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OCCUPY TILL I COME
Introduction
We, as God`s children regard Jesus as our God, the Shepherd of our soul and Friend. As we approach Christmas, the ember months should remind us of the predictions, promises and references to Jesus in the Bible unless Jesus` purpose for coming into our world to be born is no longer crucial for us. In John 3: 35, Jesus states that ‘… The scripture are about Me.’ To be sure we understand, every truth about Jesus is supposed to guide and shape our identity daily in the world and make us serve Him diligently. As such, because ember months, Christmas and New is known to be full of atrocities, temptation, accident etc., we must ask once again, what does Jesus mean to us, and why do you think we were saved.
First, Christmas is about Jesus being sent to bind up our broken hearts, proclaim freedom for us as captives to Satan and slaves to sin - He came to proclaim the Lord`s favor and comfort us when we mourn and grief, as well display His splendor in our broken world to convince the world that except in Christ`s birth, death and resurrection, beauty cannot come out of ashes, joy from despair and freedom from sin is impossible – Isa. 61: 1 – 3.
So, if you don`t mind, let us attempt an answer to this question, why are ember months associated with all kinds of atrocities because the Bible says, ‘Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he Himself tempts no one,’ – James 1: 13.
It would not be until we know of Christ`s death and resurrection and remind ourselves during the ember months about the reality of His person being conscious of the sole purpose for our existence, freedom will be hard because there is no freedom in just doing what we want. As you know, if given the slightest opportunity, Satan wants people to remain prisoners to him, humiliate believers and bring them to despair to distract them from God`s mission, and so much of these happens during these seasons. These are the reason for our study so we can celebrate Christmas as truly saved and free, bringing others to Christ.
The Old Testament is the story of God`s dealing with the Hebrew nation for the purpose of bringing into the world a Messiah for ALL nations. What are the initial thoughts, assumptions, and expectations about Gen. 49:10, Hosea 11:1, Isa.7:14, 9: 1-2, 53:3, Zech. 9:9, 11: 12-13 Mic.5:2, Psa. 22:16 and how did that evolve or change over time.
A. Were there moments when you doubted or questioned your thoughts about Christ and why He had been born. If so, what helped you navigate through those thoughts and affirm your commitment to follow Christ that you now celebrate Christmas with understanding and confidence.
B. How has these prophecies impacted your faith to maintain a balance between leaning on Christ`s comfort and seeking spiritual support from a faith community or fellow believers – Gal. 6: 2.
Considering the Supernatural conception of the Virgin Birth in Luke 1: 26 -38, very little was told of Joseph though further reference to him is that he was carpenter, and head of at least seven children in Matt. 13: 55 - 56. With Lk. 2: 4. 16, 33, 43, 51 and Matt. 2:13, 19 – 23, describe Joseph as a good man, and provide the context of a good man with Matt. 19: 16 – 26.
According to Luke 4: 16 – 21, Jesus reads from Isaiah 61 in the synagogue in Nazareth and ends His reading in verse 2. Consider Isa. 61: 1 - 3 and clarify to someone who wants to respond to the Gospel why Luke ends in Isa. 61: 2 since verse 3 shed more light on the mission and work of the Messiah.
A. When you contemplate on the mission of Christ to bring Good News to the poor and save man from sin in Matt 1: 18 - 21, you recognize according to John 10: 10, Satan has a different mission from Christ. Since we are called to examine our lives in 2 Corinth. 13: 5, how can you say you have experience freedom in Christ and equipped with God`s wisdom that you`re no longer driven by selfish ambition and worldly gain.
B. As believers, we can be sure we`re rich according to 1 Peter 1; 4. From Psa. 49: 20, what`s the implication of not knowing you`re rich as a believer. With Isa. 61: 1 - 3 and Luke 10: 30 – 37, describe riches and wealth. What story about yourself makes you redefine riches because of Christ and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
Peter`s confession reveals Jesus as the Christ the Son of God in Matt. 16: 16 – 17 and testifies to how God Has anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and power according to Acts 10: 38. Discuss every truth about Jesus and what His incredible Anointing signifies, and how this powerful truth is supposed to impact on our lives.
