Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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NURSING THE CHILD, MAY 11TH, 2025

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NURSING THE CHILD, MAY 11TH, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHTHe that begets a wise child shall have joy from him TEXT: EXO. 2:1-10; PS. 144:11-12; EPH. 6:4 INTRODUCTION:The child Moses was born in what could be described as “perilous times”. An order had gone out from Pharaoh, that all male children born to the Hebrew women were to be killed. Moses’ mother looked at her child and loved him. She saw, by faith, the potential in him for greatness and decided to take a stand (Heb. 11:23). Contrary to the king’s command that every child should be thrown into the river, she devised a rescue plan for her child. She laid him in a protective ark (or boat) and put it in the river, trusting that God would somehow deliver him. God heard her prayers, honored her faith, and did above all that she could ask or think (Eph. 3:20). Her baby was lifted from being the condemned child of a Hebrew slave to become a son of the palace. These days in which we live can equally be described as “perilous times” (2 Tim. 3:1-5). All the criteria listed by Paul in the above passages are very much with us today. There is much physical and spiritual danger in today’s world, and those who are young and inexperienced are often the most at risk. They can more easily be led astray by wrong ideas and teachings. Following the lead of their peers, they can be lured into all manner of acts and attitudes that may not only offend those in the society around the, but more important, bring upon them the wrath and eventual judgment of God (Rom. 1:18; 29-32).What, then, should God-fearing parents do? are we to throw up our hands in despair and give up because we know that “… the whole worlds lies in wickedness) (1 John 5:19)? God forbid! Instead, we should take a stand for what we believe in. LESSON OBJECTIVES To highlight the importance of effectively nursing our children; The make clear exactly what we should teach our children; To understand how we should nurse our children; To discover the consequences of failing to do so, and the benefits of raising children God’s way. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHY IS IT IMPORATNCE THAT WE NURSE OUR CHILDREN EFFECTIVELY?According to the Reader’s Digest Great Illustrated Dictionary “nursing” is “to feed (a baby or young offspring” at the breast; to care for or tend; to take special care of”.Breast milk is the natural food a young baby needs for healthy growth. If given according to required needs, the young child grows and develops well. A nursing mother does not perform this duty to her child in a careless manner, whereas she holds the child close, carefully, and lovingly giving special attention to his comfort and other needs. As the child grows, he becomes able to move on to semi-solid (soft) foods and then gradually to solid foods, eventually being able to handle very hard things like bones. At each stage of his life, the mother (or caregiver) knows what foods are most appropriate for him to sustain healthy growth and development. A wrong diet produces an unhealthy, sickly child. Therefore, every effort is made to avoid this.To nurse a child, therefore, would mean to feed a child with that which is appropriate...

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QUALITIES OF THE NEW CREATURE, MAY 4TH, 2025

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QUALITIES OF THE NEW CREATURE, MAY 4TH, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHT ­ The Christian must be a true reflection of Christ.   TEXT: TITUS 2:1-10           INTRODUCTION: As soon as a person acknowledges his sinful condition, repents, and forsakes his sins and turns to Christ by receiving Him as Lord and personal Savior, from that moment be becomes born again. He has been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God. Such a person is a new creature in Christ. Therefore, he is expected to manifest the nature and attributes of Christ in all areas of life and in his daily living. All these qualities make him stand out distinctly wherever he finds himself.   In this study, we shall be looking at some of the godly qualities that God expects from His children.   LESSON OBJECTIVES To explain what “A New Creature” means; Highlight and discuss what makes a Christian man worthy of respect; Identify the qualities expected of a Christian woman; Identify and explain the qualities the older women should teach the younger women and how this should be done; Discuss how youth should behave and; Comment on the qualities of a Christian servant from the Scripture BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1A) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY “A NEW CREATURE”?When the unregenerate man repents from his sinful nature and gives his life to Christ, he becomes a new creature in Christ: old things are passed away and behold all things are become new (2 Cor. 5:17). His life is now a reflection of the character of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In this new state he is made to sit together with Christ in heavenly places. QUESTION 1B) IDENTIFY AND EXPLAIN THE QUALITIES EXPECTED OF THE CHRISTIAN MAN (TITUS 2:2).From the Scriptures, a Christian man is expected “to be temperate, serious minded, sensible, self-controlled, and sound in the faith, in the love, steadfastness, and patience of Christ” (Titus 2:2 Amplified). Therefore, God’s expectation is that the Christian man should conduct himself in everything according to the teachings of the word of God without any form of compromise. He must live an exemplary life that points people to Christ. QUESTION 2) WHAT MAKES A CHIRSTIAN MAN WORTHY OF RESPECT?A Christian man is worthy of respect when he conducts himself and all his affairs to please and glorify God. Honesty and integrity should be the base attributes of the Christian man. He shuns all vices and sins of immorality, while pursuing a life of holiness unto the Lord. He shows sincere love and care to all even when such people may not deserve it. The motivating factor for all he does is to please God in all areas of life and sphere of influence. QUESTION 3) WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES OF A CHIRSTIAN WOMAN? (TITUS 2:3).The virtues mentioned concerning the Christian man are also applicable to the woman. “Bid the older women similarly to the reverent and devout in their behavior as those engaged in sacred service, not slanderers or slaves to drink. They are to give good counsel and be teachers of what is right and noble” (Titus 2:3 Amplified). They must be submissive to their husbands and be good home builders. In like manner the women must live in holiness into the Lord, living as good examples for others to follow. They must be those...

