High School Bible Class Blog

Hindrances to Spiritual Growth

topcrain@sbcglobal.net (Sis Leslie) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 23:14:40 +0000

Bible Study Time, Tuesday, September 7, 2010, Sister Edith Tolbert

Hindrances to Spiritual Growth

God wants us to always be growing spiritually. We should never come to a place where we stop growing spiritually

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. II Peter 3:18

Spiritual growth is not miraculous, accidental or automatic. We bear responsibility for spiritual growth. It is our choice. Will we hear the word of God? How will we hear it? Will we put into practice what we hear? This will either help or hinder our spiritual growth.

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
They on the rock are they,which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it,and bring forth fruit with patience. Luke 8:11-15

There are four types of hearers:
1. Dullness of hearing
Dull – lacking sensitivity, unfeeling, sluggish; boring, not felt keenly or sharply

The person, who is dull of hearing, hears the word of God but does not believe it. His heart is hard toward the things of God. God’s word is not important to him.

2. Lack of endurance

The person receives the word of God when he hears it, but does not count the cost of serving God. He is unwilling to pay the price when trials and tests come. He hears with an emotional mind and at first receives the work with joy but soon gives up. They think God’s way is too hard. They will never grow.

He that endures to the end shall be saved.

3. Neglect, lazy or no diligence, lack of effort

The person who stops craving, eating and depending on the word of God will stop growing.

Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. I Peter 2:1-3

Babies cry for milk every day; every 2-4 hours. How are we hungering after God’s word? If we have malice, guile, hypocrisies, envies or any sin in our life, our desire for God’s word will be hindered, and we will not grow.

The devil wants our life to be taken up with cares, riches and pleasures of this life so we will not spend time in praying and reading the Bible. We have to take time to read and pray. Daniel had a set time every day to pray – 3 times a day. We need to make a habit of reading and praying every day. Be diligent about it. Don’t let the things of this life distract us from staying close to God. If we don’t put into practice what we hear and allow the things of this world to come in our life we will stop growing. We cannot be lazy and neglect our devotion to God and grow.

If we stop learning God’s word; stop assembling with the saints to worship God; stop praying; and stop obeying the truth; our spiritual life will shrivel up and die.

Jesus is our example. At 12 years old he was earnest about his father’s business. Luke 2:41-52. He was not concerned about what he could get out of life for himself. He wanted to learn more about his Father and please his Father. He came to do the Father’s will and not his own will. We need to have the same earnestness of learning about our heavenly father in order to grow.

If we do not eat true spiritual food, we will not grow. Our intake of truth is vital to spiritual growth. Man’s ideas, religious ideas and doctrines of men will not cause us to grow spiritually; only the true word of God with the Holy Spirit anointing.

4. Honest hearts will hear the work and keep it.

The honest hearer will be obedient to the word of God. Regardless of what others do or say, the honest hearer will remain faithful to Christ and grow. The honest hearer will take time to be alone with God. The honest hearer will be diligent about the things of God. The honest hearer will not neglect God’s word and prayer every day. Feeding on God’s word every day and putting into practice what it says is what will cause us to continue to grow spiritually.

Be an honest hearer of God’s word.

Endure Hardness as a Good Soldier

topcrain@sbcglobal.net (Sis Leslie) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 03:24:26 +0000

Bible Study Time, Tuesday, August 17, 2010 Sister Edith Tolbert

It's a battlefield ,brother, not a recreation room,
It's a fight and not a game,
Run if you’re goin’ to, run if you will,
But I came here to stay.

Run if you’re goin’ to, run if you will, but I came here to stay.
When I fall down I'm gonna get up,
Cause I didn't come here to play,

It's a battlefield ,brother, not a recreation room,
It's a fight and not a game,
Run if you’re goin’ to, run if you will,
But I came here to stay.

.HE THAT ENDURES TO THE END SHALL BE SAVED

II Timothy 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

First you have to enlist to be a real soldier. There has to be an absolute commitment. As someone put it; ‘when you sign up for service in the U.S. Army, you become the property of the United States government. In a similar way, when we repent forsaking all sin, we accept Christ as our personal savior, we belong to God. We are not our own.

The apostle Paul does not say, “Enjoy softness as a sloppy soldier of Jesus Christ” Paul endured many, many hard trials.

Endurance means – the mental and physical stamina measured by the ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress and hardships without murmuring, to hold out, to continue.

A United State’s Soldier is not ashamed of his uniform, of his duty, of his officers, or of his cause. Our enlistment to be a soldier of Christ is cheerfully made from our heart and we are not ashamed of Christ, living a holy life, the people of God or his cause.

Apostle Paul tells us three things that we need to take heed to in order to be a good soldier.

1. II Timothy 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

Don’t be tied up in worldly affairs, letting our hearts be over charged with cares and pleasures of this life. Luke 21:34-36 tells us they will come as a snare on all that dwell on the earth. We need to watch and pray that we may escape these things.

>We cannot be a good soldier if trials, cares, problems and affairs of this life are so important causing us to take our eyes off Christ. Put first things first -- Matthew 6:33. A fighting man realizes, there is a war going on. Don’t be distracted from the fight.

2. II Timothy 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

Follow the Lord’s rules for doing his work. Just like an athlete has to follow the rules in order to win or else he is disqualified. The Bible is our rule book.

I Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.>

Every one that is to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ must be temperate in all things. A soldier needs self-control . Deny self from things that would keep you from doing your best

When a soldier is sent to boot camp it is to develop an attitude change and stamina by extreme harshness, hardships, rigor, and discipline. Training that develops self-control and character will make you tough and hard in mind and body.

There is a time to be tender and a time to be tough. We need a tender heart and a tough will. We need a tender conscience and a tough determination. We must endure hardness as a good soldier.

3. II Timothy 2:6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

A farmer has to work hard to grow a good crop;. He has to cultivate the land, get out the weeds and keep them out, plant the seeds in straight rows and irrigate.

We need to work hard at being a good soldier. Making sure we don’t let anything come in that would side track us. We will face offenses, malicious talk, evil speaking, hurts, and attacks.

II Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

When the battle rages a soldier’s loyalty will be tested. Condition yourself to toughness, not to softness, ease, or comfort. Consider these three examples so you can be willing to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Gospel Liberty

topcrain@sbcglobal.net (Sis Leslie) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 09:02:26 +0000

June 22, 2010 Bible Study Time, Sister Edith Tolbert

Liberty – freedom from slavery, captivity or any other form of control, free

Bondage – slavery, subject of some force

Slave – a human being who is owned by and absolutely subject to another. One who is dominated by some influence or habit.

John 8:32-36 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Who ever commits sin is the servant or slave of sin. Man can not free himself from sin. Jesus came to save us from our sins. When Christ makes us free from sin, we are free indeed.

Proverbs 5:22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sin.
Sin is a hard task master.

When God’s people were in Egypt, before Moses lead them out, they were in hard bondage and made their lives better. Exodus 1:11-14.Being in Egypt is a type of sin and bondage—the more the children of Israel wanted to worship God the harder the burdens were put on them. Pharaoh did not want to let them go.

The devil does not want people to be free from sin. He will try to get people who are thinking about salvation, to get real busy about the affairs of this life where they will have no time for God.

Exodus 5:10-14 And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw. Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished. So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw. And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore?

We live is a very busy time where people are trying to find pleasure in this life, but it is the devil that is taking up; all their time. They will never be happy, satisfied, contented or have peace with God when their soul is living in sin.

(A song)

Some people think that freedom is to live the way they please.

To follow worldly pleasure and refuse authority

So blinded by rebellion they think it’s liberty

But you’re not liberated till the Saviour sets you free.

Chorus

Liberated, liberated,

Liberated from sin I have been

Freedom reigns in me

Since my soul has been set free

No more in satan’s bondage.

Jesus liberated me.

I John 3:4-10 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

We are either a child of God that does not commit sin. Or we are a child of the devil, and we do sin. there is no such thing as a “sinning Christian”. When we repent and forsake sin, the bondage of sin is broken so we don’t have to sin anymore. Thank God we can be free form sin. God gives us victory over sin.

Romans 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

If we are dead to sin how are we going to continue to live in sin. We do not sin more or less every day.

Romans 6:16-18 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

We choose each day who we will serve. If we yield our members to sin. Then we are the servants of sin and in bondage to sin. If we yield ourselves to God and his word, we are free from sin.

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

We are to stand fast in the liberty which Christ has made us free. Free from sin and have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. A lot of people are promising liberty but are living in sins and are in bondage themselves. God delivers us from the pollutions of the world.

II Peter 2:19-22 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Being made free from sin we become servants to God and have our fruit into holiness. We are free to serve God the bible way and live a holy life.

That’s Gospel Liberty.

God Calls Us to Holiness

topcrain@sbcglobal.net (Sis Leslie) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 21:49:42 +0000

Tuesday, June 1, 2010 Bible Study Time, Sister Edith Tolbert

God’s people were chosen before the foundation of the world to be holy.

Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Holy – sinless, pure - consecrated

Adam and Eve were created holy after God’s image in the beginning

1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

We are called to holiness not to uncleanness (full of lust and dirty minded).

Holiness is the only preparation for heaven.

Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Can we live holy in this life? YES!!

The very reason Jesus came to this world was to save his people from their sins, not to keep them in sin. Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

In 1 John 1:9, John tells us if we confess our sins, God will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We have to be willing to confess and forsake all sin in order to be cleansed and be made holy by the blood of Christ.

Romans 6:15-16 Being made free from sin we become the servants of righteousness.

Romans 6:19 We yield our members servants of righteousness unto holiness.

Romans 6:22, being made free from sin and becoming servants to God we have our fruit unto holiness and in the end everlasting life.

We are to serve Him in holiness all the days of our life.

Luke 1:74-75 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

Holiness is a way for God’s people to walk on.

Isaiah 35:8-9 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:

The unclean can not walk on this way; only those who have had their sins forgiven and are walking to please God without sin each day.

1 Peter 1:14-16 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

We are commanded to be holy in all our conversation: our every day living. How we act, speak, our attitudes, our motives and our behavior.

Sin and the world are all around us. John 17:15-17 We are not of the world if we are saved. What is the world?

John defines it in 1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

The word lust means a longing, craving, an eagerness to enjoy. It means delight, pleasure or desire. Any pleasure, delight, desire or interest that draws us away from God, or makes us forget God, or places God in second place is “worldliness”.

Business, pleasure, conduct, activities, education culture, dress, possessions, or any thing else that comes before God or diminishes spiritual fervency or lessens the soul burden or lessons the burden for God’s work; these things are of the world.

Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

If we love God with all our heart, soul, and mind; we will be able with God’s help to resist all temptations and live a holy life each day.

Thank God we have victory over sin.

If we are dead to sin we will live a holy live. Romans 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

God Requires Us To Forgive Everyone

topcrain@sbcglobal.net (Sis Leslie) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 17:12:35 +0000

Matthew 6:14-15 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Trespass: Transgression, sin, an offense, a wrong

Our forgiveness from God is hinged on whether we forgive those who sin against us.

Forgive: to give up resentment against, to give up desire to punish, pardon, to overlook an offense, to cancel a debt.

Jesus gives us instructions on what to do if we get offended at someone.

Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

If you are offended at someone Jesus said go and tell him hihs fault just between you and the other person with th e desire to gain thy brother.

Jesus did not say when you get offended to tell your best friend, or neighbor, or anyone else. He said go to your brother that offended you. Don’t let bitterness, strife, contention, anger, wrath, prompt you to go because you won’t win your brother with those attitudes.

Peter asked Jesus, How often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him?

490 times in one day – Complete Forgiveness. Matthew 18:21-22

In Matthew 18:23-35: Jesus gave a story of a King which took account of his servants, One was brought to him which owed the king 10,000 talents. He didn’t have anything to pay the king. The king said, sell his wife and children, and all that he had and pay him. The servant fell down and asked for patience and she would bay the king all. The king was moved was moved with compassion and forgave all his debt.

The same servant went out and found some one who owed him 100 pence. He laid hands on him and took him by the throat and said pay me what you owe me. His fellow servant fell down and asked for patience and he would pay all. But he wouldn’t listen to him. He cast him in prison until the debt was paid.

