Unifying Lesson Principle: IPeople closest to us can influence us either positively or negatively. How can we discern the positive influences from the negative influences in our lives? Paul reminds Timothy of the genuine faith of his mother and grandmother and encourages him to see in them models for his own faith.

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to 1. List characteristics of Timothy’s childhood that are conducive to his growth as a faithful witness. 2. Value the home as a training ground for becoming a faithful witness. and 3. Adopt practices of home nurture for becoming a faithful witness.

Unifying Lesson Principle: It’s sometimes difficult to believe that change in a person is authentic. What convinces us of the authenticity of the changes a person claims to have made? Paul testified to his faith in Christ to convince Christians that he had truly repented of his former convictions and violent actions against believers.

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to 1. Retell Paul’s call and commissioning story comparing and contrasting to your own story of conversion and discipleship. 2. Celebrate the witnesses for Christ who have encouraged your own walk with Christ. and 3. Develop ways of witnessing for Christ so that others are encouraged to serve.

Unifying Lesson Principle: People may hesitate to speak up and take action even when their beliefs are called into question. What sparks a readiness to act on and speak the truth? Stephen, full of grace and the power of the Spirit, was equipped to defend his faith and talk about the truth of God’s word.”

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to 1. Reconstruct the broader story of Stephen’s courageous and potent witness to Jesus Christ. 2. Meditate on one’s own courage and call to be a witness to Jesus Christ. and 3. Emulate Stephen’s courageous and potent witness to Jesus Christ.

Unifying Lesson Principle: In the face of doubts, many people will seek out solid evidence or proof. What source of evidence is persuasive enough to address our doubt? John indicated that after Thomas received evidence from Jesus, his doubts were relieved, and his faith was restored.”

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to 1. Assess Thomas’s role in the pattern of Christian discipleship that passes from one faithful witness to the next. 2. Consider the role of doubting and questioning for one’s own faith. and 3. Practice telling your testimony to others.

Unifying Lesson Principle: We are faced with many choices throughout our lives, but it is impossible to commit to everything. How do we prioritize our commitments? We see Mary’s commitment to Jesus at significant moments throughout His life-from the announcement of His birth to His first miracle, to His crucifixion.”

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to 1. Examine Mary’s role as Jesus’s mother as an expression of faithful witness. 2. Nurture “inner hospitality” as an expression of welcome to Jesus. and 3. Practice welcoming others as an expression of faithful witness to Christ.