THE BAHRAIN MAR THOMA SUNDAY SCHOOL

Intermediate 1 & 2
(Year 2021)

Dear Children,
Please take the time to study the Sunday School lessons during this time when you have relatively more time
before your schools and activities resume fully. Remember these notes are not an alternative to reading the
Bible passages and your Sunday School textbook. Prepare each lesson as we would in Sunday School - read
the Bible passage and then your textbook. Objective type questions (e.g. Name the following, Fill in the blanks
etc) are not included in these notes. You are expected to prepare for these on your own. Do not hesitate to ask
if anything is not clear.
Regards,
Your Sunday School Teacher

LESSON 1 : A PURPOSEFUL LIFE

Bible Passage: Jeremiah 1:1-19

Memory Verse:
Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed
you as a prophet to the nations.”

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may
declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.

Answer the following:

1. Who was Jeremiah? Where was he from?
Ans. Jeremiah was a prophet, the son of a priest Hilkiah. He was from Anathoth, a region in the territory of the
tribe of Benjamin.

2. Why did God call Jeremiah?

Ans. God’s people had sinned and gone away from God. God wanted Jeremiah to speak his words to them.

3. What did Jeremiah think about being a prophet?

Ans. He thought of himself as not qualified for the calling and that he was too young for it.

4. How did God assure Jeremiah?

Ans. God said that he would put words in Jeremiah’s mouth and empower him.

5. What was Jeremiah’s first vision and what did it mean?

Ans. In the first vision he saw an almond tree branch. God was testing his observance and awareness and God
was content.

6. What was Jeremiah’s second vision and what did it mean?

Ans. In the second vision, Jeremiah saw a pot of boiling water tilting towards Israel from the north. It meant that
they were going to be attacked from the north and God was going to bring afflictions on them.
7. What do you think God meant when He said to Jeremiah “Before I formed you….. to nations”?
Ans. God tells Jeremiah that before he was born he had designed him to be a prophet. It is God who created him,
who formed him in his mother’s womb and was asking him to be a prophet. Therefore, as God was his rightful
owner, he could make use of him as he pleased, for the purpose that God had concerning Jeremiah, before he was
born.

8. Write a note on the ministry of Catherine and William Booth?

Ans. In the middle of the 19th Century, the industrial revolution in London had its own vices like unemployment,
labour abuse, forceful child employment and homelessness. During this time, Catherine and William Booth
actively preached the Gospel in many churches. One day, they had the calling of God to do something for the
suffering children and parents. They heeded the call and in 1865, the couple opened the “Christian Mission” in
London’s poorer districts, which is known to us as “Salvation Army". The Salvation Army went to the poorest
areas, providing food, shelter and tirelessly advocated the rights of factory workers, working women and homeless
children.

9. How do we know the purpose of our life?

Ans. We can know our purpose through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, through sermons, the Holy Bible, when
we pray quietly and wait to hear God’s voice. Also, when we see and hear things that touches our hearts or when
something appeals to us and we feel that God could use us in a situation etc.

LESSON 2 : MY HOME AND ME

Bible Passage: Ruth 1:1-18

Memory Verse:
Ruth 1:16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and
where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”
Joshua 24:15 “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will
serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land
you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Answer the following:
1. What is the primary aim of a Christian family?
Ans. To seek the Kingdom of God and its righteousness.

2. What is your role as a child at home?

Ans. To be a loving child to my parents, help them, be good, obedient, take care of brothers and sisters, study
well, attend family prayer, be understanding, spend time with my family and eat healthy food.

3. Why did Naomi decide to go back to Bethlehem?

Ans. Naomi decided to go back to Bethelem because her husband and sons had died and she was alone. She also
heard that there was food in Bethlehem.

4. What quality of Ruth stands out as exemplary? How can we apply that in our own homes?
Ans. The quality of Ruth that stands out is her love and care for her mother-in-law even when all was lost and they
did not know what the future held. She did not think of her own comforts and happiness. We should also support
our family in all circumstances and help them in whichever way we can. We should never leave anyone alone.

5. How was Ruth’s love towards Naomi?

Ans. Ruth’s love for Naomi was sincere and her sense of duty remarkable. She was ready to sacrifice her comforts,
joy and loved ones from her mother’s home. Ruth knew that if she left Naomi, she would be all alone. This she
was not prepared to do as she knew that Naomi who was too old for work and had no one to take care of her.

