This lesson was a much needed reminder that as a Christian, I should be more aware of my actions around others.  It made me examine myself to see if what I say is parallel to how I act.

The Thessalonians were given a charge in verse one to live a life that please God; not in a mediocre [average] way but going further and do “more and more.”  Can we ever do too much to please God?  We are to live a Holy and separated life with actions that exemplifies Christ and not of the world; otherwise, how will a difference be made. 

Another repetitive charge that was given to the Thessalonians was to love “more and more.”  We know from John 3:16 that God is love because he proved it.  So as Tina Turner would say, “What’s love got to do with it?”  It has everything to do with our walk with and for God.  Our love is exhibited with action.  For how can we say that we love God and hate our brother? (I John 4:20-21).  If God showed love, than we too are to show love.

Lastly we should be determined to be peaceful, mind our business, and “work with our own hand.”  We should not expect others to serve us and financially support us.  Now God may have someone financially bless us, but we are not to obligate people to do this.  We are to minister; to serve others and support ourselves.

Since our lives are the only epistle [letter] that someone will ever read, we are to make sure that how our actions are speaking louder than our words.  So ask yourself, will others believe Christ because of what they see in me?

 Evangelist Annetta Barnes

Lesson Scripture:  Matthew 11:25-30

Bible Truth:  Jesus performed healing miracles that led people to place their faith in Him.

Memory Verse:  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matt 11:28)

First let me begin my commentary by wishing everyone a Happy, Blessed and Prosperous New Year!  Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.  __3 John 1:2

One of the most often broken resolutions created at the beginning of every year is the one to exercise more; lose weight, become healthy & get in shape.  The beginning is very strong.  You begin walking more, cutting back and working out at the local YMCA or gym.  After a while you realize that Rome wasn’t built in one day.  If you don’t pace yourself, you’ll burn out and become discouraged or even quit.

The same holds true when it comes to being saved.  You began your Christian walk full of zeal for God, wanting to do everything your hands find to do but, without pacing yourself, you may soon become weary and discouraged. 

Most often people comment to me that they just can’t do church.  They feel that it’s too much pressure.  The focus is often placed on people and not on God.  Although we are to present our bodies a living sacrifice-holy and acceptable, we have to remember that it’s unto God-not man(Romans 12:1).  Does the life I live please God?  If not, why not?

In our lesson Jesus teaches about how not to be so tied up in keeping the law until we miss focus on the one who keeps our soul.  If we take the yoke (the ways) of Him (Jesus) upon us, then He’ll give us rest.  Not just physical rest but spiritual rest-for our souls, eternally.  We don’t have to be caught up with doing church if we keep focused on God.  Isaiah 26:3 says that God will keep us in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Him; because we trust in Him.

So don’t be weary (tired, overwhelmed, or discouraged) in your walk with Christ.  Jesus loves you and wants you to live an abundant and healthy life both now and forever.  A steady pace wins the race.

Be blessed,

Evangelist Annetta Barnes

PS

If you have any questions or comments, I want to hear from you.

Lesson Scripture: Acts 9:32-43

Bible Truth: We must help those in need.

Timeline: Our present calendar and dating system is centered around the coming of Christ. The purpose of the BC / AD dating system was to make the birth of Jesus Christ the dividing point of world history.  A.D. stands for Anno Domino which is Latin for “In the year of our Lord“. So “0 A.D.” is the year of Jesus’ birth. Therefore,  if  Jesus lived to be 33, he died around 33 A.D.  Our lesson takes place around 33 A.D. (give or take a few years.)  You can find representation of this time in the “Jesus’ Life and Ministry” section.

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Need to know notes:. After the Resurrection, Jesus shows Himself to the Disciples many times over a period of 40 days, giving them concrete proof that He was indeed alive Act 1:3.

Our Lesson: Help Those in Need

Commentator: Deac. William Goss, Missionary Venita Turner, Missionary Annetta Barnes

Deac. William Goss

Missionary Venita Turner

Lesson Scripture: Luke 24:44-53

Bible Truth: We must share our testimony of how Christ Redeemed us.