When the fellow servants saw what was done, they sent to the lord or king and told all that was done. The lord called the servant which had done this and said I forgave all your debt, 10,000 talents, should you not have compassion on your fellow servant which owed you 100 pence like I had on you.

The lord was angry and delivered him to the tormentors until he could pay all.

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. Matthew 18:35

Jesus forgave us our huge debt of sin. He is asking us to forgive our brother what small sin, he sins against us. If we have bitterness, resentment, grudges, anger, strife, contention, etc. in our hearts toward a brother, we do not have forgiveness there.

God requests us to forgive our brother just as he forgave us.

Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Pride causes contention and strife and bad manners.

Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 28:25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

God wants nothing to be done through strife – We have to humble ourselves like Jesus and become obedient unto death.

Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Have you received the gift of the Holy Spirit since you believed?

topcrain@sbcglobal.net (Sis Leslie) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:51:25 +0000

Bible Study Time, February 16, 2010, Sister Edith Tolbert

Acts 19:1-2 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

The apostle Paul went to Ephesus and found some disciples. He asked them this question: Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? They were disciples but hadn’t heard whether there was a Holy Ghost.

When do we receive the Holy Spirit?

In the very beginning when God made man, he made him in his own image Genesis 1:27. They were holy. There was no sin in the heart.

When Adam and Eve sinned, God sent them out of the Garden of Eden. There was no more sweet fellowship with God. Sin will always separate us from God.

When Adam and Eve had a son; he was in Adams likeness, after his image. a sinful nature in the heart. He was no longer holy after God’s image. Genesis 5:3

Everyone since Adam has been born with a sinful nature.Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; When we come to the age of accountability; we are a sinner. There has been fruit of sin in our life – lying, cheating, stealing, disobedience, etc. When Jesus began to preach , his message was to repent. Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Repentance –To feel self-reproach or sorrow for past actions.
To feel regret and change one’s mind for wrong doing
To ask God to forgive us of all our committed sins.

Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

If we confess and forsake our sins, God will forgive us – our committed sins are all washed away, but there is still a root of sin in our hearts: the carnal nature, Adamic nature or inherent sin. This inherent sin may be summed up by calling it the sin of self hood. God was no longer ruler in the heart, self became the ruler. The Holy Spirit has to purge out the carnal nature.

The disciples were saved, their names were written down in heaven but Jesus prayed in John 17:16-17 to sanctify them. They needed the experience of sanctification and infilling of the Holy Spirit

The two type of sin makes a second definite work of grace necessary.

Only those who have been born –again are qualified to receive the Holy Spirit.John 14:17; the Holy Spirit is with us when we get saved but he is not in us

Sanctify – To make holy, set apart for religious use,
To consecrate, to make free from sin, ,
To purify to cleanse from moral corruption.

The disciples were sanctified on the day of Pentecost Acts 2:1-4

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

A complete unconditional surrender of self to God without any reservations followed by earnest desire and fervent prayer for the infilling of the Holy Spirit must be made to be sanctified.

When a person gets sanctified their heart will be purified and cleansed from the carnal nature and they Holy Spirit will fill the heart with the Love of God.

“Seem Right” Way

topcrain@sbcglobal.net (Sis Leslie) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:38:48 +0000

Tuesday February 2, 2010, Bible Study Time, Sister Edith Tolbert

God is not willing that anyone perish – God has given to every one a measure of faith.

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

The grace of God has also appeared to every one bringing salvation and teaching us how to love here in this world.

Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

What are we doing with the faith God has given to us? We can cause that faith to grow or we can destroy that faith. II Thessalonians 3:2 shows us that all men have not faith. What happened to it?

I Timothy 4:1-2 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

The “seem right” way

There is a strong spirit of unbelief in the world today. Hebrews 3:12 shows us that unbelief will cause us to depart from God/ Sin will harden your heart but cause you to think you are on the right way.

James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. When we hear God’s work and we are not willing to put it into practice in our lives, we deceive ourselves.

Deceive- to make a person believe what is not true or false or a lie.

When we ‘re deceived, unbelief is working, in Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus is telling each one of us personally “enter in at the strait gate.”

Strait – narrow, tight, close, confined, strict, difficult righteous

The strait and narrow way does not allow sin. It is a holy way. The broad way allows anything: all ungodliness and all sin. All on the broad way are on the “seem- right” way Many religious people think church joining will get them to heaven, infant baptism, water baptism, signing a card, shaking the preachers hand or being voted on. But these are all the “seem right” way that leads to death. The false doctrine of sin more or less every day and eternal security are the “seem right” way.

Only real repentance with godly sorrow and forsaking all sin will put us on the strait and narrow way. We need to forsake all to follow Christ.

Jude 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

Let us earnest contend for the faith which was delivered to the saints,
Unbelief is from the devil.
Let us be doers of the work and not hears only.
Let us hold fast to the faith God gave us
Be not deceived!

Choose Life

topcrain@sbcglobal.net (Sis Leslie) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:31:20 +0000

Bible Study Time, Sister Edith Tolbert, teacher

Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

Remember our creator in the days when we are young; we need to choose to serve God when we’re young. Before a person gets involved in worldly habits, drugs, pleasures of this life and deep sin.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Our whole duty in life is to hear God and keep his commandments. Obedience is vital to our making heaven our home. Obeying part way but having our own way sometimes will not get us to heaven.

Deuteronomy 30:15-20 See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship no other gods, and serve them; I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

God sets before us life and good, death and evil. Blessing or cursing. It all depends on whether we choose to obey God or not. Our creator commanded us to love God, walk in all his ways, and keep his commandments and we would have the blessing – But if we choose to be drawn away by others gods and not hear our creator, God, and only obey Him, we will be cursed.

1Samuel 15:1-3 Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

Samuel instructed Saul to kill all the Amalekites and destroy all that they had. “Don’t spare anything!”

1Samuel 15:9 But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but everything that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.

They spared the king and the best of the sheep and oxen and all that was good and would not utterly destroy them.

God was displeased with Saul for disobeying. It grieved Samuel and he cried to God all night. When Samuel went to meet Saul, Saul said “I have performed the commandment of the Lord”

Samuel; asked “What is this bleating of sheep in my ear?”

