Ephesians Community COGIC

To you our followers, I apologize for the delay in getting this out. I know some were looking for it. Call me out if I'm late. We are helpers one of the other.

CONSOLATION GRANTED THROUGH PRAYER
2 Corinthians 1:3-11; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-25;
Acts 6:1-7.

Praying on purpose is intercessory prayer. You were called on purpose. Never forget that God brought you in to fellowship with Himself. Moses was chosen by God to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. The Apostle Paul was chosen by God to bring comfort and consolation to the church at Corinth. We have been chosen by God to bring comfort and consolation to our neighbors through intercessory prayer. We are divinely appointed to bring hope to a dying world. As many born again believers in other nations are experiencing trials and tribulations, we who have freedom must devote ourselves to prayer on their behalf. Pray for others. Remember the old saying “Every dog has his day.” Today we may be free and have everything, but God can blow on it and tomorrow we be the one standing in need of prayer. If you are suffering now, place your trust in Christ. Be strengthened by the eternal knowledge that what God started, He will finish.

1. What is intercession?

2. Are organized prayer groups interceding for lost souls?

3. Is it important for your local church to have a team of intercessors?

Shall we go on to perfection leaving the foundations of faith? Give some feedback below.

SEEK THE GOOD OF OTHERS
1 Corinthians 14:23-26; John 4:21-24; 2 Timothy 2:10-16;
Colossians 3:12-17; Titus 3:4-9.
Tongues are important to the believer. However, they do not impart knowledge to the hearer. The Apostle Paul is admonishing us here to pray for the interpretation of our tongues so we can build up and strengthen the unlearned and unbelieving. True spirituality is not in speaking in tongues, but rather in preaching the true gospel to edify and convince others. The purpose of the church is to ensure that new believers are being reached and taught the principles of the doctrines of our faith. We must equip and encourage new believers to walk in faith. Speaking in tongues has been glorified as it causes others to think of us as super spiritual. The reality is that God is seeking people to worship Him in spirit and in truth. We must use our gifts to build up and strengthen others, so they too become worshippers.

1. Does an utterance in an unknown tongue increase another person’s faith?

2. What is the purpose of tongues in the Pentecostal Church?

3. How often do you speak in tongues?

What is Holiness, and can one attain it? Think about this and give your feedback on the questions below.

OVERCOMING TEMPTATION
1 Corinthians 10:9-22; 1 John 2:15-18; James 1:12-14;
Revelation 12:10-12
Temptation is sin. It is common to all people. It happens when we entertain lustful desires. Yielding to temptation will destroy us either right away, or over the long haul. Your temptation may not be the same as mine, but you and I both face temptations. Children and teens are much more impulsive and easily tempted. As we age we become less prone to impulse and more controlling of our emotions because of past mistakes. Paul warns all believers to be careful to not entertain temptations and decide ahead of time to avoid or flee situations that might cause us to fall. Following fads and trends can draw us into temptation. Avoid seeking after things because we see others with them. This may lead to unlawful desires, and surely end in falling to temptation. We overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. Remember God has already made the way to escape.

1. Can we live sin-free? If so, how?
2. Is holiness required to receive the sacrament “Holy Communion?”
3. How is fellowship with other believers a wall against temptation?

How do we navigate this world of conflicting loyalties? Share with me your thoughts on the questions below.

WATCH WHAT YOU EAT
1 Corinthians 8:1-13; 1 Peter 2:15-16; Colossians 2:16-23;
1 Timothy 4:3-5; Romans 14:1-18.
The Apostle Paul admonishes all believers to consider their weaker brothers and sisters when deciding what we will eat. There are many other passages that indicate the same thing. The body of Christ is made a community. In a community there is room for differences, but there is agreement on principles. One common principle of our faith is in the sanctifying blood of Jesus Christ. Common practices include Holy Communion and Baptism, the principles never change, methods and means might differ. The principle in this important lesson is to always protect the weaker ones. If we are in Christ, our spirit moves us to shy away from food controversies so we can unite on more important issues.

1. How do we reconcile total abstinence fasting with the “Daniel Fast?”

2. How do we address eating flesh, or even pork with those who see this as sin?

3. What is the liberty that Paul is admonishing us about?

Can we serve ourselves and Christ at the same time? Comment and share this.

