GREAT AND PRECIOUS PROMISES

SEEK THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Philippians 2:21 (KJV) For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.  

Why struggle if seeking Christ and His righteousness first adds all things to your life?   It's Pointless! 

Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Escape the headache and corruption by seeking diligently the kingdom of God and His righteousness FIRST!

TODAY'S FOCUS:  LIFE AND GODLINESS (2 Peter 1: 2-8)

• Through His Divine Power He has given us all things that pertains to life and godliness
• He has given us exceeding great and precious promises that we might be partakers of the divine nature

What must be done?

1. Add to your faith virtue
2. Add to virtue knowledge
3. Add to knowledge temperance
4. Add to temperance patience
5. Add to Patience godliness
6. Add to godliness brotherly kindness
7. Add to brotherly kindness charity

Results = You shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

IF YOU ARE BARREN OR UNFRUITFUL DO A SOUL CHECK TODAY

Make a list of some of the corruptions of lust that can come as a result of seeking after your own then answer the following: 

• Are you seeking things that are lustful and Un-Christlike? (What are they)
• Are you seeking for things that only pertains to this life? 
• Are you seeking Christ only after you seek for things of your own?
• What do you give diligence to? 
• What about the level of your faith, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity? 

Remember if Christ righteousness abounds and you give diligence to your faith and other spiritual enrichment first you will neither be barren or unfruitful.  What a nice place to be, what security, what assurance of peace when you seek to abound in the knowledge of your Lord Jesus Christ.  

WHAT WILL YOU SEEK FIRST TODAY? (Remember the key word is "First")

God Bless and Keep The Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

COVENANT KEEPER

GOD KEEPS HIS COVENANT

Deuteronomy 7:9 (KJV)
Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

The Lord has made an agreement that if we love Him and keep His commandments, He will be faithful and keep all covenants he has made to us.
We can now believe that covers all covenants and blessings from Abraham right up to the promises through Christ.

TODAY'S TOPIC: GOD'S FAITHFULNESS

Based on the scripture of God's faithfulness above let's discuss some of the covenants He has made?

1. What are some of the covenants that you can find in scripture?
2. What are the conditions if any associated with them?
3. Can you give an example of a covenant that was fulfilled?
4. Can you give a personal example of God's faithfulness with any of the covenants made?
5. What covenant stands out most to you?

Remember, the key to keeping a covenant both party must uphold the terms of the agreement.  There is no obligation on the part of the benefactor if the beneficiary does not perform and or maintain his part.  God is faithful and always awards faithfulness.  He keeps His covenant and extends mercy with all those that love Him and keep His commandments.  If we do all promises from Genesis to Revelation will be honored. 

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

SERVE WITH GOD'S GIFT

EACH GIFT DIFFERS ACCORDING TO GOD'S GRACE


Romans 12:3-8 (KJV)
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

JOIN IN LIVE BIBLE STUDY TODAY CALL IN AT 10:00 am 1- (470) 888-9447
 

TODAY'S TOPIC:  GIFTS OF SERVICE

"The Scripture teach that gifts of service are distributed to every believer           (1 Corinthians 12:6, 11)."

"Spiritual gifts are wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues, service, exhortation, giving, leading, mercy, helps, and administrations.  Others are gifted to minister to an admonish the church; apostles, prophets, teachers, pastors, and evangelists.  1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-30; Romans 12:3-8; and Ephesians 4:7-11." (Extracted from Essentials for Salvation and First Responses Bible Studies for Adults - Bible Advocate Press)

What are your thoughts?

• Do you think there are gifts that are less than others?
• How do each gift enhance the other?
• Think of your church, which gift fits into various areas within the service?
• Have you discovered your gift (s)
• Which gift (s) do you see in you?
• How can you serve with the gifts God has given you?

Remember, the gifts are given to profit the church and should not be taken for your benefit but to serve God and His people.  If you have discovered your gift, put it into use and if not seek help from your leaders, counselors and God to help you discover your gift.  In the meantime assist and help serve in an area of your strength.  If you have neglected your gift ask God to restore you and become active  again in the work of the Lord. 