Saul blamed the people for spearing the best of the sheep to sacrifice to the Lord. In Samuel 15:20-21 Saul said again “I have obeyed the voice of the Lord but the people took the spoil.”

Saul was not honest. He didn’t do what God said and then he blamed the people for the wrong.

I Samuel 15:22-23. Part obedience is rebellion and stubbornness. God does not accept part obedience and part our way.

Pay attention to these definitions:

Rebellion - - Openly resists authority or opposes any control, To feel strong aversion to, Defiance to any control

Stubbornness –Refusing to yield, obey or comply Determined to have ones way, Obstinate, Hard to handle

Obey – To carry out an order, To be guided by, Willing to do what is ordered.

Witchcraft – Sorcery- Having supernatural power by a compact with evil spirits

Saul was rejected by god even though he finally admitted he sinned and went against the commandment of God. Even though he asked pardon from his sin, he was never pardoned. Saul was not honest. You have to be honest in order to be saved and love God with all your heart. God doesn’t accept partial repentance.

Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself. He would not drink wine or eat the King’s meat. Daniel was young in his teens, away from family, no church, no one to encourage him. Sin and ungodliness was all around. Yet he had made up his mind not to sin. God does not give two different experiences. Salvation is all the same. You are the one who chooses to make your mind up not to sin, and then God will keep you. You may be the only one in school who is serving God. Drugs, alcohol, sex, all ungodliness maybe all around, but you can stand for God if you purpose in your heart not to defile yourself.

When they made the law not to pray to anyone but the King – Daniel stood. He prayed three times in a day to God anyway. We need the same determination. No matter what we face we can stand with God’s help if we fully make our mind up to serve and obey God.

It can’t be our parents experience, or our teachers or someone else’s—We have to have a personal relationship with God, then we can stand and obey God. Just having religion will not help us live free from sine. We have to repent and forsake sin to choose life and obey God.

Hebrew 5:8-9 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Jesus learned obedience by the things he suffered. We may make mistakes, not do every thing just right but if our heart is determined to serve God We will learn obedience. Don’t give God up when we make a mistake. God will help us to do what is right.

Choose Life.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

rosstolbert@aol.com (Bro Ross) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:50:29 +0000

Tuesday Night, Bible Study 12/29/2009, Ross Tolbert

An old year has completed its course and we have just begun a new year. Many people will be setting goals for the new year and as Christians we too should consider spiritual goals. So what is your spiritual game plan for the New Year?

Our first goal should be to continue to live a sin free life. Consider Isaiah 1:18: Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 99.9% sin free doesn't cut it or Isaiah 1:18 would have to be re-written to say,"though your sins are as scarlet they will be light pink"

The population of the world today is made up of a lot of what one might call “almost” people, or fair-weather Christians. When life is going good and there are no temptations they are doing good, but when life is not so good and the temptations come, well, they “almost” make it. They do not stand up for God when they should. God wants us to be "altogether" for Christ not almost Christian. If you are not living a sin free life, as a true Christian should, God wants you to give all your heart to him so he can cleanse you of all your sin.

Things we can focus on to help us continue successful for God this year:

Psalms 119:1-16
Vs 10- Seek the lord on a regular basis-daily
Vs11 Treasure his truth in your heart
Vs 13 Openly tell others of him. Don't be ashamed of spreading the "Good News" of the gospel
Vs 14, 16 Rejoice in Gods workings
Vs 15-16 Give God your full respect.

Biblical examples of some who were successful for God:

Moses
Hebrews 11:27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Another person who stood alone in a foreign land against the odds.

Esther
Esther 4:14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Consider the following thoughts:

How many did it take to help the victim who got mugged on the Jericho Road? One
How many were chosen by God to confront Pharaoh? One
How many sheep got lost and became the object of concern to the shepherd? One
How many were needed to confront the adulterous David? One
How many prophets were called to stand before wicked King Ahab and predict a drought? One
How many did the Lord use to get the attention of the land of Palestine and prepare the way for Jesus? One

Continue to live successful for Christ, and you too can make a difference this year in your neighborhood, with your friends, and with your family.

Covetousness

becky.tolbert@dss.ca.gov (Becky) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:13:52 +0000

Meaning of Covetousness - Excessively desirous, expecially of something belonging to another; Greed
Covet - to desire that which is anothers.

Or you could say Covetous means "I want, I want, I want"

In todays society too many people are not happy with what they have or with what God has given. If we get this attitude then we will be unhappy with our lives and God won't be able to satisfy us.

Lets look at someone in the Bible who was covetous and see what happened to him. You can find this story in 1 Kings Chapter 21. There was a man named Ahab. This man was a king and he could have anything he wanted. Ahab had money, prestige, and power. No doubt he had a beautiful palace with all the nicest furniture. Ahab had the best of everything. One day he was out in his yard walking around, probably enjoying the palace grounds, and sniffing the flowers, when he noticed the fine vineyard across the fence.

This vineyard was owned by a man named Naboth who inherited it from his father. I am convinced Ahab had seen this vineyard many times and admired its beauty. Ahab the king, who needed nothing, started to covet this piece of land. Ahab went to Naboth and said, "Give me thy vineyard so that I may have it for a garden of herbs, or if it seems good to thee I will give you its worth in money." Naboth responded by saying, " The Lord forbade that I should give up the inheritance of my father." After Naboth could not be persuaded Ahab went home and pouted. He refused to eat, and did not want to speak to anyone. Ahab could not get the vineyard off his mind and this concerned his wife Jezebel.

Now Jezebel was a very wicked person and devised a plan to get Naboth's vineyard for her husband. She wrote letters in Ahab's name to the nobles and elders in the city, saying to proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people. Then two others were instructed to lie about Naboth, and say he blasphemed God and the king. After this, the people killed Naboth by stoning him outside the city. Ahab wasted no time going to posses the vineyard after hearing of Naboth's death.

1King 21:16. And it came to pass, when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, that Ahab rose up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.

