Here in week twenty of 2013, we will start with the first of the 37 Miracles of Jesus and make our way to the last asking and answering the question: what does this miracle mean? This week we start our teaching on Jesus’ miracles with a look at Jesus’ first miracle, which is only found in the Gospel of John. Please read John 21:1-11 and answer the following questions:

1. What does the word miracles mean in the Bible?
2. What do you think was the importance of miracles in the Bible?
3. What are some of other words used for miracles in the Bible?
4. How do we know that this was the first recorded miracle of Jesus?
5. While weddings today last anywhere from five minutes to two hours, how much longer did the weddings last in those days?
6. John 2:2 says Jesus and his disciples were at the wedding as invited guests but it does not say how many of Jesus’ disciples were there. How many of Jesus disciples do you think were with him in John 2:2? Please choose one answer below:

1. 4
2. 5
3. 6
4. 12

7. Why do you think running out of wine caused such a crisis that Mary announced to her son Jesus that they were out of wine?
8. When Mary said “They have no more wine,” who was the “they” she was talking about?
9. After Mary tells Jesus there is no more wine, He responds in John 1:4 by calling His mother “woman.” Which attitude do you think Jesus was displaying in His response?

1. Disrespect
2. Arrogance
3. Affection
4. Disgust

10. What do you think Jesus meant when He said to Mary that His hour had not come?
11. What do you think is the message in Mary’s command to the servants to do “whatever” Jesus told them to do?
12. The summary of the meaning of this miracle is found in John 2:10. How would you summarize the meaning of John 2:10 and the purpose of this miracle?
13. How do you think John 2:11 shows what Jesus’ disciples got out of this miracle?
14. What does John 2:12 say to you about this “family time” that Jesus spent with His immediate and extended families?

37 OF THE MIRACLES OF JESUS

Tonight May 8, 2013, we will look at the arrival of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus’ disciples gathered in one place. This was the beginning of the Christian Church and what a beginning it was!

Here in week nineteen of 2013, we look at the familiar story of the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the followers of Jesus. Please prayerfully and carefully read ACTS Chapter 2:14-41 and answer the following questions:

1. To whom was Peter preaching in Acts 2:14?
2. What did Peter mean in Acts 2:15 when he said the men were not drunk because “it’s only nine in the morning?”
3. Who was the prophet Joel that Peter was referring to in Acts 2:16?
4. Where in the Book of Joel do you find the Scripture that Peter is quoting?
5. What is the difference between what Peter says in Acts 2:17 and the actual quote from Joel?
6. What do you think God meant when He told Joel that He “will pour out my Spirit on all people?” Why was this message from God so important to the Pentecost experience in Acts 2?
7. One of the first Black women to preach in America in the 19th Century used this prophecy from Joel, which Peter quotes in Acts 2:17, as Biblical proof that women could preach. Who was this woman?
8. Why do you think she argued that this Scripture authorized her to preach?
9. Since all of what Joel prophesied in Acts 2:18 did not happen at Pentecost, when do you think they will happen?
10. Why do you think Peter called the Savior “Jesus of Nazareth” in Acts 2:22?
11. In Acts 2:22, what were some “miracles, wonders and signs” that God did among them through Jesus? Where do you find some of them in Scripture?
12. By the time he gets to Verse 23, Peter is really preaching! How would you explain what he was saying when he said Jesus was “handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge;” to a new Christian?
13. What do you think Verse 24 says about God’s purpose for us through Jesus and Jesus’ power over death?
14. Where in the Old Testament do you find the words of King David that Peter is quoting in Verse 25-28?
15. You probably have heard David called a King, a Psalmist, and a great leader, did you know he was also a prophet? Where do we find the proof that David was a prophet in Peter’s preaching in Verses 25-31?
16. In Verses 25-31 was Peter quoting King David as talking about himself, someone else or both? Who else was David talking about?
17. In Verses 27 and 31 the KJV uses the word hell, while NKJV uses Hades, and the NIV says grave. Do the words hell, Hades and grave mean the same thing? If not what are the differences?
18. In Verses 30-31, Peter interpreted the prophecy of David from Verse 27. How did Peter use David’s words to prove Jesus was the promised Messiah?
19. In Verses 32 and 36 Peter refers to the Savior as “this Jesus.” Why do you think Peter placed this special emphasis on “this Jesus?”
20. Verse 37 says Peter’s preaching cut the people “to the heart.” What does the phrase “cut to heart” mean? How did Peter’s sermon do such a thing?
21. In Verses 22-35 Peter gave at least four proofs that the Resurrection of Christ was real. Can you name at least two of the proofs that Jesus was raised from the dead and was their promised Messiah?

