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EDITORIAL STAFFRev. Dr. Roderick Belin, PublisherRev. Faith M. Waters, LessonsA.L. Stanfield, Copy EditorM.E. Russell, Layout Design

THE APOSTLES’ CREEDI believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; the third day He arose from the dead, He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Church Universal, the communion of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

THE CHURCH SCHOOL CREED

I believe my AME Church School must grow and grow; and that I must make it a top priority to make it so. Every member a Christian, every Christian a worker, every worker trained so that a worker need not be ashamed. This we ask in Jesus’ name.

AME Discipline

I. Bell tap or organ voluntary as a signal for silence

II. Singing

III. The Apostles’ Creed

IV. Prayer, closing with the Lord’s Prayer in concert

V. Singing

VI. Calling roll of officers and teachers

VII. Responsive reading of the lesson text by school

VIII. The Decalogue

I. Organ interlude while the classes are being arranged

II. Class study of the lesson

III. Warning bell — 5 minutes

IV. Closing bell — silence

I. Singing

II. Review and application of the lesson

III. Secretary’s report

IV. The Church School Creed

V. Singing

VI. Benediction

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LESSON 1 DECEMBER 5, 2021

Justice and Obedience to the LawLesson Scripture: Deuteronomy 5; 10; 27; 28:1-2Focus Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:1b 1-3; 10:12-13; 27:1-10

KEY VERSES: “So now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? Only to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord your God and his decrees that I am commanding you today, for your own well-being.” Deuteronomy 10:12-13

WORDS TO KNOW

DILIGENTLY – to show persistent and hard-working effort in obeying God COVENANTS – the promises that were made between God and the Israelites, who agreed to worship no other gods FEAR – to demonstrate reverence to God DECREE – a law or statuteUNHEWN – a whole stone HOREB – pronounced: HAWR - ehb

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FOCUS SCRIPTURE: DEUTERONOMY 5:1-3; 10:12-13; 27:1-10

1 Hear, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances that I am addressing to you today; you shall learn them and observe them diligently.

2 The Lord our God made a covenant with us at Horeb.

3 Not with our ancestors did the Lord make this covenant, but with us, who are all of us here alive today.

__________________________________________________ 12 So now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? Only

to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

13 and to keep the commandments of the Lord your God and his decrees that I am commanding you today, for your own well-being.

__________________________________________________ 1 Then Moses and the elders of Israel charged all the people as follows:

Keep the entire commandment that I am commanding you today.

2 On the day that you cross over the Jordan into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall set up large stones and cover them with plaster.

3 You shall write on them all the words of this law when you have crossed over, to enter the land that the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you.

4 So when you have crossed over the Jordan, you shall set up these stones, about which I am commanding you today, on Mount Ebal, and you shall cover them with plaster.

5 And you shall build an altar there to the Lord your God, an altar of stones on which you have not used an iron tool.

6 You must build the altar of the Lord your God of unhewn stones. Then offer up burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God,

7 make sacrifices of well-being, and eat them there, rejoicing before the Lord your God.

8 You shall write on the stones all the words of this law very clearly.

9 Then Moses and the levitical priests spoke to all Israel, saying: Keep silence and hear, O Israel! This very day you have become the people of the Lord your God.

10 Therefore obey the Lord your God, observing his commandments and his statutes that I am commanding you today.

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INTRODUCTIONThis quarter we are going to focus on the theme of justice as presented in a variety of Old Testament scriptures. Unit one contains four lessons that explore how leaders of God’s people must rely on God’s law as they administer justice. In today’s lesson, the book of Deuteronomy demands that God’s people be just and equitable.

Deuteronomy is the fifth of the five Old Testament books ascribed to Moses. It completes what is commonly called the ‘Pentateuch,’ and finishes what Jewish people call the Law of Moses. The date of this book is about 1407 B.C. Deuteronomy is frequently referred to as ‘The Book of Covenant Life.’ The main purpose is to remind the new generation of Israelites of what God has done and encourage them to rededicate their lives to him.

Deuteronomy contains three sermons Moses preached to Israel while the Israelites were on the plains east of the Jordan River, just opposite the Promised Land. This takes place after the exodus from Egypt, after the giving of the law on Mt. Sinai, and after the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. The Israelites are now ready to enter the Promised Land of Canaan. For their new life in the Promised Land, God wants Israel to choose a life of obedience to the law. A new emphasis is placed on relationship--that is, relationship with God through the covenant of the law. The law is to be practiced based on this relationship, rather than just as a series of rules that must be followed.

