thank you for helping us to understand so we can help others to understand.

Amen.

TO CLOSE THE CLASS (5 MINUTES) Have the corps cadets fill out their Activity Record points for the week and complete Monthly Questions 5 and 6. Collect to use next week.

MONTHLY QUESTIONS FOR THIS LESSON 5. From the Explore video: List one of the prophets discussed and the object he used for his object lesson.

6. From the Apply video: Fill in the blanks. Things to keep in mind when preparing and presenting an object lesson: Know your target ______. Know the ______of the object lesson. Know what ______you need. Know the right ______for the object lesson. Know what ______the object lesson engages. Know what ______is necessary.

DOCTRINE 3 We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

MEMORIZE “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14)

40 FEBRUARY LEADERSHIP: TRINITY WEEK 3: OBJECT LESSONS

DID YOU KNOW? Shamrocks are sometimes used as an object lesson to explain the Trinity. The White Clover is the traditional plant recognized as the shamrock. Most have three leaves; four leaves are rare and considered by some to be “lucky.” The three leaves of the clover represent something: hope, faith, and love. These plants provide nitrogen to grass, reducing the need for watering.

GO DEEPER Reread our 2nd and 3rd doctrines. Discuss or journal how they relate to today’s lesson.

Read the book of Hosea. Would you like your life to be an object lesson? Why or why not?

Explore the object lessons in Isaiah 20:1-6; Jeremiah 13:1-11; Jeremiah 27-28; Ezekiel 4-5:4; and the Book of Jonah.

Listen to Seedbed’s 7-Minute Seminary, “How Music Helps Explain the Trinity”: tinyurl.com/ t6k3kjl.

41 FEBRUARY OBJECT LESSONS IN THE BIBLE

OBJECT LESSON #1

Scripture Passage: ______Prophet: ______What is the object being used?

What senses are being engaged?

What is the message being delivered?

OBJECT LESSON #2

Scripture Passage: ______Prophet: ______What is the object being used?

What senses are being engaged?

What is the message being delivered?

BOLD for Corps Cadets | Course B | February, Week 3: “Object Lessons” DICSIPLESHIP: TRINITY WEEK 4: A RELATIONAL GOD

A RELATIONAL GOD

SUPPLIES NEEDED • Bibles

• BOLD student books

• Pens/pencils

• For streaming videos: active Internet connection and a suitable device for viewing

• For downloaded videos: suitable device for viewing

• Copies of the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets

BEFORE CLASS

• Read the Leader Overview.

• You can access all of the videos for this lesson through the Corps Cadets website (corpscadets.com) at https://corpscadets.com/ courses/courseb/courseb_february_wk4.html. Thumbnails throughout the lesson (like the one pictured to the right) will also link you to the multimedia page.

• Have the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets—that were filled out after the last lesson—ready. Or, if needed, make copies now.

LEADER OVERVIEW

As a result of this lesson, corps cadets will: 1. identify holiness as the main characteristic of the Trinity; 2. define transcendence and immanence; and 3. describe sanctification as right-living, sharing in the life of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

43 FEBRUARY DICSIPLESHIP: TRINITY WEEK 4: A RELATIONAL GOD

The purpose of this lesson is to help corps cadets understand that the Triune God is a relational God who sanctifies us on a continual basis through His relationship within Himself andHis relationship with us.

In this lesson, corps cadets will discuss holiness and sanctification. They will see that the Trinity exemplifies holiness in relationship between the three Persons. This gives us an example of how to live out this holiness that is graciously given and transferred. The intent is that this lesson rounds out the entire theme, bringing together the fact that the Trinity is the foundation of what we believe and how we live it out.

A RELATIONAL GOD (5 MINUTES) Read from the book together as a brigade.

As we tell others about our faith, the fact that we have a Triune God is at the core of our witness. We don’t just have a relationship with Jesus—we have one with the Triune God. A Triune God is a relational God.

We’ve heard “God is love” since we were little if we grew up in the church. But have you thought about the fact that love requires a relationship for it to be given and received? Now, God doesn’t need us to show and give love. The members of the Trinity are in relationship, providing for us the ultimate example of perfect giving and receiving love. God doesn’t need us; God chose to love us anyway. What we want the world to know is that there is a holy God who loves each one of us personally and passionately.

Holiness means being set apart. It includes characteristics such as grace, goodness, truth, righteousness, and purity. As we study the Father, Spirit, and Son, we see that they relate to one another with these characteristics. When we interact in a holy way, we also learn our purpose here on Earth. Our purpose is to be set apart for God’s glory, to love Him and be loved by Him, and to love others.

For love to be real, there has to be free will. The members of the Trinity have free will, also. Their perfect holiness allows them to love flawlessly. “God gives people free will so that he might enter into person-to-person relationships with them. Because they are made in his image, meaning they reflect his personal and moral nature, he interacts differently with them than he does with the rest of creation. Within creation the unique freedom that persons possess is an essential component of God’s relationship with them” (Allan Coppedge, The God Who is Triune). We believe God liberates, or frees our will from its sinful, depraved state so that we have the ability to choose Him.

Sanctification is a true, holy transformation that sets us apart for God. It is an individual reality that is lived out in community. The Trinity is a complete picture of perfect relationship within itself. The way the three interact, their characteristics, and their love and care for one another give us a perfect example for our relationships—with the Triune God as well as with one another. The Triune God is a sanctifying God. All of His personhood is about saving us and sanctifying us for His glory.

44 FEBRUARY DICSIPLESHIP: TRINITY WEEK 4: A RELATIONAL GOD

THE WORD The following passages will be discussed throughout the lesson: John 15:26 and 1 Peter 1:1-2.

• John 15:26 – This section of Scripture comes in the middle of Jesus teaching His disciples. He has just spoken about the vine and the branches and how we are called to love one another. He then explains how the world will hate those who follow Him. And now we get to the comforting part—the Advocate will come alongside us to remind us of everything Jesus taught. We are not left alone in this world.

• 1 Peter 1:1-2 – In his introduction to his letter to the scattered Christians, Paul points to the reality of the Trinity. Here, he talks about the foreknowledge of God the Father, the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, and the blood of Jesus Christ that requires our obedience. This passage shows that the early Church taught the reality of the Trinity, even if it didn’t use that word, and of the Triune God’s work in our sanctification.

ENGAGE (5 MINUTES) Listen to “Holiness.”

Say: Let’s listen carefully to the song, “Holiness,” sung by Scott Underwood. While we listen, think about these questions: What is holiness? How do we live holy lives? After the song, we’ll learn how the Holy Spirit works in our lives to move us towards holiness.

Play the Engage video (3 minutes, 52 seconds).

EXPLORE (10 MINUTES) Ask: Who is the Advocate?

Allow response.

Ask: What is His role in our life?

Play the Explore video (approximately 4 minutes).

Video Transcript:

Our Triune God isn’t “deistic.” That means He didn’t create the world and then just leave it on its own. Our Triune God was involved in the world through creation. He came into the world through the incarnation. Then He gave us His Spirit after Jesus went back to heaven. He never left us alone! God always has been and still is present and at work in His creation.

45 FEBRUARY DICSIPLESHIP: TRINITY WEEK 4: A RELATIONAL GOD

In the Gospel of John, chapter 15, Jesus has been teaching His disciples about how He is the vine and people who follow Him are the branches. He then explains that the world will hate Christians and persecute them because they follow Him. Our Triune God is always active on the scene. He doesn’t just tell us we will suffer, then leave us alone. Let’s read John 16:26.

“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.”

Jesus says that He will send the Spirit from the Father. That means the Father is currently separate or apart. In theological terms, we call this “transcendence.” God is over and above everything we can think or imagine. He is transcendent.

Jesus explains that after He leaves this world, He will send the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is also known as the Advocate. The verb “advocate” means to publicly support. The Holy Spirit comes to be a very present and active support in our lives. God is not just over and above everything; He is involved and active in everything. The theological term for this is “immanence.”

The Trinity is both transcendent and immanent. God is beyond our comprehension and God is personal. One of the ways He is personally involved in our lives is through the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Although the Holy Spirit is a gift, it’s a gift we have to ask for. This isn’t like asking Santa for a Christmas gift. As children, when we ask Santa, we hope. When we ask God, we can have confidence. It is not wishful thinking. We can have faith in a trustworthy God. We want to ask the Father for the gift of the Holy Spirit because God created us to be in a personal relationship with the Trinity.

Later in this course, you will learn more about the Person of the Holy Spirit, who is probably the least understood member of the Trinity. For now, let’s look at one of His main roles in our lives by reading 1 Peter 1 verses 1 and 2. This is from Peter’s first letter to the Christians who are scattered all over. It was written after Jesus died, rose again, and returned to heaven. The early Church is just getting started. Peter writes:

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.”

Peter, who lived under Jesus’s personal teaching, recognized the reality of the Trinity. And he specifically pointed out the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit within the Trinity.

“Holiness characterizes all of God’s being and activity: his personal nature, his transcendence…, his immanence…, and the character traits that describe who he is and his relationship to others.” (Allen Coppedge, The God Who is Triune)

In other words, our transcendent Triune God is holy. He wants us to live in that same holiness through the immanent presence of His Spirit advocating for us—supporting us as we live holy lives that please Him.

46 FEBRUARY DICSIPLESHIP: TRINITY WEEK 4: A RELATIONAL GOD

APPLY (10 MINUTES) Ask: What does the Trinity tell you about how God relates to you and how He wants you to relate to Him and to others?

Play the Apply video (approximately 1 1/2 minutes).

Video Transcript:

The three persons of the Godhead are in holy personal relationship with each other. The Trinity is in holy personal relationship with us. And our Triune God calls us into the same type of holy relationships with others.

The Triune God is a sanctifying God. He makes us righteous because His relationships are righteous. Righteousness itself, correctly understood, is a relational concept. One author puts it this way:

“Righteousness signifies a ‘well-ordered relation,’ through which a group of relations is ordered in such a way that all persons involved have their dignity honoured without needing to seize their rights from others.” [Jüngel, Theological Essays II]

God wants us to relate to Him in righteousness—sanctified and holy. And then He wants us to relate to others in this way. Right-living is hard. But we believe that a life of holiness is possible.

When we say that God sanctifies us, we’re not saying He performs some mysterious magic trick on us. We are also not saying that He is demanding we live up to some impossibly high righteous or moral standard. Sanctification is about living in His righteousness that is communicated or shared with us. It’s about sharing in the life of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Ask: How does the Advocate help you, personally, live a life of holiness?

Allow response. If needed, remind the corps cadets of the following definitions:

• Advocate = Holy Spirit who publicly supports us to live a life of holiness

• Holiness/sanctification = set apart, made righteous, right-living

• Sanctification also means sharing in the life of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Say: Share at least one area in which you can commit to setting yourself apart for God this week.

Allow response. It is good for you to share as their leader, also.

47 FEBRUARY DICSIPLESHIP: TRINITY WEEK 4: A RELATIONAL GOD

Have the corps cadets turn to the doctrines in their student book and read along with you.

PRAY (5 MINUTES) Read this poetic hymn, slowly, as a closing prayer. A Triune Prayer By Chris Anderson and Molly Iljames Blessed Father, hear our cry. Cast out sin, but draw us nigh. Not for merit—we have none— For Your mercy, for Your Son.

Blessed Jesus, make our plea. In Your name to God we flee; Through Your blood we seek His face; By Your priesthood claim His grace.

Blessed Spirit, meet our need; In our silence intercede. Translate groans we cannot speak; Heal the broken, help the weak.

Triune God, please grant our prayer As Your glory we declare. May Your promised kingdom come; May Your will on earth be done. Copyright 2010 by Beckenhorst Press, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

48 FEBRUARY DICSIPLESHIP: TRINITY WEEK 4: A RELATIONAL GOD

TO CLOSE THE CLASS (10 MINUTES) Have the corps cadets fill out their Activity Record points for the week and complete Monthly Questions 7-10 and the Question for Reflection.

Ensure that all Monthly Questions are complete, with the corps cadet’s name on each paper. Collect completed papers to turn in to DHQ.

MONTHLY QUESTIONS FOR THIS LESSON 7. From the Explore video: True or False. Transcendence means God does not care about what happens in the world. Immanence means He is inactive and not present.

8. From the Apply video: Choose the correct word or phrase in each underlined pair. The Triune God is a sanctifying/absent God. He makes us happy/righteous because His relationships are happy/righteous. God wants us to relate to Him alone/Him and others in righteousness.

9. Review of doctrines: Fill in the blanks. We believe that there is only ______God, who is infinitely ______, the ______, Preserver, and ______of all things, and who is the ______proper object of religious ______.

We believe that there are ______in the Godhead – the ______, the ______and the Holy Ghost, undivided in ______and co-equal in power and ______.

10. Review of memory verse: Fill in the blanks. “May the ______of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the ______of God, and the ______of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 ______13:14)

Question for Reflection: What did you learn about the Trinity? How will you apply it to your life?

DOCTRINE 3 We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

49 FEBRUARY DICSIPLESHIP: TRINITY WEEK 4: A RELATIONAL GOD FEBRUARY QUESTIONS MEMORIZE BOLD FOR CORPS CADETS | COURSE B | SPRING 2021 “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14)

DID YOU KNOW? Besides our Triune God, here are other great things that come in threes:

• Stooges

• blind mice

• rock, paper, scissors

• little pigs

• most legendary Pokémon

• average number of Oreos consumed in one sitting

GO DEEPER Read the 2nd and 3rd doctrines and “I Will” statements A and B of “The Soldier’s Covenant.” Discuss or journal how they relate to today’s lesson.

Read the novel The Shack by Wm. Paul Young about one man’s encounter with the Trinity.

Use the topical index in The Song Book of The Salvation Army to look up songs and choruses about the Trinity or particular members of the Trinity.

Listen to Seedbed’s 7-Minute Seminary, “Errors to Avoid When Talking About the Trinity”: tinyurl.com/sdhekwq.

50 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY QUESTIONS BOLD FOR CORPS CADETS | COURSE B | SPRING 2021

NAME: ______

CORPS: ______Answer the following questions. Choose the appropriate answer(s) for multiple-choice questions. For the true/ false statements, correct false statements to make them true. Please use a separate sheet of paper if needed. Staple it to this sheet with your name and corps at the top.

MONTHLY QUESTIONS (3 PTS. EACH) 1. True or False. The Holy Spirit and Jesus can be distinguished from the Father, but none can be separated from one another. ______

2. All three members of the Trinity were and are active in creation. List the other two areas the Trinity was and is active in that were covered in this lesson. ______

3. Choose the false statement.

a. We can understand what appears to be a contradiction in Scripture by looking at all of Scripture. b. Scripture will never contradict Scripture. c. God’s teaching is lacking and incomplete. d. God’s character is true and whole and complete.

4. Choose all that apply. What is true about redemption?

a. It means to buy us back from slavery to sin. b. Jesus accomplished it on the cross. c. Jesus was the only member of the Trinity involved in it. d. Redemption provides us with freedom.

5. List one of the prophets discussed and the object he used for his object lesson. ______6. Fill in the blanks. Things to keep in mind when preparing and presenting an object lesson: Know your target ______. Know the ______of the object lesson. Know what ______you need. Know the right ______for the object lesson. Know what ______the object lesson engages. Know what ______is necessary. 7.

7. True or False. Transcendence means God does not care about what happens in the world. Immanence means He is inactive and not present. ______

8. Choose the correct word or phrase in each underlined pair. The Triune God is a sanctifying/absent God. He makes us happy/righteous because His relationships are happy/righteous. God wants us to relate to Him alone/Him and others in righteousness.

9. Fill in the blanks. We believe that there is only ______God, who is infinitely ______, the ______, Preserver, and ______of all things, and who is the ______proper object of religious ______.

We believe that there are ______in the Godhead – the ______, the ______and the Holy Ghost, undivided in ______and co-equal in power and ______.

10. Fill in the blanks. “May the ______of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the ______of God, and the ______of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 ______13:14

QUESTION FOR REFLECTION (20 PTS.) ANSWER MUST BE A MINIMUM OF 4 TO 6 SENTENCES. What did you learn about the Trinity? How will you apply it to your life? ______ACTIVITYACTIVITY RECORDRECORD BOLD FOR CORPS CADETS | COURSE B | SPRING 2021 | FEBRUARY

NAME: CORPS:

Activity Record W 1 W 2 W 3 W 4 W 5 TOTAL Sunday School (2 pts., 10 max.)

Corps Cadet Classes (3 pts., 15 max.)

Worship Service (3 pts., 15 max.)

SA Youth Meetings (1 pt., 10 max.) Attendance Divisional/Territorial Events (1 pt., 5 max.)

Prayer Meeting or Bible Study (1 pt., 5 max.)

Sunday School Class or Activity Taught (2 pts., 10 max.)

Practices Attended (1 pt., 5 max.)

Visitation & Service(1 pt., 10 max.)

Participation Worship Service Participation (1 pt., 5 max.) TOTAL

DISCIPLESHIP ACT SUMMARY (2 PTS. EACH; 10 MAX.) (MAY NOT REPEAT OPTIONS; COMPLETED BY CORPS 50 PTS. EACH; CADET COUNSELOR: F brought a friend with me to church 100 PTS. TOTAL FOR COURSE) Class Participation (5 pts.): ______F did personal devotions at least I completed: once a week all month Recited Memory Verse (5 pts.): ______F 1st of 2 F gave an offering Discipleship (10 pts.): ______Option completed: F invited a friend to church F 1 F 3 Activity Record (30 pts.): ______F participated in ministry F 2 F 4 COMPLETED BY DHQ: F prayed for a friend F 4 months of SOAPs F prayed with a friend F 2nd of 2 Monthly Questions (50 pts.): ______F shared Scripture on social media Option completed: Total (100 pts.): ______F shared Scripture with a friend F 1 F 3 Act, if completed (50 pts.): ______F shared what I learned in Corps F 2 F 4 Notes: Cadets with a family member F 4 months of SOAPs F volunteered personal time F witnessed to a friend

Corps Cadet: Date:

C.C. Counselor: Date:

Corps Officer: Date:

SCRIPTURE • OBSERVATION ACTIVITYSOAPs APPLICATIONRECORD • PRAYER BOLD FOR CORPS CADETS | COURSE B | SPRING 2021 | MARCH - LOVE

NAME:

Read the Scripture S COMPLETE THE SOAP s SECTIONS USING THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 22:34-46.

Write an Observation WRITE AN OBSERVATION ABOUT THIS SCRIPTURE. O IN OTHER WORDS, WHAT DO YOU “SEE” IN THIS SCRIPTURE?

Write an Application A WRITE HOW THIS SCRIPTURE APPLIES TO YOUR LIFE.

Pray PRAY SPECIFICALLY ABOUT THIS SCRIPTURE AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS, P ASKING FOR GOD’S HELP IN APPLYING ITS TRUTH TO YOUR LIFE.

BIBLE STUDY: LOVE WEEK 1: THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

SUPPLIES NEEDED

• Bibles

• BOLD student books

• Pens/pencils

• For streaming videos: active Internet connection and a suitable device for viewing

• For downloaded videos: suitable device for viewing

• Copies of the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets

BEFORE CLASS

• Read the Leader Overview.

• You can access all of the videos for this lesson through the Corps Cadets website (corpscadets.com) at https://corpscadets. com/courses/courseb/courseb_march_wk1.html. Thumbnails throughout the lesson (like the one pictured to the right) will also link you to the multimedia page.

• Make copies of the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets.

LEADER OVERVIEW

As a result of this lesson, corps cadets will: 1. define the four Greek words for love: eros, storge, phileo, and agape; 2. define love according to God’s definition laid out in His Word; 3. recognize the difference between the world’s definition of love and God’s definition of love; and 4. summarize why it is important to recognize that difference.

57 MARCH BIBLE STUDY: LOVE WEEK 1: THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

This lesson encourages corps cadets to compare the world’s understanding of love with the Bible’s teaching about love. The corps cadets learn that love is the greatest commandment. They explore the various Greek words for love, what agape love is, and Jesus’s example of that kind of love. As application, the corps cadets explore the list of attributes of love found in 1 Corinthians and how they do or don’t live out those attributes in their own lives.

Keep in mind that some corps cadets haven’t had good examples of love in their homes. This description may seem very foreign to them. They may feel that they don’t know how to love because they have not had a good example to follow. Be sensitive. Don’t let this lesson in general, or the Apply activity in particular, become an opportunity for them to come down hard on themselves. Also, use the discussion to gauge which corps cadets may be struggling with feeling unloved right now. Follow up with them.

THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT (5 MINUTES) Read from the book together as a brigade.

Based on the Scriptures of the Old Testament, there are 613 laws that Jews must follow. Most of these are ways of helping interpret how to live out the Ten Commandments faithfully. A law was created to explain a small aspect that might be confusing. That might lead to another law being set out for clarification. This continued until there were a total of 613 laws in place.

You can remember this number because of its reverse: 316…or 3:16, as in John 3:16, quite possibly the most memorized verse of the Bible. This versedoesn’t say, “For God so loved the world that He gave us laws to follow perfectly.” This verse says that God loved us so much that He sent His Son.

Laws—or commandments—were intended to show sinful humankind that, no matter how many or how few were in place, it was impossible to follow them all so perfectly so as to put us back into a right relationship with the one, true, holy God. And, yet, people still tried to focus on the Law instead of on God’s plan: Jesus.

An expert in the Law, wanting to test Jesus, asked, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” In other words, what’s the most important rule? What’s the right answer? He wanted to trick Jesus into answering something that would make everyone mad. Even this simple question was breaking the spirit of the Law, which is to be in right relationship with Him.

“Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37-39).

Jesus was basically saying: It’s not about the most important rule or the right answer. It’s about the right relationships. God made a covenant, a promise to love you. What else should you do except love Him back with everything you are? God made a covenant, a promise to love everyone. Since He loves them, you should love them, too.

This kind of love isn’t a warm and fuzzy feeling. It’s a decision to think about and act towards God and others in such a way as to be in restored relationships that glorify our Creator.

58 MARCH BIBLE STUDY: LOVE WEEK 1: THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

THE WORD The following passages will be discussed throughout the lesson: John 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; and 1 Peter 4:8.

• John 13:34-35 – This passage takes place in the context of Jesus having a meal with His disciples before the Passover Festival. Jesus has just washed His disciples’ feet. He predicts Judas’s betrayal, then He predicts Peter’s denial. Between the two predictions, Jesus gives His disciples a “new command”: love one another. The context is important, because the “new” part of the command is that they love the way Jesus has loved them... by serving them, as He had just shown them through washing their feet.

• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – The “love chapter” exists in the context of talking about spiritual gifts. Paul wants his readers to know that spiritual gifts are only to be used in love. In chapter 12, he had been discussing unity and diversity in the Bible, specifically as those concepts relate to spiritual gifts. He says there is a “most excellent way.” That way is love. While it is always important to read Scripture in its context, it’s worth noting that the “love chapter” can and does stand on its own as an excellent description of what love looks like according to God’s standards.

• 1 Peter 4:8 – Peter is reminding his readers to live holy lives because Jesus will return soon, and God will have final judgment over humankind. Peter expresses the urgency of walking away from sin and following Jesus’s example, particularly as it relates to enduring suffering. This verse highlights the power of Christian love, which can result in forgiveness and restored relationships; this is how love overcomes sin.

ENGAGE (5 MINUTES) Do the “What Is Love?” activity.

Say: When you want to know more about a subject, we turn to the experts. There is an expert on love: God Himself. We’ll watch what He has to say on the subject in a minute. But, first, let’s see what kid “experts” think they know about love.

Play the Engage video (3 minutes, 28 seconds).

Ask: What does the world say about love? Not only about romantic love but about love in general?

Allow response.

59 MARCH BIBLE STUDY: LOVE WEEK 1: THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

EXPLORE (15 MINUTES)

To stay within the time limits for the lesson, you have about ten minutes to discuss these first three questions. Allow the corps cadets to really consider the difference between what love looks like according to the world and according to God. If they don’t have much to share, consider revisiting the questions after the video for further discussion.

Ask: How is what the world says about love different from what God says about love?

Allow response.

Ask: Where does the world get its example of what love looks like?

Allow response.

If your corps cadets can’t think of anything, provide one or two possible answers to help them think of others:

• TV shows

• Movies

• Social media

• Parents (successful marriage or divorce)

• What friends say love is

• Music lyrics

• Celebrities

• Stories, ideas, and gossip passed around in peer groups

Say: As Christians, we know that Jesus should be our example of love. What does Jesus’s example of love look like?

Allow response. There will be teaching on this in the video.

Play the Explore video (approximately 5 minutes).

Video Transcript:

In English, we have one main word for love. In Spanish, there are two. But in Greek, there are four. Since the New Testament was written in Greek, it’s important to understand the different meanings.

60 MARCH BIBLE STUDY: LOVE WEEK 1: THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

First, there is eros. This is emotional love. It’s the feeling of love. Or the desire to be near the object of love. It includes physical love and desire.

Second, there is storge. This love is what we have for a dependent. It is natural affection for a spouse, a child, or a pet.

Third, there is phileo. This is a companionable love or a brotherly love. It is the basis of friendship.

And, fourth, there is agape. Agape love is a consuming passion for the well-being of others. It is unconditional love. It is love by choice and commitment. God’s love is agape love.

The Bible has a lot to say about agape love, in particular. This is the kind of love Jesus modeled during His ministry on Earth.

We are going to read from the Gospel of John. Jesus has almost finished His ministry on Earth. He knows He is about to be crucified, resurrected, and ascend into heaven. He has just washed the disciples’ feet. Before He leaves, He wants to be sure they remember the most important things. Let’s read John 13:34-35.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

In the Old Testament, God’s people are commanded to love their neighbors as themselves. So what makes loving one another a new command?

It’s a new command because Jesus modeled it in a different way. He’s not just saying love others the way you love yourself. Now He’s saying, “Love others as I have loved you.” How we loved used to be the standard. But that didn’t work out very well. We didn’t love people the way we should. Here Jesus says how He loves is the new standard.

Jesus loves us with a sacrificial love. His agape love for us took Him all the way to the cross.

This new command included the reminder that people will know we are Jesus followers by how we love each other. We look like Jesus when we love like Jesus.

God’s plan for humankind is to be in right relationship with Him. Because of sin, that relationship was broken. God loved us too much to leave it broken. So He sent His Son to die on a cross to restore our relationship with Him.

The disciples learned this plan from Jesus. They finally understood it after His death and resurrection. In fact, they continued to teach what Jesus taught. Let’s see what Peter tells new Christians in First Peter 4:8.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

In his letter, Peter reminds readers to live holy lives. He tells us to walk away from sin and follow Jesus’s example because it is powerful. In fact, Jesus’s example of agape love is so powerful, it can result in forgiveness and restored relationships. This is how love overcomes sin.

61 MARCH BIBLE STUDY: LOVE WEEK 1: THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

We are called to love others like Jesus loves us. Here are some of the ways He loves us:

He loves us sacrificially. He gave up His throne in heaven, came as a helpless baby, and grew to be a man to show us how to live holy lives.

He loves us as we are. He loved His disciples. They were fishermen who still smelled like the sea; zealots; men with impulse control issues; and men too attached to money. They didn’t always understand what He meant or what to do. But He loved them just as they were. And He loves us just as we are.

He loves us generously. Everything Jesus did, He did with great love. He shared Himself fully with the disciples. He does the same with us. We can love Him with everything in us because that’s how He loves us.

He loves us always. Jesus loved us from before time began. And He will love us for the rest of eternity— whether we love Him back or not.

He loves us even to death. Jesus loved us with His very last breath on Earth.

Agape love – Jesus’s love – is unconditional, perfect, and the example He gives for us to follow.

APPLY (10 MINUTES) Ask: What are some characteristics of Jesus’s love? In other words, if you were to give a list that describes godly love, what are some words that would be included on it?

Allow response. There will be teaching on this in the video.

Ask: Is it possible to live out these characteristics in our own life?

Allow response. There will be teaching on this in the video.

Play the Apply video (approximately 3 minutes).

Video Transcript:

The 613 Jewish laws are impossible to live out perfectly. But we can love like Jesus. Because when Jesus gives us a command, He also gives us the power to live it out with the Holy Spirit’s help.

Many people are familiar with “the love chapter” in First Corinthians. But did you know that Paul writes this section in the middle of teaching about spiritual gifts? Context always matters in the Bible. We get a complete picture when we look at passages in context, and that context within the whole message of the Bible.

In this case, there is so much more we can learn about love and living out our gifts in community by looking at the bigger context. But the “love chapter” can also stand on its own as a list of things that love does and does not look like. Let’s read First Corinthians 13 verses 4 through 7.

62 MARCH BIBLE STUDY: LOVE WEEK 1: THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

This list of things that love is and isn’t shows us the difference between how the world sees love and how God sees love. Let’s look at the “do nots” on this list for a moment.

Love does not envy. It does not boast. It is not proud. It does not dishonor others. It is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil.

If you take off the “does not” from each phrase, you have a pretty good list of what selfishness looks like. This selfish love isn’t really love at all. Selfish love is a fake promise that won’t be fulfilled.

