THE CHURCH OF GOD SABBATH SCHOOL LESSONS 2 nd QUARTER April, May, June 2 0 1 6
THE REQUIREMENT FOR ATONEMENT Lesson 1 For week ending April 2, 2016 The shedding of blood as an atonement for sins is a central theme of the Judaeo- Christian faith. From the covering for the first sin in the Garden of Eden until the eternal atonement for the sins of all mankind, the shedding of blood has been essential in bringing about forgiveness for sins. KEY TEXT: And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission (Hebrews 9:22). 1. After their sin of disobedience in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve recognized their sinfulness and tried to make a covering for their nakedness. Compare the covering which they made with the covering which God made for them (Genesis 3:7,21). What was the difference between the two? 2. Study the sacrificial offerings of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:1-4. What was the major difference between the offering of Cain and the offering of Abel? Why did God favor Abel s offering? 3. In Leviticus 17:11 we find a discussion of the concept of shedding blood for remission of sins. Discuss the fact that sin is punishable by death and that the shedding of blood is the offering of a life for a life. Notice the fact that the life is in the blood. 4. The perfect sacrifice for sin was the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9:11-14, 23-28 is a thorough discussion of the nature and efficacy of that sacrifice. Analyze this meaningful portion of scripture. 5. Just as the blood brings oxygen and nutrients to the cells of the human body, so the blood of Christ brings life to the body of Christ. Consider this concept in the light of John 6:56. 6. The blood removes wastes and impurities from the cells of the human body. Discuss the purifying effect of the blood of Jesus on the body of Christ as you study Revelation 1:5; I Peter 1:2,19; I John 1:7; and Hebrews 13:12. The blood (through the white blood cells) promotes healing in the human body. Analyze the nature of the healing power of the blood of Jesus in the body of Christ by comparing Isaiah 53:5 and James 5:14,15. 7. Though it has been reflected upon by modern theologians as a relic of man s barbaric past, the shedding of blood for the remission of sins has been and will always be the cornerstone of Judaeo-Christianity. Without it there is no reconciliation with God! Page -1-
THE JOY OF SALVATION Lesson 2 For week ending April 9, 2016 The most joyous experience in the life of every believer is that time when he experiences the exhilarating freedom from forgiveness from sins: The joy of salvation! Too many Christians gradually lose this initial joy and become trapped in the doldrums of defeat and doubt. God wants us to refresh ourselves continually, renewing our joy of salvation. KEY TEXT: Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. (Psalms 51:12). 1. In Psalms 51:1-12 David had experienced the sorrow of separation from God through sin. We can also experience this feeling because of negligence in our service and worship of God. Outline some of the things that can sap our joy and leave us out of step with the free Spirit of God. Analyze the condition of David in Psalms 42:1-3 and discover the answer in verse 4. How can praise and worship renew joy in our hearts? Emphasize this truth from verse 11. 2. One of the positive and direct results of having the joy of salvation in our lives is the fact that we are better witnesses for Christ. Discuss this fact in the light of Psalms 51:13. 3. The second of the fruit of the Spirit (after love) is joy (Galatians 5:22). Consider the importance of this attribute of the Holy Spirit in making us healthy and happy Christians (Proverbs 15:13,15). According to Isaiah 12:3, it is with joy that we are able to draw from the wells of salvation. Discuss this concept. What is the water? How are we best able to draw or receive that water? I Peter 1:8 described the experience of knowing the Lord Jesus in the experience of salvation as being joy unspeakable and full of glory. How should this profound experience be expressed in our daily living? 4. One of our weaknesses as Christians is our failure to remember the pit from which we were brought out by the grace of God s salvation. When we call to mind the state in which we found ourselves before God redeemed us, we will have praise for the Lord and joy in our hearts (Psalms 40:1-3). 5. The joy of the Lord is our strength. When we are not graced with this fruit of the Spirit, we become tired, listless Christians, when we remember God s gift of grace to us, we are filled with His joy to be enthusiastic witnesses to others. Page -2-