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EMPOWERED TO BEAR FRUIT, APRIL 27TH, 2025

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EMPOWERED TO BEAR FRUIT, APRIL 27TH, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHT¬ Genuine proof of empowerment is seen in life and ministry. TEXT: ACTS 1:1-8; ISA. 11:1-5; JOEL 2:28-29; GAL. 5:22-25 INTRODUCTION:After the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, He commanded His disciples to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). In Acts 1, He tells them how they will receive enablement for the task. It is very instructive to note that in Acts 1:1-8, while the questions on the minds of the disciples after the resurrection of Christ concerned the restoration of the kingdom of Israel (and their possible political and economic elevation as individuals), the Lord’s interests were very different. His last words to the disciples, before He physically ascended, captured what He wanted them, and us, to be busy with till He returns “… But ye shall receive power after the Holy Spirit has come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and all Judea, and in Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth”.The Lord showed that the focus of the church must continuously be outward, to the unreached regions of the world until the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ has been preached to every creature. The twenty-eight chapters of the book of Acts document how the early church obeyed the Lord’s instructions and bore witness to Him from Jerusalem… to the Gentile nations that surrounded them. The Lord’s instructions clearly indicate that the church of Christ was not established to be preoccupied with herself, but to be witnesses to the unsaved wherever they are. LESSON OBJECTIVES To examine the empowerment that is available to the believer To examine what it is intended for To examine the obstacles to genuine empowerment of believers BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHO DID THE LORD REFER TO WHEN HE SAID “… YE…”? Acts 1:8The people that the Lord referred to were committed to Him. They were people who had identified with Him over various periods of time and had demonstrated that they were disciples. The implication of this is that God’s promise of empowerment is only for people who have repented of their sins and decided to follow Jesus. The subsequent rejection and hardships the early disciples faced demonstrated the depth of commitment they had and that it was unconditional. On the other hand, for people who are not born again, He makes only one request of them: that they repent, so to not perish with the world! QUESTION 2) HOW IS ONE EMPOWERED?It is noteworthy that the Lord Jesus never spoke of empowerment in monetary and material terms. He also did not speak of it in terms of educational attainment or the number of disciples available. While these may be useful, they are not of primary importance in the kingdom of God. Rather, He stated, “… But ye shall receive power after the Holy Spirit has come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me…”. God’s work will not be necessarily better done by the more educated persons there are in the church or money they possess. Rather, God needs committed men, men and women sold out to Him and willing to do His will. When God finds such, as clearly demonstrated in the Acts of the Apostles, He takes care...