A. As good steward of God`s grace according to 1 Peter 4: 10, what will you say about the role of the Shepherds in Luke 2: 8 – 20 that is significant to help you to begin thinking of the other side of believers work with God.
B. In Luke 2: 13 – 14, the Nativity scene broke in praise with a great heavenly host because of Jesus in a manger. In view of the Nativity scene, read Jeremiah 1: 5 with Ephesians 2:10 and explain why Jesus should mean everything to you and you want to praise God because you have seen and have discerned the purpose of God for you in ECWA Canada and feel accountable to God and His mission.
Special men from the east known as wise men attended the birth of Jesus with gold, myrrh, and Frankincense, as gift and worship Him Matt. 2: 1 - 11. What a child will do with such a gift leaves room for more theological questions.
A. As recipients of God`s grace and those who experienced freedom in Christ, we are called to love our enemies and engage in good works Matt. 5: 43 -48, Eph 2: 10. What would this teaching of Jesus directing Israel to love their enemies have meant to Jews who wanted Jesus to deal ruthlessly with the Romans.
B. Contemplate engaging in faith conversation with a new believer in the church or someone else during Christmas from Scriptures related to the Great Commission in Matt. 28: 18 – 20, and Spiritual gifts in 1 Corinth. 12: 1 - 11 and Romans 12: 6 – 8. Mention some of the things you must know as you plan your conversation.
Occupy Till I Come
INTRODUCTION
People say every month of the year is good. However, ember months though special cause lots of anxiety because they signal so much about Christmas. In these parts of the world, ember are months of great activity. Christmas lights and decorations including Television programs are seen and heard everywhere the moment it gets closer to December. What is most confusing is that though Christmas is about God`s plan for salvation, the story of redemption is hardly told, and people wonder what`s this unfolding promise of God to save man about. Taken together, Christmas is confused with business because a lot of businesses happen during the Christmas period. It`s the season of stock taking, and people giving accountability of their stewardship. Conjointly, we should remind ourselves about the Lord`s call on us to ‘OCCUPY’ in Luke 19. Because in the rush to satisfy human hope and expectation during this period, people fondly justify unpleasant choices as better than making no choice at all.
Again, we all know, dangers of losing faith appear common during Christmas because of increased trials and temptation during the ember months. Significant to remember is why Jesus Himself prayed to the Father and said, ‘I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one…’ - John 17: 15 - 16. Remember, God`s promises doesn`t look promising even for Abraham - His life should remind us that being in God`s path or out of it is not totally free of challenges. But as children of faith, like Abraham, we can always keep our eyes on God, looking forward to the city with foundation whose architect and builder is God (Heb. 11: 8 – 10).
It is not early therefore to begin to remind ourselves more that we don`t belong here but here for the sake of the gospel. Ultimately, as representatives of the gospel, our expectation and hope, must find fulfilment in Christ. On this note, in this study, we are going to begin looking at the story of redemption first hinted in Genesis 3: 15 to learn significant lessons from Abraham t and equip ourselves for the unexpected.
Immediately after the fall of man, Gen. 3: 15 has the Bible`s first hint of a coming Redeemer. The account is not about snake, but Satan the enemy of man`s soul and the language contains victory in the promise of a Seed.
A. Briefly discuss the fall, and comment on the significance of the idea that is behind Gen. 3: 15 in Gal. 3: 16; 4: 4 -5. Discuss how Col. 1: 13 - 14; Col. 2: 13 - 15 compliment Gen. 3: 15 concerning the Seed of the woman?
B. With Phil.1 27 -30 in mind, what is this ‘Gospel of Christ,’ what does it mean to live worthy of it, and why is it important for the Philippians to conduct themselves to this gospel of Christ whether Paul was present and absent?