If we could get rid of things like envy, dishonor, and lists of how we have been wronged—we would look a lot more like the list of “dos” in this chapter. Let’s look at that list now.

Love is patient. Love is kind. Love rejoices with the truth. It always protects. Always trusts. Always hopes. Always perseveres.

Living out these characteristics will make our love look a whole lot more like Jesus and how He loved.

When we have experienced this kind of love, it changes us. That’s because it’s what the Creator intended for His creation.

It may not be easy, but we have been given the Holy Spirit to help us live out this kind of love. We can live out the example Jesus lived and show the world what real, unconditional agape love looks like.

It would be helpful to have your corps cadets turn to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 in their own Bibles for this portion of the discussion.

Say: Give an example of a time when you have been shown biblical love as described by the list in 1 Corinthians.

Allow response. Share your own example as well.

Ask: What aspects of godly love are the hardest for you to live out?

Allow response. Share your own answer as well.

Have the corps cadets turn to the doctrines in their student book and read along with you.

63 MARCH BIBLE STUDY: LOVE WEEK 1: THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

us and everything else deliberately to achieve His ultimate will. He maintains and cares for everything He made. He is in charge of everything and has an ultimate purpose for creation, including us. And He is the only God to be worshiped. There is only one God, but He is revealed to us in three persons, sometimes called the Trinity. God the Father has called us to live out agape love, as shown through the example of God the Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us.

PRAY (5 MINUTES) Close the class with a period of guided prayer. Pray through 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Read through the passage, pausing after each phrase to allow corps cadets to pray silently.

Have corps cadets thank God for ways they’ve been shown love, thank God for ways they’ve been able to show love, and ask God to help them in the areas of love where they struggle.

TO CLOSE THE CLASS (5 MINUTES) Have the corps cadets fill out their Activity Record points for the week and complete Monthly Questions 1 and 2. Collect to use next week.

MONTHLY QUESTIONS FOR THIS LESSON 1. From the Explore video: Write the correct letter in each blank, matching the Greek word for love on the left to its definition on the right.

a. Eros _____ natural affection b. Storge _____ unconditional love c. Phileo _____ emotional love d. Agape _____ brotherly love

2. From the Apply video: Choose of the things that love is not or does not do:

a. Patient f. Dishonors others k. Rejoices with the truth b. Kind g. Self-seeking l. Protects c. Envy h. Easily angered m. Trusts d. Boast i. Keeps record of wrongs n. Hopes e. Proud j. Delights in evil o. Perseveres

64 MARCH BIBLE STUDY: LOVE WEEK 1: THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

DOCTRINE 3 We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

MEMORIZE “Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39)

DID YOU KNOW? When asked what loves means, here is what some children answered: “Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is okay” (age 7). “Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him all day” (age 4). “Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it every day” (age 7). “If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend you hate” (age 6). “Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen” (age 7).

GO DEEPER Read “I Will” statement B in “The Soldier’s Covenant.” Discuss or journal how it relates to today’s lesson.

Listen to Seedbed’s 7-Minute Seminary, “The Biblical Meaning of Love”: tinyurl.com/wqxvw7e.

Watch “Love Takes Action” at tinyurl.com/wmyvg7y.

Watch Will Smith talk about “What Is Love?” at tinyurl.com/ukx977d. What reflects biblical principles? What does not?

Read other passages that relate to this month’s theme: Matthew 7:12; John 3:16-17; Romans 8:38- 39; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 5:1-2; Colossians 3:12-14; and 1 John 4:19-21.

65 MARCH

OUR HERITAGE: LOVE WEEK 2: CHARITY

CHARITY

SUPPLIES NEEDED

• Bibles

• BOLD student books

• Pens/pencils

• For streaming videos: active Internet connection and a suitable device for viewing

• For downloaded videos: suitable device for viewing

• Copies of the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets

BEFORE CLASS

• Read the Leader Overview.

• You can access all of the videos for this lesson through the Corps Cadets website (corpscadets.com) at https://corpscadets. com/courses/courseb/courseb_march_wk2.html. Thumbnails throughout the lesson (like the one pictured to the right) will also link you to the multimedia page.

• Have the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets—that were filled out after the last lesson—ready. Or, if needed, make copies now.

LEADER OVERVIEW

As a result of this lesson, corps cadets will: 1. define charity as agape love; 2. describe biblical love as love that is put into action; 3. review The Salvation Army’s mission statement; and 4. review the motivation for Christian love/charity.

67 MARCH OUR HERITAGE: LOVE WEEK 2: CHARITY

This lesson teaches the meaning of charity (agape in Greek, caritas in Latin). Charity is not simply the giving of money or other support. The corps cadets explore the concepts of charity and giving, discussing how they respond to people who think The Salvation Army is only a charity, not a church. And they learn more about The Salvation Army’s mission statement, with an emphasis on our love for God and our service to others. As application, they consider the attitudes behind giving and charity and discuss ways they can improve their own attitudes in this area.

Remember, some of your corps cadets might currently be on welfare or have been in the past. It’s important that they not be made to feel less because they’ve needed help.

CHARITY (5 MINUTES) Read from the book together as a brigade.

Has anyone ever said to you in surprise, “What? The Salvation Army is a charity? I thought it was just a church!”? Probably not. But the other way around? Probably! Often, we get offended by the description and perception of The Salvation Army as a thrift store—a charity. But what’s so bad about being a charity?

Charity is typically defined as voluntarily giving help, usually money and service, to the needy and suffering. In the 1690s, the English word charity was first used for an organization set up to provide help and raise money for those in need. According to Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828, “in a general sense,” charity is “love, benevolence, and good will.”

The fact is, true charity is so much more than helping the needy with material items. Charity comes from the Latin word caritas, which comes from the Greek word agape. Charity is love in action. This kind of charity sees the other person and identifies with the other’s suffering. It is Christlike, costly love. This is the kind of love that flows from our faith in Jesus into our everyday relationships with others—friends, family, and even strangers. It is our heart to God and hand to man.

You may get tired of saying, “No, I don’t go to the thrift store. The Salvation Army is churcha .” But as we continue to live out true, biblical charity—love in action—others will see us as people who live out what we believe. And, just maybe they will want to know more about what we believe, giving us the opportunity to share Love Himself: Jesus.

When we realize what charity really is, it might not be so bad to be seen as one.

THE WORD The following passages will be discussed throughout the lesson: Matthew 6:1-4; James 2:15-16; and 1 John 3:17.

68 MARCH OUR HERITAGE: LOVE WEEK 2: CHARITY

• Matthew 6:1-4 – This passage is part of the Sermon on the Mount, which is introduced and begins in chapter 5. Jesus has already shared the Beatitudes and taught on salt and light, the Law, murder, adultery, divorce, oaths, eye for eye, and love for enemies. He has spoken about internal issues before speaking about external practices. He now turns to teaching on giving to the needy. This is the first of several sections where He is teaching His listeners about disciplines that are practiced for the Father, not to be seen by others.

• James 2:15-16 – This passage summarizes what the Book of James is known for: faith and works. The main point is that our actions cannot save us, but authentic faith moves our body into action. In these verses, specifically, James is talking about our responsibility as followers of Jesus to help others as an active demonstration of our faith.

• 1 John 3:17 – This verse appears in a section on love and hatred, which is a continuation of John’s line of thought that he started at the beginning of chapter 2. He explains that we should not be surprised when the world hates us, but we are called to love like Jesus loved—sacrificially. One example he gives of that kind of sacrificial love is giving to other believers in need. He goes on to affirm what James teaches: we must back our beliefs with actions. In this case, love must give to those in need. This is practical love. Note, the Greek word used for pity in this verse points to a deep emotional concern or affectionate sympathy. In other words, this concern is a part of God’s love that requires action.

ENGAGE (10 MINUTES) Watch “Donation Prank.”

Say: Forbes recently put together a list of the top ten most popular charities. The Salvation Army made number five on the list. Other charities include United Way, St. Jude’s, the Red Cross, and Habitat for Humanity.

It’s important to learn about a charity before you give them your money. Find out how they spend their money and how much of it actually goes to the people they serve or the cause they are helping.

Let’s look at a few people giving money to charity. Watch how others react to how much is given.

Play the Engage video (1 minute, 42 seconds).

Say: Of course, this is just for laughs, but why do you think some people have a hard time giving generously to charity?

Allow response.

69 MARCH OUR HERITAGE: LOVE WEEK 2: CHARITY

Ask: What are some ways you can decide to whom to give your money? What are some reasons you might not give to a certain charity?

Allow response. Add from the following, if needed:

• The group is well known OR I’ve never heard of the organization.

• I care about the issue/group OR I don’t know what they stand for.

• If I give to a group, they can help more people OR I am not sure I can trust them to use the money properly.

• I believe in their cause OR I think the person might not be telling the truth about what they do.

EXPLORE (10 MINUTES) Ask: Is charity about giving? Why or why not?

Allow response. This will be covered in the video.

Ask: How do you respond to people who say they thought The Salvation Army was “just” a charity—a Thrift Store or the red kettle, in particular?

Allow response.

Play the Explore video (approximately 4 1/2 minutes).

Note that there is some discussion on The Salvation Army’s mission statement, which includes our goal of serving without discrimination. A short statement is made about this, quoting Commissioner Dave Hudson’s public statement about serving the LGBTQ community. Corps cadets may have further questions about our theology. Welcome their questions as a way to research in advance what they may want to discuss further in Course C when Identity is explored. Encourage them to ask questions, while also explaining that this discussion is not on identity, orientation, or theology of those matters, but rather on serving all of humankind in love…without discrimination.

Video Transcript:

Most of us in The Salvation Army get tired of telling people, “We’re not just a thrift store” or “We’re not only about the red kettle at Christmas.” Another way of saying it is, “The Salvation Army isn’t just a charity!”

But The Salvation Army does live out the true, biblical definition of charity. Let’s look at the Book of James.

70 MARCH OUR HERITAGE: LOVE WEEK 2: CHARITY

This letter is about faith and works. James explains that our actions can’t save us. But our faith should be shown through our actions. Let’s read James 2 verses 15 and 16:

“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”

James describes our responsibility as followers of Jesus. We are called to help others as an active demonstration of our faith. A hug doesn’t warm someone who doesn’t have a coat. A smile is nice, but it doesn’t fill a grumbling stomach. We are called to give. If someone is cold, give them a warm coat. If they are hungry, offer them food. It’s our job to show charity. This is love in action.

John teaches the same thing as James, adding that love is at the heart of how we do or don’t act. Let’s read First John 3:17:

“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”

The original Greek word that is translated in this verse as pity means to have deep concern or affectionate sympathy. In other words, we are called to care so deeply for others that we can’t help but do something. When we see a need, we will want to respond with love in action. This is how we show God’s love. This is charity.

The Salvation Army’s mission statement says: “The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”

Let’s break this down. The Salvation Army is all over the world. We are in more than 130 countries.

We are not the whole Church. We are part of the Church. We belong to the greater Church that follows Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

The Bible is our foundation for everything we teach in our theology. And God’s love is the reason we put our beliefs into action.

Our goal is to preach Jesus as the only way to a restored relationship with our Creator.

But we don’t just preach. We live out our faith by helping others. And we do this for everyone.

The Salvation Army has had some bad press over the years—articles, news reports, and social media posts—that claim The Salvation Army is racist, sexist, or anti-LGBTQ. The fact is that The Salvation Army truly is committed to meeting the needs of all people without discrimination!

Commissioner David Hudson said, “We share our message in the hopes that it is heard loud and clear. Regardless of sexual or gender identity, orientation, belief or any other factor, we love all, we welcome all.”

The Salvation Army is a charity. We should not shy away from that term. But we should help people understand that everything we do is because of our love for God and our desire to help others be in relationship with Him.

71 MARCH OUR HERITAGE: LOVE WEEK 2: CHARITY

Charity is not mainly about giving. It is not about money or clothes or food. Charity is love in action. Charity uses giving money, clothes, and food as a way to tell people, “God loves you. He sees you. He wants to be in relationship with you through His Son, Jesus.”

Say: In light of Scripture and what you have learned about our mission statement and the real meaning of charity, what are some new ways you can respond to people who say they thought The Salvation Army is “just” a charity?

Allow response.

APPLY (10 MINUTES) Ask: What “charitable” attitudes make people say, “We don’t want your charity”?

Allow response. Then add from the following:

• I’m better than you and have more than you because God has blessed me. I will condescend to give you some of what is mine.

• I gave you money so now I can tell you what you can and can’t do with it.

• If I’m going to give you money, you have to prove to me that you’re worthy.

• You’re pitiful. I pity you.

• You should be grateful to me for my kindness to you.

• I’m supposed to do this, but I don’t want to. Take it and go.

• I’m afraid of you. I’d rather give you money than have to interact with you. Take it and go.

Say: Let’s look at what Scripture says about charity and the attitudes we are supposed to have.

Play the Apply video (list exact video length).

Video Transcript:

When it comes to loving others, we’ve seen what we’re supposed to do. We’re supposed to put our faith into action. This love in action is charity, or service to others.

We’ve read what James and John say about loving and serving others in practical ways. Now we’ll focus on our internal attitude.

Let’s read Matthew chapter 6, verses 1 through 4:

72 MARCH OUR HERITAGE: LOVE WEEK 2: CHARITY

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”

If you take this passage literally, it can be confusing. Did people actually sound trumpets before they gave to the needy? No, probably not. Do your hands have eyes that see each other? Nope! Does all of your giving have to be completely anonymous? No. Should most of it? Maybe. But that’s not the point!

The point Jesus is making here is that our good works should flow out of our love for God and be done for Him. We should not do good works so others can see how giving and charitable we are.

This passage is part of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus has just finished talking about internal issues such as murder, adultery, and loving our enemies. Then He talks about external practices, like giving to the poor. His point is that internal and external are both matters of the heart.

When it comes to charity, we can have an us/them mindset: we are helping them. We need to change our thinking and our vocabulary. When talking about charity, it would be helpful to remove some words from the conversation, like “separate from,” “different from,” “better than, “less fortunate than,” and “more blessed than.”

When it comes right down to it, we are all equal before God. We are all created in His image. We are all fallen. We are all loved. We can all be redeemed by the blood of Jesus that was shed for everyone. And we can all be restored to a right relationship with Him.

As James teaches us, faith and works go hand in hand. Faith expressed in action is love. And it’s how people will know we follow Jesus. Faith without works is a dead faith. And works without faith is often for show. The two go together to be expressed as agape love—as true charity.

The attitude of our heart always matters. When we are expressing charity or agape love, there are many attitudes we should get rid of and some positive charitable attitudes we should put on instead.

For example, instead of pride, we need to put on kindness. Instead of guarded giving, we put on generosity. Instead of resentful obligation, put on cheerfulness. Instead of condescension, love. Instead of pity, empathy. Instead of keeping our distance, hospitality. Instead of feeling more blessed, equity.

When we show charity this way, people will know we are Christians by our love.

How you lead this section depends on your brigade. If they are quick to answer and discuss, comfortable and open with each other, then have them answer questions aloud. If they’re more reserved and not yet open with each other, have them reflect silently on the questions.

73 MARCH OUR HERITAGE: LOVE WEEK 2: CHARITY

Ask: What are some ways you are less charitable than you could be?

Allow response or a moment for quiet reflection.

Ask: What are specific ways you can be more biblically charitable?

Allow response or a moment for quiet reflection.

Have the corps cadets turn to the doctrines in their student book and read along with you.

God the Father calls us to show agape love, Jesus the Son lived it so we can see it, and God the Holy Spirit gives us the power to do it. Agape love is what real charity is. We should welcome being known as a charity because The Salvation Army exists to show God’s love to all.

PRAY (5 MINUTES) Have the corps cadets pray sentence prayers asking God to help them put off the unhelpful attitudes and to put on the helpful attitudes. Encourage them to be specific.

Close the prayer time by praying: Lord, You raised up The Salvation Army to offer agape love to people. The Salvation Army—whether seen as movement, as church, or as charity—has done that for over 150 years. Please let your love fill each of us until it overflows into acts of service and charity for others. Amen.

TO CLOSE THE CLASS (5 MINUTES) Have the corps cadets fill out their Activity Record points for the week and complete Monthly Questions 3 and 4. Collect to use next week.

74 MARCH OUR HERITAGE: LOVE WEEK 2: CHARITY

MONTHLY QUESTIONS FOR THIS LESSON 3. From the Explore video: Choose the correct word or phrase in each underlined pair. The Salvation Army, a local/an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal/ only Christian church. Its message is based on doctrine/the Bible. Its works/ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach/study the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human desires/needs in His name without mistakes/discrimination.

4. From the Apply video: True or False. Our actions should be so others can see how giving and charitable we are.

DOCTRINE 3 We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

DID YOU KNOW? Here are some unusual (but real!) charities: The Critter Connection, which makes sure no guinea pig gets left behind; 501st Legion, promoting interest in Star Wars and bringing costume enthusiasts together so bad guys can do good; Tall Clubs International Foundation, promoting the special needs of exceptionally tall people; and the Zombie Squad, which hosts disaster relief fundraisers and disaster preparation seminars.

GO DEEPER Read “I Will” statements B, D, F, and H in “The Soldier’s Covenant.” Discuss or journal how they relate to today’s lesson.

Explore the difference between charity and philanthropy.

Listen to Seedbed’s 7-Minute Seminary, “The Kingdom and Christian Generosity”: tinyurl.com/ wfw8jt7.

Listen to Commissioner Hudson’s full statement about The Salvation Army’s mission to serve all: tinyurl.com/qpfthge.

75 MARCH

LEADERSHIP: LOVE WEEK 3: JESUS

JESUS

SUPPLIES NEEDED

• Bibles

• BOLD student books

• Pens/pencils

• Paper (optional)

• For streaming videos: active Internet connection and a suitable device for viewing

• For downloaded videos: suitable device for viewing

• Towel, picnic blanket, tarp, or similar

• Copies of the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets

BEFORE CLASS

• Read the Leader Overview.

• You can access all of the videos for this lesson through the Corps Cadets website (corpscadets.com) at https://corpscadets. com/courses/courseb/courseb_march_wk3.html. Thumbnails throughout the lesson (like the one pictured to the right) will also link you to the multimedia page.

• Find an item for the Engage activity appropriate for your brigade’s size. If you have a small brigade (4 or fewer), a towel should work. For a larger brigade, you will want a larger item. Click these images to Aim to find something your entire brigade can stand on, but open the video page. with little extra room. If you have only one corps cadet, you can do this activity with him or her by being involved and perhaps using something as small as a hand towel. If you have a very large brigade, you may find a tarp works best; or, you can split them into two groups and make it a competition to see who can complete the activity first.

• Have the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets—that were filled out after the last lesson—ready. Or, if needed, make copies now.

77 MARCH LEADERSHIP: LOVE WEEK 3: JESUS

LEADER OVERVIEW

As a result of this lesson, corps cadets will: 1. identify Jesus as the ultimate example of servant leadership; 2. discuss the disciples as followers of Jesus; 3. explore Jesus’s teaching about love, service, and leading; and 4. identify ways they can serve in love according to Jesus’s example.

This lesson has the corps cadets thinking about specific things Jesus did to show His love. Corps cadets explore the background of the disciples and what made them stay together as a group of followers. They will look at what Jesus taught them about loving one another. For application, the corps cadets are encouraged to think of specific ways to demonstrate Jesus’s example of servant leadership at school, at home, at the corps, and among their friends during the coming week.

JESUS (5 MINUTES) Read from the book together as a brigade.

There’s a joke that says, “He thinks he’s a leader? Tell him to look behind him!” The point is: A leader is only a leader if people follow him. So, the opposite should also be true: “He thinks he’s a follower? Tell him to look in front of him!” If we don’t have our leader in sight, we aren’t very good followers.

A Christian is a person who believes in and follows Jesus Christ. If we call ourselves Christians, need to be looking at our Leader and His example constantly. Everything Jesus did, He did with great love. That is our example: love.

When it comes to leadership skills and styles, love should be at the forefront. Jesus is the ultimate example of leadership. And His leadership style was servanthood motivated by love. True leadership is about serving people. The leader must be willing to do—in fact should already be doing—whatever the leader wants others to do.

“Servant leadership” can seem like a catchphrase these days. It’s actually a paradox—a statement that seems to contradict itself but when explained may prove to be true. God’s economy flips the world’s ideas upside down. So many of Jesus’s teachings seem to be paradoxes. His teaching and example show us that the values of the Kingdom of God are the opposite of the values of the world.

We get to choose which values we will follow, just as we get to choose Whom we will follow. If we are not reflecting the love of Christ, it might be because we don’t have our eyes fixed on Him. He is our ultimate example—for leadership, service, and love.

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THE WORD The following passages will be discussed throughout the lesson: Matthew 20:25-28; John 15:9-17; and 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.

• Matthew 20:25-28 – Jesus’s teaching on the least and the greatest comes as a response to the mother of James and John (the sons of Zebedee, also called the sons of thunder). Out of her love for her sons, she asks Jesus if they can sit on either side of Him in His Kingdom. Jesus responds that only the Father can choose who sits in those places. The other disciples are angry with James and John because of their mother’s request. Note that Jesus’s teaching isn’t directed at the mother, but at the disciples. He explains that the greatest must be a servant, just as He came to be.

• John 15:9-17 – Here, Jesus is speaking directly to His disciples. This passage, about remaining in His love and loving one another, is part of His analogy of the vine and the branches. He first talks about the Father’s love for Him. He then talks about His own love for His disciples. Next, He addresses the disciples’ love for Him. Finally, He commands the disciples to love one another. This progression of love is important—we must look to God first before we can love and serve one another well.

• 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 – The bulk of the first section of the “love chapter” was covered in the Bible Study lesson. The end of the chapter will be covered in the Discipleship lesson. Here, we focus on the chapter’s introduction. Remember that this chapter exists in the context of Paul’s teaching on spiritual gifts and unity. In Paul’s day, cymbals were used to worship Dionysus, the god of wine. By mentioning clashing cymbals here, Paul is saying that, without love, our worship is no different than pagan worship. Everything we do is in vain if we don’t have the love Jesus modeled.

ENGAGE (5 MINUTES)

Note that there is no Engage video for this lesson.

Do the “Turn Around” activity.

Place the item your corps cadets will all stand on (towel, picnic blanket, tarp, etc.) on the floor. Then, give these instructions:

• Everyone is going to stand on the [towel] together.

• Your job is to get the towel turned around 180 degrees—facing the opposite direction from what it is now.

• No one may step off the towel at any time during the process.

• No one may reach out to the wall, chairs, or other items not on the towel at any time.

• No other body parts may touch the floor or other objects.

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When they understand the goal, have them begin. Completing this task will require working together, which is a form of serving one another.

When they have completed the task, ask the following questions, allowing response between each:

• What was hard or easy about this activity?

• Did a clear leader emerge during the task?

• If the leader had only given orders but not participated, what would have happened?

EXPLORE (15 MINUTES) Ask: When Jesus called the disciples to follow Him, what was He asking them to do?

Allow response. This will be covered in the video.

Ask: What held them together as a group?

Allow response. This will be covered in the video.

Play the Explore video (approximately 6 1/2 minutes).

Video Transcript:

If you research the topic of leadership, certain characteristics will come up over and over again.

Some of the top characteristics of leadership include building, nurturing, and maintaining relationships. Team-building is also important. Other characteristics include having vision, creative problem-solving, planning, good communication, and integrity.

Jesus showed all of these qualities. He is the ultimate example of a servant leader motivated by love.

If we want to learn about leadership, we need to look at the Master leader. We need to learn from His life, His teaching, and His example of serving in love.

Jesus taught and healed crowds of people. Many followed Him closely, including several women.

Jesus focused much of His teaching and leadership on 12 people, known as the disciples.

He called each of them to follow Him. He didn’t call them to boost His ego. Or be His fan base wherever He went. He called them so He could teach them by living life with them on a daily basis. He asked them to listen to Him, watch Him, and follow His example. He didn’t ask them to do anything He didn’t do as well.

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The disciples were a group of people who wouldn’t have been together if Jesus hadn’t called each of them. Anyone looking at them would think they were a strange mix of people.

So, who were they? We don’t know all of the details for certain, but we can gain a lot of information from what Scripture says and what we know about the cultural context in their day.

Four were fishermen: Andrew, Peter, James, and John. Andrew and Peter probably worked for other fishermen. They were likely rough and uneducated. James and John likely owned a fishing business with their father.

One was a tax collector: Matthew. He worked for the Roman government. He would have had some education in order to hold this prominent job. Tax collectors were hated because they earned money by keeping part of what they collected. The more they collected from others, the more money they made. We can be pretty sure Matthew had money.

One was a politician: Simon. Known as a Zealot, he would have been involved in politics. He might have even tried to create a revolution to overthrow the Roman government.

And one was a thief and traitor: Judas. We don’t know much about what he did before becoming a disciple, but John calls him a thief and embezzler. All four Gospels describe him as a traitor for betraying Jesus.

There are five more disciples that we don’t know much about: Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Thaddaeus, and another James, son of Alphaeus.

It was definitely a group of people you wouldn’t normally expect to see living, traveling, and working together. What held them together as a group?

They spent quality time together in everyday life. They fished, cooked, walked, and talked. They applied lessons to real life.

They ministered together, talking about what they learned. Then they shared it with others.

They were allowed to be honest with each other. They shared all sorts of emotions, from weeping to joy.

But, above all else, love held them together. Jesus loved them, and they loved Him.

Jesus taught His disciples about loving one another. He did this, first, by explaining how the Father loves Him. Next, by explaining how He loves His disciples. Then, He addressed how His disciples should love Him. Then, finally, how His disciples should love one another.

Let’s read John 15:9-17:

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You

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are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.”

The greatest command is to love like Jesus. In following Jesus, we need to love like Him. In leading others, we need to love like Him.

In Matthew, Jesus gives His disciples a practical example of what this kind of loving leadership looks like. Let’s turn to Matthew chapter 20, verses 25 to 28:

“Jesus called [the disciples] together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Jesus explained that true leadership in God’s Kingdom is servant leadership. The first becomes the last. The greatest becomes the least.

Loving and leading like Jesus requires a deliberate choice. It requires sacrificing for the benefit of others. Greatness is determined by servanthood, not by exercising power and authority over others. And loving, servant leadership invites everyone—from fishermen to tax collectors—to be included.

In order to gauge comprehension, ask: What did Jesus teach about being a servant leader?

Allow response. Add from the following, if needed:

• Love like He loves us.

• Love each other.

• The first becomes last.

• The greatest becomes the least.

• It requires a deliberate choice.

• It is sacrificial.

• Everyone is included.

Ask: Does this change your understanding of leadership? Why or why not?

Allow response.

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APPLY (10 MINUTES) Ask: How would the disciples be received today if they chose to come to the corps in hopes of finding Jesus?

Allow response.

Ask: Are there still people like the disciples today? Rough, hated, unknown? How do we include them? Who did Jesus leave out?

Allow response.

Ask: Do we automatically show love through servant leadership? Why or why not?

Allow response.

Play the Apply video (approximately 2 minutes).

Video Transcript:

Rich and poor, male and female, young and old, wise and foolish. The criminal, the adulterer. Those with leprosy, the disabled, and those with mental illness. To Jesus, everyone deserves His love and attention. He doesn’t leave people out. Some people may choose not to be included. But Jesus never excludes anyone from His love. We are called to love and lead like Jesus.

None of this talk about servant leadership means anything without love – the love that Jesus shows.

Let’s look at the introduction to the “love chapter” – First Corinthians 13 verses 1 through 3:

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”

It’s possible to serve without love. It’s possible to lead without love. In his letter to the church in Corinth, Paul explains that we can use our spiritual gifts without love. This includes preaching, speaking in tongues, prophecy, wisdom, knowledge, faith, and giving. But if we do these things without love, they are worth nothing!

Paul says that without love, our words are a clanging cymbal. Yes, talking without love can be noisy and annoying. But more than that, in Paul’s day, cymbals were used to worship Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and insanity. So Paul means that when we practice spiritual gifts without the love Jesus modeled, our worship and efforts are no different from the pagans! Love is what makes all the difference.

Jesus wants us to follow His example of servant leadership. He wants us to put others before ourselves. However, none of that matters if we do it without His love.

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How you choose to do this application depends on your brigade. This could be done as an open discussion with everyone giving ideas. Then the corps cadets could each write down which ones they choose to put into action. Or it could be a more reflective application with the corps cadets simply writing down their own ideas. If you choose the latter, provide each corps cadet with a paper and pen.

Ask: What is a specific way you could demonstrate the love of Jesus through servant leadership in each of the following places:

• At school?

• At home?

• At the corps?

• With friends?

Allow response.

Have the corps cadets turn to the doctrines in their student book and read along with you.

Say: Our second doctrine says, “We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.” Our third doctrine says, “We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead—the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.” In other words, there is only one true God. He made us and everything else deliberately to achieve His ultimate will. He maintains and cares for everything He made. He is in charge of everything and has an ultimate purpose for creation, including us. And He is the only God to be worshiped. There is only one God, but He is revealed to us in three persons, sometimes called the Trinity. This God is the Creator of love. We can see the ultimate example of love in action through God the Son’s time on Earth and through His sacrificial death for our sins.