GLORIFY GOD WITH YOUR BODY
1 Corinthians 6:12-20; John 17:9-17; Ecclesiastes 3:1-8;
2 Peter 1:3-8.
The free love movement ushered in back in the 1960’s has caused sexual purity to be a thing of the past. There is a generation being born without any concept of either family unity or sexual purity. God our creator has not changed His view and His church must submit to Him. People of faith must recognize that the world’s standards of morality don’t fit us. We are in this world, but not of this world. Until a person is truly born again, they cannot escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. Knowing that the very Spirit of God lives within us is an honor that should cause us to sanctify ourselves. Yet, many feel no shame when they fornicate. Sanctify that relationship through marriage. The Children of Israel spent seventy years in captivity because of their constant disobedience to God. We too will face consequences for our disobedience. God is the same today, yesterday, and forever.

1. Does sexual sin destroy our anointing?

2. Can we accept the world’s standards for sexual morality?

3. What can we do to solve the problem of sexual sin in the church?

Tonight's Bible Study "Lying Prophets Satan's Tools" See you at 6:30 or tune in at 6:45 to 623-600-3772, Code 801963. See what God says. Know the truth

Call now to connect with business.

JOYFUL WORSHIP RESTORED
1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 12:4-12; Matthew 22:35-40; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter 3:1-11.

This lesson is instruction to the church from the Apostle Paul about how to have unity. To have a joyful worship, every participant must be focused on Christ. Joy filled worship is the outcome of many people joined together with the common purpose of giving glory to God alone. The harmony that comes from unity is attractive to the whole world. God declares that the unity of the believers in purpose and direction causes the increase and expansion. When we are divided from each other, we are also separated from God. This principle goes even to our marriage relationships. Disunity hinders prayers. Like mindedness comes only from the Holy Spirit. If we walk in the spirit we will not act in the flesh.

1. What causes a body to be unified?

2. What causes a body to be divided?

3. Can we be obedient to God and work against the Godly vision of our leadership?

The mercy of God endures!
Consider this and share your thoughts with us.

Repentance brings flourishing. I challenge you to re-evaluate your relationship with our Father.

LIVE PURE LIVES
Haggai 2:10-19; Deuteronomy 28:3-10; James 1:22-27;
1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
In Jerusalem at the time of Haggai, the Temple was the residence of the Holy God of Israel.
Since the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, the temple of God is with or in every believer. However, the principles remain the same. Tainted lives cause diminishing returns. If we live with a little sin in our lives, we will experience lack until such time as we repent. Then, and only then will God do as He promised through Haggai “from this day will I bless you.” We can expect a complete turnaround of fortunes in our families, our friendships, our jobs and associations. It happens because we repent of any ungodliness. We are the temple of the living God. Let’s keep ourselves unspotted from the sins of the world.

1. Does God desire for us to lack resources?

2. What questions should you ask God regarding any bad circumstance you face?

3. How can we as a church change the impoverished conditions in our community?

How will you celebrate the great fathers this year? Share your celebration with us.

God is worthy of all praise. Share your thoughts with me via messenger or email [email protected].

TRUST GOD’S PROMISES
Haggai 1:12, 2:1-9; Matthew 6:19-24; Luke 13:18-27.
This is the story of an intervention. A third party with no official capacity except he spoke as the voice of God, got the attention and the compliance of those with power. The work of rebuilding is strenuous and thankless. Our lesson indicates the value of obedience and unity of purpose. Together, the religious (Joshua the High Priest) and political (Zerubbabel the Governor) leaders yielded to God. They were able to bring the entire nation to a place of obedience to God. It is the dangerous job of proclaiming God‘s message that falls on the prophet. They have no legitimate legal authority. In this case the leaders listened. In Jeremiah’s case they did not. The most important thing to remember is that God keeps His part of the bargain. Our part is to obey. Those leaders were given supernatural strength to complete the work that God ordained.

1. What things should believers be held accountable for if any?

2. What is the authority of the local church leadership accountable for?

3. Are we required to be accountable to God, or is mere repentance enough?

Let's start FRESH.

