Key Points:

– Jesus’ Prayer for Unity: In ‘John 17:14-22’, Jesus prayed for unity among His followers, emphasizing the importance of being one in spirit and purpose.

– Denominationalism vs. Biblical Unity: The existence of various denominations (group members of the Body) can sometimes create divisions, contradicting Jesus’ prayer for unity.

– *Called to Be One*: As followers of Christ, we are called to strive for unity, reflecting the oneness of God the Father and Jesus Christ.

 Reflection area: 

– How can we prioritize unity in the Body of Christ, despite denominational differences?

– In what ways can we foster a sense of community and shared purpose among believers?

– What does Jesus’ prayer for unity reveal about His desires for His followers?

 Application areas:

– Let’s seek to understand and appreciate different perspectives within the Body of Christ, promoting unity and cooperation.

– May we prioritize prayer and action towards achieving greater unity among believers, reflecting Jesus’ love and teachings.

– Let’s strive to be a source of hope and encouragement to one another, building each other up in faith and love.

 Benediction:

May we walk in obedience to Jesus’ prayer for unity, seeking to be one in spirit and purpose as His followers. May our actions and attitudes reflect the love and unity that Christ desires for His Body, bringing glory to God the Father. Amen!

VIA:

Michael Ekperikpe (MSN)

READ AND REAP BIBLE ENTERPRISES

P/S:

-Any issues to commit to God in prayer?

-Any seemingly difficult Scripture(s)?

Feel free to share with me. Remember, ‘Iron sharpens iron’. (Prov. 27:17)

Key Points:

– Earthly vs. Eternal Riches: A person’s wealth can be divided into two categories: riches in their custody and riches in others’ custody for Christ’s sake.

– Investing in Eternity: When we give to others for Christ’s sake, we invest in eternal riches that transcend earthly wealth.

– True Riches: The riches in others’ custody, given for Christ’s sake, are our true riches, as they reflect our obedience to God’s call to generosity and stewardship.

 Reflection area:

– How can we prioritize eternal riches over earthly wealth in our lives?

– In what ways can we invest in the lives of others for Christ’s sake, trusting that our true riches lie in their custody?

– What does our attitude towards giving and generosity reveal about our values and priorities?

 Application areas:

– Let’s seek to invest in eternal riches by giving to others for Christ’s sake, trusting that our true wealth lies in their lives.

– May we prioritize generosity and stewardship, recognizing that our true riches are not solely in our custody.

– Let’s strive to live with an eternal perspective, using our resources to further God’s kingdom and bless others.

 Benediction:

May we walk in obedience to God’s call to generosity, trusting that our true riches lie in the lives of others whom we’ve blessed for Christ’s sake. May our giving reflect our commitment to eternal values and our desire to honour God with our resources. Amen!

VIA:

Michael Ekperikpe (MSN)

READ AND REAP BIBLE ENTERPRISES

P/S:

-Any issues to commit to God in prayer?

-Any seemingly difficult Scripture(s)?

Feel free to share with me. Remember, ‘Iron sharpens iron’. (Prov. 27:17)

Scripture Reference:

Matt. 22:15-22

 TAXES AND WORSHIP: UNDERSTANDING OUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Points

– Taxes as Worship: Paying taxes to the physical government can be seen as a form of worship and obedience to the spiritual government, as authorities are instituted by God (Rom. 13:1-2).

– Submission to Authority: Christians are called to submit to governing authorities, not only to avoid punishment but also for conscience’ sake (Rom. 13:5).

– Servants of God: Authorities are ministers of God, attending to the service of the public and punishing wrongdoers (Rom. 13:4, 6).

 Reflection area:

– How can we view paying taxes (besides tithes) as an act of worship and obedience to God?

– In what ways can we submit to governing authorities while still following God’s commands?

– What does our attitude towards taxes and authority reveal about our relationship with God?

 Application areas: 

– Let’s prioritize paying our taxes and showing respect to those in authority, recognizing their role in God’s plan.

– May we strive to be good citizens, submitting to authorities while also seeking to honour God in all we do.