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THE LORD IS RISEN INDEED (EASTER), APRIL 20TH, 2025

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THE LORD IS RISEN INDEED (EASTER), APRIL 20TH, 2025

TEXT:LUKE 24:1-35 CENTRAL THOUGHTChrist’s resurrection is the basisupon which Christianity rests. INTRODUCTION:The fact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is both the center and foundation of the Christian faith. The fact that the remains of the originator of this faith is no longer in the grave distinguishesChristianity from all other religions. This is because their founders are dead, buried, and remain buried. The empty tomb remains the boast and glory of Christianity. Jesus is risen and Heis no longer in the grave!The Lord Jesus Christ revealed during His teachings that He would be killed by wicked men, but on the third day He will rise again (Luke 9:21-22). This was not just a mere boast for when He died on the cross and was buried in the tomb, this tomb became empty on the third day. The Jewish leaders, who wereaware of this statement, tried to prevent/stop Christ’s resurrection with Roman soldiers standing watch at the tomb ofJesus Christ. This was an exercise in futility, for when the hour that He would rise from the dead came all the soldiers were overcome.The resurrection of Christ to the believer guarantees him of a future hereafter. The scriptures reveal that if Jesus did not rise from the dead, then we are of all men most miserable and we are yet in our sins, lost and lost eternally (1 Cor. 15:16-19).Salvation cannot be known apart from the confession of faith in Christ Jesus (Rom. 10:9). The resurrection of Christ is one of the proofs of His deity, and that He is the Son of God. This is the miracle on which all other miracles stand or fall. The resurrection of Christ confirms the victory over all the works of the enemy. LESSON OBJECTIVES To know what is resurrection To know that the resurrection of Christ actually occurred To know by what power He resurrected To know the results of Christ’s resurrection BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 2) WHAT EVIDENCE DO WE HAVE OF HIS RESURRECTION?There are several indisputable facts of history and life to establish the facts of Christ’s resurrection. Evidence fromthe scriptures and our own individual lives as believers attest to the facts of His resurrection. Only a living God canaffect the lives of men as Christ had affected us. We experience His hands daily in our lives as we put our trustin Him. We talk with Him and He talks to us.One of the most outstanding facts of His resurrection is His empty tomb. When Mary Magdalene and the other Marywent to the sepulcher at dawn on the first day of the week, they did not meet the Roman soldiers but an angel whosecountenance was like lighting and his raiment white as snow. He had rolled back the stone from the door and satupon it. He said unto them, “He is not here for He is risen as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay” (Matt.28:6). We also find another evidence in the testimony of the angels. The two men at the tomb said, “Why seek ye theliving among the dead, “He is not here but is risen, remember how He spoke unto you when He was yet in Galilee said, The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of the sinful men, and be crucified, and...

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CHARACTER STUDY OF MARY MAGDALENE, APRIL 13TH, 2025

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CHARACTER STUDY OF MARY MAGDALENE, APRIL 13TH, 2025

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, followed Him throughout His ministry, trial, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection. Mary Magdalene demonstrated her love and commitment, as one who truly appreciated what Christ had done in her life. She saw that Jesus was worthy to be committed to. This commitment is expressed in John 20:1 which says that “the first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early when it was yet dark unto the sepulcher and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulcher”. A sincere love for the Lord calls for fervency, desire to know more about Him, and fellowship with Him. This was demonstrated by Mary Magdalene who reciprocated total submission, honor, and service to Christ’s love. QUESTION 3) JESUS LIFTED UP MANKIND FROM SERVITUDE TO THE JOY OF FELLOWSHIP AND SERVICE DISCUSSED IN LUKE 8:1-3 The record of Mary Magdalene is a clear indication that when Jesus lifts one up from servitude (slavery), that one is bound to have fellowship with and serve the Lord with his/her brethren. The redeemed becomes a new creature at new birth. Such changes are reflected in the person’s way of life physically and spiritually. The believer now has fellowship with the Trinity and with his/her fellow believers. This fellowship brings us closer to our Lord where we bear spiritual fruit and exercise spiritual gifts. This unites the brethren and strengthens them as people, having one calling, one hope and inspiration, and one Lord. Everybody’s services compliment the other for good success. QUESTION 4) READ ROMANS 12:1-20 AND POINT OUT WHAT SHOULD CHARACTERIZE THE LIFE THAT HAS GENUINELY KNOWN THE LORD. A life that has genuinely known the Lord is characterized majorly by: A. A living sacrifice: Just as Christ submitted Himself to God’s will as a living sacrifice, “… He is brought as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not His mouth” (Isa. 53:7). So also, believers should be submitted to the will of God without questioning/ rationalizing. Unfortunately, many believers find it difficult to obey the word of God in life situations and...

