Say to wisdom, “you are my sister” and make understanding your closest friend. For they will keep you from the immoral woman... Proverbs 7:4-5a

Women's Discipleship Group – 2006
ON-LINE BIBLE STUDY
SPIRITUAL LIFE SERIES
 LESSON #2: The Challenge of Making Jesus First
 Website: www.terrimcfaddin.org
Presented by: Terri McFaddin Solomon

Definitions: Helpmate – Handmaiden – Harlot
Helpmate: A married woman that is committed to well being of her husband.
Handmaiden: An unmarried or married woman that is committed to serving the Lord.
Harlot: An unmarried or married woman who sells her soul or body for personal gain.

Scripture Focus:
Helpmate: Luke 8:3 - Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support Jesus and his disciples out of their own means.

Handmaiden: Luke 8:2 - And certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities –Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons.

Harlot: Mark 6:17 - For Herod (Antipas) himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; for he married her.

OPENING STATEMENT:
The Helpmate's Story: In Luke 8:2, it is possible that Joanna followed Jesus because the Lord healed her infirmities. The bible takes the time to mention that her husband Chuza was the manager of Herod's household. Herod was the governor of the region and during his time in office he beheaded John the Baptist and threatened to kill Jesus. (Luke 13:31) On that very day some Pharisees came, saying to Jesus, “Get out and depart from here, for Herod wants to kill You.” Even with the threats, Chuza's wife, JoAnna followed Jesus without any known resistance from her husband. It appears that JoAnna even used her husband's money to help Jesus and his disciples. It could have been that Chuza was so grateful to Jesus for healing his wife that he didn't interfere with JoAnna's commitment to the Lord. JoAnna is a clear example of a helpmate who served the Lord in spite of the challenges that came with making Jesus first in her life. It is also clear that JoAnna was married to a godly man, who did no allow his job to interfere with his family's relationship with Jesus.

The Handmaiden's Story: In Luke 8:2, Mary Magdalene the leader of the women disciples that followed Jesus. The bible tells us that when she came to Jesus, he cast out the demons that possessed her. Jesus healed her, saved her and then used her to do a great ministry for God's kingdom. Very often the women who have the greatest commitment to the Lord are those who are rescued from the greatest troubles. We must be careful not to criticize women who come to Jesus with a list of eye-popping sins. The women that committed extreme sins are often the same women that will commit themselves to extreme service to the Lord. If you are an ex-this or that, don't let the Devil convince you that the Lord can't use you because of your past life.
(Luke 7:47) Therefore I say to you, her sins which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.

The Harlot's Story: In Mark 6:16, Herodias was a high-class harlot. She was the wife of Herod and was formerly married to his brother Phillip. Desperate Housewives, have nothing on Herodias. Not only was she an adulteress, but she also used her young daughter Salome to seduce her stepfather, Herod. Mark 6:16-28 says that this young girl (a harlot in training) was such a good pole dancer that Herod offered to give her up to half of his kingdom. Her mother instructed her to ask for the head of John the Baptist. Herod had no other choice than to grant her request. Please understand that a harlot will find a man's sexual weakness and use it to her advantage. The scriptures tell us that Herod was grieved over killing John the Baptist, but he became a victim of his own lust. I can almost picture Chuza (who worked for Herod and Herodias) rushing home to tell his wife JoAnna the dreadful story of how Herodias manipulated her husband into killing John the Baptist. It is clear from this story that a harlot will sell her body and soul and even her children to get what she wants.

Your Story:
 Have you faced difficulties or persecution following the Lord – please share your story?

If you once lived an ungodly lifestyle but the Lord saved you and now you serve Him with all your heart – please share your story?

Have you witnessed a man in your life or in leadership being seduced and tricked by a woman – please share your story?

PERSONALIZATION/APPLICATION:

  1. Let's imagine that you met a woman who was not a Christian because she felt that the she had done too much wrong in her life to be forgiven. What would you write to her and what scripture would you share to encourage her to come to the Lord?

  2. What would you do if you were married to a man who was not like Chuza and refused to allow you to follow Jesus?

  3. What advice would you give to a woman that is dating an unsaved man – or a man who says he is saved, but there is no strong evidence to support his convictions? How can this put her spiritual life in jeopardy?

 

CLICK HERE TO WRITE YOUR STORY-COMMENTS-QUESTIONS

Or go to: wdgbiblestudy@aol.com

Note: Stories and comments may be presented in an edited version.

LESSON #1 MAKING JESUS FIRST IN YOUR LIFE

COMMENTS ON ACTS 16:13-19

Trisa Turner -Antioch, CA

Reading of Acts 16:13-19 causes me to stop and recognize its not just about 'being in church or even going" but rather a far greater 'call'... to use the example of Lydia who was 'DOING.' This passage for me is so clear and powerful, upon hearing and receiving the Word, there was action... This 'woman of God' (actively, purposely, intentionally and progressively) acted on God's Word and extended it toward others (family).

My Prayer: God use me... to be a sweet savor unto YOU.

Lace Taylor - Apopka, Florida

Lydia had a servant’s heart and open the doors of her home and cared for someone else by being hospitable. She also sought God and worshipped Him, most likely spending time with Him through prayer in the results were that God rewards those who honestly seek Him. She gained power out of favor with God.

The slave Girl served out of obligation to her masters. She was mandated by greedy men to produce results. In turn she was oppressed and was under the power of evil spirits. Slave girl claimed to have power but the power she had was not of God.

