Do you have a relative who looks like you or like one of your children? Do you have a double in this world? It's amazing how there are so many people who look alike. Just this week I discovered a person in Missouri, with my last name, and who looks just like my cousin who lives in Florida. Before science tried to explain this, before DNA testing, God showed us why this is so. In the very first book of the Bible, Genesis, God tells us that we were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Among all other things God created, we humans were the only ones described as being created in His image. We are all connected. Being made in the image of God should motivate us, as this week's Explore The Bible Study title states, to "protect and serve" others.
The upcoming session is designed to focus on the sanctity of human life as a part of the nationwide emphasis on this very important subject. This day has been set aside nationally by churches and is observed by Southern Baptists in order to remind believers of the value of human life. As you remind your group today of how important human life is based upon scripture, lead them to consider how they can be proactive in helping the community value human life.
The following might help you understand why Southern Baptist Churches are so committed to this day of remembrance: Southern Baptist Resolution on Abortion
The Downloadable Teaching Ideas introduces the study with a discussion of people who look like others. The following video option could be used as a part of the discussion:
The following summary statements could be used to conclude the session:
- The Truth of God’s Word demands that we are to value every person because he/she is created in God’s image.
- The realities of our current culture demand that we are to be advocates for those who cannot speak for themselves.
- The faith in Christ that we profess demands that we are to demonstrate the value of everyone by showing respect to all people.
Challenge your group to consider the following:
- Are you carrying attitudes that cause you to fail to show respect to all people?
- Consider how this study should change the way you view people and the way you react to people, especially on social media.
- The greatest demonstration of the way you value other humans is to share the gospel with them. God desires for all men to know that they can have restored relationships with the One who loved them so much that He created them in His image and He sent Christ to pay for their sins so that the relationship could be restored.
DOWNLOAD THE SUPPLEMENTAL TEACHING IDEAS
