Scripture Reference: 

Heb. 9:27

 Key Points: 

– When we pass away, our earthly life comes to an end, but our eternal life is just beginning.

– The things we accumulate and cherish in this life will be left behind, but our relationship with God will endure.

– We will be held accountable for our deeds, and our eternal destiny will be determined by our choices.

 Eternal Perspective: 

– Our time on earth is short, but eternity is forever.

– What we prepare for our eternity is crucial, and we should prioritize salvation, sanctification, and a deepening relationship with God.

– Let’s live a holy life, mindful of our eternal destiny, and share this message with others.

Questions to Ponder

– What have you prepared for your eternity?

– Are you living a life that reflects your eternal values?

– Where will you spend eternity – heaven or hell?

 Benediction: 

May we prioritize our relationship with God and live a life that honours Him. May we be mindful of our eternal destiny and make choices that align with our values as followers of Christ. May God guide and bless us as we navigate our earthly journey with eternity in mind.

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 References:

Psalm 86:2; Heb. 2:5-8

Key Points
– Man’s Existence Before the Foundation of the Earth: According to ‘Eph. 1:3-5’, man existed in God before the foundation of the earth. This existence is rooted in God’s eternal plan and purpose.
– Man as a Spirit Being: ‘Heb. 2:5-8’ suggests that man was made a little lower than angels, indicating a spiritual existence before taking up flesh.
– Made, Not Created: ‘Gen. 1:26’ implies that man was made, not created, highlighting the distinction between God’s creative work and His formation of humanity.
– Eternal Nature: The Bible testifies to the eternal nature of humanity, with references to man’s existence in the heavenly places before manifestation in the visible earth.

Reflection area:
– Understanding our eternal nature can profoundly impact our perspective on life and our relationship with God.
– Recognizing our existence in God’s plan before the foundation of the earth can foster a deeper sense of purpose and belonging.
– Embracing our spiritual identity can guide us in living a life that reflects our eternal connection with God.

Application areas:
– Reflect on your understanding of your eternal nature and how it influences your daily life.
– Seek to deepen your relationship with God, acknowledging His eternal plan and purpose for humanity.
– Live with purpose, recognizing your spiritual identity and connection to God. cf. Eph. 2:10

Benediction:
May we embrace our eternal nature and live in light of our spiritual identity, connected to God’s eternal plan and purpose. May our understanding of our existence in God before the foundation of the earth guide us in our journey of faith and relationship with Him. 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: 

Mark 7:1-4

As we navigate our Christian journey, it’s crucial to distinguish between the Gospel of Christ and the traditions of the Hebrews. The Gospel is spiritual, from heaven, and centered on Christ’s teachings through His Apostles and associates in the New Covenant. On the other hand, Hebrews’ customs and traditions, though found in the Bible, aren’t necessarily part of the Gospel.

Key Points to Ponder:

– Public Religious Ministry: Jesus’ custom kept Him from ministering until He was 30, but this isn’t part of the Gospel. Not everything biblical is Christian; some things are there for our knowledge of salvation history.

– Baptism: Water baptism was a Jewish tradition. Jesus didn’t baptize to confess sin but to identify with existing traditions. This isn’t a mandatory part of His Gospel.

– Fasting: In Hebrew tradition, fasting often preceded serious religious endeavours. Jesus was encouraged by the Holy Spirit to fast, but fasting isn’t mandatory for Christians today. It’s optional for spiritual revival.

– Gender Variance: Hebrew customs had specific roles for men and women. However, in Christ, it’s not about gender or societal status; it’s about our divine gift and usage.

Reflection:

Let’s strive to rightly divide the truth of the Gospel from Hebrews’ traditions. May we focus on the person we are inside, rather than external markers like sex or social strata. May God’s abundant grace guide us as we seek to live according to His will.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help us to understand and live according to the Gospel of Christ, distinguishing it from cultural and traditional practices. May Your grace guide us as we seek to honor You in all we do. Amen!

Scripture Reference:

Rev. 19:10

Key Points
– Two Types of Worship: Christian worship can be individual or corporate. Individual worship is personal and centered on one’s relationship with God, while corporate worship involves gathering with others to praise and honour God.
– Individual Worship: This type of worship is essential for personal spiritual growth and development. It involves cultivating a deep relationship with God through prayer, meditation, and obedience to His Word.
– Corporate Worship: Corporate worship is important for believers to gather, share, and encourage one another in their faith. It provides an opportunity for collective praise, worship, and service to God.
– Dependency on Individual Worship: Corporate worship’s acceptability to God depends on the individual worshippers’ holiness and relationship with Him. 1 John 4:20,21
– Worshiping with Heart and Hands: True worship involves both heart and action. Worshiping with the heart is good, but it must be accompanied by evidence of service to others, demonstrating love and care for God’s creation.