BIBLE STORY The new generation of Israelites was at the east side of the Jordan River, with Canaan in view. The previous generation had wandered in the wilderness for 40 years due to their lack of faith after they escaped from Egypt. That entire generation died in the wilderness and never entered the Promised Land. This new generation would inherit Canaan as God promised, but they had to be prepared. Moses desired for them to not repeat their ancestors’ behavior. He gave a review of the mighty acts of God for the nation of Israel in chapters one through four.

In Moses’ second sermon, he offered principles for godly living (chapters 4–29:1). They had entered a covenant with God, which meant the people had to obey his commands. Moses reviewed the Ten

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Commandments (the Decalogue) (Ex. 20:1-17) in chapter five. They were basic to the Mosaic covenant given to Israel and expressed our duties to God and others. In verses 1b through 3, Moses emphasized the Israelites must hear, learn, and observe God’s laws. This is the only way to grow in our relationship with God. Obedience demonstrates our love for God.

Chapter ten reminds the Israelites to not forget to fear and obey God. Verses 12 and 13 describe what God requires of us: (1) fear God; (2) walk in all his ways; and (3) love and serve him with all your heart. It is very simple; all we need to concentrate on is respecting, following, and loving God. The observations about God in Deuteronomy 10:12-22 describe a God who is mighty and awesome, who executes justice for the orphan, the widow, and the stranger. In honoring God, we are to do likewise.

In Chapter twenty-seven, verses 1-10, the people are instructed to create a monument to God as they cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. The people celebrated God and this milestone by making offerings to God and celebrating with a feast. In this turning point for God’s people, they are reminded to love and serve God and keep God’s commandments. This ceremony was to be inaugurated on Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim overlooking the city of Sechem, in the heart of the Promised Land. On Mt. Ebal, the memorial stones were to be set up and the curses of the law pronounced. On Mt. Gerizim, there were no stones engraved with the law, or curses pronounced, but only blessings. But upon Mt. Ebal, they also had to erect an altar to the Lord for burnt offerings and peace offerings for rejoicing before the Lord (vv. 5-7). From the moment one entered this land, one would see clearly that these people and this land belong to the God of this covenant law.

What rules do you struggle to obey? Who or what influences your choices and decisions?

SANKOFABishop William Paul Quinn was the fourth bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. He was instrumental in establishing several AME churches in U.S. midwestern states during the pre-Civil War period. His work for the black Methodist community was highly regarded. That work included starting new churches in

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the midwest and working with the Underground Railroad. Bishop Quinn served as the senior bishop of the AME church for nearly 25 years, making him the longest presiding bishop in the church until his death in 1873.

Although there is some uncertainty about the details of Quinn’s parentage, most sources list him as having been born in Hindustan, near Calcutta, India. According to his own account, he was born on April 10, 1788 and was of Indian descent. His family was wealthy from mahogany trading but when Quinn was introduced to the Christian faith by Mary Wilder, a Society of Friends evangelist visiting from England, he was ostracized and sought refuge in England where he adopted an anglicized name. He later arrived in New York around 1806 and became a member of the Hicksites, a Quaker sect founded by Elias Hicks. The sect was known for its activist role in antislavery movements.

From there, he moved to Long Island, then New Jersey and finally Maryland where he converted to the Methodist faith in 1808. Quinn was licensed to preach as a Methodist minister in 1812. Four years later he was one of the founders of the AME denomination when it was formally organized in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1816. Between 1816 and 1835 Quinn pastored small churches in New Jersey but in 1836 he was assigned to the “Western Mission” and for the next eight years he served as an AME missionary, traveling by horse and preaching the gospel to African Americans from New Jersey to Missouri. His name also became commonly associated with Underground Railroad activity, as he helped to establish black churches in Kentucky, Indiana, and Missouri.

Bishop Quinn preached to black and white Methodists but his work was mostly with AME congregations. The AME Church credits him with spreading the faith among both free blacks and slaves, especially in Kentucky and Missouri. Partly as a reward for his service to the church, Quinn was elected bishop on May 19, 1844 at the denomination’s general conference in Philadelphia. He was 56. Five years later, in 1849, he succeeded Morris Brown as senior AME bishop and held this position for nearly 25 years. During this period he presided over the growth of the church and the establishment of 47 AME congregations from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to San Francisco, California. Among those congregations were AME churches in the Reconstruction-era south.

