CENTRAL THOUGHT A genuinely converted believer is committed to the Lord and His cause. TEXT: LUKE 8:1-3, MARK 16:9-11 INTRODUCTION: Mary Magdalene was an early follower of Jesus, who was delivered from demonic possession. She was an energetic and caring woman who traveled with Jesus and contributed to the needs of the saints. In this study, we shall be examining her Christian service and commitment. LESSON OBJECTIVES 1. To identify who Mary Magdalene was 2. To examine her devotion to Christ 3. To examine her reward for commitment BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHO WAS MARY MAGDALENE BEFORE SHE KNEW THE LORD? Luke 8:2, Mark 16:9 Mary Magdalene was described as one “who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities”; out of whom Christ had cast out seven devils. This means that she was oppressed of and controlled by the devil and had no liberty of her own. Her story changed when she met Jesus. QUESTION 2) HOW DID MARY MAGDALENE DEMONSTRATE HER LOVE AND COMMITMENT TO CHRIST AFTER HER ENCOUNTER WITH THE LORD? Mark 15:40-41, John 20:1-2, Luke 8:2-3, Matt. 27:55-56 After her deliverance, Mary Magdalene was committed to the Lord Jesus Christ so much that she was among the women who ministered unto Him of their substance,...
Learn More
CENTRAL THOUGHT The more of Christ that is seen in our lives the less of us that is made manifest. TEXT: JOHN 3:25-36 INTRODUCTION: In the parable of Ten Pounds in Luke 19, the traveling nobleman commanded his servants to “occupy til I come” (Luke 19:13). The importance of this command must have had a far-reaching effect on the comportment as well as the general activities of those servants. Conscious that they were trading on behalf of their master, they must have projected his nobility to gain some advantage. In so doing, they must also have deliberately played down their own personalities which were nothing more than those of servants anyway. The implication of this statement to the Christian in relation to Christ is quite grave. To him, the Lord is saying among other things, take charge of My business here on earth; function in My capacity, that is, use My authority (John 15:16); let Me manifest Myself to the world through you (Mark 16:15-18). That being the case with the Christian, the way he carries on his activities on behalf of Christ matters a great deal. Does he present himself as though he is in charge? Does he flaunt himself in a manner that prevents his on-lookers from...
Learn More
Comments Off on THE CHALLENGES OF OUR TIMES-CORRUPTION, MARCH 30TH, 2025
CENTRAL THOUGHTCorruption is a capital challenge to the Christian face, that must be confronted and destroyed.TEXT: 1 TIM. 6:5-14, 2 TIM. 2:1-8INTRODUCTION:In the days and times that we are in we can all attest to the fact that corruption is running rampant in the land. There is acute shortage of uprightness, probity, accountability, integrity, and honesty. And in return, corruption and other forms of vices are oversubscribed. From the office (private or public) to the schools, through the highways and into the temples, horrible habits and practices that connote corruption have taken roots. The Christian is daily confronted with this evil corruption. He is constantly under pressure to “play ball” or risk losing out. For the majority, corruption has become a way of life that cannot be avoided. But for us as Christians, it is a capital challenge that desires to put us at enmity with God. With determination, and by the heavenly provisions at our disposal, we must confront this giant standing on our way. Many have been knocked down, and some fatally wounded in the spirit, by the plague of corruption, but the ‘chosen generation” must show forth the praises of “Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9). Finally,...
Learn More
Comments Off on DESPISING OUR BIRTHRIGHT, MARCH 23RD, 2025
CENTRAL THOUGHT Christian birthright constitutes the believer’s privileges and inheritance in Christ. TEXT: GENESIS 25:29-34, 49:1-4, HEBREWS 12:16- 17 INTRODUCTION: Birthright is defined as a right, privilege, or possession to which a person is entitled to as a result of his birth position in a family. Birthright is customary in many communities in the world. It is esteemed to be a natural law in those customs or communities. However, birthright could be forfeited by a beneficiary as a result of such person’s attitude towards it, or irresponsible character the family may adjudge unworthy of any one in such position. In this study we shall be looking at how Esau and Reuben who lost their birthright, and the lessons we can derive from them. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this lesson are to: Know the privileges and rights of every first born in Israel. Consider the values Esau placed on his birthright and how he sold it Identify the natural and spiritual blessings Esau consequently lost in the process. Understand who Reuben was and how he lost his birth right and Identify the position, right and privilege of the New Testament believers and how some Christians sell their birth right today. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT ARE THE PRIVILEGES AND...
Learn More
Comments Off on PATHWAY TO GLORY PT. 2: HUMILITY, MARCH 16TH, 2025
CENTRAL THOUGHTHumility is a virtue to be possessed by all believers. TEXT: MATT. 11:28-29, LUKE 14:7-11, PHIL. 2:1-7 INTRODUCTION:This lesson deals with humility as a pathway to glory. It is often said that the way up is down; the way to receive is by giving, the way to the crown is through the cross; the way to get is by letting go and the way to life is by dying! Although they seem ironic, these statements are true and can be substantiated from the Bible. Similarly, the way to exaltation or the pathway to glory is the way of humility. Humility is defined in the Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary as the “quality of not thinking that you are better than other people; the quality of being humble”. This definition is true and certainly can only find full expression in a life completely yielded to the LORD Jesus. As revealed in scripture, humility is an attitude of the mind (Col. 3:12, Acts 20:19); a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22) and a way to honor and riches (Prov. 22:4). Thus, humility is an attribute expected of the believer and truly any believer who chooses to go the way of humility has chosen the path to greatness and honor. LESSON OBJECTIVESIt...
Learn More
Comments Off on PATHWAY TO GLORY PT 1: OBEDIENCE, MARCH 9TH 2025
CENTRAL THOUGHTObedience to God guarantees a happy Christian life and God’s blessings. TEXT: PHIL. 2:5-12, GEN. 12:1-4 INTRODUCTION:This study focuses on “The pathway to Glory”. Many people desire to “make it” in life. They want to have notable achievements in their careers, businesses, and marriage and also in the ministry etc. The first part of this study is on obedience. A heart and an attitude of obedience remains a bedrock on the pathway to success and glory in life. Obedience is the key that opens all of God’s promises to the individual. Obedience may be defined as the willingness to do what one is asked or required to do; that is, one willingly submits to and carries out the instructions of someone. Biblically, obedience means total submission to God’s will, authority, and command. It implies willingness/yieldedness of the individual to submit to, carrying out God’s instruction, and will. The natural man is arrogant, self-willed, self-centered and disobedient. Such individuals find it very difficult to submit to authority. Some even want to be independent of God not willing to obey His instructions. However, every believer must willingly obey God. When we disobey Him, we are showing disregard and mistrust for Him and the consequence may be very great. “There is...
Learn More