Some Talking Points to Help Study, Teach, & Live by the Word of God

By Patricia Gaskins

This book consists of a collection of talking points used to teach in Bible study sessions at a homeless shelter for women and children. The messages taught were a result of Gods response to diligent prayer for help and guidance on what to teach. Just as these messages ministered to many in the shelter, it is my hope that they will minister to all who value the worth of Gods Word and will take the time to study the Scriptures associated with each message.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 24, 2008
• ISBN: 9781465329752

Patricia Gaskins

Patricia Gaskins is a member (since 1990) of Ebenezer A.M.E Church in Ft. Washinton, MD, whose Pastors are Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning, Jr. and JoAnn Browning. As part of the laity (now professional) she served in several ministries in the church – Missionary Society, Homeless Shelter, and Helps. Ms. Gaskins attended Maple Springs Baptist Bible College and Seminary in Capital Heights, MD on a part time schedule and received an Associate of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies with honors (magna cum laude) in 2005. Ms. Gaskins was born and raised in Washington, D.C. and now resides in a Maryland suburb. She is currently retired from the Federal Government, divorced, and a mother of two, a daughter and a son (deceased).

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Copyright © 2008 by Patricia Gaskins.

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Contents

PURPOSE OF BOOK

FOREWORD

INTRODUCTION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

CHAPTER I

CHAPTER II

CHAPTER III

CHAPTER IV

BIBLIOGRAPHY

PURPOSE OF BOOK

The goal of Some Talking Points to Help Study, Teach, and Live by the Word of God is to reach as many people as possible whose spirits have been wounded or broken through the issues of life and who need help in seeking the Kingdom of God. Jesus instructs us in Matthew 6:33 to seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all His righteousness and all these things (food, clothing, and shelter) shall be added unto you. Everyone wants to live an abundant life and Jesus came so that we might have life and life more abundantly (John 10:10). Seeking the Kingdom of God is the main key to that life. This is a Kingdom building book to help develop disciples of Christ—people who strive to look like Christ and represent His light in this dark, evil world. Although a person may claim he or she is saved (awakened to the saving grace of God through Christ Jesus), he or she is then in dire need of being discipled. In other words, now that I am saved, I ask myself, what now? The answer is discipleship, or learning more about Jesus, in order to identify with Him. By being saved we are now joined with Jesus as heirs to the throne of God and we must learn to change our behavior to honor this great privilege.

Many can benefit from this book: there are the unsaved, people who have never been to church or read the Bible and know very little, if anything, about who God is, especially His saving grace. There are those who have limited or no access to a church to hear the preached Word of God or to participate in Bible study, but need help in seeking God on their own because of their circumstances. I’m talking about people in prisons, shelters, halfway houses, rehabilitation/recovery centers, etc., who have idle time that could be spent seeking God, and behold, finding out that He is their help. There are those who attend church on a regular basis who open their Bibles for the 30-40 minutes Scripture is read and the sermon is preached during the service, but never open their Bibles again until the next church service. Still, there are those who know the Lord as their personal Savior, but want and need help in growing in the faith through a disciplined study time in the Word of God.

People in all of these categories are beloved by God and belong to Him. However, so many of them are unaware of this. This book is purposed to be a tool or guide to help people know who God is in all His power and love for them and His desire for their restoration. The book consists of a variety of subjects under four main themes or categories—Salvation, Relationship with God, Holiness, and Discipleship—designed to put people on a continuous path of growth and strength in the Almighty and Everlasting God. The book will require active participation of the reader in that the Bible must be used along with it. What the messages or subjects provide are talking points on a particular issue along with supporting Scripture to clarify or reveal what God has already said on the matter. Much of the work (searching Scripture) has been done but some effort must be made by the reader to achieve the full benefit of God’s messages.

God wants His Word to go out to the whole world so that people will know who Jesus is in order to receive Jesus in their hearts and make Him Lord over their lives. Some of the crucial benefits that result from accepting Jesus as Savior are the forgiveness of sins, a restored relationship with God, the Father, and everlasting life with Him in Heaven. These benefits spill over into making this world a better one to live in because it will be filled with more people who respect and love one another.

Patricia K. Gaskins

(12/13/05)

FOREWORD

I am writing this foreword to let you know that this collection of Bible studies was not something my mother learned from the Bible alone. This book is a result of her daily, monthly, and yearly pursuit of the God of the Bible she serves and loves with her whole heart, mind and strength. I can remember the joy my mother had on her face when she received a word from God. It may have been a word of comfort or a word of conviction. My mother received it. After meditating and diligent study, she would take that word into the highways and byways to teach the Gospel every Tuesday at a local women’s shelter no matter what. It did not matter who showed up or if anybody would show up at all. Every time I asked her how the bible study went she would say it was a blessing. My mother would faithfully teach God’s word. It did not matter if it rained, or if there was sleet, snow, or hail outside my mother would press her way. Even after a long day at work, even when the devil himself would try to attack her physical body that did not discourage her.