OBEY THE LORD
Haggai 1:1-11; Proverbs 3:3-6; Matthew 6:27-33; Galatians 6:7-10.

The Prophet Haggai spoke words from the Lord admonishing His people to work on the restoration of the Temple. The work of God’s ministry requires obedience to God. In this period the people had turned to taking care of their own affairs leaving the temple in decay. It had been twenty years, yet the Temple was not restored. God allowed them to fix the problem and Haggai was commissioned to give the instructions for next steps. Haggai explained why there was lack, depression and passivity. It was not because of oppression, but because of a lack of dedication and reverence for God. Consequently, there was lack. God restored favor as the people began to act restoring the temple. Be not weary in well doing. God will cause reaping in due season. Whenever our priorities match God’s priorities, there is blessings and abundance. Remember vision without direction is vanity.

1. What kept the people from obeying God?

2. How do we determine if we are doing God’s will?

3. What is your reason for doing the things you do?

What's your focus this summer?

JESUS’ TEACHING ON THE LAW
Matthew 15:1-11, 15-20; Mark 12:28-34; Colossians 2:10-19; Romans 14:17-23.

Tradition is not the Law. The law was given by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai. We know it as the Ten Commandments. Christ declared He did not come to destroy, or end the law, but rather to fulfill it. What is the difference between the law and grace. The law is established by our faith in Christ. Looking at Mark 12:28-34, He gave us two commandments which if we keep, we will fulfill the whole law. Grace and truth came by way of Jesus Christ. Grace is simply the offering of the blood of Christ for every person who trusts in Jesus for salvation and eternal life. Grace is not a get out of hell free card as some might teach; but rather it is the ability to live above sin. Truth is God manifesting Himself through people who are guided and empowered by the very Spirit of God living inside them. They have become a living sacrifice before God and His people.

1. Why are the Ten Commandments so important?

2. What is the key to fulfilling all the commandments

3. Is it legalism to rely on the Ten Commandments as doctrine?

Christ died, but He rose again showing His power over even death. How do you see your purpose? Share, or comment on this discussion.
JESUS’ MISSION ON EARTH
Luke 4:14-21; Isaiah 61:1-6; John 17:15-21; Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20.
The mission of Jesus is expressed in Isaiah 61. It is revealed here as Jesus plainly states “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” Jesus fulfilled His mission and gave us a commission to do likewise. Everywhere Christ went He healed, helped, and filled with hope. He preached the kingdom of heaven’s availability to all who received Him. His mission was His purpose. He did all things that were necessary to show us the father. Then, He took all our sins upon Himself and became a martyr by dying on the cross. Thankfully, the story continues as death could not hold Him and He came forth alive on the third day. It was His resurrection that proved heaven’s superiority over earth and the god of this world. He leaves every believer with a mission to reconcile men to God. Jesus revealed Himself as our liberator from our personal sins.

1. Who gave us power to fulfill our mission and do great things?

2. What are you personally empowered to do?

3. Do you know your church’s mission, and participate in its fulfillment?

What is your downfall? Let's talk about temptations. Share here or email me anonymously at [email protected] -

JESUS RESISTS TEMPTATION
Deuteronomy 6:13-16; Matthew 4:4-11; Psalm 91:1-12; 1 Corinthians 10:11-14;
James 1:12-20; 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

God carefully watches over His chosen ones. Christ has overcome the world and sent us as His ambassadors to reconcile men to God. Many people believe that because they experienced the joy of God that‘s enough. However, true joy is not a one-time experience. True joy comes from knowing that you faced temptation and did not fall because God is your refuge and strength and a very present help in time of trouble. Knowing and using scripture to defeat the adversary is necessary. Satan is not defeated by a positive affirmation. The devil is defeated by relying on and calling on the strength of God. We cannot resist temptations except we are anchored in God’s word. Using it not to try and get what we want, but rather to help us overcome our personal lusts.

1. Everyone faces temptation. Why do some overcome, and others fall?

2. Is prosperity promised to all believers, or only those who worship God?

3. Can believers expect to have more than enough?

Is it for tongues, or for power? That is the question we must answer regarding the Holy Ghost. Join us for the discussion or leave your comments here.

