This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "Called To Serve", 12/31/2017

CALLED TO SERVE

Ephesians 4:1-15

POSITION OF THE CALL

V:1. "Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called."

A. All believers have been call to serve the Lord

   1. Paul considered himself a prisoner.

   2. A prisoner is under the authority of another person.

   3. A prisoner takes his direction from another person.

B. Paul set the example for us to follow.

   1. We should see Jesus as the total authority of our lives

   2. We have His Word, which is the direction for our lives.

C. We are encouraged to walk in a manner worthy of the call.

   1. The Church is the example for the world to follow.

   2. We may be the only church the world sees.

   3. We were called to be the world's example of Jesus.

ATTITUDE OF THE CALL

V:2 "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, "

1. The attitude of a servant is to be covered in unselfish love.

2. the evidence of love toward our brothers and sisters are:

    a. Humility is taking a low view of ones importance.

    b. Gentleness is mild, calm and kind.

        also described as meekness which is power under control

    c  Patience is enduring without complaints.

    d. Tolerance is accepting others as they are.

UNITY OF THE CALL

V:3-6. " being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;

5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all."

A. A house divided cannot stand.

    1. The church, the body of Christ has to maintain unity in all areas.  

    2. One way of Satan dividing the Church is through different interpretations

        of scriptures.

    3. Some religions see God the Father, but not God the Son or God the Holy Spirit.

    4. Some religions see Jesus as a son created by the Father

B. The Apostle Paul said , I determine to know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him

     crucified.

    1. As long as we argue about different interpretations, we will be confused

       and divided.

    2. It is the job of the Holy Spirit to teach us the correct interpretation

        of scripture.

    3. As the body of  Christ, we must have the same goals and aspirations

        in serving the Lord.

   4. We should treat every believer with mutual respect, realizing that we

        all have equal calling.

EQUIPPING OF THE CALL

V:7-10. " But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.

8 Therefore it says, "WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH, HE LED CAPTIVE A HOST OF CAPTIVES, AND HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN."

9 (Now this expression, "He ascended," what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.) "

A. To all God called, He gave His favor, that is His grace.

     1. The grace He gave was measured out according to  the gift that He gave.

     2. It requires more grace to preach in the street than it does inside the Church.

     3. It requires more grace to pray for a life changing wayward child than

         to pray for the healing of a broken bone.

     4. It requires more grace to be the pastor of a church, than to be the deacon

         of the Church.

B. Christ, the only begotten Son of God took off His robe of glory to become man

     so that we might see His glory.

   1. At His death, Christ went into the tomb and His shed blood atoned for the

       sins of all who died in faith before Him

   2. Faith in Christ death and resurrection opens the door to heaven for all who                     

        were captive  by sin.

   3. According Matthew 27:52, on the day of Christ death, dead saints got up

       out of their graves and walked the streets of Jerusalem.  

POSITION IN THE CHURCH

11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,

12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

A. Pastors and teachers are the main core group for educating the congregation

     in the Church.

   1. The pastor has the job of leading the church under the divine guidance of

        the Holy Spirit.

   2. The teachers under the vision of the pastor teach the Word of God to

        give the congregation a clear understanding of God's word.

B. I believe the job of apostles, prophets and evangelist are combined into

     one group taking the Word of God to ends of the earth. ( Matt 28:18)

  1. There were only twelve apostles which where the twelve original disciples of

      Jesus. After Judas committed suicide, he was replace by Matthias. The Apostle

      Paul was added under the direction of Jesus. The Apostles were the eye witnesses

      to the teaching and miracles of Jesus.  

C. The Apostle Paul was both an Apostle and an evangelist.

    1. Barnabas traveled with Paul, but he was not called an apostle.

    2. Mark traveled with Paul, but he was not called an apostle.

    3. There were other who worked with Paul in the ministry that were

         not called Apostles.

D. If we look at how God selected and used prophets in the Old Testament, we

     will find that they were selected by God and filled with the Holy Spirit.

       a. The prophets were given revelations of things and events to come.

       b. According to Revelation 22:18-19, the Bible is closed. You cannot add anything

           to it or take anything away from it.

       c. The position of a prophet as previous used is no longer necessary.

C. It is my belief  that we only have three main teaching groups, Pastors,

        teachers and evangelist.

    1. The young Church needed all these positions initially. But as it has matured, some

        these positions have been done away with. (See 1 Cor 13:11).

OBJECTIVE OF THE CALL

V:13-14. " until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;"

A. These two verses confirm in my mind 1 Cor 13:11.

   1. The growth of the Church is based on sound Biblical teaching.

   2. 2 Timothy 2:15 states, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that

       needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

B. Faith come by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

    1. Today we have no excuse for a lack of knowledge of the Word of God.

    2. Our libraries are full with Bibles and commentaries on the Word of God.

    3. Most importantly, every believer has the Holy Spirit as the teacher of the

        Word.

    4. If we submit ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will all came to the

        same interpretation of the Word.

C. Satan does a job on the church teachers and pastors by introducing strange                   

     doctrine that don't  agree with the Holy Scriptures.  

