Nigerian Baptist Convention Sunday School Lesson June 1, 2025 : Title - Preview For June

Nigerian Baptist Convention Sunday School Lesson June 1, 2025 : Title - Preview For June 

PREVIEW FOR JUNE

Our theme for this month is "The Genesis of Altars and Sacrifices." The texts are taken from the book of Genesis. The lessons emphasise that the building of altars and making sacrifices preceded the Mosaic law. The entire five books of Moses deal with the reasons for building altars, descriptions of altars or rules guiding the use of altars. Abel and Cain possibly sacrificed on an altar, the form of which is not known. Noah, Abraham, and Moses also offered their sacrifices on altars. Baptists refer to altar as rostrum while Presbyterians refer to altar as chancel.

 The centre place of their churches have a pulpit, and in front of it, is the Lord Supper table adorned with a linen cloth, as well as an open Bible and a pulpit behind it. The reason why it is not called an altar is because they do not see Holy Communion as a sacrifice offered to God. What is the difference between an altar and a pulpit? The altar refers to the podium/stage in Christian churches, which holds the sacrament of Holy Communion. Pulpit refers to the wooden/glass stand that a pastor's Bible and message note or iPad are placed on, and from which a pastor stands to preach.

Pulpit-centred worship dates back to the Hebrew prophets, firebrand preaching evangelists. Baptist faith and practice are structured upon the preacher - his message - and the new covenant made with the blood of the Lamb rather than upon the priest and his altar. This is related to one of the Baptist heritages; the priesthood of believers and the direct responses of souls to God. In the days when there is limitation to where non-priests can get to in the temple, the priest stands between the people and the altar and God. Jesus' death has completed all sacrifices on the altar. It may be challenging to understand the new without the appreciation of the old. Thus, the focus of study for this month is the building of altars and the offering of sacrifices, which preceded the Mosaic law. Some of the main points we shall be discussing are:

The first offering given to God by Cain and Abel.

Noah's altar built to offer burnt offerings to God after the flood. 

Abraham's most significant test of faith-the willingness to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, to God.

How Isaac built his altar and called on the name of the Lord.

Jacob led the next generation in faith and built altars to worship God.

We expect that Sunday school teachers and class members will pray and prepare to study these lessons so that their lives will be blessed. The following methods can be adopted to teach class members the lessons of this month.

June 1: Short Drama/Questions and Answers* Plan a drama that narrates the story; likewise, prepare questions, between five and ten, for class members to answer. 

June 8: Teaching.* Teachers are to prepare adequately to teach the lesson, according to the passage.

June 15: Narration/Questions and Answers.* Prepare questions that will be asked after narrating the story.

June 22: Discussion.* The lesson should be discussed in various classes.

June 29: Lecture.* This can be done in the form of a general assembly.

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON (NBC)

Sunday, June 1, 2025

CAIN AND ABEL OFFER SACRIFICES

Devotional Reading: Luke 20:45-21:4

Background Scripture: Genesis 4:1-25

Lesson Scripture: Genesis 4:1-15

GOLDEN TEXT

Then the LORD said to Cain, 'Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? Genesis 4:6-7a

Objectives: By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:

I. Recognise the dangers of jealousy and how it can lead to sin and harm others; 

II. Commit to always give God their best; 

III. Mention three lessons learnt that will guide their principle of giving to God.

*INTRODUCTION*

Identical twins are not often 100% the same. Children born by the same parents are often somehow different in physique, character, and faith perceptions. Cain and Abel were born by Adam and Eve but they were significantly different from each other. Cain chose to be a farmer, and Abel chose animal husbandry. Abel knew God, walked with God, and God accepted him. The Bible says that Abel still speaks, even though he is dead. He is the first man listed in the hall of fame of the heroes of faith in Hebrews, and here is a man who had faith and assurance of salvation. But his elder brother, Cain, was a nonchalant worshipper who was not sincere. Their offerings showcase their attitudes toward worship. The offerings of the two of them determined how God responded to them and what happened after. Today's lesson explains what each of them offered, God's responses to their offerings, and their consequences.

