Nigerian Baptist Convention Sunday School Manual For January 11, 2026: Title - Repentance And Faith

NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL

Sunday, January 11, 2026

TOPIC: REPENTANCE AND FAITH

Devotional Reading: Mark 4:14–20

Background Scripture: Luke 15:1–14

Lesson Scripture: Luke 15:11–24; Acts 2:38–39

GOLDEN TEXT

“For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. So they began to celebrate.”

— Luke 15:24 (NIV)

LESSON OBJECTIVES

By the end of this lesson, participants should be able to:

Recognise clear evidence of genuine repentance in the parable of the Prodigal Son and in present-day experiences.

Examine personal attitudes or behaviours that reflect the Prodigal Son’s actions and take deliberate steps toward repentance.

Identify individuals with whom reconciliation is needed, pray for them, and intentionally pursue peace—regardless of who was at fault.

INTRODUCTION

One of the core missions of the church is to lead people to repentance through Jesus Christ. Repentance is more than saying “sorry” or seeking forgiveness; it is a deep, life-changing process that begins with honest self-examination and acknowledgement of sin. True repentance produces a sincere desire to turn away from wrongdoing and to pursue a transformed life.

Through repentance, we confront the consequences of our actions—toward God, ourselves, and others—and take meaningful steps to make things right. This process heals broken relationships and cultivates humility, compassion, and spiritual growth.

Today’s lesson highlights the importance of genuine repentance and its close connection to faith. As we study repentance and faith together, we will see how they transform lives, restore relationships, and strengthen our walk with God.

THE LESSON EXPLAINED

A. Repentance Brings Forgiveness

(Luke 15:11–24)

In this parable, the younger son demanded his share of his father’s inheritance while his father was still alive—an act of deep disrespect. He converted his inheritance into cash and left home to live recklessly and without restraint. Eventually, his immoral and extravagant lifestyle left him broke and abandoned by those who once surrounded him.

Reduced to feeding pigs—a degrading task for a Jewish man—he came to a painful realisation of how far he had fallen. In humility, he resolved to return home, not as a deserving son, but as a servant seeking mercy.

The father’s response reveals the heart of God. Seeing his son from afar, the father ran toward him, embraced him, and restored him fully, celebrating his return. This powerful scene teaches that genuine repentance—acknowledging our sin and turning back to God—opens the door to forgiveness, restoration, and joy.

Believers are encouraged to examine areas where forgiveness is needed, whether from God or from others. Like the Prodigal Son, we must approach repentance with humility and honesty. Likewise, we are called to forgive others freely. A lifestyle of forgiveness promotes peace, healing, and restoration in our homes, churches, and communities.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

What role does humility play in seeking forgiveness?

How can we model the father’s forgiving attitude in our relationships, especially toward those who have hurt us?

B. The Call to Repentance

(Acts 2:38–39)

Repentance is essential for entering and remaining in the family of God. Peter’s message on the day of Pentecost emphasised this truth. He urged the people to repent, turn away from their sins, and be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, promising the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Repentance marks the beginning of the Christian journey. Baptism is the outward expression of an inward transformation that has already occurred through repentance. When repentance is genuine, God grants the Holy Spirit to guide, empower, and sustain believers.

Repentance is not limited by age or background; it is God’s invitation to the entire world. This lesson reminds us that repentance is both a foundational step and a continual practice in the believer’s life. As followers of Christ, we must constantly examine ourselves, turn away from sin, and embrace the new life found in Him. We are also called to boldly share this message, becoming instruments of transformation in our communities.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

How can we recognise genuine repentance in a person’s life?

What practical ways can we share the message of repentance with others?

FELLOWSHIP AND MINISTRY ACTIVITY

Class members should write down the names of individuals they need to reconcile with. They are to pray for them and take intentional steps toward reconciliation, regardless of who was at fault.

TAKE-HOME ACTIVITY

Write down three (3) lessons learned from today’s study.

PRAYER

Confess your sins and ask God for forgiveness.

Ask God for grace to forgive those who have wronged you.

COMMITMENT

In response to today’s lesson, make a personal commitment to witness to unbelievers, encouraging them to repent and be baptised.