6. What is our duty as God’s children?

Ans. Our duty as God’s children is to let God fulfill His purpose in our lives. When we yield to God’s directions
He will guide us on the right path to the place where He wants us to be. Only then can we truly become successful
in life. God will strengthen us and give us the wisdom to do his will. Every moment God is preparing us to do
His work. Age is not a limitation. Being a Godly child is a testimony to others.

7. What are the basic principles of family life?

Ans. A house becomes a home when the members living in it realise that family is an instituion that God has
established. According to the Chuch calendar, on the 20th Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, Family Sunday is
celebrated by the Mar Thoma Church, CSI Church and the CNI Church. The focus of the service is on the faith
that has to be formulated in family life. As members of a Christian family there are values that we have to follow
in our homes.
LESSON 3 : MEANINGFUL GROWTH

Bible Passage: Luke 2:41-52

Memory Verse:
Luke 2:49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I had to be in my Father’s
house?”

1 Peter 2:2,3 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now
that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Answer the following:

1. Why did Jesus go to Jerusalem with his parents at the age of 12?
Ans. He went to celebrate the Passover Festival.

2. What did Joseph and Mary see when they came back in search of Jesus?
Ans. After three days Joseph and Mary found Jesus in the temple courts. He was sitting with the Jewish teachers,
listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his
answers.

3. What did Mary say to Jesus when she saw him at the Temple?
Ans. They asked him why he did not return with them and upset them for they were anxiously searching for him.

4. What was Jesus’ response?

Ans. He asked them why they were searching for him, for they should have known that he would be in his Father’s
house, the Temple.
5. What can you say about Jesus as a young boy?
Ans. Jesus studied the scriptures and used every opportunity to learn the ways of God. He was keen to know more
about God that he listened attentively to the teachers and cleared his doubts with them. For him, God came first.
He was also an obedient child who honored his parents.

6. Who are Sanyasis?

Ans. They are people who dedicate their lives to live in the presence of God, leave their homes and live in
communities and lead a very simple life without any of the pleasures of this world.

7. What is the aim of the Dayara life?

Ans. The aim of Dayara life is to equip people to attain divine strength to understand that there is something far
more desirable, superior and valuable in life than the luxuries and comforts of this world and to be able to disregard
it.

8. What can you say about the life-style of Dayara Members?

Ans. The members of the Dayara are a group of people who are steeped in spiritual meditation and prayer following
the Messiah’s way. They lead a very simple life, eat no meat or egg, wear Kavi-coloured dress with a cross chain
and do all their work by themselves. They grow their own vegetables and cultivate things by themselves. They
spread the Gospel, do service to society, provide education and training to children.

LESSON 4: I AM BECAUSE WE ARE

Bible Passage: Esther 4, 5, 6

Memory Verse:
Esther 4:14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place,
but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for
such a time as this?

Romans 12:16 “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of
low position. Do not be conceited.”

Answer the following:

1. What are the things that Mordecai did to save the Jewish community?
Ans. Mordecai sent a message to Esther that the life of Jewish community was in danger and instructed her to seek
the King’s favour for the community. Also, he informed all Jews to fast with Esther and they fasted with her.

2. How do we know that Esther, though a queen, had concern for her community?
Ans. Esther declared a fast for three days for her safety and mission. She was prepared to risk her life for her
people and go to the king.

3. How did Haman plot to destroy Mordecai?

Ans. Haman had a gallows made to hang Mordecai.

4. How did the King honour Mordecai for all his efforts to save the King's life?
Ans. Mordecai was clothed in royal robes by Haman and seated on the king's horse which had the royal crest on
its head. He was taken around the place led by Haman, declaring that this is what is done for the man the king
delights to honor.

5. What are the challenges in life that we receive from Esther and Mordecai?
Ans. Esther and Mordecai worked together for the Jewish community. Esther especially risked her life to save her
people. They both trusted God to give them the right ideas and lead them in the right direction. We also have to
work with other people for the good of our community and society. We should ask God for guidance, pray and
listen to his word. We are to trust and obey God even when we don’t understand our circumstances.

