Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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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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TRUE AND FALSE SHEPHERDS, MARCH 2ND, 2025

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TRUE AND FALSE SHEPHERDS, MARCH 2ND, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHTThe True Shepherd loves and cares for the sheep. TEXT: JOHN 10:1-2, ACTS 20:28 INTRODUCTION:When the Lord Jesus died on the cross, “the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and earth did quake, and the rocks rent” (Mt. 27:51). This veil was at the entrance of the Holy of Holies into which the high priest alone went once a year toatone for the sins of the people. (Heb. 9:2-9). The rending of the veil signified that each believer now could have personal access to God (Heb. 9:8; 10:19-23; Eph. 2:14-18) and that the middle wall of partition between Jews and Gentiles was broken (Eph. 2:14-18).Every believer in Christ therefore belongs to His body, the church, of which He is the Head and Shepherd. The LORD is the Good shepherd who willingly laid down His life for the sheep.By His divine arrangement, the Lord has ordained (approved) that people should act as leaders of His church on earth. Such persons pastoring or overseeing such assemblies on His behalf are the shepherds of such congregations. They are in effect under shepherdsserving under the leadership of the LORD Himself who is the Good and Great Shepherd of the Church. Certain qualities are expected of these men (servants) of God. They must demonstrate sufficient love, care, and compassion for the sheep under their care.Unfortunately, today, many people who are wolves in sheep’s clothing parade themselves as Shepherds of God’s people. Such persons by their lifestyle bring shame and disgrace to the work of the ministry. We are warned of the LORD that such persons will be known by their fruits. Every believer therefore must be vigilant. The aim of this lesson is to reveal to us from scriptures what the characteristics of true and false Shepherds are, so that by the grace of God, we will not be lured away or deceived by the cunningness of men. LESSON OBJECTIVES1.) To know who a shepherd is2.) To understand the characteristics of a True Shepherd3.) To expose the characteristics of a False Shepherd4.) To understand that every Christian should be watchful/vigilant. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) WHO IS A SHEPHERD?The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary simply defines Shepherd as a person who looks after sheep. Such a person is expected to lead or guide the sheep to places of shelter,food, water etc. Such a shepherd ensures that the sheep does not go astray. He keeps constant watch over the sheep. This can be easily comprehended when we look at how sheep rearers and cattle rearers tend their sheep and cattle.In our lesson text, the LORD says He is the Good Shepherd. The LORD indeed is the Good and the Great Shepherd of His church. He loved the Church so much that He gave Himself for it (Eph. 5:25-27). As the Good Shepherd, He laid down His life for the sheep. He did this to deliver us (His Church) from the enemy (satan). Today, He as the Good Shepherd protects us from the hands of the devil. He provides for us; He directs our paths. He ensures our safety. Psalm 23 describes adequately the Shepherd hood of the Lord Jesus Christ. We, believers are His sheep. We must hear His voice and follow Him. As stated earlier, the Lord Himself...

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OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT (PART 2), FEBRUARY 23rd, 2025

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OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT (PART 2), FEBRUARY 23rd, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHTGuard your heart and refuse to be discouraged. TEXT: 1 SAM 30:1-8, 2 COR.11:23-33INTRODUCTION:Discouragement according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary is the feeling of having lost hope or confidence. It has also been defined as the loss of motivation to press forward. It is one of the situations that we may experience in life. It has also been said that discouragement is one of the most devasting emotions known to man. It comes in different forms since the reasons for discouragement and situations differ for people, though there are common features that result in discouragement. It is a tool of the devil (2 Cor. 2:11). Any form/means by which discouragement comes, how it is handled is very important. Ifdiscouragement is not properly handled like the withering effect of a scorching wind, it can leave us weak, helpless, and fruitless. In this study, we shall examine the effects of discouragement and how it can be overcome. LESSON OBJECTIVESAt the end of this study, we trust God to enable us to know the following: The effects of discouragement. The believer’s role towards a discouraged brother/sister. How we can overcome discouragement. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) DISCUSS THE EFFECTS OF DISCOURAGEMENT?The effect of discouragement on an individual is mostly negative and they are numerous. They are both spiritual and physical. From Deut 20:8. We see that God cannot use a discouraged person. Again, in Judges 7:3, we see that 22,000 people were discouraged and returned from going to the battle. It drains out one’s strength and leaves one in a hopeless situation. Other effects include, leading to doubt and unbelief, self-pity, selfishness; it makes one to be withdrawn, keeping away from others; it can make someone to lose guard and fall easily into temptation; it can make someone to talk carelessly about God and the situation. (Num 21:4-5) and pray the wrong prayers. In Num 11:14-15 Moses prayed that God should kill him; Elijah also in 1 Kg 19:10. Discouragement can also result in anger and transfer of aggression and make one to give up; it sometimes does not end with the discouraged person, because such a person discourages others. QUESTION 2) WHAT IS OUR ROLE TOWARDS A DISCOURAGED BROTHER/SISTER?The body of Christ is one, so when one aches the wholebody aches (1 Cor.12:12-27). We have a role towards one another. When a brother or a sister is discouraged, we must put ourselves in the shoes of such an individual to offer succor. Brethren should be physically present; we must reach out to such people. The mere presence of the brethren could be lifting. Hence, we must not be self-centered and have “I don’t care” attitude. We must see one another as a constituent of the whole (i.e. the body of Christ) to which we belong. Being there for one another will involve our time, energy, talent, and money in whichever way the demand calls. We should be readily available to bear one another’s burden (Gal.6:2) and pray for such one. We must be ready to expound the word of God by sound teaching to the discouraged. In Neh.4:14, Nehemiah admonished the people to fight for their brothers, sons, and daughters. We must support one another, like Aaron and Hur supported Moses in Ex.17:10-12. QUESTION 3) USING THE FOLLOWING POINTS DISCUSS IN PRACTICAL TERMS...

