I’m Jemima L Yeggs, a.k.a. Stinker. Pink Lady Apple Yeggs, my landlady and my auntie, wants to read about how younger people, especially couples respond to what the Bible says. And she wants to know how God is at work at Lily the Pink.
Dr. Ellie, Mary, Arabella, and I were in our “green room.”
Dr. Ellie and Arabella were playing with Stormie and Joan. Ethan was sleeping. Yes, schedule messed up again.
B.B. was fixing my hair, “Stinker, you are starting to get this hair styling down, but didn’t your problems start when you were pregnant with Stormie?”
I replied, “I don’t know, Mary. That’s about the time you told me that I needed help.”
B.B. sighed, “I don’t think that was what I meant at the time.”
I suggested, “Have you and Belle thought about doing a Groucho Marx act?”
Belle asked, “Wasn’t he a single act?”
I nodded, “I didn’t expect you to get it right.”
Arabella replied, “Now, that’s the most ridiculous thing I ever heard.”
Dr. Ellie groaned, “Belle, you are getting it all wrong. The cigar goes in the other hand and your electricians tape moustache is upside down.”
Arabella asked, “How can an electrician tape moustache be upside down when it’s rectangular?”
Dr. Ellie said, “Don’t confuse humor with bad geometry.”
B.B. said, “I think we better get to class before Ethan wakes up. He can get cranky when he wakes up without his three hours of sleep.”
Dr. Ellie hissed, “Mary, that puts him waking up in the middle of the Rev C.S.L sermon.”
Mary sighed, “Yes, Joseph has told his boss that Ethan crying is not a critique of the sermon.”
Belle bowed as she opened the door.
Rev. Joseph led us in prayer.
Emmett and the choir sang Alive in Christ.
I said, “I like that song. Emmett you amaze me and the band and choir are terrific.”
Emmett smiled and nodded.
Samuel asked, “As if I need to know, where are we searching for Jesus today, Aunt Jemima?”
I smiled, “We are looking at the book of Ephesians. Arabella, do you need Mr. Dictionary?”
Arabella nodded, “I cannot talk effusively and effectively about Ephesus. Isus, isus.”
Easy, Mr. Dictionary groaned, “Belle, Paul spent a long time in Ephesus. ‘Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.’ (Acts 19:8-10). So, without getting anything saying ‘about’ two years. We could say he preached in Ephesus for two years and three months. But this was not his first trip to Ephesus. He left Priscilla and Aquila there. So he probably stayed a while to have them established to head that church. ‘They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. When he landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch. (Acts 18:19-22). So maybe it was only a month to set up the mission and then move on. So, if you lived somewhere for three years, it may feel like home.”
Belle smiled as she replied, “Thank you, Mr. Dictionary.”
Easy laughed, “But I am not done. ‘As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.’ (Ephesians 2:1-3). If you were listening to someone’s testimony, what part of the testimony is described by the verses that I just read?”
Belle smiled, “That sounds like the before Jesus part.”
I continued, “Then let’s read a little more. ‘But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,’ (Ephesians 2:4-6). If you were listening to someone’s testimony, what part of the testimony is described by the verses that I just read?”
Belle frowned, “What’s going on here? Are you ganging up on me? But to answer your question, that sure sounds like the part where you meet Jesus.”
Rev. Joseph continued, “Then let’s read a little more. ‘in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.’ (Ephesians 2:7-10). If you were listening to someone’s testimony, what part of the testimony is described by the verses that I just read?”
Arabella huffed, “That’s what we are like after Jesus enters our hearts. And you are ganging up on me!”
I laughed, “No, Belle, you set me up for your punch lines all the time, but this time we got together and flipped the script. If you said nothing, we would have introduced it to the class in general.”
Emmett laughed, “Yeah, Belle, they can usually depend on you asking a dumb question. But sometimes your dumb question is what others in the class are thinking. If you relied on them to ask, they would not. They would be too embarrassed. So, the dumbest dumb question becomes the one that was never asked because you never got the answer. You ask the dumb questions for comic relief, but we all learn from it.”
Arabella threw up her hands, “I don’t know which is worse! The class leaders ganging up on me or my brother saying something that almost sounded nice!!!”
I laughed, “While you figure that out, we are only going to look at Old Testament quotes. What we just looked at should be a good guide. A testimony that starts with what it was like for you before Jesus, how you met Jesus, and then what changed is the classic three-part testimony. We should all be prepared to tell our story.”