6. What are the good qualities of the Bishop Romero that we can emulate?
Ans. Bishop Romero fought against the evil, injustice, corruption, and repression of the poor in his society he saw.
He spoke out for those who did not have a voice in the society. Similarly, we should work for the betterment of
our society.

LESSON 5- THE CONVERSION OF PAUL

Bible Passage: Acts 22:3-21

Memory Verse:
Acts 22: 14-15 Then he said “The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous
One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Answer the following:

1. What are the differences we see in Saul from his arrival and departure to and from Damascus?
Ans.

Arrival to Damascus Departure from Damascus

Zealous follower of God Believer in Jesus Christ
Persecutor of Christians Preacher of Christianity
Chose to work for Judaism Chosen by God to work for Him
Never heard directly from God Hears God’s voice
Never witnessed for God Witness to all from his own experience

2. How do you think Saul felt knowing that he had persecuted Christians before?
Ans. Saul felt really sorry that he had persecuted Christians before and asked God’s forgiveness.

3. What happened to Saul’s eyes after he saw the bright light?

Ans. He went blind.

4. How do we become a new being?

Ans. By answering to the call of God, confessing our sins and placing our faith in Jesus.

5. What happens when we become a new being?

Ans. The Holy Spirit will fill us and help us to live a life pleasing to God.
6. Who was Ananias?
Ans. Ananias was a devout Christian who came to Damascus, prayed for Saul and helped him regain his sight.

7. Why did Paul travel to Damascus? What happened on the way?

Ans. Paul persecuted the Christians and went to Damascus to bring them in chains to be imprisoned. On his way
near Damascus, a bright light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard the voice of Jesus,
“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”. He became blind because of the light and was healed by Ananias, sent by
Jesus. Paul realized his mistake and accepted Jesus as his personal saviour, witnessing and gaining souls for Jesus
throughout his life.
LESSON 6 : IN A FOREIGN LAND

Bible Passage: Daniel 1:1-21

Memory Verse:
Daniel 1: 8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official
for permission not to defile himself this way.

Daniel 3:16-17 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to
defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to
deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand.

Answer the following:

1. Why were Daniel and friends in Babylon?
Ans. They were taken as captives by King Nebuchadnezzar.

2. What qualities did Nebuchadnezzar want in the young men, who were to live in the royal palace?
Ans. They were to be young men from the royal family or nobility, without any physical defects, handsome, with
an aptitude for learning everything, well-informed, quick to understand and qualified to serve in the king’s palace.

3. What were the new names that the Babylonian king gave to the young men of Israel? What was the king’s
intention in renaming them?
Ans. Daniel was given the name Belteshazzar, Hananiah was named Shadrach, Michel named Meshach and Asariah
named Abednego. He gave them those names because their earlier names reminded them of God. The king
wanted them to forget their God and become Babylonians in every way including their religion.

4. What was the response of Daniel when he was offered the royal food of Babylon?
Ans. He politely declined to have the royal food and requested permission to not defile himself before God.

5. How did the king come to realize that Daniel and his friends were indeed special?
Ans. He found them to be ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom.

6. What quality of Kappiyaar Upadeshi did you find most inspirational?

Ans. Kappiyaar Upadeshi worked for God. He went against the social evils of society such as untouchability. For
him every person was valuable, irrespective of his caste, creed or financial status and hence equal before God. He
visited the huts of low caste people with the Gospel. He entertained them in his house and served them food. He
even washed their plates. He taught them basic lessons of personal hygiene. He was aware of the role of women
in the development of the society.

7. What does Kappiyaar Upadeshi’s life teach us about being a child of God?
Ans. We are all God’s children and equal in the sight of God. We should not sin against God by showing
discrimination between people. Jesus taught us to love our neighbours. We should love everyone as God loves
us and treat everyone with value and respect. That is our duty as a child of God.

CHAPTER 7 : AIM HIGH

Bible Passage: 1 Kings 19:15-21, 2 Kings 2:1-18

Memory Verse:
Joshua 1:7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn
from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

1 Kings 8:61 And may your hearts be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his
commands, as at this time.

Answer the following:

1. Who was Elisha?
Ans. Elisha was the son of a farmer who was chosen by God to become the next prophet after Elijah.

2. What was Elisha’s final request to Elijah and what did Elijah reply?
Ans. Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. Elijah replied that it was a difficult thing which he had
asked for, yet if Elisha saw Elijah when he was being taken away then he would get it otherwise not.

