A CALL TO UNITY

AIM FOR CHANGE

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

INVESTIGATE the divisions within the Corinthian community; IDENTIFY hurts that can be caused by divisions within a faith community; and EXPLORE methods of achieving unity within the body of Christ. 

FOCAL VERSES: 1 CORINTHIANS 1:10-17

KEEP IN MIND 

"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (1 Corinthians 1:10).

AT-A-GLANCE

1. Unity is Essential (1 Corinthians 1:10-11)

2. Let Jesus be the Focus (vv. 12-17)

IN FOCUS STORY

Tina dreaded going to the next meeting of the planning committee for the church's anniversary celebration. This was their first anniversary since the founding pastor retired and their new pastor was installed. At first it was fun, but slowly the meetings became more and more uncomfortable. The members were divided. Some of them wanted to maintain the anniversary traditions that the founding pastor started. Other believed that the installation of the new pastor created an opportunity for new traditions to be established. 

Planning began to take a back seat to arguing, and the meetings became more and more stressful. Hard feelings and frustration started to create tension that could be felt during worship services and Bible study. Tina wondered how anyone could see God's glory in all of this chaos. 

It is important that we encourage one another, not allowing disagreements to hinder our fellowship or to distract us from the work that we are called to do for Jesus. This lesson discusses the importance of unity in the body of Christ. 

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

Apostle Paul. A well-educated Jewish scholar and Roman citizen, as well as a skilled tent maker. This extensive knowledge allowed him to be able to identify with and talk to a wide range of people. Paul was a devout Jew who passionately sought to stop this new Jesus movement until he was converted on the road to Damascus. After that, Paul began to spread the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire. He developed small, close-knit Christians groups in different cities. These small groups were linked together to form a large movement. 

Corinth. Known for its beauty, diversity, and culture, Corinth was a favored port city during Paul's time. Located on the narrow isthmus that connected the Peloponnese to mainland Greece, it was a center for trade and an administration site for the Roman Empire. Corinth was also know for its relaxed morals and numerous pagan temples. Paul ministered in Corinth for eighteen months during his second missionary journey. During that time, he preached the Gospel and organized new coverts into small congregations that usually met in households. 

BACKGROUND

Our Keep in Mind verse, 1 Corinthians 1:10, plays a key role in Paul's letter to the Corinthians church. In order to really appreciate how important this verse is, we need to take a closer look at the structure of the letter. In ancient times, letters were the primary means of communication between people who were far away form each other. Like modern letters, ancient letters were usually addressed to a person, family, or small group and were intended to be read privately. 

Paul's letter, however, was written to a large group and intended to be read out loud. With that said, his letter needed to follow the same rhetorical guidelines that were used for public speeches. Speeches and letters are used to persuade and audiences on a particular point of view. In modern times, this style of persuasion is most often seen in courts and used by lawyers. 

One fundamental element in this style of writing is know in Latin as the propositio. The propositio serves as the foundation or thesis for Paul's entire letter. Every theme that Paul discusses in 1 Corthinians points back to this verse. Paul passionately appealed to the church to understand that power, prestige, and even spiritual gifts should never take precedence over unity. With this statement, Paul reminded that Corinthians that most valuable gifts they had were one another and the love that united them as one body in Jesus Christ. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. What are some of the others places in the book of 1 Corinthians where Paul discusses unity?

2. Who notified Paul that there was bickering going on in the church (1 Corinthians 1:11)?

3. Why does Paul say that contentions should not exist in the church (v. 13)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. Why is unity in the church important? How far should we go to maintain it?

2. How do unity and love work together?

3. What advice can you give to Tina and the committee in the In Focus story? Support your response with Bible references. 

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY 

In our society, we are inundated with messages that encourage prideful behavior. We are told that the only things that are important are what we think, what we want, and how we feel. Society would have us to believe that the relentless pursuit of these things will lead to happiness and fulfillment. But God instructs believers to choose a different path. What can you do as an Apostolic believer to set a different example for those you encounter in the workplace or community? How are your actions setting an example for unity and peace?