MATTHEW 5:1-10

On April 24, 2013, we will learn about how to help those among us and ourselves when facing grief and disease. We look specifically at Jesus’ teaching in what is called the Beatitudes which is found in “Sermon on the Mount.”

Here in week seventeen of 2013, in our study of Matthew 5:1-10, we will discuss how we can be the “ministry of presence” when our members and others are facing loss through death or illness. We will examine this looking through Jesus words in the second Beatitude on how to comfort those who mourn. Please answer these questions and view the presentation that we will make on the screens tonight.

1. Why are these first verses from Matthew Chapter 5, called the Beatitudes?
2. What do you do think Jesus meant in Matthew 5:4?
3. How would you define grief?
4. How would you define mourning?
5. How would you define bereavement?
6. Has anyone ever said something to you while you were in mourning or facing grieve that was inappropriate? What did they say?
7. What do you think they should have said that would have helped you?

On April 17, 2013, we will look at the beginning of the church as recorded in the Book of Acts Chapter 1.  Here we meet those who were among the first followers of Jesus. As Christians it is so important that we have a good understanding of what transpired between the resurrection of Jesus and Pentecost.

Here in week sixteen of 2013, in our study of Acts Chapter 1, we will encounter in, the words of Dr. Stuart Briscoe, the lightning and thunder that followed the resurrection of Jesus. We cannot have lightning without thunder and we cannot have the power of Jesus’ resurrection without the rumble of Pentecost! Please answer these questions to deal with what happened leading up to the arrival of the Holy Spirit.

1. Who wrote the Book of Acts and how do you know?

2. What is the purpose of the Book of Acts and what does the name mean?

3. What is the longer name of the Book of Acts?

4. Who was Theophilus and why do you think the Book of Acts was addressed to him?

5. Over what period of time did Jesus appear to His apostles before His ascension?

6. Why do you think in the four Gospels Jesus’ first twelve followers are called disciples but here in Acts 1 they are called apostles?

7. What is the difference between a disciple and an apostle?

8. What awesome truth does Jesus reveal in Acts 1:7 that Christians should be reminded of on a constant basis, today?

9. Since Acts Chapter 1:1-4 is a summary of the end of the Gospel of Luke, what are three important points for us to remember in these verses as Christians, today?

10. What do you think is the main action or actions that Jesus commanded His apostles to carry out in Acts1:4-8?

11. According to Acts 1, did anyone witness Jesus” ascension? If yes, who were they?

12. How far did the followers have to walk to get back to Jerusalem?

13. How many followers of Jesus were in the group of believers whom Peter addressed?

14. Which verse in Acts 1 shows that Jesus had more than one disciple named Judas?

15. Why do you think the disciples were in an upper room and not a first floor room?

16. Which Psalms was Peter quoting from in Acts 1:20 to show it was necessary to replace Judas Iscariot?

17. What are the differences in how Judas died in Acts 1 and Matthew Chapter 27?

18. What were the criteria established by Peter to elect someone to take Judas’ place?

19. Who was elected to fill the vacancy created by the death of Judas?

20. What method was used to elect Judas’ successor? Can you find an example in the Old Testament of this method?

21. Why did the eleven apostles have to become the Twelve Apostles through the election of one to fill the vacancy?

Nehemiah Action!
Monday, April 29, 2013
St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church
2005 Reynolds Ave., North Charleston, SC

Tonight, we will turn out over 1,500 people at our first annual public meeting to gain commitments from our public officials toward the use of best practices.