But Ahab never had much of a chance to enjoy the vineyard. As he was walking up and down the rows, planning how he would change the vineyard into a garden of herbs, he came face to face with the prophet Elijah. God told Elijah all that had been done to Naboth and what he should say to Ahab.

1King 21:19. And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, Saying, Thus saith the Lord, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.

Elijah told Ahab, his family and wife would be destroyed, and exactly how it would happen. Ahab could no longer delighted in Naboth's vineyard. He tore his robes, dressed in sackcloth, and repented. Yet God did not change what would happen to Ahab and his family.

1King 21:29. Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? Because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days; but in his son's days will I bring the evil upon his house.

If God is not first in our lives we will become dissatisfied. A dissatisfied person will be unhappy and will covet. Coveting will also lead to other sins. Jesus while here on earth talked about covetousness in

Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness; for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

Covetousness can be good when we covet to be more like God.
1Corinthians 12:31. But covet earnestly the best gifts;.... or covet the gifts that God gives that will benifit His kingdom.

Our Mental Battle

topcrain@sbcglobal.net (Sis Leslie) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:11:19 +0000

Young People’s Bible Study, Sister Edith Tolbert

What do you think about?
We win or lose the battle in the mind first. It is important how we think and what we think about.

II Corinthians 10:3-6
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Our warfare is casting down imaginations. Imagination means the act or power of forming mental images of what is not actually present or has never been actually experienced, a creation of the mind, a foolish notion.

When we are in a trial the enemy will cause a lot of bad imaginations to come to our mind. Imaginations that will make it seem like we can’t make it or get through the trial. Cast all those imaginations down. With God we can make it, claim the good promises of God.

Our warfare is casting down every high thing that exalteth itself against God. Any thought that is against God’s work needs to be cast down.

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

If Jesus wouldn’t be thinking the kind of thought we are thinking, we need to cast them down. Worldly thoughts, filthy thoughts, ungodly music, lustful thoughts all need to be cast down. Replace the thoughts with an encouraging song or scripture.

The devil has access to your mind and can bring any unrighteous thought there is to you. When we see the thought is not what Jesus would want us to think, cast it down and replace it with something good.

Our warfare is to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. It is important what you think about.

Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:

Jesus was tempted in all points as we are. In Matthew 4:1-11, when he was tempted of the devil. The devil didn’t appear in a literal form. He brought thoughts to Jesus’ mind; just like the devil brings thoughts to our minds. Jesus cast down every thought and used a scripture to gain the victory. We can have victory, too, by relying on the Word of God.

The Bible tells us what to think on:
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and ifthere be any praise, think on these things.

No where in this scripture does it say to think on gossip, things that are not true, discouragement, evil thoughts, bitterness, anger, unforgiving thoughts, selfish thoughts, unkind thoughts, murmurings, and how to get even with someone. Our warfare is to cast down every thought to the obedience of Christ.

Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

This needs to be our prayer; that every word we way and all that we meditate on will be acceptable to God. If the thoughts isn’t, cast it down and replace it with something good. Make yourself think on what would please God.

I Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

The good times. The bad times. When everything is going wrong.
If we learn to give thinks in all things; it will help us to keep our minds stayed on Christ.

Are You Faithful?

topcrain@sbcglobal.net (Sis Leslie) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:33:26 +0000

October 6, 2009 Bible Study Time, Sister Edith Tolbert

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2

Faithful means loyal, reliable, dependable consistent, keeping faith

…be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Revelation 2:10

There are certain things in our lives that we need to be faithful in every day; if we are going to serve God successfully

The first thing is prayer. We need to start the day with personal prayer to God. We have many examples through the word on the importance of prayer

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up Psalms 5:3 .

Every morning God needs to hear our voice and we need to look up.

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. Psalms 55:17

Daniel prayed three times a day faithfully, that is why he “was thrown in the lions den”.Can God depend on hearing you every morning before you start your day:? Set your alarm if you don’t wake up early enough for prayer time before school. Make a determination you will spend time with God before your day starts.

Jesus is our example in all things. Jesus prayed often.

Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
Mark 6:46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

Luke 5:16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

Jesus withdrew himself from the disciples and crowd to be by himself to pray.

Luke 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

Jesus got up early to pray. He sometimes prayed all night by himself. He got alone during the day to pray. We need to make time to pray. We need to pour out our hearts to God. “Cast all our care on him.” We need to separate ourselves from the business of life and our daily schedule and pray; morning and evening and during the day sometimes.

The early church prayed. In Acts 12:5 when Peter was put in prison, prayer was made without ceasing unto God for him. God delivered Peter out of prison miraculously by an angel.

Paul; and Silas were going to the temple to pray. Acts 16:16-25. They healed a girl who was devil possessed with a witchcraft spirit. Her master got angry with Paul and Silas. He had them beaten and thrown in jail. At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing. God sent an earthquake and loosed them. The jailor got saved and his household. Paul and Silas were faithful to pray regardless of the circumstances. Because of praying and being committed to God, they were able to sing and praise God in the midst of the trial.

Do we always feel like praying? NO

Do we always feel like reading our Bible or having devotions? NO

Job was in a hard trial. His ten children had died in one day. He lost all he had. He was afflicted with boils all over his body. Job did not feel God was near him or heard him

In Job 23:8-12

Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on theright hand, that I cannot see him: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

Job couldn’t see God to the right or left, front or back; but he was determined to be faithful to God no matter how he felt. Job said when he has tried me I shall come forth as gold.

Our faith will be tried. Sometimes it seems our prayers bounce off the ceiling. If our heart is free from sin and we are living a holy life. God hears our prayer no matter how we feel.

Psa 34:15-19 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

The righteous cry and the Lord heareth and delivers out of all trouble.

Can the Lord count you faithful in your prayer life?

Determine to make time to pray every morning, evening and during the day.

Be consistent and dependable in your prayer life.

What does God Require?

topcrain@sbcglobal.net (Sis Leslie) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 06:56:12 +0000

September 29, 2009, Bible Study Time, Sister Edith Tolbert

And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, Deuteronomy 10:12

If a person is only religious and has never repented of their sins, they will not be able to do this. In order to fulfill what God requires, we have to repent of all our sins and forsake them and live a holy life.

Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

It is required of us to do what is right. When temptations come, we will choose either the right or the wrong. To do justly is to always choose the right. With God's help we can.

We need to love to forgive all wrong done to us. Be kind and compassionate with no grudges, bitterness, bad attitudes towards anyone. Is that always easy? No. But when the enemy comes with bad attitudes, get on your knees and pray and ask God to help you to love the person who has wronged you. Stay on your knees until you know God has helped you to forgive. Jesus on the cross, just before he died said "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34). He had no malice or get even spirit. He was extending mercy. With God's help we can, too.

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Ephesians 4:1-2

We are to walk worthy of the vocation. We are called to in all loowliness and meekness. We have to walk humbly with God.

Humble: not to think more highly than we out to think, dependence on,

Lowly: meek, modest, unpretentious

Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Arguing, strife, contention, devisionns is only caused by pride.

Proverbs 28:25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

I Peter 5:5-6 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Submit: yield to authority or power of another, surrender and obey

Subject: one who is under governing ower of another

To rebel is to say "we will not have this man reign over us" ( Luke 19:27). The end of the person that would not let Christ reign over him was killed.. Don't let seeds of rebellion come in your life. Be clothed with humilty. God only dwells with the humble.

In Daniel 4th chapter, King Nebuchadnezzer had a dream. None of his wise men were able to interpretate it. They called Daniel and God gave Daniel the interpretation. Then Daneil told the King to break off his sins by righteousness and his iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor. If it may lengthen his peace - but he did not do as Daniel said.

A year later he was walking in the palace and said "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house o fthe Kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? (Daniel 4:30). While he was speaking God spoke from heaven and told him his kingom is departed from him.

He was drivien out form men and his dwelling was with the beasts of the field. He ate grass like an ox, his hair grew like eagles feathers, and his nails like birds claws. For seven years he lived like this.

Then his reason returned unto him. In Daniel 4:37 he says: Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

In Daniel 5th chapter Nebuchadnezzer's son Belzhazzar knew all this (Daniel 5:20-22) but did not humble his heart. But lifted his heart against the Lord of heaven.

God caused a hand to write on the wall "And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians. Daniel 5:25-28 In the night King Belzhazzar was killed.

We need to pay atention to what happens when people allow pride to rule their lives. Pride always goes before destruction and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Matthew 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Be clothed with humilty.

Success

becky.tolbert@dss.ca.gov (Becky) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 04:40:10 +0000

September 15, 2009, Bible Study Time, Brother Ross Tolbert

Everyone can be successful in life but to be successful you must have a plan. And at the bottom of this plan a good Christian foundation of salvation. It is very unwise to leave God out of the planning of our lives. There is no doubt that the God-planned life is by all odds the best, most useful, and happiest life.

The wisest young person is the one who has sought out what God has for their life and with joy carries out his purpose. A good education is essential. We are living in a day of tough competition. Efficiency is demanded in every job. Every young person should complete high school and then go to college. A college education is important to acheive the success you want out of life but many get sidelined along the way. Lets look at some Biblical reasons young people get sidelined from thier educational goal.

Love of Pleasure: There are those who love to go shopping, biking, play computer games, or reading books when they should be working or studying.

Proverbs 21:17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

Evil Associations: Some hang around with the wrong people and this decision destroys their lives.

Proverbs 28:19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

Lazyness: Some are not willing to put in the hard work it takes to finish.

Proverbs 24:30 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;

Proverbs 24:31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

Ecclesiasties 10:18 By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.

Unjust Gain:

Proverbs 16:8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

James 5:4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.

Neglecting Your Debt and Responsibilities:

Psalms 37:21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

Biblical Charachteristics That Will Help Us Acheive Success in Life:

Be Honest:

Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Be Industrious:

Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Proverbs 10:5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

Ruth 2:17 So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.

Proverbs 6:6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

Work Hard:

Genesis 2:15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

To be happy you must work. The most miserable people in this world are those who do not work, and who live without aims or ambitions.

Once again to succeed in life God must always be first.

Godly Fear

topcrain@sbcglobal.net (Sis Leslie) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:22:45 +0000

Bible Study Time, Tuesday, September 8, 2009, Sister Edith Tolbert

God requires godly fear in serving him acceptably.

Deuteronomy 10:12
And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,

We need to fear God before we can walk in all his ways and love him with all our heart.

Hebrews 12:28
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

Definition - Godly fear: awe, reverence, attitude of deep respect; to bow, to have intense love and admiration

God fear will cause us to hate what God hates.

Proverbs 8:13
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

We are to hate all evil. The one mentioned is pride ( and over high opinion of oneself); haughtiness; (showing great pride in oneself and disdain or contempt for others); and arrogance ( full of pride, brag or boasting about oneself.) If we see pride in ourselves, we need to hate it and humble ourselves.
If we have no godly fear; we will refuse instruction.

Proverbs 15:31-33
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

When we refuse correction or instruction, the Bible says we despise our own soul. The fear of God is the instruction of wisdom.

What is our attitude toward reproof, correction or instruction?

The ear that heareth and accept reproof will be wise. Don’t refuse instruction. Be willing to be taught what ever God wants and then obey.

Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Take God to School!

rosstolbert@aol.com (Bro Ross) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 06:08:34 +0000

Tuesday, September 1, 2009, Bible Study Time, Brother Ross Tolbert

Recently many of you returned to school. Let me ask you a question. How many people at school know you are a Christian? Okay let me ask another question. When you are at school do you ever feel ashamed that you are a Christian? Consider what Paul is saying in this scripture:

Romans 1:16
1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Paul is encouraging Christians in the Roman church to share the “good news” of what Jesus has done for them. Usually when someone gets “good news” the first thing he or she wants to do is share it with someone else. But some young Christians are worried about being different or not being accepted. So they do things to hide their Christianity. Like not being careful about the way they talk or not bowing their head to pray before their lunch.

Sharing the "good news" about the gospel is not just putting a Bible under your arm and telling everyone you see "I am going to church".

