Sunday School

CENTRAL THOUGHT Fasting brings the believer closer to God in prayers. HYMN: I AM THINE O’ LORD. TEXT: Isaiah 58, Matthew 6:16-18 INTRODUCTION Fasting is the deliberate, temporary keeping away from food for spiritual reasons. It denies the fleshly body while it reaches out spiritually in seeking a special request from God or for seeking a closer relationship with Him. Although it is almost always combined with prayer, it should be considered a spiritual exercise on its own. It is usually done on a voluntary basis, but in Jewish history, the Day of Atonement (Lev.16:29; 23:32), was the only annual fast demanded by Law. At times, fasting was also called for during special times of repenting as found in 1 Sam. 14:24, 1 Kings 21:9, 2 Chron.20:3, Jer. 36:9, Joel 1:14. In the New Testament there is approval of widespread fasting as an act of devotion toward God. In the early church, after the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, fasting was often combined with fervent prayer. In Luke 2:36, 37 we find a classic example of the sincere devotion of an 84 year old widow, whom Scripture says “departed not from the temple but served God with fasting and prayers night and day”. Apostle Paul in...

CENTRAL THOUGHT The character of our children tomorrow, is sharpened by what they learn from us today. HYMN: TELL THE GLAD STORY TEXT:  Genesis 18:16-19, Deut. 6:1-9, Prov. 22:6 INTRODUCTION Children constitute a big asset in the church and the society at large. They are a bundle of potentials and remain the bedrock of a future generation. Therefore, no church or society should fail to pay attention to the development of her children, spiritually, physically, socially etc. Children are the leaders of tomorrow and if we bring them up wholesomely, our Nation will experience peace and progress. Little wonder then that United Nations Organization (UNO) declared 1979 the International Year of the child (IYC) in acknowledgement that today’s children have a great future. They therefore deserve encouragement and recognition. This is in contrast to what happens in some churches and homes where children are neglected. Jesus said in Mark 10:14 “…Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God”. Some parents also toil day and night to provide the physical needs of their children, but never bother to teach them the way of the Lord. Just as a child grows physically into adulthood, so too he needs to...

CENTRAL THOUGHT God strengthens His children throughout the journey of life. HYMN: GUIDE ME OH, THOU GREAT JEHOVAH TEXT:  Exodus 33:12-14; Isaiah 40:29-31; Psalm 84:5-7 INTRODUCTION For nearly forty years, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness under the leadership of Moses.  He was known as a man chosen and used by God.  When he died, Deuteronomy 34:1-5, the mantle of leadership was then entrusted to Joshua the son of Nun, a man full of the Spirit of wisdom and also a servant (minister) of Moses, Joshua 1:1-2.  This indeed was a gigantic task to lead the Israelites successfully to the Promised Land.  God spoke to him reassuring of His divine presence and strength.  Joshua must be strong and courageous; he must meditate on the Word of God always. When Jacob too met with the Lord in a spectacular way in Peniel, it was not a touch of perfection; rather it was the beginning of a new and transforming experience of God.  When God gives us a vision, fulfilling it is not a question of human will or effort, “for by strength shall no man prevail”, 1 Samuel 2:9. A child of God or a believer is on a journey to their promised land, heaven.  The journey will require courage...