With our power of people, we will gain a commitment from the Superintendent to provide preschool education to ALL of our 4 year olds in Title I schools, to implement a research based literacy curriculum and to measure the progress of those children through third grade. We will also gain commitments from those involved in the juvenile justice system toward the use of a Risk Assessment Tool to reduce the number of juveniles being incarcerated.

However you feel called to do justice, whether it is God’s call or your innate sense of fairness and compassion, please join us!

AND, BRING THREE!

We have come together already in light of the tragedy in Newtown to urge our lawmakers to pass laws that prevent gun violence. Tested by our grief, inspired in our pursuit of justice, strengthened by our love for country and for God’s children, resolute in our faith- we remain committed to continuing this drumbeat.

Please send out far and wide word of our shared Interfaith Call-in to Prevent Gun Violence on FEBRUARY 4th, when a diversity of faiths will call our lawmakers and say: Enough pain. Enough despair. Enough injustice. We can and must transform our grief into action. WE NEED YOU TO MAKE THIS DAY A SUCCESS. 

Below is the NEW WEB ADDRESS we have created as a shared site for this event, and some suggested language for your newsletters, for Facebook and for Twitter. When the day comes, we will update the website to enable participants to speak directly with their members of Congress at the click of a button.

Faiths Calling – Interfaith Call-in to Prevent Gun Violence – February 4th
www.faithscalling.org #faithscalling
Use this blurb for email newsletters/etc:
Faiths Calling – Interfaith Call-in to Prevent Gun Violence
Ensure that the voice of faithful Americans rings throughout the halls of Congress. On February 4th, call your Senators and Representative and insist that they act to prevent gun violence. Tell them that it’s time to turn our shared grief into collective action. www.faithscalling.org

Try these for Facebook:
Ensure that the voice of faithful Americans rings throughout the halls of Congress. On February 4th, call your Senators and Representative and insist that they act to prevent gun violence. www.faithscalling.org
When you call your Senators and Representative on February 4th’s Interfaith Call-in Day, tell them gun violence prevention laws work and that you are a member of the faith community demanding action now. www.faithscalling.org

Try these for Twitter:
If not now, when? Save Feb 4th for Interfaith Call-In Day to #preventgunviolence #faithscalling www.faithscalling.org
Require universal #backgroundchecks for all gun purchases. On Feb 4, join me in telling Congress. #faithscalling www.faithscalling.org
The time is always right to do what is right – #MLK. Join me Feb 4 & call on Congress to #endgunviolence #faithscalling www.faithscalling.org

Here are some other #hashtags people are using:
#preventgunviolence #gunsafety #demandaplan #ifnotnowwhen

Trayvon Martin Rally – Charleston, SC

Rev. Nelson B. Rivers, III meeting with Rev. Franklin Graham and others at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte where they discussed his negative comments about President Obama’s faith and how we can get Graham to get involved in working for justice as an Evangelical leader.

On April 10, 2013, we will see what we can learn from the appearances of Jesus the Christ after His Resurrection. These appearances are much more than history lessons; indeed they teach the essential lesson of being Christians: Jesus Lives!

Here in week fifteen of 2013, we study Luke Chapter 24, John Chapters 20 & 21, and 1 Corinthians 15:5-8, we will understand what the Post Resurrection appearances of our Risen Savior meant then and what it means to us now!

