FOCUS OF THE MONTH
Stay Obedient to God
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days; be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. – Revelation 2:10 (KJV); (EXB)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Deacon Emmett Young – September 12 – Introduction Class
Sister Lillian Hicks – September 15 – Introduction Class
Sister Deborah Boyd – September 15 – Introduction Class
Call (641) 715-3378, access code 2597-48#; Reference 173# to listen to a review of these lessons.
For more information our website at www.5ambiblestudyministry.org
***The Scriptures for this week’s lessons are taken from the Expanded Bible Version (EXB)***
Overview: Jesus understands everything that we may encounter because He humbled Himself as a man and is acquainted with our expressions of happiness as well as grief. When we are challenged by certain circumstances, we can be confident that Jesus cares and understands. Therefore, we must purpose to gain a new sense of humility and empathy in the future as we try to persuade others about the truth of God’s Word and forgiveness. Even if we have been wronged, we must take the first step by showing the love of God and forgive them. This is an effective way to counsel those who struggle with emotional stress; thereby, we may be able to reconcile them to God.
It’s imperative that we stay awhile in God’s Word, reading the accounts of biblical characters of faith. who like us, had their hardships but remained faithful as they waited for the promise, we too must stay focused. We must never allow our stubborn pride to get in the way of obeying God. Remember, we have to answer to God our King, who someday will judge our good and bad. The consolation we have as God’s children, is that we have forgiveness through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Those of us who have put our trust and faith in the finished work of Calvary have peace with God and we know our Father’s name.
Monday, September 11, 2017 – The One Who Understands – John 1:1-18
Focus: Jesus is acquainted with our expressions of happiness as well as our griefs. When we doubt if He cares or not, remember, He humbled Himself and came in the flesh, therefore, He understands.
Scriptures: Jeremiah 9:23-24; Hebrews 4:14-16
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 – Taking the First Step – 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
Focus: We must try to persuade others about the truth of God’s Word and forgiveness. Take the first step, when we have been wronged so others may see the love of God in us and be reconciled to Him.
Scriptures: Matthew 3:7-9
Wednesday, September 13, 2017 – Stay Awhile – Hebrews 11:8-13
Focus: We must be willing to stay awhile in God’s Word. Biblical accounts make us more aware of real life dramas of people like us and will help us walk by faith as we wait for the promise.
Scriptures: Galatians 2:20; Romans 4:13-21
Thursday, September 14, 2017 – We Have a King! – Judges 2:11-23
Focus: Never allow our stubborn pride to get in the way of obeying God. We have to answer to God our King, who will judge our good and bad.
Scriptures: Ephesians 5:6; Ecclesiastes 11:9-13
Friday, September 15, 2017 – What’s Your Father’s Name? – John 8:39-47
Focus: To be a part of God’s family, one must put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. He will give grace and grant forgiveness so that we can have peace and know our Father’s name.
Scriptures: Romans 3:22-31; Romans 4:1-5; 13-17
Thoughts from Sister Clovia Thompson – On the Battlefield for the Lord
The theme for September is Stay Obedient to God. Our obedience to God is an act of gratitude for the gifts of grace and mercy. We are commissioned by Christ to endure hardship as good soldiers. We are on the battlefield for our Lord.
There is a war out there; it is being fought on the turf of our hearts. It is fighting for control of our mind and soul. We don’t give up. We don’t bail out. We don’t back down. Let us pick up the Word of God, our weapon of spiritual warfare. Stay a while in His Word, so we can better understand the battle plan and our Commander in Chief, Jesus Christ.
We are in God’s army. The Lord Jesus is our Commanding Officer. The Holy Bible is our Codes of Conduct. Prayer and the armor of God are our weapons and shields of warfare. We have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by the enemy and tested by fire. We have endured. We have been broken. We have known hardship. But we stand on the battlefield for our Lord because we have a King who has given us His battle plan. We are marching forward, growing stronger each day as good soldiers of Jesus Christ.
Remember the enemy, satan, cannot read our thoughts, but he can hear our words. Don’t back down! Let us march on, keep praising God out loud. This is our battle cry. Let us stop agreeing with the lies of the enemy. Instead start fighting back by believing and repeating the promises of God. We are on the battlefield for our Lord.