C. In a practical manner, what steps can we take as members of ECWA to ensure our church stands firm and united in faith for this gospel - See Gal. 6: 2 - 5, Lev. 25: 35, Rm. 15: 1, Exo. 17: 12, Acts 20: 35, 1 Thess. 5: 11, 2 Corinth. 11: 21-28, Mk. 10:45;
Lk. 9: 23; LK 22: 24-27; Heb. 13: 7, 9 16.
The call of Abraham in Gen. 12: 1 - 5 starts the beginning of redemption as hinted in Gen. 3: 15. Explain why God started by asking Abraham to leave his family and what might have specifically caused the promise of the land?
A. Abraham trusted God and entered Canaan. Considering Gen. 12: 10 – 16, was the initial results of Abraham`s journey to Canaan promising and was he free from anxiety seeing how he pulled out his family to Egypt miles away – See, Gen. 15:13;Exo 8: 1; Matt. 2: 13 - 15?
B. According to Gen. 12: 6 - 9, Abraham built an altar at Shechem and near Bethel then moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent. Comment on the biblical importance of these locations along with the altars he built.
C. Read and briefly summarize Gen. 13: 1- 5.
In view of what the writer of Hebrews exhorts in Heb. 12: 1-3, comment on the closing statement in Gen. 13: 1 - 5 that ‘The Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land at that time.’ What does that mean to you?
A. Abram and his nephew Lot parted ways according to Gen. 13: 8 – 13. Mention anything significant concerning the narration about Lot`s action. In addition, what did you find interesting reading from the narrative in Gen. 14: 5 - 12?
B. Read Gen. 14: 13 - 14 and comment regarding where Abram was when he received the report about his abducted nephew in Gen. 13: 14 - 18?
C. God told Abraham what He was about to do in Sodom, and Lot and his family were propelled from their home by physical force. Reading from Gen. 18: 16 – 33. What in your opinion is the whole point of the story?
The land of Canaan was a gift by God to the descendants of Abraham. Specifically, God told Abram of what would have to happen and what Israel will endure in Egypt before they occupy Canaan in Genesis. 15: 9 -16.
A. Further to the information in Gen. 15: 16, if Canaan has already been occupied by the Canaanites, justify God`s action about making the land of Canaan belong to Abraham`s descendants – See, Gen. 19: 12 - 25; Gen. 6: 9 – 14.
B. From Gen. 13: 10, Lot likens what he saw with the description of the ‘Garden of Eden’ in Gen. 2: 8-14. What refreshes your mind about Lot seeing how Jesus likens the time of His return to the days of Sodom according to LK 17: 26-32?
Thursday Bible Study, 29th August, 2023
TITLE: God’s mission, work, and support.
TEXT - LUKE 19: 11 - 27
INTRODUCTION
The church that Paul established in Phillippi was a mixture of races, cultures, and social classes. Lydia, the purple seller, the Jailer, and the slave girl (Acts 16: 14 – 18, 22- 34). They were of different social class, yet all were encouraged to rejoice in serving Christ. The Philippians knew it was God who gave them everything they ever have acquired, best of which was salvation, and the ability to serve and support God`s work. To them, it was easy to do because they knew all things comes from God and He can do more for them for His own glory (James 1: 16 - 17; Ephe.3: 20, Deut. 8: 18; 2 Pet. 1: 3; Rom. 8: 31 - 32).
What this means is that the condition and perspective upon which God`s mission and work can be done and supported does not hinge on race, culture or social class but on the grace and truth about God with a right heart and a mindset on Christ, always rejoicing, praising and seeking the glory of God (Phil. 2: 5, 16; 1 Pet. 4: 10 - 11; Rom. 11: 36, 1 Corinth. 10: 31).
Without a doubt, learning from the unprofitable Servant in Luke 17: 7 - 10, should remind us that serving in any capacity is expected to be done to honor God and not to cause division, benefit ourselves or someone else. The same is like giving that`s why Paul describes how the Philippian brethren honored God, and for that reason, God is pleased with their giving according to Phil. 4: 17 – 20.