3. Did Elisha see it? What did he see and say?

Ans. Yes, Elisha saw it. As they both were walking along, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared,
separated the two of them and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. On seeing this, Elisha cried out, ‘’My
father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!’’

4. What is the character of Elisha that stands out in this lesson?

Ans. When God called Elisha, he was willing to leave all his near and dear ones and his comfortable life to go with
Elijah and live the life of a nomadic prophet. He was committed to the calling that he had and was willing to be
trained. He wanted to excel in his duty and so he asked for a double portion.

5. Who was Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam?

Ans. Abdul Kalam was the 11th President of India. He was a famous scientist who came to be popularly known as
the Missile Man of India for his work on the development of ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology.

6. What was Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam fondly known as?

Ans. The People’s President.

7. How did Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam reach his height of fame?

Ans. Through sheer hard work and commitment.
8. What is the lesson we learn from his life achievements?
Ans. We have to work hard to achieve our goals in life. That means commitment and willingness to sacrifice some
of the nice things in our life.
UNIT 8 : RIGHT CHOICES
Bible Passage: Proverbs 10, 11

Memory Verse:
Proverbs 12:13 Evil doers are trapped by their sinful talk and so the innocent escape trouble.

John 7:17 Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or
whether I speak on my own.

Answer the following:

1. What is a proverb? Where do we generally find them in the Bible?
Ans. Short sayings that generally give instructions on how to live correctly and pleasing to God is a proverb. In
the Bible we find them in the Book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, in the Old Testament.

2. How does the Book of Proverbs help us?

Ans. It has many instructions on moral values that tell us how to live a just and peaceful life. It gives us practical
tips on how to live a God-fearing life.

3. What does Proverbs 10 and 11 talk about?

Ans. Proverbs 10 and 11 talks about the qualities of a righteous person, a wise person and a foolish person.

4. Name some of the good qualities we should have that are mentioned in Chapter 10:1-16.
Ans. Be wise, don’t take things that are not ours. Be just, diligent, don’t be lazy but work hard. Obey God's
commands and don’t wink at wrong doing. Watch what you say, love everybody and be discerning.

5. Name some of the bad qualities we should not have that are mentioned in Chapter 10:17-32.
Ans. Ignoring corrections, lying, spreading slander, talking too much, being wicked, foolish, going after evil
pleasures, being lazy, doing evil, using bad language and speaking badly.

6. What are the benefits or rewards to the righteous or upright mentioned in Proverbs 11?
Ans. Guidance of God, rescue from trouble, prosperity, blessing, earn respect, reward, eternal life, delight of God,
not to be punished, find goodwill and thrive like the tree of life.

7. To which place did the Josephs and the Zachariahs go to serve as missionaries? What was their like?
Ans. They went to Hoskote a small town 25 km from Bangalore. Life was tough as there was no permanent
income. They lived an ashram life sharing everything and served God depending on God for everything.

8. The Josephs had to make a choice. What was it?

Ans. They had to choose whether they should continue with their comfortable life of salaried jobs or give up
everything for mission work and depend on God alone.
9. The Josephs had an earlier chance to go on missionary work. It did not work. Why? What is the lesson we
learn from it?
Ans. It did not work because God did not will it. God was still preparing the Josephs for the work in Hoskote. We
have to ask God for guidance and wisdom. He will direct our paths when we seek God’s will. We must not rush
to do things. Wait for God.

LESSON 9: BLESSING TO MANY

Bible Passage: Genesis 11:27-32, 12:1-9

Memory Verse:
Genesis 12:3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be
blessed through you.

Psalms 1:4-5 Not so the wicked, they are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand
in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

Answer the following:

1. What three things did God ask Abram to leave behind?
Ans. His country, his people, his father’s household.

2. What were the promises given to Abram before he set for Canaan?
Ans. God would make Abram into a great nation and bless him. Make him so great that he would be blessing to
other people. Everybody who blessed Abram would be blessed and all people on earth would be blessed through
him.