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In 1872, the AME Church in Texas founded a college in Waco intended to educate former slaves. They named it Paul Quinn College. A number of AME churches were also named after the former missionary turned bishop. Bishop Quinn was married to Mary Jane Quinn. He died in Richmond, Indiana on February 21, 1873 at the age of 85.

How did Bishop Paul Quinn’s life reflect what God expects of us as cited in Deuteronomy 10:12 – 13? What can we learn from his life story?

Source: Staten, C. (2014, June 30). William Paul Quinn (1788-1873). BlackPast.org. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/quinn-william-paul-1788-1873/

REAL TALK, FAITH WALKThe monument Israel erected represented God’s justice. All around us there are monuments of different types. The United States Supreme Court, located in Washington, D.C., is the highest judicial court in the U.S. There are nine Supreme Court justices that preside over all hearings. They serve for a life term.

The Supreme Court building stands as a monument representing equal justice for all. As you walk up the steps of the building that houses the U.S. Supreme Court, you can see near the top of the building a row of the world’s law givers. Each one is facing the one in the middle who is facing forward with a full frontal view. It is Moses holding the Ten Commandments!

As you enter the Supreme Court courtroom, the two huge oak doors have the Ten Commandments engraved on the lower portion of each door. Inside of the courtroom, the wall right above where the Supreme Court justices sit has a display of the Ten Commandments.

MosesBased on your understanding of the Ten Commandments and the Word of God, do you believe God’s justice is the rule of law? Why? Why not? What inequalities do you observe? How can we enact change?

Sources: https://10commandments.biz/biz/articles/2005/supreme_court.phtml www.supremecourt.gov/about/courtbuilding.aspx

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SUMMARYGod has given us the Word as a guide for our lives. When we respect God and follow his commands, it demonstrates our love for God and others. There are consequences for disobedience, but God still is merciful and gracious towards us. So it is important for us to pray, read the Word, and seek wise counsel before making decisions. In doing so, we can live in right relationship with God and be of help to those experiencing injustices.

CLOSING DEVOTIONSPrayer: God, we praise and honor your name. We trust in the promises contained in your Word. Thank you for always being a loving and gracious God who enacts justice. Amen.

Closing Hymn: “When We Walk with the Lord (Trust and Obey)” (AMEC Hymnal #377)

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David Administers Justice and KindnessLesson Scripture: 2 Samuel 9Focus Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:1-7, 9-12

KEY VERSE: David asked, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I may show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” 2 Samuel 9:1

WORDS TO KNOW

KINDNESS – grace, favor OBEISANCE – to kneel and place one’s face on the ground in an act of submission RESTORE – to return something to its proper owner or to its original state or condition MEPHIBOSHETH – pronounced: meh - FIHB - o - shehthZIBA – pronounced: ZI - buhMACHIR – pronounced: MAY - kihrAMMIEL – pronounced: AM - me - el

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FOCUS SCRIPTURE: 2 SAMUEL 9:1-7, 9-12

1 David asked, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I may show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”

2 Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and he was summoned to David. The king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “At your service!”

3 The king said, “Is there anyone remaining of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?” Ziba said to the king, “There remains a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.”

4 The king said to him, “Where is he?” Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.”

5 Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.

6 Mephibosheth son of Jonathan son of Saul came to David, and fell on his face and did obeisance. David said, “Mephibosheth!” He answered, “I am your servant.”

7 David said to him, “Do not be afraid, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan; I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you yourself shall eat at my table always.”

__________________________________________________ 9 Then the king summoned Saul’s servant Ziba, and said to him,

“All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master’s grandson.

10 You and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him, and shall bring in the produce, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat; but your master’s grandson Mephibosheth shall always eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

11 Then Ziba said to the king, “According to all that my lord the king commands his servant, so your servant will do.” Mephibosheth ate at David’s table, like one of the king’s sons.

12 Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Mica. And all who lived in Ziba’s house became Mephibosheth’s servants.

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INTRODUCTIONThe book of 2 Samuel presents the biographical story of David. David was a man of great faith and patience. Even though he had been anointed king by Samuel many years prior, David had to wait until Saul was dead to be enthroned. David was crowned king of Judah, and later king of Israel. He united the kingdom then established Jerusalem as the nation’s political center (2 Sam. 5:6-12) and Zion as the religious center (2 Sam. 5:7; 6:1-17). Following this arrangement, the Lord established the Davidic covenant (2 Sam. 7:8-17)—the basis of all revealed truth concerning the kingdom yet to be established over Israel through the reign of Christ.