Beverly - Norcross, Georgia

I thought the lesson was good. It’s all about distractions, distractions, distractions!

Lydia - was a praying woman, she worshipped God, she had a heart that was tender toward God and allowed him to open her heart. Not only did Lydia give herself fully to the Lord, so did her household.

The slave girl was a distraction from prayer. A seducing spirit drove her. She was religious and talked a good game. However, her heart was far from God, she served men and money.

TELL ME YOUR STORY
What are the things that have kept Jesus from being first in your life?

Donetta - Richmond, Virginia

Loosing my relationship with the Lord happened when I relocated to Richmond, Virginia from Philadelphia, PA in 2004. I was suppose to be taking a class on inner healing and I allowed a man and his desperate need for a wife to distract me and take my focus off of what God wanted to do in my life. I ended up paying a severe price. I couldn’t find a job and ended up loosing an apartment and wounding my (at that time) 8 year old daughter. But I learned a valuable lesson, and now my life is restored. I have grown in my relationship with God to a depth that I thought I would never experience.

Gaynor Kelly - Ventura, Ca

I use to say, “I would NEVER do this, I would NEVER do that!” But one day I did. I met a man and like an addict, I tried to stop being involved with him but the Spirit and the flesh warred within. As with any addiction - he consumed me and my family suffered from my neglect. I tried to find ways to resist him - not answering phone calls; pretending to be out when he came by. I even made plans to move to another country, only to find out I conceived the night before I left. I returned 3 months later; married him; had my son. The entire experience was a disaster. I ended up spending 6 weeks in a psychiatric hospital and after two years we divorced. I felt as though God was directing me to marry this man, but now I see that when we want what we want and are determined to have it, God will let us have our way. As with any loving Father, I'm sure He weeps knowing what we are going to put ourselves through. What did I learn? I don't want to be ANYWHERE or with ANYONE if God is not there.

Camile - Northridge, Ca

I am in a place right now where I let a man become something more than he ever should have been. When I have a problem, I go to this man instead of God. When I needed comfort, he was my number one choice. And I was able to justify it within myself because this man is saved and we would read our bibles together and pray together. But my problem is that I wasn't sure if I was reading my bible because I wanted to get closer to God, or if I was reading just so I could report back to this man and get his approval. So right now I am working on removing him from my life and he is making it very easy. Lately he's been treating me like crap. All of a sudden he is busier than usual when just a few weeks ago he was blowing up my phone at least 5 times a day. I have heart strings attached to this man. I love this man and I wanted this man to be in my life. But God requires more of me and I know only He can see me through this and I know I'll be made stronger but... It doesn't take away the pain of right now.


Welcome aboard WDG Cerritos!!!
Hosted by Lethe Ward and Juanita Scott

Women's Discipleship Group
Bible Study Meetings:

Hollywood, CA:
Date and Time:
Tuesdays – 7:30pm-9:30pm
For address contact:
Cheryl Sweeney
CDSweeney@netzero.net
(310)344-4385

Pasadena, CA:
Date and Time:
1st and 3rd Saturdays
10:30am – 12:30pm
For address contact:
Janet Bailey
JDFrass@aol.com
(626)797-0127

Cerritos, CA:
Date and Time:
Fridays 7:30 – 9:30pm
For address contact:
Lethe Ward
DVTherapy@aol.com
(562)653-0044

Miami, FL (English)
Date and Time:
Mondays 7:30pm – 9:30pm
For address contact:
Rosie Sicre
DCDS3@aol.com
(305) 968-0114

Miami, FL (Spanish)
Date and Time:
Mondays 7:00 – 8:30pm
For address contact:
Carmen Gutierrez
(305) 297-3369
Abuelacarmen5@yahoo.com

 


How Women's Discipleship Group Got Started

The Women's Discipleship Group was organized in 1999 by Terri McFaddin and Janet Bailey. The purpose of the discipleship group was to assist women in becoming rooted and grounded in their Christian faith. It was designed to also help women reach the level of spiritual maturity that would enable them to use their gifts and talents in various arenas of service and ministry.

We move toward these goals by implementing the following principles:

1. Building spiritual strength by a systematic study of the Word of God, including prayer; memorizing scriptures and weekly meetings.

2. Building strong relationships within the discipleship groups. This includes encouraging one another and being sensitive and supportive of one another's needs.

3. Training women to become servants and ministry leaders in their churches, mission fields, communities, schools, businesses or wherever God has called them to serve.

What We Believe

The women of WDG are a mixture of many different Christian denominations. But we all believe that we have eternal life through our personal confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that the entire Word of God is true and we govern our actions by the counsel of the Holy Bible. We believe that we are called by God to be examples of godliness by loving one another and ministering to those who are in need of our help.

About Terri McFaddin Solomon

Terri is an ordained minister, author, speaker and songwriter with two Grammy Awards to her credit. Terri co-wrote two theme songs for the movies: Big and Men In Black . She authored three books: God Made Me Beauty-full ; Only A Woman and Sapphires And Other Precious Jewels.

Terri was born and raised in Philadelphia, where she attended Temple University. She holds a Masters Degree in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary.

In 1999 she and close friend Janet Bailey, founded WDG, which prepares women for service in various areas of ministry. There are currently five WDG bible studies taking place in various locations.

In October, 2005, Terri married Charles Solomon and resides in Los Angeles. She is a member of Faithful Central Bible Church and the mother of two adult daughters, Roslyn and Theresa who are also in the ministry.