My mom is truly a friend of God. Just as Moses spoke to God face to face; Abraham was called a friend of God; Jesus himself called his disciples friend, my mother is a disciple (indeed) of Christ. As a result of her friendship with God, I am a friend of God since 1990. My mother and I have not always agreed on most issues, but the one thing we do agree on which keeps us connected and grounded as a family is that Jesus is Lord!

It is my mother’s prayer as you meditate and study the lessons in this anointed book that you will come to know God as a friend who is the God of your salvation and Lord of Lords.

Peace,

Brother Donald Gaskins (her son)

INTRODUCTION

More than anything, these messages are meant to quicken in the reader a desire to read the Bible and allow the Words of God to minister to them on a one-to-one personal level. You will find that reading the Bible for yourself will heighten your senses and attune your hearing to God, allowing you to understand what God is saying to you. Use these messages as a guide to further search the Scriptures to get to know the character of God so that you may know the awesome love He has toward you. See the Scriptures as a personal conversation between God and you. Hear what He is saying to you.

Everything that we need to know to live a victorious life in this world has already been given to us in the Word of God contained in the Bible. He lets us know that He can supply all our needs according to His riches in glory which have been given to us in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:18). In other words, we must recognize that our first need is Him through the acceptance of His Son, Jesus, who was crucified, died (for our sins), buried, resurrected, and ascended into heaven (Luke 24:50-53) and lives and sits at the right hand of God with all power and authority in His hands (Rev. 1:17-18).

This living Word of God has the power to deliver you, confirm you, affirm you, love you, encourage you, convict you, and cleanse you. Whatever you stand in need of, God has it and provides it. God is too faithful to fail!

Each one of these messages has already been delivered (a few more than once) to residents at a homeless shelter for women and children who were ministered to through the Word. The Word was delivered in Bible study sessions by a ministry which I was a member and subsequently a coordinator. Many of these women in the shelter were already saved, many were not, many received salvation, and many received further enlightenment about their lives through the Word. I believe you could say that these messages have been tried, tested, and true.

These messages came about through prayer to God who is the only one who would know what to say to the women. God is the only one who could know which women would attend the Bible study sessions that were held by our homeless shelter ministry each week. This particular shelter housed residents on a temporary basis. Residents could stay up to six weeks with extensions to three months under certain circumstances. Attendance by residents to our Bible study sessions was optional. If only one person showed up, we went ahead with the Bible study and we never ceased to be amazed at how God had designed the study for that one person. There were also times when no residents showed up. We proceeded with the Bible study anyhow and found to our amazement that the Word that came forth was for one or more of us in the ministry. More than that, the Spirit and fragrance of the Lord were left in the shelter. While I joined the ministry in 1991, I led my first Bible study in 1993, alternating with other members of the ministry, and continued to 2005. Over this 12-year period, approximately 1,680 people have benefited from these messages from God. To God be the Glory.

Truly we saw the Glory of God throughout our service in this ministry for He was faithful in showing up with us each week we showed up. God honored our obedience as we gave honor to Him.

While these messages were originally meant for women with broken spirits living in a homeless shelter, they actually minister to anyone, male or female, who at various times in life’s journey experience brokenness in spirit. Everyone needs his or her spirit lifted up at some time or another.

This is a book that need not be read in the traditional way from front cover to back, but read as the Spirit of God leads you. Let the Spirit lead you to a study or topic that meets you where you are at any particular moment. God’s Word is so all-encompassing that whatever you may be going through is already addressed in His Word to provide what you need. So, open your Bible and get what you need.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First and foremost I must give thanks and praise to God for all His loving kindnesses extended toward me. I thank Him also for the chastisements, without which this project may not have gotten done.

Serving in the Homeless Shelter Ministry at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in

Ft. Washington, MD, empowered by the love of Christ and confidence in the Lord, was possible through the ministering I received from my Pastors, the Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning, and the Rev. Dr. Joann Browning who were open to the importance of outreach. I know I speak on behalf of the ministry in gratitude for their support. In addition, we received steadfast support and guidance from our Minister to Outreach, Reverend Evelyn Horne.

To my sisters in the ministry, I love you so much. Patty, Joyce, Geneva, Janice, Ruthenna, Monica, and many others throughout those 14 years, thank you for having my back.

To my son, Donald, thanks for being my sounding board. To my daughter, Thelma, thanks for being my saving grace.

To my friend, Paula, thanks for your editorial enthusiasm.

REFLECTIONS ON CHAPTER 1

I joined the Homeless Shelter Ministry at my church in the fall of 1991 and in early 1994 I was moved into a leadership