In today’s lesson, David’s kingdom is now secure and he turns his attention to the covenant he made with his friend, Jonathan (1 Sam. 20:14-17, 42), focusing on caring for Jonathan’s descendants. In chapter nine, David demonstrates that he is loyal and true to his word.

BIBLE STORYDavid was described as one “after his [the Lord’s] own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14). He demonstrated love, loyalty, and compassion towards Mephibosheth. God wants all of us to emulate these same qualities as Christians. When we do, it glorifies God. David had promised his beloved friend, Jonathan, that he would treat his children kindly in the future. So after Saul and Jonathan died, David desired to fulfill his promise.

David was kind partly because of his loyalty to God’s previously anointed king (Saul, 1 Sam. 24:5-6), partly for political reasons, such as to maintain unity in the nation, and mainly because of his vow to show kindness to all of Jonathan’s descendants (1 Sam. 20:14-17, 42). David had Ziba, one of Saul’s former servants, to bring Mephibosheth to him (9:1-3). Ziba informed David that Jonathan’s son was crippled.

Mephibosheth was five years old when his father, Jonathan, and grandfather, Saul, were killed. His nurse tried to carry him away to safety but he fell and became crippled (4:4). Now, Mephibosheth lived far away from the family estate and from David’s court. He was brought to David’s court and immediately bowed down in respect of the king (9:6). David promised to show him kindness because of the covenant he had made with his father, Jonathan.

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David would restore to Mephibosheth all the property of his grandfather that he had taken for himself. Moreover, Mephibosheth would always eat at the king’s table which was a high honor (9:7). Mephibosheth felt unworthy of the king’s love and kindness, especially since his grandfather Saul had tried to kill David on multiple occasions. Mephibosheth even considered himself a lowly, “dead dog.” We, too, often feel unworthy of God’s love and mercy. But in spite of all we may have done, God forgives and restores our relationship with him if we sincerely repent. This is love, kindness, and justice.

David commanded Ziba, his fifteen sons, and twenty servants, to care for Mephibosheth’s land so he would always have provisions (9:9-10). Mephibosheth had a son named Mica. He continued to eat at the king’s table and lived in Jerusalem with all his needs being satisfied.

Why is it important to keep promises? How do you define “loyalty?” What motivates you to act justly and compassionately?

SANKOFAAbsalom Jones was born into slavery in Sussex, Delaware in 1746. He taught himself to read in his early teens from books he purchased by saving pennies given to him by visitors to his master’s home. At the age of sixteen, Jones’ family was separated when his immediate family members were sold and he was taken to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by his new owner. Jones worked as a clerk in his owner’s store by day and was allowed to work for himself and attend an all-black school at night.

In 1770, Jones married a fellow slave, and through hard work and the help of friends and his father-in-law, he was able to buy his wife’s freedom. Jones saved enough to purchase his own freedom in 1784. He was an active member of St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia and served as lay preacher for the black members of the congregation. In 1786, Richard Allen joined Jones at the church and their futures would forever be intertwined. The black membership at St. George’s increased tenfold as a result of the evangelistic efforts of Jones and Allen. But this increase was not welcomed by the white members of the congregation. Instead of praising their efforts, church officials responded by attempting to segregate the black congregants. During a Sunday service in November 1786, ushers attempted to remove all blacks, including Jones, from the main floor

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of the church to the balcony. Jones, Allen, and the black members of the congregation promptly left the church as a group.

Jones and Allen subsequently founded the Free African Society on April 12, 1787. Members of this organization met regularly and paid dues which were used to benefit those in need. This organization was crucial in caring for the sick and dying of Philadelphia when a yellow fever epidemic swept the city in 1793. Out of this society grew The African Church, organized on July 7, 1791. Both Jones and Allen wanted to remain affiliated with the Methodist church, but their followers overwhelmingly voted to affiliate themselves with the Episcopal church as a result of their persecution by the Methodists at St. George’s. Allen disagreed with this decision and withdrew from The African Church, taking a small number of followers with him.

Jones remained as the leader of The African Church which was formally received into the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania on October 17, 1794 and renamed St. Thomas African Episcopal Church. St. Thomas was the first black Episcopal parish in the United States. Bishop William White (bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania) ordained Jones a deacon in the Episcopal church in 1795 and as priest in 1804. Jones became the first ordained priest of African descent in the United States.

