Chapter 1 - We are blessed by our salvation in Christ
Chapter 2 - We were dead in sin but have been made alive in Christ
Chapter 3- Paul prays for believers to have the Spirit’s power to understand Christ’s love and God’s fullness
Chapter 4 -We can put off the old life of sin and out on our new life in Christ—
new ways can replace old behaviours
CHAPTER 5 is all about God’s new society. It’s called the Church. God makes us a new creation in Christ whatever our backgrounds (Jews and non- Jews ) and brings us into His Church.
Paul talks about our walk in humility, unity and purity and now our walk in charity.
According to Paul, a life worthy of the Gospel that unites both Jews and Gentiles
is a life marked by love, light ,and wisdom.
These are three nonnegotiable identifiers of God’s new family and people.
READ CHAPTER 5 :1-20. Note some observations about how we are to walk worthy
Verses 1-7: Walk in love
All the descriptions of our Christian walk -like humility, unity, purity -
can be summed up in verse 1. Walk like Jesus.
Let Jesus be the model just like a son would imitate what his father does.
Verses 3 -4 :What are some sins that would stop the flow of love ?
Fornication , covetousness ,foolish talking .
Can you imagine anything less like Jesus ?
These are out of place for any Christian in God’s kingdom
>>If you have something to say, let it be good, pleasant and edifying , full of thankfulness.
The love this new, united community demonstrates is not sexually immoral, perverse, or greedy—
and it’s grateful instead of vulgar
Verses 8-14 : Walk as children of light
Light represents God’s way and darkness represents the evil way . Our responsibility is to shine Jesus’ light
How do we live and walk as children of light ?
Children of light will :
-Bear fruit which is the result of the light. :
Three supreme characteristics evident are goodness, righteousness and truth ( Verse 9 )
-Discover what pleases the Lord. Before becoming a Christian you did what was unacceptable to God (Verse 10)
-Have nothing to do with darkness .
Light exposes the bad by showing how much richer and more fruitful and better the new life in Christ is.
Light pushes back darkness forever ( Verses 11-13 )
We should not feel ashamed of anything in our lives because ‘NOW YOU ARE LIGHT IN THE LORD “ (Verse 8 )
Verses 15-21 Walk in wisdom
Living in love and light in a world of sex, greed, and darkness requires wisdom.
”Look both ways before you cross the street or watch where you are going,’….carry this idea of walking wisely.
How do you think you can ’redeem the time’ ?
By making the most of the opportunities and filling your mind with instructions from God’s Word.
It means getting priorities right as you discover the will of God disclosed in the Word of God
The way to live a full, rich, fruitful life is for God’s Spirit to be continually filling us.
He will inspire you to rejoice and be thankful for the way God is ordering your new life in Christ Jesus
Ultimately, love, light, and wisdom will lead us to humbly submit to one another in the power of the Holy Spirit
Wrap up:
How can you walk in love ? Think about lifting up someone rather than tearing them down for example
How can you radiate the eternal light of God Himself in a challenging season in your life ?
Think about how you can walk in wisdom by seizing opportunities to bring glory to God ?
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THURSDAY 5TH FEBRUARY 2026
THURSDAY 29TH JANUARY 2026
Below is a complete, ready-to-use group Bible study on Heaven, crafted for a retired group that wants to look forward with peace, joy, and anticipation. It blends Scripture, gentle theological grounding, group-friendly questions, and carefully framed insights from near‑death experiences (NDEs) without treating them as doctrine—only as testimonies that echo biblical hope.
Group Bible Study: Heaven — Our Future Without Fear
1. Opening Purpose
This study invites the group to explore Heaven not as an abstract doctrine but as a real, promised home—a place of restoration, reunion, purpose, and the fullness of God’s presence. The tone is gentle, hopeful, and designed to ease fears about death by focusing on what Scripture emphasizes: life, not loss.
2. Opening Reflection
Prompt for the group: “What emotions come up when you think about Heaven—curiosity, fear, hope, uncertainty, longing? What shaped those feelings?”
This gives everyone permission to be honest and sets a pastoral tone.
3. What Scripture Actually Says About Heaven
A. Heaven Is a Place of God’s Nearness
Revelation 21:3–4 God dwells with His people. No more death, mourning, crying, or pain.
