Don't Be Afraid

Church of the Living God

Bible Study Lesson

Presenter: Overseer Ennis F. Tait

Date:   Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Series: Transformation – 50 Days of Expectation

Scripture Reference:  The Gospel of Matthew

Focus Verse:  Matthew 14:27

Today’s Discussion:    “Don’t Be Afraid”

There are a number of folks that present themselves as being strong in the Lord.  Unfortunately, their strength is contingent upon what’s going on in their lives at that moment.  Apropos the strength to which the Apostle Paul is referring is not subject to our situation or circumstance. (Reference: Ephesians 6:10)

The lesson aim is to encourage the believer to lean on the everlasting arms of Jesus.  More importantly, believers are expected to walk as the Apostle Paul encouraged young Timothy to walk: “in power, love, and a sound mind”. (Reference: II Timothy 1:7)

There are three accounts recorded of the disciples’ experience with this mysterious spirit moving across the face of the water. (Reference: Mark 6:50, John 6:19-20) Surprisingly, the disciples are not certain that the ghostly figure they see moving is Jesus. 

The text denotes the urgency for Jesus to respond to their concern.

Matthew 14:27

• “But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid”.  KJV
• “But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage. I am here!"  NLT
• “But Jesus was quick to comfort them. "Courage, it's me. Don't be afraid." MSG

[QUESTION: How can anyone that’s been with Jesus not know who HE is?]

What's on Your Mind?

Church of the Living God

Bible Study Lesson

Presenter: Overseer Ennis F. Tait

 

Date:   Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Series: Transformation – 50 Days of Expectation

Scripture Reference:  The Gospel of Matthew

Focus Verse:  Matthew 6:25-34

Today’s Discussion:    “What’s on Your Mind?”

There are a number of approaches to extract one’s view on a particular subject matter.  All of which encourage all those involved to carefully process what’s being presented.  As we consider the topics of discussion that are atop the various media sources, we can see the mass confusion arising from the mixed thoughts plaguing the world.

For those within academic realm the process is known as “logical reasoning”.  However, if I were looking at a situation or discussing an issue of concern from a biblical perspective, I would strongly consider “what would Jesus do or say” about the matter.  

The lesson aim is to evaluate and assess the mindset of believers.  Believers are encouraged in the Word to be careful how we present ourselves to God and each other. In addition, we should be fully aware and able to discern the daily struggle between flesh and spirit which affects how we live our lives. (Reference: Romans 12:1-2)

The Apostle Matthew records Jesus’ appeal to HIS followers to consider three major factors by which we as believers should live: giving, prayer (forgiving), fasting. (Reference: Matthew 6:1-18) In addition the Lord instructs us to focus our minds on the righteousness of God and not the things of the world. (Reference: Matthew 6:19-21)

It is quite obvious that many of us put more energy into what we wear; what we eat; where we live; or how much money we have or need to make it.  All of these are essential to the natural man.  The Apostle Paul suggests to the church to consider adopting the Christ way of thinking. (Reference: Phil. 2:5-8)  We can conclude that the opposite of high-mindedness is humility.  Humility is a spiritual characteristic that should guide our thinking.  (Reference: I Peter 5:5-6)  However, Jesus wants each of us to redirect our attention away from the flesh and consider a new way of thinking.

(Read verses 31-38)

31 What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. 32 People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. 33 Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. 34 "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” (MSG)

Point to Ponder:  How much time do you spend meditating on the word of God? 

Internal Affairs

Church of the Living God

Bible Study Lesson

Presenter: Overseer Ennis F. Tait

Date:   Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Series: Great Expectations

Scripture Reference:  Matthew 3:1-12

Focus Verse: Matthew 3:1-3

Today’s Discussion:    “Internal Affairs”

The lesson aim is to validate the process that God uses to bring HIS plan to fruition.  More importantly, the earthly ministry of Christ was preceded by the courageous work of John the Baptist.  God used John’s ministry to release a new dispensation for living a life pleasing unto God. (References: Romans 12:1)

The next few weeks will be critical to our understanding of living in the will of God.  Before the church can evangelize the lost, we must address the internal concerns that have caused many to question the authenticity of the “kingdom of Heaven”. (Reference: Matthew 6:10)

Interestingly, Matthew’s account of John’s ministry lays the foundation for a heavenly guided succession plan. The ministry of John the Baptist is the 2^nd crowning jewel in God’s master plan for spiritual reformation upon the earth.  Parenthetically, God released the blue prints for this New Testament work to the Prophet Isaiah regarding the work and path of John the Baptist. (Reference: Isaiah 40:1-8)  Subsequently, John’s method and message would serve as the precursor to the impeccable work of the Lord Jesus on the cross. 