    1. If you don't know the scripture, you wouldn't know if the doctrine is the truth.

    2. Remember sin started in the Garden of Eden, because Eve failed to study the

        Word for herself.

MISSION OF THE CALL

V:15-16. " but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,

16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. "

A. The job of a believer is to continue to grow to be more like Christ. It is a life long

     process.

   1. We come to Christ with a lot of hang ups and baggage that we have to let loose.

   2. We have traditions and misinterpretation of scripture that have to be corrected.

   3. We have been taught that love is tied to our feelings.

   4. Love is giving regardless of our feeling. Love is what we are willing

       to sacrifice for the good of others.

B. Christ who sacrificed His life for us is the supreme role model for love.

   1. Every believer has been given spiritual gifts to be used in building up

       the body of Christ.

   2. Those who use their gifts are active in the service of God.

   3. Those who do not use their gifts are weak links in the body.

        a. Failure to use your gifts is an act of selfishness,

        b. Failure to use your gifts is disrespectful to the head, Jesus Christ.

THANK YOU JESUS FOR YOUR LOVE

Rev. M. Mitchell

Asst Pastor Of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 West Sam Houston Park Way North

Houston, Texas 77041

For more lessons, follow me on facebook or visit my blogs

goodnewsrevmitc.blogspot,com and revmmitchell.com

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "The Worship Of Jesus:, 12/24/2017

THE WORSHIP OF JESUS

Matthew 2:1-12

A REMINDER OF CHRISTMAS

V:1-2. "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem.

2 and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

A. You should never take the Word of God lightly.

     1. The Jews who had been given the Word of God and made responsible

         for teaching the Word paid little attention to the Word.

     2. Two years earlier (according to verse 16) shepherds had been informed

         that a king of the Jews were born by angels.

     3. The shepherds immediately went to the place where the baby Jesus was

          born.

     4. The shepherds made it known to the city that Jesus , the long awaited Messiah               

          was born (Luke   2:17).

     5. The Jews who knew the scripture, did not make effort to see the baby Jesus.

     6. They had the testimony of Anna and Simeon in temple when Jesus was

          dedicated at eight days of age.

     7. The ruling Jews had no interest in this life changing information.

B. Gentiles ( the Magi)  from another nation took note of the star that marked

     His birth and perhaps confirmed its significant with the Word of God.

     1. The Magi were astronomers and religious men

     2. By their calculations the star they saw in the sky pointed to Bethlehem.

THE BIRTH CONFIRMED BY SCRIPTURE

V:3-5. " When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.

4 When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.

5 "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:

6 "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"

A. For those who study the Word, God has a way of reminding us of the Word.

    1. God has a way of making us research the Word.

    2. Two years after the Jews heard the news of Jesus birth, God used strangers from

         foreign country to remind them.

B. 1. When Magi came looking for the new born king of the Jews, King Herod

         got upset.

    2. Herod forced the leading Jews to research the scriptures to confirm

        the Magi's conclusion.  

    3. By searching the scripture leading Jews determine that the king would be

        born in Bethlehem.  (Micah 5:2, Nu 24:17)

    4. By searching the scripture they determined the time of His birth to

       near the time the Magi saw the star.  (Daniel 9:24).

JESUS THE SUPER STAR

V:7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. "

A. Having searched the scriptures, and knowing the truth about the Messiah,

     the experts on the Old Testament, the Jews, were still unaffected by the                              

     knowledge of their new king.

     1. Herod was upset about the new king.

         a. Herod made plans to get rid of any opposition to him.

         b. To make sure his plan was not broadcast, he met with the Magi

              in secret.

     2. The Magi were excited to hear about the new King.

         a. Upon first sight of the star, they made plans to visit the king. 

         b. They traveled a long distant to get to Bethlehem.

 B. The birth of Jesus was the fulfillment of a promise to the Jews.

      1.The Jewish leaders saw the baby as no threat to them and nothing to

         be concerned about.

      2. Because the religious leaders showed no excitement about the Christ,

          the community, showed no interest.  

SEARCHING FOR JESUS

V:8. " He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."

A. Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

     1. To appear as if he wanted to worship, Herod ask the Magi to

         come back and tell the location of the child once they found Him.

     2. It would be strange for current king to worship his successor.

B. Without the Word of God guiding your life, your environment becomes

     your norm.

   1. The Roman government was corrupt., therefore the Jewish government

       of religious affairs was corrupt.

   2. The life of a man was only worth what you could gain from it.

        a. John the Baptist was beheaded for dance of a young girl.

        b. The life of a Jewish citizen was only worth what the Jewish

             leaders could gain from it.

        c. Jesus, a Jewish King was a threat to the Jewish leaders corrupt

            authority.

C. Herod intended to kill Jesus, a baby of two years or less to protect

     his position.

    1. His position of king was not in jeopardy.

    2. Jesus did not come to be a physical king but He came to

        to the spiritual king of all believers.

THE LORDS GUIDANCE

V:9-10. " After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.

10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. "

A. Notice, God did not light up the guiding star until after the Magi had left Herod.

    1. God used the Magi to announce to Herod that a king was born and  to

         remind the Jewish leaders of the prophecy of Jesus birth.