MAKE IT HAPPEN

Have you ever had a disagreement with another person that has gone unresolved? A simple difference of opinion can damage a relationship to a point that seems irreparable. Jesus gave us two essential commandments: love God completely and love each other (Matthew 22:37-39). Apply strategies from today's class to repair the breach you face. Let them prompt you to find new ways to overlook differences, work together, and appreciate, accept, and love others. 

(Except from Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Inc.)

HOPE FOR A NEW DAY

AIM FOR CHANGE

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

ACKNOWLEDGE the connection between God's promises to Israel fro rebuilding the Temple and the Israelites' obedience to Him; APPRECIATE the community's restoration of the Temple and God's restoration of the people; and ARTICULATE ways we can find strength to move forward in challenging times or with difficult tasks. 

FOCAL VERSES Haggai 2:23, Zechariah 4:1-3, 6-14.

KEEP IN MIND

"Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6). 

AT-A-GLANCE

1. God's Promise (Haggai 2:23)

2. God's Assurance (Zechariah 4:1-3, 6-7)

3. God's Sovereignty (vv. 8-14)

IN FOCUS STORY

Myla had just move to a new town. She had a great job and loved her new church, First Apostolic. Still, she was new to the church and hadn't made and friends yet. Every day as she drove to work, she passed the county jail. After a few weeks, she knew God wanted her to go to the jail to visit the inmates. This was way out of her comfort zone, but she wanted to obey God. Finally, she got up the courage to talk to the pastor. He directed her to the director of the church's prison ministry, who had her fill out the application to volunteer. 

The next week, she nervously arrived at the jail. In the car, she prayed for courage for her first visit with the female inmates. Bible in hand, she entered the building. She didn't really know the women who ministered there, so she introduced herself. The sister welcomed her and she soon found that they had been coming to the jail for months to conduct Bible study. As they ministered  together over the next couple of weeks, Myla not only made new friends, she discovered and unexpected joy in serving others. 

When we obey God, His Spirit strengthens us to do what He called us to do- even when the task seems overwhelming. In today's lesson, we will learn how God enables us and works on our behalf to help us accomplish what He wants us to do. 

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

Zechariah. A prophet (Zechariah 1:1) and a priest (Nehemiah 12:10-16) who was a contemporary of the prophet Haggai. Zechariah was born in Babylonian during the exilic period and was one of the estimated fifty thousand exiles who returned to Judah under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua in 538 B.C. During the long span of his ministry to God's people, Zechariah's main purpose was to encourage the people in their work to rebuild the temple and continually remind them of God's promise that He would take care of them and bless them if the would return to Him. 

BACKGROUND

Apparently, some of the Israelites chose not to leave Babylon at the end of the seventy-year exile. But "everyone whose heart God had moved-prepared to go up and build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem" (from Ezra 1:5, NIV). They returned with joy and purpose, bringing with them gifts of livestock, gold, and silver bestowed upon them by the people of Babylon. 

After settling themselves in their towns, the people came together to begin the joyful but daunting project of rebuilding the Temple that had been destroyed seventy years earlier. Their first step was to rebuild the altar so they could reestablish the offering of sacrifices as required of God's people (3:1-6). The people then began to give offering to pay for the materials and labor needed to build the Temple's foundation. 

Approximately two years after arriving back to Judah, God's people finally finished building the foundation of the Temple. The people sang and praised God, accompanied by the priest and Levites. They shouted and wept with joy, and the celebration was so loud it could be heard from far away (vv. 10-13). 

Unfortunately, Zerubbabel and his builders soon faced opposition from their enemies, mostly inhabitants of nearby Samaria. These enemies purposely set out to discourage God's people from rebuilding the Temple, even going so far as to hire people to work against them (4:4-5). Sadly, the rebuilding of the Temple was halted for seventeen years. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. The term "hosts" means "Heaven's armies." Why is it significant that God called Himself the "LORD of hosts" when speaking to both Haggai and Zechariah (Haggai 2:23; Zechariah 4:6, 9)? 