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OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT (PART 1), FEBRUARY 16th, 2025

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OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT (PART 1), FEBRUARY 16th, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHTGuard your heart and refuse to be discouraged. TEXT: 1 SAM 30:1-8, 2 COR.11:23-33 INTRODUCTION: Discouragement according to Mariam-Webster dictionary is the feeling of having lost hope or confidence. It has also been defined as the loss of motivation to press forward. It is one of the situations that we experience in life. It has been said that discouragement is one of the most devastating emotions known to man. It comes in different forms since the reasons for discouragement situations differ for people, though there are common features that result in discouragement. It is a tool of the devil (2 Cor 2:11). Any form/means by which discouragement comes and how it is handled is very important. If discouragement is not properly handled like the withering effect of a scorching wind, it can leave us weak, helpless, and fruitless. In this study, we shall identify some of the causes of discouragement and biblical ways of handling them. LESSON OBJECTIVES At the end of this study, we trust God to enable us know the following: 1. What discouragement is 2. The causes of discouragement 3. Lessons from some biblical characters on how they handled discouragement BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT IS DISCOURAGEMENT?Discouragement is one attribute of life experienced by most persons. At different stages man may face one form of discouragement or another. In any manner and form discouragement presents itself, it leaves one with a feeling of hopelessness and lack of confidence.Discouragement does not come from God. The devil is the source of all discouragement. No man is above discouragement. Discouragement reveals man’s weakness and brings him into a realization of the need to seek strength from God.Believers may also experience discouragement. The words in John 16:33 are apt. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”. These were Jesus’ comforting words to the church. As long as we live in this world, we experience discouraging moments in one way or the other. No man is immune to being discouraged, so the believer needs to know how to handle/manage the situation when it arises. QUESTION 2) WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT CAN CAUSE DISCOURAGEMENT? EXO.2:23, ACTS 27:20, 1 PET.5:8, JUDGES 6:11-15,PROV.13:12, NUM.13:31-33.The causes of discouragement are many. The Bible is not silent on the causes of discouragement; some of which are mentioned below.-The bondage experienced by Israel in Egypt discouraged them, and they cried to God (Ex.2:23)-The evil report brought by the 10 spies made Israel panic in Num.13:31-33 and brought discouragement. Joshua and Caleb saw Israel as overcomers because their God had given them the land.-Gideon was discouraged by the oppression of theMidianites and gave his poor background as reasons why he felt he was unqualified to deliver the people. (Judges 6:11-15).-Hopelessness, ‘unanswered prayers’, stress and difficult life situations can result in discouragement (Prov.13:12).-Other common causes of discouragement include illness, financial loss/misfortune. Lack and want (inability to provide the basic needs of feeding, clothing, and housing), abandonment/feeling of loneliness due to lack of love, and care, loss/death of a loved one, setbacks, lack of loyalty/support from people being led etc.It should be always noted that, our enemy the devil is the major cause...

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FERVENT IN SPIRIT, FEBRUARY 9TH, 2025

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FERVENT IN SPIRIT, FEBRUARY 9TH, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHTThe one fervent in spirit easily responds to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. TEXT: ROM.12:9-16; EPH.2:10; TITUS 2:14.INTRODUCTION:Being fervent in spirit shows a life that is in constant and unbroken fellowship with God through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is motivated by his love for God and a desire to live to honor and please Him in all areas of life. Although one may not label oneself as being fervent in spirit, it can be manifested by one’s mode of life and actions. For instance, such person will be zealous in the services of the kingdom, not for show or eye service. His constant desire always is to be and do the will of God. He lives a life of holiness, contentment, humility and manifests the fruit of the Spirit. God is pleased with the one that is fervent in spirit because such life glorifies His name. LESSON OBJECTIVES Highlight some of the benefits of being & staying fervent in the Spirit. To state what the phrase “not slothful in business” means. Explain what the expression …”fervent in Spirit” means. Discuss how some believers are diligent in personal pursuit but slothful in the Lord’s business. Explain how some behaviors lead to spiritual degeneration. Discuss some attributes that help spiritual fervency. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1A) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY THE PHRASE “NOT SLOTHFUL IN BUSINESS”?ROM.12:11; ECCL.9:10Being slothful can mean being slow, lazy, or sluggish. In most cases a slothful man does not properly apply himself to anything that will add value to his life. The scripture by saying that we should not be slothful in business therefore means that the believer should properly apply himself in whatever thing he lays hands on so that it will yield a good outcome. This will be pleasing to God who has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who has called us to glory and virtue (2 Pet.1:3). Furthermore, we are instructed in Eccl.9:10 “whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” We must realize that most activities we are engaged in are time bound so we must do them within the time frame before they become too late and lose their value. “I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4). QUESTION 1B) WHAT KIND OF BUSINESS IS THE SCRIPTURE TALKING ABOUT? COL.3:23; 1 COR.15:58The kind of business the scripture is talking about has to do with all businesses we will ever be involved in. These include our services for the Kingdom of God, our homes, our secular work, and anything we lay our hands on. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Col.3:23). Every business we get involved in must be done to bring glory to God. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Col.3:17). We must remain steadfast in doing good work in whatever we do at all times and in every place we find ourselves. QUESTION 2) EXPLAIN THE EXPRESSION “FERVENT IN SPIRIT” AS IT RELATES TO OUR SERVICE TO GOD AND OUR...

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