Passion Week is the time from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday (Resurrection Sunday).

1. Why do we call it Passion Week?

Passion Week is named because of the passion Jesus had when he willingly went to the cross in order to pay for the sins of His people.

Introduction:

There is a lot of confusion about what happens to us after death. The Bible is clear that there are only two options for where you go when you die: Heaven or Hell. The Bible also makes it clear that you get to determine where you go when you die. It’s up to you!!!

(James 1:22-25) But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

How many of you have a good understanding of past history?

1. How is the impact of Slavery affecting your life now?

In some ways enslaved African American families very much resembled other families who lived in other times and places and under vastly different circumstances. Some husbands and wives loved each other; some did not get along.

Black History Month provides a valuable opportunity to explore the connection between the Bible and the rich history of Black Americans.

Black history was as much about the retelling of American history in a culturally informed way as about revisiting the past and present accomplishments of Black peoples throughout the US and the African diaspora.

Introduction

1. Why learn about black presence in the Bible?

Gives people a divine sense of Pride.

To inform white people how black contributed to God’s kingdom program in history.

What did Jesus mean when He said, “Take up your cross and follow Me”?

(Matthew 16:24) Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

How can I know if the desires of my heart are from God or my Flesh?

Decision-a conclusion or resolution reached after consideration.

Introduction:

Fasting is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, let’s begin by defining the Hebrew and Greek words:

fast =

Hebrew sum = “to cover the mouth”

Greek nesteuo = “abstain”

Both words deal with abstaining from food. Some people would insist that unless your fast consists of abstaining from food “God would not approve. a Biblical fast could involve abstaining from things other than just food

1. What is the Marketplace?

2. Why was so much of God’s activity accomplished in the marketplace?

Because that is where people lived throughout the week.

Introduction:

Not everyone will be married or have children. For those to whom God entrusts them, children are a special assignment as well as a reward from the Lord. Wise parents understand that God has a special purpose for each child He gives to them, and they should carefully watch to see where God is at work in their lives.

1. How many of you can admit that you need to return to God?

1. How many of you can admit that you need to return to God?

ON MISSION TO THE WORLD

When you respond to God’s invitation to a close love relationship with Him, He brings you into a special partnership with Himself. God has added you to a local body of believers. Together you are the body of Christ in your community. As the Head of your church, Christ Himself is guiding and working through your congregation to accomplish the will of the Father.

LIFE IN THE BODY

As we allow God to teach us how to effectively live as a body, we will see love and unity spring forth that you may not have experienced before. Effective body life begins when each individual is rightly related to God in an intimate love relationship. It continues as all members become rightly related to Jesus Christ as the Head of the church. Right relationships with God are far more important than buildings, budgets, programs, methods, church personnel, or size.

1. What is the Body of Christ?

The Body of Christ” is a metaphor for the Church (all those who are truly saved). The Church is called “one body in Christ” in (Romans 12:5), “one body” in (1 Corinthians 10:17), “the body of Christ” in (1 Corinthians 12:27) and (Ephesians 4:12), and “the body” in (Hebrews 13:3). The Church is also equated with “the body” of Christ in (Ephesians 5:23) and (Colossians 1:24).