Bible Study

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Reference:  Nehemiah 1; Acts 1 & 2

Topic:  “What Are the Needs?”

The lesson aim is to show that we all have a role to play in the building of God’s kingdom.  More importantly, the “work” is not for one person nor can it be completed without a collaboration of folks working together.  The enemy has managed to use the same strategy of “divide and conquer” to hinder the “work” of the ministry. 

Last week, we broke ground on the foundation for building new relationships and strengthening existing connections to the “Holy One”.  As we embark upon this present journey to reconciliation, we must consider the current state of the church and its relationship with the God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. 

In our study of Nehemiah, Acts and Philippians, each book provides us with a description of what happens when God calls us to a “work” for HIM.  In your assessment of each situation, take a close look at the similarities that supports the premise of our argument that we’re all called to this “work”. 

RECAP  (Read: Nehemiah 1:2-3) “That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.  3 And they said unto me, the remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.” KJV 

What is the Nehemiah’s reaction to the report?

What is Nehemiah’s first action in response to the news?

Review the content of his prayer:

(Read: Acts 1:8) “But ye shall receive power, (after that) the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” KJV

How does the fellowship respond to Jesus’ instructions? (Read: Luke 24:29)

What is the apostle’s response to the loss of their brother Judas?

What course of action did they take to move forward in the “work”? (Read: Acts 1:22-26)

Bible Study

Wednesday, September 10, 2013

Reference:  I Corinthians 12:31

Topic:  “Which Way Should I Choose?”

The lesson aim is to show each individual that “the way” to live.  More importantly, each believer must choose of his/her own will and accord which direction he/she will travel in pursuit of God’s righteousness.  Many of us are familiar with the phrase, “you take the high road and I’ll take the low road”.  There is a right and wrong way to choose.  The Lord, Jesus said to his disciples, “broad is the way that leadeth to destruction; but narrow is the way to leadeth to eternal life”. 

The Apostle Paul’s primary objective is to show the church (ekklesia) how to rise above its present dilemma.  [What is the current condition of the church?] If we hope to choose the right “way”, we must have a clear picture of our current situations.  We must give way to the spirit of God to help lead us through any spiritual assessment of the church.

(Read: Nehemiah 1:2-3) “That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.  3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.” KJV

How do I know what God has called me to do in the body?  Our assignments are determined before we are born.  (Jeremiah 1:5) However, the assignment is not revealed until we enter into a covenant relationship with God through the Lord Jesus.  Our relationship with Christ opens the way for the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.  Everything we do for God is activated by the spirit.

(Read: Acts 1:8) “But ye shall receive power, (after that) the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” KJV

Paul inserts this notation to encourage the church at Corinth to pursue a path of excellence. However, they lack understanding. (Proverbs 4:7) He pointed them in a direction that would lead them to a new level of spiritual maturity.  Paul teaches that LOVE is the key to spiritual maturity.  LOVE bridges together purpose, function and mission of the body.  LOVE helps an individual reach their full potential in Christ through the use of gifts in the body.  More importantly, LOVE balances unity and diversity which are essential to the various functionalities of the church.

If the church does not learn to function as God designed it, the work of the ministry will continue to suffer greatly.  The church has a purpose that has been clearly identified through scripture.  Unfortunately, the church has not pursued God’s will as a collective body.  Therefore, the church has been damaged and injured.