PRAY (5 MINUTES) Encourage your corps cadets to pray as servants to one another. Read the following Scripture verse (Romans 15:13) as a suggestion of how they can pray a blessing over others. Or, if they are shy about praying aloud for others, pray this Scripture over them as a blessing and an example.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Amen.

TO CLOSE THE CLASS (5 MINUTES) Have the corps cadets fill out their Activity Record points for the week and complete Monthly Questions 5 and 6. Collect to use next week.

84 MARCH LEADERSHIP: LOVE WEEK 3: JESUS

MONTHLY QUESTIONS FOR THIS LESSON 5. From the Explore video: List four of the twelve disciples.

6. From the Apply video: Fill in the blanks. Jesus wants us to follow His example of ______leadership. He wants us to put ______before ______. However, none of that matters if we do it without His ______.

DOCTRINE 3 We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

DID YOU KNOW? In 2016, DNCE, led by Joe Jonas, covered Tina Turner’s classic song, “What’s love got to do with it?” Performing together in the 1960s and 70s, Ike and Tina Turner are ranked #2 on Rolling Stones “Greatest Duos of All Time” list. Tina divorced the abusive Ike in 1978. In 1984, her solo career took off with the song, “What’s love got to do with it?” She won the Grammy for Song of the Year. Tina Turner was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.

GO DEEPER Read “I Will” statements B, D, and H in “The Soldier’s Covenant.” Discuss or journal how they relate to today’s lesson.

Listen to Seedbed’s 7-Minute Seminary, “Holistic Ministry”: tinyurl.com/y8vhumv8.

Read The Four Loves by C. S. Lewis.

Read “True Servant Leaders Are Last in Chow Line” at tinyurl.com/qrwrmkk.

Google “Servant Leadership.”

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DISCIPLESHIP: LOVE WEEK 4: LOVE NEVER FAILS

LOVE NEVER FAILS

SUPPLIES NEEDED

• Bibles • BOLD student books • Pens/pencils • For streaming videos: active Internet connection and a suitable device for viewing • For downloaded videos: suitable device for viewing • Copies of the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets BEFORE CLASS

• Read the Leader Overview.

• You can access all of the videos for this lesson through the Corps Cadets website (corpscadets.com) at https://corpscadets.com/ courses/courseb/courseb_march_wk4.html. Thumbnails throughout the lesson (like the one pictured to the right) will also link you to the multimedia page.

• Please note: Only videos produced by The Salvation Army National Christian Education Department will be available for download from our site. You can stream external videos from our site or download them from the original source, Click these images to when that option is available. The video “Love Song Medley” open the video page. for Engage can be accessed at youtube.com/watch?v=8iIEvQNRs_M. The video “David Crowder Band – How He Loves” for Pray can be accessed at youtube.com/ watch?v=TCunuL58odQ.

• Have the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets—that were filled out after the last lesson—ready. Or, if needed, make copies now.

LEADER OVERVIEW

As a result of this lesson, corps cadets will: 1. discuss the difference between earning the world’s love and not having to earn God’s love; 2. express that love for God is shown by obeying His commands; 3. identify some practical steps to take if they don’t love themselves; and 4. summarize God’s love as never failing.

87 MARCH DISCIPLESHIP: LOVE WEEK 4: LOVE NEVER FAILS

This lesson teaches corps cadets that God’s love never fails. There is nothing we can do to earn it, and we can’t lose it. Corps cadets will discuss what the world says we have to do to be loved by others compared to what we have to do to be loved by God. As application, they will return to the greatest commandment, taught in the Bible Study lesson. They will focus on the question of how to love others as they love themselves if they don’t love themselves. Finally, they will discuss the fact that God’s love never fails.

Pay special attention to your corps cadets this week. Pay attention to who talks a lot and who doesn’t share. Through your observation, you might get a sense that one of your corps cadets is struggling with feeling loved and/or loving themselves. Prayerfully look for a moment to approach them.

When discussing loving others, the question of how to love others who are difficult to love may come up. If you have time, you could brainstorm a few ideas. Otherwise, let corps cadets know more about this will be taught in a future lesson. Then maybe take time individually with the corps cadets who raised the question to see if you can be helpful in their specific situation.

Note that there will be future topics in the BOLD curriculum that cover identity, self-esteem, and social health. Making note of discussions in this lesson may help prepare you further for those discussions to come.

LOVE NEVER FAILS (5 MINUTES) Read from the book together as a brigade.

Worldly love is imperfect. It’s temporary because it is limited to this lifetime. It can fail us. It can fail others too. God’s love is the complete opposite. God’s love never fails and God’s love never ends. That’s why it’s worth focusing on it, learning about it, and trying to grasp the immensity of it.

Imperfect love that’s not fully what God designed can go wrong a lot of ways. For example, if we love ourselves more than we should, then we can see and treat others as objects. Love becomes about our own happiness and satisfaction. Or, if we don’t love ourselves as the creations of God that we are, we can believe we deserve less and can allow ourselves to be mistreated. We might even believe we don’t deserve to live. If we get our sense of worth from how others feel about us, then we can lose our sense of value in a moment—especially in middle/junior and high school.

God says we’re supposed to love our neighbors. Let’s be honest. Some of the people we’re supposed to love are really hard to love. Perhaps they are bullies. Maybe they have abandoned us. It’s possible they haven’t done anything kind at all that merits our love. But it doesn’t matter what they have or haven’t done. God still loves them. That means, as Christians, we should show them God’s love.

Our love and sense of worth should come from God. Because He loves us, we should love ourselves. And we should see others as created by and loved by God. Because God loves them, we should love them too. But there are times when we struggle to believe these things. There are times we struggle to do them. It’s in those moments that we need to be reminded: God’s love never fails. God’s love never ends. And God loves us.

88 MARCH DISCIPLESHIP: LOVE WEEK 4: LOVE NEVER FAILS

THE WORD The following passages will be discussed throughout the lesson: Matthew 22:37-39; 1 Corinthians 13:8-13; and 1 John 4:9-11.

• Matthew 22:37-39 – Jesus has been teaching crowds of people. He has just silenced the Sadducees on the issue of marriage and the resurrection. The Pharisees probably enjoyed seeing the Sadducees embarrassed. Now the Pharisees are testing Jesus. One of them asks, “Which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” They expected to cause Him to stumble in His response. This was a question that had been up for debate for centuries. The man who asked the question may or may not have sincerely wanted an answer; but what we do know is that the Pharisees wanted to discredit Jesus. In response, Jesus quoted the Shema from Deuteronomy 6:4, which all Jews would have recited every day, professing their love for God. Then He followed it up by quoting Leviticus 19:18, which puts that love for God in action. By answering that the greatest commandment is to love God, and the second greatest is to love others, He silenced them.

• 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 – The first large section of the “love chapter” was covered in the Bible Study lesson. The introduction was covered in the Leadership lesson. We now conclude the chapter with this passage. The previous passage gives specifics of what love is and is not. This passage talks about the permanence of love, explaining that we will eventually know and be known by Love in His fullness, even if we only see a dim representation during our earthly lifetime. Love is the greatest of all because it’s the eternal, core characteristic of God.

• 1 John 4:9-11 – In this passage, John is encouraging brothers and sisters in Christ to live out the basic teaching of Jesus: love God and love others. He points out that love is not based on our actions or heart, but on God’s action and heart for us. Love is always active. God’s sending of His Son as a sacrifice is the ultimate example of this love we are called to emulate.

ENGAGE (5 MINUTES)

If you have a corps cadet that could benefit from more direct involvement, have them write the songs down as they are played in the video and/or mentioned in the discussion.

Listen to “Love Song Medley.”

Say: Let’s listen to five decades of love songs in four minutes. Do you recognize any of them?

Play the Engage video (4 minutes, 8 seconds).

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After the video, allow a brief discussion. Did they know any of the songs? If you have time, ask for other love songs they can think of.

EXPLORE (10 MINUTES)

Keep in mind that some of your corps cadets may come from very unloving homes. If you are aware of this with any of your corps cadets, consider opening with an introduction rather than the first discussion question, saying something like:We do a lot of things to try to be loved by others. Human love is not perfect. It is often conditional. Sometimes it exists, but we can’t see it in action. Maybe because the people aren’t around. Maybe because they are making bad choices that look bigger than the love. In contrast to human love, let’s talk about God’s love.

Ask: What do we have to do to be loved by others?

Allow response. Some suggestions may include:

• Be loving or lovable.

• Love them back.

• Put on our “best self.”

• Nothing. If this is provided as an answer, challenge it. If we did nothing in return, would a boyfriend or girlfriend love us? How about a sibling? A parent?

Ask: What do we have to do to be loved by God?

Allow response. This will be covered in the video.

Play the Explore video (approximately 2 1/2 minutes).

Video Transcript:

Even if we know it’s not true, many of us live as if we have to earn God’s love. We try to be good. We go to church. We do our best to follow what the Bible says. We know we mess up, but we ask for forgiveness. We keep trying and trying and trying…

Let’s look at what Scripture says about God’s love. We’ll read First John 4, verses 9 through 11:

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

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This passage explains to us that God is the definition of love. His love comes first. It’s only because He loves us and sent His Son that we can love Him.

Let this important truth soak in: [pause] We don’t have to do ANYTHING for God to love us! God loves us because His nature is love. That’s Who He is.

God loves us. Our response should be to love Him and love others. In other words, we live out our gratitude for His incredible, sacrificial love for us by obeying the greatest commandments.

We talked about this in the Bible Study lesson. In Matthew 22, verses 37 through 39, Jesus is speaking. When asked what the greatest commandment of all the laws is, He says:

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

This is a really important truth for us to understand. We don’t earn anything from God by following the commandments to love Him and love others. He already loves us!

We obey and live out the commandments because we are grateful for the amazing gift of His Son dying for our sins. That’s REAL love!

As we mature in our faith and understand God’s overwhelming love for us better, we will be more and more grateful. And it will be easier and more natural for us to obey.

APPLY (10 MINUTES) Ask: What does it look like if we love each other? What happens?

Allow response. Then add from the following:

• We’re united, not divided.

• We encourage each other.

• We bear each other’s burdens.

• We celebrate each other’s victories.

• We forgive each other.

• We learn about Jesus together.

• People see something different and want to know what it is.

Ask: What does “love your neighbor as yourself” mean? What does it assume loving ourselves looks like?

Allow response.

91 MARCH DISCIPLESHIP: LOVE WEEK 4: LOVE NEVER FAILS

Say: The expectation in this command is that we do love ourselves. If we love ourselves:

• We want what is best for ourselves.

• We want our basic needs to be met: food, shelter, work, health care, and education.

• We want to be free to worship as we want.

• We want to be valued: seen and heard.

• We want to be loved and included.

• We want justice.

• We want God’s love and mercy and grace.

Because this is what we want for ourselves, this is what we should work for and want for others, “our neighbors.” We’ll talk more about this when we get to justice.

Ask: What if you don’t love yourself? Is it okay not to love others? Why or why not?

Allow response. This will be covered in the video.

Play the Apply video (approximately 5 minutes).

Video Transcript:

The commandment Jesus gives is nothing new to His listeners. In fact, it comes from a prayer called the Shema. It is found in Deuteronomy 6:4. Jews still recite it every day, reminding themselves of God’s command to love Him with all of their heart, soul, and mind.

The second greatest command Jesus gives isn’t new either. It comes from Leviticus 19:18, which His listeners would have also known. God tells His people, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

We’ve talked about what real, agape love is. We know that we should love like Jesus. We’ve learned about servant leadership. And we know we should love God with everything and love others as we love ourselves.

But…what if we don’t love ourselves? What if we struggle with hating ourselves? Does that mean we can hate others?

First, it’s not okay to hate others even if you don’t love yourself. We are called to be people of love.

Second, God wants you to love yourself. He wants you to see yourself from His viewpoint. You are His belovéd child. He loves you so much that if you had been the only one ever to live, He would still have sent His Son to die for you!

92 MARCH DISCIPLESHIP: LOVE WEEK 4: LOVE NEVER FAILS

Some practical things to do when you are struggling to love yourself include:

Pray. Talk to God. Tell Him how you really feel. Use whatever words you need to use. He wants to hear from you.

Read Scripture. Start with Psalms. They have the full range of human emotion in them. In some of the Psalms David wrote, he cried out to God. He felt pretty bad about himself. Let’s be honest—he had good reason to. Read the truths that encouraged him.

Ask for help. Find people who love God and love themselves. Ask them how they learned to see themselves through God’s eyes. And if you need more help, remember it is okay to have Jesus and a therapist too!

Be kind to yourself. Speak to yourself the way you would speak to a friend with the same problem.

Don’t isolate yourself. Sometimes when you don’t feel good about yourself, you think people don’t want you around. Sometimes you feel like you are the only one who feels this way. Find safe people to be with.

Stay away from social media. It won’t help you feel better.

Listen to music. Put helpful messages into your head. Choose songs that remind you of your value, like Lauren Daigle’s, “I believe.” Choose songs about who God is and how much He loves you. Choose songs by people going through the same things to help you remember you are not alone.

Do something creative or helpful. Look for a way to add value to the world by helping others. It gets your mind off yourself.

Sleep and eat. Proper sleep and proper nutrition help our brains work better.

Let yourself be loved. First, think of the people who love you. Remind yourself that they can’t all be wrong about you. Second, hold onto the truth that God loves you because He IS love. It doesn’t matter how low you feel about yourself. Remember that you don’t earn God’s love. He just loves you. Learn to rest in that amazing truth.

Here’s another amazing truth: love never fails. The kind of love we are talking about that comes from God never ever runs out, gives up, runs dry, or walks away. Never! This may be hard to understand fully, but God even addressed our lack of understanding.

We’ve read part of the “love chapter.” Now let’s read the rest of it – First Corinthians 13 verses 8 through 13:

“Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

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We won’t ever fully understand God’s love in this lifetime. But someday, we will understand it. We are fully known and loved right NOW! Someday, we will really “get” how much! Now, THAT’S an amazing promise we can hold onto!

Make note of the answers your corps cadets give to the following discussion question. Consider using their answers as a practical way to speak their “love language” and show them love and encouragement during the week.

Ask: What are some ways you can love yourself in a healthy, biblical way?

Allow response. Some possibilities might include:

• Read Scripture. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you believe what it says about you. Believe the promises.

• Listen to music that reminds you of your value to God, like Lauren Daigle’s song, “I believe.”

• Listen to music that reminds you of who God is. Then remember that He loves you.

• Know what your talents and spiritual gifts are. Use them.

• Know that you are no greater than or less than anyone else. Each of us is of infinite value to God.

• Remind yourself that you are a unique and wonderful creation of God, just like everyone else in the world.

Have the corps cadets turn to the doctrines in their student book and read along with you.

Say: Our second doctrine says, “We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.” Our third doctrine says, “We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead—the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.” In other words, there is only one true God. He made us and everything else deliberately to achieve His ultimate will. He maintains and cares for everything He made. He is in charge of everything and has an ultimate purpose for creation, including us. And He is the only God to be worshiped. There is only one God, but He is revealed to us in three persons, sometimes called the Trinity. This Triune God loves us with a love that will never fail.

94 MARCH DISCIPLESHIP: LOVE WEEK 4: LOVE NEVER FAILS

PRAY (5 MINUTES) Play the Pray video (4 minutes, 7 seconds), the official David Crowder Band video of “How He Loves.” Encourage your corps cadets to listen to the lyrics as a prayer, claiming the truth of God’s incredible love.

TO CLOSE THE CLASS (10 MINUTES) Have the corps cadets fill out their Activity Record points for the week and complete Monthly Questions 7-10 and the Question for Reflection.

Ensure that all Monthly Questions are complete, with the corps cadet’s name on each paper. Collect completed papers to turn in to DHQ.

MONTHLY QUESTIONS FOR THIS LESSON 7. From the Explore video: True or False. We don’t have to do anything to be loved by God. God loves us because His nature is love.

8. From the Apply video: Choose each true statement regarding love.

a. It’s okay to hate others if you don’t love yourself. b. God wants you to love yourself. c. You must earn God’s love. d. If you had been the only one to ever live, God would still have sent His Son to die for you. e. God’s love never fails.

We believe that there are ______in the Godhead – the ______, the ______and the Holy Ghost, undivided in ______and co-equal in power and ______.

10. Review of memory verse: Fill in the blanks. “Jesus replied: ‘______the Lord your God with all your ______and with all your ______and with all your ______.’ This is the first and ______commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your ______as ______.’” (Matthew 22:37-39)

95 MARCH DISCIPLESHIP: LOVE WEEK 4: LOVE NEVER FAILS MARCH QUESTIONS Question for Reflection: What did you learn about love? How will you apply it to your life? BOLD FOR CORPS CADETS | COURSE B | SPRING 2021

DOCTRINE 3 We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead—the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

DID YOU KNOW? Things Jesus NEVER said: You’re too far-gone to be saved. I’m disappointed in you. This wouldn’t be happening if you were a better Christian. It’s okay not to love certain people. It’s all up to you. You don’t have to forgive someone who really hurt you. This is a cross you must bear alone.

Things Jesus DID say: I love you with an everlasting love. I will never leave you. I will never turn my back on you. I will never give you up. You are mine.

GO DEEPER Read “I Will” statements B, D, E, and H in “The Soldier’s Covenant.” Discuss or journal how they relate to today’s lesson.

Watch kids describe love to an illustrator at tinyurl.com/ur7jx9z.

Look up love in the index of The Song Book of The Salvation Army and reflect on those songs and the truths they teach about love.

96 MARCH MARCH QUESTIONS BOLD FOR CORPS CADETS | COURSE B | SPRING 2021

NAME: ______

MONTHLY QUESTIONS (3 PTS. EACH) 1. Write the correct letter in each blank, matching the Greek word for love on the left to its definition on the right.

a. Eros _____ natural affection b. Storge _____ unconditional love c. Phileo _____ emotional love d. Agape _____ brotherly love

2. Choose of the things that love is not or does not do:

3. Choose the correct word or phrase in each underlined pair. The Salvation Army, a local/an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal/only Christian church. Its message is based on doctrine/ the Bible. Its works/ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach/study the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human desires/needs in His name without mistakes/discrimination.

4. True or False. Our actions should be so others can see how giving and charitable we are.

______

5. List four of the twelve disciples.

______

______6. Fill in the blanks. Jesus wants us to follow His example of ______leadership. He wants us to put ______before ______. However, none of that matters if we do it without His ______.

7. True or False. We don’t have to do anything to be loved by God. God loves us because His nature is love.

______

8. Choose each true statement regarding love.

9. Fill in the blanks. We believe that there is only ______God, who is infinitely ______, the ______, Preserver, and ______of all things, and who is the ______proper object of religious ______. We believe that there are ______in the Godhead – the ______, the ______and the Holy Ghost, undivided in ______and co-equal in power and ______.

10. Fill in the blanks. “Jesus replied: ‘______the Lord your God with all your ______and with all your ______and with all your ______.’ This is the first and ______commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your ______as ______.’” (Matthew 22:37-39)

QUESTION FOR REFLECTION (20 PTS.) ANSWER MUST BE A MINIMUM OF 4 TO 6 SENTENCES. What did you learn about love? How will you apply it to your life?

______

______ACTIVITYACTIVITY RECORDRECORD BOLD FOR CORPS CADETS | COURSE B | SPRING 2021 | MARCH

NAME: CORPS:

Activity Record W 1 W 2 W 3 W 4 W 5 TOTAL Sunday School (2 pts., 10 max.)

Corps Cadet Classes (3 pts., 15 max.)

Worship Service (3 pts., 15 max.)

SA Youth Meetings (1 pt., 10 max.) Attendance Divisional/Territorial Events (1 pt., 5 max.)

Prayer Meeting or Bible Study (1 pt., 5 max.)

Sunday School Class or Activity Taught (2 pts., 10 max.)

Practices Attended (1 pt., 5 max.)

Visitation & Service(1 pt., 10 max.)

Participation Worship Service Participation (1 pt., 5 max.) TOTAL

Corps Cadet: Date:

C.C. Counselor: Date:

Corps Officer: Date:

SCRIPTURE • OBSERVATION ACTIVITYSOAPs APPLICATIONRECORD • PRAYER BOLD FOR CORPS CADETS | COURSE B | SPRING 2021 | APRIL - HOLY SPIRIT

NAME:

Read the Scripture S COMPLETE THE SOAP s SECTIONS USING THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURE: ROMANS 8:1-17.

Write an Observation WRITE AN OBSERVATION ABOUT THIS SCRIPTURE. O IN OTHER WORDS, WHAT DO YOU “SEE” IN THIS SCRIPTURE?

Write an Application A WRITE HOW THIS SCRIPTURE APPLIES TO YOUR LIFE.

Pray PRAY SPECIFICALLY ABOUT THIS SCRIPTURE AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS, P ASKING FOR GOD’S HELP IN APPLYING ITS TRUTH TO YOUR LIFE.

BIBLE STUDY: HOLY SPIRIT WEEK 1: THIRD PERSON

THIRD PERSON

SUPPLIES NEEDED

• Bibles

• BOLD student books

• Pens/pencils

• For streaming videos: active Internet connection and a suitable device for viewing

• For downloaded videos: suitable device for viewing

• Copies of the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets BEFORE CLASS

• Read the Leader Overview.

• You can access all of the videos for this lesson through the Corps Cadets website (corpscadets.com) at https://corpscadets. com/courses/courseb/courseb_april_wk1.html. Thumbnails throughout the lesson (like the one pictured to the right) will also link you to the multimedia page.

• Please note: Only videos produced by The Salvation Army National Christian Education Department will be available for download from our site. You can stream external videos Click these images to from our site or download them from the original source, open the video page. when that option is available. The video “Holy Spirit” by the Bible Project for Engage can be accessed at youtube.com/watch?v=oNNZO9i1Gjc. The video “Holy Spirit – Francesca Battistelli” for Pray can be accessed at youtube.com/ watch?v=2zEiiZi2DKk.

• Make copies of the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets.

LEADER OVERVIEW

As a result of this lesson, corps cadets will: 1. identify the Pentecost as the Holy Spirit being sent among us; 2. identify traits of the Holy Spirit; 3. describe saving faith in Jesus as what assures them that they have the Holy Spirit in them; and 4. classify the Holy Spirit as an equal member of the Trinity who is active in their lives.

103 APRIL BIBLE STUDY: HOLY SPIRIT WEEK 1: THIRD PERSON

The purpose of this lesson is to help corps cadets have a better understanding oftheThird Person of the Trinity: the Holy Spirit. They will learn about the account of the Spirit’s coming at Pentecost in Acts 2 as well as Old and New Testament understandings of the word “spirit.” Looking at Scripture, they will discuss why Jesus tells us it is good that He was going away and how we know if we have the Holy Spirit in us. As application, they will discuss why we have such strange ideas about the Holy Spirit today. They will consider how they can know the Holy Spirit as a Person and think about and discuss how they will rely on the Holy Spirit in their life.

There are many excellent resources on the subject of the Holy Spirit. If you would like to gain a deeper understanding before teaching this lesson, consider reading Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit by Francis Chan. The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine has excellent coverage on this topic as well.

THIRD PERSON (5 MINUTES) Read from the book together as a brigade.

Imagine you’re gathered together to celebrate a special occasion. Your friends and family are there. It’s a big crowd. There’s lots of food and talking and movement. Suddenly, something strange happens—there is the sound of wind, but no breeze whatsoever. Then there are flames on top of each person’s head, but nothing is burning.

And then people begin to speak in languages they never learned! Your little sister is speaking Chinese. Your neighbor is speaking Russian. And you? You’re speaking Finnish. You’re not even sure you can find Finland on a map! And somehow everyone can understand each other.

That was similar to the scene at Pentecost, as recorded by Luke in Acts 2. Pentecost was a Jewish celebration that took place 50 days after Passover, celebrating the end of the grain harvest. It was one of the top three Jewish feasts that were celebrated. This particular Pentecost took place shortly after Jesus’s death and resurrection.

Passersby thought the Jewish believers were drunk. That’s the only way they could make sense of what they witnessed. But, in fact, the Triune God was in their midst—in the Person of the Holy Spirit.

This new experience of the Holy Spirit was so powerful that Peter began to preach to a crowd of several thousand people. Maybe you think it’s no big deal for a disciple of Jesus to get up in front of people and preach the gospel. But disciple really just means a follower or student of Jesus. Peter was an ordinary guy, often known for his weak faith, and sadly for denying Jesus three times before His death. Peter didn’t have an education, like Paul, and didn’t know the Scriptures well. And yet, here he was, quoting from little-known passages like someone who had studied them for decades. As a result of his preaching, Luke tells us, “about three thousand were added to their number [of believers] that day” (Acts 2:41)!

How is that possible? Only through the Holy Spirit.

There is no word in Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) that is exactly equivalent to “spirit” like we have in English. In Hebrew, it’s ruach (roo-ahk), and pneuma (new-mah) in Greek. Along with “spirit,” both words can also mean “wind,” or “breath.” In fact, it’s this wind

104 APRIL BIBLE STUDY: HOLY SPIRIT WEEK 1: THIRD PERSON

that God used to part the Red Sea for the Israelites to pass through and get away from Pharaoh and his army (Exodus 14:21). And this breath that God used to give life to Adam (Genesis 2:7).

In the early days of the Church, Holy Ghost was the common name used for the Third Person of the Trinity, sometimes as a way to distinguish this Spirit from wind or breath. And the spookiness of that term still seems to fill our understanding today. But when we really understand this Person of the Godhead, we will want to know Him intimately and experience His power.

THE WORD The following passages will be discussed throughout the lesson: Joel 2:28-29; John 16:7; and Romans 8:9.

• Joel 2:28-29 – The book of Joel covers God’s judgment of the world. Joel usesreal catastrophes with which his listeners would have been familiar in order to warn them of the final days and the disaster for those who choose not to repent. This passage is included in the context of describing an army attacking like a locust invasion, calling for repentance, but also affirming God’s mercy and love. These verses are a promise of coming redemption, when the Spirit is poured out on God’s people. This prophecy was fulfilled at Pentecost in Acts 2.

• John 16:7 – Jesus has been talking with His disciples about the vine and the branches and how the world will hate them because of Him. He then tells them, at the conclusion of chapter 15, that He will send the Advocate, who will testify about Jesus. At the beginning of chapter 16, Jesus explains that He has shared all of this so that they “will not fall away.” He teaches that the Advocate cannot come unless He goes. And the Advocate is needed to reveal sin and point people to God through Jesus’s sacrifice.

• Romans 8:9 – Romans 8 begins with “therefore,” so we must look at what was being addressed in chapter 7. Paul has been talking about being released from the Law and how the Law has pointed to our sin and need for a Savior. He then begins the next section with explaining, therefore, that we have been freed from the Law and sin by Jesus and are no longer under condemnation. He goes on to describe the difference between those who live according to the flesh and those who live according to the Spirit. We then come to the verse at hand, where Paul explains that we belong to the Spirit if He lives in us.

ENGAGE (5 MINUTES) Watch “Holy Spirit” by The Bible Project.

Say: To give us an introduction to the Holy Spirit, let’s look at The Bible Project.

Play the Engage video (4 minutes, 10 seconds).

Say: Can you say Ruakh [RUE-achhh]? It doesn’t matter if you can say it or not. What matters is that you get to know the Holy Spirit as the breath of God in your life.

105 APRIL BIBLE STUDY: HOLY SPIRIT WEEK 1: THIRD PERSON

EXPLORE (15 MINUTES)

You have about ten minutes for the initial discussion. Really dig into what your corps cadets already know about the Holy Spirit, in particular. This will help you dispel incorrect thinking as you teach on this theme throughout the month, as well as guide future discussions to the needs of your brigade.

Ask: What do you know about the Holy Spirit?

Allow response.

Ask: How do we know if we have the Holy Spirit in us?

Allow response. This will be covered in the video.

Play the Explore video (approximately 4 1/2 minutes).

Video Transcript:

Author Francis Chan calls the Holy Spirit “the forgotten God” because we don’t often focus on this member of the Trinity.

The Holy Spirit is a Person, part of the Godhead just like God the Father and God the Son. He is eternal and holy. He has His own mind, emotions, desires, and will. We can each be in a relationship with the person of the Holy Spirit. We believe that a relationship with the Holy Spirit is available to anyone, not just a chosen group.

So, how do we know if we are in relationship with Him? In other words, how do we know if we have the Holy Spirit in us?

Throughout Scripture, God uses prophets to speak to His people. One of His Old Testament prophets was Joel. God used Joel to warn His people about not repenting. There is a lot of doom and gloom in many of the prophetic books.

But God also reminded the people of His promises through the prophets. He promised redemption. We can read one of these promises in the Book of Joel, chapter 2, verses 28 and 29. God has just announced some of the consequences for those who don’t repent. Then, He says:

“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.”

This passage can sometimes confuse readers. It can make us think the only way to know we have the Holy Spirit in us is if we can prophesy and have visions. Others say we can only know if we speak in tongues, or a language we don’t actually understand.

