Bible Study: Week of April 9 – April 15, 2017

Overview: All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. However, Jesus opened His strong arms to us at the cross and forgave us of our sins. There are times when people are not so polite and may hold us at arm’s length because we have been called to live righteous as children of God. We must thank God for Jesus, our best friend who redeemed us from the sin curse. Though people may not be kind, we must reflect on the example Jesus demonstrated at Calvary when He forgave all who wronged Him. Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to free us of any unforgiveness that we seem to cling to.

We can find consolation among other believers who understand that the world can be cruel. As true worshipers come together, each one should be able to let their hair down and not hide their flaws.  We should expect that each one of us will do right by one another instead of being critical like the world. During the times that we are in pain and there is no one to hold our hands, remember, we have a friend in Jesus. He will never leave or forsake us.

Rejoice, in the finish work of Calvary and that we have the victory of eternal life because God loved us enough to send Jesus to conquer the sin debt that we owed.  

Monday, April 10, 2017 – Our Best Friend – Hebrews 10:19-23

Focus: We all have flaws; however, people and friends sometimes hold us at arm’s length and are not always kind. Jesus opened His strong arms to us at the cross and forgave our sins.

Let’s thank Him for being our best friend and giving us the right to become the children of God.Scriptures: James 2:23; Romans 3:10-12, 22-26

Tuesday, April 11, 2017 – Why Forgive? Luke 23:32-34

Focus: As we reflect on Jesus’ example of forgiveness at the cross, we too must ask the Holy Spirit to help free us from the sin of unforgiveness that we still cling to.

Scriptures: Matthew 6:9-15

Wednesday, April 12, 2017 – Let Down Your Hair – John 12:1-8

Focus: When among other believers, we should be able to let down our hair and not hide our flaws. God is seeking true worshipers who will do right by one another and not be critical.

Scriptures: Psalm 139:23-24; 1st Samuel 1:9-18

Thursday, April 13, 2017 – Forsaken for Our Sake – Matthew 26:36-46

Focus: Times that we are in pain and there seems to be no one to hold our hands, remember, Jesus will be a friend that will never leave or forsaken us.

Scriptures: Isaiah 54:4-10

Friday, April 14, 2017 – Remember the Cross – Mark 15:19-20, 33-39

Focus: Jesus finished the work that was required to save us from the death we deserved. Therefore, we must always share the gospel and remember the cross and be thankful for God’s gift of eternal life.

Scriptures: Matthew 28:18-20; Hebrews 13:12-16

Thoughts from Sister Clovia Thompson

Jesus Is Our Best Friend

As we stand once again at the foot of the cross of Jesus, we can hear this profound truth come from His blessed lips:  Greater love hath no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for His friends and I call you my friend.

Jesus is the best friend we will ever know.  He will always be there for us.  We can lean on Him when we are feeling weak.  We can talk to Him about anything.  He loves us unconditionally.  He will help us with any problems we may have.  He will always have the right answers for us.  He will build us up when we are feeling down.  Jesus is the best friend we will ever know because He laid down His life at Calvary.

As our best friend, He knows our weakness but shows us His strength.  He knows our fears but fortifies our faith.  He sees our anxieties but He frees our spirit.  He recognizes our disabilities, but Jesus emphasizes our possibilities.

There is no treasure like the treasure of a faithful friend.  There is no pleasure like the pleasure of our friendship with Jesus can lend.  Fame , riches and other pleasures may quickly pass away, but Jesus, our BFF and His golden treasures will last forever and a day.