HOW CAN I KNOW THE WILL OF GOD? Lesson 3 For week ending April 16, 2016 Many think of the will of God as some mysterious thing that cannot be known to them until they see many signs pointing them in the right direction. The will of God is simply that which is pleasing to Him. If you know what pleases God, then you can know His will for your life. KEY TEXT: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven (Matthew 7:21). 1. There is nothing more important than knowing the will of God for your life. It will drive you in the right direction, and without this knowledge, you will flounder. Asking that the will of God be done is one of the five appeals of the prayer Jesus taught His disciples to pray in Matthew 6:10. If His will is to be done on earth, it must first be done in each life. 2. Our human nature often puts us in direct conflict with the will of God (Romans 8:7). If even Jesus had to bring His will unto subjection to the will of the Father (Luke 22:42), how much more must our will be surrendered to His will? 3. Recognizing His will is a stumbling block to many Christians, who simply do nothing while waiting for God to thump them on the head! The best thing to do is whatever God lays in front of you, however simple it may be. Discuss Ecclesiastes 9:10; 11:3,4,6 and Deuteronomy 4:9; 6:6-7. 4. Much of God s will can be easily found in His Word. I Thessalonians 5:16-22 gives an example of the basics of God s will. An employer will not promote someone who will not perform the duties given to him, likewise God cannot put greater things into your hands if you are not well grounded in the basics (Luke 16:10). 5. There is a great promise to those who find God s will and obey it (I John 2:17). Protection from Satan is shown in James 4:7. Notice the first part of that verse. 6. Remember that God s will for you is what you are striving for. To obey His will is better than to do what seems right to you in your own mind (I Samuel 15:22). 7. God s will is not the complicated riddle some people make it out to be. Much of it is simple obedience to His ordinances and bringing our fleshly will into subjection to His perfect will. As God s people, let s strive to work hard on truly becoming God s people. Page -3-
FULFILLING THE LAW OF CHRIST Lesson 4 For week ending April 23, 2016 Under the Old Covenant, no man was able to keep all the Law for the Law of the Lord is perfect. The Law revealed the perfection of God and the imperfection of man. The Law of God makes us acutely aware of our need for a Savior. Jesus lived a sinless life and became the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Only through Jesus Christ can the righteousness of the Law be fulfilled in us. KEY TEXT: Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). 1. Until the time that Jesus came, no man was able to walk in obedience to the whole Law of God (Romans 5:12-14; I John 3:4). Because of sin, every man was held in bondage to the power of sin and death (Romans 6:23). Discuss the work that Jesus did in order to make it possible for the Law to be fulfilled in us (Romans 8:1-4). 2. Contrary to the thinking of some, Jesus did not come to do away with the Law of God in favor of a new religion (Matthew 5:17-19). To fulfill in this passage means to bring to completion or to bring to realization. For the first time, in the person of Jesus Christ, a man became what the Law required sinless (Hebrews 4:15). 3. The thing that Jesus did do away with was the keeping of the Law as a means to righteousness. Confirm this as you study Galatians 2:16 and Romans 10:4. How does one become righteous? 4. When Jesus came, He brought a new spiritual depth into the keeping of the Law. The Law was to be written into the heart (Jeremiah 31:31-33; Ezekiel 36:26,27). By His Spirit, we are given a new desire to live for God and walk in His ways. Discuss the teaching of Paul on this subject as you read Galatians 5:14-18. What is the one word that fulfills all the Law? 5. Walking in the Spirit is not something mystical. It is simply the keeping of God s Law as it has been written on your heart. According to Jesus, on what do all the Law and prophets hang (Matthew 22:37-40)? When we love the Lord it will be our joy to live in obedience to Him (John 14:15). Our love for God will be expressed in our love for our fellow man (I John 4:7,8,20). When we bear one another s burdens we are in essence fulfilling the Law of Christ! Page -4-
