Lectionary Year C, Unit 13: Proper 26--Reign of Christ

This unit covers Proper 26 through the Reign of Christ in Lectionary Year C. It is designed to help students understand 1) Christian growth in faith, love, and perseverance; 2) the importance of being prepared for Christ's second coming; 3) the Big Picture of life in God's kingdom, both present and future; and 4) the universal rule and reign of Christ.

Lesson 1: Growing Pains-By growing in our faith in God and in our love for others-even through trials and persecution-we bring glory to God. (Isaiah 1:10-18; Psalm 32:1-7; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12; Luke 19:1-10)

Lesson 2: We've Still Got Work to Do-Because no one knows exactly when Jesus will return, His followers need to constantly be prepared to meet Him. The best way to do this is to hold to the truth of the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:15) and live it out by loving others (2 Thessalonians 2:17). (Haggai 1:15b-2:9; Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17; Luke 20:27-38)

Lesson 3: All Things Made Right-God's kingdom has already begun to take shape. Until Christ comes again to fully complete that kingdom, we are to work at expanding the Kingdom according to God's vision: peace among all God's creation, including long life, well-being, and economic stability for all. (Isaiah 65:17-25; Isaiah 12:2-6; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; Luke 21:5-19)

Lesson 4: Christ the King Forever!-God in Christ created and rules over all of creation, including the earth and the creatures, people, and nations in it. Because of that, we can rest assured that Christ will carry out His good purposes for creation. (Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 46; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:33-43)