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HE MUST INCREASE, BUT I MUST DECREASE, APRIL 6TH, 2025

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HE MUST INCREASE, BUT I MUST DECREASE, APRIL 6TH, 2025

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 seeing Christ at work in him? Does he behave as an ambassador of heaven, or as one who is entirely on his own? Does his life show how much the Lord paid for him? In our text, we understand that John the Baptist had a mandate to execute for the Lord within a specific period of time. In fact, the expiration of his mandate was within his own lifetime. The ultimate purpose of God in John’s life, as well as the Christian’s, is the same as Luke 3:6, “that all flesh might see the salvation of God”. LESSON OBJECTIVES 1. To know what it means for us to decrease for Christ to increase 2. To appreciate why we need to decrease 3. To understand the implication of this to the world BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHY DID JOHN THE BAPTIST MAKE THIS STATEMENT IN JOHN 3:30? We must understand this statement of John the Baptist that Christ must become greater and more manifest to the world than himself and that he, as a mortal man, must be overshadowed by Christ. In order to understand the full importance of this statement and why it was made, we should know the events that lead to it. In John 3:25-31, we read that an argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of the Jewish customary ceremonial washing and John’s baptism. The point of this argument was which of these was more effective in purifying sin. Beside this, they were now rushing after Jesus’ baptism even though John’s came first and had the privilege to introduce Jesus to the public. It became necessary for John to establish his position that of Christ and to make known who He really was. John quickly recalled when he spoke to the people about Christ. He did not claim to be Him (Christ), but rather, with a familiar Jewish parable, he introduced himself as the friend who attends to the bridegroom. He claimed that the bride (the people) belonged to the...

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THE CHALLENGES OF OUR TIMES-CORRUPTION, MARCH 30TH, 2025

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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, it must be noted that corruption is not new or peculiar to any one nation alone, but what is clear is that it attracts God’s wrath (Gen. 6:8-12).LESSON OBJECTIVES To explain the meaning of corruption. To list the different forms of corruption. To discuss how corruption affects Christians and the society. To explain how to fight corruption. To state the consequences of engaging in corrupt practices. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT IS CORRUPTION? ISA. 59:3-4, 2 PET. 2:14-15Corruption may be defined as being functionally defective in integrity, virtue, and moral principle. It also means inducement to wrong by improper or unlawful means, leading to a departure from the original, or from what is pure or correct. Corruption is any deviation from the written word of God, a decay of standard or any act of dishonesty. To corrupt means to change from good to bad (as in morals), to become tainted with improper or unlawful conduct, to be morally degenerate and perverted (lust), to be characterized by improper conduct as in bribery and selling of favors, to adulterate through the manipulation of contents, and to exhibit dishonesty in contracting and reporting transactions to the advantage of a personal interest or for a personal gratification.QUESTION 2) LIST THE DIFFERENT FORMS OF CORRUPTION MAY TAKE.Corruption is a virus that has political, economic, educational, social, religious, and general manifestations. Prominent among these are:A.) BRIBERY: Which money or favor given or promised in order to influence the judgement or conduct of a person in position of trust.B.) EXTORTION: Which is the act of obtaining money or property by force, intimidation, or illegal power.C.) PERVERSION: Which is the condition of being opposed to what is right or good or to be involved in indecent sexual behavior.D.) IMPERSONATION: Which is to present a wrong identity for personal advantage or to facilitate a fraud.E.) MALPRACTICE IN EXAMINATION: Malpractice and cheating (as a student, teacher, or parent).F.) ELECTION RIGGING: (multiple voting, falsification of results, stuffing of ballot boxes, thuggery). G.) USE OF WRONG MEASURES AT SELLING POINTS: (fuel meters,...

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DESPISING OUR BIRTHRIGHT, MARCH 23RD, 2025

