After they finished saying their verse together, I had 3 adults say to me, “Pastor Mike, can you make a copy of those verses for me.”
There was one of our adult Sunday School teachers ask me for copies of the verses to be passed out in her class for every member. It looks like this commitment to memorize scripture started by our young people may spread throughout the church. Praise God! You are never too old to “…hide the word of God in your heart.” (Psalm 119:11)
Last night, our students spent the night together participating in a “Movie Night—Scripture Memory” sleep over. The boys spent the night at the home of Scott and Cassie Sturgill. The girls bunked out at Pastor Mike and Robbie’s house. They watched a movie and had snacks. They played games and had a Bible study together. They also put the following verse to memory, “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all His benefits.” (Psalm 103:1-2)
You will hear them recite this verse during worship this morning. As they lift their voices to proclaim the truth of God’s word together, give thanks that our young people are demonstrating for all of us that they are “…doers of the word and not hearers only.” (James 1:22)
Bible study is a priority at Grace. During the month of February, over 70 adult, young people, and children participated in Sunday School every Sunday morning. On most Sunday’s, over half of the people participating in worship have already fellowshipped together in an hour of Bible study, wholesome conversations, uplifting connections. Bible study at Grace is more than an education experience. It is a spiritual relationship between believers who love the word of God and each other. The Bible is meant to be discussed between the people of God who have given themselves to living by its teachings. Sunday School is a mutual activity, like a team sport, in which those who participate help each other, encourage one another and hold ourselves accountable to do what the Bible says. You can call what we do in Bible study every week, TEAM SUNDAY SCHOOL.
There was a small girl who was fortunate enough to have her mother help her memorize the Lord’s Prayer. They worked hard together repeating every word and then every sentence until the girl wanted to do it by herself. The girl started slowly saying every word with the precision that her mother taught her. When she got to the “…and deliver us from evil,” part, she said, “…and lead us not into temptation,” pausing for a second to gather her next thought, she added, “…but deliver us from Facebook.”
That little girl is spiritually advanced beyond her years. What better way to deliver yourself from temptation and Facebook, that “…hide the word of God in your heart, so that you might not sin against God.” (Psalm 119:11)
If you are not a part of TEAM SUNDAY SCHOOL, there is a place for you and every member of your family. Become involved in the TEAM SUNDAY SCHOOL movement at Grace.