Matt 3:1-3

In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

• Preaching -

2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

• Repent –

• Kingdom of Heaven -

3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

 

• Prepare –

• Way –

• Paths -

 

The Voice of the Lord

Church of the Living God

Bible Study Lesson
Presenter: Overseer Ennis F. Tait

Date:   Wednesday, March 24, 2015

Series: Transformation – 40 Days of Consecration
Scripture Reference:  I Samuel 15:19-23
Focus Verse: I Samuel 15:22

Today’s Discussion:    “The Voice of the Lord”

 

The lesson aim is to warn saints of the negative impact disobedience has on our lives. More importantly, we must refer to the word of God for examples to prove that disobedience destroys lives.  The future of the church hinges on the willingness of the believer to “obey the voice of the Lord”.   Our relationship with God grows stronger as we wrestle to walk in total surrender to HIM.  However, we cannot fulfill our God-given purpose if we are not willing to walk in obedience to the voice of the Lord.

(Reference: II Timothy 4:7-8a) 

According to the text, Saul had been anointed and appointed the first king over God’s people.  He had been given authority and power by God to rule over his people.  However, Saul is a perfect example of what it means to fall out of God’s will.  We all make mistakes. (Proverbs 24:16) On the contrary, Saul was guilty of disobedience.  In fact King Saul was rejected (to spurn; to disappear) by God because of his disobedience. (Reference: I Samuel 15:26)  Disobedience is a silent killer.  Saul allowed the people and their disregard for theological leadership to influence his decisions.  Consequently, when you ascend to a certain level of leadership and/or relationship with God, there is a greater level of expectation required of you. 

 

The church is a benefactor of God’s grace and mercy.  And we know God is the God of another chance.  But, how long should you be allowed to disobey God before HE confronts you?  (Reference: Romans 6:1-2) According to Samuel, Saul had multiple opportunities to prove himself to worthy of the kingship before God.  (Reference: I Samuel 15:13-15) Unfortunately, for Saul, God requires total obedience.  Saul tries to pass the blame for his errors on to the people.  We’ve got to stop playing the blame game.  All of us have to be accountable for our own actions.  Many pray to God "not my will but thy will be done".  If nothing else, let Christ be an example for walking in the will of God.  (Philippians 2:5-8)  Jesus was obedient unto death.  The act of obedience helps us stay in the will of God. (Matthew 26:39) 

 

Of course we have other examples of disobedient servants that were given earthly assignments to perform, but choose not to “hearken to the voice of the LORD:

• Moses (Numbers 20:8-12)
• Lot (Genesis 19:19-23)
• Jonah (Jonah 1:1-2)

 

What can we do to reconnect ourselves to God’s will? REPENT

 

How do we identify the barriers in our lives that prevent us from becoming totally committed to God’s will? “PRAY WITHOUT CEASING”

 

Who are the people in our lives that have become a negative influence and how should I deal with them going forward? “FROM SUCH TURN AWAY”

 

What do I really want from my relationship with God? “YE SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE”

“Clearing up the Confusion and Confirming the Truth”

Church of the Living God

Bible Study Lesson

Presenter: Overseer Ennis F. Tait

Date:   Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Series: Transformation – 40 Days of Consecration

Scripture Reference:  Romans 10:1-21

Focus Verses: Romans 10:1-4

Today’s Discussion:    “Clearing up the Confusion and Confirming the Truth”

The lesson aim is to clarify the truth about salvation.  More importantly, we will learn the facts about how “those that believe” receive the gift of salvation.  Paul further explains that there’s nothing else required of an individual to be saved other than confession of the mouth and belief in the heart. (Reference: Romans 10:9-10)  Many Christians believe the Holy Bible is the authority that governs spiritual issues and religious matters involving believers and non-believers.  However, Christianity is not a religion.  Subsequently, by secular definition Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on faith in God and Jesus Christ. 

The theme of Romans 10 is “Israel rejects salvation through faith”.  Conversely, Paul’s opening statement in this 10^th chapter sets the tone for his message of truth to the gentiles that “salvation is free” to all who believe.  Paul leads this missionary effort with two critical factors: his “heart’s desire and prayer to God”.  Both are essential to soul winning. Paul expresses his desire for Israel to be saved.  Paul says he is praying to God for Israel that they be saved.  The key to Paul’s intercessory prayer is Israel’s salvation is his heart’s desire. (Reference: Psalms 37:4; James 5:16)

Paul’s message to this church concludes that each believer is expected to accept and apply God’s word (the Gospel of Jesus Christ) to their lives. (Reference: Romans 12:1-2) Paul confronts the Jews about their self-righteous behavior and attempt to use religion to exclude others from the church (ekklesia).  Paul’s letter to this spiritually detached congregation reveals that the Jews became their own worst enemy and fell short of “the glory of God” because of unbelief and social-economic injustice. 

