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

 

I'm Determined to Wait on my Change!

Church of the Living God

Bible Study Lesson

Presenter: Overseer Ennis F. Tait

Date:   Wednesday, February 04, 2015

Series: The Power of Healing and Deliverance

Scripture Reference:  Job 14:14

Today’s Discussion:    “I’m Determined to Wait on My Change”

The lesson aim is to reassure all that God will send relief.  More importantly, we are that of the household of faith must remain confident that God is still in control.  Because of this fact, we must not waver in our confidence, standing firm on our convictions. (References: Hebrews 10:34-37) 

The overall theme of this text is learning to overcome the hardships we face as believers in God. The writer documents a somber moment in the life of one of God’s greatest witnesses, Job. (Job 1:1)  All throughout this documentary of hope Job presents the realities of godly living.  He categorizes each stage of life through examples of faith.  Therefore, his display of faith propels him into the believer’s hall of fame. (Hebrews 11)  Job makes some very bold declarations that catapulted him above the attacks of his family and friends.  (Reference: Job 13:15)  In comparison the Apostle Paul makes similar declarations that solidify his place in the victor’s circle. (Reference: Romans 8:37; Philippians 4:11; II Timothy 4:7)

Job believed in his heart that the day would come when he would be changed.  He believed that change would come to pass by way of natural death or divine healing and deliverance.  Interestingly, Job’s faith is the strongest factor working for him during this season of uncertainty.  Thus, Job takes center stage along with countless others that overcame adversity, hardship, calamities, and persecution.

As a result of his faith Job taps into the divine providence of God and withdraws a revelation of divine healing. (Reference: Job 19:25-26; Ezekiel 37:1-4)  Adversely, Job’s question is not one of doubt.  He poses the question to his faithless friends and uses this opportunity to redirect their negative comments into a conversation of hope. Job also declares that God is the God of the living.  And that God’s power operates in and flows through people of faith.

Job 14:14 –“all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.” KJV

The greatest challenge we face is overcoming impatience.  Job plants his feet in the cement of healing by taking a stance against his own fears and frustrations.

Final thought:  Do you have the spiritual capacity to wait on God?

“A Recipe for Success Over Your Enemies”

Church of the Living God

Bible Study Lesson
Presenter: Overseer Ennis F. Tait

Date:   Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Series: Healing and Deliverance
Scripture Reference:  Joshua 5:13-15
Today’s Discussion:    “A Recipe for Success Over Your Enemies”

The lesson aim is to show how the power of God is made manifest through obedience.  More importantly, all believers will achieve great success if they are willing to obey God’s divine instructions. According to several theologians, “the word obey is related to the idea of hearing. Obedience is a positive, active response to what a person hears”.

(References: Luke 6:46-47; James 1:21-25)

Joshua and the children of Israel are preparing to claim the land God promised to their father Abraham.  However, their desire to be successful will come as a result of their willingness to obey the voice/words of God.  The successes in our lives may require us to work alone or in collaboration with multiple believers.  Nonetheless, full compliance is required of all those involved.  Parenthetically, an unwillingness to obey the voice/words of God can close the door on your deliverance, healing and/or blessings.  (Reference: Joshua 5:6)  Inasmuch, our relationship with God will determine our level of obedience to HIS word. (Reference: John 2:3-10)

Interestingly, verses 13 through 15 represent an important occurrence in the life of Joshua and the history of Israel.  Joshua’s encounter with this unknown man becomes a matter of life and death.  According to the text, Joshua confronted the man and questioned his purpose.  In my opinion we that are serious about moving forward should learn from this test of spiritual connectivity.  It is vitally important that we learn to discern why certain people have been placed in our path, especially if they are standing in our way. In addition we must not invite them into our purpose until we have interrogated them and asked the hard questions. (Review verse 15)

Who are you?

 

Why are you here?

 

Special note: Every question requires a response for confirmation and/or validation.

For the remainder of their journey Joshua and the Children of Israel were able to defeat their enemies and claim their inheritance because God gave them victory. All victories are accomplished through obedience to God’s word. 

Furthermore, obedience gives us access into the presence of God

• Obedience opens the way for God’s divine healing
• Obedience opens the way for God’s divine restoration (Reference: Luke 6:10)
• Obedience guarantees us victory over our enemies (Reference: II Samuel 5:22-25)

 

Church of the Living God

Bible Study Lesson

Presenter: Overseer Ennis F. Tait

 

Date:   Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Series: Spiritual Reformation

Reference Scripture:  Acts 1:1-5

Today’s Discussion:    “Spending Time with Jesus”

The key to a healthy relationship is intimacy.   As believers we are expected to develop and maintain a personal relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ.  Our relationship with Jesus will be the basis and foundation in our quest to take back what the devil has stolen from us. As we mature in our relationship there should be visible evidence that we belong to Christ.  (Read: Acts 4:13)

·         Boldness – [par-rhay-see-ah] – all out-spokenness, i.e. frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance:

The lesson aim is to reinforce the need for a personal relationship with Jesus. More importantly, all who walk, talk, and live for Jesus must know HIM.  Our primary objective is to preach, teach and testify of HIM. (Reference: John 5:39; 15:26; I Corinthians 1:21-23)

Dr. Luke writes a personal letter to Theophilus regarding his experience with Jesus through the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul.  His opening statement in this particular letter sets the tone for remainder of the letter.  Dr. Luke directs his readers to imagine what it was like for the apostles in the days and weeks following the resurrection of our Lord and Savior.  Let’s dig for treasure?  Acts 1:1-5

“the former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.  5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.”

