What Does Faith Cost
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What Does Faith Cost 〰️
Paul Evangelized in Rome
Lesson Text: Acts 28:23-31
#SundaySchool #COGIC #WhatDoesFaithCost
In Rome, Paul fulfilled his mission of witnessing to his fellow Jews and everyone who would listen.
Thought to Remember: God Gives All a Chance!
Lessons learned:
Paul demonstrated commitment to the cause of Christ, his Lord, and Savior. He used his unfavorable circumstances as a positive witness for Christ. Likewise, I must remember Paul’s actions when I find myself in unfavorable circumstances or amid life struggles. My life must become an example of faithfulness while answering the question What Does Faith Cost?
My Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help us with opportunities to witness even when our situation becomes unfavorable. We want to reflect your goodness collectively and individually by serving and witnessing to others. Make known to us these opportunities to serve within our communities. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.
Check out the Blog entitled What does faith cost?
Paul Ministers in Malta
Lesson Text: Acts 28:1:10
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On his journey to Rome, Paul encounters a shipwreck, but he continues ministering to others.
Thought to Remember: Ministers to those in need.
Lessons learned:
Even though they are now shipwrecked, Paul and Luke remain focused on the mission by serving others. In the same way, as a believer, I must exercise the ability to serve others, especially when I am undergoing a shipwrecked period in my life.
My Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, give us the heart of things that break Your heart. By assisting others, we pray to reflect your goodness collectively and individually. Reveal to us opportunities to serve and minister in our communities and worldwide. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.
Check out the Blog entitled Shipwrecked.
Paul Sails for Rome
Lesson Text: Acts 27:1-2, 33-44
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Paul’s journey to Rome to exercise his appeal to Emperor is met with a stormy and life-threatening decision.
Thought to Remember: God calms life’s storms.
Lessons learned: Although the storm blocked Paul's journey to Rome, God protected him. In other words, even though you are in a storm, you are not out of God's will. Sometimes, the storm is precisely where God wants you so He can intervene and provide an opportunity for you to accomplish His purpose.
My Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, allow us to always trust You, even during the storms of life. Enable us to rely more on You even when the unforeseen occurs while realizing that You are always in control. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.
Check out blog - The Calm Before the Storm.
Paul Before King Agrippa
Lesson Text: Acts 26:19-32
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Paul shares the story of his conversion with King Agrippa while imprisoned.
Thought to Remember: You gotta stand up for what you believe.
Lessons learned: In response to Paul's appeal to the Roman Emperor, God permitted him to share his testimony before King Agrippa, Festus, and Queen Bernice. My responsibility as a believer is to become aware of unique opportunities to share my testimony with nonbelievers while recognizing that God’s plan is constantly unfolding.
My Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, allow us to display our faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Allow us to draw others to You so they will glorify you. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.
Click here to read this lesson blog entitled King Agrippa
Who Understands Faith?
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Lesson Text: Acts 8:26-39
#SundaySchool #COGIC #WhoUnderstandsFaith
The Holy Spirit leads Philip on a journey to save one individual without knowing why.
Thought to Remember: The Gospel message is universal.
Lessons learned: As Philip completed his work in Samaria, the Spirit ordered him to leave for Gaza without explaining why. My question today is, how does one know when to move in a different direction? When clarity is lacking, this lesson illustrates the uniqueness of faith. I must become in sync with the leading of the Holy Spirit in my life without knowing the why.
My Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help us to be more responsive to Your promptings. Help us to have the heart to pray for the lost and to seek out those who are looking for You. I pray for anyone who comes into the door of our church. I pray for them to receive Your truth and accept the invitation to discipleship. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.
Click here to read this lesson
blog entitled Where are the Eunuchs?
Simon Wants to Buy Power
Lesson Text: Acts 8:9-21
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Simon the Sorcerer is the subject of this week's lesson. He uses the occult arts to elevate himself to the position of greatness. However, he quickly becomes aware of his sinful behavior when he encounters the men of God.
Thought to Remember: One cannot buy or sell the Holy Spirit
Lessons learned: Simon the Sorcerer was about himself. When Simon witnessed the apostles laying their hands on people as they received the Holy Spirit, it seemed like some very powerful religious magic. His lack of knowledge and his focus only on himself create the gall of bitterness. Taking this example to heart, I must refrain from self-interest arrogance, particularly in the ministry, and focus on what is in the best interest of the Kingdom.
My Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, forgive us for times when we have selfish motives in doing things in Your Kingdom. You desire truth in our inward parts and that we do nothing out of ambition or conceit. Purify our hearts, help us to follow Your plan for our lives, and glorify You on Earth. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.
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blog entitled Simony Attitude.
Stephens’s Martyrdom
Lesson Text: Acts 7:52-8:1
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This week’s lesson continues with Stephen’s defense when he is before the Sanhedrin council. Because of his outspokenness, the council becomes enraged, and things quickly turn for the worst.
Thought to Remember: One must either submit or resist Jesus
Lessons Learned: Stephens received a glimpse of heaven before he died. I believe that this is one of the glorious privileges that God grants faithful believers as they transition from earth to heaven. As I witnessed my father's transition, I noticed the expression of peace on his face at that moment. Likewise, I, too, want to glimpse into heaven and see my Lord standing, ready to deliver the words Well Done, my faithful servant.
My Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for all the examples of true believers like Stephen. Gives us the power that we need to live for You and witness to others. Allow us to fulfill Your intention on Earth because we desire to see Jesus standing by the Father as approval of our life. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.
Click here to read this lesson
blog entitled First Sight.
Stephens’s Arrest and Speech
Lesson Text: Acts 6:8-7:2A
#SundaySchool #COGIC #WhoUnderstandsFaith
This week’s lesson focuses on the courage to speak, as demonstrated by Stephen. He faced opposition and reflected the power and wisdom of the Spirit to speak the truth of Jesus the Messiah.
Thought to Remember: Holy Spirit will aid you when you take a stand
Lessons learned: The lesson reminds me of the Bigger Picture from a heavenly perspective. Stephen provided a heavenly perspective with his earthly work. Why? After being appointed a deacon to serve the Libertine (Freedmen) Synagogue widows, Stephen exercises faith with great power and miracles. Yet, his conviction came to fruition when nonbelieving Jews debated him in the Libertine Synagogue; there, he demonstrated power and wisdom under the leading of the Holy Spirit. The same is true when I face opposition in doing the will of God, and I must take a stand for what is right.
My Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the Holy Spirit who gives us the power we need to live for You and witness to others about You. Allow Your will in heaven to become practical here on Earth by using us to perform it. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.
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blog entitled The Bigger Picture.
What is Faith?
Faith Requires Mutual Love
Lesson Text: Hebrews 13:1-3 I Corinthians 13
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The focus of this week’s lesson is the importance of love as the character of believers. Love is the key component of faith. Love becomes a practical and necessary part of the daily lives of believers.
Thought to Remember: We must have an attitude of love
Lessons learned: As a result of this lesson, I challenge myself to stop thinking like a child. A child is only aware of the present moment - the here and now. A mature believer, however, can view the world from a spiritual perspective. For instance, because of the blood of Jesus, God sees us dressed in the righteousness of Christ. In the same manner, I should see the world around me as an extension of God's love.
My Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the gift of your son, Jesus, which has demonstrated your love for us. Please help us to demonstrate the same kind of love to those around us. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.
Click here to read the blog for this lesson
entitled Faith Requires Mutual Love.
Faith Inspires Gratitude
Lesson Text: Hebrews 12:18-29
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The focus of this week’s lesson is the holiness of God and the grace of God that has opened the door to salvation through Jesus Christ.
Thought to Remember: Our faith in God inspires our gratitude
Lessons learned: As a result of this lesson, I challenge myself to become more thankful for God's grace even during difficulties that shake this world. Since grace is only available to the believer, I must serve God with love. I must never abandon this love, especially my first love for Christ. Like romantic love between a man and a woman, my first love for Christ involves passion, too. Therefore, I must continue a passionate pursuit of relevance and admonition of God all because of grace.
My Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You that we have access to You through the blood of Jesus. Help us to live for You in great reverence. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.
Chick here to read the blog for this lesson entitled Stand by Me.
Faith is Endurance
Lesson Text: Hebrews 12:1-12
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This lesson reminds the believers that faith is endurance. Even though the present discipline is painful, its purpose is to produce Christ-like behavior. Even if our earthly parents discipline us for a few days, God's discipline gives us eternal benefits.
Thought to Remember: God uses difficulties to teach us.
Lessons learned: The ultimate results of God’s chastening are twofold – holiness and righteousness. When chastening occurs, I can react in four different ways – 1) accept with resignation, 2) accept with self-pity thinking that I don’t deserve it, 3) become angry and resent God, 4) accept it gratefully knowing that I have a loving Father who wants me to become like him.
My Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Jesus who endured the Cross and redeemed us. Help us to remain strong in whatever things we have to suffer in our daily walk with You. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.
Click here to read the blog for this lesson entitled the Faith is Endurance
Faith is Assurance
Lesson Text: Hebrews 11:1-3,6 Psalms 46: 1-3, 8-11
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This lesson reminds the believers of the necessity for faith. Faith is the foundation that opens the pathway toward God. Because God will rescue us, and we can evolve into His likeness according to the writers of Hebrews and Psalms.
Thought to Remember:
Faith moves the invisible realm to the visible realm.
Lessons learned:
Faith is authentic when it is based on the final result rather than on the immediate results. Often, individuals seek external substance through their faith rather than their ability to release themselves. When you release your willpower to God, then you will become empowered by God. What a necessary action, as noted in Hebrews 11:6, But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
My Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You that Jesus, our Savior, redeemed us. The fact that He provided the way back to You, the Father, is something we are thankful for, and without this faith, we cannot please You. Nevertheless, we surrender to You to maintain our faith despite our surroundings, including world events, catastrophes, and unrest. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.
Click here to read the blog for this lesson entitled the Authentic Faith
Faith Calls for Perseverance
Lesson Text: Hebrews 10:19-31
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This lesson reminds the believers of their relationship with God as they discover that Jesus’ sacrificial death opens the only way to God.
Thought to Remember: Because of the Savior’s superiority, we should keep the faith.
Lessons learned: There are times when we live a roller coaster life with highs and lows, times when we feel excited, and times when we feel depressed. When we understand the meaning of the Savior's superiority, our relationship with God is strengthened. The writer of Hebrew reminds us that the Savior stripped us of all sin and darkness, so we could again fellowship with God. Since the Savior caused us to become pure before the Father's eyes, I should increase my love for God by obedience to His words while remembering that he came to save us. Not because of any virtuous deed that we have done but only because of his extravagant mercy. Titus 3:5 TPT
My Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You that Jesus, our Savior, sacrificed His life for ours. We thank You that He provided the way back to You, the Father. Now enable us to keep our faith despite the temptation and cares of this world while knowing that You have provided better things for us. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.
Click here to read the blog for this lesson entitled the Supremacy of Christ,