1. In which verses of Luke Chapter 24 do you see the dramatic appearances of the Risen Christ to two of His disciples?
2. Where were these disciples going when they encountered the Risen Savior?
3. How far were they from Jerusalem when they had a close encounter with the Resurrected Savior?
4. Did they recognize Jesus when they first saw him? Why do you think they did or did not recognize the Risen Savior?
5. What do you think were the powerful lessons Jesus taught those disciples then and those of us who are His disciples now in this encounter?
6. Where in Luke 24 does the Word say that Jesus appeared to Peter alone?
7. Where in Luke 24 does the Risen Jesus appear to His eleven Disciples? Where were they when He appeared to them?
8. What did Jesus say to the Eleven that put their minds at ease and prove that He was crucified, died, and rose again?
9. What did the Risen Jesus do in Luke 24 that had to be done for the Disciples to go preach and teach the Gospel?
10. Where in Luke 24 does the Risen Jesus give the command for His Disciples to wait on Pentecost?
11. Jesus and His disciples were near which town when he ascended into heaven?
12. What was the final act of the Risen Christ just before His ascension?
13. In which verse of John 20 does the Risen Christ appear to some of His disciples?
14. Which Disciple was missing when Jesus showed up and where was he?
15. Why do you think Thomas was called the twin and “Doubting Thomas”?
16. What awesome truth did Thomas utter that is even more important to us today than it was to him then? What do his words mean to you now?
17. What miracle did the Risen Christ perform in John 21 and what does it mean to you?
18. How did Jesus restore Peter as Disciple, brother and leader in John Chapter 21?
19. How would you explain the meaning of John Chapter 21:20-23 to a new Christian?
20. How many appearances of the Risen Christ does Paul record in 1 Corinthians 15:5-8 and to whom did Jesus appear?
21. Since Judas was dead before the Resurrection, why do you think Paul called the Disciples to whom Jesus appeared “the Twelve” in 1 Corinthians 15:5?
22. There are at least 10 Post Resurrection appearances of Jesus recorded in the Gospels; can you name seven of them?

PLEASE READ ACTS CHAPTER 1 FOR APRIL 17, 2013

On April 3, 2013, we conclude our study on the Passion of the Christ with a look at Matthew Chapter 28. In this chapter we see our Savior’s Resurrection, appearances to His disciples, utter corruption of the Sanhedrin and Roman guards and the origin of the “Great Commission.”

Here in week fourteen of 2013, we study Matthew 28, and how Jesus went from preaching about the Gospel (the Good News) to becoming the Kerygma or Good News!

1. Who were the women who went to see Jesus on the Sunday morning of his resurrection?
2. Why do you think Jesus appeared to the women before he appeared to any of His 11 remaining disciples?
3. What miracles of God removed the stone from in front of the tomb?
4. What happened to the guards after the women got to the tomb?
5. Where was Galilee and, what did its name mean?
6. Why do you think Jesus told them to meet Him in Galilee?
7. Why did the Sanhedrin pay a bribe to the Roman soldiers who had been guarding the tomb?
8. How much money did the Sanhedrin pay the guards?
9. What do you think was so illogical about what the Roman guards would say about what happened to Jesus’ body?
10. Do you think new members must be baptized to become members of Charity Missionary Baptist Church?
11. How would you explain the “Great Commission” to a new church member?
12. Do you think there is a conflict between the Great Commission from Jesus and the “Greatest Commandment” from Jesus? Why or why not?

READ LUKE CHAPTER 24, JOHN CHAPTERS 20 & 21, AND 1 CORINTHIANS 15:5-8, TO PREPARE FOR OUR LESSON ON THE POST RESURRECTION APPEARANCES OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS THE CHRIST FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013.

On March 20, 2013, we continue with our teaching on The Passion of Christ and our study of Matthew Chapters 26-28. In these chapters we will learn more about the betrayal, trial, denial, conviction, suffering, crucifixion, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Come learn about the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus and how these last three chapters in Matthew contain the essence of the Good News!

Here in week twelve of 2013, we will study Matthew 27:32-66, which shows the agony of our Savior as He was crucified and then died for us! Please answer the following questions after reading the focus Scriptures.