PRESSING THROUGH TO VICTORY Lesson 5 For week ending April 30, 2016 It is not God s will for us as His children to continually be in a place of struggle. There is a battle to be fought but it is a battle that we have been promised to win. It is a spiritual battle. In this battle there are times in which we will have to press through into our victory. Satan is real and there are demonic spirits that come to stand in opposition to our breakthrough in Christ. We must hold on. God has heard our prayers and victory is on the way! KEY TEXT:...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning (Psalms 30:5b). 1. No matter what the situation one is facing in life, prayer is the key to victory (Philippians 4:6,7)! However, the victory may not come without a battle. Study what happened to Daniel when he set his heart to seek the Lord (Daniel 10:1-6,11-14). How long did Daniel pray before his answer came? What was it that hindered his prayers? 2. Daniel s experience reveals to us that there is an element of spiritual warfare involved in our prayers. Discuss the need to press through in our prayer life as you read Ephesians 6:10-13,18. Notice that the strength to win the battle comes from the Lord (Romans 8:26). 3. One of the elements of Daniel s prayer life that brought him the victory was his persistence. Compare this with the parable of Jesus found in Luke 18:1-8. 4. There is power and strength to be given to those who will diligently seek the face of God. It is in the presence of God that your life is changed. It is the place we receive victory over sin and the flesh. It is a place of transformation in which our will is conformed to be like His, but we ve got to be willing to hold on to the Lord until we receive our breakthrough. In the book of Genesis, Jacob wrestled with God all night and would not let Him go until he got a blessing. Discuss the transformation which took place in the life of Jacob (Genesis 32:28). 5. We must be persistent. We must see the will of God with such vision that we prevail with God in prayer to see it come about. Discuss the importance of watchmen who have a spirit of prayer to prevail with God in order to see His power and glory manifest in the church (Isaiah 62:6,7). James 5:16b says,... The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. The word availeth here means a force that gives us the victory! Page -5-
A PENTECOSTAL CHURCH Lesson 6 For week ending May 7, 2016 Say the word "Pentecostal" and some might think of tambourines, snake-handling, and pew-hopping. With 20 million Pentecostal Christians in the US, and 100 million worldwide, the Pentecostal (Charismatic) church is a fast-growing movement that traces th its roots to the early 20 century. This is a fulfillment of the Last Days' prophecy found in Joel. Who is The Church of God (Jerusalem Acres)? We are a Pentecostal body of believers who teach (1) that Jesus saves, and (2) we are baptized with the Holy Spirit, and (3) we believe that God still performs miracles and supernatural healings today, and (4) that Jesus Christ is coming again to rule and reign and receive those who are saved! KEY TEXT: "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions" (Joel 2:28). 1. The term Pentecostal comes from the description of the New Testament believers' experience on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). Consider the words of Jesus in Luke 24:49 foretelling of this event. The baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues was not just an experience for the Day of Pentecost, but is available to all believers today. Paul gives instruction to the church at Corinth regarding the use of speaking in tongues in I Corinthians 14:2,11-15. 2. Pentecostal Christians believe in the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the present day including the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, and the nine gifts of the Spirit described in I Corinthians 12:7-11. Discuss how the manifestation of these gifts in the church can bring unbelievers to the knowledge of Christ. The use of the gifts of the Spirit are meant to edify and build up the body of Christ and are encouraged to be used in an orderly way (I Corinthians 14:39,40). 3. Another work of the Holy Spirit in our lives is that He intercedes on our behalf. Paul described this work of the Spirit in Romans 8:26-27 and Ephesians 6:18. 4. The Holy Spirit empowers us to work (Acts 1:8). Peter boldly stood before the crowd on the Day of Pentecost and preached a message concerning the Messiah, and 3,000 people were saved on that day. Consider the account of Peter and John found in Acts 4:1-13. The same apostle, Peter, who had denied Christ three times before Jesus was crucified became a bold witness after he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Our calling is to look to the church that Jesus established and the beliefs and practices of the New Testament church and simply do what the Bible says to do. Page -6-