Group question: “What part of this promise feels most comforting to you today?”
Key insight: Heaven is not floating spirits—it is embodied life, healed and whole.
Group question: “What does it mean to you that your future body will be strong and whole?”
C. Heaven Is a Place of Belonging and Recognition
Matthew 17:1–4 The disciples recognize Moses and Elijah—identity continues.
1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 We will be “with the Lord forever” together.
Group question: “How does the promise of reunion shape your hope?”
D. Heaven Is a Place of Purpose and Joy
Revelation 22:3–5 We serve God, reign with Him, and see His face.
Heaven is not passive; it is meaningful, joyful participation in God’s life.
Group question: “What kinds of purpose or joy do you imagine God might restore to you?”
4. What People Who Have Died and Returned Often Describe
These accounts are not Scripture, but many share themes that resonate with biblical hope. You can present them as encouraging testimonies, not doctrine.
Common themes from near‑death experiences (NDEs):
A. Overwhelming Peace
Many describe a peace “more real than anything on earth,” with fear completely gone.
This echoes Philippians 4:7—the peace of God surpassing understanding.
B. A Sense of Being Known and Loved
People often say they felt fully understood and fully loved at once.
This resonates with 1 Corinthians 13:12—“then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
C. Beauty Beyond Words
Descriptions include:
vivid colors
music that feels alive
landscapes that feel familiar yet transformed
This aligns with Scripture’s imagery of a renewed creation (Revelation 21–22).
D. Reunion With Loved Ones
Many report seeing family or friends who had died, recognizable and joyful.
This echoes the biblical promise of reunion and continued identity.
E. A Reluctance to Return
A striking pattern: People often say they didn’t want to come back—not because they disliked life, but because Heaven felt like home.
This mirrors Paul’s words in Philippians 1:23—“to depart and be with Christ… is far better.”
Group question: “What do these testimonies stir in you—comfort, curiosity, reassurance?”
5. Addressing Fear Gently and Biblically
A. Fear of the Unknown
Scripture doesn’t give exhaustive details, but it gives enough to trust God’s goodness.
Psalm 23:4 Even in the valley of the shadow of death, God is with us.
B. Fear of Losing Identity
The Bible teaches continuity: You remain you, but healed, whole, and radiant.
C. Fear of Separation
Heaven is the end of separation—no more goodbyes.
D. Fear of Judgment
For those in Christ, judgment is not condemnation but restoration and reward.
Romans 8:1 “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Group question: “Which fear softens when you hear these promises?”
6. A Guided Imagination Exercise (Optional)
Invite the group to close their eyes and imagine:
stepping into light that feels warm and familiar
hearing a voice that knows your name
seeing faces you love
feeling your body strong and whole
sensing joy without effort
realizing you are safe, home, and welcomed
This helps shift Heaven from concept to lived hope.
7. Closing Scripture
John 14:1–3 “Do not let your hearts be troubled… I go to prepare a place for you.”
Jesus frames Heaven as:
personal
prepared
promised
relational
8. Closing Prayer
A prayer you can use:
“God, thank You for preparing a home for us where fear is gone, tears are wiped away, and love is complete. Help us live our remaining years with hope, courage, and anticipation. Let Heaven be not a distant idea but a joyful promise that steadies our hearts. Amen.”
9. Optional Follow‑Up Sessions
If your group enjoys this, you could explore:
What will we do in Heaven?
What is the New Earth?
What happens immediately after we die?
How does Heaven shape how we live now?
THURSDAY 22ND JANUARY 2026
Bible Study God wants to guide our lives on this earth
He gives us signposts to follow to lead us to blessings Abram -all nations blessed Gen. 15v5 Noah - rainbow- promise Gen. 9v13 Moses - Red Sea Exodus 14 v21-22 Jonah - sign of God’s power Jonah 1v17 Disciples - 153 fish John 21v6 Paul - Damascus road Acts 9v3-4
Four verses to meditate on Isaiah 58 v11 Psalm 32 v 8 Psalm119 v105 Proverbs 3 v5-6
God is clear that he will give us signposts throughout our lives
There are many signs today of the return of Jesus.
Meanwhile. He will be our WAYMAKER MIRACLE WORKER PROMISE KEEPER LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS