LESSON 5: MARCH 29 World Peace Through Mutual Understanding Focus Scripture: Isaiah 2:2-4; Acts 17:26-28 Key Verse: Many peoples shall come and say, Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he
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Presentation Transcript
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LESSON 5: MARCH 29<br>
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World Peace Through Mutual Understanding
Focus Scripture: Isaiah 2:2-4; Acts 17:26-28
Key Verse: Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth instruction and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. Isaiah 2:3<br>
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Isaiah 2:2-4
2 In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it.
3 Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth instruction and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4 He shall judge between the nations and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more.
Acts 17:26-28
26 “From one ancestor he made all peoples to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live,
27 so that they would search for God and perhaps fumble about for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from each one of us. Isaiah 2:2-4; Acts 17:26-28 (NRSV UE)<br>
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28 For ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we, too, are his offspring.’”<br>
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Your title here Key Terms
Arbitrate – To resolve disputes between two or more parties from a position of neutrality.
Areopagus – A geographic site (Mars Hill) in Athens, Greece, and an ancient Greek council, comprised of prestigious Athenians who met on Mars Hill.
Hosanna – Means “Save now” or “Save, we beseech thee.”
Millennium – A thousand years; related to Christ’s return; described in Revelation 20.
Passion (Palm Sunday) – The Sunday before Easter or Resurrection Sunday; the beginning of Holy Week.<br>
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Our theme, “Fulfilling Our Obligations to Neighbors,” continues this week as we explore writings from Isaiah and the apostle Paul. Today is significant in our journey as disciples. It’s Palm/Passion Sunday, a day of both celebration and reflection. We remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, greeted with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna,” and recall how quickly joy turned to rejection. The same voices that praised him would soon call for his death. Therefore, we hold joy for his purpose and sorrow for his suffering. As Holy Week begins, let’s remember that his suffering was for our salvation (John 3:16)<br>
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A wonderful serenity has taken possession Isaiah 2:2-4 and Acts 17:26-28 both direct us toward God’s plan for a unity among all people. In the Old Testament, Isaiah offers a prophetic vision of a future in which everyone seeks God and follows God’s will. Paul, through the Gospel, echoes this inclusive plan. We begin with Isaiah, who prophesied during a period of political unrest and moral decay. Isaiah describes a future characterized by peace and divine justice. The timing isn’t specified. However, this hopeful vision is often associated with the Messianic Age or Millennium when Christ is expected to reign on earth.<br>
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A wonderful serenity has taken possession Historically, Christian principles of unity and equality have grown from biblical ideas into powerful motivators in the fight for justice and equality, especially in the African diaspora’s struggles against segregation and discrimination. Many scriptures affirm these Christian principles as divine mandates. Genesis 1:27 states that all people are created in God’s image, and Galatians 3:28 asserts that there is no separation or division among humankind. These biblical truths have inspired many Christian leaders to become activists who have significantly shaped human relations worldwide.<br>
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The existence of the Armageddon pack and the interest it has garnered are intriguing! It is designed to provide special tools and instructions for people who wish to prepare themselves for surviving Armageddon. Deceptive prophecies and teachings about the end of this world are not new! Based on these, many people have abandoned everyday living habits and adopted extreme lifestyles that lead to separations from family and friends, as well as threats to their safety and civility. As Christians, we have learned to look to scriptures, such as Isaiah’s vision (Isaiah 2:2-4) and Paul’s teaching in Acts 26:28.<br>
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The belief that all people are one in Jesus Christ and equal in God’s eyes is a core principle of Christianity. Both of today’s printed texts offer clear insights into contradictions between our lived experiences and God’s intentions. God’s plans for our interconnected world call for unity, respectful communication, and peaceful coexistence among all races, cultures, and nationalities. We are called to act to fulfill God’s plans!<br>
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1. Imagine having the opportunity to fellowship with someone from a different country and a different belief system. How would you prepare?<br>
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2. What actions do you think should be taken to address social, economic, political, or other types of abuse in your community?<br>
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3. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are often politicized as negative influences in the United States and many other countries. How can you prepare to help others understand and value these concepts?<br>
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Closing Song: “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian,” AME Hymnal #282
Closing Prayer: Thank you, Father God, for loving us. Our hearts yearn for more unity, love, and peace! So, please bless us to live holistic lives, loving and serving you and others, especially those whom we have difficulty loving. Please also forgive all our sins and continue to transform our hearts and minds. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.<br>