1. What was the name of the man who was forced to carry the cross for Jesus and where was he from?
2. What were the names of the two sons of the man who carried Jesus’ cross?
3. Why do you think someone had to carry Jesus’ cross?
4. Why was the place where Jesus was crucified called, Golgotha?
5. What was in the mixture the soldiers offered Jesus to drink while he was on the cross and why do you think the soldiers offered this mixture to Jesus?
6. What do you think were the garments that Jesus was wearing when the soldiers divided them and cast lots for them?
7. What was meant by casting lots?
8. Which Old Testament Scripture was quoted in Matthew 27:35?
9. Why do think the soldiers “kept watch over” Jesus in Matthew 27:36?
10. Who wrote the sign “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS” that was placed above Jesus’ head on the cross and what did the sign mean?
11. Who were the two robbers crucified with Jesus and did they speak?
12. What were some of the mocking things said by those who passed by Jesus as he hung on the cross?
13. Who mocked Jesus as they passed by Him on the cross?
14. How long was Jesus on the cross?
15. During which time period did darkness come over the land?
16. What did Jesus cry out at the end of His crucifixion and what did it mean?
17. Are those same words of anguish from Jesus found in the Old Testament and if so, where are they found?
18. Since Jesus was speaking in his preferred Aramaic language, why do you think some in crowd did not understand him?
19. Matthew 27:44 says “even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him” and yet Luke 23:40-41 says one of these two criminals did not revile him. How would you harmonize (bring into agreement or get on one accord) these two seemingly conflicting accounts from the Gospels of the same scene?
20. What do you think were the meanings of the supernatural things that happened after Jesus cried aloud and gave up His spirit?
21. What were the names of the three women mentioned in Matthew 27:56 who watched Jesus die on the cross from “afar off”?
22. How do you feel about the role of women in ministering to Jesus even until the very end of his earthly life?
23. Name two important things you know about Joseph of Arimathea who went to Pilate to claim the dead body of Jesus?
24. Why was it so important that Joseph of Arimathea claim Jesus body for burial right after Jesus’ died and why do you think Joseph’s action was courageous?
25. What did the chief priests and Pharisees do after Jesus’ body was buried in the tomb to let you know they even feared Him in death?
26. Why do you think the sealing of the tomb of Jesus’ body is so important to Gospel stories and the powerful truth of the Resurrection of Jesus the Christ?

COME ENJOY THE HOLY WEEK REVIVAL NEXT WEEK, MARCH 25-27, AND THEN READ MATTHEW 28:1-20 FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2013.

“THE PASSION OF CHRIST!”

On March 13, 2013, we continue with our teaching on The Passion of Christ. Over the next four weeks we will study Matthew Chapters 26-28. In these chapters we will learn more about the betrayal, trial, denial, conviction, suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Come learn about the Passion of Jesus and how these last three chapters in Matthew contain the essence of the Good News for Christians.

Here in week eleven of 2013, we will study Matthew 27:31, which shows how Jesus was lonely, mocked, and brutalized by his own people and ultimately the Roman government. Please answer the following questions after reading the focus Scriptures.

1. Which day of the week is this final trial held for Jesus in Matthew 27:1? Why do you think the Sanhedrin held this additional trial for Jesus after they already convicted him the night before?

2. How would you summarize the final three charges against Jesus that the Sanhedrin hoped would lead to the death penalty for Jesus? (See Luke 23:2)

3. Was this final trial of Jesus a fair trial? Why or why not?

4. Who was Pontius (PON-chus) Pilate and what was his title? What were some of his powers?

5. Although Judas Iscariot has become a despised man among Christians, what kind of man do you think he was as a disciple of Jesus?

6. Since Matthew 27:3 says Judas was remorseful and returned the money to the chief priests and elders, do you think if he had waited and not committed suicide, would Jesus have forgiven him for his betrayal? What do you think is the difference, for Judas and us, between remorse and repentance?

7. How did Judas commit suicide? Where else in the New Testament do we find the story of Judas’ death at his own hands?

8. What did the chief priests do with the money that Judas returned to them? Why do you think they took this action with the money?

9. Matthew 27:9-10 says he is quoting Jeremiah, but is really quoting Zechariah. Where in Zechariah do you find the quote from Matthew 27:9-10? Why do you think Matthew said Jeremiah when he was really quoting Zechariah?

10. Of the three main charges against him, Jesus only responded to which single charge? What was that charge and how did Jesus plead?

11. What did Pilate say was the real reason the Jewish leaders had brought trumped up charges against Jesus?

12. Since he knew that Jesus was not guilty of a capital crime, Pilate gave the Jews another chance to let Jesus go with a choice. What was the choice?

13.  Who was Barabbas? What was his full name? What was he guilty of? What made the crowd so agitated against Jesus?

14. Have you ever seen or heard of the play Your Arms Too Short To Box With God? Which scene in Matthew 27:19-26 did the name of the play come from?