106 APRIL BIBLE STUDY: HOLY SPIRIT WEEK 1: THIRD PERSON

But the Word of God is very clear: we know we have the Holy Spirit in us if we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

We know this because He said He has given us His Spirit.

Let’s read what Jesus said in John 16, verses 7 through 11:

“Buy very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.”

Jesus tells His disciples that He has to go away. He’s foreshadowing His death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven. In John, He refers to the Holy Spirit as the Advocate. He said that the Holy Spirit would not come unless He went away and sent the Spirit.

God’s plan was for Jesus to be active in person for a while. This is known as incarnation. Then God’s plan was for Jesus to return to be with the Father and for the Holy Spirit to be active in His children. This is known as indwelling.

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is more amazing than we usually stop to think about. The very God that created the universe lives in us through His Spirit!

So, once again, how do we really know if we have the Holy Spirit?

Let’s look at what Paul says in Romans chapter 8, verse 9:

“You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.”

Paul is explaining that there is a difference between people who have the Spirit of God and those who don’t. That difference is simply Jesus.

It’s worth repeating. The Bible is very clear: we know we have the Holy Spirit in us if we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

APPLY (10 MINUTES) Ask: Why do you think we have such strange ideas about the Holy Spirit today?

Allow response.

Ask: How can we learn to know the Holy Spirit as a Person?

Allow response.

107 APRIL BIBLE STUDY: HOLY SPIRIT WEEK 1: THIRD PERSON

Play the Apply video (list exact video length).

Video Transcript:

Our third doctrine says, “We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead— the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.”

Holy Ghost isn’t a term we often use today. The word “ghost” can bring up some odd imagery for people.

The same is true for being filled with the Holy Spirit. Some stereotypes people have of what that looks like include: falling down, or “being slain in the Spirit,”; speaking in tongues; making strange sounds; or suddenly praising God loudly and dancing around.

Just because we don’t usually see these things in The Salvation Army, doesn’t mean they aren’t sometimes authentic. But they are not the only way to know that you have been filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit and His action in our lives is often misunderstood. What we need is to discover the Holy Spirit as a Person. We need to know the Holy Spirit as an equal member of the Trinity who is active in our lives.

A. W. Tozer, a pastor who lived in the early 1900s, wrote this:

“In religions more than in any other field of human experience a sharp distinction must always be made between knowing about and knowing. The distinction is the same as between knowing about food and actually eating it. A man can die of starvation knowing all about bread, and a man can remain spiritually dead while knowing all the historic facts of Christianity.”

We can learn the background of the books of the Bible. We can explain what we’ve learned about the Trinity. We can talk about what we hear in Corps Cadets regarding the Holy Spirit.

But, like Tozer said, knowing about and knowing are two very different things.

We get to know the Holy Spirit in the same way that we get to know Jesus. We study. We learn. We experience. We pray. We ask for God’s guidance. And we live our daily lives seeking to know Him more.

We need to remember that the Holy Spirit is God! Tozer says, “He is God in contact with His creatures.”

The Holy Spirit is not some confusing, scary ghost. He is God. And we get to know Him just as we do the Father and the Son.

Of course, the Trinity is hard to grasp. And that’s okay. A god we could fully understand wouldn’t be the authentic, Triune God.

Author Francis Chan writes, “Know that even as you seek to understand the Spirit more, He is so much more and bigger than you will ever be able to grasp. This is not an excuse to stop seeking to know Him, but don’t limit Him to what you can learn about Him. The point is not to completely understand God but to worship Him. Let the very fact that you cannot know Him fully lead you to praise Him for His infiniteness and grandeur.”

108 APRIL BIBLE STUDY: HOLY SPIRIT WEEK 1: THIRD PERSON

The Holy Spirit is invisible to us physically, but He is present in a real way. We will begin to see Him at work more and more as we get to know Him better.

The Holy Spirit is God with us. He is God in us. Francis Chan writes, “It really is an astounding truth that the Spirit of Him who raise Jesus from the dead lives in you.” Think about that! The same power of God that made the resurrection happen is what we have in us! We can—and should—rely on Him for everything.

Ask: How will you rely on the Holy Spirit in your life?

Allow response. They will learn more about this topic in future lessons this month.

Have the corps cadets turn to the doctrines in their student book and read along with you.

PRAY (5 MINUTES) Play the Pray video (4 minutes, 54 seconds) which is Francesca Battistelli’s song “Holy Spirit.” Encourage your corps cadets to pray the lyrics as they hear and process them.

TO CLOSE THE CLASS (5 MINUTES) Have the corps cadets fill out their Activity Record points for the week and complete Monthly Questions 1 and 2. Collect to use next week.

109 APRIL BIBLE STUDY: HOLY SPIRIT WEEK 1: THIRD PERSON

MONTHLY QUESTIONS FOR THIS LESSON 1. From the Explore video: Choose all that apply. The Holy Spirit:

a. Is a Person b. Is not part of the Godhead c. Is eternal and holy d. Has no emotions or will e. Can be in personal relationship with us

2. From the Apply video: True or False. The Holy Spirit is an equal member of the Trinity who is active in our lives.

DOCTRINE 3 We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

MEMORIZE “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)

DID YOU KNOW? Someone actually tried to buy the Holy Spirit! A magician named Simon was amazed at the miracles he saw Christians performing. He watched some believers receive the Holy Spirit and offered Peter and John money so he could have the Holy Spirit, too. Let’s be clear: the Holy Spirit has never been nor ever will be for sale! You can read the original account in Acts 8.

GO DEEPER Read “I Will” statement A of “The Soldier’s Covenant.” Discuss or journal how it relates to today’s lesson.

Read Forgotten God by Francis Chan.

110 APRIL BIBLE STUDY: HOLY SPIRIT WEEK 1: THIRD PERSON

Listen to Seedbed’s 7-Minute Seminary, “The Person of the Holy Spirit”: tinyurl.com/rvyqc76.

Read about receiving guidance from the Shepherd at tinyurl.com/qt3zmyb.

Read other passages that relate to this month’s theme: Zechariah 4:6; John 14:16-17; John 20:22; Acts 20:28; Romans 8:16; Romans 8:26-27; Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Corinthians 2:9-12; 1 Corinthians 12:13-14; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; 1 John 4:13; and Jude 20-21.

111 APRIL

BIBLE STUDY: HOLY SPIRIT WEEK 2: BAPTISM

BAPTISM

SUPPLIES NEEDED

• Bibles

• BOLD student books

• Pens/pencils

• For streaming videos: active Internet connection and a suitable device for viewing

• For downloaded videos: suitable device for viewing

• Copies of the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets

BEFORE CLASS • Read the Leader Overview.

• You can access all of the videos for this lesson through the Corps Cadets website (corpscadets.com) at https://corpscadets. com/courses/courseb/courseb_april_wk2.html. Thumbnails throughout the lesson (like the one pictured to the right) will also link you to the multimedia page.

• Please note: Only videos produced by The Salvation Army National Christian Education Department will be available for download from our site. You can stream external videos from Click these images to our site or download them from the original source, when that open the video page. option is available. The video “Spiderman: If you’re nothing without this suit” for Engage can be accessed at youtube.com/watch?v=NirNOS6zDgQ.

• Have the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets—that were filled out after the last lesson—ready. Or, if needed, make copies now.

LEADER OVERVIEW

As a result of this lesson, corps cadets will: 1. recognize that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is the baptism that matters; 2. compare Wesleyan-Arminian and Calvinist theology regarding the baptism of the Holy Spirit; 3. reference The Salvation Army’s history and our teaching on water baptism; and 4. identify spiritual gifts as evidence of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life.

113 APRIL BIBLE STUDY: HOLY SPIRIT WEEK 2: BAPTISM

The purpose of this lesson is to help corps cadets understand the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this lesson, corps cadets will watch a movie clip and think about the uniform. They will learn about the Wesleyan viewpoint on the Holy Spirit, who is available to all, and The Salvation Army’s history with water baptism. They will discuss the uniform and how it points to an inward reality, but that outward signs do not save us. As application, they will discuss signs that point to the Holy Spirit in us—particularly spiritual gifts. Note that, while mentioned only briefly here, the fruit of the Spirit will be covered in more depth in the Discipleship lesson.

BAPTISM (5 MINUTES) Read from the book together as a brigade.

Throughout the Bible, we read about God dwelling with His people. In the Old Testament, after the Fall, His dwelling was limited to special places that were not for everyone: the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25), the Tabernacle (Exodus 26), and the Temple (1 Kings 6). There were strict rules about who could go into these places. Most of the time that meant only male Jewish priests.

Then Jesus came and opened up access to God. John 1 tells us that Jesus, part of the Triune God, made His dwelling among us. The incarnation, as we call it, brought God amongst the people, not behind manmade walls with a lot of restrictions. Jesus came to interact with Jews and Gentiles, men and women, the old and the young.

Because Jesus came, lived among us, died, and rose again, He was able to send the Holy Spirit (John 16:7). God no longer just dwells among us. He now dwells in us through His Spirit!

Eventually, the Triune God will dwell with His creation the way He intended it from the beginning (Revelation 1). Until then, Jesus has given us the Spirit through God’s baptism. The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine explains that the Lord Jesus Christ’s “incarnation and continuing gracious presence with his people by means of the indwelling Holy Spirit is the mystery at the heart of our faith.”

We usually only think of baptism as involving water. In The Salvation Army, we teach, live, and celebrate the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In The Sacramental Journey of The Salvation Army: A Study of Holiness Foundations, Dr. R. David Rightmire writes, “The experience of communion with Christ in the heart of the believer, brought about by the baptism of the Spirit, was central to Booth’s holiness theology.” In other words, this experience is at the heart of what we believe and live as Salvationists. We also teach that this baptism of the Spirit is available to everyone who believes.

God is here. He lives in us.

THE WORD The following passages will be discussed throughout the lesson: Matthew 3:11; John 3:5; and Acts 1:1-5.

114 APRIL BIBLE STUDY: HOLY SPIRIT WEEK 2: BAPTISM

• Matthew 3:11 – John the Baptist was used by God to prepare the way for Jesus’s earthly ministry. In teaching those who came to him to be baptized—specifically the Pharisees and Sadducees—he explained that he provided a water baptism for repentance. That is, the baptism didn’t save them; it was a sign that they repented for their sins. However, One was coming who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Following this passage, Jesus went to the Jordan to be baptized by John.

• John 3:5 – This verse is in response to a question that Nicodemus, a Pharisee, posed to Jesus. Jesus explains that we enter the Kingdom of God by being born of water (physical birth) and of the Spirit (spiritual birth).

• Acts 1:1-5 – In this introduction, Luke explains that, in his Gospel, he wrote about everything Jesus did on Earth until He ascended into heaven after the resurrection. Before Luke begins to talk about life after the ascension—the early days of the Church— he gives one last story about Jesus, which took place just before His ascension. He explains that Jesus left His followers with the explanation that water baptism has been the past, but baptism of the Holy Spirit is to be their future.

ENGAGE (5 MINUTES) Watch “Spiderman: If you are nothing without the suit.”

Say: As we watch this clip from “Spiderman: Homecoming,” think about The Salvation Army uniform.

Play the Engage video (3 minutes, 18 seconds).

Say: When Peter said, “I’m nothing without the suit,” Iron Man answered, “If you’re nothing without the suit, then you shouldn’t have it.”

This is an important moment in the film. Peter goes on to learn that he is Spiderman, with or without the suit. Being Spiderman is his inner reality. Only then does he get the suit back.

In the same way, if we are nothing without the uniform, then we shouldn’t wear it. The Salvation Army uniform is meant to be an outward sign of an inward reality. The inward reality is that we are saved, we are living holy lives through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and we are available to serve.

115 APRIL BIBLE STUDY: HOLY SPIRIT WEEK 2: BAPTISM

EXPLORE (15 MINUTES) Learn about Jesus’s teaching and the Wesleyan viewpoint on the Holy Spirit.

Play the Explore video (approximately 6 1/2 minutes).

Video Transcript:

As we have learned, the Holy Spirit is a Person, part of the Godhead just like God the Father and God the Son. He is eternal and holy. He has His own mind, emotions, desires, and will. We can be in a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit. We believe that anyone who believes, not just a chosen group, can have a relationship with the Holy Spirit. Let’s read what Luke wrote in Acts 1, verses 1 through 5:

“In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Jesus consistently taught that His followers would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. In Acts, He was talking to His disciples.

Now let’s read John 3:5, where He is talking to an unbeliever, Nicodemus:

“Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”

This conversation confused Nicodemus. It confuses people today. Some people think this is saying that water baptism is necessary for salvation. The Bible teaches us clearly that only faith in Jesus is needed for salvation. What Jesus is saying here is that we must be born physically, which includes water and the womb. And then we must be born spiritually, which includes the Holy Spirit in our lives. These two things are what make us part of God’s Kingdom.

John the Baptist taught about the baptism of the Holy Spirit too. John’s role was to point to Jesus. So he baptized people in water. This was a way of saying publicly that they believed in God. But John knew that the Messiah was coming.

Let’s read what he said in Matthew chapter 3, verse 11:

“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

Calvinist theology teaches that the Holy Spirit is only available to the elect or the chosen. They believe something similar about grace.

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But The Salvation Army comes from the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition. John Wesley taught that we can only live a life that glorifies God with the power of the Holy Spirit in us. He also taught that the Holy Spirit is available to all. We believe this is what Jesus modeled. Jesus shared His teaching about the Holy Spirit with everyone.

Let’s look at The Salvation Army and water baptism.

In our early days, many people who came to The Salvation Army were uneducated. They knew very little about the church. Catherine Booth noticed many people believed that outward ceremonies saved them, including water baptism. She firmly believed what the Bible teaches: an inward work of God saves people.

William Booth was a practical man. He wanted to bring people to Jesus and get rid of anything that might stand in their way. There were many arguments over water baptism in his day. Should they be dunked in water or just sprinkled with it? Could only men baptize people, or men and women? He felt the arguments stood in the way, so he removed the outward sign from The Salvation Army’s regular practice.

Some people say that we are called to obey the command to baptize. We in The Salvation Army agree! In fact, William Booth wrote:

“There is one baptism on which we are all agreed--the one baptism of the Bible--that is the baptism of the Holy Ghost, of which baptism John spoke as vastly superior and more important than the baptism of water...

“Be sure to insist upon that baptism. Be sure you enjoy that baptism yourselves, and be sure you insist upon it for your people...”

We obey God’s call to salvation by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. We then receive the Holy Spirit when we accept that call. This is known as regeneration. And we live in obedience by living a life of holiness, which we call sanctification.

Samuel Logan Brengle, The Salvation Army’s chief early writer on holiness, emphasized the importance of a relationship with the person of the Holy Spirit: “He is not a mere influence, passing over us like a wind or warming us like a fire. He is a Person, seeking entrance into our hearts that he may comfort us, instruct us, empower us, guide us, give us heavenly wisdom, and fit us for holy and triumphant service.”

Water baptism doesn’t save anybody. The Salvation Army clearly teaches that wearing the uniform does not save us or make us holy. Jesus saves us and the Holy Spirit in us makes us holy. Just like water baptism, the uniform is an outward sign of an inward reality. It points to the presence of the Holy Spirit in us. The uniform can remind us that we are saved and we have the Holy Spirit in us. The uniform can tell others that they can come to us for practical and spiritual help.

APPLY (10 MINUTES) Ask: What are some signs that you have been baptized by the Holy Spirit and He is indwelling you?

Allow response. This will be covered in the video.

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Play the Apply video (approximately 3 1/2 minutes).

Video Transcript:

If we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we can know that the Holy Spirit is living in us. But what are some outward signs that might point to this inward reality? As mentioned earlier, wearing a Salvation Army uniform can and should mean that we are saved, we are living a holy life through the power of the Holy Spirit, and we are available to serve. There are also signs that show in our lives when the Holy Spirit is indwelling us.

As we learned from Pentecost in Acts 2, some signs might include fire, wind, speaking in languages you’ve never learned before, or speaking in tongues. But other ways include the fruit of the Spirit showing up in our lives, the evidence of spiritual gifts, and becoming more and more like Jesus.

Because of what happened at Pentecost, some people believe that speaking in tongues is the main way to know if someone is filled with the Holy Spirit. That even points to a gift of the Holy Spirit. And gifts are given as the Giver chooses. God does not give the same gift to everyone.

The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine talks about spiritual gifts. It says, “Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit to unite the Christian fellowship in its life together and in its mission.” They can be misused and abused. The Salvation Army “emphasizes those gifts that encourage the clear proclamation of the gospel and draw into the circle of worship everyone who is present.”

You’ll learn more about spiritual gifts in future lessons, but the point is that the lack of one gift, such as speaking in tongues, does not point to a lack of the Holy Spirit. All gifts are equal in God’s sight when He’s the giver of those gifts.

Spiritual gifts are given so we can carry out God’s mission in Christ’s name through the power of the Holy Spirit. The mission includes: proclaiming the gospel; sharing our witness; being Christ’s presence in the world; pointing to the Holy Spirit’s power to transform lives; offering compassionate service to the poor and disadvantaged; and working with the oppressed for justice and liberty.

We would fail to live out this mission on our own. The only way we can do it is by the power of the Holy Spirit. That means, living out this mission is evidence of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives.

Casey Culbreth writes, “We haven’t received the baptism of John, a baptism given by a man, a baptism where the best we can hope for is the forgiveness of sins. No, we have received the baptism of Jesus, the baptism given by the God-Man, the baptism that fills us with all the fullness of God… We haven’t received a little piece of God. We have received all of him… When we say that our God is not far from us, we really mean it. This is the reality that you and I can live in today, given to us entirely by grace.”

How will you live out this reality?

Ask: In what way will you, through the power of the Holy Spirit, carry out God’s mission in Christ’s name this week where you are?

Allow a moment or two of reflection and/or discussion.

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Ask: What have you learned about baptism that you didn’t know?

Allow response.

Have the corps cadets turn to the doctrines in their student book and read along with you.

PRAY (5 MINUTES) Pray “His Provision” by General John Gowans over the corps cadets.

Say: This is a personal prayer that, hopefully, we each can pray, understanding that the Holy Spirit hears our prayer.

At the moment of my weakness, When my need for power is plain, And my own strength is exhausted once again, Then my Lord has made provision For the day of my despair, And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.

When the darkness falls around me, When bewildered and afraid, When I feel the most deserted and betrayed, Then my every need is answered By God’s providential care, And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.

Nothing now can rob God’s servant Of the peace that He bequeaths, Nothing take away the strength

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His presence breathes. Of the everlasting arms of love I’m daily made aware, And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.

Holy Spirit! Promised presence fall on me. Holy Spirit! Make me all I long to be. Holy Spirit! Holy Spirit! Give Your power to me, O Holy Spirit.

Amen.

TO CLOSE THE CLASS (5 MINUTES) Have the corps cadets fill out their Activity Record points for the week and complete Monthly Questions 3 and 4. Collect to use next week.

MONTHLY QUESTIONS FOR THIS LESSON

3. From the Explore video: Fill in the blanks. The Salvation Army comes from the ______- ______tradition. John Wesley taught that we can only live a life that ______God with the power of the ______in us, and that He is available to ______.

4. From the Apply video: Choose all that apply. Signs that the Holy Spirit lives in us:

a. Must include speaking in tongues. b. Include the fruit of the Spirit showing up in our life. c. Include the evidence of spiritual gifts. d. Are only for uniform-wearing Salvationists. e. Include becoming more and more like Jesus.

DOCTRINE 3 We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

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MEMORIZE “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)

DID YOU KNOW? Symbols of the Holy Spirit in Scripture include water (Psalm 46:4; John 3:5); fire (Isaiah 4:4; 1 Corinthians 2:10); wind (1 Kings 19:11; Acts 2:2); oil (Psalm 45:7; Hebrews 1:9); rain and dew (Psalm 72:6; Mark 4:26-28); a dove (Matthew 2:16); a voice (Isaiah 6:8; Matthew 10:20); and a seal or stamp (Revelation 7:2).

GO DEEPER Read “I Will” statements A, H, and J of “The Soldier’s Covenant.” Discuss or journal how they relate to today’s lesson.

Read the short devotional, “Baptized in God,” by Seedbed at tinyurl.com/rwqzv44.

Listen to Seedbed’s 7-Minute Seminary, “John Wesley & Spirit Baptism”: tinyurl.com/vns7lhf.

Read “3 Things No One Told You About Wearing a Uniform” at tinyurl.com/wgplj9k.

Read the following passages as you consider how we carry out God’s mission in the power of the Holy Spirit: Matthew 5:13-16; Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 4:16-21; Luke 10:25-37; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:26-40; and 2 Timothy 4:1-5.

121 APRIL

BIBLE STUDY: HOLY SPIRIT WEEK 3: TESTING

TESTING

SUPPLIES NEEDED

• Bibles

• BOLD student books

• Pens/pencils

• Slips of paper or name tags

• For streaming videos: active Internet connection and a suitable device for viewing

• For downloaded videos: suitable device for viewing

• Copies of the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets

BEFORE CLASS

• Read the Leader Overview.

• You can access all of the videos for this lesson through the Corps Cadets website (corpscadets.com) at https://corpscadets. com/courses/courseb/courseb_april_wk3.html. Thumbnails throughout the lesson (like the one pictured to the right) will also link you to the multimedia page.

• If you have a small brigade, have enough slips of paper for each corps cadet. If you have a large brigade, have name tags with a Click these images to lot of space to write. open the video page. • Have the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets—that were filled out after the last lesson—ready. Or, if needed, make copies now.

LEADER OVERVIEW

As a result of this lesson, corps cadets will: 1. describe testing the spirits or true/false teaching primarily by knowing the Word of God; 2. identify some common false teaching prevalent in our culture; and 3. outline how to question teaching in a respectful and godly way.

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In this lesson, corps cadets will consider the important leadership quality of knowing the source of teaching from both the perspective of a follower and a leader. They will engage in the topic by playing “Two Truths and a Lie.” They will explore 1 John 1:4-6, learning about the spirits of truth versus error and how to test those spirits. They will consider how to know a counterfeit from the real thing, and how this relates to knowing the difference between truth and lies. As application, they will consider some prevalent false teachings in our culture. They will learn ways to question teaching in a respectful way. And they will turn to Scripture to see how we can rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance to help us only teach what is true.

It is important to remember that there is a range of interpretations of Scripture within orthodoxy; hence, we have theological stances (Calvinist/Arminian) and various denominations within those stances. We want to be sure to leave space for being surprised by Scripture, so that we read with an open heart and mind. If we fail to do this, we can fall into “confirmation bias,” or believing Scripture says what we already believe it or want it to say. This can be tricky for young and/or new Christians to navigate. We want to be sure our young people understand that God’s Word is alive and active and that it is unchanging. This is part of maturing in our faith journey as we continue to read Scripture, listen to teaching, and discern truth from lies.

TESTING (5 MINUTES) Read from the book together as a brigade.

Most students don’t like tests all. But the American education system continues to include tests in the learning process. They can help gauge a student’s knowledge. Tests can help determine what students remember and what they have forgotten or not learned.

Spiritually, God tells us that we can test what others teach. We can evaluate if specific teaching is from God or from people who don’t follow God. Scripture explains that the difference is whether the teaching is inspired by the Holy Spirit in us or another spirit that isn’t of God. This is called “testing the spirits.”

As young people, you are called to be both followers and leaders. You follow those in authority. And you lead those who are watching—and maybe imitating—your choices. In both cases, being aware of the source of thoughts, choices, and words makes a difference.

As followers, we need to consider the source of teaching. This is particularly true when it comes to teaching about spiritual matters. Does the person study the Bible? Do they pray and try to teach what God says honestly and correctly? Does their teaching contradict the Bible? Do they try to point to themselves more than to Jesus?

As leaders, we need to answer these questions for ourselves. You may not think of yourself as a leader. But if someone is watching your choices and following your example, then you are a leader. Do you study the Bible? Do you pray and try to live out what God says honestly and correctly? Do your daily choices contradict the Bible? Do you try to make yourself more important than Jesus to others?

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As you learn how to test the spirits, it will become easier to determine what teaching is true and from the Spirit of God or false and not from God. Then you will be able to make better choices about whom you follow and how you will lead others.

THE WORD The following passages will be discussed throughout the lesson: John 16:13 and 1 John 4:1-6.

• John 16:13 – Jesus is speaking directly to the disciples here. He has been talking about the vine and the branches and the world hating them. He then goes into teaching about the Holy Spirit. The Bible Exposition Commentary explains that this verse, together with John 14:26 (which will be taught in the Discipleship lesson), point to the arrangement of the New Testament. John 14:26 talks about the Holy Spirit reminding us of what Jesus taught (the four Gospels). John 16:13 talks about the Holy Spirit guiding us in all truth (the Epistles) and showing us things to come (Revelation). While the latter part of the verse will not be covered in this lesson with the corps cadets, it may come up in discussion. Understanding this arrangement could help the class not get caught up in a discussion about prophecy.

• 1 John 4:1-6 – John has just been writing about loving one another. Before he moves on to writing about God as the definition of love, he includes a brief section about testing the spirits. Jewish believers were familiar with the idea of many spirits (not just the Spirit of God) due to the surrounding religions in their day. Some people would claim the authority of the Spirit for their beliefs or practices. John taught that not all spirits are equal, and we must learn to differentiate between the Spirit of God working in someone and another spirit not of God.

ENGAGE (10 MINUTES) Play “Two Truths and a Lie.”

Have everyone write down two truths about themselves and one lie. If you have a small brigade, this can be done on slips of paper. Then the corps cadets take turns speaking their truths and lie aloud; the rest of the brigade votes on which is which. If you have a large brigade, have them write their three statements on a name tag, then everyone can walk around, read, and guess.

Ask: Could you tell which was the truth and which was the lie by how the person said it?

Allow response.

Ask: Were you surprised by how easy it was to be fooled?

Allow response.

Ask: Did the “best” lies have some truth to them? Or were they “bold faced” but spoken with confidence?

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Allow response.

Ask: Was it easier to tell which was the lie when you knew the person well? Why or why not?

Allow response.

Say: This was just a game. Here, the lies didn’t really matter. Nobody’s lives were changed because they didn’t guess the lie. But when someone says they are teaching what the Bible says, but they aren’t, it really matters. It can have eternal consequences. Scripture says figuring out the difference between truth and lies in spiritual teaching is called testing the spirits. Let’s learn more about what that means.

EXPLORE (10 MINUTES) Ask: What are the “spirits” Scripture refers to?

Allow response. This will be covered in the video.

Ask: How can we “test” the spiritual teaching we receive?

Allow response. Many corps cadets won’t have any response to this at first. Consider asking some of the following questions to get them thinking:

• Can you ask others about what you’ve heard? Who?

• Does your corps officer have all of the answers? Your parents?

• Do you need someone who has all of the answers in order to test spiritual teaching?

Play the Explore video (approximately 4 1/2 minutes).

Video Transcript:

We’ve learned about how you know if the Spirit is in you. And what signs are evidence that you have the Spirit. It’s also important to be aware if someone is teaching from inspiration of the Holy Spirit or not.

You may have heard the verse, “he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” It’s often quoted to remind people to have courage. But context is always important with Scripture. This verse is actually part of an explanation about discerning, or telling the difference, between true and false teaching.

Let’s read the verse in context. We’ll read from First John 4, verses 1 through 6:

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because

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many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.”

This passage is packed full! We could do several months of Bible study just on these six verses. But let’s look at the big picture about knowing truth and error, also called falsehood in some translations. These are the two main spirits mentioned. One comes from the Holy Spirit. The other does not. We are told to test the spirits to determine which is which. But how do we do that?

To answer this question, it might help to consider counterfeit money.

Imagine you are trying to figure out if a one hundred dollar bill is real or fake. You could study every fake bill available. Some fake ones are super obvious, but other ones look authentic. Since every detail of a bill can be altered in some way, the possibilities are enormous.

Or you could do what the professionals do. They study the real thing. They learn what it feels like. How it reacts to chemicals. What it looks like in the light. They spend time getting to know every last, tiny detail of the real bill. This way, when they see a counterfeit, they can easily judge it against the real thing. They may not even know exactly what’s wrong with it, but they can usually tell that something is “off” about it because they know the real one so well.

In order to discern whether a teaching is true or false, we must know truth inside and out. That means we must know God’s Word for ourselves.

We don’t spend time studying all of the false teachings, though you may find yourself hearing or reading false teaching. The goal is to spend so much time in the real thing…the Word of God…that you recognize when something doesn’t line up with it.

It’s important to remember that we come to Scripture with our own lens of how we interpret it. Some of that comes from the theology we’ve been taught and how our denomination or leaders view things. We want to be sure to leave space to allow Scripture to surprise us and teach us new things, because it is alive and active. If we don’t, we could just read Scripture to confirm what we already believe, even if we don’t mean to.

What John says is true. He who is in us as followers of Jesus Christ is greater than he who is in the world. When we follow Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit in us. We have God in us! The world just has a worthless counterfeit.

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Ask: Why should we question the teaching we receive?

Allow response. Add from the following, if needed:

• As followers of Jesus, we want to follow what Jesus taught.