HARNESSING THE HUMAN TONGUE Lesson 7 For week ending May 14, 2016 The human tongue is the most formidable weapon for both good and evil in the world. It can be used to galvanize public opinion to do great acts of benefit to mankind, but it can also be used to incite hatred and bring death and destruction. Since our bodies are the temple of the Lord, we must be very careful that we harness our tongues as instruments of peace. KEY TEXT: "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain" (James 1:26). 1. In writings of James, he discusses the great potential for good and evil that is in the tongue of man. Consider the truth of James 3:9-12 in examining the possibility of having a tongue that brings forth both blessings and cursings. 2. James 3:13,17,18 reveals how a righteous man should bring forth through his words the things that are good and edify others. Is it essential that our tongues be instruments of cursing, or is it possible for us to make them into instruments of blessing and edification to others? 3. When Jesus was confronted with the question of what was unclean to the degree that it defiled the body, He declared that what goes out from the body is the defiling element. Confirm this truth from Matthew 15:11,17-20. Gossip, talebearing, outbursts of anger, "telling someone off," and sometimes thinlydisguised constructive criticism are examples of using the tongue for destruction (Leviticus 19:16; Proverbs 18:8; 25:23; Romans 3:13-18; Psalm 10:7). Discuss the tongue as an instrument of death. 4. The tongue can also be an instrument that brings life to ourselves and to others. Proverbs 15:4 declares that a wholesome tongue is a tree of life. Consider how positive words can have life-giving powers through faith. 5. Since no man can tame the tongue, God has chosen this part of the body to signal to us when we are fully subjected to His Holy Spirit. Discuss the speaking with tongues as the evidence of the Holy Spirit baptism (Acts 10:45,46). If we yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit, our tongues will always be fountains of life. Page -7-
GOD S VISION IS A WORLD VISION Lesson 8 For week ending May 21, 2016 As human beings, our vision is often limited to our own neighborhoods; however, God's vision is a world-wide vision. It was God's love for the entire world that prompted Him to send His Son to die that the world through Him might be saved. It is for this reason that God commands His church to take the Gospel message into all the world. KEY TEXT: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:15,16). 1. When Jesus came into the world, He came to His own (John 1:11). He declared that salvation was of the Jews (John 4:22). This was because of God's covenant with the seed of Abraham and with Israel. Discuss the fact that Jesus was rejected by the Jews before He turned to the nations. 2. Even though Jesus confined His early ministry to the Jews (Matthew 10:6; 15:24), He, nevertheless, asserted from the beginning of His ministry that His mission was to save the world (John 3:16,17). 3. After the Jews had rejected Him and He had been crucified, Jesus commissioned His disciples to teach His gospel and doctrine to all nations (Matthew 28:19,20). All the Gentile nations were to be included. 4. It was shortly after the Day of Pentecost that Peter began the fulfillment of the commission of Jesus when he went to the house of Cornelius, violating all Jewish tradition and witnessing the acceptance of the Gentiles (Acts 10:1-4,9-17,28,34,35,44-48). God raised up the Apostle Paul for the explicit purpose of accelerating the message to the Gentile nations (Acts 9:15). Expand upon Paul's ministry. 5. The Early Church opened the door to all Gentiles at the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15. Consider the account of prophecy (verses 15-17) which James brought to bear as a witness to the authenticity of this work. 6. The Everlasting Gospel message is to be proclaimed in this generation to every nation, kindred, tongue and people (Revelation 14:6; Matthew 24:14). We are called and commissioned by the Lord Jesus Himself to take this Everlasting Gospel into all the world for a witness to all nations before the end of the age. In what ways can the church fulfill God's world vision? Page -8-
STRIVING TO BE THE BRIDE OF CHRIST Lesson 9 For week ending May 28, 2016 Those who are striving to be the Bride of Christ must study and search the Word of God for everything God requires of that special people. Those desiring to measure up must make a commitment to find everything necessary to become the Bride and pursue it with all diligence because God will not settle for anything less. Bishop Percy Williams KEY TEXT:...Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God (Revelation 21:9b,10). 1. One of the first requirements set forth in the Word of God for the Bride is that she must be holy. Notice in our key text that the Bride is called the holy Jerusalem. The word holy means to be consecrated, sanctified or separated to God. Consider the following scriptures: Hebrews 12:14 and I Thessalonians 4:7. Isn t it amazing how little holiness is talked about on religious programs and in religious circles today? 