Mathew 5:14-16
5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

These scriptures are Jesus words, and here Jesus draws a parallel between our testimony for him and a light, then he further commands us to let our light for him shine to others so he may be glorified. To let our light shine for Jesus does not always require us to witness to others. We let others know there is something different about us and that Jesus has changed our lives by the way we behave. It can be as simple as not telling or listening to dirty jokes, not arguing on the basketball court, or taking time out to help others study. Teachers will see your light for Jesus when you complete all your homework assignments on time and if you are a good example of respect in the class room.

If we let our light shine at school people might recognize there is something different and ask about it. This will give us an opportunity to talk about being a Christian. If someone asks you about Jesus do you think you could explain what it means to be a Christian? Take another look at Romans 1:16. The "good news" of Jesus has a power of its own, the power to save those who believe. This means that another person’s salvation doesn’t depend on how perfectly you might or might not explain the gospel.

Acts 1:8
1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Here Jesus tells his disciples first they will receive power and next they will be a witness. Judea was where the disciples lived, Samaria was the next nearest region, and “the ends of the earth” goes even further. So Jesus told his followers to start telling others about him right where they are. That’s why we’re talking about school. It’s where you spend a lot of your time right now. So as a follower of Jesus, you can be his witness in your “Judea.”

Jesus gave us another promise. The Holy Ghost or spirit is Gods personal gift of himself to each believer. If you’ve accepted Jesus as your savior, and also received sanctification, then you have God’s power with you all the time. God goes right to school with you and he’ll be there to give you strength and courage to stand up for him. In the Old Testament God gave his servant Joshua this promise:

Joshua 1:5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Remember when you let your light shine at school you’re not alone. Knowing God is with us there is no reason to be ashamed of the gospel. So let the Holy spirits power help you to stand up for Christ at your school!

JOY

topcrain@sbcglobal.net (Sis Leslie) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 06:14:08 +0000

Tuesday, August 25, 2009, Bible Study Time, Sister Edith Tolbert

Nehemiah 8:10b ... for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Unless our hearts says,"thy will be done' we will not have much joy. There has to be total submission to God's way. It is not enough for the mouth to say it, but the heart has to say it , not reluctantly.

Psalms 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Our attitude toward our trials and troubles is very important in keeping our joy. We need to be flexible and able to adjust (being pliable and not ridged) to situations that come our way. We will either submit ourselves to God in trials and keep our joy or not submit and be miserable. The "where one is' is not as important as 'what one is. “If there is murmuring, fretfulness, discouragement, doubt, unbelief, self-will, pride, or fear - it will rob you of joy and praise to God.

Life is what we make it. Your attitude is the secret of happiness, not circumstances. You control your attitude. Your feelings do not have to control your attitude. To refuse to meet the conditions of life as a joyful person is to invite unhappiness.

Deuteronomy 26:11 And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

When Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown in the dungeon. They didn’t feel sorry for themselves. They were singing and praising God at midnight. Because of their attitude through the hard trial; the jailor and his household were saved.

Jesus, when on the cross, never lost sight of his purpose in coming to this world - to save sinners.

I Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Psalms 30:5...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Griefs, trials and heartaches will cause us to weep, but they should never cause us to lose the joy of salvation, or all the good things God has done for us or cause us to lose our soul burden. We can always rejoice because our names are written down in heaven.

Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Prayer

becky.tolbert@dss.ca.gov (Becky) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 21:16:43 +0000

Tuesday Night, August 18, 2009, Lesson by Ross Tolbert

Prayer

Practicing prayer daily will help you make a habit of it. For example, try juggling for your first time and see if you drop any balls? Unless you practiced juggling in the past, you certainly will drop a few . Now, try tying your shoes blindfolded and you'll find, most anyone growing up, wearing tied shoes is successful. The difference is consistently practicing everyday. There are many different things we do everyday that are habit in our life like: read the paper, play Nintendo, brush your teeth, take a shower, but the most important thing we can ever do in our day is practice prayer.

Mathew 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Mathew 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

We could say about Mathew 17:20 Jesus spoke in a figurative language about prayer. In other words, Jesus was not necessarily saying people should literally command mountains to be removed but rather through prayer, Christians can accomplish great things. The choir sings a song which says "only God can move mountains, but prayer and faith can move God". There is great power in even a little faith when God is with us.

In today's business world the term "mover and shaker" is popular in referring to people who are effective at getting things done. Applying that same term here one could say "we need more movers and shakers for God". But before we can move God to move for us we need to have faith. How much faith did Jesus say we need, as a grain of mustard seed, or just a little.

What is Faith?

Faith is a belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. Consider the Apostle Paul's definition of faith:

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Faith does the impossible because it brings God to undertake for us, and nothing is impossible with God. Faith gives birth to prayer, and then grows stronger. The lack of faith is the root of all poor praying, feeble praying, little praying, and unanswered praying. Our prayers grow weak because we lose that undying belief in God’s promises. When was the last time you prayed for God to help you? When was the last time you prayed for a soul to be saved? When was the last time you spent more than five minutes crying out to God for him to answer your prayer?

Have our prayers become weak? Are we a person who can’t give God glory for anything in our life because we can’t have just a little bit of faith to ask him? Weak faith and subsequently a weak prayer life is the reason why many people don’t have a testimony for God in the services. A lack of practicing prayer and faith results in God doing nothing for them.

God wants to answer our prayers, but we must be praying for him to know our petitions. Think about Abraham when he went to prayer for Lot to be saved out of Sodom and Gomorra. Genesis 18:23-33

Do you think that this was the first time Abraham talked to God in prayer? I am convinced that God knew Abraham on a first name basis. What about Moses with the Israelite people? Every time the Israelites disobeyed God, what did Moses do? He fell on his face before God and started praying. What about Elijah on the mountain with the prophets of Baal? 1 Kings 18:37-38 I am convinced that God knew Elijah’s voice when he prayed.

What about Daniel? The bible says he prayed three times a day. You can find this story starting in Daniel 1

Daniel was an exiled Jew in Babylon. He was taken there as a boy. He belonged to a noble family and was exceptionally able and intelligent. Daniel was getting older lived through two kings and then came King Darius a Mede. King Darius divides the kingdom into one hundred and twenty provinces and he appoints a prince or ruler over each province. Over the princes he puts three presidents to see that these rulers do not do damage to the king. Over these three presidents the king places Daniel. Now Daniel is in his eighties about this time and he was second to the throne. All the princes and presidents below him got very jealous and wanted Daniel out of the way. They looked high and low to find a fault with Daniel and they couldn’t find anything wrong with him, except concerning the law of his God.