2. What did God promise to make of Zerubbabel (Haggai 2:23)?

3. What do the seven gold lamps represent? Why would this be important for Zechariah to know (Zechariah 4:2, 10)?

4. What did God declare will assure that Zerubbabel finishes the Temple (v. 6)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. How was the Israelites' obedience to build the Temple tied to their restoration to God?

2. Why does God mention the "small things"? What is the future of the "small things"?

3. What fears might Myla (In Focus Story) have had regarding going into prison? If God told her to go, then why did she doubt? How are we like Myla?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

In the nine years since Hurricane Katrina, many houses still have not been restored. in the four years since Haiti's devastation, shanties are still the only shelter some people have. Devastation hits our would each day and the only help will come from people helping. If God has laid it on your heart to help a nation or a family in need, have you followed through? Support can range from prayer, to funds, to helping hands. Yet we hold back. As an Apostolic people, we cannot afford to be reluctant in moving forward in Jesus' Name. Even if someone else steps up, the Apostolic family will have lost the opportunity to show God's might at work. What might hold us back - individually and as congregations? What Scriptures in this lesson should encourage us to move forward?

MAKE IT HAPPEN

God promised the people of Israel that he would restore them to their land, but He also instructed them to rebuild His Temple. He did not leave them to their own devices; He provided favor, materials, and His presence to enable them to obey what He asked. Yet they were lax in building the Temple. In what ways do we also shrink from fully obeying God? What promises in this text can you depend on for strength?

(Except from Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Inc.)

LIVE PURE LIVES

AIM FOR CHANGE

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

GRASP Haggai's message of encouragement to press forward in rebuilding the Temple; REALIZE that reneging on promises to God yields catastrophic results; and DEVELOP ways to commit to doing God's work. 

FOCAL VERSES Haggai 2:10-19

KEEP IN MIND

"Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the promegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this day will I bless you" (Haggai 2:19)

AT-A-GLANCE

1. The Lesson (Haggai 2:10-13)

2. The Indictment (vv. 14-17)

3. The Forward Press (vv. 18-19)

IN FOCUS STORY

The Church was finally complete and the first service was scheduled for the next day. As Deanna and Anita jumped rope in front of the new church, they laughed about what they had done. After helping clean the new building and prepare for the exuberant service, the girls made a mess in the kitchen and did not clean it up. They thought no one would notice, so they left the disaster they created. 

The girls were excited because they had been chosen to escort the pastor down the aisle for the service. However, their parents found out what they had done in the kitchen and refused to allow them to participate. At the service, the committee thanked the people who helped make the event successful, but omitted Deanna and Anita's names. The girls were very disappointed, and hoped helping clean the building would excuse what they had done. 

Sin always has consequences. Sometimes that punishment is not quickly obvious, but the punishment must run its course before blessing can begin. In today's lesson, we learn that God will bless His people when they recognize their sin, repent, and obey Him. 

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

Cyrus. The most celebrated of the Achaemenid (a name for the first Persian empire) leaders was Cyprus the Great, who ruled Persia from 559-530 B.C. Coming to the throne at about the age of forty, Cyprus ruled Persia for about three decades. He is remembered as an effective leader and innovative administrator of the vast Persian empire, a leader who for the most part succeeded in gaining the trust and goodwill of his subjects. Persia's dominance in the ancient Near East was secured when Cyprus's forces captured the Babylonian empire. Cyprus sought to encourage and befriend his subjects by granting them considerable religious freedom. 

Darius. Darius I Hystapes came to power in Persian in 522 B.C. after first disposing of the perceived imposter, Gaumata. He was 28 years old at the time. Darius settled into what would be a long effective reign (522-486 B.C.). In addition to his military exploits, Darius is remembered for his contributions to the organization for the empire, the development of roads and postal service within the empire, the organizational structure of the Persian military, the revision of legal and tax systems, the expansion of building infrastructure, and innovation with regard to coinage. 

BACKGROUND

Haggai's previous sermon had been given in the second year of King Darius, or 520 B.C. In the Jewish calender, the twenty-first day of the seventh month was the seventh day of the Feast of Tabernacles, when work was suspended to celebrate the time of the harvest (Haggai 2:1). The timing of that message was opportune because his audience had reason to be in Jerusalem and were available to gather. 

