FOCUS FOR THE MONTH
Walking Together in the Newness of Life
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. — Romans 6:4 ESV
Wednesday Corporate Fasting Scripture – Isaiah 58 (ESV); Isaiah 58 (KJV)
Friday End of Week Scripture – Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)
MEMBERS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Open Invitation – Introduction Class
Join the Introduction Class on 1-605-313-4831; access code 259-748#, whenever your Class Facilitator is absent
Did you miss your class today? Do you want an evangelism tool?
If yes — call or share the Introduction Class Instant Replay
1-605-313-4904; access code 259-748#
Open Invitation – Intercessory Prayer
Join the Intercessory Team every 2nd Saturday each month
1-605-313-5671; access code 563-972#
start time is 4:45AM
You Are Welcome To Listen To
Class Review Instant Replays
Introduction Class – (605) 313-4904; access code 259-748#
Class 5 – (605) 468-8114; access code 694-591#
Class 6 – (605) 313-4899; access code 943-172#
Visit here to submit Prayer Requests
***The English Standard Version (ESV) stands in the classic mainstream of English Bible translations over half-millennium. The fountainhead of that stream was William Tyndale’s New Testament of 1526; marking its course was the King James Version of 1611 (KJV), the English Revised Version of 1885 (RV), the American Standard Version of 1901 (ASV), and the Revised Standard Version of 1952 and 1971 (RSV). Faithfulness to the text and vigorous pursuit of accuracy were combined with simplicity, beauty, and dignity of expression in that stream. Our goal has been to carry forward this legacy for a new century.
To this end, each word and phrase in the ESV has been carefully weighed against the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, to ensure the fullest accuracy and clarity and avoid under-translating or overlooking any nuance of the original text. The words and phrases themselves grow out of the Tyndale-King James legacy, and most recently, out of the RSV, with the 1971 RSV text providing the starting point for our work. Archaic language has been brought to current usage, and significant corrections have been made in translating key texts. But throughout, our goal has been to retain the depth of meaning and enduring language that have made their indelible mark on the English-speaking world and have defined the life and doctrine of the church over the last four centuries.
The ESV is an “essentially literal” translation that seeks as far as possible to capture the precise wording of the original text and the personal style of each Bible writer. It seeks to be transparent to the original text, letting the reader see the structure and meaning of the original as directly as possible. More about the ESV translation philosophy….***
PRAISE & WORSHIP
DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Sunday, January 8, 2023 – MORE THAN CONQUERORS – Romans 8:31-39
Our Daily Bread Focus:
Reflect & Pray
When has your confidence in God’s love helped you press on? How has He affirmed your value as His beloved child even after a great loss?
Father, thank You for helping me rise up through trials in victorious praise.
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): Living like Christ; Christ, person and work, Salvation
Scripture(s): Philippians 3:7-11; Isaiah 43:10; Matthew 16:11-12
Reflect & Pray
How do you know that you believe the truth about Jesus? What might you need to investigate to make sure you understand what the Bible says about Him?
Dear God, help me to walk in the light of Your truth.
For further study, read In Pursuit of Jesus: Who He Is and Why It Matters.
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): Forgiveness of Sin, Salvation
Scripture(s): Isaiah 12:2; Ephesians 2:8-9; Luke 21:28
Reflect & Pray
How have you messed up? What has God provided for your restoration and redemption?
Dear Jesus, thank You for never giving up on me. I surrender to You and ask that You please redeem what I’ve ruined.
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): Trust in God, Relationships
Scripture(s): 2 Timothy 4:17; John 8:7, 10-11
Reflect & Pray
How do you respond to the story of Taher and Donya’s commitment to Christ? How can you trust in the unlimited power of God?
Saving God, help me to trust in You when the obstacles feel insurmountable.
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): Salvation, Christ, person and work
Scripture(s): Ephesians 1:20-21; 1 John 2:2; Genesis 49:8-10
Reflect & Pray
What fears and sorrows do you have that need the hope found in Jesus? How does thinking of Him as both the conquering Lion and the sacrificial Lamb help you worship Him?
Almighty God, You deserve all power, praise, and love.
Learn more about how to read the book of Revelation.
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): Biblical theology, Evangelism and Missions, Persecution
Scripture(s): Jeremiah 9:23-24; John 14:1; Esther 4:16
Reflect & Pray
How have you responded when you experienced exclusion? What makes rejection so hard?
Loving God, help me to point others to You and a place in Your kingdom despite personal hurt or disappointment.
Learn more about the life and ministry of Paul.
Saturday, January 14, 2023 – A NEW BEGINNING – Psalm 120:1 – 121:2
Our Daily Bread Focus:
Reflect & Pray
How have you become accustomed to destructive ways? How does the gospel invite you into ways of peace?
Loving God, help me yearn for and work for Your ways of peace through the power of Your Spirit.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS BY SISTER CLOVIA
OUR REDEEMER LIVES!
Job 19:25 was the key to Job’s survival during trials in life: “For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.” This verse can serve as a reminder to bring hope during the trials we will encounter in 2023.
When sufferings and pain come our way, we can rest; in truth, our Redeemer lives! He can provide for every need we face. Because our Lord lives, we are saved by His grace and have the promise of eternal life in Him.
When storms come your way in 2023, remember you know the Master of the wind. When sickness finds you, remind yourself you know the Great Physician.
When your heart gets broken, say I know the Potter. It doesn’t matter what we face or go through in 2023. Jesus is our Redeemer, and He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is everything we need in 2023.
Job suffered much, and his faith was not destroyed. On the contrary, during his pain, he was comforted knowing his Redeemer lived.
Can you say, “I know my Redeemer lives?”
“My friends, make time for God every day because He always has time for you.” — Sister Clovia