Avondale Church of God Service
February 2, 2025 - Sunday School
Facilitator: Brother Ken Alternator
Opening Thought: Confidence in God’s Promises
Before Sunday School began, Brother David Dowdy shared an opening thought on maintaining faith and confidence in God, referencing Hebrews 10:35-39: “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.” He spoke about how faith should be like that of a child—simple, trusting, and unwavering, even as we grow older and gain more understanding of the world around us. Brother Dowdy encouraged everyone to hold onto their confidence in God, stressing that this trust is a source of real spiritual power.
Following his exhortation, the congregation entered a moment of prayer, marking the transition into the Sunday School lesson.
Unbelief: The Enemy of Faith
Brother Ken Alternator began the lesson by addressing the subtle danger of unbelief, explaining that it is one of the most deceptive tools the enemy uses against believers. He pointed out that unbelief does not always manifest as outright rejection of God but can creep in through doubt, hesitation, and social influence. Using Hebrews 10:35, he warned against throwing away confidence in God simply because of external pressures or personal struggles.
A thought-provoking point was made about collective unbelief—when an entire group begins to cool down spiritually, making lukewarm faith feel acceptable. He illustrated this by referring to past societal shifts, where once-controversial moral issues have gradually become normalized, dulling people’s spiritual sensitivity.
Disillusionment: A Tool of the Enemy
Brother Ken then introduced the concept of disillusionment, explaining how it can either be a force that leads us back to truth—like the Prodigal Son realizing his need for his father’s house—or a dangerous weapon that Satan uses to lead people away from God’s plan. He referenced Genesis 3, where Eve was deceived into questioning God’s goodness. The serpent made her believe that she was missing out on something greater, leading her into disobedience.
He tied this into modern attitudes of skepticism and distrust, especially among younger generations. The rise of trends like “quiet quitting,” where people disengage from responsibilities due to a belief that institutions are corrupt, was compared to a passive disengagement that can creep into spiritual life. Brother Ken challenged the class to consider whether they had unknowingly adopted a passive attitude toward their faith—showing up but not fully engaging, singing but not worshiping, listening but not applying.
Class Contribution: Brother David’s Reflection on Trials
During the discussion, Brother David contributed an insightful reflection when the group examined 2 Peter 1:5-8, which speaks of adding to one’s faith through virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. When asked how believers abound in these qualities, he raised his hand and stated, “Through trials and tests.”
His comment led to a deeper discussion on how tribulations refine a believer’s faith. Though no one enjoys difficulties, Brother Ken acknowledged that trials serve as a proving ground where patience, experience, and hope develop (Romans 5:3-5). Brother David added that young people, in particular, must not be overly shielded from hardship, as facing struggles builds genuine experience and spiritual resilience.
Joseph: A Model of Spiritual Preparation
Brother Ken then turned the class’s attention to Genesis 41:46-49, where Joseph, at thirty years old, oversaw the gathering of grain during seven years of plenty to prepare for seven years of famine. He likened this to the Church of God, emphasizing that believers should be “stockpiling” truth through daily devotions, prayer, and faithful service.
He made a compelling point: “If a young person starts seriously walking with God at sixteen, by the time they are thirty, they will have accumulated thousands of moments of spiritual investment—daily devotions, church services, revival meetings, personal study. That stockpile of truth becomes an invaluable resource when trials come.”
The discussion ended on the importance of being spiritually diligent like Joseph, taking every opportunity to store up faith, wisdom, and understanding while times are favorable, so that when difficult seasons arise, believers are not left unprepared.
Conclusion and Reflection
Brother Ken closed by reiterating the theme of holding onto confidence in God despite external influences, personal struggles, and cultural shifts. He urged the class to actively resist the creeping effect of spiritual disengagement and to be intentional in their walk with Christ.
Reflection Questions:
1. Are there areas in your life where unbelief has subtly crept in?
2. Have you ever experienced disillusionment in your faith? How did you respond?
3. In what ways are you actively “stockpiling” spiritual resources for future trials?
4. Do you find yourself passively engaging in spiritual matters, or are you fully committed?
5. What are some trials that have strengthened your faith and deepened your spiritual confidence?
The session ended with prayer, thanking God for His Word and seeking strength to remain faithful in all circumstances.
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