Timeline: Our present calendar and dating system is centered around the coming of Christ. The purpose of the BC / AD dating system was to make the birth of Jesus Christ the dividing point of world history.  A.D. stands for Anno Domino which is Latin for “In the year of our Lord“. So “0 A.D.” is the year of Jesus’ birth. Therefore,  if  Jesus lived to be 33, he died around 33 A.D.  Our lesson takes place around 30 A.D. (give or take a few years.)  You can find representation of this time in the “Jesus’ Life and Ministry” section.

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Need to know notes: . After the Resurrection, Jesus shows Himself to the Disciples many times over a period of 40 days, giving them concrete proof that He was indeed alive Act 1:3.

Our Lesson: You Are Witnesses

Commentator: Deac. William Goss, Missionary Venita Turner, Missionary Annetta Barnes

Deac. William Goss

Today’s lesson is entitled “You are witnesses”, and that’s what we are, witnesses to the fact of how great God is and the power He holds. Luke 24:48 says “And ye are witnesses of these things”. The followers of Jesus got a firsthand account being eyewitnesses to Gods saving work through Jesus Christ. Their job was to interpret without error.    There are a lot of people out here today that don’t know or understand the power of God, or recognize Him when He moves, they may call it luck but it has nothing to do with luck. They need an interpreter to help them understand. That’s when we come in, but first we have to know Him for ourselves. Do you know Him? 

______________

Missionary Annetta Barnes

Jesus came to die so that we wouldn’t be lost, meaning not being able to come back into fellowship with God.  He called 12 disciples.  The word disciple means to follow.  The twelve followed Jesus before his death, watching, learning, communing with him.  They truly didn’t understand everything that was going on at that time.  After Jesus’ death and resurrection, He stayed with them for an additional 40 days to continue to teach and help them better understand more about Him.  He was getting ready to commission them to spread the Gospel, the good news of salvation.  They were no longer called disciples, but now apostles, meaning they were special messengers of Jesus Christ.  By now, Judas was no longer a disciple because he had committed suicide after betraying Jesus.  They replaced him with Matthias and ‘circle’ was complete again.  Since they were to tell others about Jesus, then they themselves would have to be able to understand who He was.  Jesus opened up their understanding about him and assured them that once he ascended back to his father, that he would not leave them without a guide or comfortless.  The only thing they had to do was wait for the promise in Jerusalem.  Once they received the promise, the Holy Ghost, then they would be empowered to share the ‘Good News’ with boldness. 

As is with us today, in order to share Jesus with others, we must first know who He is.  We learn the truth about Jesus by reading about Him and His life in the Word, the Bible.  Once we know Jesus, we too have a commission to teach it to others.  We are empowered by the Holy Ghost to do this.  The Holy Ghost is our comforter and guide.  He is the promise of Jesus that helps us tell others about Him. 

_____________

Missionary Venita Turner

Last weeks lesson “Jesus Lives for Us” is in the first part of this chapter.  Let’s re-cap.  Jesus had been crucified and buried in a tomb.  On the 1st day of the week Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (Matthew 28:1) had come to the tomb bringing spices.  As they approached the tomb they found the stone rolled away and they entered to find the tomb empty.  Jesus’ body was no where to be found.  As they wondered in astonishment two men stood by in shining garments (angels).  The angels asked them why were they looking for the living among the dead?  He is RISEN!  The angels reminded them how Jesus spoke of these things in Galilee.  They returned and told the eleven disciples and others of the events that occurred, but they were in disbelief.  Peter went to see for himself and found the linen clothes laid by themselves…now wondering to himself at that which was come to pass. 