3. How are all the peoples of the earth blessed through Abraham?
Ans. Jesus was born as a descendant of Abraham. Salvation came to all the people of the earth through Jesus
when he died on the cross for us.

4. What was the promise that God gave Abram when he reached Canaan?
Ans. That he would give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abram

5. Why does God bless us?

Ans. God blesses us so that He can use us to bless other people.

6. How do we become a blessing for others?

Ans. We become a blessing when we share what God has given us for the good of other people. All that we have
is a gift from God. It is not just in money; it is in everything that God has given us.

7. Why do we need to be a blessing?

Ans. Using our gifts to meet someone else’s need glorifies God when they give thanks to God and glorify His
name. When we share our blessings, we are thanking God.

8. How did Abraham Malpan be a channel of blessing to others?

Ans. Abraham Malpan used all his God-given abilities and talents to bring back the Malankara Church to the
apostolic and evangelistic traditions set by the first fathers. He tried to put an end to all the unholy practices that
had crept into the church from outside influences. He used his gifts for the good of the society and the Church.

9. What are the changes he brought in the Malankara church?

Ans. He translated the liturgy from Syriac into Malayalam and started to conduct Malayalam services, stopped
auricular confession, prayers for the dead, invocation of saints, unhealthy regard of sacraments and unscriptural
traditions. Abraham Malpan urged everyone to read and study the Bible, hold family prayers and be engaged in
evangelistic works.
LESSON 10: ENCOURAGING OTHERS

Bible Passage: Acts 4:32-37, 9:26-28, 11:22-26, 15:36-39

Memory Verse:
Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened
by sin's deceitfulness.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Answer the following:

1. What was Barnabas' original name, which tribe was he from and from which place? Who gave him the name
Barnabas?
Ans. Joseph, Tribe of Levi, Cyprus. The Apostles gave him the name Barnabas.

2. Which church did he encourage seeing their faith?

Ans. Church at Antioch

3. Who were the two people to whom Barnabas gave a second chance?
Ans. Saul (Paul) and John Mark

4. Why did the Apostles give Joseph of Cyprus the name Barnabas?
Ans. The Apostles give Joseph of Cyprus the name Barnabas because –
a) Barnabas helped others
b) Barnabas encouraged others to continue to be faithful to the Lord.
c) Barnabas gave others the benefit of the doubt

5. Why is Antioch special to Christians?

Ans. The Christian community at Antioch began when Christians who were scattered from Jerusalem because of
persecution fled to Antioch. It is at this place where the followers of Jesus Christ were first called Christians.

6. What does Luke say about the character of Barnabas?

Ans. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith and brought many to the Lord.

7. What do we learn from the deacon in the story of Bill?

Ans. Do not judge from what we see from the outside. Do not discriminate people. Do not criticize people.
Everyone is equal in the sight of God. Always make others comfortable and welcome.
8. What do you think stops us from encouraging others?
Ans. Selfishness, jealousy, disinterest, lack of concern, lack of love, not willing to recognize the good in others.

9. How can we be a Barnabas in our life? Explain

Ans. Trust in God, be wise and use encouraging words. Be generous to the needy, forgive others, give them a
second chance, find time to care for others and look for ways to bring others to God.

LESSON 11: TOGETHER WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL

Bible Passage: Acts 18:1-7, I Corinthians 16:19, Romans 16:3-5(a)

Memory Verse:
1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

1 Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you
agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly
united in mind and thought.

Answer the following:

1. Where did Paul come from to Corinth?
Ans. Paul came from Athens to Corinth.

2. What was the reason for Aquila and Priscilla to leave Italy?
Ans. Claudius Caesar had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. So they had to leave Italy.

3. What was common about Paul and the family of Aquila and Priscilla?
Ans. Both were tentmakers.

4. Why does Paul greet Aquila and Priscilla in Romans 16?

Ans. They were fellow workers with Paul in spreading the gospel and the church used to meet in their house.

5. Where did Paul stay at Corinth?

Ans. Paul stayed at the house of Aquila and Priscilla.

6. What was special about the house of Aquila and Priscilla?

Ans. They were co-workers of Paul in Christ Jesus and risked their lives for the sake of Christ. So he and the entire
Gentile church were grateful to them.