Paul teaches that salvation is not connected to any group, class, or congregation.    Paul’s presentation raises a very important question. Can a person know God and not be saved?

(Review verses 1-4)

• “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.  2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.  4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”

Zeal - properly, heat, i.e. (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband [figuratively, of God], or an enemy, malice):

Knowledge - recognition, i.e. (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement:

Righteousness - equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification

Called by God to Deal with What’s Happening Around You

Church of the Living God

Bible Study Lesson

Presenter: Overseer Ennis F. Tait

Date:   Wednesday, February 24, 2015

Series: Moving Forward

Reference Scripture:  Nehemiah 1:1-4

Focus Verses: Nehemiah 2:3  

 

Today’s Discussion:    “Called by God to Deal with What’s Happening Around You”

The lesson aim is to prove that believers are called to the work of the ministry. More importantly, there are a very few believers that have been chosen to go and rescue God’s people from the disparities of their surroundings.  (Reference: Matthew 22:14)

Interestingly, the church (ekklesia) is under a prophetic mandate to reclaim the backslider and rescue the lost.  The church was established by God to “go and teach the gospel of Jesus, and to make disciples for the kingdom of God.  However, we cannot accomplish this great task without first understanding “what’s required of me as a believer”. (Reference: Mark 8:34)   The church (ekklesia) must have a concern for all of God’s people that live and work in and around the “temple”.  Conversely, the church must be willing to show love and compassion for the lost and broken-hearted.

(References: Matthew 9:35 – Matthew 10:1)

Nehemiah’s claim to fame is centered on his willingness to answer the clarion call (an urgent call to action) to go and reclaim those that had been redeemed by God and rebuild the city that been claimed for God’s people.  Subsequently, Nehemiah dedicated and committed a season of his life to restoring the city and the inhabitants (a remnant) of Jerusalem for God.  What an awesome responsibility! (Reference: Ephesians 4:11-12) Nehemiah answered the clarion call to reclaim, rebuild and restore the things of God that had become broken.

So often we hear of the plight of God’s people, but are not moved to action.  For one to have a heart for God’s people, he/she must have a heart for God and a desire to walk in the will of God for their lives by living out their God-given purpose.

• Nehemiah’s Response: Nehemiah 1:4; 2:3 – “And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven; (3) why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?”

• Nehemiah’s Request: Nehemiah 2:4-5 – “Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5 And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it.”

Nehemiah’s call to duty is a blue print for the modern day church.  We are called to be disciples for Christ and then commissioned to go and make disciples of others.

"No Time to Play, There's Work to be Done"

Church of the Living God

Bible Study Lesson

Presenter: Overseer Ennis F. Tait

Date:   Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Series: The Power of Healing and Deliverance

Scripture Reference:  Matthew 10:1

Today’s Discussion:    “No Time to Play, There’s Work to be Done”

The lesson aim is to remind believers that our primary objective in life is to work in our God-given purpose.  More importantly, we must not forget that we have been sent by Jesus out into the vineyard to validate the authenticity of HIS kingship.  Apropos, how we conduct ourselves will have a positive or negative reflection on the one that has sent us. (References: St. John 13:35) 

The overall theme of this text is exposing the core principals of discipleship training.  Jesus has given these chosen men various instructions on what to do and say as HIS representatives.  HE has led them through various stages of spiritual growth by challenging their minds to think victoriously before seeing any evidence of cure or change.  (Reference: Hebrews 11:1)

Jesus equipped “them” with power to perform miracles. Interestingly enough, Jesus realized that the work of the kingdom would not be a cake walk, especially for these men he has just chosen to live the Kingdom agenda.  Through this example of divine providence the Lord implements a very critical component for fulfilling the kingdom assignment: Team Work   (Reference: Romans 12:4-5; Ephesians 4:4-7)  The text also establishes a direct link between the disciples, Jesus and God, the Father. (Reference: St. John 15:7-8) Amazingly, the main focus for the church today can be determined from Matthew 10:1 – taking charge of our destiny”:

 

 – “he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease”. (define the following terms using your bible dictionary)

 

Power -                 

 

 

Against –

 

Cast them out -  

 

Heal -   

 

Sickness –

 

Disease –

 

The real solutions for world problems can be answered and resolved by the church of Jesus Christ.  We have been instructed to follow God’s divine plan for change.

“2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. ()KJV