How did the actions of Richard Allen and Absalom Jones at Saint George’s Church (November 1786) and the formation of the Free African Society (April 12, 1787) demonstrate justice and compassion?

Source (Full article): Tolly, V. (2007, December 16). Absalom Jones (1746-1818). BlackPast.org. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/jones-absalom-1746-1818/

REAL TALK, FAITH WALKA promise is a vow that assures somebody that something will certainly happen or be done. Using the acrostic for the word PROMISE, brainstorm words for each letter that describes the promises of God contained in the Bible.

P ______________________________

R ______________________________

O ______________________________

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M ______________________________

I _______________________________

S ______________________________

E ______________________________

Each of us has prejudices and preconceptions of others. Sometimes we unknowingly mistreat people without really understanding our behavior projects our true feelings of dislike for them. Why do we act unjustly towards those who may have personal challenges? How does God require us to treat all people?

Using your phones or other electronic devices, search for Project Implicit (Harvard University) and take the Project Implicit survey about implicit bias. As a class, discuss what the results reveal about each of us. What can we do to intentionally move beyond biases and prejudices against the ways others talk, think, and act?

SUMMARYThere are many people in the world who need to experience the kindness and support of others. We have to demonstrate compassion towards those who cannot give back to us. God desires for us to show radical kindness towards those we encounter. This week pray and ask God to reveal to you those who are in need of kindness and support. By faith develop a plan, then carry it out.

CLOSING DEVOTIONSPrayer: God, we appreciate your loving-kindness shown towards us every day. Empower each of us to display love, justice, and kindness towards all we encounter. Amen.

Closing Hymn: “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam (I’ll Be a Sunbeam)” (AMEC Hymnal #556)

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Justice and Righteousness ReignLesson Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-7 Focus Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7

KEY VERSE: His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:7

WORDS TO KNOW

EXULT – to be very happy PLUNDER – possessions acquired by force, especially during wartime or civil unrest YOKE – burden or oppression TRAMPING – the heavy step or treading of a person JUSTICE – to treat people fairlyMIDIAN – pronounced: MIH - dih - uhn

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FOCUS SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 9:2-7

2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.

3 You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.

4 For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.

5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

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INTRODUCTIONThe prophet Isaiah is the author of this book bearing his name. He was the son of Amoz (1:1). Many scholars believe he was from a royal family as the brother of King Amaziah, and grandson of King Joash. He was married to a prophetess. Isaiah’s name is translated to mean “the Lord saves.” His purpose for writing was to call the nation of Judah back to God and to tell of God’s salvation through the Messiah.

Isaiah was God’s special messenger to Judah and prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. His book is divided into two parts: (1) Words of Judgment (chapters 1–39); and (2) Words of Comfort (chapters 40–66). The thirty-nine chapters in the first half of Isaiah carry the message of judgment for sin. The people ignored Isaiah’s repeated warnings. The twenty-seven chapters in the second half of Isaiah bring a message of forgiveness, comfort, and hope. His hope is based on the forthcoming Messiah. Isaiah portrayed the Messiah as both suffering servant and a sovereign Lord.

In today’s lesson, we examine Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming Messiah and his impact on the world.

BIBLE STORYSince Isaiah’s warnings of judgment for sin went unheeded, God would allow Assyria to overthrow and capture Judah (chapter 8). In chapter 9, Isaiah provides hope through the coming Messiah, who is Jesus. The “great light” in verse 2 refers to Jesus and his provision of salvation. He would be a “light for the Gentiles” (42:6; 49:6). Here the radiant light of the Messiah, who made his headquarters in Galilee, shined brightly (Matt. 4:13-17; John 1:9).

The prophecy of the coming Messiah as a liberator provides hope for the nation of Israel and for us today. He would multiply the nation after the Babylonian captivity and its other victories (v. 3). This would increase its joy. The Messiah would liberate the nation from all its oppressors and foes, supernaturally, but in a terrible final conflict (v. 4; Zech. 12:1-8; 14:1-15). Today we as believers will experience complete liberation after the battle of Armageddon is won and the restoration of God’s kingdom (Acts 1–6).