Application areas:
– Prioritize Personal Relationship with God: Cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God through regular prayer, Bible study, and obedience to His Word.
– Participate in Corporate Worship: Regularly gather with other believers for corporate worship, praise, and service to God. Heb. 10:25
– Live a Life of Holiness: Strive to live a life that honours God, recognizing that individual holiness impacts corporate worship. Heb. 12:14
– Serve Others: Demonstrate your worship by serving others, showing love and care for those around you.

Reflection areas:
– How can you deepen your personal worship and relationship with God?
– In what ways can you actively participate in corporate worship and serve others?
– What steps can you take to live a life of holiness, honouring God in all aspects of your life?

Benediction:
May our worship be acceptable to God, both individually and corporately, as we strive to honour Him with our hearts and actions. May our lives be a reflection of His love and grace, shining brightly in a world that needs Him. 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

– Ministry is for all believers: According to the Scriptures, every believer in Jesus Christ has been given a ministry. This emphasizes the importance of each person’s role in the body of Christ.

– No human ownership: The Christian Church, or the people of God, cannot be owned by humans. God purchased them with Jesus’ blood, as mentioned in Acts 20:28.

– Ministry vs. Church: A ministry is not necessarily defined by gathering for fellowship on Sunday mornings. Ministry encompasses various forms of service and outreach.

– Partnership, not hierarchy: Believers are partners with God in the mission of salvation, working together towards a singular goal. This partnership emphasizes mutual support and collaboration.

– Dominion and responsibility: While God gave humans dominion over creation, He did not give dominion over fellow humans. Instead, believers are called to serve and support one another.

Relevant Bible Verses:-

– Acts 20:28: “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”

– Eph. 4:12: “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;”

– 1 Cor. 12:7: “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

– Matt. 23:9: “And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.”

– Jam. 1:18: “He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.”

Application areas:-

– Recognize your role: Understand that as a believer, you have a vital role in the body of Christ and in ministry.

– Serve with humility: Approach ministry with humility, recognizing that all believers are equal in God’s eyes.

– Partner with others: Collaborate with fellow believers, supporting and uplifting one another in the mission of salvation.

– Focus on service: Prioritize serving others, rather than seeking power or control.

 Let’s Pray:

1. Ask God to guide you in understanding your role in ministry.

2. Pray for humility and a servant’s heart.

3. Request opportunities to serve and partner with others in the body of Christ.

 Benediction:

May we understand that every believer has a ministry and that we are all partners in the mission of salvation. Let’s serve with humility, recognizing God’s ownership and our role in the body of Christ. By working together and supporting one another, we can fulfill God’s dream of saving mankind.

Scripture References:

– ‘Prov 19:20’: “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”
– ‘Prov. 22:6’: “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Reflection area:
These verses emphasize the importance of wisdom, instruction, and guidance. ‘Prov. 19:20’ encourages us to listen to advice and accept discipline to gain wisdom, while ‘Prov. 22:6’ highlights the significance of teaching children the right path to follow.

Key Points:
– Seeking Wisdom: Listen to advice and accept discipline to gain wisdom and insight.
– Guiding Children: Teach children the right path to follow, and they will stay on track even in old age.
– Importance of Discipline: Discipline and instruction are essential for gaining wisdom and avoiding foolishness.

Application areas:
– Be Open to Feedback: Be willing to listen to advice and accept constructive criticism to grow in wisdom.
– Mentor Children: Guide children in the right direction, and provide them with a strong foundation for life.
– Prioritize Wisdom: Seek wisdom and understanding in all aspects of life, recognizing its value and importance.

Let’s Pray:
1. Ask God to give you wisdom and understanding.
2. Pray for the ability to listen to advice and accept discipline.
3. Thank God for the opportunity to guide children and mentor others.

Actionable Consciousness:
Reflect on ways you can apply these principles in your life, seeking wisdom and guiding others with patience and understanding.

*Benediction:*
May the wisdom of ‘Prov. 19:20 and 22:6’ guide us to seek knowledge, listen to advice, and accept discipline. May we also prioritize guiding children and others on the right path, trusting in the Lord’s guidance and wisdom. Amen! By doing so, we can grow in wisdom and live a life that honours God.

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:

1 Cor. 6:12

Reflection area:
In ‘1 Cor. 6:12’, Paul writes, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are expedient.” This verse highlights the importance of considering the impact of our actions on ourselves and others. What are some possible interpretations of things that might be lawful but not expedient?:

– Overindulgence: Engaging in activities or behaviors that, while permissible, might hinder spiritual growth or relationships.
– Prioritizing personal desires over others’ well-being: Doing what’s legally allowed but potentially harming or burdening others.
– Pursuing wealth or power at the expense of relationships or integrity: Lawfully acquiring wealth or power but in a way that damages relationships or compromises values.

