SCRIPTURE/FOCUS – WEEK OF January 17 – 23, 2016
FOCUS OF THE MONTH
Step into your new life in Christ
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Ephesians 4:24
Call (641) 715-3378, access code 259748, Reference #35 to listen to a review of these lessons.
Visit our website at www.5ambiblestudyministry.org
Overview: People in pain will persecute others. Remember God’s grace toward us as we look on the interest of others to reconcile them to Christ. Let’s remain humble as we ask God to give us a heart of compassion to share our real problems about a real God with them. There are still so many prodigal sons and daughters including ourselves that the Father is waiting with open arms for us to repent and return home. Though we try to keep it real and encourage ourselves and others to trust God and to live godly lives, we still sometimes struggle to do what is right. Remember, we are no longer bound. Let’s focus on Jesus’ laws and obey them as God conforms us more into the image of His Son.
Monday, January 18, 2016 – Minister of Reconciliation – 2 Corinthian 5:16-21
Focus: In spite of those who persecute and try to destroy us, we must remember that God extended grace and saved us while we were His enemies. Therefore, we must strive to be ministers of reconciliation and bring the lost to Christ.
Scriptures: Luke 6:27; Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 5:9-16, 23-26.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016 – You First! – Philippines 2:1-11
Focus: Let’s follow Jesus’ example by practicing humility. As we become more compassionate, we won’t insist on our own way but instead we will be gentle as we look on the interest of others.
Scriptures: Romans 12:3; 1 Corinthians 10:24; 1 Corinthians 13:4, 5
Wednesday, January 20, 2016 – Real People, Real God – Philippians 3:17-21
Focus: We are real people with real problems, however, we trust a real God. Let’s encourage those around us who are in need of hearing this truth that, Jesus saves and desire for them to live a godly life. As we share, keep it real with them.
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 11:1; 2 Corinthians 12:9; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Titus 2:7-8
Thursday, January 21, 2016 – Welcome Home! – Luke 15:11-24
Focus: We must continue to pray for all the prodigal children of the world including ourselves. Remember, our heavenly Father is waiting for us to return to Him with open arms.
Scriptures: Revelation 3:20
Friday, January 22, 2016 – A Prisoner No More – Romans 7:15-25
Focus: Many of us have the constant struggles of doing what is right. Therefore, let’s focus on Jesus and His laws as we strive to obey them. God will change our hearts and conform us to be more like His Son.
Scriptures: Galatians 5:16-18; Philippians 3:4-11
Thoughts from Sister Clovia Thompson – As we celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, we know he was a minister of reconciliation. He had a dream for people everywhere. He wanted us to get along and show how much we care by helping one another.
He was a man of humility. He called us to follow in Jesus’ footsteps to show grace and gentleness to all people.
Let’s join together and follow Dr. King’s example by pointing people to Jesus. He dreamed of a day when America lives up to its creed, when all people sit together at one table, and where freedom and justice reign.
The day before Dr. King was assonated, he said God allowed him to go to the mountain top and see the Promised Land. He saw that God was watching and waiting and welcoming him home. His eyes saw the glory of the coming of the Lord.
So the lessons we can learn from the life and work of Dr. King is let us focus on Jesus, we are prisoners no more.
“