    2. The Magi was never lost because they had the spirit of God guiding them.

        a. God does not tell us what full story of our life is.

        b. If we trust Him, He will guide us in the right direction.

        c. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.

B. The Magi's first stop was Jerusalem.

    1. They knew this because of the position of star when they first  

         saw it's appearance.

    2. Their next stop was Bethlehem because the guiding star reappeared

         in the sky.

    3. When God is directing our path, we are never walking in the dark.

C. When God gives us evidence of His presence in our lives, we ought

      to rejoice.

    1. God is always presence in the life of a believer.

    2. Sometime God has to remind us when we are looking to the

        wrong people for directions.

    3. Herod and the Jewish experts had no idea where to find Jesus.

    4. But God who is omniscience, knew the exact location of the child.

WORSHIP FROM THE HEART WITH GIFTS

V:11-12. " On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. "

A. One of the things we need to do is correct our normal nativity scene.

    1. The Magi or the wise men never saw Jesus in the manager at His birth.

    2. The Magi saw Jesus as a child, one to two years old.

    3. The Magi saw Jesus in a house, not a manager for animals.

B. The Magi did come to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the king of the Jews.

    1. The Magi came bearing gifts.

    2. We really don't know how many Magi were traveling together.

    3. What we know is they brought three types of gifts.

    4. The three types of gifts may be symbolic of the characteristics of Jesus.

        a. The gold may represent his kingship.

        b. The incense may represent the mercy seat, the atonement of our sins.

        c. The myrrh may represent His death.

C. What God has for us, no one can take.

    1. Herod intended to kill Jesus once the Magi told him the location.

    2. But God directed the Magi not to go back to Herod, but to go in a

        different direction.

    3. No one can stop you from getting to Jesus.

    4. No one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws him/her.

    5. On our journey through this life, we must be in constant

        communication with the Father.

    6. God has places for us to go that He does not always tell us

        beforehand.

THANK GOD FOR JESUS

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Rev M. Mitchell

Asst Pastor of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 West Sam Houston Parkway North

Houston, Texas 77041

For more lessons, follow me on facebook or

visit my blogs, revmmitchell.com and goodnewsrevmmitc.blogspot.com

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "Trusting God In Trouble Times", 12/17/2017

TRUSTING GOD IN TIMES OF TROUBLE

Acts 14:8-11, 19-23

FAITH IN JESUS IS THE KEY TO BLESSINGS         

V:8 . "In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked.

9 He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed "

A. God chooses the time and places for miracles so that His power and glory can be

     shown.

    1. The man was lame from birth and the whole community could attest to that fact.

    2. He had heard Paul speak about Jesus and perhaps had witness miracles

        performed by Paul in the name of Jesus.

    3. He became a believer in Jesus Christ.

B. Paul's faith in Jesus was so strong that he knew that what he ask on behalf

    of another believer would be done.

  1. Paul had the spirit of discernment.

  2. He determined by looking at the lame man that he had become a believer and that

      his faith was strong.

  3. Paul determined that when he spoke in the name of Jesus that the lame man

      would respond in obedience.

C. We must anticipate that whatever we ask the Father in Jesus name will be done

     for us.

   1. Like the lame man we must live in faith that good things happen to those

       who believe that Jesus will act in their favor.

   2. Faith come by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

   3. Paul determined the lame man had become convicted by the Word of God.

OBEDIENCE IS FAITH IN OPERATION

V:10. " and called out, "Stand up on your feet!" At that, the man jumped up and began to walk. "

A. Learning to walk is a process.

    1. The muscles, spinal cord, nerve system, blood vessels, legs

        ankles and feet are just a few of the elements of the body that

        have to work together for a person to walk.

    2. A baby learn to walk in a year to year and a half.

    3. The lame man immediately jump to his feet and began to walk.

    4. It was according to his faith that the power of God worked to

        enable the man to walk.

    5. We lose blessing when we doubt the power of God in our lives.

    6. We have not because we ask not.

B. Our faith may determine the greatness of the Lord shown through

     us.

    1. Our lack of faith may delay our recovery.

    2. Our lack of faith may cause our prayers not to be answered.

WHO DO YOU CREDIT FOR YOUR RECOVERY?

V:11. " When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian    

     language, "The gods have come down to us in human form!"

A. The crowd witness a miracle but attributed to their idol gods.

    1. Depending on their frame of mind, people can see and hear the same thing

        and interpret it differently.

    2. Paul gave the power and authority to the one true living God.

        a. The lame man heard the Word and accepted it as the Word of God.

        b. The community heard the same Word but was left in their lost condition.

B. The lame man saw Paul as an apostle of the true and living God.

    1. The community  saw Paul as a human form of their idol god.

    2. The key question is how do you see Jesus?

    3. Do you believe Jesus can do a miracle in your life?

    4. Do you see the miracles of every day living and attribute them to "mother nature"?

    5. Or, do you see God in His creation all around you?

REJECT CHRIST AND BE SUBJECT TO THE DEVIL'S INFLUENCE

V:19. " Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. "

A. The Gospel was preached, but it fell on stony ground.

    1. They say the miracle of previously lame man walking and was glad for a

         short period of time.