Gifts differ according to God's grace and measure but......

THEY COMPLIMENT EACH OTHER AND WORK TOGETHER!
UNITY IS STRENGTH!

God Bless and Keep The Faith!

Sabbath Shalom!

Virtuous Jewel



 

 

 

SETTLING MATTERS

GOD'S JUDICIAL SYSTEM

The world is filled with violence that started with a small disagreement because a squabble was escalated and not diffused or settled. 

Unfortunately, it's not isolated to the world but even among believers.

Matters should be settled among yourselves because soon the saints will be judging the world - Practice makes perfect!
1 Corinthians 6 King James Version (KJV)
Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?

TODAY'S TOPIC:  SETTLE IT GOD'S WAY

Too many mole hills are allowed to become mountains 

What's your thoughts on the above scripture are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?  Let's discuss:

• What are some of the causes of quarrels and fights?
• How do you feel about settling matters within the church?
• How should these matters be settled?
•  By Whom
• Who should be involved
• When (timing)
• Should there be any punishment applied?
• List any scriptural principles, references or examples
• Should matters be taken to the judicial system outside of the church?
• What do you recommend to the church as a guide to settle matters pertaining to life?

Remember, "Practice makes perfect."  Practice forgiveness, walking in love, esteeming others, doing unto others what you would like done to you and use wisdom.  If you settle things among yourselves as brethren the "world" would not have to judge you. Use the right measures in your judgement.

Matthew 7:2 (KJV)

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

God Bless you and Keep The Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

WHEN THE MUSIC STOPS

LEARN TO WORSHIP

"Worshiping God is a privilege, so learning to worship is a part of the process that shapes and refines our lives after we are saved."

We invite you to call in to our live Bible Study session today at 10:00 AM

Scripture Focus: Psalm 149: 1-5; Psalm 150

Objective:  to help students understand that worship of God is all about glorifying Him.

Call 1 (470) - 88 TWIGS (1- 470 -888 -9447) Press * 5 to participate in the discussion

TODAY'S FOCUS:  YOUR PERSONAL WORSHIP

While we encourage corporate worship and scripture commands us to not forsake the assembly of ourselves together we must make time for personal worship.

Many today enjoy worship but when the music stop, their worship stops.  Is it worship only when there is a loud noise, music or others?  How do you worship, what does worship mean to you? 

Let's engage in the following....

• Why do you believe God wants your worship?
• Do you believe there is a set time to worship? (When is your best time)
• Do you think there is a specific way to worship? (What is your favorite way)
• Should you be prepared for worship? (How/When)
• What do you think enhances your worship?
• What should be your main focus and reason for worship?
• What are the results of true worship?

Remember, God calls you to worship Him for thus you were created.  He calls you to worship without distractions with a willing spirit to participate freely without coercing and or demand.  Your spiritual desire and preparation of your heart and will are more important than the fashion, posture or mood.  God deserves your praise and adoration just for being your Lord!

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

IGNORANT WORSHIP

STONE GOD DILEMMA 

Do you use mishaps as opportunities?  

Paul used an opportunity to expose ignorant worship of the people of Thessalonica.  He used their very inscription, "To the Unknown God", to declare God to them

Acts 17: 23-29 (KJV)
For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.

TODAY'S FOCUS:  OFFSPRING OF GOD

From the above scripture can you,,,,

• Think about opportunities you have to declare The Lord God
• Think of some strategies that you can use to point out "Ignorant Worship"

Reflecting on the last two verses of the above scripture....

1. How would you describe the word Offspring?
2. How are you an offspring of God? 
3. Is there a stone God dilemma in any other form in your life?

Remember, God is the Artist and you are His work of art and masterpiece.  You are His offspring.  Therefore you cannot think that God is crafted by man in anyway.  Anything that's made by man and worshiped is considered to be "Ignorant Worship". He can be found if you seek Him.