WORTHY IS THE LAMB
Revelation 5:6-13; Luke 9:1-6; 10:1-2; Acts 2:38-39;
Romans 14:11-18.

Worthy is the lamb that takes away the sin of the world. His purpose and His glory was redeeming all mankind from the curse of death, or eternal separation from God. As a believer our future is secure. The revelation of John helps us see what our future holds. It also helps us realize our present power. As believers we are become kings and priests. Total submission to Christ our redeemer is the only requirement. Submission means we must follow Him and obey Him out of deep gratitude and appreciation. Total submission brings access to the powers of heaven. Heavenly power comes as the Holy Spirit empowers us to do exploits. By faith and commission, we believers have power over unclean spirits. The same power given the twelve is now poured out for all flesh. We have this power from Christ who has all power.

1. How do we receive the power of heaven?

2. Is the Holy Ghost limited for tongues, or is it for power?

3. How do we activate the power of heaven in our lives today?

Do you have it? That Holy Ghost power that Peter preached about sent by Christ our King. Enjoy and share!

PETER’S REPORT
Psalm 110:1-4; Acts 2:22-24, 29-32; 2 Corinthians 5:14-19.
Acts Chapter Two gives Peter’s report of who Christ is, and what our response must be. We must receive Christ with complete faith in His ability to forgive us and save us from eternal death. When we do this we are immediately transformed from death to life and become new creatures, according to 2 Corinthians 5:17. This new life means learning new ways of living. It is most important for us to know that this life we have was bought and paid for by Jesus Christ our Passover Lamb. He humbled Himself to become obedient to all the Mosaic Law, and the command of God our Father. Through His obedience, He was granted all power. He commanded three distinct offices. He was a Prophet foretelling His death burial and resurrection. He was Priest by bringing the sins of the whole world before a holy and righteous God. He was King, crowned with thorns, yet proven with power and authority over death. He became the sacrificial lamb by presenting Himself to be slaughtered by sinful men thereby saving us and allowing our sins to be washed away in His blood.
1. Are you a true Believer?

2. What can you point to that shows a change in your life?

3. What are you willing to do to show your loyalty to the King?

What is Pentecost? The coming of power from heaven deposited in ordinary people causing them do exploits. Do you want that power? It is available to you. Seek it. Come discuss scriptures with us. Share this with others. Be sure to give your thoughts in the comments section. I look forward to hearing from you.

SON OF DAVID
Psalm 89:35-3; Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 1:18-21; Psalm 51:1-10; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21.
Will we bless or curse our descendants? Our lesson today focuses on the righteousness of God by showing compassion and mercy on those who repent and choose to obey God. David was a sinner who repented when confronted with his sin. Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah was prophesied to come from the seed of King David. He would restore righteous judgment for eternity. It was promised that as long as the sun and moon shone forth His government would rule. Those who abide in this judgment will bless their children. We must recognize that David’s sin was not held against him because he repented. It is his repentance that qualified him for an enduring kingdom. Each of us has opportunity to bless our children by repenting for any known sin. We must bow before the Son of David. Our repentance opens the compassion and mercy of God for our descendants.

1. How do we clear ourselves from any wrong we do?

2. What is the process for repentance?

3. How can we believers show others how we were forgiven?

Time is short, what are your priorities?
Check out this post and reply, comment, and share!!!

AN ETERNAL KINGDOM
2 Samuel 7:4-16a; Deuteronomy 8:14-19; 1 Corinthians 6:17-20
Psalm 98:1-9; 2Samuel 5:6-10.
The favor of God rests on whomever He chooses. Their enemies will be scattered. Their lives will be protected. Our lesson centers on the fact that those who choose to honor God, God Himself will honor. King David wanted to build God a building, a magnificent monument to His greatness. God seemed to say to David no monument you build is great enough to house me. Rather I will build you an house that shall be an eternal kingdom. Your descendent will usher in a new reign of righteousness that will last forever. God did not want a building, He wanted a people. God allowed the building, but His desire was to live in us. We are the temple of the living God. David ran for about fifteen years before he received the promise. He was given an eternal kingdom for his joy while suffering, and obedience to the commandments.