Colin said, “But I have known a lot of people that do not have that story. They cannot remember ever accepting Jesus, but they say they believe.”
I smiled, “I may need help from Rev. Joseph, but those people either live their testimonies or they don’t. You cannot get to Heaven on your works. We need that surrender to God’s will to set the relationship between us and God into motion. If we don’t, the works fool us into thinking we are on the right track when we are not. But when the ‘always saved’ person shows love, joy, hope, peace, long-suffering, and those type things all the time, they may have had that road to Damascus moment when they were seven or eight years old. They say they always believed. But there is a difference in head knowledge and heart knowledge. They just may not remember when that surrender took place. Was that good, No Joe?”
Rev. Joseph laughed, “Excellent, Aunt Jemima.”
Anna (Ephesians 2:17, Luther Bibel 1545) “Und er ist gekommen, hat verkündigt im Evangelium den Frieden euch, die ihr ferne waret, und denen, die nahe waren;”
Anna said, “And now in English, ‘He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.”’ (Ephesians 2:17).”
Anna said, ”This is what Isaiah said. ‘creating praise on their lips. Peace, peace, to those far and near,” says the Lord. “And I will heal them.”’ (Isaiah 57:19). Jesus provides Peace. He is our peace. Peace is one of the fruits of the Spirit.”
Bubba (Ephesians 4:8) “Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: ‘All nations will be blessed through you.’”
Bubba said, “I think Blaise should have this one. Doesn’t he get the long ones? Anyway, this talks about all nations being blessed. ‘When you ascended on high, you took many captives; you received gifts from people, even from the rebellious—that you, Lord God, might dwell there.’ (Psalm 68:18). Okay, this was a little confusing. The ascending is when Christ ascended. I am not sure about the captives, and confused about the gifts.”
I nodded, “You are right on the ascension. The captives are the Old Testament Saints. Some people believe in Soul Sleep. You die and without having dreams or anything, you awake as if it is an instant later on Judgment Day. Other people believe in compartments in Heaven. Some of the prophecies hint in that direction. But one compartment is thought to be Paradise, not the highest Heaven. It’s like you are in the Garden of Eden or something similar. You live there until Judgment Day when you finally go before God in judgment. But some think that Paradise was reserved for the Old Testament saints. Jesus is the Only Way to God the Father, so those Old Testament saints are in a sinless Paradise, but they are unable to go before God the Father until Jesus has paid the penalty for sin. Now, when we die, most believe in instantaneously being in the presence of Jesus. Just think, you die with your eyes closed, and then as soon as you open them, there Jesus is smiling down at you. But those Old Testament saints are the freed captives that were in Paradise, but not before the Lord.”
Bubba nodded, “Thank you, Aunt Jemima, but what about the gifts?”
I laughed, “Those are the fruits and gifts of the Spirit. What makes it confusing is that the two things are talking about different groups. The Old Testament saints have no use for the fruits of the Spirit. They are people who passed away long ago. But we need those gifts to spread the Gospel here on earth. Now does it make sense?”
Bubba smiled, “A lot better than what we came up with.”
I asked Rev. Joseph, “What if we figured out an unused space on the Lily the Pink campus for a reading room, maybe a library to check books out. Buy a bunch of trusted commentaries. It should not be that hard.”
Rev. Joseph nodded, “I’ll taught to Mommie Pinkie.”
Susana (Ephesians 4:25, Reina Valera 1960) “Por lo cual, desechando la mentira, hablad verdad cada uno con su prójimo; porque somos miembros los unos de los otros.”
Susana (Ephesians 4:25) “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”
Susana said, “Paul is giving basic instructions on living the Christian life. ‘These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts;!’ (Zechariah 8:16). We should tell the truth. Even if it hurts.”
I smiled, “I’m sensing something.”
Trey nodded, “I tried coming up with an excuse for cancelling our date a couple of nights ago, but she saw right through it. I was just exhausted from getting no sleep the night before. I did something really stupid. I crammed for a test.”
I laughed, “Did you pass?”
Trey groaned, “Yes, but I am still not fully alert.”
I smiled, “I’ll risk it…”
Trey (Ephesians 4:26) ‘“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,’
Trey said, “This verse brings me right back to the argument that Susana and I had. We can see where Paul got this in Psalm 4. ‘Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.’’ (Psalm 4:4). And maybe when you disappointed the girl you are going to marry, you might want to make things up to her before going to bed.”