• In order to follow what Jesus taught, we also need to be careful not to follow things that contradict His teaching.

• We want to grow in spiritual maturity. We do this through knowledge and practice, by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. Part of this is discerning true and false teaching.

APPLY (10 MINUTES) Ask: Where might you be exposed to false teaching?

Allow response. Include, if needed:

• Posts and quotes on social media

• Online sermons or podcasts

• Lectures in school, particularly teaching about religious beliefs

• Books—especially self-help books

• Advice from others

Ask: What are some ways you can respectfully question teaching?

Allow response. This will be covered in the video.

Ask: How can you be sure you don’t teach from a “spirit of falsehood”? In other words, how do you make sure the words you speak and the example you live will point others to the triune God?

Allow response.

Play the Apply video (list exact video length).

Video Transcript:

One common way that we are exposed to false teaching is through people who are marketed as Christian authors. But sometimes the theology and teaching in their books don’t line up with the Word of God.

Another form of false teaching can be in social media posts. The spirit of falsehood likes to slant things slightly, so they often sound a lot like Christianity. That might be like “share this picture of Jesus and you will be blessed.” That’s not how Jesus

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works. Or, “If you love Jesus, share this. If you’re ashamed of Jesus, don’t share it.” That’s shaming and bullying. That’s not how Jesus works either.

Sometimes it may even be posts that include facts. All the facts might be true. But if the post ends with “only idiots believe otherwise” or “if you don’t agree, you aren’t a Christian,” then it is false teaching.

This is what John is talking about, in particular, when it comes to testing the spirits. Just because someone uses the name of Jesus doesn’t make everything they say true. John tells us to test spiritual teaching.

Of course, there are many godly Christian authors who help point us to Jesus and His example. But there are many that don’t line up with what He taught. This is particularly true when it comes to self-help books.

Some of these include valuable, godly advice. Some teach counterfeit, ungodly advice. We need to test their teaching against Scripture. Remember: God will never contradict His own standards.

A common false teaching that appears under the name of Christianity is sometimes called “the prosperity gospel” or “health and wealth.” This teaching says that if God loves you, and if you have real faith, you will not be sick or poor. If you “just believe” enough, then you will have all the material possessions and physical health God intended for you all along.

Of course, this kind of teaching can be very destructive. What about people of great faith who are in wheelchairs? Or what about Christians in developing countries who have sincere faith? This teaching can lead them – and others – to believe that they just need more faith. This contradicts God’s standard for faith and Jesus’s teaching about God’s heart for all of His children.

What is common in a lot of self-help books is an error seen in the name itself: self- help. Many Christian books don’t use this term, but that is what they are teaching.

Some believe you can lift yourself up out of your situation. That all of the responsibility is on you. You just need to try a little harder. You just need to find more happiness. You should change jobs, find the perfect hobby, read more books… and the list goes on.

We believe that we need God to lift us up. Specifically, that all humans are in a fallen state of sin and we need God’s grace to help us – not our own, weak version of self-help.

We need to be aware of these false doctrines or teachings. There are many others. Again, we want to focus on the truth, not all of the counterfeits.

Questioning teaching--or testing the spirits--can and should be done in a respectful way. This doesn’t mean you should call your teachers at school out on every detail. Or your parents. Or your corps officers! It does mean it’s okay to ask questions if something seems wrong. The goal is to be sure you are following the teaching of Jesus and not things that contradict His teaching. So, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

First, know God’s Word for yourself. Start reading it regularly. Ask people you respect in their Christian walk how they study the Bible and try that.

Second, pray about it. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as you discern what is true and what is false. That’s His job!

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Third, ask questions. Sometimes this can happen in groups of people. Often, it’s best to ask one-on-one. Ask with the sincere intention of understanding, not trying to prove them wrong.

Fourth, research what others have to say on the subject. Especially when it has to do with a passage of Scripture or theological concept, check commentaries. Start with a Wesleyan commentary. This is not as hard as it sounds. There are a lot of resources online.

Finally, go back to the Word. God is unchanging. His standards will never contradict His character. Allow what His Word says, not just your opinion about what His Word says, be the ultimate guide.

One of the great things about being a disciple of Jesus and having the Holy Spirit in us is that we don’t have to wait for the Kingdom of God. We are already a part of it! God is actively at work right now in our lives. This includes the example we live for others.

We are responsible to grow in grace and spiritual maturity. Thankfully, God gives us the power to do that. We don’t have to be worried! Let’s read John 16:13.

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”

Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit…the Spirit of truth…would come when He left. And He promised that the Spirit would guide us in truth. We can lean into His guidance rather than worry about always messing up.

Keep in mind, there are a lot of things that Jesus didn’t say anything about. So, beware of people who tell you what Jesus would have said or thought about something, especially when they use lazy comparisons. When we are humble and ready to learn, the Holy Spirit leads us into courageous, truthful conversations.

Ask: What will you do this week to learn more of God’s Word so you can identify and avoid false teaching?

Allow response. Share your response as well.

Have the corps cadets turn to the doctrines in their student book and read along with you.

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to understand, the Bible teaches that these three Persons (Father, Son—Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit) are equally united in power and importance. The Holy Spirit can help us know the difference between true and false spiritual teaching.

PRAY (5 MINUTES) Close in prayer. Say:

Triune God, Lead us into Your truth. Help us to discern truth so we can become more like You. Help us to live truthful lives so that others will see You. Help us to speak truth that leads others to you. Help us to stay close to You through the truth of Your Word and the reality of Your Holy Spirit in us.

Amen.

TO CLOSE THE CLASS (5 MINUTES) Have the corps cadets fill out their Activity Record points for the week and complete Monthly Questions 5 and 6. Collect to use next week.

MONTHLY QUESTIONS FOR THIS LESSON 5. From the Explore video: What is the main thing you must know for yourself in order to determine whether a teaching is true or false?

6. From the Apply video: Choose all that apply. What are steps to questioning teaching (testing the spirits) in a respectful way?

a. Know God’s Word b. Pray c. Be rude and confrontational d. Ask questions e. Demand better teaching f. Research g. Go back to the Word

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DOCTRINE 3 We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

MEMORIZE “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)

DID YOU KNOW? Testing the spirits doesn’t refer to tests like you take in school. But those are important, too. Imperial China developed the first standardized tests during the Tang Dynasty. The first written test in a public school in the United States was given in 1845. The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) began in the 1920s; it was originally called the College Entrance Examination Board. Finland’s school system uses almost no standardized testing.

GO DEEPER Read “I Will” statements A and C of “The Soldier’s Covenant.” Discuss or journal how they relate to today’s lesson.

Read “The 5 Tests of False Doctrine” at tinyurl.com/r6c2sgj.

Consider any quotations you have posted on social media. Do you know the author? Does the quote line up with Scripture? Should you do more research or delete what you have posted?

Listen to Kari Jobe sing “Holy Spirit” live, featuring Cody Carnes, at: tinyurl.com/nfpus4p.

132 APRIL BIBLE STUDY: HOLY SPIRIT WEEK 4: SPIRIT-FILLED

SPIRIT-FILLED

SUPPLIES NEEDED

• Bibles

• BOLD student books

• Pens/pencils

• For streaming videos: active Internet connection and a suitable device for viewing

• For downloaded videos: suitable device for viewing

• Copies of the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets BEFORE CLASS

• Read the Leader Overview.

• You can access all of the videos for this lesson through the Corps Cadets website (corpscadets.com) at https://corpscadets. com/courses/courseb/courseb_april_wk4.html. Thumbnails throughout the lesson (like the one pictured to the right) will also link you to the multimedia page.

• Have the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets—that were filled out after the last lesson—ready. Or, if needed, make copies now.

LEADER OVERVIEW

As a result of this lesson, corps cadets will: 1. list activities and roles of the Holy Spirit; 2. summarize the roles of the Holy Spirit as bringing about transformation or sanctification in our lives; 3. describe how free will and the guidance of the Holy Spirit work together in our lives; and 4. explain that the fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

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The purpose of this lesson is for corps cadets to learn the activities and roles of the Holy Spirit so that they can walk a Spirit-filled life day to day. They will explore the Holy Spirit’s relationship to the Father and the Son, learning what Scripture says about His roles and activities. They will also discuss how free will and the guidance of the Holy Spirit work together in our lives. As application, corps cadets will consider the analogy of a ship’s captain inviting us to steer the ship in order to discuss how we can exercise free will and let God have control of our lives. They will see that the fruit of the Spirit, as listed in Galatians 5, is the evidence of the Holy Spirit in us.

SPIRIT-FILLED (5 MINUTES) Read from the book together as a brigade.

Just because a church has an energetic speaker, amazing praise and worship music, and some cool lighting and screens doesn’t mean that the Holy Spirit is actively at work in the lives of the church members.

“If it’s true that the Spirit of God dwells in us and that our bodies are the Holy Spirit’s temple, then shouldn’t there be a huge difference between the person who has the Spirit of God living inside of him or her and the person who does not?” Pastor and author Francis Chan asks this question. How would you answer?

For a long time, the acronym WWJD was popular. People would ask, “WWJD?” They would wear bracelets with WWJD stamped on them. Or T-shirts with those four letters. It was an attempt to remind Christians to ask themselves, “What would Jesus do?” While an excellent question to ask, it’s almost as if people had to imagine Jesus walking physically by their side, helping them make perfect choices. Of course it would be amazing to have Jesus right by our side! What we assume, however, is that having Him by our side physically would be better than what we do have—the literal presence of the Holy Spirit in us daily!

Jesus said He had to go away so that the Holy Spirit could come. Jesus, as God incarnate, in human flesh, could only be in one place at one time. If He went away, the Holy Spirit could come. The Holy Spirit, because He is part of the Trinity and not in human flesh, is omnipresent—not limited to any place or time. Jesus’s promise to send the Spirit was fulfilled. We don’t have to ask, “Please send me Your Spirit, God.” We don’t have to pray, “Be with me today.” He did send His Spirit. And He is with us every moment of every day!

Once we learn more about the roles and activities of the Spirit, we will see how incredibly active He is in our lives. We will begin to see His power, working itself out in and through us, all for God’s glory, not ours.

Walking in the Spirit and living out God’s will on this broken planet really is possible today. And if we are doing it, we should look different from the world. Is there a huge difference seen inyou ?

134 APRIL BIBLE STUDY: HOLY SPIRIT WEEK 4: SPIRIT-FILLED

THE WORD The following passages will be discussed throughout the lesson: John 14:26; Romans 8:6; and Galatians 5:22-23.

• John 14:26 – Jesus has just washed the disciples’ feet at the Last Supper and has predicted Judas’s betrayal and Peter’s denial. He is now comforting the disciples and promising them the Holy Spirit. Part of the comfort and the promise is that He is leaving, but the Spirit is coming; and He has been teaching them, but the Spirit will continue to remind them of His teaching.

• Romans 8:6 – Paul is writing about life in the Spirit. Most Jews did not claim to have the Spirit. Instead, they believed the Spirit was something that comes at the end of life. In contrast, Paul explains that we have life in the Spirit now. We live this life when we set our mind on spiritual things, which also gives us peace. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is what makes the difference in our lives, and that indwelling begins upon spiritual rebirth; it doesn’t wait for physical death. This Spirit is the identifying mark of a believer in and follower of Jesus Christ.

• Galatians 5:22-23 – This well-known passage about the fruit of the Spirit comes as part of Paul’s teaching about what life looks like as a follower of Jesus Christ: freedom and fruit. First, we do not live under the Law; we have freedom. Second, we are not called to use that freedom to indulge ourselves, but rather to walk by the Spirit. The two things at odds here are flesh and Spirit. The “but” at the beginning of verse 22 is important, although it will not be covered in this lesson. Paul is contrasting life in the flesh (sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry, jealousy, envy, etc.) to life in the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control). We don’t live under the Law, but there is no law against these things.

ENGAGE (5 MINUTES) Watch “Stethoscope.”

Say: As you watch this, ask yourself, what would you do if you had a magic stethoscope?

Play the Engage video (2 minutes, 19 seconds).

Ask: Since you don’t have a magic stethoscope like this one, how can you know what is inside you?

Allow response.

Say: We’re going to look at the activities and fruit of the Holy Spirit and how we look different because of Him.

135 APRIL BIBLE STUDY: HOLY SPIRIT WEEK 4: SPIRIT-FILLED

EXPLORE (10 MINUTES) Ask: What are some activities of the Holy Spirit?

Allow response. This will be discussed in the video, but they may recall some answers from previous lessons:

• He is an Advocate.

• He is God with us.

• He is God in us.

• He is in relationship with us.

• He guides us in truth.

• He speaks on behalf of the Father.

Ask: What is the Holy Spirit’s role in free will?

Allow response. This will be covered in the video.

Play the Explore video (list exact video length).

Video Transcript:

A. W. Tozer was a pastor who ministered in the early 1990s. He wrote:

“The Persons of the Godhead never work separately. We dare not think of them in such a way as to ‘divide the substance.’ Every act of God is done by all three Persons. God is never anywhere present in one Person without the other two. He cannot divide Himself. Where the Spirit is, there also is the Father and the Son.”

We tend to think of God the Father way off in heaven and God the Son way off in history. But the Triune God is here, right now, with us--in us through God the Holy Spirit!

Here are some of the ways that Scripture tells us God is working in us through the Holy Spirit:

The Spirit is in us. He teaches us. He guides us into truth. He speaks what the Father tells Him. He tells us what is coming. He glorifies Jesus. He helps us in our weakness. The Spirit intercedes for us. That means He prays on our behalf. He searches all things, even the deep things of God. He helps us know the thoughts of God. He helps us understand the grace God has freely given us. The Spirit is an Advocate. That also translates as Helper and Comforter. And He reminds us of what Jesus taught.

This last point is important. God sent the Holy Spirit to remind us about everything Jesus said and did on Earth. Let’s read this truth in John chapter 14, verse 26:

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“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

There is so much that the Holy Spirit does that it would be hard to make a complete list. In fact, it would be impossible, because God works in ways we cannot see. Here are a few more roles of the Holy Spirit, as outlined in The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine:

The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sinfulness and need for salvation. He leads us to repentance and faith. He gives us new life in Christ through regeneration. He sanctifies us. He calls us to continual repentance. He enlightens and empowers us.

The Holy Spirit gives voice to our prayers, interpreting our unspoken needs. He comes alongside to help. He indwells the believer. He imparts peace. He enables us to live holy lives.

Most of what the Holy Spirit does in our lives can be summed up in one word: transformation. He transforms us to be more like Christ. This transformation towards Christlikeness is spiritual maturity. It’s becoming the person God designed us to be.

This process of transformation is called sanctification, or holy living. God calls us to holiness. And, through the Holy Spirit, we are able to live how He calls us to live.

Notice that a key word is “help” or “enable.” God doesn’t force us into holiness. God always allows free will. He did not create us to be robots that have an automated response to His commands and His actions. We get to choose how we respond to Him.

Our Wesleyan-Arminian understanding of free will is that God frees our will. He doesn’t change us. He gives us a liberated will. The word “enable” explains it best.

We used to be bound by sin. We were slaves to it. But the Holy Spirit unlocks the chains, enabling us to walk in freedom.

We still have to do the walking. We still have a choice. We can stay in the prison, or we can walk in freedom.

When you understand the two options, it seems like there is only one that makes sense. But if we do not rely on Him, we will always choose sin. He helps us choose freedom.

People are watching our choices. The Holy Spirit enables us to make a choice that shows the world we are different. But the choice is still ours to make.

Ask: Which of the activities of the Holy Spirit surprises you and why?

Allow response.

Ask: Which help you understand the Holy Spirit’s role in your life the most?

Allow response.

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APPLY (10 MINUTES) Ask: How can others see the Holy Spirit in you?

Allow response. This will be covered in the video through teaching on the fruit of the Spirit.

Ask: How can you exercise free will and let God have control of your life?

Allow response. This will be covered in the video.

Ask: What will the result of this be?

Allow response. This will be covered in the video through a focus on peace.

Play the Apply video (list exact video length).

Video Transcript:

Throughout our lessons on the Holy Spirit, we’ve talked about how you can know the Holy Spirit is in you. And we’ve talked about evidence of the Holy Spirit in your life. But how will the world know that you have the Holy Spirit? What difference should they see in you?

In an earlier lesson, we talked about spiritual gifts. This is one way the church or other Christians can see the Holy Spirit at work in you. Every Christian has a spiritual gift. Some have more than one. Nobody has all of them. Spiritual gifts are important. But the key evidence of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives, and our free will choice to allow Him to transform us is found in Paul’s letter called the Book of Galatians. Let’s look at chapter 5, verses 22 and 23. Paul has just talked about what it looks like when we live according to the world. Then, he says:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

We tend to read this as a list. We read it like various pieces of fruit we can pick off a tree: love, joy, peace, forbearance--which means patience--kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

But notice that we call this list “the fruit of the Spirit.” Fruit is singular. It’s not “the fruits of the Spirit.” It’s a package deal. When we have the Holy Spirit in us, this isn’t a list to pick and choose from. The Holy Spirit grows all of these qualities in us. We can live them all out daily because the Holy Spirit enables us, advocates for us, and teaches us.

As we mentioned, God chooses to give us free will. He gives us the choice to live the world’s way or His way. His way promises to be hard. It’s not always comfortable. Part of the discomfort is giving up control.

Pastor and author Francis Chan says, “There have been many times when I’ve tried to lead the Holy Spirit. I’ve wanted to direct Him and tell Him what to do and when to do it. The irony is that the Holy Spirit was given to direct us. Desiring the Holy Spirit means we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. By definition, it’s ridiculous to desire the Holy Spirit for our own purposes.”

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To look at how free will and control work together, let’s consider steering a ship. The captain has invited you to the helm. He shows you how to steer, and you give it a try.

He gently reminds you that he is the captain, and his job is to steer the ship. You choose to let him do his job.

The captain hasn’t forced you to let him steer. He allows you to choose to let him do his job or to try to do his job for him. This is free will. You choose to give the control to him, since that’s his job.

You can clearly see the analogy of allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your life. He won’t force you to allow Him. He wants you to choose it for yourself.

But, knowing that life is hard, let’s continue on with the analogy. A big storm comes. The ship is rocking on the waves. You are starting to feel a bit seasick. You think if you take over the wheel, you will have more control and will get through the storm easier. So you push the captain aside and try steering.

The problem is that you can’t control the storm. In fact, you’re not a trained ship captain, so you don’t really know what to do at the wheel!

The best thing to do is to step aside and let the captain take control again. The storm may or may not stop immediately. But the captain is in control, and you can sit back and know that he’s got it covered.

The choice to let God take the wheel at the helm of your life is the choice to allow the Holy Spirit to govern your life. And the Bible tells us what this will produce. Let’s read Romans 8:6.

“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”

God’s Word tells us that when we allow the Holy Spirit to take over, the outcome will be life and peace! Who doesn’t want that?!

The choice is yours. You might find it hard to exercise the fruit of the Spirit if you’re busy at the wheel.

Have the corps cadets turn to the doctrines in their student book and read along with you.

Say: Our second doctrine says, “We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.” Our third doctrine says, “We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead—the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.” In other words, there is only one true God. He is our Creator. He is in charge of everything. And He is the only God to be worshiped. There is only one God, but He is revealed to us in three persons, sometimes called the Trinity. Though it is hard to understand, the Bible teaches that these three Persons (Father, Son— Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit) are equally united in power and importance. The Holy Spirit is sometimes a “forgotten member” of the Trinity. But He matters in our daily lives and spiritual journey.

139 APRIL BIBLE STUDY: HOLY SPIRIT WEEK 4: SPIRIT-FILLED

PRAY (5 MINUTES) Pray Galatians 5:22-23 over your corps cadets, asking for the Holy Spirit’s help to see the evidence of His fruit in their lives.

TO CLOSE THE CLASS (10 MINUTES) Have the corps cadets fill out their Activity Record points for the week and complete Monthly Questions 7-10 and the Question for Reflection.

Ensure that all Monthly Questions are complete, with the corps cadet’s name on each paper. Collect completed papers to turn in to DHQ.

MONTHLY QUESTIONS FOR THIS LESSON 7. From the Explore video: Which word sums up the activities of the Holy Spirit in our lives?

8. From the Apply video: List three of the nine characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit.

We believe that there are ______in the Godhead – the ______, the ______and the Holy Ghost, undivided in ______and co-equal in power and ______.

10. Review of memory verse: Fill in the blanks. “The ______governed by the ______is ______, but the ______governed by the ______is ______and ______.” (Romans 8:6)

Question for Reflection: What did you learn about the Holy Spirit? How will you apply it to your life?

140 APRIL BIBLE STUDY: HOLY SPIRIT WEEK 4: SPIRIT-FILLED

DOCTRINE 3 We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

MEMORIZE “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)

DID YOU KNOW? The study of fruits is known as pomology. Strawberries are the only fruit with its seeds on the outside; there are 200 on an average strawberry. Apples can float in water; eating them is a better way to stay awake than coffee. A banana is actually an herb, not a fruit. However, cucumbers, eggplants, tomatoes, avocados, and pumpkins are fruits.

GO DEEPER Read “I Will” statements A and B of “The Soldier’s Covenant.” Discuss or journal how they relate to today’s lesson.

Listen to “This I Believe” by Hillsong Worship at tinyurl.com/mjfpn4q. Can you truly sing each line from the heart?

Do a word study on “Spirit” in your Bible. You may find it beneficial to use a concordance or go to biblegateway.com and find all of the passages where the word occurs.

Watch “The Fruit of the Spirit” at tinyurl.com/y8soqocl.

141 APRIL APRIL QUESTIONS BOLD FOR CORPS CADETS | COURSE B | SPRING 2021

APRIL QUESTIONS BOLD FOR CORPS CADETS | COURSE B | SPRING 2021

NAME: ______

CORPS: ______Answer the following questions. Circle the appropriate letter for multiple-choice questions. For the true/false statements, correct false statements to make them true. Please use a separate sheet of paper if needed. Staple it to this sheet with your name and corps at the top.

MONTHLY QUESTIONS (3 PTS. EACH) 1. Choose all that apply. The Holy Spirit:

a. Is a Person b. Is not part of the Godhead c. Is eternal and holy d. Has no emotions or will e. Can be in personal relationship with us

2. True or False. The Holy Spirit is an equal member of the Trinity who is active in our lives.

______

3. Fill in the blanks. The Salvation Army comes from the ______-______tradition. John Wesley taught that we can only live a life that ______God with the power of the ______in us, and that He is available to ______.

4. Choose all that apply. Signs that the Holy Spirit lives in us:

5. What is the main thing you must know for yourself in order to determine whether a teaching is true or false?

______

______6. Choose all that apply. What are steps to questioning teaching (testing the spirits) in a respectful way?

a. Know God’s Word b. Pray c. Be rude and confrontational d. Ask questions e. Demand better teaching f. Research g. Go back to the Word

7. Which word sums up the activities of the Holy Spirit in our lives?

______

8. List three of the nine characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit.

______

9. Fill in the blanks. We believe that there is only ______God, who is infinitely ______, the ______, Preserver, and ______of all things, and who is the ______proper object of religious ______.

We believe that there are ______in the Godhead – the ______, the ______and the Holy Ghost, undivided in ______and co-equal in power and ______.

10. Fill in the blanks. “The ______governed by the ______is ______, but the ______governed by the ______is ______and ______.” (Romans 8:6)

QUESTION FOR REFLECTION (20 PTS.) ANSWER MUST BE A MINIMUM OF 4 TO 6 SENTENCES. What did you learn about the Holy Spirit? How will you apply it to your life?

______

______ACTIVITYACTIVITY RECORDRECORD BOLD FOR CORPS CADETS | COURSE B | SPRING 2021 | APRIL

NAME: CORPS:

Activity Record W 1 W 2 W 3 W 4 W 5 TOTAL Sunday School (2 pts., 10 max.)

Corps Cadet Classes (3 pts., 15 max.)

Worship Service (3 pts., 15 max.)

SA Youth Meetings (1 pt., 10 max.) Attendance Divisional/Territorial Events (1 pt., 5 max.)

Prayer Meeting or Bible Study (1 pt., 5 max.)

Sunday School Class or Activity Taught (2 pts., 10 max.)

Practices Attended (1 pt., 5 max.)

Visitation & Service(1 pt., 10 max.)

Participation Worship Service Participation (1 pt., 5 max.) TOTAL

Corps Cadet: Date:

C.C. Counselor: Date:

Corps Officer: Date:

SCRIPTURE • OBSERVATION ACTIVITYSOAPs APPLICATIONRECORD • PRAYER BOLD FOR CORPS CADETS | COURSE B | SPRING 2021 | MAY - WORSHIP

NAME:

Read the Scripture S COMPLETE THE SOAP s SECTIONS USING THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURE: JOHN 4:19-26.

Write an Observation WRITE AN OBSERVATION ABOUT THIS SCRIPTURE. O IN OTHER WORDS, WHAT DO YOU “SEE” IN THIS SCRIPTURE?

Write an Application A WRITE HOW THIS SCRIPTURE APPLIES TO YOUR LIFE.

Pray PRAY SPECIFICALLY ABOUT THIS SCRIPTURE AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS, P ASKING FOR GOD’S HELP IN APPLYING ITS TRUTH TO YOUR LIFE.

BIBLE STUDY: WORSHIP WEEK 1: WORTH-SHIP

WORTH-SHIP

SUPPLIES NEEDED

• Bibles

• BOLD student books

• Pens/pencils

• For streaming videos: active Internet connection and a suitable device for viewing

• For downloaded videos: suitable device for viewing

• Variety of art supplies (paper, small notebooks, magazines, scissors, glue, paint, paintbrushes, origami, etc.)

• Copies of the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets

BEFORE CLASS

• Read the Leader Overview.

• You can access all of the videos for this lesson through the Corps Cadets website (corpscadets.com) at https://corpscadets. com/courses/courseb/courseb_may_wk1.html. Thumbnails throughout the lesson (like the one pictured to the right) will also link you to the multimedia page.

• Please note: Only videos produced by The Salvation Army National Christian Education Department will be available for download from our site. You can stream external videos from Click these images to our site or download them from the original source, when open the video page. that option is available. The video “Tim Hawkins on Hand Raising” for Engage can be accessed at https://youtu.be/TK2_ezOBa2A. The video “The Best Praise and Worship Songs” for Apply can be accessed at https://youtu.be/ GOp889W0u9A. The video “The Heart of Worship” forPray can be accessed at godtube. com/watch/?v=WZDYYLNX.

• Read the Apply section and plan ahead for some creative ways your corps cadets can express worship. Have supplies ready and perhaps some samples to get them started. Keep in mind the cleanup that may be required.

• Make copies of the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets.

149 MAY BIBLE STUDY: WORSHIP WEEK 1: WORTH-SHIP

LEADER OVERVIEW

As a result of this lesson, corps cadets will: 1. define worship as the act of responding to the Triune God with our lives, based on His character and goodness; 2. summarize reasons why we worship God; and 3. identify various ways to worship God.

The purpose of this lesson is to give corps cadets a foundational understanding of a theology of Christian worship. As they understand some myths about worship, they will be exposed to truths about worship—particularly that it is the act of responding to the Triune God with our lives, based on His character and goodness. They will explore false worship, which is idolatry. They will learn that the reason we worship God is because He is the only one worthy of our worship, as expressed in our second doctrine. As they discover Old Testament rules about worship, they will see that we have the privilege to worship God personally because of Jesus Christ. As application, they will uncover the fact that our worship does not depend on feelings or circumstances, as seen in Habakkuk. And they will explore various forms of worship, trying one out for themselves through a creative activity.

WORTH-SHIP (5 MINUTES) Read from the book together as a brigade.

There are two prominent myths about Christian worship. First, that it only happens through church music. Second, that it only includes praise and only happens when we are feeling good. Christian worship is the act of responding with our lives to the Triune God of the universe based on His character and goodness. With this definition in mind, neither of those myths hold up.

Worship and music often go together, but they are not the same thing. Of course, music can be worshipful, but there is also plenty of music that is not worshipful. And a lot of worship happens without music. There are many ways to respond to God’s goodness; music is just one of those ways. Worship can also happen privately or publicly. The most common way to publicly worship is in the community we call “church.” But it is not the only way.

We are used to the phrase “praise and worship.” Like music, these often go hand-in-hand, but they are not the same. We can give praise to anyone, recognizing what they have done and how great they are. As Christians, our worship, however, is reserved for the Triune God alone. Break the word down, and worship literally means “worth-ship,” or ascribing worth where it is due. Praise is a response to God. Worship is relational; it is communion with God.

While worship can and should happen in community, it is deeply personal. We can praise God publicly (tell others of His greatness, sing, pray aloud to Him), and we can praise Him privately (pray, journal about His goodness). We can worship God in community or when we are alone, but worship is always personal because it comes from our inmost being. It is an attitude of the heart.

150 MAY BIBLE STUDY: WORSHIP WEEK 1: WORTH-SHIP

Since worship is something we do with our lives, it can happen regardless of our circumstances. Whether in joy or sorrow, we can humble ourselves before God, recognizing who He is, what His character is, and that He longs for personal, individual relationship with us. From this worship, praise can overflow, and we can rejoice even when things around us look grim.