In addition to commemorating the experiences of the Israelites wandering the wilderness, the Feast of Tabernacles was also a time for celebrating God's provision through the harvest. But on this occasion, a dark cloud hung over what should have been joyous remembrance. A drought had reduced agricultural production to a fraction of what it should have been. Because of these recent crop failures, the people were probably less inclined to celebrate then they might have been in good times. 

Since the presentation of Haggai's first sermon, less then two months had passed. In that small amount of time, however, the people's outlook had changed significantly. Discouragement over the enormity of their task now threatened the success of the mission. Haggai's challenge was to address these issues and instill a vision of what the future held for the Temple structure and for the nation. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. Who told Haggai to ask the priests about the law (Haggai 2:11)?

2. Where did the blasting heat, mildew, and hail come from (v. 17)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. The Israelites understood that their current obedience did not wipe out their past sin and its punishments. That punishment had to run its course, but eventually God promised to bless the people with better harvests-even before they obeyed. What does this say about God's grace and expectations for His people? What does this say about the hardship we face?

2. What encouragement did God give Israel to help them press on? What encouragement does He give us?

3. In the In Focus Story, Deanna and Anita thought their disobedience would be overlooked. How might past disobedience in our lives play itself out in our current situations?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

Some people seem to participate in every program or service at church, but that doesn't mean that their motives are always pure. What might be the purposes of their involvement? Does their constant presence and work exemplify holy living? Many good deeds are done, but what constitutes doing good for the Name of the Lord? How can we help new saints, young people, and others learn the importance of motive and intent when serving God?

MAKE IT HAPPEN

Works, good deeds, or outstanding accomplishments will not save our souls, but our salvation causes us to work for the glory of our Lord. If you have the Holy Ghost, it is not because of your good works, but it should spur you to do excellent service for Jesus Christ. If you are not yet saved, you opportunity is here - now to ask God to fill you with His Spirit. 

(Except from Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Inc.)

TRUST GOD'S PROMISE

AIM FOR CHANGE

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

KNOW God's promise to the Isralites linked to His command to rebuild the Temple; TRUST that God pledges assistance and prosperity in response to obedience to Him; and IDENTIFY ways that God seeks our obedience and how we can demonstrate it. 

FOCAL VERSES  Haggai 1:12-15, 2:1-9

KEEP IN MIND

"The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts" (Haggai 2:9). 

AT-A-GLANCE

1. The Fear of the Lord Restored (Haggai 1:12)

2. The Former Glory Revisited (2:1-3)

3. The Promise Reaffirmed (vv. 4-5)

4. The New Prophecy Revealed (vv. 6-9)

IN FOCUS STORY

James grew up in the projects in Nashville. His school was tough and his neighborhood was tougher. Still, James became a high school all-American athlete. He was aggressively recruited by some of the top collegiate teams in the country. James always dreamed of going pro and believed that God wanted to use him to help his family and community. He promised God that if God made a way, he would come back and do what God wanted him to do. 

A few years later, James reached his goal. He applied to, and was accepted by, one of the top-ranked programs, and worked hard. He was drafted in his junior. He signed a multi-million-dollar deal, and guest appearances and endorsement soon followed. James started a foundation and asked his mother to manage the day-to-day operations. They built a community center that was the fulfillement of a dream and a promise to God to give Him glory by giving back to others. 

God blesses our obedience in many ways. In today's lesson, we will see how God proclaimed His promise of restored glory to the returning exiles as they obeyed His command to rebuild His Temple. 

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

Zerubbabel. The son of Shealtiel from the line of Judah; his name means "seed or offspring of Babylon." His Babylonian name was Sheshbazzar, and he was recognized as a prince while in captivity. He was believed to be a man of great influence in direct service to King Cyrus. He led the first wave of exiles from Babylonian captivity. Zerubbabel was given favor with the king to rebuild the second Temple and reestablish worship in Jerusalem.