7. What are the risks that Aquila and Priscilla undertook for God?
Ans. Aquila and Priscilla risked their life for the safety of Paul by accommodating him in their house. Even the
church in Corinth used to meet at their house in the midst of opposition.

8. What was common about Paul, Aquila and Priscilla?

Ans. They all loved the Lord, wanted to spread the gospel and served the Lord faithfully.

9. In which book of the Bible the story of Aquila and Priscilla is recorded?
Ans. In the book of Acts of Apostles.

10. Why is the family of Aquila and Priscilla a model to many?

Ans. They were together in praying, worshiping and studying the word of God. They opened their house for
church meetings, for the study of scriptures and prayers. They had allowed missionaries to stay in their house.
They were very zealous in serving the Lord.

11. We live in a time when homes and communities are fragmented. Can you think of different reasons why some
of our homes are disunited and devoid of family prayer and fellowship?
Ans. (this are just clues for building your answer) May not know God, not interested, not the tradition in the family,
too busy, not everyone at home together, too many fights, programmes on TV, too much to study, too tired, family
problems, one parent not interested, alcoholic parents …

12. Does attending church worship or prayer fellowship give you a sense of an extended family?
Ans. When we pray together you share in one another’s joy and sorrows. That gives a sense of belonging to each
other. When you pray in one heart and one accord there is a bonding – a spiritual oneness. It is as if you all form
one big family – just as we pray at home as a family.

13. Discuss the distinguishing traits of Aquila and Priscilla as an ideal Christian couple.
Ans. (this are just clues for building your answer) 1. Shared their home with Paul. 2. Worked with Paul. 3. Let the
Church meet in their house. 4. Risked their life for Paul and the Gentile church. 5. Shared the Word of God with
others.

14. Who was Rev A. C Zachariah?

Ans. Rev. A.C Zachariah was a teacher from Kurianoor who went for full time missionary work to Hoskote
Mission Field and later became an ordained priest in Mar Thoma Church. He served the Mission for 14 years
before becoming the Vicar for Bombay parishes.

15. What is exemplary about the two missionaries who went Hoskote?
Ans. Both Zachariah and Joseph left their permanent jobs and went to serve the Lord living a missionary life
without any salary. Both of them took their families to the mission field. They shared everything they had with
one another.

16. Describe the personality of Rev. A.C Zachariah?

Ans. Rev. A.C Zachariah was a godly person who loved to share the word of God with others. So, he taught in
Sunday school and participated in Sunday school camps. When he felt the call of God for full time mission work,
he had no doubt about leaving the comforts of his home or his job. He set out fully trusting the Lord. He served
the Lord with his wife Saramma leading an ashram life style, sharing everything he had with others.

17. How were the Zachariahs able to lead such a devoted missionary life?
Ans. They had immense faith in God. Zachariah Achen always stressed on family prayer, devotion and Bible study
in the morning and evening. He used to study the Bible diligently and it gave them strength to fully trust in the
Lord for all their needs.

LESSON 12 : GOD’S WORD: A LIGHT TO MY PATH

Bible Passage: Ezra 7

Memory Verse:
Psalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even
to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Answer the following:

1. What three credentials did Ezra have to do God's work?
Ans. Ezra was a priest, a teacher who was well-versed in the Law of God and the hand of the Lord was on him.

2. Why was God's hand on Ezra?

Ans. Ezra chose to study the Law of the Lord. Ezra taught the Law of the Lord to others. Ezra also chose to obey
the Law of God as he learned it. Ezra persuaded others to obey and enforce God's law.

3. What authority did the king give Ezra?

Ans. The king authorized Ezra to set up judges and other rulers to make sure God's law was properly enforced.
This required judges to know God's law and Ezra was to teach it to those who did not know it. Those who would
not obey the law of God were to be punished.

4. What can we learn about Ezra and his character? What applications can we get from this verse?
Ans. He set aside himself to study the Laws of God and on knowing it, he decided to live by the Law and then
decided to teach others the Law so that they also could live faithfully. We should also set ourselves to study the
Word of God, live by it and try to teach or at least share it with others.

LESSON 13: TO FORGIVE AND TO FORGET

Bible Passage: Philemon 1-25

Memory Verse:
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgiving
each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord
forgave you.

