Author: Instructor

Lenten Guide & Devotional 2016
Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
“Jesus Saves”
220 Auburn AV Atlanta, GA 30303
The Reverend John Foster, Ph.D.
Senior Pastor

Behold, Here is My Servant

January 2016
Dear Bethel AMEC Family:
Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
It is my pleasure to greet and wish you God’s blessings during this season of Lent - The Cost of Salvation: A Lenten Sojourn. Lent is a period of fasting, moderation, and self-denial. It is the way that we prepare for the most holy event in history – the crucifixion of Jesus the Christ.
Let us receive Christ by making a personal sacrifice through both prayer and fasting. I thank God that God is still King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
You are My friends, if you do what I command you.
Sincerely,
Rev. John Foster, Ph.D.
Senior Pastor

From Your Editor
Dear Beloved,
Welcome to Lent 2016! I hope and pray that this year will be one of renewed commitment and inspiration for you. I thank the contributors, who worked hard this year to put together a publication that would be meaningful and uplifting. The Holy Spirit was our Mentor, and we were indeed grateful.
As we sojourn together and visualize the unfathomable suffering of Christ Jesus, consider how you have been changed since accepting salvation. Or, think about how your life can be. “The Cost of Salvation: A Lenten Sojourn” is our theme this year, and it says it all. Jesus paid the cost; what does that mean for us? Why not use this Lenten Sojourn as a means to decide for yourself what and how you can attain a closer walk with Jesus?
Using the Guide
Daughters and Sons of Bethel share with us this year, focusing on two sub-themes: The first three full weeks contemplate Jesus’ suffering for us. The last three weeks offers a focus on our salvation and saved living. Take a moment to read the daily texts and accompanying thought for the day; then consider reading the complete narratives from which the texts are taken. Explore for a deeper understanding!
Ash Wednesday through Friday are special reflections to prepare us for the Sojourn. Except for 2/13 (your journal), Saturday entries will feature a summation of the previous week’s meditations. Sundays are a celebration moment, as noted in the Lenten explanation, and not included — we will join you at Worship! Monica

The Meaning of Lent
Lent ushers in the holiest of seasons on the Christian calendar and our spiritual prelude to Resurrection Day. It represents the 40-day period of penitence between Ash Wednesday and Holy Saturday. Sundays are considered celebration days and not counted in the Lenten calendar. Lent affords us the opportunity to recommit our lives to Christ.
The Fast
Fasting symbolizes our commitment and sacrifice before God; it fosters a natural cleansing of the body and spirit and aids in concerted prayer and supplication and an “emptying” of ourselves. Of course, we should take responsibility for medical and health concerns; not all of us can eliminate food, but all of us can eliminate some type of food that we favor. If not, then there is a hobby or habit that we could spend less time on and give that time to our faith walk.
There are biblical examples about fasting, and they may be found throughout Scripture (including the words of The Christ) and in various contexts. Begin by reading Jesus’ teaching to the disciples in Matthew 17:18-21; then, the words of Anna in Luke 6:36-37. You may also want to visit Esther 4:12-17.
( Except where noted, all scriptural text is from the NRSV)

February 10
The Reverend Richard Williams
A Better Relationship
Ash Wednesday is commemorated by a host of people around the world. This day is the beginning of the Lenten season. The day creates a space where we can say “no” to some things, “yes” to others. Ashes have been used for centuries to express remorse for having done wrong; it illustrates the power of self-reflection (see Jonah 3:6).
Prayer
Oh God, help me this day as I begin a journey of giving up some things that have held me down. Lord, I pray that you give me the strength to see myself. I pray that this time will be one that allows me to grow closer to you. I want to live my life pleasing unto you. I know that at times I may struggle to do what is right, but I ask God, that you give me the strength that was seen in Jonah, Peter, Joseph and Sara. God, grant me a space that I may see myself for who I really am. Lord, lead me on this journey of Lent that I will gain a deeper relationship with you! RW

Thursday - Friday February 11 & 12
The Reverend Cedrick Cotton

The Ultimate Sacrifice
John 15:13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Our Lord and Savior, The Christ was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for all humankind. He did this willingly and sacrificially. As the scripture reminds us, "Greater love no one has than to lay down their life for another."
To truly display our love, commitment, and allegiance to God during the season of Lent, we offer forty days of sacrifice. This is important in the life of the believer because it helps us associate with the suffering of our Lord. It is also a time of spiritual cleansing and rededication. We are able to show our association with Jesus by giving up something pleasurable or habitual. After forty days of sacrifice, we rise early Resurrection Sunday morning shouting the victory of salvation, provided by the rising of God's only begotten Son! Victory is ours!!!!!!
Prayers
Thursday: Lord, thank you for your sacrifice. Teach us to truly sacrifice ourselves in order to better serve you and live our lives as you have taught us. In your name we pray, Amen.
Friday: Here we go, Lord Jesus! Stay with me and empower me with your Holy Spirit as I take this step into growing closer to you. I commit my mind, body, and soul to you as my Guide in this Sojourn. Amen