 

Joshua. A common name among the Hebrews, he is distinguished as son of Jehozadak. The name means "Jehovah is his help" or "Jehovah the Savior." His father, who was also a priest, served while in exile, which means Joshua was probably born in exile. Appointed by King Cyrus in 535 B.C. after the captivity in Babylon, he and Zerubbabel led the first wave of exiles in returning to their homeland and rebuilding the Temple. 

BACKGROUND

In the previous lesson, we saw how the exiles were released from captivity and returned with great energy to rebuild their land and worship. However, a series of setbacks led them to stop rebuilding God's Temple. Through Haggai, God rebuked them for leaving the rebuilding of the Temple unfinished when faced with opposition. The Lord called on them to "consider their ways" (Haggai 1:5, 7) and realize the results of their irreverence when His commands were selfishly ignored-economic downtown, lost wages, and unfruitfulness (vv. 7-11). God called the political and spiritual leaders to direct the people away from their folly. With God on their side and the favor King Cyrus had given Zerubbabel and Joshua for rebuilding the Temple, they had no excuse (v. 1). 

The Temple was symbolic of God's presence and power; it was their place of worship. Leaving the Temple undone was not an option. God extended mercy by sending His prophet to show the people their sin and to help them return to God. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. What did the people do in response to Haggai's message (Haggai 1:12)?

2. What did Haggai ask the elders to compare (Haggai 2:3)?

3. How did Haggai encourage the people and the leaders (vv. 4-5)?

4. What did God promise would happen to the nations (vv. 6-7)?

5. What blessing did God promise (vv. 8-9)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING 

1. Why was it necessary to encourage the leaders and the people? How often do we encourage our leaders? What can you do to encourage your pastor? 

2.What is the impact of corporate obedience on communities?

3. What does it mean to rest on the promises of God? How can we do that today?

4. James, in the In Focus Story, completed a project that blessed the community. What obstacles do you think were in his way? What encouragement do you think God gave him? What made James follow through after he "made it big"?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

As saints of God, we can take a leadership role in helping our nation turn back to God- one neighborhood at a time. When opportunities arise, we can seek the guidance of the Lord to live, act, and reflect His love. Is He guiding you to help in the community? To reach out to a family in need? To give your resources and talent to make a difference in a way you've never tried before? Take the time to pray and then proceed trusting the Lord for success. 

MAKE IT HAPPEN

1. This week, take advantage of daily opportunities to consciously obey God and reflect His character. Pray about particular situation He places on your heart. Find Scripture(s) that help you understand God's desires and promises. Write in a journal what the Lord speaks to you and record answered prayer. 

2. We were created to bring God glory. If you have been baptized in Jesus' Name and filled with the Holy Ghost, ask God to forgive your daily missteps and wanderings. Ask Him to let you appreciate His power so that you can glorify His Name in all you do. If you have not made Jesus your choice, today is the day that you can be saved. Be baptized in His Name and seek the Holy Ghost. He has promised to give you what you need to follow Him. Trust that He will. 

(Except from Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Inc.)

OBEY THE LORD

AIM FOR CHANGE

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

EXPLAIN why God commanded Haggai to tell the Israelites to rebuild the Temple, INTERNALIZE the connection between the neglect of God's house and the poor results of the Israelites' selfish efforts; and LIST ways to carry out God's desires before attempts to satisfy our personal agendas. 

FOCAL VERSES HAGGAI 1:1-11

KEEP IN MIND 

"Then came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying, Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie waste?"  (Haggai 1:3-4). 

AT-A-GLANCE

1. Call to Rebuild (Haggai 1:1-2)

2. Call to Reflect (vv. 3-9)

3. Call to Reap (vv. 10-11)

IN FOCUS STORY

Brain and Carmen were third generation Apostolic. They had been members of their home church since they were children, but over time things started to change. They noticed that the church was not an active part of the community anymore, and grew especially concerned about the church's lack of commitment to social justice. The pastor admitted he lacked the support of the congregation for giving care to a changing community. As the members grew more successful in their personal lives, they began to focus more on their own prosperity rather than helping others. 

Brain and Carmen were discouraged because it was not the church they had know growing up. They began visiting other churches and prayed about whether they should move their membership. Ultimately, they agreed not to move until they received clear direction from the Lord. 

