SUNDAY OPENER: Announce to the class that you are looking for anonymous tips about Christian benevolence and love that is been done within your group. Provide a box (of the "Suggestion Box" variety) where members can write a brief comment about some service or attitude shown by another member. The Secret Praise could be about a witnessing effort, a Christian stand in the face of opposition, or encouragement to a person who needs it. After you have selected a particular member, open up the next Sunday morning Bible study by reading the "nomination." After the applause, reward the 'winner' with a mocha latte or a special coffee of the morning! This act of encouraging Christian action will be a strong lesson even before you delve into the Scripture study!
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ILLUSTRATION: When I was in third grade and our family was living in a rural part of Hershey, Pennsylvania, we had a terror of a watchdog in the neighborhodd named King. None of us kids wanted to mess with that dog. King would strain on his chain, bellowing and foaming at the mouth, so vicious was his temper. Nothing got past this monster. Then one day I was looking out the window and happened to see King lying there outside of his doghouse with about twenty birds milling about - in his dish, on his house, even ON HIM! But as soon as his master opened the door, King roared at the birds, barking and slashing. Then I realized that King was nothing but a big hypocrite -- all bark! Lord help us from Christians who put on a "King-like" show,
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