It’s worth repeating: Worship is the act of responding with our lives to the Triune God of the universe based on His character and goodness. How will you worship Him?

THE WORD The following passages will be discussed throughout the lesson: Habakkuk 3:17-18; Hebrews 4:16; and 1 John 5:20.

• Habakkuk 3:17-18 – This prophetic book does not include an address to the nation of Israel like the other prophets. Rather, it is a conversation between the prophet and God. This is part of Habakkuk’s prayer that follows his complaint to God and God’s response, and it is the closing of his book. This passage talks about praising God even if life’s circumstances don’t seem very praiseworthy; God is always worthy of praise. It is not just theoretical, either. Habakkuk knows that Babylon is about to invade and destroy Judah (thus, the crops and livestock would be decimated). He has complained to God about the injustice he sees and the fact that God seems to ignore it. God reminds him that His timing is perfect, and he must wait for God to act. Habakkuk chooses to wait in a spirit of worship, based on God’s fame, deeds, and character.

• Hebrews 4:16 – In the middle of a book focused on the supremacy of Christ above everything, we are given this exhortation to approach the throne with confidence. Under the old covenant—the Law—only the high priest was able to approach the most holy part of the temple, where the ark of the covenant (symbolizing God’s throne) was. And they could only approach it once a year. However, through Jesus, we all now have open access to God’s throne.

• 1 John 5:20 – As part of his concluding remarks in his first letter, just before warning his readers to keep themselves from idols, John reminds them that Jesus is the true God and is eternal life. This is why He is worthy of our worship.

ENGAGE (5 MINUTES) Watch “Tim Hawkins on Hand Raising.”

Say: When you think of different ways to worship God in church, what comes to mind? Let’s see what Tim Hawkins has to say.

Play the Engage video (2 minutes, 39 seconds).

Ask: Do you like to use your hands when you sing in church? Why or why not?

Allow response.

151 MAY BIBLE STUDY: WORSHIP WEEK 1: WORTH-SHIP

EXPLORE (10 MINUTES) Ask: What is false worship?

Allow response. False worship is idolatry. This will be covered in the video.

Ask: Why do we worship God?

Allow response. This will be covered in the video.

Ask: If worship is more than what we do on Sundays, does that make worship services irrelevant? Why or why not?

Allow response. This will be covered in the video.

Play the Explore video (approximately 6 minutes).

Video Transcript:

When Jesus was in the desert, the devil tried to tempt Him to worship someone other than God. Jesus resisted, because worshiping someone or something other than God is idolatry.

The Salvation Army’s second doctrine states, “We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.”

People have always been tempted to worship something other than God. The devil tempted Jesus to do that. Then John wrote to Christians, warning them to keep away from idols. He explained that there is only one true God, and we know Him through the Person of Jesus. Let’s read First John 5, verse 20:

“We know also that the Son of God has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”

John outlined the main reason why we worship God: because He is the only true God. That means, He is the only one worthy of our worship.

Worship is giving our entire being in humble adoration and recognition of someone’s worthiness. God is the only one worthy of this act.

There are other reasons that we worship God.

Worship changes our perspective. When we focus on God and take our eyes off ourselves, we see that God’s greatness is bigger than our biggest problems.

We also experience God’s presence when we worship. God inhabits the praises of His people. Worship is communion with God. It’s acknowledging and experiencing the reality of His presence.

Worship transforms us. It can change our attitude, and even our mood. God has wired creation to point to the Creator. He has wired us to worship. He put in us a way to be transformed when we encounter Him.

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Worship brings people together. It is a shared experience of God’s presence and activity in our lives. Although deeply personal, we can love God and love one another in worship.

Finally, anyone can worship.

There is no special skill set needed to worship. You don’t have to be a professional singer or musician.

A true worshiper doesn’t need a certain style of music or a certain kind of preacher. A true worshiper is less concerned with the environment and more interested in giving God glory for who He is and all that He has done.

Clearly, worship is so much more than what we do on Sundays. It’s a personal experience of communion with our Creator!

Worship is beyond Sunday services and it’s a very personal thing. That doesn’t mean we can stop worshiping together in community. In fact, it’s a privilege to worship together!

Under Old Testament law, people had to worship in one place with one mediator and only on certain days. Worship had to take place in the temple. Only Jews could come inside the outer walls. Gentiles-- which means everyone who is not a Jew--had to stay outside.

Then, only Jewish men could go into the inner court to offer their worship to a priest, which they did by giving a sacrifice.

Then, only the priest could go into the next court to offer the sacrifice.

Finally, only the high priest could go into the holy of holies, where God dwelled. And he could only do that once a year, on the Day of Atonement.

But Jesus changed all that for us! He opened up a way for everyone to worship God personally--without a priest--and corporately--without being separated by race or gender. He came as the great High Priest, so everyone can come to God. Let’s read Hebrews 4, verses 14 through 16:

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Jesus made a way for us to worship God without barriers. This includes a way to worship God all together as one community. And this community is important!

Think about church and communal worship like the bark on the tree. Is a tree still a tree without the bark? Yes! We are Christians with or without church. However, bark protects a tree from the world around it- -from insects and weather, for example. Worshiping together in community protects us from the world around us. We still live in the world. After all, a tree doesn’t belong inside. It’s meant to live where it has sun and fresh air.

We are called to live in the world, but God uses our corporate worship to keep us strong as we follow Him. The author of Hebrews tells us not to give up meeting together. We worship in community to encourage one another and keep pointing each other to Jesus. And we worship personally because that’s where we truly bow our hearts before the one true God.

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APPLY (15 MINUTES)

Note that the apply video will end with some praise and worship music that will continue until you are done with Apply. Be sure to have supplies ready for your corps cadets to spend about ten minutes finding a way to express their praise and worship to God. Encourage them to try something that is new to them. During this time, encourage a quiet, worshipful environment so everyone can focus personally on God.

Ask: How can you worship God when you don’t feel like it?

Allow response. This will be covered in the video.

Ask: What are other ways to praise and worship God besides through music?

Allow response.

Play the Apply - Part 1 video (approximately 4 minutes).

Video Transcript:

We are wired to worship God, just like we are wired to eat. In fact, we are created to worship the Creator. This is an even deeper need than putting food into our bodies for fuel.

Of course, that’s not to say we shouldn’t eat. We all know what happens when we do that. We get angry and grouchy because we are hungry.

Our soul has a similar reaction when we don’t fill up on personal communion with God. We need worship to do that.

Our bodies usually tell us when we are hungry. Our stomach growls, so we eat. Our heart usually tells us the same thing about worship, but we are not as used to listening to those cues. We tend to confuse our feelings with our desire to worship. When we are happy, we praise God. When we are not, we don’t.

Our worship shouldn’t depend on our feelings. It shouldn’t depend on our circumstances either.

Habakkuk was an Old Testament prophet. He lived about 600 years before Jesus was on Earth. God told him that He would soon send the Babylonians to invade the nation of Israel. The Babylonians would destroy the crops and livestock. This would leave the Israelites devastated and captive. Let’s read Habakkuk 3, verses 17 and 18 to see his response:

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

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Habakkuk knew he was not in control. God was. God reminded him that His timing is always perfect, and we are called to wait on Him. Habakkuk chose to wait in a spirit of worship. He could do this because he was focused on God’s fame, His deeds, and His character.

Habakkuk didn’t let his feelings or his circumstances impact his view of God. He chose to worship God. God is always God. His character is unchanging. Our circumstances change. He does not. We can praise God for that! He deserves our worship even when we don’t feel like it simply because He is God.

Just like we don’t wait a whole week to eat our next meal, we shouldn’t wait until Sundays at church to worship God.

God is so great and mighty and wonderful that He deserves our worship every day!

We have learned music and the time of singing at church isn’t the only way to worship God. We can worship Him in community and we can worship Him privately. Anything we do that focuses our attention on God and His character can be an act of worship.

Some ways to worship God might include singing, praying, giving an offering of money or time or talents. We can worship by reading Scripture or making a journal of things we are thankful for. Dance can be worshipful. Most things that call for creativity can be used as an act of worship when we focus on God, like writing a poem or creating visual art.

If we are focused on giving God credit for who He is and all He has done, we can be the kind of worshiper who will find something meaningful in every act of worship. We will be the kind of people who worship God with our lives. Now, how about you try worshiping Him in a new way!

Play the Apply - Part 2 video (allow to play as long as needed) for background worship music during the activity.

Try worshiping God through a form other than music. Provide a variety of materials for your corps cadets to take five to ten minutes to try a creative form of worship. Some options might include: • Write a poem • Create visual art that expresses praise to God • Make a collage of things you are grateful for from images cut out of a magazine • Write a letter to God • List blessings – things you are grateful to God for • Make a list of things you know about God • Copy Scripture passages while meditating on the words • Find and read songs • Dance to the background worship music • Sing a worship song

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This may be a good option for those who finish their creative form of worship faster than others. It’s okay to leave this out. It will be included in the next lesson.

If you have time, have the corps cadets turn to the doctrines in their student book and read along with you.

Say: Our second doctrine says, “We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.” Our third doctrine says, “We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead—the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.” In other words, there is only one true God. He made us and everything else deliberately to achieve His ultimate will. He maintains and cares for everything He made. He is in charge of everything and has an ultimate purpose for creation, including us. And He is the only God to be worshiped. There is only one God, but He is revealed to us in three persons, sometimes called the Trinity. What we believe about who God is and what kind of relationship He wants to have with us shapes our worship.

PRAY (5 MINUTES)

Do what is best for your brigade. There are two options here. You may find that the creative portion of Apply takes longer for some than for others. You can leave the worship music playing for them, closing in a simple prayer. If some want to continue and you are available to supervise, have them complete their Monthly Questions before returning to their project.

Listen to Matt Redman’s song “The Heart of Worship” as your closing prayer. Encourage the corps cadets to really digest the words.

Play the Pray video (3 minutes) or play or sing Matt Redman’s song “The Heart of Worship.” You can find the lyrics atworshiptogether.com/songs/ the-heart-of-worship-passion/.

Or, if you prefer, ask the corps cadets to try “popcorn prayers” for a closing prayer. Either have them share spontaneously or go around in a circle, each sharing prayers of praise for what God has done (“I praise you because…”) and worship for who He is (“I worship you because…”).

156 MAY BIBLE STUDY: WORSHIP WEEK 1: WORTH-SHIP

TO CLOSE THE CLASS (5 MINUTES) Have the corps cadets fill out their Activity Record points for the week and complete Monthly Questions 1 and 2. Collect to use next week.

MONTHLY QUESTIONS FOR THIS LESSON 1. From the Explore video: Choose all that apply. Worship:

a. Is for anyone who deserves it. b. Is giving our entire being in humble adoration. c. Changes our perspective. d. Transforms us. e. Should only be done by those with special skills.

2. From the Apply video: List at least three ways you can worship God.

DOCTRINE 3 We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

MEMORIZE “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)

DID YOU KNOW? The dictionary describes worth as value of something. Sometimes items have unexpected value. For example, some Super Nintendo games are valued at up to $600. Old Polly Pocket sets can fetch a lot of money—such as the Peter Pan set, which is valued at around $300. A mint condition comic book in which Black Panther makes his debut might be valued at nearly $1,000.

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GO DEEPER Read “I Will” statements A, B, and I of “The Soldier’s Covenant.” Discuss or journal how they relate to today’s lesson.

Read Matt Redman’s story of writing “The Heart of Worship” at tinyurl.com/y9uof35h.

Listen to Seedbed’s 7-Minute Seminary, “3 Ways to Understand the Purpose of Worship”: tinyurl. com/vzfaaz8.

Read more about the difference between praise and worship at tinyurl.com/rgcnuzg.

Read other passages that relate to this month’s theme: Psalm 51; Psalm 95; Psalm 100; Acts 2:42- 47; Acts 5:22; 1 Corinthians 14:26-40; 1 Timothy 4:13; and James 5:16.

158 MAY OUR HERITAGE: WORSHIP WEEK 2: CORPORATELY

CORPORATELY

SUPPLIES NEEDED • Bibles

• BOLD student books

• Pens/pencils

• For streaming videos: active Internet connection and a suitable device for viewing

• For downloaded videos: suitable device for viewing

• Copies of the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets

BEFORE CLASS • Read the Leader Overview.

• You can access all of the videos for this lesson through the Corps Cadets website (corpscadets.com) at https://corpscadets. com/courses/courseb/courseb_may_wk2.html. Thumbnails throughout the lesson (like the one pictured to the right) will also link you to the multimedia page.

• Have the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets—that were filled out after the last lesson—ready. Or, if needed, make copies now.

LEADER OVERVIEW

As a result of this lesson, corps cadets will: 1. identify commonalities within Christian Protestant worship; 2. identify unique aspects of Salvation Army worship; 3. summarize the history of brass bands in The Salvation Army; and 4. recognize that The Salvation Army’s heritage includes using creativity for God’s glory.

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The purpose of this lesson is to allow corps cadets to see The Salvation Army’s place in the larger context of worship. They will engage through popular media and The Salvation Army. They will explore what is common in places of worship throughout The Salvation Army and learn about the history of our brass bands. As application, they will consider the role of brass band music today as well as look at other gospel arts. They will discuss how we might be able to use things from popular culture today to share the message of Jesus.

CORPORATELY (5 MINUTES) Read from the book together as a brigade.

Religions around the world typically include corporate worship. Corporate means united or combined into one. Buddhists, Muslims, Jews, and more…they incorporate different styles and elements in worship. What makes Christianity different is the focus of our worship: Jesus. We believe the Triune God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—“is the only proper object of religious worship.” Worship of anyone or anything else is idolatry.

Within Christianity, the two main branches are Catholicism and Protestantism. Catholics primarily observe what we call liturgical corporate worship. This means that there is a particular arrangement of items in the public worship service as well as rituals and observances that take place according to a schedule or calendar.

Within Protestantism, there are many forms of corporate worship. Some denominations, such as Pentecostals, cry out loud in worship. Some, such as the Quakers, have long periods of silence in worship. Others seem similar to Catholics, such as the Episcopals. Most have their own liturgical aspects. This includes The Salvation Army. There is no one “right” way to worship God. All of these different ways, together, make up a picture of what it means to worship God in community, or corporately.

The Salvation Army has some unique ways of worshiping together in community, from the way the sanctuary is set up to the music in our Sunday services. Not all corps look alike around the world—not even within our own country. But Salvation Army worship communities have many things in common so that you will feel at “home” wherever you are when you are part of The Salvation Army.

The main thing we have in common? Focusing our worship on Jesus—the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

THE WORD The following passages will be discussed throughout the lesson: Psalm 150:1-6 and Colossians 3:16.

• Psalm 150:1-6 – This doxology begins with reasons to praise God because of who He is. The author calls God’s people to praise Him in the temple (His earthly dwelling place), in heaven (where His glory shines at its fullest), for His works, and for His character. He then tells the people to praise Him with instruments, which is an outward expression of joy. Finally, he reminds God’s people that everything is called to praise God.

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• Colossians 3:16 – Having just written the Corinthian believers about freedom and being made alive in Christ, Paul then turns to a discussion about living in that freedom and new sense of life. He exhorts believers to set their hearts and minds on things above, putting to death sinfulness, and instead living as God’s beloved. At the conclusion of what it looks like to live this kind of life, just before he reminds Christians to do everything in Christ’s name, he tells them to teach (instruct) and admonish (counsel) one another with psalms, hymns, and songs.

ENGAGE (5 MINUTES) Watch “Mr. Bean Leads a Salvation Army Band.”

Say: The Salvation Army has often been portrayed in movies and other film projects. Let’s take a look at one.

Play the Engage video (3 minutes, 21 seconds).

Say: The Salvation Army is known for many things, including our brass bands. Brass music continues to be a part of the Army today, but it is not the only part of our worship.

EXPLORE (15 MINUTES) Ask: What are some things that are common in Salvation Army places of worship?

Allow response. This will be covered in the video.

Ask: What is required for worship in The Salvation Army?

Allow response. This will be covered in the video.

Ask: What do you know about the history of music in The Salvation Army?

Allow response.

Say: Let’s learn about the history of The Salvation Army and brass bands.

Play the Explore video (approximately 6 minutes).

Video Transcript:

Salvation Army corps look different around the world in some ways. Our signs may be in different languages. Some buildings are small, some are large. Some have community centers attached. Some are just one small room. Some use pews, some chairs.

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All Salvation Army corps, however, have a place to worship that includes space to be together in community, a mercy seat or altar where people can pray with others, a holiness table where we can pray individually, and a Salvation Army flag to remind us of the Triune God who is the focus of our worship.

The Bible doesn’t mandate any specific forms of worship, only the object of worship…the Triune God. William and Catherine Booth were people of Scripture, so they also didn’t require any specific forms of worship in Salvation Army meetings. What they cared about was pointing people to Jesus. They encouraged Salvationists to use any means necessary to attract people, allowing them to hear the gospel message, and to experience a life transformed by the Holy Spirit, then worship God from a transformed heart.

Many people think that brass bands are a strange part of our Salvation Army worship services. But they weren’t originally used for worship inside our building walls. In fact, they were never part of William and Catherine’s original vision.

In the early days of The Salvation Army, William and Catherine Booth used open-air meetings to share the good news about Jesus. But not everyone was a fan of their message. In fact, sometimes mobs would gather to threaten those people in their strange uniforms.

Often, Salvationists would have objects thrown at them. This was how the original uniform hats and bonnets came about—as protection while attracting crowds and preaching on the streets. The women, in particular, sometimes walked with bodyguards around them. The early Salvationists were committed to preaching God’s Word no matter the cost!

Charles Fry was one such bodyguard that helped ensure the safety of Salvationists during open-airs. Charles and his three sons—Fred, Ernest, and Bert—were musicians. In 1878 in Salisbury, England, instead of just walking behind the women to protect them, they decided to volunteer their talents toward the efforts of attracting crowds to hear the message. So they brought their brass instruments along: two cornets, a trombone, and a euphonium. This was the very first Salvation Army brass band!

Beethoven helped make brass music popular by including trombones in his symphonies. By the end of the 1800s, brass instruments had risen in popularity, and composers were writing more works for brass music.

As The Salvation Army continued to grow, brass instruments were incorporated in its efforts. This wasn’t because of some tradition that was set and everyone felt the need to stick with it. Instead, it was a way of mixing modern-day culture with the message of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection.

When The Salvation Army incorporated brass music, it was at the height of its popularity in the common culture. Salvationists were known for taking the popular tunes from pubs and putting new lyrics to them that glorified God. Some Christians criticized The Salvation Army for using this “secular” music. But William Booth responded…

“Secular music, do you say? Belongs to the devil, does it? Well, if it did, I would plunder him of it, for he has no right to a single note of the whole gamut. He’s the thief! …Every note and every strain and every harmony is divine and belongs to us.”

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William and Catherine Booth founded the Army on the basic truth that there is sacredness in everyday things. We shouldn’t see the world split into two…the sacred and the secular. God can and does redeem all things for His glory. We can find Him at work in the darkest places. Church can be held in beautiful cathedrals or in alleys. Worship can happen wherever a soul chooses to honor the worthiness of our Creator and with whatever format helps bring them into that communion with Him.

Catherine Booth said…

“I believe the Lord is not only grieved and disappointed but I believe He is angry when His people meet, and talk, and sing, and pray, and then go away without any definite result having been reached—without ever having given anything to Him, or received anything from Him.”

The point of worship isn’t including brass bands or excluding them. It isn’t about where we worship or what we do in order to worship. As Catherine said, the point of our worship is communion with God and a transformed life because of that relationship.

Ask: What did you find most interesting about The Salvation Army’s history in what you just heard?

Allow response.

APPLY (10 MINUTES) Ask: What is the point of brass bands today? Does brass music still have a place in worship?

Allow response. This will be covered in the video.

Ask: What are gospel arts? Are they still relevant today?

Allow response. This will be covered in the video.

Play the Apply video (approximately 4 minutes).

Video Transcript:

A lot of The Salvation Army’s efforts have been…and still are about getting people saved. The original brass band attracted people so they could hear the message. But brass music is used for more than just attracting people. It can be worshipful, too. Music stirs something inside of us. Even if it may not be your favorite type of music, sometimes you can find the rhythms and sounds impacting something in your heart.

Listen to a brief clip of the International Staff Band playing O Boundless Salvation. [audio clip]

Psalms is another word for songs. The original Hebrew title of this book of the Bible literally meant “praises.”

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David, one of the greatest kings of Israel--the same David who killed Goliath, sinned against Bathsheba, repented, and was redeemed--wrote many of the Psalms, but not all of them. Some have been used as songs over the centuries. Many are prayers. Most describe God’s character and deeds as well as human emotions.

Psalms is the longest book of the Bible, with 150 chapters. The very last Psalm sums up worship. Let’s read Psalm 150:

“Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.”

This passage answers all of our questions about worship--the questions of who, what, where, why, and how.

Who? This is about the Lord--the Triune God. What? We are called to praise Him. Where? We praise everywhere--both in the church and outside of the church. Why? We praise God because of Who He is. How? With the entire band, orchestra, voices, and movement. We praise Him with everything.

We read in the New Testament Paul reminding the church how to praise God. Let’s read from his letter to the Colossians, chapter 3, verse 16:

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

Paul wasn’t saying that we can only worship God with music. He was saying that we should follow the teaching of Psalms: the who, what, where, why, and how of worship.

We can follow that up by answering the question “When?” The answer is simple. Always. We can and should always worship God for Who He is. We should live our lives in such a way that we are always recognizing His goodness and His active relationship with us.

We can’t always sing or play an instrument, so of course that’s not the only way to worship. But we do use the arts in our worship in The Salvation Army. We sometimes use the phrase “gospel arts.” This refers to a variety of ways of worshiping God that use our creativity to point to the truth of the gospel.

Gospel arts might include music, singing, painting, dance, drama, or poetry. God is the Creator. He instilled in us creativity so we can use it for His glory. This is worship.

The history of The Salvation Army includes using creativity for God’s glory. The mission of The Salvation Army remains the same: to bring people to Jesus. This includes using the secular--or what points to the world--to be something sacred--what points to Jesus.

Ask: What are some ways The Salvation Army could use things from popular culture to share the message of Jesus today?

Allow response.

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Have the corps cadets turn to the doctrines in their student book and read along with you.

PRAY (5 MINUTES) Say: The Song Book of The Salvation Army includes many songs that reflect Scripture. Song 963 reflects Psalm 150. Here is the first verse:

Joy! joy! joy! There is joy in The Salvation Army, Joy! joy! joy! in the Army of the Lord. Sing to God, sing to God, With loud joyful songs of praise; Beat the drums, beat the drums, While salvation music plays. Play the music play, sing the happy song, Loud hosannas shout With the happy throng. To the Happy Land we’ll march along And be joyful all the way.

Close in a short word of prayer, echoing the joy we have of praising and worshiping God.

TO CLOSE THE CLASS (5 MINUTES) Have the corps cadets fill out their Activity Record points for the week and complete Monthly Questions 3 and 4. Collect to use next week.

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MONTHLY QUESTIONS FOR THIS LESSON 3. From the Explore video: Choose the correct word or phrase in each underlined pair. The first Salvation Army brass band was started by the Booth family/the Fry family. The Salvation Army/Beethoven made brass music popular. Brass music was used early on as a way to mix culture with the gospel/because of tradition. The Salvation Army used music from the pubs/ the Catholic church and changed the lyrics to ones that glorified God.

4. From the Apply video: True or False. The history of The Salvation Army includes using creativity for God’s glory. The mission of The Salvation Army remains the same: to bring people to Jesus.

DOCTRINE 3 We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

MEMORIZE “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)

DID YOU KNOW? The Salvation Army opened a factory in 1889 for making brass instruments, called Campfield Works. During World War II, the factory where the British government made aircraft parts was bombed, so they took over 4/5 of The Salvation Army’s factory to continue their production. The Salvation Army continued making and repairing instruments in the remaining 1/5. Due to competitive prices, The Salvation Army sold the Campfield Works factory in 1972.

GO DEEPER Read “I Will” statements A, B, and I of “The Soldier’s Covenant.” Discuss or journal how they relate to today’s lesson.

Read how about worship and justice go together at tinyurl.com/sju257j.

Check out where The Salvation Army has appeared in film and music: tinyurl.com/tq4tqee.

Listen to Seedbed’s 7-Minute Seminary, “The History of Contemporary Worship Music”:tinyurl. com/rsec26l.

Read about the history of brass instruments at tinyurl.com/6rmquku.

166 MAY LEADERSHIP: WORSHIP WEEK 3: PLANNING WORSHIP

PLANNING WORSHIP

SUPPLIES NEEDED • Bibles (with concordances)

• BOLD student books

• Pens/pencils

• For streaming videos: active Internet connection and a suitable device for viewing

• For downloaded videos: suitable device for viewing

• Copies of the “We Believe” handout

• Bible concordance

• Topical Bible

• The Song Book of The Salvation Army

• Marker board/paper and markers (optional)

• Paper (optional)

• Copies of the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets

BEFORE CLASS • Read the Leader Overview.

• You can access all of the videos for this lesson through the Corps Cadets website (corpscadets.com) at https://corpscadets. com/courses/courseb/courseb_may_wk3.html. Thumbnails throughout the lesson (like the one pictured to the right) will also link you to the multimedia page.

• Please note: Only videos produced by The Salvation Army National Christian Education Department will be available for Click these images to download from our site. You can stream external videos from open the video page. our site or download them from the original source, when that option is available. The video “Wrong Worship” forEngage can be accessed at youtube. com/watch?v=ZJp98hoqy5I.

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• Ensure you have a variety of resources available for the Apply activity, such as Bible concordances, topical Bibles, Song Books, etc.

• Make copies of the “We Believe” handout.

• Have the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets—that were filled out after the last lesson—ready. Or, if needed, make copies now.

LEADER OVERVIEW

As a result of this lesson, corps cadets will: 1. recall that the Triune God is the only One worthy of our worship; 2. outline key things to keep in mind when planning a worship service; and 3. practice planning the key elements of a worship service.

The purpose of this lesson is to help corps cadets understand that how we worship flows from what we believe and to teach them how to plan a worship service. In this lesson, corps cadets will engage with the idea that planning worship is more than just filling spaces on a program; the content matters. They will explore what we believe about God and the kind of relationship He wants with us and how that is reflected in our worship. They will also learn what is involved in properly planning a worship service. They will apply what they’ve learned by using various resources to start choosing elements for a service.

Note that several leadership skills related to the key elements of a worship service are included in other Corps Cadet lessons. They learn about: public Scripture reading in Course A in the Old Testament Leadership lesson; personal prayer in the following Worship Discipleship lesson in Course B and praying publicly in Course I in the Spiritual Warfare Leadership lesson; how to write and share their testimony in Course D in the Tolerance Leadership lesson; how to lead a song in Course I in the Holiness Leadership lesson; and how to write and give a sermon in Course G in the Justified Leadership lesson.

PLANNING WORSHIP (5 MINUTES) Read from the book together as a brigade.

Worship services are times to gather in community and focus on God. Does worship just happen? Sometimes. Is it wrong to plan it as though we can tell God when to show up? No. Should we, like the Quakers do, sit and wait, only speak or sing or pray when we feel a direct leading from God? Maybe sometimes. Can worship happen in spite of bad planning? Yes. Can excellent planning fail to create an actual worship experience? Yes.

We plan a worship service to help people experience communion with God. How we worship flows from what we believe.

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We believe in the Trinity—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in the Bible as God’s divine, living Word, which is always to be treated with honor and respect; Scripture guides us and protects us. We believe in salvation. We believe that anyone can be saved by grace through faith in Jesus. We believe in sanctification and holy living.

We also believe in focusing on the internal reality of God’s life in us instead of the external trappings. We believe in a personal relationship with Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit to lead us every day. We believe God wants us to be unified as a Church so that people will see Him through our love for each other. We believe that real worship prepares us to go out into the world and serve.

Why does what we believe matter? It matters because our worship is shaped by what we believe about who God is and what kind of relationship He wants to have with us.

THE WORD The following passages will be discussed throughout the lesson: Psalm 95:1-7; John 17:20-23; and 3 John 11.

• Psalm 95:1-7 – This psalm is considered a call to worship. It tells us “what” (worship), “who” (the Lord, our Rock, the great God, the great King, our Maker), “why” (because He is above all gods, He sustains creation, and He is our shepherd), and “how” (with thanksgiving, music, and kneeling in humility).

• John 17:20-23 – This passage includes part of Jesus’s prayer for unity among believers. As a minority in a hostile world, Christians must be unified for strength and survival. More importantly, unity shows the world the love of God. Worshiping together, unified, despite our differences, gives God glory and is one way people see our witnesses. Not fighting between denominations is another. Being unified in how we live in the world, outside the doors of the churches, is the most important witness to the world.

• 3 John 11 – In this letter, John is writing to Gaius, a house-church leader. He contrasts Demetrius and Diotrephes in this letter. Demetrius is a missionary, and this letter is John’s recommendation for him. Diotrephes is another house-church leader who is causing dissension, not showing hospitality to missionaries, and rejecting John’s authority. This verse is an exhortation to follow good examples, not evil. The teaching of the verse can stand alone but is richer in its context within the church. Evil isn’t just something outside the church, and we must be vigilant to do good.