Saturday February 13
A Lenten Journal
Name: __________________________________________
My Commitment or Sacrifice:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
My Notes and Reflections
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Read Psalm 51; reflect on the hymn, “Give Me a Clean Heart” (return to this page whenever you feel the need for encouragement).

Monday February 15
JESUS’ SUFFERING
(through mental anguish)
Thought for Today
Not my path but God’s path.
{Jesus suffers anguish) Luke 22:42, 44a “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” In his anguish he prayed more earnestly ...

Tuesday February 16
Thought for Today
The road ahead will come with distractions, but God will strengthen you.
(Jesus suffers loneliness) Matthew 14:12-13—His disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went and told Jesus. Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself.
Wednesday February 17
Thought for Today
A flat tire does not mean the car won’t run.
(Jesus suffers grief) John 11:35-37— Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” … When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”

Thursday February 18
Thought for Today
The closest friend can be the worst disappointment.
(Jesus suffers rejection & disavowal) Luke 22:61—The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.”
Friday February 19
Thought for Today
We should be big in faith and little in doubt.
(Jesus suffers frustration) Matthew 6:30—But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?
Scriptures to encourage:
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Ecclesiastes 9:11 “The race is not given to the swift nor the strong, but to the one who endures until the end.”
Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your needs according to God’s riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
The Reverend Ali Holness

Saturday February 20
Won’t He Do It?
Within the Christian community there is a well-known phrase, “Won’t He Do It!” This phrase is what we use when we are acknowledging the goodness of God in the face of an adversity that seems impossible to overcome, particularly when we are spiritually and mentally drained. It can be something as small as finding a close parking space at an NBA game or something as big as getting a promotion on your job when someone wants to see you fail. It is a reminder that the journey may feel lonely at times, but God is always with us. I tell our young people that they must stay connected to God as their guide because distractions are all around them. Friends may use peer pressure to get them off of their path. I uplift them by telling them that God is with us serving as our fueling station replenishing us on a daily basis with grace and mercy. We may have failures and we may have successes, but we must remember that nothing is too big or small for our limitless God. When you are going through, and no one will help you, and you are mentally and spiritually bankrupt, hold on. Jesus experienced loneliness; he grieved for his friends; he suffered deep anguish. Yet, he did not let go! Keep holding on! With God, all things are possible. Humankind may not be able to fix it or understand how you will make it through. Just remember when you seek the Lord, you will find the Lord and the Lord will keep you. AH

Monday February 22
JESUS’ SUFFERING
(through social & political rejection)
Thought for Today
Christ’s suffering included the humility of serving and offering himself to pay the price for our sin.
(Jesus suffers public scorn) Matthew 20:28—“Just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Tuesday February 23
Thought for Today
Being fully God and fully human, Jesus experienced the suffering and pain of the human condition. We can learn from him.
(Jesus suffers humiliation) Hebrews 5:8—Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.
Wednesday February 24
Thought for Today
Jesus spoke out against those who gave outward appearances of worship instead of a heart turned to God to affect social injustice.
(Jesus suffers disregard) Matthew 23:23—“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others.”

Thursday February 25
Thought for Today
Jesus had to stand alone when arrested and tried. But stand he did, for righteousness.
(Jesus suffers abandonment) John 18:12— So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him. Isaiah 53:8—By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested?
Friday February 26
Thought for Today
Despite that they were his closest friends, they betrayed him. When they should have been at his side, they hid their faces and scattered.
(Jesus suffers public betrayal) John 18:17— The woman said to Peter, “You are not also one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” Matt. 26:31—Then Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters because of me this night; for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’”
The Reverend Charmain Purvis

Saturday February 27
He Suffered a Cruel Society
Jesus the Christ sacrificed through serving with humility and compassion, taking our sin and the sins of the world. He willingly took on his assignment in obedience unto death. Jesus proclaimed the “Good News” to those who were disadvantaged, exploited and enslaved. He showed us the way to withstanding social pressures, unpopularity, and disappointment in order to serve the Lord.
In addition, Our Lord sacrificed comfort and popularity in his stand against unrighteousness, discrimination and hatred by government and religious leaders. He embraced the pain and suffering of others, while he risked being misunderstood and betrayed. He challenged a social climate of elitism, while he associated with the marginalized society, who were often invisible. Jesus chose the discomfort of going against those in power to exhibit the love of God. CP

Monday February 29
JESUS’ SUFFERING
(through physical brutality)
Thought for Today
In a garden he prayed alone; in a garden he accepted his horrible fate, for our sins to atone.
(Jesus suffers extreme stress) Luke 22:44—And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground.