    2. Evil men from out side of the city easily persuaded them that Paul and Barnabas

        were evil.

       a. They witness a miracle, but couldn't see good, but only saw evil.

       b. The men of the city saw the healing of one of their own as a punishment

            against them.

B. A person without God in their life is capable of all evil.

    1. They took Paul who preached the Word of God outside the city

         and stoned him, leaving him for dead.

    2. Paul preached eternal life and they tried to take his life.

    3. Paul preached the good life and they saw evil.

GOD SPECIALIZES IN YOUR RECOVERY

V:20. " But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. "

A. Evil exist all around us, but God's good will prevail.

    1. In the same city where Paul was stoned, the church and new believers

        stood by silently as if they had no power.

    2. The church had access to all power but didn't know how to use it.

    3. Even the lame man who had been healed didn't stand in defense of Paul.

B. Barnabas, Paul's companion, didn't stand in defense of Paul.

    1. After Paul was left for dead, the church came out of the city

        to see what happen.

    2. The church witness the miracle of life in Paul's resuscitation.

    3. God allows bad things to happen to good people so that He can be

       glorified.

    4. These events added to the testimony of the power of God of those who

        came to faith.

         a. The church witnessed a lame man being healed.

         b. The church witness Paul being stoned and left for dead and

              him being restored to perfect health.

USE YOUR TESTIMONY TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS

V:21. " They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch,

22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said. "

A. The evil that God allows to happen to members of the Church will work to the

     good of the Church.

   1. The healing of the lame man didn't convert all the members of the church.

   2. It was seeing Paul preached the Gospel after being stoned that convicted

       large numbers that Paul's God was the true and living God.

B. Paul used his testimony  to encourage the Church to remain faithful.

   1. Paul used his near death experience to preach the power of God

       and the good news about Jesus.

   2. Paul's experience, demonstrated to the Church that they are under the

       protection of the almighty God.  

C. Paul and Barnabas went back to same places where evil men threaten

     their lives, to show the Church that evil has no power over God.

     1. Being a child of God does not preclude you from hardships

         brought on by evil men.

     2. The devil is busy trying to destroy the Church and Christian homes.

     3. We may have to endure hardships while God fights our battles.

     4. We want know that God is fighting our battles until we see triumph

          over hardships.

     5. God takes us to trouble, through trouble and out of trouble.

     6. God said, I will never leave you or forsake you..

D. Paul gave the reason for our troubles; to  enter into the kingdom of God.

    1. Whoever tries to save his life will lose it. Whoever  loses his life

        for Jesus sake will save his life.

    2. Jesus said they did it to the green tree, what will they do to the dry tree.

    3. Jesus said they hated me, so they will hate you who believe.

    4. Strength in our faith come through trials and tribulations.

USE YOUR TESTIMONY TO PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL

V:23. " Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust."

A. Paul did not reprimand the Church for not standing up for him when he was

     ran out of the cities and when he was stoned and left for dead.

   1. Instead, Paul encouraged the Church to trust God.

   2. Paul encourage the Church to keep their focus on the Lord.

   3. Paul was a good example for the Church in trusting God in times of trouble

       and life threatening situations.

B. The key to trusting God is a strong and active prayer life.

   1. Paul established the structure of the Church.

   2. He initiated prayer and worship in the Church.

   3. In times of trouble we need that talk with God.

   4. It is through prayer that we learn to call on God and expected His

       protection and provision.

   5. It is through prayer that we express our gratitude to God

       for His goodness.

   6. It is through prayer that we learn that our cries  never fall on deaf

       ears.  

THANK GOD FOR CHOOSING US AS HIS SERVANTS

Rev M Mitchell

Asst Pastor of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 West Sam Houston Parkway North

Houston, Texas   77041

For more lessons, visit me on face book and my blogs,

revmmitchell,com and goodnewsrevmitc.blogspot.com 

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "The Holy Spirit Drives The Mission", 12/10/2017

THE HOLY SPIRIT DRIVES THE MISSION

Acts 13:1-12

CALLED TO SERVE

V:13. " In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul.

2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

A. The Work of the Holy Spirit drives Church Missions.

    1. The Holy Spirit initiates the mission    Matt 28:18-19

    2. The Holy Spirit selects people for the mission

    3. The Holy Spirit selects places for the mission.

    4. The Holy Spirit ordains those selected for the mission.

    5. The Holy Spirit works through the Church.

B. The Holy Spirit uses those who worship the Lord in prayer

     and the   study the Word of God.

   1. The Holy Spirit prepares people for the mission.

   2. Saul had spent 17 years getting prepared for the mission.

   3. Barnabas was one of the first to accept Saul into the Church

       after His conversion.

   4. It was Barnabas who went to Tarsus and got Saul and brought him

       to Antioch.

C. Notice the Holy Spirit works according to the Word.

   1. Jesus sent His disciple out two by two.

   2. The Holy Spirit selected two for the mission.

   3. The Holy Spirit equipped Saul and Barnabas with power to

        perform the mission .   

MISSION SUPPORTED BY THE CHURCH

V:3-4. " So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

4 The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus."

A. Notice it is the Church that supports the mission.

    1. They prayed with Saul and Barnabas.

    2. They fasted with Saul and Barnabas.

    3. They anointed Saul and Barnabas for the mission,

    4. The Church sent Saul and Barnabas on the mission.

B. They Fasted and prayed.

    1. Fasted to consecrate them and get them prepared for the

        sacrifices they would make.

    2. The prayed to get them in tuned with the God Head.

    3. The fasted and prayed to discern the direction of the mission.

C. Mission work requires you to move out of your comfort zone and move

     into unfamiliar territory. 

    1, God often send His disciple across open waters to get to

        selected locations.

    2.  It is God who protects the missionaries on their journey.

TRAVELING TO UNFAMILIAR PLACES

V:5-6. " When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper.

6 They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, "

A. God sends His disciples to places where there is fertile ground.

    1. The Church is a transition from the Law to Grace.

    2. The Jewish synagogues were establish under the Law as a place

        of worship after the Babylonian captivity.

    3. A good starting place for the mission was in the synagogues

        where the Law was being taught.

    4. The job of the missionaries was to update the participants to

         the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

B. As the mission grows, God adds helpers.

    1. God know how many are needed in the mission at any given time.

YOUR MISSION WILL BE OPPOSED BY THE DEVIL

C. Where ever you go, you will find the devil at work.

    1. There are prophets and false prophets,

    2. False prophets oppose the Word of God.

    3. False prophets make their living and gain their fame

        by masquerading as men of God.

    4. The devil disguises himself as an angel of light.

    5. The  devil was present in the name of Bar-Jesus.

         a. He was a sorcerer meaning he used the art of magic to

             deceive people.

         b. He was a false prophet meaning he knew how to pervert the

             Word of God.

         c. He was a false prophet meaning he some knowledge of the word.

         d. The devil uses the perverted word to oppose the truth.

         e. The devil has many devices he uses to keep you in the dark.

   6. Saul and Barnabas travel the length of the Island.

        a. God may send you to many place befo you get to His prime

            target.

        b. Perhaps our confidence in the ministry is gained through small

            successes.

  

GOD OPENS DOORS FOR THE MISSION

V:7-8 "Who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God.

8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. "

A. Bar-Jesus was an Israelite.

    1. Sergius Paulus was the ruling Roman officer of the Island.

    2. Bar Jesus a Jew, had gained influence with the top officer of

        the Island with his trickery and false teaching.

   3. For the Roman proconsul to hear the truth would be the demise

       of Bar-Jesus.

B. It is obvious that Gospel of Jesus Christ was being spread  through

    out the Island.

   1. Sergius Paulus had heard about the teaching of Saul and Barnabas.

   2. The Word has a way of drawing people to Jesus.

   3. The Word has a way of convicting people.

   4. The aim of the devil is to prevent the conviction.

   5. It is our encounter with the devil that test our conviction to God's mission.

   6. The devil is no match for the conviction of a Godly servant.  

STAND AGAINST THE DEVIL

V:9-10. 'Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said,

"You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? "

A. This may be coincidental, Saul being filled with the Holy Spirit began using his

      name of Paul.

    1. When serving the Lord, the Holy Spirit will give us the strength to stand against

         the devil.

    2. There are time when you have to confront a person and let him/her know that

         their interference with work of God will not be tolerated.   

    3. Some people may not be aware that their evil is transparent.

    4. Selfish people work to benefit themselves and not the good of others.

B. Perhaps the turning point in a devilish person life is to be confronted with

    truth about themselves and the harm they are doing to the Gospel of

    Jesus.

   1. The name Bar-Jesus means son of Jesus.

   2. Paul could identify with Bar-Jesus because he had been destructive to the

       ministry of Jesus Christ.

   3. Paul's zeal for destroying the ministry was turned into a zeal for promoting

       the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

   4. Perhaps Paul saw his past in Bar-Jesus.

                                                                                            

HAVING COMPASSION IN JUDGEMENT

V.11. " Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind, and for a time you will be unable to see the light of the sun." Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. "

A. By the power of the Holy Spirit, Paul announced judgment on Bar-Jesus.

    1. Bar-Jesus was blinded for a season just as Paul was blinded when he encountered

        Jesus at his conversion. 

    2. Paul saw his past proud and lifted up in Bar-Jesus.

    3. I believe Paul showed compassion for Bar-Jesus setting him up for a

        future conversion to the Gospel of Jesus.

B. When serving the Lord we must learn to be tolerant of others misbehavior.

   1. We have to be firm when correcting others, but allow room from their

        recovery.

   2. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

   3. Our reproof should be out of love but with respect to doing things in

        descent and in order.

C. Bar-Jesus dealt in spiritual darkness, therefore his punishment was physical darkness.

   1. Like Paul, God had to take away his physical sight so Bar-Jesus could gain

       spiritual sight.