1. What was King David’s most important asset?

2. Does God still honor faithfulness today?

3. What can you do to become more faithful? You Personally

Tomorrow, we celebrate the risen King. It is our opportunity to share our testimony while we share at our family gatherings. Please comment, reply, and share your thoughts.

“THE THIRD DAY”
Hosea 6:1-3; Luke 24:1-12; Matthew 16:20-22; Luke 9:22; 18:31-33; 1 Peter 3:10-16.
The resurrection of Jesus is central to the gospel message. Our lesson focuses on the disbelief of those closest to the Lord. Although they had walked with Him three years and heard Him say He would be shamefully treated and crucified; still when it happened, they were confounded, confused, and shocked. Today the resurrection is just as shocking. It must be accepted by faith. Lee Strobel, Christian Apologist, and author of the best selling book “The Case for Christ” came to faith in Christ because he set out to prove to his believing wife that the resurrection was a fable. Every believer receives Christ by faith. We become His ambassadors as we spread the good news of the resurrection and the availability of salvation for all mankind. Today let us redouble our efforts to reach a dark world with the light found only in Jesus Christ. Jesus is real, and His blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

1. On what day of the week did Jesus get up from His grave?

2. What is the gospel of Christ as described in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4?

3. Is faith in the resurrection necessary to be a Christian?

Come to the light, walk in the light, become a light. Message and share your thoughts.

“JESUS CLEANSES THE TEMPLE”
Isaiah 56:6-7; Jeremiah 7:9-11; Mark 11:15-19 Ephesians 2:11-22.

What Jesus reminded all of us, is that this house was long ago declared to be a place of prayer for all people. The temple, or the church edifice is to be a house of prayer for all people. Not just a select few, or a specific group. It is to be available and holy for all people to come and offer sacrifice offerings and petitions for favor and blessings. Therefore, our conduct in the sanctuary must match the holiness Christ prescribed for it. We must not treat His house casually or as a social gathering place. It is to be held sacred as a place of prayer and thanksgiving. The anger of the Lord was kindled against those who profaned the temple by making it into a business center. His anger is still kindled against those who make His house a place of vanity. We must let God’s house be a symbol of hope, and peace for all people. God will judge and punish all evil. We the chosen, called and sent people must be a strong voice for righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.

1. Is it important for us to come to the house of prayer to offer our petitions to God?

2. Can we trust that God will always hear our petitions made in the house of prayer?

3. How would you explain to a nonbeliever the value of temple worship?

Come to the light, walk in the light, become the light in a dark world.
Let's talk about it. Message me and share your thoughts on the subject:
“JESUS CLEANSES THE TEMPLE”
Isaiah 56:6-7; Jeremiah 7:9-11; Mark 11:15-19 Ephesians 2:11-22.
What Jesus reminded all of us, is that this house was long ago declared to be a place of prayer for all people. The temple, or the church edifice is to be a house of prayer for all people. Not just a select few, or a specific group. It is to be available and holy for all people to come and offer sacrifice offerings and petitions for favor and blessings. Therefore, our conduct in the sanctuary must match the holiness Christ prescribed for it. We must not treat His house casually or as a social gathering place. It is to be held sacred as a place of prayer and thanksgiving. The anger of the Lord was kindled against those who profaned the temple by making it into a business center. His anger is still kindled against those who make His house a place of vanity. We must let God’s house be a symbol of hope, and peace for all people. God will judge and punish all evil. We the chosen, called and sent people must be a strong voice for righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.

1. Is it important for us to come to the house of prayer to offer our petitions to God?

2. Can we trust that God will always hear our petitions made in the house of prayer?

3. How would you explain to a nonbeliever the value of temple worship?

Dear Future Husband, I Promise to Fight With You I'm excited about doing the hard things that marriage offers. It won't be easy, but everything worthwhile is uphill.

As a man I was curious about what a woman thinks about her future husband. I discovered that this lady is talking about what every man, and woman dreams about, but never achieves simply because no one shares their feelings usually until it's too late.

Dear Future Husband, I Promise to Fight With You I'm excited about doing the hard things that marriage offers. It won't be easy, but everything worthwhile is uphill.