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

SPIRITUAL UNFAITHFULNESS

A MESSAGE FROM THE LORD

Jerusalem Is Compared to Wood from a Wild Vine 

Ezekiel 15: 1-5 (GW) 

The Lord spoke his word to me. He said, 2 “Son of man, what good is the wood from a vine? Is it better than the wood from a tree in the forest? 3 Do people use it to make something? Do they make a peg from it to hang things on? 4 No! It is only thrown into the fire as fuel. The fire burns up both its ends and chars its middle. Then can it be used to make anything? 5 When the vine was in perfect condition, it couldn’t be made into anything. How can it be used to make anything after the fire has burned and charred it?

"GOOD FOR NOTHING" IS A TERM THAT CAN EASILY BE APPLIED HERE

This is definitely a scripture that calls for deep meditation and should be of great concern to everyone.  

Many people enter into relationships, make decisions and choices and take a gamble with their future knowing some very unfavorable things.  They do so expecting things to change when they know the likelihood of it  ever happening is negative.   Here are somethings to thing about...

• A con-artist who has a reputation of fraud will he/she be a good political leader?
• A single man/woman who has never been faithful with a relationship, dishonest and manipulator, will they be a faithful spouse?
• A business person who has a reputation for unfair business dealings will they be a good business partner?
• A man/woman who has no worship and or personal relationship with God will they be a good minister or leader?
•  Can a Leper change his spots?  

I am sure you get the picture and can add many more examples, but here are some helpful advise:

• Before you vote someone into office check their motives
• Before you get married to someone check their character
• Before you enter into a business relationship check their reputation
• Before you let someone be your pastor or leader check their worship and relationship

TODAY'S TOPIC:  CALL TO FAITHFULNESS

Let's look at the rest of the chapter in another version...

Ezekiel 15:6-8 (TLB)

So they are useless both before and after being put in the fire!

“This is what I mean,” the Lord God says: “The people of Jerusalem are like the vines of the forest—useless before being burned and certainly useless afterwards! 7 And I will set myself against them to see to it that if they escape from one fire, they will fall into another; and then you shall know I am the Lord. 8 And I will make the land desolate because they worship idols,” says the Lord God.

Spiritually you can be unfaithful! 

When you chose to serve idols - when you chose to put some things before God you stand a risk of being useless to God.  That's a very hard place to be when God can use you for nothing.   Think on these......

• Do you have a worship relationship with God?  How does it look like?
• Are you active in your worship - How?
• Who or What things gets your worship?
• What things take your focus from being useful and available?
• What  changes must be done immediately?

A read of John 15 will show that the vine is the strength of the branches.  So must our strength come when we stay in constant worship connected to the true vine.

Remember...... God will NOT tolerate anyone who worships anyone or anything else but Him.  Know that unless we personally, our island, country and nation serve God we will continue to experience the fires of desolation.  It will not change with a new face in the government or economic incline but it will change only when people begin to worship and be faithful to God and God alone. 

Sorry......... NOTHING ELSE WILL DO!  

Please read the chapter again, and digest the message.

God Bless and Keep The Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

TIME FOR A NEW HEART

BLOCKAGE

In the natural if your heart is clogged or has any blockage it can create difficulties and even death. 

So much more in the spirit when you allow your sins and transgressions to interfere with the flow of the spirit you can die spiritually. 

Ezekiel 18:31(KJV)

Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

TODAY'S TOPIC:  YOUR HEART MATTERS..... WHY DIE?

A person will go all out in the natural to get their heart well..... Whether it is to get medication, bypass surgery, or even a new transplant.

How can we get a new (spiritual) Heart as instructed by the scripture?

• List some things one must stop doing?
• List some things one must avoid?
• List some things one must begin to do?
• List some thing one must continue to do?

Remember like you would in the natural make life style changes, diet and exercise to maintain your natural heart health, you must make the same adjustments and more to enhance and or change your spiritual heart health.  It's a heart thing.... YOUR HEART MATTERS!

God Bless You and Keep The Faith!

Virtuous Jewel