Today, some of us are sincerely seeking opportunity to serve and support the work of God, others hardly understand there`s something they can do while a lot more are concerned about what they can do to renew their commitment in supporting God`s work. Anyhow we feel and think, we all are called to some kind of work (Colossians 4: 17). It is time to begin searching for answers whether we are feeling overwhelmed or burdened, weary, and tired in serving and supporting God`s work because so long as we are in Christ and still in the world, Christ has called us to “Occupy till Christ returns,” this is the aim of our study.
Considering 1 Kgs 18: 22, and 1 Kings 19: 10, discuss on why Elijah say he`s the only prophet left, what could prompt such kind of statement – besides, how does Elijah come to this conclusion?
A. Why do you think God had to tell Elijah he has 7000 prophets who have not bow down to Baal in 1 kgs 19: 18. What lessons are there for us to learn?
B. Reading from 1 Kgs 17: 7-16, what probably makes no sense to you about serving God, and what illustration of God can you make that Elijah was sent to Zarephath in the region of Sidon to meet a widow in Lk. 4: 24-26?
The early Christians do different things in the New Testament, how they supported God`s wasn`t about their status. With these references confirm what was done that reflects the idea that supporting God`s work is not grounded on class status Acts 8: 26-28; 10: 1-2; 17: 4,12; Rom. 16: 21-23 and Luke 8: 1-3. What does it mean to say separation by class is not the basis why their names are mentioned.
Paul gives thanks for the past and present giving of the Philippians. First, he referred to his pioneering mission in Europe as recorded in Acts 16 where he was put in prison along with Silas. It was a serious trial, and the circumstances were not good.
A. In view of Paul`s trials, he began with “I rejoice” (Phil. 4: 10). What word or statement in Phil. 4: 10 shows the Philippians were still eager to support the work of God?
B. According to Phil. 4: 15-16, Paul acknowledged the Philippian`s help first in Thessalonica. In view of 2 Corinth. 8: 1 - 4 and 2 Corinth. 9: 6 - 9, try to explain the meaning of the phrase, “…You lacked opportunity” (Phil. 4: 10, NIV).
C. Mention some things which naturally tend to make people lacked the opportunity to support God`s work or even complete God`s work.
With Phil. 4: 17 – 18, We learned Epaphroditus was sent to stay with Paul, he brought support from the church to Paul according to Phil. 2: 25, 30.
A. We can say the coming of Epaphroditus with support for Paul was within what the prison allowed. However, in thanking them, Paul says he appreciated their gift, not so much because he needed it. Give the context that Paul appreciated their gift, not so much as he needed it.
B. Consider Isa. 6: 8 - 13 and Luke 9: 57 – 62 and highlight anything you find to be important. Why do you think people give excuses in doing God`s work, and if asked to go and do God`s work or carry a gift for God`s work, do you feel prepared to say to God, “send me?”
C. With Phil. 4: 11-13, define contentment and comment on whether contentment happen naturally, or it is a habitual practice and a form of Christian growth and development (1 Corinth. 9: 24-27).
According to 2 Corinth. 12: 13, Paul refused financial support for himself but collected support for the Macedonian church. Why did he refuse support as their spiritual father yet asked the Romans for support to Spain in Rom. 15: 24?
A. It is wise to ultimately rely on Christ`s strength as Paul feels sufficient in the strength of Chris, Phil. 4: 13. What point is Paul making in Phil. 4: 16-17. What idea of Christian growth is there when Paul says he is not concerned about the Philippians giving than about their spiritual development?
B. Paul requested collection on the first day of the week from the church in Corinth according to 1 Corinth. 16: 1 – 4. With this, explain the concept of tithing in view of the New Testament grace cheerful giving (Ephe. 4: 28 and Gal. 6: 2).
Thursday Bible Study, 29th June, 2023
TITLE: OCCUPY TILL I COME.