There is nothing wrong with personal pursuits of success. When they interfere with following through with God's assignments, however, we ought not to be surprised if he corrects or disciplines us. In today's lesson, the prophet Haggai was sent to call the returning remnant back to God's business. 

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

Prophet. As God's messenger, a prophet's responsibility was to represent, declare, and announce God's will to the people. A prophet was not primarily a "fore" teller but a "forth" teller. The prophets spoke about social, cultural, and political situations and gave moral and spiritual guidance to God's people. In particular, the prophets carried oracles from God directed at Israel, Judah, and surrounding foreign nations. The purpose of such oracles was to reiterate God's promises to their ancestors, give assurance of His presence, correct the people by expressing His displeasure, or give warning before judgement for wrongdoing. Interwoven in Israel's prophetic message before, during, and after the exile were foreshadows of the coming Messiah. 

Temple. Building erected and sanctified for the worship of God. King Solomon completed the first structure in the 11th year of his reign in 949 B.C., which mirrored the composition of the tabernacle-containing the outer court, inner court and most holy place. The Temple has great significance in Jewish history, as it housed the Ark of the Covenant, which represented the presence of God. The Levites (descendants of Levi) were designated caretakers of the Temple, and only the high priest was allowed to enter into the most holy place once a year, as he represented God to the people and the people before God. The Babylonians destroyed the first Temple in 586 B.C. when the southern kingdom was led into captivity (2 Kings 25:9). 

BACKGROUND

After seventy years in captivity in Babylon, the Israelites were allowed to return to their native land. King Cyrus of Persia defeated the Babylonians in 538/9 B.C., and he then decreed that the exiled people could return to their land, reestablish worship of their God, and rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1:1-8; cf. Isaiah 44:28). The first order of business was to record an account of the first wave of people returning from captivity. Their first goal was building an altar on the Temple site and the re-institution of the sacrificial system (Ezra 2-3). In 535 B.C., plans were underway to rebuild the Temple as the foundation was laid, but work stopped in 520 B.C. due to political and economic struggles with neighboring nations who were "adversaries of Judah and Benjamin" (Ezra 4:1). Sixteen years passed. It wasn't until the second year of King Darius' reign that the release was given to resume work in 520/1 B.C. God called both Haggai and Zechariah to usher in revival by imploring His people to honor Him by finishing what they started. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. What were the people doing that displeased God (Haggai 1:3)?

2. What did God direct the people to do in order to please Him

 (v. 8)?

3. How did God show His displeasure with the priorities of the people (vv. 6, 9-11)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. Why do you think God specifically called out Zerubbabel and Joshua? How can saints hold our political  and spiritual leaders respectfully accountable? Should we?

2. What does it mean for us to "consider our ways"? Should our socioeconomic conditions influence our response to that command?

3. Re-read verse 6. Why didn't these results lead the people to "consider their ways"? Are there examples of this lack of success in our lives and churches today?

4. In the In Focus Story, Brain and Carmen have noticed a difference in their church that has taken the focus away form doing the work of the Lord. What advice would you give them? Is their issue unique or is it a trend in Apostolic churches today?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

It is easy for us to get caught up in our own world and not consider what is happening around us. Our love for God and others demonstrates ways in which we may honor God in our daily lives. In fact, Jesus stated that all the commandments and prophetic passage of the Old Testament hang on those two concepts-loving God and loving our neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). God's heard for justice and righteousness has not changed. In what ways are you personally and the Apostolic church collectively reaching our to families in your community-and across the world-who can use your support? How important is it to go beyond the walls to do the work that is pleasing to God?

MAKE IT HAPPEN

This week, take to heart Haggai's message to "consider your ways." Consider the purity of your motives; is God truly the head of your life and at the center of it all? Do you hold the things of God in high esteem or have you started to give more attention to your personal comfort and agenda? Allow the Holy Ghost to show you the areas where your commitment to God need improvement-those things you know the Lord has tugged on your heart to start or complete. Seek to promptly obey the Lord when He gives you instructions to move, not so you can receive but so His glory and blessings can be shown to others. 

(Except for the Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Inc.)