Each believer will have an encounter with Jesus.  How you spend that time will impact your life forever.

What does one do while in the presence of Jesus?

Listen – (Read: Luke 10:38-39, 42)

What does Jesus do for those what choose to spend time with HIM?

Teach – (Read: Matthew 7:28-29)

The most valuable tool we have for kingdom building is teaching.  Teaching is essential for TRANSFORMATION. In addition teaching opens our understanding of scripture. (Reference: Luke 24:27, 32, 45)

Church of the Living God

Bible Study Lesson

Presenter: Overseer Ennis F. Tait

 

Date:   Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Series: Spiritual Warfare

Reference Scripture:  Romans 5:1-5

Today’s Discussion:    “Power Up!”

If things don’t workout the way we envision, we tend to give up on whatever it is we’re trying to accomplish.  So many believers have started on this journey to spiritual maturity.  Unfortunately, not everyone has the “will” to finish their course.   The difficulty of the journey can either discourage or inspire the believer. (Read: Galatians 6:9)

·         Weary – [ek-kak-eh-o] – to be (bad or) weak; to fail (in heart)

·         Reap – [ther-id-zo] – to harvest (in the sense of the crop) – theros/thero – to heat, i.e. summer

·         Faint – [ek-loo-o] – to relax

The lesson aim is to encourage believers to walk, live and flow in the transforming power of Jesus Christ. More importantly, we must be willing to embrace, confront and overcome the challenges associated with God’s army of believers. We have been chosen by God to build HIS kingdom. (Read: II Timothy 2:3-4)

Paul says Jesus was “raised again for our justification”.  Justification - [dik-ah'-yo-sis]

is defined as “the judicial act of God, by which he pardons all the sins of those who believe in Christ, and accounts, accepts, and treats them as righteous in the eye of the law”.  Paul uses this passage of scripture to open the way for the “believer’s walk of faith”. In addition Paul provides the believer with an outline for a life of joy.  There are several spiritual blessings in the text that Paul uses to empower each believer to stay on course:

·         Peace with God – we are declared righteous by God, thereby cancelling out condemnation (Reference: John 3:16-18)

·         Access to God – we must breakdown the spiritual barriers that prohibit believers from having a healthy relationship with God (Reference: Ephesians 2:4-8)

·         Glorious Hope – Because of Christ we have the opportunity to live a life of joy (Reference: Romans 8:24-28)

·         Christian Character – the experiences we will have and the challenges we will face are designed to make us stronger. (Reference: John 16:33)

·         God’s Love – provides strength, comfort, power and direction (Reference: I Corinthians 13:4-8a)

James presents his revelatory exposition of the believer’s journey to a life of joy in James 1:2-4 – “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (KJV)

Church of the Living God

Bible Study Lesson

Presenter: Overseer Ennis F. Tait

 

Date:   Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Series: Spiritual Warfare

Reference Scripture:  Mark 9:23-24

Today’s Discussion:    “If You Believe, Great Things Will Happen”

Do we really know how to walk in victory?  Not if we don’t believe. Can we be victorious while we are engaged in spiritual warfare? (Read: II Chronicles 20:20)

·         Believe – [aw-man] – to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet; to be true or certain

·         Prophets – [naw-bee] – inspired man

·         Prosper – [tsaw-lakh] – to push forward

The lesson aim is to encourage believers to reconnect to Christ through faith. More importantly, we have been commissioned by the LORD to remind the believers that “power comes from Faith”.  How do we obtain faith in God? (Read: Romans 10:17)

The text sheds light on the spoken words of the Lord Jesus regarding the believer’s struggle to increase their faith.  Most believers are engaged in some level of spiritual warfare.  If we hope to be victorious, we must increase our faith in God’s ability to solve our problems and calm the storms in our lives.  The lack of FAITH has become the main source of discouragement, disappointment, discourse in the church, and desperation of believers.  The church seems to be powerless against temptation.  To validate our premise we refer to Jesus’ indictment of the church to expose the source of their problems.

(Read: Matthew 6:30-34; Matthew 14:28-31; Mark 4:37-40)

Verses 19 and 20 reveal the truth of why the disciples were powerless against “this kind” of demonic spirit. Jesus responds, “because of your unbelief”.  Commentaries conclude that the disciples’ faith (power) may have been impacted due the absence of Christ or because of a lack of discipline to pray and fast to maintain their faith (power).

In verses 23-24 Christ pulls a reverse on this hurting father.  Rather than react to the father’s disbelief, Jesus challenges the father to activate the healing power of God through renewed faith.  Jesus unveils the solution to our problems.  Jesus crystallizes the promise of victory over the enemy.  The power to overcome lives in us and works through us and for us. 

What are the key factors in Jesus’ response?

Paul consummates his revelation of Abraham’s success in Rom 4:20 – “Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.” (NLT) Faith is our access point to God’s awesome power.