Background

Jesus appeared unto two believers traveling to  Emmaus which was seven miles from Jerusalem.  They were discussing the events that had taken place with Jesus’ death and now his body was missing.  When Jesus appeared unto them, Jesus concealed his identity until the time was right.  Jesus began to question the two believers on the events that had taken place as if he didn’t know anything about it.  The one believer Cleopas asked “ Venitaology…I know you are a stranger, but haven’t you heard what has happened to Jesus?  This was Passover week and all the Jews far and near were in the city from the Roman Empire.  Everyone had heard.  So they began to tell Jesus the events that took place and they’re uncertainty.  Jesus began to explain that the scriptures from the Old Testament beginning with Moses had to be fulfilled.  Scripture states that the Messiah would have to suffer, die and rise on the third day.  When they arrived at their destination and Jesus finished explaining the scripture to them Jesus revealed himself to the two believers and they knew him and Jesus vanished out of their sight.  Oh how happy they were to know that JESUS IS ALIVE!  Oh how their hearts burned with joy.  They couldn’t wait to return to Jerusalem to tell the others.  Jesus appeared to the disciples behind closed doors… 

Lesson

Jesus communed with them and continued to talk with them explaining the scriptures as it pertained to his life, death and resurrection.  He was with them 40 days before ascending into heaven.  Jesus explained how he wanted them to be witnesses to Jerusalem and unto the other most parts of the world, but first they must wait to be endured with power from on high (Acts 1:8) to be able to witness effectively, not to be afraid of the peoples faces and to have holy boldness.  The disciples were first account witnesses of the events of Jesus life, death and resurrection.  They were to teach repentance and the remission of sins in the name of Jesus beginning in Jerusalem.  Knowing how Jesus was crucified because of his teachings they needed the power of the Holy Ghost to lead and guide them….to give them a discerning spirit to be one step ahead of the enemy.  I could only imagine after seeing Jesus crucified that horrible death, so grief stricken not thinking on what he had taught us so many times and just days before regarding his resurrection, then to find his tomb empty…HALLELUJAH!  I think I would’ve started shouting for joy!!!!!  I would have been mad at the other disciples after telling them I found an empty tomb for them to say they didn’t believe me. 

Alright Mother Gwin’s class…John 8:31 & 32…Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.  Let’s stay in his word so Jesus can help us tell others about him.

Lesson Scripture: Luke 24:1-12

Bible Truth: We must live and proclaim Christ’s resurrection.

Timeline: Our present calendar and dating system is centered around the coming of Christ. The purpose of the BC / AD dating system was to make the birth of Jesus Christ the dividing point of world history.  A.D. stands for Anno Domino which is Latin for “In the year of our Lord“. So “0 A.D.” is the year of Jesus’ birth. Therefore,  if  Jesus lived to be 33, he died around 33 A.D.  Our lesson takes place around 30 A.D. (give or take a few years.)  You can find representation of this time in the “Jesus’ Life and Ministry” section.

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Need to know notes: The four Gospels together give the full spectrum of the life and times of Jesus on earth. Take time study what each gospel contributes to our knowledge of Him. According to the scriptures, Christ’s body was removed from the cross on the Day of Preperation (or the day before the Sabbath) a Friday Mark 15:42-43. Being that it was the Day of Preperation they did not want the bodies to remain on the crosses on the sabbath, because that sabbath was a high sabbath John 19:31. Our lesson can be recounted in all four Gospels begingin with Mathew 28:1; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:1; John 20:1. Need to know Notes By Trustee Richard Barnes

Our Lesson: He is Risen

Commentator: Deac. William Goss

We have Muhammad, Buddha and Jesus Christ, what do they all have in common? They are all spiritual teachers. My next question is how many of them arose from the dead? Only one, JESUS CHRIST, the others remained dead. This is the most important event in all human history, it proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus Christ is GOD.

Lesson Scripture: Luke 23:32-47

Bible Truth: We must take up our cross and follow Jesus.

Timeline: Our present calendar and dating system is centered around the coming of Christ. The purpose of the BC / AD dating system was to make the birth of Jesus Christ the dividing point of world history.  A.D. stands for Anno Domino which is Latin for “In the year of our Lord“. So “0 A.D.” is supposed to be the year of Jesus’ birth. Therefore,  if  Jesus lived to be 33, he died around 33 A.D.  Our lesson takes place around 30 A.D. (give or take a few years.)  You can find representation of this time in the “Jesus’ Life and Ministry” section.