2. The next requirement of the Bride is that she be pure. The word pure means to be unmixed with any other matter, free from moral fault, free from what vitiates. The word vitiate means to make faulty or defective often by the addition of something that impairs. Read Revelation 14:4 and II Corinthians 11:2. The Bride must be free from false doctrines and other spirits that would corrupt and contaminate her. 3. Another quality that God has always desired in His people is obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1). The Bride will follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. To be considered to be a part of the Bride of Christ will demand that we be humble and obedient just like Jesus was (Philippians 2:8). 4. The Bride will also be without guile meaning she will be without deceit or deception. Discuss this in light of Philippians 2:14-16 and I Peter 2:1,2,21,22. There are things that we must get rid of and put away from us, just as there are things that we need to seek after and put on. 5. Revelation 14:4b reveals that the Bride will be redeemed from among men. Jesus paid the ransom with His own blood to free us from the captivity of sin (I Corinthians 6:20, Psalms 107:1,2). The Bride must make herself ready (Revelation 19:7,8; 21:2). Discuss what it will take for the Bride to be adorned as you study I Peter 3:3-6 and Isaiah 61:10,11. The adornments that will grace the Bride of Christ will consist of the same attributes found in the Lord. Page -9-
WHY WE HAVE PREACHING Lesson 10 For week ending June 4, 2016 Preaching is speaking in behalf of God to mankind. Chosen as the means of conveying the faith of Jesus Christ, it is effective because a personal religion is best conveyed by personal contact. Though it is scripturally described as an exercise that appears foolish, preaching that takes place under the anointing of the Holy Spirit changes lives by bringing men face-to-face with God. KEY TEXT:" For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" (I Corinthians 1:21). 1. Without the personal contact of preaching, the New Testament experiential religion could not effectively be conveyed to the masses. Confirm this truth from Romans 10:11-15. 2. The most important thing to look for when evaluating preaching is whether or not the Word of God is being preached. Preachers are instructed that everything is to center on the Word of God (II Timothy 4:2-4). Preaching should also be delivered in the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Discuss Paul's description of his preaching and his reasons for its effectiveness (I Corinthians 2:4,5). 3. The preaching of the Gospel of Christ is an "every creature" message. Confirm the lack of selectivity in preaching from Matthew 11:5 and Mark 16: 15. Notice to whom the message in Revelation 14:6 is directed. The first responsibility of the preacher is to preach the Gospel of the spiritual kingdom which we receive when we are bornagain (Colossians 1:13). The Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). Discuss how important preaching is in warning the wicked to turn from their sins (Ezekiel 3:18,19; Jonah 3:2-5,10; Luke 11:32,33). 4. Another important responsibility in preaching is the act of warning the righteous of the evils of the world and of the sins of the flesh and spirit which so easily overtake us. Discuss this vital role of preaching by analyzing II Peter 2:5; Ezekiel 3:21; and Isaiah 58:1. 5. Preaching is the method which God has chosen to convey His truth to His people. It is not some stale, lifeless written record that the illiterate could not decipher. It is a living, breathing manifestation of the Word and will of God by anointed men and women who are bold to speak for God. Discuss the power of preaching to establish us in the faith (Romans 16:25; Ephesians 4:11,12). Page -10-
GOD S GRACE ABOUNDS Lesson 11 For week ending June 11, 2016 When grace abounds over sin, it is the grace and favor of God being shown without regard to worth or merit of the one who receives it and in spite of what that person deserves! As God s children, we must always remember that it is only by grace that we stand. If we understand God s grace toward us then we will serve Him with thankfulness and humility. KEY TEXT: What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid! How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Romans 6:1-2) 1. In the Old Testament, the prime example of grace was the redemption of the Hebrew people from Egypt. This did not happen because of any merit on Israel s part, but in spite of their unrighteousness (Deuteronomy 9:5-7). 2. Although the grace of God is always free and undeserved, it must not be taken for granted. Grace is given by God and received by man through repentance and faith. Are we walking before God as we should? Read and discuss Amos 5:12-15. 3. Grace is to be humbly sought through the prayer of faith. God wants us to be firstfruits. Is this our goal (Malachi 1:9)? 4. In Romans 4:1-4, Paul makes it abundantly clear that salvation is not earned or merited: It can only be received as a gift of grace! It is essential that grace be accompanied by faith. A person must trust in the mercy and favor of God, even while it is undeserved (Romans 4:16). 5. Jesus is called the Spirit of Grace in Hebrews 10:29. The Spirit is the one who binds Christ to His people so that they receive forgiveness, adoption to sonship, and newness of life (Ephesians 4:7). 6. The Law of Moses revealed the righteous will of God in the midst of pagan darkness. It was God s gracious gift to Israel (Deuteronomy 4:8). But His will was made complete when Jesus brought the gospel of grace into the world (John 1:17). Page -11-