Key Idea:
The key idea is that just because something is lawful or permissible doesn’t mean it’s beneficial or wise to pursue it. This principle encourages believers to consider the impact of their actions on themselves and others, prioritizing what’s truly beneficial and honouring to God.

Application areas:
– Practice discernment: Evaluate your actions and decisions based on their potential impact on yourself and others.
– Prioritize what’s beneficial: Consider whether your choices align with your values and promote the well-being of those around you.
– Seek balance: Balance your personal freedoms with responsibility and sensitivity towards others.

In King 👑 Jesus’ name. Amen!

Scripture Reference: 

John 8:7

 Reflection area: 

John 8:7 reminds us of Jesus’ response to the Pharisees and scribes who brought a woman caught in adultery before Him. When they asked for His judgment, Jesus said, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” This verse highlights the importance of mercy over judgment and the need for self-reflection.

Key Points:

– Mercy Over Judgment: Jesus emphasizes the need for mercy and compassion rather than judgment.

– Self-Reflection: The verse encourages us to examine our own lives and recognize our own sinfulness.

– Humility and Forgiveness: Jesus’ response promotes humility and forgiveness, reminding us that we are all fallible.

 Application areas: 

– Practice Mercy: Show kindness and compassion to those around you, rather than judging them harshly.

– Reflect on Your Life: Take time to examine your own actions and attitudes, recognizing areas where you can grow.

– Cultivate Humility: Approach others with humility, recognizing that we all make mistakes and need forgiveness.

 Let’s Pray:

1. Ask God to give you a merciful heart, like Jesus.

2. Pray for wisdom to recognize your own flaws and areas for growth.

3. Thank God for His forgiveness and mercy in your life.

 Actionable Consciousness:

Reflect on how you can show mercy and kindness to those around you today. Consider how Jesus’ words in John 8:7 can guide your interactions with others.

 Benediction:

May the words of John 8:7 guide us to show mercy and kindness to others, just as Jesus did. May we cultivate humility and self-reflection, recognizing our own flaws and need for forgiveness. As we strive to live out these principles, may we experience the transformative power of God’s mercy and love in 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)

Scripture Reference: 

Heb. 13:16

 Reflection area:

‘Heb. 13:16’ reminds us that “God is well pleased” with sacrifices of kindness and sharing. This verse highlights the importance of practical acts of love and generosity in our lives.

Key Points:

– Doing Good:

    – Engaging in acts of kindness and compassion

    – Seeking opportunities to serve and bless others

– Sharing:

    – Generously sharing resources, time, and talents

    – Recognizing that all we have is from God

 Application areas: 

– Cultivate a Heart of Kindness:

    – Look for ways to do good and serve others

    – Practice empathy and compassion in your daily life

– Share Freely:

    – Be generous with your resources and time

    – Trust that God will provide for your needs

 Let’s Pray: 

1. Ask God to give you a heart of kindness and generosity.

2. Pray for opportunities to serve and bless others.

3. Thank God for the resources and blessings He has given you.

 Actionable Consciousness:

Reflect on ways you can demonstrate kindness and sharing in your daily life. Seek to be a blessing to others, and trust that God is well pleased with your sacrifices of love and generosity.

 Benediction: 

May God empower you to live a life of kindness and generosity, bringing joy and blessings to those around you, and pleasing Him with your sacrifices. 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:

Psalm 91:14

 Reflection area: 

‘Psalm 91:14’ says, “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, because he acknowledges my name.” This verse highlights God’s promise to protect and rescue those who love and acknowledge Him.

Key Points:

– God’s Love and Protection:

    – God promises to rescue and protect those who love Him

    – His protection is rooted in His love and care

– Acknowledging God’s Name:

    – Recognizing God’s sovereignty and authority

    – Trusting in His goodness and faithfulness

Application areas:

– Trust in God’s Protection:

    – Believe in God’s promise to protect and rescue you

    – Seek His guidance and care in times of need

– Acknowledge God’s Name:

    – Recognize God’s sovereignty and authority in your life

    – Trust in His goodness and faithfulness

 Let’s Pray:

1. Thank God for His love and protection in your life.

2. Ask God to guide you and provide protection in times of need.

3. Pray for wisdom and discernment to trust in God’s goodness.

 Actionable Consciousness: 

Reflect on God’s love and protection in your life. Seek to trust in His promise to rescue and protect you, acknowledging His name and sovereignty in all circumstances.

 Benediction: 

May God be your refuge and protector, providing love, care, and guidance in all aspects of your life. Amen!

VIA:

Michael Ekperikpe (MSN)

READ AND REAP BIBLE ENTERPRISE

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)