TEXT - Luke 19: 11 - 27
INTRODUCTION
The parable for our study takes up what is parallel to the story about what happened to Archelaus, son of Herod the Great who came to power in 4 B.C. and built a palace in Jericho about six and half-hours’ walk and 18 miles from Jerusalem. During this time, kings in Roman Provinces like Galilee and Perea go to Rome to receive their kingdom.
In like manner, following the resurrection, Jesus leaves the world to receive the kingdom which explains His sudden departure and expected return to establish His kingdom when He will reign personally upon the earth someday, a Millenium reign of righteousness and peace on earth.
The parable in Luke 19: 11-27 is meant to emphasize the idea of readiness for the return of Christ and the need to bring others or extend the opportunity to others that underscore the importance of being ready for His return. The implication is that no matter how longer the time it would take for Christ`s return, there`s no room for the unprepared when He returns.
The word “kingdom of God” occurs in the Bible, but frequently many failed to understand. Their understanding differs with Jesus and He gave no indication of being that kind of king.
A. In view of Acts 3: 19-21, what could be responsible for the feeling and notion, attitude, and action of king Herod the Great, John the Baptist, the disciples, and others about Christ`s kingdom in Matt. 2: 1 - 13, 16 - 18; Matt. 11: 2 - 9, Acts 1: 4 - 8, John 6: 10 – 15, Luke 17: 20 - 30?
B. Reading from the second advent in Luke 19: 11, why do you think Jesus gave the parable, and why was Jerusalem additional reason for Jesus to have given the parable?
It appears from Luke 19: 12 and Matt. 25: 14, Jesus may be communicating a message in both parables regarding the kingdom.
A. Look at how Jesus likens the man in the parable with traveling to “…a far country.” Who exactly does the man in the journey represents?
B. Considering the parable of the virgins in Matt. 25: 1 - 13, what does travel to a far country illustrate and the lesson is there for us to learn?
Jesus may be communicating a message in Luke 19: 13-14 about the minas with the statement, “Occupy till I come.” What do you understand with this statement?
A. From 1 Corinth. 15: 22-27; Hebrew 2: 14-16, Rom. 8: 31-39, we see death as unpleasant experience and man is held in slavery by the fear of death. Describe the blessed promises of afterlife and every opportunity awaiting Christ`s followers?
B. Reflecting on Mk. 9: 33 - 39, what do we love rather than occupying before the return of Christ – mention the different ways the church failing to highlight Jesus` teaching today?
C. During the transfiguration in Luke 9: 27 - 36, Jesus refused to grant the disciples request to make their experience permanent. What does Col. 1: 24 - 29 remind you of in view of what they were enjoying and why Jesus refused their request.
Believers are warned about the world in 1 John 2: 15 - 17 to easily understand the physical kingdom of this world falls below the standard of Christ`s kingdom because the world system is ruled by Satan according to John 14: 30.
A. Read John 3: 1 – 7 and explain what the Bible mentioned as first qualification to be in God`s kingdom. Mk. 8: 31 -33; Matt. 6: 31 – 34 and 1 Corinth. 9: 16 - 18 has exposed what we must be mindful to remain blessed partakers in God`s kingdom.
B. Minas is considered a measure of money slightly above 3 months wages. If as asserted, a mina is more of a talent, what does that tell you about the servants in Lk. 19: 13 - 14 compared to those in Matt. 25: 14 – 25
C. Is the servant presumptuous when he said, “I know you,” and “I fear you,” in Matt. 25: 24-30; Luke 19: 20 - 27? Explain the servant knowledge and fear of master that the Bible is referencing from what it has provoked.
In Mk. 8, Jesus together with His disciples were around Caesarea Philippi, He ask them, “Who do people say I am?”
A. In your conversation with people, what do you hear people make of Jesus apart from what Peter said in Matt. 16: 16?
B. What other reason(s) could be responsible for people Jesus ignoring salvation in Mk. 7: 17 – 20, 31 - 37; Mk. 8: 11 – 15; John 6: 26 and 2 Corinth. 4: 4; James 4: 13 – 17.