Answer the following:

1. Give examples from the Bible of instances of forgiveness.
Ans. Some examples of the Bible of instances of forgiveness include:
i. Esau and Jacob (Genesis 33: 4 – 15)
ii. Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 45: 4 – 15)
iii. Moses, Aaron and Miriam (Numbers 12: 1 – 13)
iv. Jesus on the cross (Luke 23:34)
v. Stephen (Acts 7: 59 – 60)

2. What is the only phrase in the Lord’s prayer with a condition attached?
Ans. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

3. Who was Philemon and why did Paul write a letter to him?
Ans. Philemon was one of Paul’s converts. He was a prominent Christian at Colossae who held church meetings
in his house and helped the believers there. Paul has a special favour to ask of him. Paul wanted Philemon to
forgive his run-away slave Onesimus and take him back as a Christian brother.

4. Where was Paul and why was he there?

Ans. Paul was in prison, not for any crime, but for spreading the message of Jesus Christ.

5. Who was Onesimus? What was his relationship with Paul?

Ans. Onesimus was Philemon’s slave who did some wrong and ran away to Rome. He became a follower of Christ
through Paul’s teachings. Paul refers to him as his son. Onesimus has a spiritual change and became Paul’s son
spiritually.

6. How does Paul request Philemon?

Ans. Paul reminds Philemon that he could have ordered him because he had brought Philemon to Christ. Instead,
he appeals to Philemon on the basis of love. Rather than force him, he appeals to Philemon’s love for Paul and
respect for his ministry. Paul says that he was an old man and also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

7. Why did Paul not order Philemon to take back Onesimus?

Ans. Paul knew that Philemon may obey him grudgingly if he ordered. Paul wanted him to take back Onesimus
willingly from a heart of compassion. Paul knew that if kindness or helpfulness is in any way forced, it would
become insincere.

8. What lesson do we learn from Paul’s letter to Philemon?

Ans. We must learn to forgive people who do wrong to us or to others. We must forgive and forget it, not keep it
in our mind. We must deal with them lovingly bearing no grudge. As a Christian, we should take the first step to
forgive others because Jesus took the first step to forgive our sins. We must pray for those who hurt us so that
they will have a change of heart and be saved.

9. What is considered to be the greatest deed John Paul the Great has ever done?
Ans. Pope John Paul chose to forgive the man who tried to assassinate him. Two years after the incident, he visited
the assailant in the prison, held his hands and prayed with him. He publicly declared that he had forgiven him.
Then he sought the release of the prisoner and maintained a friendly relationship with him till his demise.

10. How was it possible for Pope John Paul to forgive his assailant? How is it similar to Paul’s request to
Philemon?
Ans. Pope John Paul could forgive his assailant only because God helped him to overcome the bitterness and
anger. We can forgive others of the wrongs they did to us only when we see the sacrifice of Christ and the
unconditional love of God for us; only then can we get our hearts to forgive the other person. That is what Paul
is telling Philemon to do. Forgive Onesimus just as God forgives us. Christ paid the debt for us on the cross and
Paul is willing to pay Onesimus’ debt. John Paul the Great forgave and forgot the crime when he took in Agca as
a brother and maintained a friendly relationship with him.
 LESSON 14: LIGHTED TO LIGHTEN

Bible Reading: Acts 2: 41 – 47, 4: 32 - 37

Memory Verse:
Mathew 25:35, 36 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something
to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked
after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Hebrews 10:24, 25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving
up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see
the Day approaching.

Answer the following:

1. Name the activities the believers devoted themselves to.
Ans. Learning, Fellowship, Breaking Bread and Prayer.

2. Who was teaching the believers?

Ans. Apostles

3. How did they manage their possessions?

Ans. Shared all that they had.

4. What did the apostles testify on?

Ans. The apostles testified on the resurrection of Lord Jesus.

5. What did the apostles do with the money they got from the believers?
Ans. The apostles distributed the money they got from the believers to those who had needs.

6. How often did the believers meet and where?

Ans. The believers met every day at the Temple courts.

7. What was Barnabas’s original name?

Ans. Joseph.

8. The early church shared all they had. How can we share all that we have? Name a few instances.
Ans. Toys, food, give clothes we can’t or don’t want to wear, help at home, give sheets to wayside dwellers,
celebrate your birthday with orphans, share your story books, give your old school bag to a poor child (if it’s not
damages), helping in church.