FINDING OPEN DOORS Lesson 12 For week ending June 18, 2016 One of the great challenges that are before the church today is the quest for growth the need to bring new members into our local assemblies. Often we find ourselves stalemated in this challenging work because we seemingly cannot find and take advantage of open doors. God wants us to learn to find and go through open doors to proclaim His Word of truth. KEY TEXT: "Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word, and hast not denied My name" (Revelation 3:8). 1. The opening of doors to the exposition of divine truth often occurs when God, Himself, prepares the way for the fulfillment of prophecy. We find this to be the case when God opened the door of faith to the Gentiles in the Early Church. Discuss this kind of door (Acts 15:27; 15:14-17). 2. The doors that we need opened to us, however, are most generally the opportunities to witness for Christ or to share the revelation of the church and its work. This is one of the works of the spirit of publishing in the form of personal witnessing (Revelation 3:8). 3. One of the best ways in which we can secure the intervention of God to open doors for us is to continue in prayer in this behalf. Consider the request of Paul to the church in Colossians 4:3. We know that with the intervention of the Holy Spirit, we can see profound open doors that make the sharing of the revelation of Jesus Christ much easier. Confirm this in I Corinthians 16:9. 4. Quite frequently, an open door can be seized upon or we can open our own door if we have the wisdom of God to take advantage of a situation to present a clear and concise witness for Christ. Consider Paul's wisdom in Acts 17:22-27. 5. Evaluate the effective way in which Paul took advantage of the situation before King Agrippa to present the Gospel (Acts 26:13-19). 6. There is a secret in the words of Jesus that we have not taken full advantage of in looking for new doors. Often we would find an open door if we would simply knock on a closed door. Evaluate this truth from Matthew 7:7. Page -12-
PRAYER: THE PROBLEM SOLVER Lesson 13 For Week ending June 25, 2016 One of the greatest privileges which we as Christians enjoy as a result of our faith in Jesus Christ is the right of access to the Heavenly Father in prayer. Through prayer we can spread before the Lord our personal problems, our needs, and our desires, and we can find His will to solve those problems, meet our needs, and give the direction that we need in our lives. KEY TEXT: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord. And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord... " (II Kings 19:14,15). 1. II Kings 19 tells the story of Sennacherib's threat to destroy the Jews and Jerusalem. In King Hezekiah's reaction to that threat, we see a clear picture of the very essence of prayer. Verses 8-10 reveal the problem, verses 14-19 show Hezekiah's approach to the problem, and verses 35-37 reveal God's solution to the problem. 2. The key to Hezekiah's success was his openness to spread the problem before the Lord. Discuss this important aspect of prayer in the light of James 4:2, Matthew 7:7,8, and John 14:13,14. 3. God has made provision in His system of worship for Hours of Prayer that help us continue in prayer. Discuss the three prayer times (morning, noon, and night) and the way in which observing this order can help make our prayer life more effectual (Psalm 55:17; Daniel 6:10; Acts 10:9). 4. Another key to having our prayers answered is abiding in God and in His Word. Expand on this truth as you read John 15:4,5,7. 5. Some believers feel that praying repeatedly for something is a waste of time or a lack of faith. Consider the concept of continuing in prayer until one receives his petition as you read Luke 18:1-7. 6. Evaluate the prayer of Acts 4:24-31, and consider some of the reasons for its effectiveness. 7. When our understanding fails to convey our needs to God, we who are baptized with the Holy Spirit can pray in the Spirit in tongues. Expand on this practice (l Corinthians 14:14-16; Romans 8:26,27). By praying in faith, according to His will, we have His promise that He will answer our prayers! Page -13-
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A quarterly publication of THE CHURCH OF GOD Jerusalem Acres Post Office Box 1207 1826 Dalton Pike, SE Cleveland, Tennessee 37364-1207, USA Phone: 423/472-1597 or 423/476-5596 Fax: 423/478-5572 E-mail: TCOGJERACR@AOL.COM Website: thechurchofgodntj.org