 GOD'S AMAZING GRACE

V:12. " When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord. "

A. God will insure the success of His mission.

    1. When we are obedient to God's commands, He will step in and

        subdue the opposition to His Word.

    2. The proconsul wanted to hear the Word, so God silenced the Bar-Jesus the

        opposition.

    3. The Word of God will not return void.

    4. Our proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ will result in conversion of

        God intended hearers.

   

B. Each believer is on a mission for God. Acts 13:1-12

   1. Here is a typical example of the Gospel being rejected by some

       and accepted by others.

   2. Throughout the New Testament you will find the Jewish nation rejecting

        the Gospel and Gentiles accepting the Gospel.

   3. Bar-Jesus, a Jew rejected the Gospel,

   4. People hear the same word, but interpret it differently based on their

        background ,training and traditions.

   5. The Roman proconsul, a Gentile accepted the Gospel.

       a. He heard the Word preached by  Paul.

       b. He witness the power and glory of God through the

           blindness of Bar-Jesus.

       c. He believed the Word and was converted.

       b. He came to know God's amazing grace.

Rev. M. Mitchell

Asst Pastor of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 West Sam Houston Toll Way North

Houston, Texas &7041

For more lessons, follow me on facebook and visit my

blogs, revmmitchell,com and goodnewsrevmitc.blogspot.com

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "Faith In Action, Trusting God While Waiting", 12/3/2017

FAITH IN ACTION, "TRUSTING GOD WHILE WAITING"

Acts 3:11-22

GOD'S AMAZING GRACE

V:11. "While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade. "

A. You can always expect the unexpected from the Lord.

    1. A man had been lame from birth, about 40 years.

    2. His only means of support was to beg for money from those going into

        the temple.

    3. He lived off the generosity of those who worshipped the Lord.

    4. He had the support of friends or relatives who brought him to the temple

        each day.

B. On this particular day, he was at the right place at the right time.

   1. Even though he did not have the function of his legs, he used

       the voice God gave him to ask for help.

   2. He was not lazy, he was disable

C. He saw Peter and John going into the temple and ask for      help.

   1. He expected a donation, but he got the unexpected, complete healing

       of his legs, ankles and feet.

   2. God blesses those who come to Him for help.

   3. God blesses those who are persistence in their prayers.

   4. Just because your prayers have not been answered, does not mean they

       want be answered.

   5. You can be sure that God hears your prayers, but He answers them in His time.

GIVE GOD CREDIT FOR THE SUCCESS IN MINISTRY

V:12-13. " When Peter saw this, he said to them: "Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?

13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go."

A. Never take credit for what God has done through you.

    1.We are instruments of God power.

    2. God uses our troubles to show His power.

    3. God uses us to put His power in action.

B. When good things happen to us, we can use them as opportunities to give

     God praise.

   1. We can use what God has done to us as a testimony to proclaim Jesus

       as our Lord and Savior.

   2. Some one is always watching what happens in your life.

   3. Someone can be drawn to Jesus by your testimony.

C. The people of the community witness the healing of the lame man.

   1. They were amazed at how he was healed.

   2. They may have been confused as to how uneducated men were able to

        heal the lame man.

   3. They may have thought Peter and John was responsible for the miracle.

D. Peter used their confusion to proclaim the power of God.

   1. The first thing Peter did was proclaim their God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and

       Jacob.

   2. Second Peter introduced them to Jesus as a servant of God.

   3. The third thing Peter did was to proclaim the glory of Jesus

        through His death at the hands of the community.

   4. Peter made the community responsible for the death of Jesus,

       because the Roman government declared Him innocent.

   5. No one in the community spoke up for Jesus doing his trial.

   6. When we keep our mouth closed, we support the majority

        opinion.

 OWN UP TO YOUR MISTAKES

V:14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you."

A. You should never agree with the popular opinion if you don't have supporting

     evidence.

   1.  The community had the evidence that Jesus was Holy and righteous because

        of His good works.

   2. They had the evidence that Jesus was sent from the Father because they witness

       all His miracles and they heard Him preach the Word of God.

B. The community had no evidence that Jesus was sinful.

   1. The accusers of Jesus couldn't find to men who would agree with the same lie.

   2. They knew Barabbas was a murderer, yet they released him and killed Jesus.

   3. Peter laid the blame of Jesus death on the very ones who were amazed at

       the healing of the lame man.

   4. Peter identifies Jesus with attributes of God the Father; Holy and Righteous.

GOD USES YOUR BAD TO HIS GLORY

V:15. "You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. "

A. When you condemn a person without evidence, you may not know how much

     damage you are doing.

   1. God allows bad thing to happen to good people for the benefit of the body of

       Christ.

   2. We are responsible for the bad we do, but God can make it work for good.

  B. Peter introduces Jesus life under the guidance of the Father,

    1. Jesus is introduced as the creator.

    2. You, the community killed Him, but God raised Him from the dead.

    3. You condemned Him but God redeemed Him

C. Peter presents himself and the other disciples as eye witnesses

        to  the death and resurrection of Christ.

    1. Christ was raise by the power of the Father.

    2. While we were not living at the time of Christ death,

         but we can trust the word of the eye witnesses.