C. Trace two most important implicating aspect of the parable in Luke 19: 11 – 27 related to the return of Christ.
Thursday Bible Study, 25th May, 2023
TITLE: The Reforms of Nehemiah - Nehemiah 13: 1-31
Introduction
The Bible records reforms associated to backslidden people and nation. Because we live in a morally perverse society, ungodliness is seen everywhere even among Christians. Spiritual burnout, contention among church members is becoming more and more common and so many Christian marriages are ending in divorce. Today, extra-marital affairs are gaining acceptance everywhere in the world with significant impact on the testimony of the church begging for reform. The point to make here is that this moral pervasiveness is not a recent problem - Nehemiah faced it. What is the cause of all of these in our world today and even in the days of Nehemiah? For the most part, it starts when people begin to accept and tolerate everyone and everything. Our study records a reform instituted by Nehemiah as he encountered various problems to show us what he did so we can be aware of what to expect when we accept and tolerate everyone and everything and to teach us what we must do to experience possible reform.
To initiate a reform, Nehemiah had to return to Jerusalem and sternly confront certain individuals. Reading from Neh. 13: 1 - 31.
A. Neh. 13: 1 - 3 states that the people discover that the law of Moses forbids
Ammonites and Moabites from entering the assembly of God and people of mixed
ancestry are immediately expelled. What did Nehemiah wanted the people to be
aware of when he set them to first listen to the reading of Scripture?
B. Trace any reason why God did not want the Ammonites and Moabites to enter the
assembly of God in Deut. 23: 3 - 5. Explain your answer considering the story of Ruth from the Bible in Ruth1: 12 - 16 and Matt. 1: 1 - 16.
C. Neh. 9: 2 states that those of Israel lineage separated themselves from foreigners. What does Neh. 13: 1 - 3 suggest to you about the Israelites – Read 1 Corinth. 15: 33 - 34 and comment on the implication this has on us today.
According to Neh. 13: 4 - 5, storerooms were set in the temple. List what the rooms are used for, who has authority over the storerooms and why.
A. From Neh. 13: 4 - 9, what`s the occasion when Eliashib the high priest cleared a
larger and smaller rooms for Tobiah.
B. With reference to Neh. 13: 7 - 9, comment on what`s going on here in view of
Nehemiah`s action alongside Tobiah`s attitude considering what he did during the
building of the wall in Neh. 2: 10, 19; 4: 3; 6: 10 -12, 17, 19.
C. The room occupied by Tobiah was used for storing grain. In your opinion, why is it
necessary for the rooms to be cleansed before grains and other items were used
there?
Read about the Levites in Nehemiah 13: 10 - 14. Who were the Levites, what happened to them, how did they react? What was wrong that holds true according to Malachi. 3: 8 - 10.
A. Nehemiah recalls the Levites to duties, and the people of Judah support them once again. What must have prompted Nehemiah to choose faithful men for distribution of gifts Nehemiah 7:2; 1 Corinth. 4:2; 2 Tim. 2:2?
B. In your own words, how would you explain or describe Nehemiah`s prayer?
Regarding profaning the sabbath in Nehemiah 13:15 - 22, trace out those who profane the sabbath, what they did and how Nehemiah react?
A. Reading the response of Jesus to the accusation about the sabbath that his disciples were breaking the law in Mark 2:23 - 28; Matt. 12:1 - 8 and Luke. 6:1 - 5, what do you think is Nehemiah`s major concern?
B. Mention those who married foreign women in Neh. 13:23 - 27. With Ezra 9:1 - 4 and Nehemiah 10: 30 in mind, discuss why Nehemiah was worried and confrontational in his attempt to stop them.
C. What has Nehemiah discovered in Neh. 2: 10; 13: 23 - 31. Who in your view is the most prominent offender – Justify your answer with what Nehemiah did to restore and establish order.