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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 RIGHTS OF EVERY FIRST BORN IN ISRAEL? DEUT. 21:15-17, GEN. 27:1-4 It is a custom in Israel that every first born in a family automatically assumes the headship of the family at the death of their father, and this position confers to him the powers and authority to administer the affairs of the family in place of his father. He is also entitled to a double portion of the inheritance his father left behind at his death. He has privilege to receive a covenant blessing from his father before his last breath, according to God’s covenant with Abraham. QUESTION 2A) READ GENESIS 25:27-34, HEB. 12: 16-17, AND DISCUSS HOW ESAU SOLD HIS BIRTHRIGHT.  Esau was the first born of the twin boys of Isaac and Rebecca his wife. Esau was a hunter. One day when he returned home from his hunting expedition, he was very hungry. His twin brother had prepared a sumptuous pot of red pottage, and he immediately asked his brother Jacob, to let him have some of it. His brother saw this as an opportunity to take over his birthright as the first born. Jacob, therefore, demanded that Esau should sell to him his birthright in exchange for a plate of the red pottage. Esau despised his birth right and sold it to his brother Jacob for a plate of red pottage under an oath. He did not realize his folly until his father was about to bless him as the first-born son before his death. When he presented himself to his father for the blessing, his father told him his younger brother had already been blessed instead of him. It was then it dawned on him that he had already given away his birth right. He earnestly sort to recover it, but it was too late. QUESTION 2B) WHAT VALUE DID ESAU PLACE ON HIS BIRTH RIGHT? GEN. 25:32-34 Esau’s statement- “Look I’m dying of starvation, what good is birthright to me” is a proof that he was thoughtless, myopic, and lacking in knowledge that he...

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PATHWAY TO GLORY PT. 2: HUMILITY, MARCH 16TH, 2025

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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 is hoped that this lesson will help an individual to: Understand what humility is. Learn from the examples of some individuals in the Bible who exhibitedhumility. Know how to demonstrate humility in specific areas of his life. Appreciate the benefits of living a humble life. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT IS HUMILITY?Rom. 12:3 declares “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith”. The Oxford Learner’s Dictionary’s definition of humility is “the quality of not thinking that you are better than other people” appears to agree with the above scripture. Thus, humility is an attitude of the mind. It is not a hypocritical display of a quiet exterior cosmetically covering a hostile and proud heart. Often times the arrogance of the inner heart hypocritically dressed in reserved external behavior is revealed when so called “reputation” or “image” of the individual is touched upon. Such individuals break down in tantrums and utterances that expose the real nature of the person. On the other hand, humility as an attitude of the mind represents a self-enticing attitude, not wanting to attract attention to one’s self or one’s abilities. A humble individual considers others better than himself and even in glaring situations when he seems to have excelled, such an individual still speculates that given the same situation/environment, there is likely to be an individual somewhere who would have done better than himself. An attitude of humility listens to and accepts the views of others. He acknowledges his mistakes, and he never claims to know it all. An individual believer walking the path of humility is willing to learn from his own mistakes and the mistakes of others. Above all, he seeks to give all the glory, honor, and praise and thanks to God for everything. QUESTION 2) WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THESE PERSONS IN SCRIPTURE WHO SHOWED...

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PATHWAY TO GLORY PT 1: OBEDIENCE, MARCH 9TH 2025

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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 a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” Prov. 14:12. Our obedience therefore must be complete and total. As a song writer says “Trust and obey, for there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey”. Beloved, the pathway to glory is in the pathway of “total obedience to God”. ESSON OBJECTIVES To know what obedience means. To understand what should motivate an individual to obey God. Appreciate what true obedience to God entails. Know the ways in which the Lord Jesus demonstrated obedience to God. Know some of the ways believers can demonstrate obedience to God Understand the danger of disobedience to GOD and Know the blessings of obedience to God. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY THE WORD OBEDIENCE AND WHAT DOES TRUE OBEDIENCE TO GOD ENTAIL?Obedience refers to the attitude of an individual to what he/she is asked to do willingly. An individual who is obedient willingly submits to and carries out the instructions of another person. For example, at home, children are expected to obey their parents. In school, students are expected to follow (obey) the instructions of the school authorities such as Headmaster, Principal, Vice Chancellor, Teachers, Lecturers etc. Also in the office, staff are expected to obey the directives of the boss. From the foregoing, it becomes very clear that obedience to God involves a total submission to His will, commands, and instructions. Such obedience will include obeying His word, showing love to Him and His people and identifying with His purpose in this world. In some situations, obedience to God will entail risking our lives. For example, the three Hebrew children obeyed God and disobeyed the kings commands to worship an idol at the risk of their lives (Dan. 3:16-18). The disciples also in the New Testament preferred to obey God rather than man at the risk of their lives (Acts 5:29). These are good examples of what it means to obey God totally, unquestionably...

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