ENGAGE (5 MINUTES) Watch “Wrong Worship.”

Say: Planning worship is more than filling in the spaces on a program. If that were the case, we could fill it with anything.

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Play the Engage video (3 minutes, 20 seconds).

Ask: Do you think the songs in the video could help people worship? Why or why not?

Allow response. Add from the following if needed: The songs focus on the singers or the songs themselves instead of pointing people to Jesus; they are half-hearted; it is more of a performance than leading people into worship.

Say: We come together to worship the Triune God because He is the only one worthy of our worship. Planning worship matters because, as the video showed, it is too easy to miss the point and make it about ourselves instead of God.

EXPLORE (10 MINUTES) Ask: How do we express what we believe in our worship services?

Allow response. This will be covered in Apply.

Ask: What is the first thing you do when planning a worship service?

Allow response. The answer is pray; this will be discussed in the video.

Ask: What elements should a program include?

Allow response. This will be covered in the video.

Have the corps cadets turn to the doctrines in their student book and read along when mentioned in the video.

Play the Explore video (approximately 6 minutes).

Video Transcript:

Understanding why we worship helps us understand the way we worship. Worship is a very personal thing, but it is also done in community. Let’s look at what John says about this in John 17, verses 20 to 23. Jesus is praying to the Father, specifically about those who follow Him.

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one--I in them and you in me--so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

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Jesus is praying that the people of God would be unified. One way we are unified is through our doctrines. In this course, we have been focusing on our second and third doctrines.

Our second doctrine says, “We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.”

Our third doctrine says, “We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead--the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.”

In other words, there is only one true God. He is revealed in three persons, sometimes called the Trinity. This Triune God is the only God to be worshiped. One way we show the world our unity is when we come together to worship God in community. However, what the world really cares about is how we live in the world outside the doors of the churches. Our unity in the world is what matters most. They will know we are Christians by our love--not only for each other, but for those outside the church.

The primary reason we worship God is because He is worthy of our worship. One reason we worship in community is to show the world our unity and point them to God. But another reason we worship in community is to learn the right example to follow.

Let’s look at another passage that John wrote. This time, we’ll look at one of his letters: third John, verse 11.

“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.”

We come together for worship to focus on God, to show unity, and to learn what is good so we can imitate it in our lives outside of our church community. But this doesn’t just happen. It takes planning.

Planning a worship service can be really intimidating. But if you keep three things in mind, much of the rest will fall into place.

First, keep the Holy Spirit in the plan from the beginning. Don’t just ask God to bless the plans after you’ve made them. Start with prayer. Continue in an attitude of prayer. Be open and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. And end with prayer.

Second, know the congregation. The most carefully and beautifully planned program can go wrong if it’s for the wrong congregation.

A program full of quiet, reflective moments, meditative music, and a detailed verse-by-verse sermon is wonderful for a congregation of adults who have been Christians for a long time. It would be a disaster for one with a lot of young children who stay in the meeting.

Equally, a program full of puppets, action songs, visual aids, and an interactive object lesson for the sermon would be great for a corps with a lot of youth, but not for one with mostly older adults.

Third, a worship service might include vocal and instrumental music, drama, or dance, but it is not a performance opportunity. All elements focus the congregation’s hearts and minds on God, not on the talent of the individual or group. The main purpose is always worship. The main focus is God.

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There can be a variety of elements in a program. But there are four key elements in Salvation Army worship services: prayer, Scripture, a sermon, and music.

Some resources that can help you plan a worship service that is centered on a specific theme or character trait of God include: a Bible with a concordance, a topical Bible, and The Song Book of The Salvation Army.

Having a focus can help people draw near to God in a specific and meaningful way.

Additional elements in a worship service might include a testimony, drama, dance, timbrels, children’s object lesson, and more.

Sometimes programs get too full. Be sure whoever is preaching has enough time. Also, leave time for reflection and response.

How we plan worship, including the songs we sing, the Scripture we read, and the prayers we pray, helps draw people into a real time of communion with God. The songs chosen, for example, may help people focus on God. But we can’t determine the heart. It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to work on each person in a worship service.

APPLY (15 MINUTES) Ask: Does a worship service need to be perfect in order to honor God? Why or why not?

Allow response.

Play the Apply video (approximately 4 minutes).

Video Transcript:

We don’t have to have the best theme or the perfect music. Planning a worship service is about pointing people to our Triune God.

Our worship is shaped by what we believe about Who God is and what kind of relationship He wants to have with us.

So, we sing songs and preach sermons about salvation and holiness and the character of God. We invite everyone to come to Jesus and be filled with the Holy Spirit. We pray at the mercy seat and holiness table. We give testimonies about how we got saved and how the Holy Spirit helps us live holy lives because our stories matter and can encourage others. We pray spontaneously and express ourselves creatively because we can each have our own relationship with God. Through our giving we are encouraged to connect with the local community and The Salvation Army around the world.

We use Scripture as the primary source to know God, therefore it plays a central role in our worship services.

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There are many ways to use Scripture in worship services. One is by reading Scripture as a call to worship. A call to worship is one way to help the listeners focus their hearts on God. Many Scripture passages naturally call us into a worshipful attitude. Psalm 95 is an example. It talks about what, who, why, and how we worship. Let’s read verses 1 through 7.

“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hands are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.”

A call to worship is just one way to include Scripture. There are many ways to use variety in our worship services. Let’s look at some.

Other ways to include Scripture might be a responsive reading, where the leader reads a line, then the congregation reads a line. Scripture can be read in unison, or all together out loud. It can be sung. You can also use multimedia to share passages.

Music can be included in many ways, too. You can use a praise and worship team, or sing together from the Song Book. Someone can sing a solo. The Songsters can present a piece. A band or soloist can play instrumental worship.

Even a sermon can be done a variety of ways. Most of us are used to a three-point sermon in about 20 minutes. It can also be spread out throughout the program in small chunks. The preacher can present an object lesson or use videos, slides, or other visuals.

Here are a few more things to keep in mind as you plan a worship service:

Stick with one theme or Scripture that connects the rest of the program.

When choosing songs to sing, don’t choose too many that are new. If using unfamiliar words, choose a familiar tune. If using new songs, have the words available either on paper for everyone or on a screen.

If children stay in the entire service, make sure there is something geared to them.

Know who can help you. For example, you can’t do a three-person drama or band ensemble piece alone.

Now it’s your turn to plan a worship service.

Plan a worship service.

Note that one of the Act options for this month is to plan the program for Corps Cadet Sunday. You may want to use this activity as a starting point for that project, knowing that you’ll need to invest more time later to complete it thoroughly.

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Have available copies of The Song Book of The Salvation Army, Bibles with concordances, and a topical Bible or concordance. Hand out copies of the “We Believe” sheet. At the top is a list of things we believe, as explained in the teaching portion of the student book. Have the corps cadets choose one as their theme, then fill out the template for a worship service.

If you have a corps cadet that would benefit from a more active role, have them write some notes on a marker board or large paper. Or, each corps cadet can individually complete the “We Believe” sheet to keep them engaged in the process. For the sermon, have them come up with the topic and perhaps three main points about that topic. Note that they will learn the specific skill of preparing a sermon in Course G.

Say: It isn’t enough to say, “Sing a song, read a Scripture, and say a prayer.” Sing what song? Read what Scripture? Say what in a prayer? We’re going to take a few minutes to plan a worship service. Here are some things we need to decide:

• What is the congregation like—older adults, new Christians, children?

• What elements will we include in the program?

• In what order?

• Do we have the four essentials (prayer, music, Scripture, sermon)?

• What is our theme? Choose one “we believe” statement from the teaching in the student book. Shape the meeting around that.

• What Scripture should we use and how should we present it?

• What songs should we sing?

• What other elements should we include, like testimonies or conversational prayer?

• Any other ideas?

If you have a small brigade, work together to plan a worship service. If you have a large brigade, consider splitting them into smaller groups, then share the results from each group with the entire brigade.

Encourage corps cadets to keep the program they planned in their Bibles in case they are ever asked to prepare a worship service. It will give them a good start.

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PRAY (5 MINUTES) Say: Even though these ideas are for corporate worship, a lot of them would work for personal devotions. Reading Scripture; reading, singing, or listening to songs; playing your instrument; thinking of how you would express out loud what you believe and have experienced; maybe even dancing—you could do all of these things as part of your own daily quiet (or not so quiet) time.

Sing a closing prayer together, like the doxology. Or, ask for a favorite praise chorus.

TO CLOSE THE CLASS (5 MINUTES) Have the corps cadets fill out their Activity Record points for the week and complete Monthly Questions 5 and 6. Collect to use next week.

MONTHLY QUESTIONS FOR THIS LESSON 5. From the Explore video: Choose the correct answer. The first thing to do when planning a worship service is:

a. Write down your plan. b. Ask others for help. c. Pray. d. Know who will be in the worship service. e. Include all four key elements.

6. From the Apply video: Fill in the blanks. Our ______is shaped by what we ______about Who God is and what kind of ______He wants to have with us.

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DOCTRINE 3 We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

MEMORIZE “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)

DID YOU KNOW? Even though music isn’t the only form of worship, it’s a key element. Musical instruments are first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 4. The Gregorian chant was the primary music of the Catholic church in the Medieval Ages. Reverend Thomas Dorsey created Gospel music, combining secular blues tunes with Christian texts. Larry Norman is considered the “father of Christian rock,” combining secular rock music with Christians texts.

GO DEEPER Read “I Will” statements A, B, F, H, and I of “The Soldier’s Covenant.” Discuss or journal how they relate to today’s lesson.

Listen to Seedbed’s 7-Minute Seminary, “4 Stages of Every Good Worship Service”: tinyurl.com/ uhv95a8.

Listen to the worship song “The Earth Shall Know” at tinyurl.com/wns58vf.

Look up “worship” in a Bible concordance. Read the verses where worship is mentioned.

176 MAY WE BELIEVE WE BELIEVE: in the Trinity—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; in the Bible as God’s Word; in salvation—that anyone can be saved by grace through faith; in sanctification and holy living; in focusing on the internal reality of God’s life in us; in a personal relationship with Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit; God wants us to be unified; and real worship prepares us to serve.

Theme:

______

Call to Worship:

______

Scripture:

______

Song #1:

______

Song #2:

______

Other element(s):

______

Sermon:

______

BOLD for Corps Cadets | Course B | May, Week 3: “Planning Worship”

DISCIPLESHIP: WORSHIP WEEK 4: SAY WHAT?

SAY WHAT?

SUPPLIES NEEDED • Bibles

• BOLD student books

• Pens/pencils

• For streaming videos: active Internet connection and a suitable device for viewing

• For downloaded videos: suitable device for viewing

• Variety of strong-smelling items (e.g., cinnamon, garlic, pine needles, oranges, etc.)

• Copies of the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets

BEFORE CLASS • Read the Leader Overview.

• You can access all of the videos for this lesson through the Corps Cadets website (corpscadets.com) at https://corpscadets. com/courses/courseb/courseb_may_wk4.html. Thumbnails throughout the lesson (like the one pictured to the right) will also link you to the multimedia page.

• Please note: Only videos produced by The Salvation Army National Christian Education Department will be available Click these images to for download from our site. You can stream external videos open the video page. from our site or download them from the original source, when that option is available. The video “Meet the Parents – Saying Grace” for Engage can be accessed at youtube.com/watch?v=0DlNF_ukr0I. The video “Rain – Faith Like Potatoes” for Apply can be accessed at youtube.com/watch?v=j0LcacVjt3I. The video “Forrest Gump – Pray for Shrimp” for Apply can be accessed at youtube.com/ watch?v=oyjR0foanYU.

• Have your strong-smelling items in closed containers, so the scent is not present until the Pray portion of the lesson.

• Have the Monthly Questions and Activity Record sheets—that were filled out after the last lesson—ready. Or, if needed, make copies now.

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LEADER OVERVIEW

As a result of this lesson, corps cadets will: 1. identify prayer as a part of worship; 2. identify prayer as something to be learned; 3. describe “pray continually” as a habit; 4. recall various methods of prayer; and 5. list various answers God might give to prayer.

The purpose of this lesson is to teach corps cadets that prayer is a part of worship and, like language, is something to be practiced and a discipline to carry on regularly, even when it is hard. This is primarily done by remaining in the Word and in close relationship with God. They will discuss whether there are “right” or “wrong” words to use when we pray as well as what the Bible says about when and how we are called to pray. They will then learn about various methods of prayer. As application, they will watch clips from movies about answered prayer, comparing what they see to their own experiences. They will consider whether they believe God answers every prayer and describe what it feels like when God seems to be silent. To close, they will try a new method of prayer using their sense of smell.

In the Explore video, the information on different methods of prayer comes from two of Richard Foster’s books, Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home and Sanctuary of the Soul: Journey Into Meditative Prayer.

SAY WHAT? (5 MINUTES) Read from the book together as a brigade.

Listen closely: “Boy the stick dog his throwing is a for.” Say what? Maybe you’ll understand this better: “The boy is throwing a stick for his dog.” Ah, yes—that makes more sense! Language is an interesting thing. Depending on where in the world you were born and what environment you grew up in, you may speak any number of the approximately 6,500 languages in the world today. But even if you speak the language, sounds and words need to be organized in the right order for it to make sense to the listener. We are not born knowing a language. We have to learn it.

The same is true for prayer, which is a part of our worship—our communion with God. Just like a baby listening to the people around speaking over and over for about a year before they say their first word, we need to be exposed to it. And like a student practicing a second language, we should set aside time and effort on a regular basis to become fluent (able to speak easily and well enough for others to understand).

When it comes to prayer, fluency doesn’t mean that we’ve learned to say the right words in the right order at the right time in the right setting. Fluency in prayer means that we have built up the habit of prayer and we have the right heart when we pray. This takes both practice and discipline. Practice means we try different ways over and over again until we feel comfortable— until it becomes second nature to us, just like someone beginning to think in a second language.

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Discipline means we keep going even when we don’t want to—even when we don’t see answers or don’t hear from God…even when He seems silent.

In his book, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, Timothy Keller writes, “If the goal of prayer is a real, personal connection with God, then it is only by immersion in the language of the Bible that we will learn to pray, perhaps just as slowly as a child learns to speak.” We must stay in the Word of God to learn the words our heart needs to speak to God and hear from God. That’s where the focus of our practice and discipline should be.

Author Timothy Jones writes, “Because prayer is largely about a relationship and has so much to do with intangibles such as desire and faith, we sometimes like to think that no work or discipline will be necessary. We prefer spontaneity. And there are those times when something wonderful just ‘happens.’ The words come to us. The longing for God rises without coaxing. Praying seems effortless. But no relationship can be built solely on impromptu utterances. We must alsoat times add diligence.”

Practice. Discipline. Diligence. Say what? You mean I have to work at my prayer life? Yes, that’s exactly what we have to do. But, hopefully, as we keep at it, learning new methods and immersing ourselves deeper into the Word, we will find new life and joy as we become fluent in the language of our relationship with the Creator of the universe: prayer.

THE WORD The following passages will be discussed throughout the lesson: Matthew 7:7-8; Romans 12:12; and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

• Matthew 7:7-8 – This passage on “ask, seek, knock,” is part of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, couched between not judging others and treating others as we want to be treated, then continuing on to talk about the narrow gate and false prophets. Knowing that this passage is part of the Sermon on the Mount also creates the context for our asking, seeking, and knocking – we do so as people who reflect the Beatitudes: as people who are meek, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, etc. When we live this way, our asking will be focused on Kingdom-purposes. Furthermore, we have a faithful and generous God who responds to those in authentic relationship with Him.

• Romans 12:12 – This chapter of Romans talks about being a living sacrifice, humble service in the body of Christ, and love in action. This verse, about being faithful in prayer, is part of love in action. The key words prior to faithful prayer are important: rejoicing (joyful) and enduring (patient). Faithful means to persist in or remain devoted to. Prayer is what sustains the other attitudes. Prayer is foundational.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Here, Paul is giving his final instructions in his first letter to the Thessalonian church. He reminds them to rejoice, pray, and give thanks – and, essentially, to always do these things. Many people get hung up on the interpretation of “pray continually” or “pray without ceasing.” The word continually is actually a good choice, as it means to maintain the regular habit or to do at regular or frequent intervals. It is the same Greek word used for a hacking or persistent cough. We are called to maintain an attitude of prayer at all times, not just when we worship together or in our personal quiet times.

181 MAY DISCIPLESHIP: WORSHIP WEEK 4: SAY WHAT?

ENGAGE (5 MINUTES) Watch “Meet the Parents – Saying Grace.”

Play the Engage video (1 minute, 47 seconds).

Ask: Do you ever struggle with the “right” words to say when you pray, especially when you pray out loud in front of people?

Allow response.

Ask: Do you think there are right and wrong words to say when praying?

Allow response. If anyone answers yes, ask them to give some (appropriate) examples.

Ask: Do you have phrases that you use over and over again when you pray? If so, what are some of them?

Allow response. Share your own as well.

EXPLORE (10 MINUTES) Ask: When and how are we called to pray?

Allow response. This will be covered in the video.

Say: We are going to learn various methods of prayer. Have any of you tried any different methods of praying? If so, which ones?

Allow response.

Play the Explore video (approximately 6 minutes).

Video Transcript:

Prayer is an important part of our worship. We are called to pray together in community. We are also taught to pray on our own privately. Jesus modeled a life of prayer. After Jesus died, rose again, and ascended into heaven, the Spirit used Paul in a big way to teach on important subjects, including prayer. Let’s read Romans 12:12.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Paul gives instructions to be joyful, patient, and faithful. Prayer is the foundation for these attitudes. If we aren’t faithful in prayer, we won’t be able to be patient when things are hard or have joy-filled hope. In his first letter to the church in Thessalonica, he gives more insight into how we can be faithful in prayer. Let’s read 1 Thessalonians 5, verses 16 to 18.

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“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Here, more than just being patient, Paul instructs Christians to give thanks in good times and in bad. We should always rejoice and have joyful hope. Paul also writes, “Pray continually.” How is this possible?

Sometimes people don’t understand this idea. They think Paul is telling us to pray all the time, without stopping. If this were true, we wouldn’t be able to sleep, or listen to others, or get anything else done.

Continually and continuously are two words that are often confused. They both come from the same root word—continue--but they mean different things.

Continually means it comes back over and over again. It is repetitive and happens often.

Continuously means like a circle--it never stops. It just keeps going and going all the time.

We are instructed to pray continually. That means we do it regularly. We come back to prayer over and over again. It becomes a regular part of our day--not the only thing we do in the day.

The main reason we are to pray continually is because prayer is about building a relationship. Connecting in this relationship is the point of worship. As we spend time in prayer, we get to know God better. Knowing Him better is what produces His character in our lives and how we begin to live out His will daily.

When we pray faithfully, we pray with the right motives—not just to get answers. We don’t pray because we have to. It’s not an obligation; it’s a privilege. We pray because it is part of our growing relationship with God.

Richard Foster wrote, “A full life of prayer contains infinite variety.” If we don’t have a lot of practice praying, or don’t have much experience with different ways to pray, our prayer life can become very boring very quickly. So, let’s consider four different methods of prayer.

First, keeping a prayer journal can be helpful in your prayer life. A journal and a diary are not the same thing. A diary tells what happened in the day. A journal tells what you think and feel about what happened.

You can write complete sentences, expressing your thoughts as a written prayer. Or, you can write a list of concerns. Then you can look back to see where God has provided answers.

Second, you can pray using music. Play worship songs, allowing your heart to pray the lyrics to God.

Reading lyrics can be an excellent way to deepen your prayer life. Read through old hymns. Stop to think about the spiritual truths. The Song Book of The Salvation Army is an excellent resource for this.

Several Christian musicians to consider for this method of prayer include Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Tasha Cobbs, Ronnie Murchison, and Phil Laeger. But be careful. Don’t let other people’s lyrics replace words from Scripture and prayers from your own heart.

Third, pray in different postures. Have you ever prayed kneeling? Have you tried lying on your stomach to pray? Have you prayed with your arms raised?

183 MAY DISCIPLESHIP: WORSHIP WEEK 4: SAY WHAT?

Try different prayer positions when you are alone. That way, when you are in a group, you won’t be self- conscious, and you can focus on God.

Fourth, consider meditative prayer. This is sometimes called lectio divina. Choose a passage of Scripture. A Psalm will work well for this. Or consider a portion from Romans 12 to begin.

Read the Scripture several times. Think about it. Read it aloud. Read it in another version. Sit quietly and just let thoughts about the passage come into your heart and mind. Then read it again.

Now pray the passage. Talk to God about what you see in the passage. Ask Him questions about it. Jot down some notes. Think some more. Pray some more.

Try one of these four methods of prayer in your own personal time. Maybe try it with a friend, or with your brigade. Using a variety of forms of prayer will help keep your prayer life fresh so you can worship God continually in this way.

APPLY (15 MINUTES) Watch “Rain – Faith Like Potatoes.”

Play the Apply - Part 1 video (3 minutes, 47 seconds).

Ask the following questions, allowing response between each one: Do you think we usually expect to have our prayers answered this way if we truly believe in God and what we are praying? How does it affect us when we don’t receive answers like this?

Watch “Forrest Gump – Pray for Shrimp.”

Play the Apply - Part 2 video (2 minutes, 15 seconds).

Ask the following questions, allowing response between each one: Do you ever feel like Lt. Dan in this clip, where you just want to yell at God? What does God’s answer look like in this clip? Have you experienced a miracle that was an answer to prayer? If so, tell us about it.

Share your own answers as well.

Ask: Do you believe God answers every prayer? Explain.

Allow response.

Ask: When have you felt that God has been silent? What were your feelings in that period?

Allow response. Share your own experience as well.

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Play the Apply - Part 3 video (approximately 4 minutes).

Video Transcript:

We pray for a lot of reasons, not just because we want answers. But let’s look at the topic of answers to prayer for a moment. Jesus tells us to pray and God will respond. Let’s read His words in Matthew 7, verses 7 and 8.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Pastor and author Charles Stanley gave an explanation that might help us understand this verse better. He wrote, “Jesus never promised that every door would open immediately. On the contrary, in telling us to ‘seek’ and ‘knock,’ Jesus used a Greek verb form called the present imperative. These two verbs are best translated as ‘knock, and keep on knocking’ and ‘seek, and keep on seeking.’ In other words, perseverance is a vital aspect of answered prayer. Some of the gifts the Father has for us can come only after long seasons of waiting and praying.”

So does this mean God always answers prayer? Some people say that God has three answers to prayer: yes, no, and wait. While we can’t boil God down to three easy steps, there is some truth to this. Let’s take a look at each.

First, yes. When God answers “yes,” it is often very clear. Sometimes we don’t see it until time has passed, and we look back to see what He has accomplished.

“Ordinary” provisions can be His answers to prayer. And sometimes we will never see His answer, even though He answered “yes.”

Second, no. “No” doesn’t mean that God didn’t hear you or that He doesn’t care. God has perfect knowledge of everything. He says “no” to protect us. He says “no” when “yes” is not best for us.

Third, wait. Waiting may be a part of God’s perfect plan. He is the God of order, not chaos. Sometimes other things need to happen before He will answer “yes.” Waiting allows us to keep coming back to Him in prayer, helping us trust in and depend on Him.

Author Richard Foster wrote, “Another reality to keep in mind is the simple fact that many times our prayers are indeed answered, but we lack the eyes to see it.”

Sometimes God seems or is silent. Let’s discuss these situations.

Sometimes God seems to be silent because we can’t hear Him. Our hearts might have the wrong motive when we pray, so we listen for the answer we want rather than the answer He is giving. Or, our hearts are so clouded by ongoing sin that we can’t see through the fog to what God is trying to show us.

Sometimes, God is silent. He often uses silence to teach us patience and obedience. Silence can help us listen more closely. While we wait to hear from Him, we can lean into Him and learn to depend on Him

185 MAY DISCIPLESHIP: WORSHIP WEEK 4: SAY WHAT?

more. More than anything, we can remain confident that we have a loving God who hears us, even when we don’t hear Him. Keep praying and waiting on His timing.

In those times of silence, we should remember that God hasn’t stopped loving us. Nothing can separate us from His love. We don’t need to be afraid. We can trust Him!

Have the corps cadets turn to the doctrines in their student book and read along with you.

PRAY (5 MINUTES) Spend some time using one of your senses in prayer: the sense of smell. Remind the corps cadets that this is an opportunity to try new methods of prayer.

Have a variety of strong-smelling items (e.g., cinnamon, garlic, pine needles, oranges, etc.) available in containers to pass around the brigade.

Say: Smells are often the strongest trigger of memory. Smell an item. What comes to mind? What memories or feelings does it trigger? In what ways does this make you think of God (either the smell or the memory)? Or, if it doesn’t, why? Take time to smell each item, pondering the smell and the memories or feelings it brings up. Perhaps only one item (or maybe all of them) will awaken something in your soul. Allow God to use your sense of smell to bring you into prayer. What do you need to pray for? A past memory not yet reconciled? An idea newly sparked in your heart? How do these smells relate to something in the world you can pray for?

Spend a few moments in quiet for personal prayer.

TO CLOSE THE CLASS (10 MINUTES) Have the corps cadets fill out their Activity Record points for the week and complete Monthly Questions 7-10 and the Question for Reflection.

186 MAY DISCIPLESHIP: WORSHIP WEEK 4: SAY WHAT?

Ensure that all Monthly Questions are complete, with the corps cadet’s name on each paper. Collect completed papers to turn in to DHQ.

MONTHLY QUESTIONS FOR THIS LESSON 7. From the Explore video: Choose the correct answer. To pray continually means

a. Pray all the time, without stopping. b. Don’t sleep so you can pray. c. Pray regularly; make it a regular part of your day. d. Pray perfectly, without error.

8. From the Apply video: True or False. God will always give us what we ask for. His answer is always “yes.”

We believe that there are ______in the Godhead – the ______, the ______and the Holy Ghost, undivided in ______and co-equal in power and ______.

10. Review of memory verse: Fill in the blanks. “God is ______, and his ______must ______in the ______and in ______.” (John 4:24)

Question for Reflection: What did you learn about worship? How will you apply it to your life?

DOCTRINE 3 We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

187 MAY DISCIPLESHIP: WORSHIP WEEK 4: SAY WHAT? MAY QUESTIONS MEMORIZE BOLD FOR CORPS CADETS | COURSE B | SPRING 2021 “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)

DID YOU KNOW? Like animals, languages can be endangered and become extinct. Many languages are near extinction with fewer than 12 people who know the language in this generation. Most of these are in South America, Africa, and remote islands in the Pacific. In 2007, Liki was only spoken by five people in islands near Indonesia. All local church officials in the region used to speak Liki. The most endangered language is Taushiro in Peru. There is only one known person left who speaks it fluently.

GO DEEPER Read “I Will” statements A, B, and I of “The Soldier’s Covenant.” Discuss or journal how they relate to today’s lesson.

Read about being yourself in prayer at tinyurl.com/hw4o2qa.

Check out some reasons why God may not have answered your prayer: tinyurl.com/goyrkkp.

Read Richard Foster’s book Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home.

188 MAY MAY QUESTIONS BOLD FOR CORPS CADETS | COURSE B | SPRING 2021

NAME: ______

MONTHLY QUESTIONS (3 PTS. EACH) 1. Choose all that apply. Worship:

a. Is for anyone who deserves it. b. Is giving our entire being in humble adoration. c. Changes our perspective. d. Transforms us. e. Should only be done by those with special skills.

2. List at least three ways you can worship God.

______

3. Choose the correct word or phrase in each underlined pair. The first Salvation Army brass band was started by the Booth family/the Fry family. The Salvation Army/Beethoven made brass music popular. Brass music was used early on as a way to mix culture with the gospel/because of tradition. The Salvation Army used music from the pubs/the Catholic church and changed the lyrics to ones that glorified God. 4. True or False. The history of The Salvation Army includes using creativity for God’s glory. The mission of The Salvation Army remains the same: to bring people to Jesus.

______

5. Choose the correct answer. The first thing to do when planning a worship service is:

a. Write down your plan. b. Ask others for help. c. Pray. d. Know who will be in the worship service. e. Include all four key elements. 6. Fill in the blanks. Our ______is shaped by what we ______about Who God is and what kind of ______He wants to have with us.

7. Choose the correct answer. To pray continually means:

a. Pray all the time, without stopping. b. Don’t sleep so you can pray. c. Pray regularly; make it a regular part of your day. d. Pray perfectly, without error.

8. True or False. God will always give us what we ask for. His answer is always “yes.”

______

9. Fill in the blanks. We believe that there is only ______God, who is infinitely ______, the ______, Preserver, and ______of all things, and who is the ______proper object of religious ______.

We believe that there are ______in the Godhead – the ______, the ______and the Holy Ghost, undivided in ______and co-equal in power and ______.

