This week's lesson is Self Control Amen!!!

The Paradox of Self-Control (Phil. 2:12, 13)

Synonyms for self-control include self-discipline, strength of mind, and willpower. This fruit of the Spirit extends far beyond simply restraining Christians from doing what's prohibited but includes enabling us to do what's good.

First John 2:15, 16 admonishes us to stay away from three lusts. What are they, and, more important, how would they be manifested in our lives if we aren't careful?

Philippians 4:8 lists what should be the focuses of the Christian life. What are they, and how can doing what Paul says here protect us from the dangers listed in 1 John 2:15, 16?

There are obviously dos and don'ts in the Christian life. There is a constant struggle with self, with the flesh, with the ways of the world. Paul shares this dilemma in Romans 7:15-18, when he talks about the struggle between what he knows he should do and what he's tempted to do. However, in Romans 8:1, he gives us the answer: "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit" (NKJV).

He's talking about walking in the Spirit. A life without the Spirit is incapable on its own of developing the fruit of the Spirit. Though we have the will, Paul speaks for all of us when he says that we don't have the power. The answer to the dilemma of Romans 7 is not when can we overcome but how. And the how is found through faith in Jesus. We give ourselves to Jesus, we claim His righteousness, we are no longer condemned, and we surrender ourselves to Him and choose to walk in the Spirit, choose to follow His will, claiming His promises of victory. The key is holding onto the promises; here's where the power comes from. We cannot do it alone. We have to make the conscious choice to overcome in His name. The struggle is as much vertical (reaching up in faith) as it is horizontal (battling the clamors of the flesh). We need to do

THURSDAY February 25

The Reward of the Meek

E. D. Hulse said, "Humility is a strange thing. The minute you think you've got it, you've lost it."

A small town wanted to recognize and reward its meekest citizen. A survey was taken of their small community, which eventually identified the person. In a ceremony attended by all the important people, the meekest citizen was presented with a ribbon on which were inscribed the words, "The Meekest Man in Town." However, the next day they had to take the ribbon away from him, because he was wearing it!

How do you understand the promises and rewards mentioned in the following texts?

Ps. 22:26

Ps. 25:9

Ps. 37:11

Ps. 147:6

Isa. 29:19

Matt. 5:5

These verses are comforting because there are times when the meek are taken advantage of. But we have learned in this study that a meek person isn't concerned with lifting himself up before men but rather lifting God up. As a result, God promises to exalt the one who is meek. The rewards can be experienced now and, most surely, in the new heaven and new earth of eternity.

These verses are comforting because there are times when the meek are taken advantage of. But we have learned in this study that a meek person isn't concerned with lifting himself up before men but rather lifting God up. As a result, God promises to exalt the one who is meek. The rewards can be experienced now and, most surely, in the new heaven and new earth of eternity.

*it takes meekness to read the last paragraph twice*

We are NOT “Deaf and Dumb”

With the recent news coverage on the Deaf couple, Mr and Mrs Philander
who were mistakenly thought to have won the lottery, various
newspapers referred to them as ‘Deaf and dumb or mute’. The Deaf
Federation of South Africa (DeafSA) wants to make use of this
opportunity to clarify this inaccurate and oppressive terminology when
referring to people who belong to the Deaf Community.

Think about the last time you used the word "Dumb". You used it to
describe someone as stupid, clumsy, or foolish, right? A century ago,
this term was commonly used. Nobody thought twice about its meaning.
This
word is outmoded now, and is both insulting and incorrect.

As Deaf people, we dislike these labels because they convey a negative
attitude. "Deaf and Dumb" does not connote pride or dignity. These
terms conjure a pitiful, pathetic, dull-witted image, with a hint of
subnormal
intelligence. "Deaf-mute" label suggests that a Deaf person is doomed
to a life of silence, without speech and without hope.

"Mute" refers to someone who cannot talk, that is, if you cannot
speak, you cannot think, or someone who is malfunctioning or missing
vocal cords, which is incorrect! "Mutism" is a medical or
psychological condition
- the inability or refusal to produce sounds. However, virtually all
Deaf persons are physically and psychologically normal in this area.
They have vocal cords and voices, just as the vast majority of hearing
people do. This also applies to Deaf people who prefer to communicate
exclusively in South African Sign Language. Their vocal cords are
perfectly functional. But, being Deaf, they cannot hear themselves
talk, and thus, cannot easily modulate their voices. Consider: If you
were born Deaf or became deaf as an infant and have never heard
yourself talk, it is extremely difficult to talk clearly, with correct
intonation. So, signing is the natural mode of communication for many
Deaf people which speaking can never be. A few Deaf people have good
clear articulation better than some hearing people but most don't. It
is a matter of personal preference which we feel most comfortable
with.