Tuesday March 1
Thought for Today
He was wounded; he was scourged. For us, he suffered a cruel punishment. He was the Suffering Servant.
(Jesus suffer bodily brutality) Isaiah 53:5—But He was pierced through for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed.
Wednesday March 2
Thought for Today
Jesus was beaten beyond recognition, so that there would be no recognition of our sins.
(Jesus suffers unthinkable mutilation) Isaiah 52:14—"... Just as there were many who were appalled at him was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness."

Thursday March 3
Thought for Today
They Spat on Him
One of the nastiest things a person can do to another is to spit on him. Think of a time when someone spat on you! How did it feel? Yet, our Lord endured this, too.
(Jesus suffers being spat upon) Mark 15:19 (NLT) —And they struck him on the head with a reed stick, spit on him, and dropped to their knees in mock worship.
Friday March 4
Thought for Today
In the morning when I awaken I thank God for letting me wake up. I thank Him for breathing the breath of life into me and not taking it and me away, yet. I try not to think too much of the struggle that Jesus had to breathe as He hung on that cross fulfilling His mission of atonement for you and me…for humankind. I try not to envision the Savior unrecognizable and in excruciating pain after the torture…suffocating slowly.
(Jesus suffers suffocation and death) John 10:17-18—life … only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.
The Reverend Evvy Jones

Saturday March 5
The Cost
Isaiah foretold the coming of the Christ, the suffering servant, the fact that He would suffer because of His mission!
Isaiah 52:14 — Just as there were many who were appalled at him -was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness.
He was scourged, a mean process in which a short whip with small balls of lead tied near the ends of each thong is brought down with full force again and again across shoulders, back and legs. The continual application of injury to the skin in this manner finally results in “spurting arterial bleeding from vessels in the underlying muscles.” These are the stripes by which “we are healed!”
He paid the cost of our salvation; now, we must do our best to honor him by living saved lives. EJ

Monday March 7
Our Salvation
(from sin)
Thought for Today
We are forgiven, and so we must forgive.
Luke 6:37—“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
Tuesday March 8
Thought for Today
Who are we to be cold toward one another, when we ask the Lord to be loving toward us?
Ephesians 4:32—...and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.
Wednesday March 9
Thought for Today
He was innocent, but called guilty. He was a loving God, but called a filthy criminal. And yet, he forgave. In the face of devastating evil, he called on his Father to have mercy.
Luke 23:34a—“Father, forgive them …”

Thursday March 10
Thought for Today
Holding a grievance against someone else, is holding out on what Jesus expects of you.
Colossians 3:13—Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Friday March 11
Thought for Today
If anyone asks you who I am, just tell them, I
am redeemed!
Ephesians 1:7—In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.
I am redeemed, bought with a price;
Jesus has changed my whole life!
If anybody asks you, just who I am,
tell them, I am redeemed!
(Jesse Dixon}
The Reverend Raymond Mayes

Saturday March 12
The Act of Forgiveness
One of the greatest displays of love is shown through the act of forgiveness. Scriptures teache that God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son. God allowed Jesus’ blood to be shed for the forgiveness of our sins. During this this Lenten season, we should practice the act of love, and not be so willing to give people a piece of our mind. Also, we should not think of ourselves so perfectly, that we fail to see our transgressions against others. We are all sinners, saved by the blood of Jesus. Jesus loved us so much that He went to Calvary to redeem us from our sins!
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your forgiveness of those who killed you and for sending that same forgiveness into my life. Help me to forgive and to be a loving Christian, just as you would have me to be. Amen. RM

Monday March 14
Our Salvation
(from temptation)
Thought for Today
Give yourself to Jesus!
God’s mercy is magnified because of the crucifixion. The love of God sustains us; the grace of God protects us; the Spirit of God intercedes for us so that we can resist the wiles of the evil one.
Romans 6:12-13a—Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin.
Tuesday March 15
Thought for Today
The best is yet to come!
When Jesus died, our death sentence was commuted to LIFE eternal. The shackles are broken; the choice to be free is ours.
Romans 6:7-8 (NLT)—For when we died with Christ, we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him.