– Let’s remember that our actions, including paying taxes, can be a form of worship to God when done with the right heart and attitude.

 Benediction:

May we walk in obedience to God, recognizing the importance of submitting to governing authorities and paying taxes. May our actions reflect our commitment to honouring God in all aspects of our lives. Amen!

VIA:

Michael Ekperikpe (MSN)

READ AND REAP BIBLE ENTERPRISES

P/S:

-Any issues to commit to God in prayer?

-Any seemingly difficult Scripture(s)?

Feel free to share with me. Remember, ‘Iron sharpens iron’. (Prov. 27:17)

REFLECTIONS ON THANKSGIVING AND GOD’S WILL:

 Introduction: 

Two People Went Thanking God –

One thanked God for making her the only graduate civil servant in their extended family in the past 15 years.

Another thanked God for producing five graduates in their extended family through him as the pioneer graduate of the family.

Whose thanksgiving aligned with God’s will and why?

Key Points

– Humility vs. Pride: The two individuals’ thanksgiving styles reveal their hearts. One focuses on personal achievement, while the other acknowledges God’s blessings and provision.

– God’s Perspective: Scripture emphasizes the importance of humility and recognizing God’s role in our accomplishments (1 Cor. 4:7; Jam. 1:17).

– Generational Impact: The second individual’s thanksgiving highlights the ripple effect of their achievement, inspiring others in their family to pursue education.

 Reflection area: 

– How can we cultivate humility in our thanksgiving, acknowledging God’s sovereignty in our lives?

– In what ways can we recognize and celebrate the achievements of others, fostering a sense of community and shared joy?

– What does our attitude towards thanksgiving reveal about our relationship with God and others?

 Application areas: 

– Let’s prioritize humility in our thanksgiving, giving credit to God for His blessings and provision.

– May we strive to be catalysts for positive change in our families and communities, inspiring others through our achievements.

– Let’s celebrate the successes of those around us, recognizing the potential for collective growth and development.

 Benediction: 

May our thanksgiving be a reflection of our relationship with God, characterized by humility, gratitude, and a deep appreciation for His blessings. May we inspire others through our achievements, creating a lasting impact that honours God. Amen!

VIA:

Michael Ekperikpe (MSN)

READ AND REAP BIBLE ENTERPRISES

P/S:

-Any issues to commit to God in prayer?

-Any seemingly difficult Scripture(s)?

Feel free to share with me. Remember, ‘Iron sharpens iron’. (Prov. 27:17)

• Key Points:

– Born Again: According to ‘John 3:3’, being born again is a spiritual transformation that allows us to see and experience God’s kingdom. It’s a new life that comes from above.
– Difference in Life: A person who is born again will exhibit a new quality of life, characterized by the presence of God’s Spirit and a transformed heart (Gal. 2:20).
– Visible Impact: Just as salt and light have a visible impact on the world (Matt. 5:13-16), a born-again person should make a positive impact on their community, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

Reflection area:
– How can we ensure that our lives reflect the new life we’ve received through being born again?
– In what ways can we make God’s grace convincing to those around us?
– What does it mean to live a life that showcases the love and character of Jesus Christ?

Application areas:
– Let’s strive to live out our faith in a way that makes a positive impact on our neighbourhoods and communities.
– May we seek to reflect God’s love and grace in all our interactions and relationships.
– Let’s pray for the wisdom and courage to live a life that honours Jesus Christ and showcases His love to the world.

Benediction:
May we walk in the new life we’ve received through being born again, reflecting God’s love and grace in all we do. May our lives be a testament to the transformative power of Jesus Christ, and may we make a positive impact on those around us. Amen!