9. How did the first believers spend their time?

Ans. The first believers devoted themselves to the Apostle’s teachings, fellowshipped with one another, broke
bread together and prayed together.

10. What is true Christian fellowship?

Ans. True fellowship is caring for each other and not letting each other’s needs go unmet. We should be reading
the Bible and praying daily, as well as going to church and being concerned about the welfare of others.

11. How did the early church demonstrate Christian fellowship?

Ans. The believers of the early church sold their belongings and shared with one another. No one was forced to
sell their possessions or land but they did it out of love for Jesus and one another. They took care of each other
and lived together in peace. They were not selfish with the things God blessed them with.

12. Who was Barnabas? What does that word mean?

Ans. Barnabas was a Christian Jew who believed in Jesus and worked with the apostles. His original name was
Joseph and he was a Levite from Cyprus. Barnabas means ‘son of encouragement’.

13. Who were the founders of the Sihora Ashram?

Ans. Rev. K. T. Thomas, Rev. John Varghese, Rev. M. P. Mathew

14. What changes did the functioning of the Ashram bring in Sihora?
Ans. The Ashram rendered food, education and employment to many. Many women joined the ashram and took
care of the medical needs of the village. People were educated in the small school that was begun. The people of
Sihora understood the importance of education, medical care and hygiene. The villagers began to understand the
love of Jesus Christ.

15. What is an ashram life like?

Ans. The inmates of the ashram are basically sanyasis and sanyasinis who live a simple life dedicated to prayer,
meditation on the Word of God, discipline and celibacy. They trust in God for their daily needs rather than
pleading for help. There is no differentiation between senior and junior and everyone contributes towards the
work equally. They share ideas, forgive and forget and remain as one family and grow as a family.

16. What is real faith?

Ans. Real faith is absolute trust in God. No matter what the circumstance know that God is sufficient for
everything. He knows everyone’s need and provides accordingly. Real faith is moving in trusting in God though
we don’t know what the future holds.

LESSON 15 : FAITH THAT BLOSSOMS

Bible Reading: James 2: 14 - 26

Memory Verse:
James 2: 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Hebrews 11:1, 2 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is
what the ancients were commended for.

Answer the following:

1. What do we learn from the memory verse James 2: 14 to 17 - What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone
claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.
 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
Ans. Lesson: Kind words is not enough. We should do what we say. Application: If we see a person who is in
need, we should do what we can or at least try to help the person through our parents or others we know.

2. What do we learn from the memory verse James 2: 18 to 26 – But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the
demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our
father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his
actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says,
“Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is
considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered
righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the
spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
Ans. Lesson: Our faith in God is evidenced only when we do and live according to what we believe in. That is
what we see in the life of Abraham and Rahab. Application: Faith in God means obeying God and doing what
He wants us to do and fully trusting him with our lives.

3. Can faith alone save a person? What else does a person need?
Ans. No, faith alone cannot save a person. Faith needs to be accompanied by works of good deeds.

4. Why is belief in God alone not sufficient for our salvation?

Ans. Even demons believe in God but neither do their actions support their belief nor do they live according to
the will of God.

5. What does James say about Abraham?

Ans. Abraham’s faith and deeds worked together and that made his faith complete. God knew he had the faith,
but the works showed that his faith was true and proved it.

6. Why is Rahab considered righteous?

Ans. Rahab is considered righteous because she gave shelter to God's people. She knew that God was able to do
great things and she worked on that faith. She risked her life trusting on God.

7. Why is it important to live out what we say?

Ans. Jesus wants us to do what is right, not just say it. God’s children show the world their faith in God by their
actions. People should be able to look at our life and our actions as signs that we belong to God. Our good deeds
and not just our words will show the love of Christ.

8. Why did Father Damien risk his life caring for the lepers?
Ans. Father Damien was deeply grieved at the plight of the lepers and his love for Christ urged him to do
something for those forsaken people.

9. What do we learn from the life of Father Damien?

Ans. We should be sensitive to the pains and needs of other people. We should not always think of our own
comforts. We should do all that we can to help others in whatever way we can and show the love of Christ to
others.

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