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Need to know notes: The four Gospels together give the full spectrum of the life and times of Jesus on earth. Take time study what each gospel contributes to our knowledge of Him.  After Jesus raises Lazarus from death, the people’s  faith in Him increases and His fame spreads (John 11:45 – 12:13).  The chief priest and Pharisees now fear that “all men” will believe in Him, so they conspire to kill Him (John 11:47-53) (Matthew 26:3-5) (Mark 14:1-2) (Luke 22:1-2).

Our Lesson: ”Jesus Crucified”

Commentator: Deac. William Goss

Jesus was on a mission and that mission was to die upon the cross for the sins of all man kind. It was a mission he was sent to do and no one else could do it, no one else was pure enough. Jesus at any point could have saved himself or God could have saved him, but once again he was on a mission. after all the mocking (Luke 23:36&37) and torture Jesus still acomplished his mission, THANK YOU JESUS. I say thank you Jesus because we owe all thanks to him, its because of him one day we will have enternal life with no pain no sickness no bills and no worries, THANK YOU JESUS 

Lesson Scripture: Ezekiel 47:1-12

Bible Truth: God’s water is a new source of life.

Timeline: Ezekiel was a priest and prophet during the time of Israel’s exile in Babylon, he ministered between 592 BC and the 27th year of the exile (around 570 BC).  You can find visual representation of where this period falls in the timeline below under the “Divided Kingdom”.

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Need to know notes: This is our last week in the book of Ezekiel. It will be important to know as much as possible about this prophet and Isreal in that time to better understand our lessons.  For a brief overview, click the link here. Israel leading up to Ezekiel

Prelude

In the chapters prior (starting at chapter 40) Ezekiel has a vision of a new temple.  He gives specific details of the building itself, the return of the Lord’s glory and the duties of the priests there.  While still in the temple’s outer court, Ezekiel is led to the inner court’s entrance of the temple.  There he sees water coming out from under the temple threshold (doorway or entrance) flowing eastward. Upon exiting the temple by the North Gate, he notices that the water flows out of the temple from the south side of the East Gate.  The angelic man then leads Ezekiel through the water which miraculously increases in size. Prelude by Trustee Richard Barnes

Our Lesson: A New Source of Life

Commentator: Elect Lady Annetta Barnes

This week’s lesson deals with water.  Water is needed to clean, wash, and allow things to grow.  Ezekiel first saw the water coming from under the door in the temple, as he moved out, the water was up to his ankle, than his knee, his waist until he could no longer stand in it because it flowed in abundance.  Jesus came to give us that abundance in our lives but only when we accept Him into our hearts.    First he heals us of our sins, than through sanctification, that healing water will take away all those dead areas in our lives that keeps us connected to sin so that we can be more like Him.  Then we grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).  But we MUST know the source of this abundant flow, it comes from God.  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).  If you have not already done so, I hope this will encourage you to choose life this day.  Accept Jesus into your heart as your personal Lord and Savior so that you can live abundant life now and everlasting, once Jesus returns.  

Lesson Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Bible Truth: We must talk about the new life and live it.

Timeline: Ezekiel was a priest and prophet during the time of Israel’s exile in Babylon, he ministered between 592 BC and the 27th year of the exile (around 570 BC).  You can find visual representation of where this period falls in the timeline below under the “Divided Kingdom”.

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Need to know notes: We will be in the book of Ezekiel for the next four weeks. It will be important to know as much as possible about this prophet and Isreal in that time to better understand our lessons.  For a brief overview, click the link here. Israel leading up to Ezekiel

Our Lesson: A New Breath

Commentator: Deac. William Goss

Being in the same church for over 30 years I have seen many people come and go, and even come back. They may stay away for months or even years but we usually see them again if they had that solid foundation in the Lord. This lesson talks about that, a “time of discouragement when ones relationship with God seems to have grown stale”.

In Ezekiel 37:1-14 the dry bones are meant to symbolize Israel and the Israelites who once were a powerful nation, people who had fallen away. Like in our churches people become dry as bones and fall away but the power of God or the love of God always bring them back. Back as a new creature, Jesus Christ comes alive in the power of the Holy Sprite.  

Lesson Scripture: Ezekiel 36:22-32

Bible Truth: God’s plan includes your holiness.