VIA:
Michael Ekperikpe (MSN)
READ AND REAP BIBLE ENTERPRISES

P/S:
-Any issues to commit to God in prayer?
-Any seemingly difficult Scripture(s)?
Feel free to share with me. Remember, ‘Iron sharpens iron’. (Prov. 27:17)

Key Points:

– Prov. 8:22-31: This passage describes wisdom as a personified attribute of God, present at creation and valuable for understanding God’s work. Some interpret it as referring to Jesus Christ, while others see it as a literary device.
– Wisdom and Prudence: In ‘Prov. 8:12’, wisdom dwells with prudence, knowledge, and discretion. This suggests that wisdom is closely tied to these attributes, rather than being a distinct person.
– Jesus and Wisdom: In the New Testament, Jesus is associated with wisdom (1 Cor. 1:24, 30). However, this doesn’t necessarily mean ‘Prov. 8’ directly refers to Jesus.
– Luke 24:27, 44: Jesus interprets the Scriptures, including the Law and Prophets, as pointing to himself. While Proverbs isn’t explicitly mentioned, Jesus’ teachings emphasize the importance of wisdom.

Reflection area:
– How can we understand the relationship between wisdom in Proverbs 8 and Jesus Christ?
– What does the personification of wisdom in ‘Prov. 8’ reveal about God’s nature and creation?
– How can we apply the principles of wisdom and prudence in our daily lives?

Application areas:
– Let’s seek to understand the Scriptures, including Proverbs, and how they relate to Jesus’ teachings.
– May we strive to embody wisdom and prudence in our decisions and actions.
– Let’s prioritize seeking knowledge and discretion, as described in ‘Prov. 8’.

Benediction:
May we walk in the wisdom and prudence that come from understanding God’s nature and creation. May our lives reflect the attributes of wisdom, and may we seek to apply its principles in all we do. Amen!

VIA:
Michael Ekperikpe (MSN)
READ AND REAP BIBLE ENTERPRISES
http://readandreap.org

P/S:
-Any issues to commit to God in prayer?
-Any seemingly difficult Scripture(s)?
Feel free to share with me. Remember, ‘Iron sharpens iron’. (Prov. 27:17)

Scripture Reference: 

1 Cor. 13:13

Key Points:

– Faith, Hope, and Love: According to ‘1 Cor. 13:13’, these three virtues abide, but love is the greatest. Faith will become sight, hope will become reality, but love remains eternal.

– God is Love: As stated in ‘1 John 4:16’, God’s nature is love, and this love is what sustains faith and hope.

– Integrating Love: We should integrate love into our faith and hope, making it a core part of our desires and actions. Love is what keeps faith and hope alive until their manifestation.

 Reflection area: 

– How can we prioritize love in our faith and hope, ensuring that it guides our actions and decisions?

– In what ways can we make God’s love real in our lives and the lives of others?

– Why is love essential for sustaining faith and hope?

 Application areas: 

– Let’s focus on preaching and teaching about the power of God’s love, making it a central theme in our messages.

– May we strive to integrate love into every aspect of our faith and hope, ensuring that it guides our actions and decisions.

– Let’s prioritize love in our relationships and interactions, reflecting God’s nature in all we do.

 Benediction:

May we walk in the power of love, integrating it into our faith and hope. May God’s love guide us in all aspects of our lives, and may we reflect His nature in our relationships and interactions.

VIA:

Michael Ekperikpe (MSN)

READ AND REAP BIBLE ENTERPRISES

P/S:

-Any issues to commit to God in prayer?

-Any seemingly difficult Scripture(s)?

Feel free to share with me. Remember, ‘Iron sharpens iron’. (Prov. 27:17)

Key Points

– Jesus’ Healing on the Sabbath: In ‘John 9:13-23’, Jesus heals a blind man on the Sabbath, which offends the Jewish leaders because they believe he is breaking the Sabbath law.
– The Son of Man is the Lord of the Sabbath: Jesus’ statement in ‘Matt. 12:8, Mark 2:28, and Luke 6:5’ asserts his authority over the Sabbath. This title signifies that Jesus is the master of the Sabbath institution, not bound by the traditional interpretations of the law.
– Sabbath Keeping vs. Helping the Oppressed: The Pharisees’ strict adherence to Sabbath rules led them to prioritize ritual observance over human need. Jesus, however, emphasizes the importance of showing compassion and kindness, even on the Sabbath.

Reflection area:
– How can we balance our observance of religious traditions with the need to show love and care for others?
– In what ways can we prioritize helping those in need, while still honouring the spirit of the Sabbath?
– What does Jesus’ authority over the Sabbath teach us about his role in our lives?