    3. Jesus appeared to over 500 people after His resurrection.  1 Cor 15:6

       

D. No one can come to Jesus, unless the Father draws him.  John 6:35

    1, Peter connected the dots so that Israel could be enlighten

        to who Jesus was.

    2. You got to remember that the Jews knew Jesus as the son of a

         carpenter.

        a. They knew Jesus as Mary's boy.

        c. They knew Him as a teacher.

        d. They witness him healing their family members, yet refused to

             see Him as the Son of God.

        e. They knew the human side of Jesus, but not the spiritual side.

   3. Peter proclaimed Jesus as the only Holy and Righteous One.

       1. He presents Jesus as the creator of life.

       2. Peter presents Jesus as more than man, because He was resurrected by

           Father in their time.

       3. Peter presents Jesus with all  power to heal.

FAITH IN JESUS ANSWERS PRAYERS

V:16. " By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see."

A. Under the Law the Jews knew "faith"  as it related to keeping God's commands.

    1. Here Peter introduces "faith" as it relates to belief in the power of Jesus.

    2. Peter equates Jesus with God the Father through the power of healing.

B. By faith in the "name of Jesus" a lame man was made to walk.

    1. There is power in the "name of Jesus".

    2. There is healing in the "name of Jesus"

    3. There is resurrection in the " name of Jesus"

    4. Under the Law the Jews worshipped God.

    5. We are taught to worship Jesus under Grace.

    6. Jesus and the Father are one,

    7. The lame man was broken under the Law but made complete under Grace.

YOUR IGNORANCE MAY GLORIFY GOD

V:17-18.  "Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders.

18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. "

A. God introduces "ignorance" as a lack of knowledge about Jesus.

    1. He uses ignorance to draw us to Jesus,

    2. In this case, the  drawing card was the healing of the lame man,

        which was 40 years in the making.

B. This "ignorance" was part of God's plan of redemption.

    1. The  prophets had spoke of Jesus suffering.

    2. It was the ignorance of man that led Jesus to the cross,

        fulfilling the prophecy.     Isa 53:10

STEPS TO SALVATION

V:19-20. " Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

20 and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you — even Jesus. "

A. Peter introduces the steps of Salvation.

    1, Repent

    2. Turn to God

    3. The atonement of sins

    4. Regeneration

 B. The Messiah had been long preached to the Jews as their salvation by the prophets.

    1. The Jews were anticipating the coming of their promised Messiah.

    2. Because of their ignorance they didn't know Him when He showed up.

    3. Peter proclaims Jesus as the appointed Messiah.

    4. The same Jesus they crucified is the Messiah that saves them.

THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS

V:21. : He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as

  he promised long ago through his holy prophets. "

A. Peter proclaim, the coming of the Messiah, His death and resurrection and

     His second coming.

   1. The Pharisees, a ruling Jewish sect believed in the resurrection.  

   2.  Herod, the Roman tetrarch, believed in the resurrection (Matt 14:2).

   2. Peter confirmed the Jewish belief by proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus.

B. The healing of the lame man got the Jewish community attention which

      Peter used to preach Jesus as their appointed savior.

   1. The hearts and minds of those who accepted Jesus as their Messiah

        by faith were prepared for the second coming of Jesus.

   2. God keeps His promises in His time.

   3. We were all drawn to Christ in the Father's time.

   4. We should all be anticipating the glorious return of our Lord and

        Savior, Jesus Christ.

PRAISE GOD FOR LOVING US

Rev. M. Mitchell

Asst Pastor of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 West Sam Houston Toll Way North

Houston, Texas 77041

For more lessons follow me on facebook or visit my

blogs, revmmitchell.com and goodnewsrevmitc.blogspot.com

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "Communion, Remembering The Cross", 11/26/2017

COMMUNION, REMEMBERING THE CROSS

1 Corinthians 11:23-12:1

LOOKING BACK

V:23-24. " For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread,

24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me."

A. Paul not being a disciple at the time of Jesus death, received this information after

     he became a disciple.

    1. According to his statement in  Galatians 1:2, he did not receive it from the apostles

        but directly from the mouth of Jesus after his conversion..

B. Jesus told His disciples to remember His death.

    1. Remember that He was  unjustly accused.

    2. Remember that He was lied on.

    3. Remember that He was betrayed.

    4. Remember that He was abandoned. 

    5. Remember that His death was voluntary.

    6. Remember that His death was a substitute for our sins.

    7. Remember that He was found innocence by the Romans but the

        leaders of Jerusalem and chief priests demanded his

        crucifixion because of envy.

    8. Remember that His death was planned by the Father at the hands of

        His accusers.

    9. Remember that His death fulfilled all the requirements of the law.

   10. Remember that His death put end to the judgment of the Law.

   11. Remember that His death was because of the love of

         His Father for the world.

LOOKING FORWARD

25. " In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."

A. The wine represents His resurrection.

    1. The wine represents redemption from sin

    2. The wine represents a new life in Christ.

    3. The wine represent a new covenant in His blood.

    4. The wine represents the Grace of God.

    5. The wine represents Christ shed blood on the cross

    6. The wine represents His blood, the atonement for the

        sins of the world, believers and none believers.