Susana leaned over and kissed him. That started a contagious kissing spree, but it was short-lived.
Marika (Ephesians 5:31) “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”
Marika asked, “This is in Matthew 19:5, Mark 10:7, and 1 Corinthians 6:16. Do you want me to read them all?”
I smiled, “No, we have looked at those before I think.”
Marika nodded, “ This is used as God’s blueprint for what God sees as natural. God says that same sex stuff is unnatural. But some people might have that temptation while I have the temptation to skip volleyball practice. Since my scholarship in volleyball depends on being at practice, I have to resist that temptation.
Margie asked, “What is more interesting than volleyball practice? I never miss my conditioning for softball.”
Marika smiled, “Luke is my main distraction, but I get news from Burkina Faso at times that gets me distracted. Times are hard for Christians there. But Paul is quoting Genesis 2… ‘That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.’ (Genesis 2:24).”
I snickered, “And now for Luke, the major distraction.”
Luke (Ephesians 6:2-3) ““Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.””
Luke said, “This quotes the Fifth Commandment. ‘“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.’’ (Exodus 20:12). In the next chapter… ‘“Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ (Exodus 21:17). Some of us have better parents than others. My parents were great. It was through their missionary work that I met Marika. But then Todd’s parents deserted him when they moved to Oregon. I don’t think I could do that.”
I nodded, “I understand. Where are Patty and Todd?”
Marika said, “They said they needed to study. They have two classes together and both of them are having tests tomorrow. I just hope they are studying their subjects instead of each other.”
I asked, “Is there trouble within the ranks of Pam S. (their initials)?”
Anna laughed, “With those two, they are very hands on if you know what I mean. Bubba and I have our moments, but we know when to hit the brakes. The cool ones that always have it together are Marika and Luke. Is it a sin to covet their self-control?”
I shrugged, “I’ll have to refer to Rev. Joseph on that one.”
Rev. Joseph laughed, “And I will get back to you on that one.”
Marguerite (Ephesians 6:14-15) “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
Margie said, “Blaise and I have one of those classes with Todd and Patty. They are doing pretty good in the class. Todd needs an ‘A’ to get on the new Turtle Team. But I think you gave me the Blaise verse. This is talking about the armor of God, but it specifically mentions truth. So, we are back to Susana’s verse. ‘Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.’ (Isaiah 11:5). So, even the metaphor comes from the Old Testament. ‘How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”’ (Isaiah 52:7). We have had this verse a lot, but the context here is that to spread the Gospel, which means the good news, we need to let our feet do the walking. Some can communicate by the internet, but nothing beats face-to-face. ‘“He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.’’ (Isaiah 59:17). Again, this is more of the armor of God from the Old Testament, the book of Isaiah specifically.”
Blaise (Ephesians 6:17) “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Blaise said, “We could go right back to Marguerite’s last verse from Isaiah, but let’s look at Hosea. “Therefore I cut you in pieces with my prophets, I killed you with the words of my mouth—then my judgments go forth like the sun.” (Hosea 6:5). God is saying that He has sent His prophets to tell it like it is, and it was not pretty. But I would like to focus on the helmet of salvation. If you are faking it, going through the motions to just fit in, then the rest of the armor does you little good. You need that helmet of salvation or God’s judgment will come down on you like the setting sun.”
Grannie Fannie (Deuteronomy 33:27-28) “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, ‘Destroy them!’ So Israel will live in safety; Jacob will dwell secure in a land of grain and new wine, where the heavens drop dew.”
Then Grannie Fannie added, “And then all God’s children said, ‘Amen.’”
Lauren ran up to Grannie Fannie and hugged her. “It’s bus time, Grannie Fannie!”
Brooke said, “Stormie, church time!”
Stormie said, “Aunt Brooke, we are ready to go to church!” Joan yelled, “Yeah!” And Ellie Rain and Olympia joined in.
Credits
When I am using quoted verses in the New Testament, I got those verses (different translations) from Seeing Jesus – Bible Encounter Study Guide by Marilyn Hickey. The concept of doing this in a Sunday school setting is based on her book. When the youngster gives the other verse, Aunt Jemima had sent the comparison verse from the Hickey book, but occasionally, a verse is added (easily found in the cross references). The rest is from internet searches, a variety of commentaries and study Bibles, and personal knowledge.
Here is Alive in Christ from Nathan Drake.
Soli Deo Gloria. Only to God be the Glory.
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