Application areas:
– Let’s strive to follow Jesus’ example by showing compassion and kindness to those around us, even when it may not be convenient.
– May we prioritize helping the oppressed and those in need, just as Jesus did.
– Let’s remember that Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath, and his authority guides us in all aspects of our lives.

Benediction:
May we walk in the light of Jesus’ teachings, prioritizing love, compassion, and kindness in our interactions with others. May his authority over the Sabbath remind us of his lordship over all aspects of our lives. Amen!

VIA:
Michael Ekperikpe (MSN)
READ AND REAP BIBLE ENTERPRISES
http://readandreap.org

P/S:
-Any issues to commit to God in prayer?
-Any seemingly difficult Scripture(s)?
Feel free to share with me. Remember, ‘Iron sharpens iron’. (Prov. 27:17)

Key Points:

– God’s Word on Uncleanliness: According to ‘Deut. 18:9-11’ and ‘Eph. 5:3-5’, God condemns practices such as witchcraft, divination, and other forms of uncleanliness.

– Loving Our Enemies: Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matt. 5:38-48). However, this love and prayer are directed towards those who may be ignorant or misguided, not those who actively align with darkness to harm us or God’s work.

– Praying for Revelation and Salvation: For those like Saul of Tarsus, who ignorantly envied and persecuted the early Christians, we are to pray for revelation and preach the Gospel, hoping for their salvation (1 Tim. 2:1-4).

– Praying for Protection and Destruction of Evil: On the other hand, for those who align with the dominion of darkness to our detriment and the work of Christ, we can pray for God’s protection and destruction of such evil agents.

 Reflection area: 

– How can we discern between those who are ignorant and those who are actively aligned with darkness?

– How can we show love and pray for those who may be misguided or ignorant?

– What does it mean to pray for God’s protection and destruction of evil in our lives and the work of Christ?

 Application areas: 

– Let’s strive to love our enemies and pray for those who may be ignorant or misguided.

– May we seek God’s guidance and wisdom in discerning between different types of enemies.

– Let’s pray for revelation and salvation for those who may be open to the Gospel.

 Benediction:

May we walk in love and wisdom, praying for those who may be ignorant or misguided, while also seeking God’s protection and destruction of evil in our lives and the work of Christ. May God’s Word guide us in all our interactions and prayers. Amen

VIA:

Michael Ekperikpe (MSN)

READ AND REAP BIBLE ENTERPRISES

P/S:

-Any issues to commit to God in prayer?

-Any seemingly difficult Scripture(s)?

Feel free to share with me. Remember, ‘Iron sharpens iron’. (Prov. 27:17)

Scripture Reference:

Eph. 4:29

Key Points
– Words Have Consequences: The words we speak have consequences that can impact ourselves and others. It’s essential to consider the potential effects of our words.
– Focus on Consequences, Not Just Words: Rather than just arguing about words, let’s examine the consequences of those words to understand their true meaning and impact.
– Clarify by Their Fruits: We can judge the authenticity and value of words by their consequences, as Jesus taught in ‘Matt. 7:20’.

Reflection area:
– How can we use our words to build up and encourage others, rather than causing harm?
– What are the consequences of our words, and how can we take responsibility for them?
– How can we discern the true meaning and value of words by examining their consequences?

Application areas:
– Let’s choose our words carefully, considering their potential impact on others.
– When disagreements arise, let’s focus on understanding the consequences of words rather than just debating the words themselves.
– May we strive to use our words to bring life, encouragement, and blessing to those around us.

Benediction:
May our words be guided by wisdom, love, and a deep understanding of their consequences. May we speak life, encouragement and truth, and may our words bring blessing to those around us.

VIA:
Michael Ekperikpe (MSN)
READ AND REAP BIBLE ENTERPRISES
http://readandreap.org

P/S:
-Any issues to commit to God in prayer?
-Any seemingly difficult Scripture(s)?
Feel free to share with me. Remember, ‘Iron sharpens iron’. (Prov. 27:17)