CONSIDERING THE PRESENT, THE DUTY OF BELIEVERS

26 "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. "

A, It is the responsibility of the believer to participate in the celebration of the

     the death of Jesus.

    1. The participation should be one of anticipating the immediate return of the Lord.

    2. Our anticipation should be heighten to the point of being ready to enter into

        heaven with Him.

B. The Church is the role model of faith to the world of  the anticipated return

     of Christ.

   1. Our participation should be with a willing heart filled with gladness.

   2. It is the responsibility of believers to continually proclaim the

       return of  Christ for the sake of non believers.

   3. We need to continually remind ourselves that our days on earth

       have been numbered by the Lord.

   4. We need to continue to remind ourselves not to become attached to

        what we have on earth.

LOOK WITHIN

PREPARATION OF THE MIND FOR THE CELEBRATION

V:27-28. " Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.

28 A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. "

A. We need to prepare our hearts before we participate in the Lord's Supper.

    1. Examine ourselves to see if we have knowingly or unknowingly sinned against

        another brother or sister.

    2. Have we with pride considered ourselves more important than others?

    3. Have we in our thoughts and actions demeaned another person?

    4. If so we have sinned against another person and therefore sinned against the

        body of Christ.

    5. If we find any unconfessed sins we are not worthy to take the Lord's Supper.

        a. Therefore confess your sins before taking the Lord's Supper.

        b. Enter into the communion with a clean heart.

B. Do not become an expert at examining the sins of others.

    1. Become an expert of examining your own sins.

    2. Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, we all have

       something to confess.

    3. When we consider how we have been hurt, we may be able to determine

        how we have hurt others in the same manner.

    4. Confessing our own sins will be the measure we can use to forgive others.

    5. When we figure out that we are imperfect, we will know to confess our sins

        before we take the Lord's Supper.

DIVINE JUDGMENT

V:29. " For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. "

A. The Communion as the Lord's Supper has been named, is not a social

      gathering, but an occasion to reverence  the Lord.

   1. The Communion is an occasion to remember how good God is to us.

   2. The Communion is an occasion to remember the Lord's love

       for us.

B. When we participate in the Communion service as a ritual with a

      heart unconvicted of our sins we bring judgment  upon ourselves.

    1. In order to put ourselves in the right frame of mind we need to

        view the horror of Jesus dying on the cross followed by His

        glorious resurrection.  

    2. Second we need to view Jesus seated at the right hand of the

        Father in the presence making intercessions for us.

 CONSEQUENSES OF IMPROPER CELEBRATION

V:30-31.  That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.

31 But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment.

A. The beginning of our new life with Christ is accepting His death and

     resurrection as a divine gift  from Him.

   1. The Spirit of the living God indwells us.

   2. The Spirit must continually  be stirred up with in us to be

        mindful of the Lord's gift.

B.  The weakness of the spiritual mind began when we take the

      work of the Lord on the  cross for granted.

   1.  A mind not focused on the Lord becomes sick with worldly concerns.

   2. Like the prodigal son , we are not in our right mind when we 

       walk away from the Fathers blessings.

C. Since we are talking about believers, the phrase fallen asleep would

     appear to mean the sense of the Lord's presence had become dull.

   1. All of our spiritual blessing are activated by constant participation

       in serving the Lord.

  2. Being constantly reminded of the Lord's death and resurrection

      sharpens our sense of fellowship and communion with the Lord.

DIVINE WORK WITHIN

V:32. "When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world."

A. God shows His love for us by His judgment and His loving discipline.

    1. His judgment of us is not unto death but unto a closer relationship with Him.

    2. While He judges our sins He does not execute justice.

    3. Justice would mean eternal death.

B. God judges us and disciplines us according to His will.

    1. His discipline is designed to get our attention and to correct us.

    2. His discipline is designed to effect change in our attitude and

        actions to be more like Jesus.

CORRECT CHANGE IN FELLOWSHIP

V:33-34. " So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other.

34 If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment. And when I come I will give further directions. "

A. It is our attitude of love toward one another that God is concerned about.

    1. Each of us can either positively or negatively affect the spiritual growth

        of others in Christ.

    2. The Communion should be viewed as an outward sign of our devotion to Christ

         and our gratefulness to His work on the cross for our eternal salvation.

B. We have to have a love for Christ before we can have correct love for

      brothers and sisters in Christ.

   1. We show our love for Christ by following His commands and ordinances.

   2. We show our love for our brothers and sisters in Christ by respecting our

        fellowship together.

   3. We should make it our intentions to treat every brother and sister as equal

        partners with Christ.

   4. We should make it our intention to fellowship as equals in Christ.

THANK GOD FOR REMINDING US OF THE WORK ON THE CROSS

Rev. M. Mitchell

Asst Pastor of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 Wes Sam Houston Toll Way North

Houston, Texas 77041

For more lessons follow me on facebook and visit my

blogs, "revmmitchell.com and goodnewsrevmitc.blogspot.com