Wednesday March 16
Thought for Today
Because Jesus lives, you and I can face our tomorrows!
Romans 6:6 (NLT)—We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We resist temptation; we are no longer slaves to sin.
Thursday March 17
Thought for Today
Live so God can use you. We are bought with the price of Jesus’ blood. The benefits of that sacrifice are seen every day in our living, movement and understanding, that we are covered by God’s hand because of Jesus’ blood.
Romans 6:13b—Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.
Friday March 18
Thought for Today
God is good all the time!
Our diseases are healed, our strength is renewed, our sins are forgiven and God continues to supply our every need!
Psalm 103:2 (NKJV)—Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all God’s benefits.
The Reverend Joyce Young

Saturday March 19
There is a Fountain
“There is a fountain filled with blood, Drawn from Immanuel’s veins, And sinners plunged beneath that flood, Lose all their guilty stains!”
The death of Jesus affords us a “get out of jail free” card. Old things have passed away, the Christ makes all things new. The day Christ died signaled a new beginning for humanity. Jesus was the sacrificial lamb who was slain for us to have a chance, after the last chance again and again. We will wait on the Lord and be courageous for the strength yet to come.
The horror of the crucifixion was a set up for the breakthrough for generations to come. Our lives are changed and our steps are ordered by the sacrifice of the lamb. We are the beneficiaries of grace beyond measure all because of the love of God. JY

Monday HOLY WEEK / March 21
The Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD
OUR SALVATION
(from eternal damnation)
Thought for Today
When Jesus cried, “It is finished,” Grace said, “Now, my child, I can begin.”
John 19:30—When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Tuesday March 22
Thought for Today
Jesus paid the price for me; and because he stayed on the cross, I am set free!
John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God’s wrath.
Wednesday March 23
Thought for Today
I have the victory over sin, because Jesus claimed the
victory over death. No longer must I live in guilt or shame, because the Savior took all of it away!
Matthew 28:18—Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Isaiah 53:11a-b—After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied...

Maundy Thursday March 24
Commune Together; Wash Each Other’s Feet
Matthew 26:26-28
26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” 27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
John 13:2-5
2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
Prayer
On this day, when you prepared yourself for the most precious of all of your gifts to us, your death on the cross, Lord, we acknowledge our manifold sins. We acknowledge that despite what was to come, that you spent time to serve your disciples, to encourage and to teach them. May I keep this same spirit of service as I share with my brothers and sisters. Let me not forget that your suffering went beyond Calvary, and that I must, too, be willing to sacrifice throughout my sojourn with you. Let my words, thoughts, and deeds exemplify the servanthood and communion you showed your own as you washed their feet and shared in the Last Supper. Let my words, thoughts, and deeds exemplify your love. This I pray, and so it is.

GOOD FRIDAY
March 25
Thought for Today
Lord, you died for me, now I must live for you!

Holy Saturday March 26
John 20:11-16
Mary, Don’t You Weep
11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; 12 and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!”
She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher).

The Cost of Salvation
is a publication of the
Department of Christian Education Ministries
Big Bethel AMEC Atlanta, GA
All Rights Reserved, © Copyright, February 2016
404 827-9711 www.bigbethelame.org
ALL TEXT TAKEN FROM NRSV UNLESS NOTED
The Reverend John Foster, PhD, Senior Pastor
The Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD, Editor
Contributors
The Reverend Cedric Cotton (CC)
The Reverend Ali Holness (AH)
The Reverend Evvy Jones (EJ)
The Reverend Monica C. Jones (MJ)
The Reverend Raymond Mayes (RM)
The Reverend Charmain Purvis(CP)
The Reverend Richard Williams (RW)
The Reverend Joyce Young (JY)
Associate Editor—Dr. Rosa Baxter

Revelation 5:9b-10—“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God, saints from every tribe and language and people and nation; you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth.”
Prayer: Lord, Jesus, our Sacrificial Lamb, we bow our heads in sorrow, because of the pain you bore; we bow our heads in shame for not loving and serving you more. Though you forgave us, we find it hard to forgive
one another; though you loved us, we harden our hearts toward each other. We cry out to you this day, to say, “we are sorry, Lord! We raise our hearts in praise to you and await the joyous Resurrection morn!” MJ

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