The prophecy of the coming Messiah as Lord is described in verses 6 and 7. There are specific characteristics of the nature and power of the Messiah. He would come into the world as a child born to

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a virgin (humanity) (v. 6). The Messiah was a part of the Davidic line and therefore he was royalty. His government is described as prosperous, peaceful, Davidic, righteous, eternal, and sure. The Messiah’s titles are: Wonderful Counselor; Mighty God; Everlasting Father; and Prince of Peace (v. 7). Jesus came to rescue us from sin and offer the world salvation. Despite the people’s sins, Christ would be a descendant of David who will rule in righteousness forever. God will not abandon his people, but keep us secure for eternity.

Do you recall an occasion when you were in trouble and struggling, but knew God was present with you? How do you think it will feel when Jesus establishes justice and righteousness on earth?

SANKOFADaniel Coker (born Isaac Wright) was a writer, activist, and a founder of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church who eventually emigrated from the United States to Sierra Leone as a missionary and colonist. Coker was born in 1780 in either Baltimore County or Frederick County, Maryland to Susan Coker, a white indentured servant, and Edward Wright, a slave father. He was raised in a household with his white half-brothers from his mother’s previous marriage and was allowed to attend the local school as their valet. While still in school he fled to New York where he changed his name to Daniel Coker and was ordained a Methodist minister.

Upon secretly returning to Maryland, Coker’s friends helped him purchase his freedom which gave him the rare opportunity to boldly speak out against the institution of slavery as well as participate in activities not usually open to black Americans at the time. He began both teaching and preaching in the Baltimore area. Responding to racial discrimination in the Methodist Church, Coker called upon African American Methodists to withdraw from the white-dominated church and establish their own organization. Unable to recruit enough parishioners from the Sharp Street Church where he worked, Coker and others who advocated his separatist ideals broke from the congregation to form the African Bethel Church, which later became Bethel AME Church.

In 1816 Coker and his supporters were invited to attend the Philadelphia Conference, from which the national organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was formed. The new AME

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Church denomination was the first in the United States founded by people of African ancestry. Coker became the first church secretary and was nominated to be the first bishop of the new denomination, a position he declined, possibly due to controversy surrounding his light-toned skin. Coker was expelled from the church from 1818 for reasons unknown but was then allowed to return to his ministerial role one year later.

Daniel Coker left the United States in 1820 with 84 other African Americans who would become settlers in Liberia. Coker was one of four AME missionaries who intended to establish the denomination in Africa. When the other three missionaries died, Coker led the remaining colonists to the British colony of Sierra Leone where they were welcomed by Governor Charles MacCarthy. Coker eventually established a church in Freetown and remained its spiritual leader until his death in 1846.

What struggles and difficulties did Daniel Coker endure? How were the difficult times transformed into good?

SOURCE: Gallaher, R. (2008, May 17). Daniel Coker (1780-1846). BlackPast.org. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/coker-daniel-1780-1846/ daniel-1780-1846/

REAL TALK, FAITH WALKMatch the Messiah’s titles with the appropriate definition. Place the letter of the definition on the line next to the title.

_____ 1. Wonderful Counselor

_____ 2. Mighty God

_____ 3. Everlasting Father

_____ 4. Prince of Peace

A. The ruler who will bring about a warless world in the coming kingdom.

B. Deity in the special character of a champion in battle.

C. Giving counsel which alone can save humans from sin.

D. Both the possessor of eternity and the author of eternal life.

SENIOR QUARTERLY



Many people we do or do not know are going through struggles and disappointments. Using construction paper or poster board (cut into 4 pieces) along with colored markers, create a Christmas card to give hope to a person who needs encouragement. Include a part of the scripture text, like verses 6 or 7, on the card. You can also create and print free cards from: www.printable-cards.gotfreecards.com or www.printablesfree.com.

SUMMARYWe live in a time when there are many robberies, murders, civil unrest, protests, racial injustice, economic depravity, etc. In some instances, people have given up hope that the world will ever change. As we prepare to observe Christmas Day, it is vital that we share the hope Christ offers to the world. Salvation is the best gift to receive today. It is an eternal gift that transforms lives. Jesus promises to give us eternal peace and justice. Today is the day for accepting Christ.

CLOSING DEVOTIONSPrayer: God, we rejoice today in knowing you sent Jesus to save the world from sin. As we celebrate Jesus’ birth, please help us to remember the sacrifice of your Son and the peace that comes from knowing him. Amen.

Closing Hymn: “Joy to the World” (AMEC Hymnal #120)

SENIOR QUARTERLY

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