15.  How did the words of the Jewish mob condemn themselves and their children to be charged with the death of the Christ, even today? This has led to hatred among some Christians against all Jews. Do you think hatred of Jews is justified because of the crucifixion of Jesus? Why? Why not?

16. Even some Black Christians hate Jews because of the crucifixion of Jesus. Can one be a true Christian and hate Jews?

17. Although Pilate did not want to put Jesus to death, what did he eventually do to show his weakness as a leader?

18. What famous quote from Pilate has been used even today to show that someone has nothing to do with the wrong actions of an individual or group? Did this action really free Pilate from blame in causing the death of Jesus?

19.  Although the Jews are charged with killing Jesus, did they really execute Jesus? Who did execute Jesus?

20. What do you think was the meaning of the Roman soldiers taking off Jesus clothes and putting the scarlet robe on him?

21. How did the Roman soldiers mock Jesus? How else did they abuse him?

22. Why do you think these soldiers treated Jesus the way they did? Why did they put His own clothes back on Him before taking him to be crucified?

PLEASE READ MATTHEW 27:32-66 FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2013

“THE PASSION OF CHRIST!”

 On March 6, 2013, we continue with our teaching on The Passion of Christ. Over the next four weeks we will study Matthew Chapters 26-28. In these chapters we will learn more about the betrayal, trial, denial, conviction, suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.  Come learn about the Passion of Jesus and how these last three chapters in Matthew contain the essence of the Good News for Christians.

 Here in week ten of 2013, we will study Matthew 26:31-75, which shows Jesus in the garden and his betrayal, arrest, trial by the Romans and Jews and denial by his own disciples! Please answer the following questions after reading the focus Scriptures.

1. What do you think Jesus meant when told his disciples in Matthew 26:31 that they would all “be made to stumble because of Me this night”?

2. Which Old Testament Scriptures was Jesus quoting when he said, “for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’”?

3. What was the significance of Jesus’ declaration in Verse 32 that after he was raised he would “go before you to Galilee”?

4. Do you think Peter’s bold statement in Verse 33 that he would “never be made to stumble” was from confidence or arrogance?

5. Although Peter’s boast and cocky assurance of his willingness to even die with Jesus is often criticized and discussed, what did the other disciples say that showed they were no better than Peter?

6. Where was the Garden of Gethsemane? What did the name Gethsemane mean? How many of his disciples did Jesus take with him to the Garden of Gethsemane?

7. How many of his disciples did Jesus take with him to pray? Who were they? Why do you think these disciples were Jesus’ “inner circle”?

8. What did these disciples of the inner circle do when Jesus went away to pray? Which question did Jesus ask them that is the theme for the Thanksgiving Day Service at Charity?

9. Where do we find in these Scriptures the three prayers that Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane? What did Jesus say in those three prayers?

10. Do you think Jesus was talking about himself or the disciples when he said in Verse 41 “The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak.”

11. What was Jesus’ famous quote about drinking from the cup while he was in the Garden? What did he mean by this prayer of deep anguish and victory?

12. What was Judas’ sign to the mob when they came for Jesus that our Lord was the one they were seeking? Since Jesus was so well known among the people, why do you think Caiaphas and the chief priests and elders did not know what he looked like?

13. Which of Jesus’ disciples drew a sword and cut off the ear of Caiaphas’ servant? How do you know? Why do you think this disciple suddenly resorted to violence?

14. In which Verse do we see that all of Jesus’ disciples deserted him?

15. How do these verses show why Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. followed the teachings of Jesus in his non-violent campaign to to change America?

16. What was the Sanhedrin Council? Who sat on the council and what were its powers?

17. Which verse shows that Jesus was not the victim but rather the powerful victor in his trial?

18. How did Jesus’ two accusers misquote him before Caiaphas and the council?

19. Which Old Testament apocalyptic Book was Jesus quoting in Verse 64?

20. In which verses does Peter deny knowing Jesus three times?

21. What was the sign that proved to Peter that Jesus’s prediction of his denial had come true? How did Peter react to this sign?