Timeline: Ezekiel was a priest and prophet during the time of Israel’s exile in Babylon, he ministered between 592 BC and the 27th year of the exile (around 570 BC).  You can find visual representation of where this period falls in the timeline below under the “Divided Kingdom”.

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Need to know notes: We will be in the book of Ezekiel for the next three weeks. It will be important to know as much as possible about this prophet and Isreal in that time to better understand our lessons.  For a brief overview, click the link here. Israel leading up to Ezekiel

Prelude

Our Lesson:  A New Respect

Commentator: Deac. William Goss

Have you ever been in a situation where it seemed to be no way out, you just could not see the light? When no one was there for you to lean on or no one to call? This lesson helped to enforce the fact that there is power in his name. God is so powerful that you can just call his name and feel his mighty move. Proverbs 18:10 reference the Lords name as “a strong tower”, a refuge for the righteous. Ezekiel 36:23 says “and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD ”. just call on him and he will be there when you need him and even your enemies know his name and the power he has and will flee at the sound of his name. In Jesus name Amen

Lesson Scripture: Ezekiel 34:23-31

Bible Truth: Christ is the perfect shepherd.

Timeline: Ezekiel was a priest and prophet during the time of Israel’s exile in Babylon, he ministered between 592 BC and the 27th year of the exile (around 570 BC).  You can find visual representation of where this period falls in the timeline below under the “Divided Kingdom”.

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Need to know notes: We will be in the book of Ezekiel for the next four weeks. It will be important to know as much as possible about this prophet and Isreal in that time to better understand our lessons.  

Prelude: In the begining of Chapter 34, Ezekiel phophesies against the wicked leaders of Isreal, correlating the leaders to shepherds and the people to sheep. Ezekiel condemns the shepherds (the leaders) who were supposed to take care of the sheep (the people) but instead ruled harshly against them for their own gain.  God makes it clear that he is against those shepherds and will hold them accountable.  God will remove them (the wicked shepherds) and rescue the scattered, injured sheep.  He also makes a personal committment to search and care for his sheep through his perfect shepherd David (the Messiah, Jesus) see John chapter 10. …..prelude by Trustee Richard Barnes

Our Lesson: New Leadership

Commentators: Deac. William Goss and Missionary Venita Turner

_____________________

What God promises he will faithfully do; you can count on it!

God made a guarantee to the people of Israel; Protection, Prosperity, Deliverence and Preservation.  This lesson sends a message to us (me), if we obey God and do what he says to do, he will supply all our needs. It’s almost like what our parents do.  A parent’s job is to be there for their child, a parent has to supply every need for the child until he/she is able to do on their own.  Even when your child is grown, you are still the parent and have to be there.  God is our father and we can count on him no matter how bad things look. ….

commentary by Deac William Goss

___________________

Missionary Venita Turner

God Gives New Leaders:

Some people say God doesn’t have a since of humor,but I beg to differ.  I like how God referred to Ezekiel as “son of man”…lol

Anyway at this time we find the children of Israel still in captivity.  God had used Ezekiel to tell the people of their destruction to come, to send comfort to a people far from home that He was with them and now God would foretell of a New Leader.  A Good Shepherd.  Jesus Christ our Savior.  The children of Israel endured a hard life in captivity.  They continued to sin even though Ezekiel spoke the Word of the Lord.  Their kings and/or captors mistreated them; ate the best of the cattle, food & water.  They took the best of everything leaving them with barely nothing.  They were selfish.  They thought of themselves and not anyone else; The children of Israel didn’t have anyone to see about them…..God would deliver his people from their yoke of bondage.  God said he would set up one shepherd over them and David would be a prince under him.  (This reminds me of slavery in America)  During this time it will be peace throughout the land.  Man and beast shall dwell together in harmony, the trees and fields shall bring forth fruit.  It will be like harvest time.  It will be plentiful, no worries.  All this under our new leader…The Good Shepherd.  Jesus Christ.  

I have a question.  Lets=2 0bring this to today.  If you are a leader or thinking of becoming a leader what kind of leader would you be?

What are some qualities you possess to be a leader?

Can God trust you to be a leader for him?

Commentary by Missionary Venita Turner