CENTRAL THOUGHTHeaven is a prepared place for a prepared people and nothing that defileth can enter therein. HYMN: “When the Trumpet of the Lord Shall Sound” TEXT: John 14:1-3; 2 Cor. 5:1; Rev. 21:1-7 INTRODUCTIONHeaven is the abode of the Godhead, angels, and the dead in Christ. It is a place or state of supreme bliss. Heaven is the dwelling place of God (Acts 7:49) and the future home of the saints (John 14:3); a place free from every stain of sin and iniquity. Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people and a place of perfect satisfaction and glory.Heaven is the Throne- room of God (Ps. 103:19), a place of God’s full glory (Dan. 7:9-10), the home of the righteous dead (2 Cor. 5:1), the future home of all believers in Christ (Rev.7:9-10). Heaven is aplace far beyond anything that we can possibly conceive (1 Cor. 2:9), a place of holiness, full of great glory and without end, a place of continual worship (Rev. 19:1-6), a place that will never end (2 Peter 1:11), a place uncontaminated by evil (Rev. 21:27), and a place without night, curse, pain, crying, sorrow, and death.As believers, we now live our lives in a special relationship with heaven because: (i) we...
Learn MoreCENTRAL THOUGHTThe ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ is a historical fact that is well documented in scripture. HYMN: “Fade, fade, each earthly joy; Jesus is mine” TEXT: Luke 24: 50-53; Acts 1:9-11 INTRODUCTIONThe Lord Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again from the dead, all in fulfillment of Biblical prophecies concerning Him and to bring about man’s full redemption. After the resurrection, He spent forty days on earth and appeared to many people. Finally, He ascended to heaven. The ascension is that event in which the Lord Jesus departed from the earth visibly and entered into heaven. He came to the earth as the baby born in a manger but left the earth as the exalted conqueror. The Ascension is a historical fact that is well documented in scriptures. It’s manner and benefits will be the focus of this lesson. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this lesson include:a. To identify some of the persons that Christ appeared to after His resurrection.b. To examine the manner of His Ascension and determine any similarities with His second advent.c. To know the benefits of the Ascension. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. IDENTIFY SOME OF THE PERSONS CHRIST APPEARED TO AFTER HIS RESURRECTION (Mark 16:9-14)The Lord Jesus appeared to individuals and groups after His...
Learn MoreCENTRAL THOUGHTChrist’s resurrection is the assurance and proof of the genuine-ness of the Christian faith. HYMN: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” TEXT: Matt. 27:57-60; 28:1-7. INTRODUCTIONWhile the burial of Jesus Christ involved the remarkable fulfillment of one aspect of Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 53:9), His resurrection confirms its claims; validates His authority and assures us that because Jesus lives, we shall live also. In this study, we shall examine some details of the burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. LESSON OBJECTIVES To understand the role played by Joseph of Arimathea in the burial of the Lord Jesus Christ. To know the attempts made by men to prevent the Lord’s resurrection. To appreciate the significance of the Lord’s resurrection. BIBLE TRUTH:Q1. WHAT WAS THE ROLE OF JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA IN THE BURIAL OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST?Luke 23:50-53; John 19:38Joseph of Arimathea was an honorable counselor, a conscious and hopeful believer (disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ) who waited for the kingdom of God. He was a good and just man who never consented to the counsel of evil deeds of the men of his time.After the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate, took permission from him, carried the body of Christ,...
Learn MoreCENTRAL THOUGHTPeace with God through Christ’s sufferings. HYMN: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” TEXT: Matt. 27:27-54 INTRODUCTION:The word Passion as used in Galatians 5:24 (NAS, NIV) can be defined as strong feeling, intense desire or enthusiasm towards something. It is also referred to as affection and lust of the flesh. Paul in his letter said “those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh and its passion and desires” (NKJV). But when Passion is used in relation to Jesus Christ, it refers to his suffering and death, in which case it is prefixed by the word “The” – The Passion (of Jesus Christ). In the Christian world, the period is referred to as “The Passion Week”. It starts from “Psalm Sunday” when Jesus triumphantly entered into Jerusalem as a king, through to “Good Friday” when He was crucified. In our study, we shall examine some of the agonies and pains experienced by our Lord Jesus during “the Passion Week”. LESSON OBJECTIVES To critically examine Christ’s sufferings. To understand why He needed to go through all the sufferings. To understand how we are to reciprocate the sacrifice of Christ for us. To examine Christ’s seven last statements on the cross. To identify some of the miraculous events that accompanied the...
Learn MoreCENTRAL THOUGHTThose who faithfully do the will of God are blessed by Him. HYMN: When Jesus comes to reward his servants TEXT: John 1:6-8; 15-36; John 3:22-36. INTRODUCTION:As a forerunner of the Lord Jesus Christ, John the Baptist carried out his God-given mission creditably with sense of purpose and direction. When he appeared on the scene, He called on the people of Israel to turn to God, announcing that the Messiah was coming soon. He preached fearlessly to the King, soldiers, republicans, teachers of the law and the people, encouraging them to turn away from their sins. Those who repented from their evil ways were baptized unto repentance. He lived a humble life within his means in the wilderness. Worldliness, antics, and gimmicks were not part of his character. He was truthful and straight to the point in his preaching.When the Pharisees asked him who he was, he did not mix words, he said “ I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness make straight the way of the Lord….” John 1:19-23. He refused to usurp Christ’s position and told the Pharisees that his mission was to announce the coming of the Messiah and to prepare the way for Him. He remained focused in his mission till...
Learn MoreCENTRAL THOUGHTJohn the Baptist, born as a forerunner of the Lord Jesus Christ, lived a fulfilled life. HYMN: Christian seek not yet repose TEXT: JOHN 1:6-8, 15-36; JOHN 3: 22-36; MARK 1:6-8 INTRODUCTION:John the Baptist, a forerunner of the Lord Jesus Christ , was given birth to by aged parents who naturally had passed the age of childbearing. The angel who announced his birth to Zechariah, his father, made it clear that he was to be Nazareth- one set apart for God’s service. He grew up being obedient to God and his parents. He lived a solitary life in the desert and ate locusts and wild honey; and wore raiment of camel’s hair (Matt.3:4). Although John the Baptist did not aim at being wealthy, famous or unique, he was determined to be committed and obedient to God and His word. He knew he had a specific role to play in God’s plan of salvation for the world. No wonder, he went about announcing the coming of the Savior with a tireless zeal. This wild-looking man had no power or position in the Jewish political system but he spoke with irresistible authority. The people who listened to him were moved by his words and responded in their hundreds because he...
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