We are aware that this term is still used to describe someone who is
Deaf, but that doesn't say much for the discernment of those who
persist in using it. As for the correct term, simply say "Deaf
person". We have run
into the term “Deaf and Dumb” repeatedly, and we find them annoying,
imprecise and abusive.
Please note that the International Federation of the Hard of Hearing,
the World Federation of the Deaf and DeafSA have all agreed that the
terms “hearing-impaired" and “a person with a hearing loss” are also
no longer acceptable; and that "Deaf/Hard-of Hearing" should be used
in all references to people who are Deaf.

Yours sincerely
Bruno Druchen
NATIONAL DIRECTOR

We as Seventh-Day Adventist should be well advised on this issue.

Greetings **This week's Sabbath school lesson is meekness - **

TUESDAY February 23

The Importance of Meekness

"Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the Lord's anger" (Zeph. 2:3, NKJV). Meekness is the opposite of pride. There is much emphasis today on the importance of having self-esteem. When does self-esteem go over the edge and become pride?

Meekness is necessary for receiving God's Word. "Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21, NKJV). A person who does not have a humble spirit cannot receive God's Word because there is a conflict of interest. Why is this so?

Meekness is necessary for effective witnessing. "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Pet. 3:15, NKJV).

"Our influence upon others depends not so much upon what we say as upon what we are. Men may combat and defy our logic, they may resist our appeals; but a life of disinterested [unselfish] love is an argument they cannot gainsay. A consistent life, characterized by the meekness of Christ, is a power in the world."—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 142.

Meekness gives glory to God. First Peter 3:4 says, "even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

“It is right to love beauty and to desire it; but God desires us to love and seek first the highest beauty, that which is imperishable. No outward adorning can compare in value or loveliness with that ‘meek and quiet spirit,’ the ‘fine linen, white and clean’ (Revelation 19:14), which all the holy ones of earth will wear. This apparel will make them beautiful and beloved here, and will hereafter be their badge of admission to the palace of the King. His promise is, ‘They shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.' Revelation 3:4."—Ellen G. White,The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 523, 524.

How does putting emphasis on external beauty potentially conflict with the development of the fruit of the Spirit, particularly with the fruit of meekness? As the fruit of meekness grows in you, how should your life be different from what it was before? In the area of meekness, what changes have you seen in your life since you've accepted Christ? What attitudes might you be harboring that make it difficult for you to be meek?

Announcements

Greetings in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Our 1st General meeting will be on the 21st February 2010 at 10am in SC9. You are all invited and refreshments will be served.
• Our Opening function is on the 27th February in S1, the guest speaker is Pastor Lupondwana.
• The church is invited for the PENTEC opening function next Sabbath(20th Feb) at the ABC building, so there will be no church service in SC9 , but there will be the Wednesday and Friday prayers in SC9.
• The Sports Department has organised a picnic on the 28th of February at the Capetown gardens, and the contribution is only R25 for transport and refreshments.
• The Influence of Love will be having a concert on the 20th Feb at the Bellville civic at 2015hrs, the ticket is only R30. Please contact Leroy for more details at 0722164994.

Reminders: our Sabbath afternoon program starts at 3pm
Sabbath School lessons can be downloaded at http://www.ssnet.org/
Thank.. stay blessed

Quote:
"if God brings you to it, he will bring you through it"

who is the greatest?

Greetings in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ..

This week the Woman's Ministry department will be incharge of all church programs starting from Wednesday prayer to the closing of the Sabbath.
The theme is "Who is the geatest?"

All ladies are invited to a ladies night on the 13th February from 8pm,that is after Sabbath ,the vanue is not yet confirmed. The contribution is only R10 for drinks and snacks.


Quote:
"The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian."—Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p.470

It starts with me

Greetings in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ..

The theme for this week is "It starts with me"

We will be meeeting today at SC9 at 7pm for wednesday prayer, then friday for opening of the Sabbath at 7pm same vanue SC9.

Then on Sabbath morning from 8;30 til sunset , same vanue
8:30-9:30: Morning manna
9:30-10:30 Sabbath school
1100hrs: Divine Service
1500hrs: discussion, music and prayer

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welcome back

I greet you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ..
We have just created our blog, where we can share our thoughts and encourage each other in this journey that we are in.

today's verse
Matthew 6:33"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;and all these things shall be added unto you."