10. Fill in the blanks. “God is ______, and his ______must ______in the ______and in ______.” (John 4:24)

QUESTION FOR REFLECTION (20 PTS.) ANSWER MUST BE A MINIMUM OF 4 TO 6 SENTENCES. What did you learn about worship? How will you apply it to your life?

______

Corps Cadets - don’t forget to fill out your Course B Feedback Surveys! https://corpscadets.com/surveys/courseb_studentsurvey.html ACTIVITYACTIVITY RECORDRECORD BOLD FOR CORPS CADETS | COURSE B | SPRING 2021 | MAY

NAME: CORPS:

Activity Record W 1 W 2 W 3 W 4 W 5 TOTAL Sunday School (2 pts., 10 max.)

Corps Cadet Classes (3 pts., 15 max.)

Worship Service (3 pts., 15 max.)

SA Youth Meetings (1 pt., 10 max.) Attendance Divisional/Territorial Events (1 pt., 5 max.)

Prayer Meeting or Bible Study (1 pt., 5 max.)

Sunday School Class or Activity Taught (2 pts., 10 max.)

Practices Attended (1 pt., 5 max.)

Visitation & Service(1 pt., 10 max.)

Participation Worship Service Participation (1 pt., 5 max.) TOTAL

Corps Cadet: Date:

C.C. Counselor: Date:

Corps Officer: Date:

COURSE B | SPRING 2021 ACT

ACT

The Act component can be completed at any time within the Spring 2021 course. As a brigade, choose two of the four themes. Then choose one of the options offered for each of the chosen themes and complete the activity. Doing all four months of SOAPS can replace one Act per course. For no more than one Act per year (two courses), a corps cadet can receive credit for something they are already doing related to one of the themes. For example, for Trinity, Holy Spirit, or Worship, they could receive credit if they are currently taking the class to become a senior soldier.

THEME 1: TRINITY • Prepare and present an object lesson about the Trinity.

THEME 2: LOVE • Participate in “I’ll Fight” Day.

• Show unconditional love.

THEME 3: HOLY SPIRIT • Read more about baptism and the sacraments in The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine.

• Create a multi-media presentation about the Holy Spirit.

• Learn more about the fruit of the Spirit.

THEME 4: WORSHIP • Plan the program for Corps Cadet Sunday.

• Get involved in worship at the corps.

193 COURSE B | SPRING 2021 ACT

THEME 1: TRINITY • Prepare and present an object lesson about the Trinity.

PREPARE AND PRESENT AN OBJECT LESSON ABOUT THE TRINITY. Present an object lesson about the Trinity in Sunday school opening, Sunday school class, or Junior Soldier class.

Use the handouts from Trinity—Leadership: Object Lessons. If you didn’t create an object lesson during the Apply section, create one now. If you did, practice it now.

The three most common objects used to describe the Trinity are water, an egg, and a shamrock/ clover. Water has three states—gas, liquid, and solid—but each is still water. An egg has a shell, white, and yolk, three parts that make up a whole. The shamrock/clover has three leaves but is still one shamrock.

If you have a large brigade, corps cadets should team up to present the object lesson.

Arrange with the corps officer and the program leaders when the appropriate time will be to present the lessons.

Review the “Things to Keep in Mind When Preparing an Object Lesson” sheet with the corps cadets.

You will also need the “Object Lesson Preparation Worksheet,” the “Corps Cadet Self-Evaluation” sheet, and the “Reviewer Checklist.”

194 COURSE B | SPRING 2021 ACT

THEME 2: LOVE • Participate in “I’ll Fight” Day.

• Show unconditional love.

PARTICIPATE IN “I’LL FIGHT” DAY. “I’ll Fight” Day is usually in December, but any day is a good day to have an “I’ll Fight” Day. The website www.illfightday.com gives a lot of really good options and resources. If none of them work for your brigade, have a brainstorming session and see what the corps cadets want to do. The criteria should not simply be “what they are comfortable doing.”

SHOW UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. Brainstorm together how to show unconditional love to a family member, a neighbor, someone at school, and someone at the corps.

Some possibilities are:

• To a family member

- Ask how a parent’s day was.

- Do something extra and unexpected for your family.

- Spend extra time with a grandparent.

- Be more understanding of family members’ situations.

- Take an interest in another family member’s hobby.

• To a neighbor

- Bring in their trash and recycling containers.

- Rake their leaves, pull their weeds, or mow their grass without getting paid.

- Offer to walk their dog on a rainy day.

- Help them carry their groceries in from the car.

• To someone at school

- Sit with someone in class or in the cafeteria who usually sits alone.

- Help a new student fit in.

195 COURSE B | SPRING 2021 ACT

- Stand up for a student with disabilities who is being teased or bullied.

- Tutor a student who is struggling without being paid.

• To someone at the corps

- Make sure everyone is invited, included, and accepted.

- Meet and greet people before and after worship.

- Look for people who aren’t participating and look for ways to include them.

196 COURSE B | SPRING 2021 ACT

THEME 3: HOLY SPIRIT • Read more about baptism and the sacraments in The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine.

• Create a multi-media presentation about the Holy Spirit.

• Learn more about the fruit of the Spirit.

READ MORE ABOUT BAPTISM AND THE SACRAMENTS IN THE SALVATION ARMY HANDBOOK OF DOCTRINE. Baptism and the Sacraments are mentioned in the following places in The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine:

• Baptism pp. 271, 298-299

• Baptism of the Holy Spirit p. 203

• Baptism of repentance p. 145

• Sacraments p. 269ff

CREATE A MULTI-MEDIA PRESENTATION ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT. • Create a multimedia presentation about the Holy Spirit.

• A multimedia presentation includes any combination of visuals, sounds, and text.

• Share presentation at the corps.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT. Some possible resources are:

• www.seedbed.com/advance-session-3-fruit-of-the-spirit-from-doing-to-being/

• www.biblegateway.com/resources/asbury-bible-commentary/b-freedom-as-a- basis-for-service-5-13-26

197 COURSE B | SPRING 2021 ACT

THEME 4: WORSHIP • Plan the program for Corps Cadet Sunday.

• Get involved in worship at the corps.

PLAN THE PROGRAM FOR CORPS CADET SUNDAY. Use the “General Program Outline” at the end of this section or create your own. Include all of the corps cadets if possible. Choral readings and skits are good ways to include several people in one item. Suggested materials are also available along with the curriculum.

Review these key points with your corps cadets as they prepare to participate in worship:

• Thebottom line: It is not about you. It is not a performance (even if the participation is a solo—vocal or instrumental—or a dance, even a dramatic monologue).

• Prepare so you can focus on the purpose: bringing glory to God and helping others in their worship.

• Always bring your best. Colossians 3:17 is a very familiar verse which reminds us of this: “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

• Being asked to be part of a service—whether the holiness, salvation, or praise meeting—is an honor. It should never be looked at as an inconvenience, a burden, or a requirement to check off your “to do” list so you can get on with something else. You are being entrusted with a spiritual responsibility. Do not take it lightly.

GET INVOLVED IN WORSHIP AT THE CORPS. • List the elements of worship currently used at your corps. Think outside the box.

• Consider how different elements of corps life could be reframed to become, orbe understood as, worship.

• Considering what you learned about worship during this unit, brainstorm additional elements that could be added.

• Talk with your corps officer about how these elements might be incorporated into the corps program.

• Choose a way to become more involved in worship at the corps. This could include a reshaping of your own attitude about and understanding of worship.

198 COURSE B | SPRING 2021 ACT

SOAPS SOAPs is a method of Bible reading and journaling. The Scripture used for this section is based on the memory verse.

The Leader’s Guide for each lesson includes the SOAPs worksheet. The corps cadet counselor will print off a copy of all four for each corps cadet if it is being used for Act.

HOW TO USE THE SOAPS METHOD S for Scripture: Open your Bible to the SOAPs passage. Take time reading the passage and allow God to speak to you. Read it more than once. Consider reading it in several translations. A good resource for this is www.biblegateway.com.

O for Observation: What struck you and caught your attention as you read? What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you. Paraphrase and write this Scripture in your own words if that would help you understand it.

A for Application: Personalize what you have read by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise, or correction for a particular habit or attitude in your life. Write how this Scripture can apply to you today.

P for Prayer: This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He is revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say!

199 THEME 1: TRINITY OBJECT LESSON PREPARATION WORKSHEET

NAME: ______

DATE OF LESSON: ______

Who is my TARGET GROUP?

______

What SCRIPTURE am I using?

______

What is the POINT of the lesson?

______

What SUPPLIES do I need?

______

What are the STEPS in the object lesson?

______

What is the right TIMING for this lesson? Should I…

• Explain first and then do the object lesson? Yes/No

• Do the object lesson and then explain the meaning? Yes/No

• Explain the meaning while doing the object lesson? Yes/No

What SENSES are engaged?

SEEING HEARING TOUCHING SMELLING TASTING

Is the lesson RELEVANT to the target group? Why?

______

Is the lesson APPROPRIATE for the SIZE of the audience? Why?

______

What is my CLEAN-UP plan?

______

BOLD for Corps Cadets | Course B | ACT THEME 1: TRINITY CORPS CADET SELF-EVALUATION

NAME: ______

Did I state the Scripture clearly? Yes/No

Did I have all the supplies read y and available? Yes/No

Did I follow the steps correctly? Yes/No

Did I need to practice more to be comfortable? Yes/No

Did I speak clearly and slowly? Yes/No

Did I make the point of the lesson clear? Yes/No

Was my choice of timing right? Yes/No

Was the lesson appropriate for the size of the audience? Yes/No

Was my clean-up plan appropriate? Yes/No

Did people seem to appreciate and understand the lesson? Yes/No

What else could I have done to make the presentation better?

______

BOLD for Corps Cadets | Course B | ACT THEME 1: TRINITY REVIEWER CHECKLIST

Name of corps cadet: ______

Target group: ______

Was the Scripture clearly stated? Yes/No

Were all supplies ready and available? Yes/No

Did the corps cadet need more practice to be comfortable? Yes/No

Was the point of the lesson clear? Yes/No

Did the corps cadet choose to…

• Explain first and then do the object lesson? Yes/No

• Do the object lesson and then explain the meaning? Yes/No

• Explain while doing the object lesson? Yes/No

Was it the right choice of timing? Yes/No

What SENSES were engaged?

SEEING HEARING TOUCHING SMELLING TASTING

Was it relevant to the audience? Yes/No

Was it appropriate for the size of the audience? Yes/No

Was there an appropriate clean-up plan? Yes/No

Did the corps cadet speak clearly and slowly? Yes/No

Did people seem to appreciate and understand the lesson? Yes/No

Other helpful comments?

______

Reviewer’s Signature: ______

The point of this review is to give the corps cadet constructive input, not to grade them. This is only to be shared in private with the corps cadet; it’s never to be done in front of the brigade.

BOLD for Corps Cadets | Course B | ACT THEME 4: WORSHIP THEME 4: WORSHIP GENERAL PROGRAM OUTLINE GENERAL PROGRAM OUTLINE (Suggested) (Suggested)

Prelude Prelude

Welcome - Corps Cadet Counselor Welcome - Corps Cadet Counselor

(Recognition of CCs and leaders) (Recognition of CCs and leaders)

Call to Worship - Corps Cadet Call to Worship - Corps Cadet

Opening Song - Corps Cadet Opening Song - Corps Cadet

Praise and Worship - Praise Band Praise and Worship - Praise Band

Testimony - Corps Cadet Testimony - Corps Cadet

Bible Reading - Corps Cadet(s) Bible Reading - Corps Cadet(s)

Tithes and Offering - Corps Treasurer/Corps Cadet Tithes and Offering - Corps Treasurer/Corps Cadet

Special Item (Skit, Dance, Solo) - Corps Cadet(s) Special Item (Skit, Dance, Solo) - Corps Cadet(s)

Sermon - Corps Cadet Counselor or Corps Cadet Sermon - Corps Cadet Counselor or Corps Cadet

Closing Song - Corps Cadet Closing Song - Corps Cadet

Benediction - Corps Cadet Benediction - Corps Cadet

BOLD for Corps Cadets | Course B | ACT BOLD for Corps Cadets | Course B | ACT

COURSE B | SPRING 2021 MONTHLY QUESTIONS ANSWER KEY

ANSWERS: FEBRUARY

1. True or False. The Holy Spirit and Jesus can be distinguished from the Father, but none can be separated from one another. True.

2. All three members of the Trinity were and are active in creation. List the other two areas the Trinity was and is active in that were covered in this lesson. Redemption and sanctification.

3. Choose the false statement.

4. Choose all that apply. What is true about redemption?

a. It means to buy us back from slavery to sin. b. Jesus accomplished it on the cross. c. Jesus was the only member of the Trinity involved in it. d. Redemption provides us with freedom.

5. List one of the prophets discussed and the object he used for his object lesson. Ahijah, his cloak (torn into 12 pieces); OR Agabus, Paul’s belt

6. Fill in the blanks. Things to keep in mind when preparing and presenting an object lesson: Know your target group OR audience. Know the point of the object lesson. Know what supplies you need. Know the right timing for the object lesson. Know what senses the object lesson engages. Know what cleanup is necessary.

7. True or False. Transcendence means God does not care about what happens in the world. Immanence means He is inactive and not present. False. Transcendence means that God is separate and apart (over and above everything). Immanence means that God is involved and active in everything.

8. Choose the correct word or phrase in each underlined pair. The Triune God is asanctifying / absent God. He makes us happy/righteous because His relationships are happy/righteous. God wants us to relate to Him alone/Him and others in righteousness.

205 COURSE B | SPRING 2021 MONTHLY QUESTIONS ANSWER KEY

9. Fill in the blanks. We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitelyperfect the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.

We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

10. Fill in the blanks. “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14)

Question for Reflection: What did you learn about the Trinity? How will you apply it to your life?

There are no specific answers to the reflection question. The answers given, however, should draw from the unit materials and demonstrate application.

206 COURSE B | SPRING 2021 MONTHLY QUESTIONS ANSWER KEY

ANSWERS: MARCH 1. Match the Greek word for love on the left to its definition on the right.

a. Eros b. natural affection b. Storge d. unconditional love c. Phileo a. emotional love d. Agape c. brotherly love

2. Choose all of the things that love is not or does not do:

3. Choose the correct word or phrase in each underlined pair. The Salvation Army, a local/an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal/only Christian church. Its message is based on doctrine/the Bible. Its works/ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach/study the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human desires/needs in His name without mistakes/discrimination.

4. True or False. Our actions should be so others can see how giving and charitable we are. False. Our actions should flow out of our love for God.

5. List four of the twelve disciples. Andrew, Peter, James (son of Zebedee), John, Matthew, Simon, Judas, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Thaddaeus, James (son of Alphaeus)

6. Fill in the blanks. Jesus wants us to follow His example of servant leadership. He wants us to put others before ourselves. However, none of that matters if we do it without His love.

7. True or False. We don’t have to do anything to be loved by God. God loves us because His nature is love. True. 8. Choose each true statement regarding love.

207 COURSE B | SPRING 2021 MONTHLY QUESTIONS ANSWER KEY

9. Fill in the blanks. We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitelyperfect the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.

We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

10. Fill in the blanks. “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first andgreatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39)

Question for Reflection: What did you learn about love? How will you apply it to your life?

There are no specific answers to the reflection question. The answers given, however, should draw from the unit materials and demonstrate application.

208 COURSE B | SPRING 2021 MONTHLY QUESTIONS ANSWER KEY

ANSWERS: APRIL

1. Choose all that apply. The Holy Spirit:

a. Is a Person b. Is not part of the Godhead c. Is eternal and holy d. Has no emotions or will e. Can be in personal relationship with us

2. True or False. The Holy Spirit is an equal member of the Trinity who is active in our lives. True.

3. Fill in the blanks. The Salvation Army comes from the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition. John Wesley taught that we can only live a life that glorifies God with the power of the Holy Spirit in us, and that He is available to all.

4. Choose all that apply. Signs that the Holy Spirit lives in us:

5. What is the main thing you must know for yourself in order to determine whether a teaching is true or false? The Word of God

6. Choose all that apply. What are steps to questioning teaching (testing the spirits) in a respectful way?

a. Know God’s Word b. Pray c. Be rude and confrontational d. Ask questions e. Demand better teaching f. Research g. Go back to the Word

209 COURSE B | SPRING 2021 MONTHLY QUESTIONS ANSWER KEY

7. Which word sums up the activities of the Holy Spirit in our lives? Transformation or Sanctification

8. List three of the nine characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, forbearance (or patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control

9. Fill in the blanks. We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitelyperfect the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.

We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

10. Fill in the blanks. “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)

Question for Reflection: What did you learn about the Holy Spirit? How will you apply it to your life?

There are no specific answers to the reflection question. The answers given, however, should draw from the unit materials and demonstrate application.

210 COURSE B | SPRING 2021 MONTHLY QUESTIONS ANSWER KEY

ANSWERS: MAY

1. Choose all that apply. Worship:

a. Is for anyone who deserves it. b. Is giving our entire being in humble adoration. c. Changes our perspective. d. Transforms us. e. Should only be done by those with special skills.

2. List at least three ways you can worship God. In community, privately, music, singing, prayer, giving an offering (money, time, talents), reading Scripture, journaling gratitude, dance, poetry, visual art

4. True or False. The history of The Salvation Army includes using creativity for God’s glory. The mission of The Salvation Army remains the same: to bring people to Jesus.True.

5. Choose the correct answer. The first thing to do when planning a worship service is:

a. Write down your plan. b. Ask others for help. c. Pray. d. Know who will be in the worship service. e. Include all four key elements.

6. Fill in the blanks. Our worship is shaped by what we believe about Who God is and what kind of relationship He wants to have with us.

7. Choose the correct answer. To pray continually means:

a. Pray all the time, without stopping. b. Don’t sleep so you can pray. c. Pray regularly; make it a regular part of your day. d. Pray perfectly, without error.

211 COURSE B | SPRING 2021 MONTHLY QUESTIONS ANSWER KEY

8. True or False. God will always give us what we ask for. His answer is always “yes.” False. God will answer for our good. Sometimes the answer is “yes,” sometimes “no,” and sometimes “wait.”

9. Fill in the blanks. We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitelyperfect the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.

We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

10. Fill in the blanks. “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)

Question for Reflection: What did you learn about worship? How will you apply it to your life?

There are no specific answers to the reflection question. The answers given, however, should draw from the unit materials and demonstrate application.

212 COURSE B | SPRING 2021 sources

SOURCES

FEBRUARY Chan, Francis. Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2009.

Coppedge, Allan. The God Who is Triune: Revisioning the Christian Doctrine of God. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2007.

Garrington, Major Jim. Equipped for Battle: Personal Perspectives on Wesleyan Beliefs and Practices, Based on the Articles of War, the Membership Document of The Salvation Army. Central Territory, USA: The Salvation Army, 2002.

Grider, J. Kenneth. “The Triune God,” A Contemporary Wesleyan Theology, ed. Charles Carter. Grand Rapids, MI: Francis Asbury Press, 1983.

Jüngel, Eberhard. God’s Being is in Becoming: The Trinitarian Being of God in the Theology of Karl Barth. Edinburgh, Scotland: T&T Clark, Ltd., 2001.

Jüngel, Eberhard. Theological Essays II. New York, NY: Bloomsbury, 1995.

McLaren, Brain D. Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road?: Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World. New York, NY: Jericho Books, 2012.

Merritt, John G., ed. Historical Dictionary of The Salvation Army. Lanham, MD: The Scarecrow Press, Inc., 2006.

The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine. London, England: Salvation Books, The Salvation Army International Headquarters, 2013.

The Song Book of The Salvation Army. Verona, NJ: The Salvation Army National Headquarters, 1987.

Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.

The Wesley Study Bible New Revised Standard Version. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2009.

Wilkins, Steve & Mark Sanford. Hidden Worldviews: Eight Culture Stories That Shape Our Lives. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2009.

Williams, Harry. An Army Needs An Ambulance Corps. Alexandria, VA: Crest Books, 2009.

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214 COURSE B | SPRING 2021 sources

MARCH Barry, John D., et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016.

Bence, Philip A. Acts: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. Indianapolis, IN: Wesleyan Publishing House, 1998.

Chipman, Bill. “Agape: Loving the Way Jesus Loves.” The War Cry, February 2014.

Corbett, Steve and Brian Fikkert. When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor and Yourself. Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2009.

Dongell, Joseph. John: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. Indianapolis, IN: Wesleyan Publishing House, 1997, pp. 72-74.

Hahn, Roger L. Matthew: A Commentary for Bible Students. Indianapolis, IN: Wesleyan Publishing House, 2007.

Henry, Matthew. Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994.

Jamieson, Robert, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997.

Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993, p. 480.

Reflecting God Study Bible New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 2000.

The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine. London, England: Salvation Books, The Salvation Army International Headquarters, 2013.

Schneck, Kenneth. 1 & 2 Corinthians: A Commentary for Bible Students. Indianapolis, IN: Wesleyan Publishing House, 2006.

Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.

The Wesley Study Bible New Revised Standard Version. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2009.

Wilkins, Steve and Mark Sanford. Hidden Worldviews: Eight Culture Stories That Shape Our Lives. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2009.

Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996.

215 COURSE B | SPRING 2021 sources

WEB RESOURCES www.biblegateway.com www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/mercy https://blog.taskque.com/characteristics-good-leaders/ www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/13/24753?view=entry&tmpl=component&print=1 www.britannica.com https://careertrend.com/list-6753156-servant-leadership-games.html http://chrismlegg.com/2009/10/01/5-greek-words-for-love-agape www.theclassroom.com/what-were-the-professions-of-the-twelve-apostles-12083577.html www.dailygood.org/story/158/what-does-love-mean-see-how-4-8-year-old-kids-describe- love/ www.forbes.com/lists/top-charities/#1fac16b65f50 www.gofundme.com/c/blog/weird-charities www.gospeloutreach.net/613laws.html?_e_pi_=7,PAGE_ID10,7286444886 www.mbcarlington/uploads/Greek%20word%20Study%20on%20Love.pdf www.openbibleinfo/topics/charity www.relevantmagazine.com/reject-apathy/poverty/wrong-way-approach-poor www.swordsearcher.com/bible-study-library/webster-1828-dictionary.html www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iIEvQNRs_M www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFRABxsksoA www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_ObrBLVqWg www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCunuL58odQ

APRIL Barry, John D., et. al. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016.

Barry, John D., et. al, editors. The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016.

216 COURSE B | SPRING 2021 sources

Brand, Chad, et. al, editors. Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003.

Cairns, Alan. Dictionary of Theological Terms. Greenville, SC: Ambassador Emerald International, 2002.

Chan, Francis. Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit. Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 2009.

Cross, F. L. and Elizabeth A. Livingstone, editors. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2005.

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Elwell, Walter A. Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Baker Reference Library. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1996.

Elwell, Walter A. and Barry J. Beitzel. Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988.

Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. Third Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013.

Gariepy, Henry. 40 Days with the Saviour: Preparing our Hearts for Easter. Singapore: The Salvation Army Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar Command, 1995.

Geisler, Norman L. Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics. Baker Reference Library. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999.

Girzon, Joseph F. Jesus: A New Understanding of God’s Son. New York, NY: Doubleday, 2009.

Hamilton, Adam. Creed: What Christians Believe and Why, Exploring the Apostles’ Creed. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2016.

Harris, Ray. Convictions Matter: The Function of Salvation Army Doctrines. Toronto, Ontario, Canada: The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda, 2014.

Hawthorne, Gerald F., Ralph P. Martin, and Daniel G. Reid, editors. Dictionary of Paul and His Letters. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

Jamieson, Robert, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997.

Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

Kovacs, Joe. Shocked by the Bible: The Most Astonishing Facts You’ve Never Been Told. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2008.

217 COURSE B | SPRING 2021 sources

Lewis, C. S. Miracles. London & Glasgow: Collins/Fontana, 1947.

Mangum, Douglas, et. al, editors. Lexham Theological Wordbook. Lexham Bible Reference Series. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014.

The NIV Study Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011.

Rightmire, R. David. Sacraments and The Salvation Army: Pneumatological Foundations. Metuchin, NJ: The Scarecrow Press, Inc., 1990.

Rightmire, R. David. The Sacramental Journey of The Salvation Army: A Study of Holiness Foundations. Alexandria, VA: Crest Books, The Salvation Army National Headquarters, 2016.

The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine. London, England: Salvation Books, The Salvation Army International Headquarters, 2013.

Satterlee, Allen, editor. Notable Quotables: A Compendium of Gems from Salvation Army Literature. Atlanta, GA: The Salvation Army Supplies and Purchasing, 1985.

Stanley, Charles. Prayer: The Ultimate Conversation. New York, NY: Howard Books, 2012.

Street, Robert. Called to be God’s People: The International Spiritual Life Commission—Its report, implications and challenges. London, United Kingdom: Salvation Books, The Salvation Army International Headquarters, 1999.

Swindoll, Charles R. Embraced by the Spirit: The Untold Blessings of Intimacy with God. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010.

Torrey, R. A. The New Topical Text Book: A Scriptural Book for the Use of Ministers, Teachers, and All Christian Workers. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2001.

Tozer, A. W. God’s Pursuit of Man. Camp Hill, PA: Wing Spread Publishers, 1978.

Truesdale, Al, editor. Global Wesleyan Dictionary of Theology. Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press, 2013.

Vander Lugt, Herb. Filled with the Spirit. Grand Rapids, MI: Our Daily Bread Ministries, 2016.

Walvoord, John F. and Roy B. Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.

The Wesley Study Bible New Revised Standard Version. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2009.

Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996.

Wilkins, Steve and Mark Sanford. Hidden Worldviews: Eight Culture Stories That Shape Our Lives. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2009.

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MAY Barry, John D., et. al. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016.

Blackaby, Henry and Norman Blackaby. Experiencing Prayer with Jesus: The Power of His Presence and Example. Sisters, OR: Multnomah Publishers, 2006.

Boon, Brindley. Play the Music, Play! The Story of Salvation Army Bands. London, England: Salvationist Publishing and Supplies, 1966.

Bower, Susan, editor. Reflections on the Lord’s Prayer. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009.

Brand, Chad, et. al. Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003.

Chapell, Bryan. Praying Backwards: Transform Your Prayer Life by Beginning in Jesus’ Name. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2005.

Coutts, Frederick. Essentials of Christian Experience. London, England: Salvationist Publishing and Supplies, 1969.

Foster, Richard J. Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home. New York, NY: HarperCollins, 1992.

Foster, Richard J. Sanctuary of the Soul: Journey Into Meditative Prayer. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2011.

Gariepy, Henry and Stephen Court. Hallmarks of The Salvation Army. Alexandria, VA: Crest Books, 2010.

Green, Roger J. The Life and Ministry of William Booth: Founder of The Salvation Army. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2005.

Hedgren, Steve and Rob Lyle. Mapping Our Salvationist DNA: Beliefs, Values, Behaviors. West Nyack, NY: The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory, 2012.

Jones, Timothy. The Art of Prayer: A Simple Guide to Conversation with God. Colorado Springs, CO: WaterBrook Press, 2005.

Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

Keller, Timothy. Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God. New York, NY: Penguin Group, 2014.

Kendall, R. T. The Lord’s Prayer: Insight and Inspiration to Draw You Closer to Him. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing House, 2010.

McKim, Donald K. Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1996.

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Merritt, John G. and Allen Satterlee, editors. Historical Dictionary of The Salvation Army. Second Edition. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2017.

The NIV Study Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011.

The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine. London, England: Salvation Books, The Salvation Army International Headquarters, 2013.

The Salvation Army: Its Origin and Development. London, England: Salvationist Publishing and Supplies, 1927.

Salvation Story: Salvationist Handbook of Doctrine. London, England: The Salvation Army International Headquarters, 1998.

Sandall, Robert. The History of The Salvation Army, Volume Two, 1878-1886. New York, NY: The Salvation Army Supplies and Purchasing Department, 1950.

Satterlee, Allen, editor. Notable Quotables: A Compendium of Gems from Salvation Army Literature. Atlanta, GA: The Salvation Army Supplies, 1985.

The Song Book of The Salvation Army. Alexandria, VA: The Salvation Army National Headquarters, 2015.

Stanley, Charles F. Prayer: The Ultimate Conversation. New York, NY: Howard Books, 2012.

Truesdale, Al, editor. Global Wesleyan Dictionary of Theology. Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press, 2013.

Waldron, John D. G. S. R. Selections from Published and Unpublished Writings of George Scott Railton. London, England: The Salvation Army, 1981.

Walvoord, John F. and Roy B. Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.

The Wesley Study Bible New Revised Standard Version. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2009.

Wilkins, Steve and Mark Sanford. Hidden Worldviews: Eight Culture Stories That Shape Our Lives. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2009.

Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996.

Winston, Diane. Red-Hot and Righteous: The Urban Religion of The Salvation Army. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1999.

Yancey, Philip. Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference? Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2006.

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www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzkm-kbx2T4 www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJp98hoqy5I

OTHER SOURCES Interview with Rev. Sherrie McKay, Minister of Worship & Arts at Bethany Baptist Church, MD; https://yourbethanyec.org/staff-2/

223 COURSE B SPRING 2021 THE SALVATION ARMY NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT 615 SLATERS LANE, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22310