*THE LESSON EXPLAINED*

*A. The Significance of Offerings in Worship. Genesis 4:1-5*

Worship is not complete without an act of giving - sacrifice. Adam and Eve had been worshippers before their fall in the garden of Eden, else God's action of covering their nakedness, which involved the killing of an animal, may be taken as the beginning of sacrifices initiated by God. Cain and Abel were accustomed to worship and sacrifices, possibly through observations and participation with their parents. Abel's offering, according to the book of Hebrews, was born out of faith (Hebrews 11:4). Abel "brought fat portions from some of the firstborns of his flock." (Genesis 4:4.) Whereas Cain and Abel offered their sacrifices, Abel's sacrifice was acceptable because of His faith and sincerity. On the other hand, Cain brought some fruits from the soil, which were likely his leftovers or the less valuable parts of his harvest.

Cain and Abel teach us the significance of offerings in worship and the importance of giving to God with the right attitude. Offerings can take many forms, such as financial gifts, acts of service, or other expressions of devotion, and it is vital to give them with a cheerful heart. When we bring our offerings to God, whether through financial gifts, acts of service, or other expressions of devotion, we must remember to give our best and do so with a heart of worship and honour to God.

*DISCUSSION TIME*

1. How can we imitate Abel's example of faith and obedience in our lives and act of worship? 

2. Under what circumstances does God reject acts of worship?

*B. The Dangers of Jealousy. Genesis 4:6-9*

Cain's offering was rejected, and he was also rejected. When he was rejected, he allowed jealousy to rule his heart - he was burning with anger; God's effort to caution him proved abortive; he neglected God's warning. Cain's anger and hatred led to his decision to murder his brother, Abel. Hatred, jealousy, and anger are fertile grounds for murder. Cain harboured hatred rather than remorse, even when he was warned against it. Cain's response to God, when he was asked about his brother's whereabouts, "I don't know, am I my brother's keeper?" shows he cared less about his actions and lacked a sense of taking responsibility for his actions.

Believers ought to rejoice in one another's success. The progress of others should generate happiness, not bitterness, in us. Envy and jealousy are subtle evil emotions that sometimes take over our thoughts without us knowing. We must trust God to deliver us from the grip of the sin of envy and jealousy so that we may be free from their enslavement. We must, therefore, put on love, which is the fruit of the Spirit. Having a consistent functional relationship with God is the solution to overcoming hatred.

*DISCUSSION TIME*

1. What did you learn from Cain's character - the way he treated and spoke of his brother? 

2. How can we recognise when jealousy starts taking root in our hearts, and what steps can we take to overcome it?

*C. The Punishment. Genesis 4:10-15*

God placed a curse on Cain, that he would be a restless wanderer. In addition, the land would become unproductive when he plants his crops. The consequence of murdering his brother was great, but Cain never felt remorseful. Instead of repenting of his action, he argued with God that the punishment was more than the action and complained that he would one day be killed by anyone who finds him. God placed a mark on him to keep him from being killed.

Everyone has the power of choice (Deuteronomy 30:16), and we can choose either the narrow way that leads to life or the broad one that leads to condemnation. Cain chose the way of condemnation, and his heart was too hardened to ask for God's mercy. The consequence of sin is grave, even when we repent and seek God's forgiveness. Believers should continually seek for God's grace to avoid sin.

*DISCUSSION TIME*

1. Why do people cover their sins or refuse to repent of them? 

2. How can we prevent ourselves from becoming like Cain?

*Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity:*

Lead class members to discuss personal experiences of jealousy and how they overcame it.

*Prayer*

▪︎ Father, deliver me from every form of jealousy.

▪︎ O Lord, help me always to offer a living sacrifice unto You.

*Take Home:* Write three things you will take home from the lesson of today.

*Commitment:* Based on today's lesson, commit to always give your best to God and never get jealous of other people's achievements.