What a testimony! Even his worst enemies couldn’t find something wrong with him! A man's character is worth more than anything in this world even money. I would rather in my old age have such a character as that which Daniel’s enemies gave him, than have raised over my dead body a monument of gold reaching from the earth to the sky.

His enemies amongst themselves said "We will get him out of the way". And this is what they did Daniel 6:6.7

6:6 Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live forever.
6:7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.

Daniel could have stopped praying and hidden, but he was not a weak-backed or weak kneed Christian! Daniel had moral stamina and courage! He was not ashamed to be caught on his knees praying to the true God. Daniel was no more ready to compromise now than when he was a boy. So what did he do? Daniel 6:10-11

6:10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
6:11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.

The men were listening at his window and when they heard him pray they ran to the king and let him know what Daniel had done. The King was very sorrowful but he had to throw Daniel in the lions den, and God delivered him from the lions.

In closing, which comes first - the ability to lift a weight or the muscles to do it? I could say that I can’t lift weights because I don’t have enough muscles. I could also say that I don’t have muscles because I don’t lift weights. The truth is that the two build each other. As you lift weights, your muscles gain strength. As your muscles gain strength, you can lift more weights. Prayer and faith are the same way. Prayer builds faith and faith builds prayer. You keep practicing – working out – and they both grow.

Memory Verse James 5:16

Anger

becky.tolbert@dss.ca.gov (Becky) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 01:42:54 +0000

Tuesday, August 11, 2009, Bible Lesson Presentation, Ross Tolbert

The feeling of anger is not sin, anger is emotion, but understand that anger, can cause people to sin. When you are angry you have three choices:

Express it: Scream, hit, punch, this is what the world tells us to do with our anger, but expressing it doesn't work. When one gives into anger, he or she becomes angrier person. Each time a person gives into anger it becomes easier to give in again, and again. Anger cannot be satisfied by expressing it. Keep in mind expressing anger is where road rage and shaken baby syndrome come from. Expressing anger is giving over to carnality and will ruin your Christian testimony.

Repress it: Some people learn not to express anger because they know it's wrong. Internalizing anger instead of letting go can cause bitterness in the heart. Bitterness in the heart is just as wrong as carnal anger. More specifically, bottling up anger and keeping bitter attitudes is just as bad as screaming, hitting, and punching. Bitterness destroys a person from within. People that learn to repress anger are never happy. They are pressure cookers, time bombs, waiting to go off.

Release it: You have to release anger or it will get the best of you in the end. This is the only way to overcome carnal anger and bitterness. Learn to let it go and give it to God.

How do I release anger?

Pray and give it to God: If something happens that really makes you mad, leave the area and the person, then call out to God.
Works through forgiveness: If one remembers that God forgave him or her of much more than he or she will ever need to forgive someone else, it makes it easier to let anger go and replace it with forgiveness.

Some people have a bigger battle with anger than others. If you struggle with anger, recognize anger puts you in jeopardy of sinning. Many people have the idea giving into anger is okay. It is not okay to give in, giving into anger is wrong and will cause you to sin.

Scriptural References:

Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not:…
Eph 4:26 is not an excuse to give into anger. Adam Clark says this could have been translated: Be careful when you are angry that you do not sin.

Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Psa 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath:…
The bible does not make an excuse for anger – it condemns it. If you struggle with anger, recognize it as something that will lead you to sin and fight to get it out of your life.

Eccl 7:9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
Who wants to be called a fool?

Also:
Prov 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
We need to remember God doesn’t want us to let anger overcome us so much that we sin.

Col 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy filthy communication out of your mouth.
Anger will produce filthy communication; this filthy communication may be cussing, taking the lords name in vain, and also abusive language that comes out of your mouth when you are angry. How do we treat others when we are angry and what do we say? Does it glorify God?

How do I know when my anger is wrong?:

When you are out of control and temper is in control.
When you want to get even or punish someone.

Rom 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil (don’t get even). Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Rom 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Rom 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine (God's); I will repay, saith the Lord.

Don’t carry anger
Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Eph 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.

Paul was saying drop your anger, don't live with it and don’t carry it over to the next day. If you do you are giving a place in your heart to the devil.

Are You of the Chosen Generation?

topcrain@sbcglobal.net (Sis Leslie) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 04:52:59 +0000

Tuesday, August 4, 2009, Bible Study Time, Sister Edith Tolbert

1. A Chosen Generation
Before the foundation of the world God wanted a people that would love him with all their heart and be holy.

Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

John 5:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you,…

God is not willing that anyone should perish but that all should come to repentance. Gods sends the Holy Spirit to speak to everyone and convict them of their sins. He wants them to repent, forsake their ways, and thoughts, and serve God with all their heart. Then they are chosen of God.

2, A Royal Priesthood

Revelation 1:6
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

The Priests Duties:
1. To make sacrificial offerings to God and do the service of God
2. Watch over the fire on the alter that I does not burn out
3. Keep burning day and night the lamps on the golden candle stick with pure olive oil
4. Offer morning and evening sacrifices, keeping the incense burning on the golden altar.

We as spiritual priest need to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God. Incense is a type of prayer, continually ascending to God We need a personal prayer life, and keep the fire burning in our heart and not let it burn out or grow cold.

3. A Holy Nation

Exodus 19:5-6
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

At Moses’ time God wanted a holy people. It hasn’t changed today. God still wants a holy people.

1Peter 1:15-16
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

4. A Peculiar People
In Exodus 19:5, God said if we were obedient then we would be a peculiar treasure unto him

Peculiar – Private property of only one person, exclusive, separate, distinct from all others, belonging distinctively to one person; unusual, odd

Deuteronomy 14:2
For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.

We are God’s peculiar people if we love and obey him and walk in all his ways. We are to belong only to God and not another for we are bought with a price. We are separate from the world. We belong distinctively to only one person and that is God.
Thank God we can be God’s chosen generation, his royal priesthood, holy and his peculiar people in this world today.