Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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TRUST IN THE LORD IN TIMES LIKE THIS, NOVEMBER 30th, 2025

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TRUST IN THE LORD IN TIMES LIKE THIS, NOVEMBER 30th, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHTThe believer should tenaciously/wholeheartedly trust in the Lord in times like these. TEXT: ISAIAH 37:1-20 (ISAIAH 36)INTRODUCTION:A proper observation of the events of our society today will reveal that Satan our archenemy is mounting pressure on people to lower the standards of morality and holy living. The church of today is under severe pressure as never before, to compromise our heritage of salvation. The devil knows very well that time is running out on him and that the second coming of Christ is closer now than ever before. Consequently, there is a multiplied effort to attack Christians with all forms of distractions resulting in all forms of ungodliness, falsehood, hypocrisy, threat to life, weakness, errors, persecutions and corruption of hearts and minds, especially casting doubts in people’s minds not to trust or rely on God, the Almighty Father.We are in crisis times, already indicated in the Scriptures when men’s hearts are failing them, due to the lack of trust in God. There is lack of confidence in God among families, friends and even nations in this end time, hence the need for this study on the place of trust in the Lord. LESSON OBJECTIVESAt the end of this lesson, we shall be able to: Explain what it means to trust in the Lord. Identify the challenges we do encounter and how to handle the situations, using the life of King Hezekiah. List and explain the reasons why believers should trust in the Lord. Itemize and discuss the benefits of trusting in the Lord. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO TRUST IN THE LORD?To trust in the Lord simply means to place confidence in or reliance on God concerning anything presently or in the future. No one is competent to carry out the responsibilities of God’s calling in his or her own strength. Our trust should not be self-confidence but confidence in the sufficiency of God who empowers life and ministry in the reality of the new covenant.To overcome the stress or pressure of our time and remain Christ witnesses, we need the character and strength that only God gives. Recognize that the ability and power to minister comes from Him alone; so, trust in Him for your daily victory. QUESTION 2A) WHAT CHALLENGE DID HEZEKIAH FACE? ISAIAH 36The historical setting of this chapter is the ill-fated invasion of Jerusalem by Sennacherib in 701 BC. Judah, under King Ahaz had made an alliance with and paid tribute to Assyria, Because of fear of invasion by Assyria, Hezekiah alongside with leaders of other nations had wrongly made an alliance with Egypt. Sennacherib invaded to put down the rebellion. Rabshakeh (an Aramic word denoting a title meaning “Cupbearer” or “field marshal” or “Chief of staff”) deridingly suggested that Hezekiah had destroyed Yahweh’s places of worship. He further argued that Yahweh told him to destroy Judah because of the destruction of His places of worship.Another challenge he had was that his people faced starvation since the city was under siege resulting in no going out and no coming in of the fenced cities. Rabshakeh made his threats in Hebrew language rather than the Aramaic, the diplomatic language, in order to intimidate the soldiers on the wall. He cast doubts on Hezekiah’s integrity and recalls Assyria’s seemingly endless militaryvictories. He tried...

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HANDLING HURTS AND OFFENCES (PART 2), NOVEMBER 23rd, 2025

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HANDLING HURTS AND OFFENCES (PART 2), NOVEMBER 23rd, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHTThe Holy Spirit helps believers to handle hurts and offences. TEXT: MATT.18:21-35INTRODUCTION:In human relationships, it is commonly said that no one is an island. In every sphere of life, there is always interaction among people. In the process of interacting with one another, hurts and offences may likely arise. These are inevitable in human existence and interaction no matter how much we try to avoid them. It is only by the help of the Holy Spirit that we can handle hurts and offences as we encounter them in our daily living.In this study, we shall be looking at how we can successfully handle hurts and offences we encounter in our relationships with others. LESSON OBJECTIVES To discuss if there are hurts or offences that cannot be forgiven. If there are limits to the number of times one should forgive. How we ought to handle someone who keeps hurting or offending us. Highlight the consequences of not forgiving hurts and offences. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) ARE THERE HURTS AND OFFENCES THAT CANNOT BE FORGIVEN? DISCUSS (MATT.18:21-30).There are no hurts or offences that cannot be forgiven. The Lord Jesus is our model as far as forgiveness is concerned. He has instructed us that we should forgive any hurt or offences that are inflicted on us no matter how grievous that may seem. He showed examples of forgiveness all through His sojourn here on earth. At the cross just before His death, He prayed to God saying “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).The Lord Jesus went on the cross so that we can be forgiven when we come to the Father for repentance. The Lord Jesus likened the kingdom of heaven unto a certain king who decided to take account of his servants. In the process, one of his servants who owed him so much was brought before him. The servant pleaded with his master to be patient with him that he would pay all that he owed him. Moved with compassion, the master forgave him all his debt. Unfortunately, the same servant refused to forgive his fellow servant who owed him far less than he owed his master. God expects us to show compassion to fellow men and forgive them when they hurt or offend us. In the Lord’s prayer, He taught us to forgive others their trespasses, as we seek God’s forgiveness of our own trespass. Matt.6:12, 14, 15. QUESTION 2) ARE THERE LIMITS TO THE NUMBER OF TIMES ONE SHOULD FORGIVE? (LUKE 17:1-4)There are no limits to the number of times one should forgive. We must be ready and willing to forgive at all times whenever we are hurt or offended, and such offenders ask for forgiveness. The Lord Jesus said “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” (Luke 17:3-4). It is not good to keep record of offences. Once such matters have been dealt with, there should be no need to refer to them in subsequent times or situations.Peter asked the Lord Jesus how often his brother will sin against him and he...

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HANDLING HURTS AND OFFENCES (PART 1), NOVEMBER 16TH, 2025

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HANDLING HURTS AND OFFENCES (PART 1), NOVEMBER 16TH, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHTThe Holy Spirit helps believers to handle hurts and offences. TEXT: GENESIS 37:1-36INTRODUCTION:Joseph was a beloved son of his father, Jacob who made a coat of many colors of him because he was a son of his old age. His brothers envied him because of the dreams God gave him about his future. This led to his brothers planning to get rid of him. Despite all that was done against Joseph: the multiple hurts and offences he suffered in the hands of his brothers in his father’s house and the ones he suffered in the hands of Potiphar’s wife in Egypt, he did not repay any of them evil for evil. Rather he followed the Biblical injunction that says “recompense no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men” (Rom.12:17).In this study, we shall be looking at how we can successfully handle hurts and offences we encounter in our relationships with others. We shall adopt the life of Joseph as a model. LESSON OBJECTIVES To explain with relevant examples what “hurts” and “offences” mean and what the common causes of hurst and offences are. Identify the issues that must have hurt or offended Joseph. State how Joseph reacted when he saw his brothers and how his knowledge of God helped him in handling the hurts and offences. State lessons we can learn from it. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1A) EXPLAIN WITH RELEVANT EXAMPLES WHAT “HURTS” AND “OFFENCES” MEAN.Hurt can be explained as causing bodily injury to someone, to injure, to cause bodily pain. It can also mean to feel or suffer bodily or mental pain or distress. Common examples of hurt include bodily injuries sustained as a result of a fall, knife cuts or loss of a tooth. These are examples of hurts which are physical in nature. Another form of hurt may not necessarily be physical but emotional, or psychological. This form of hurt could manifest in the form of causing someone to have a feeling of distress by our behaviors, utterances or even our actions towards them. Wrong accusations, back biting and bearing false witness against others can also be hurtful.Great illustrated dictionary defines offence as the act of offending or causing anger, resentment or displeasure. It can also mean attacking or assaulting. QUESTION 1B) WHAT ARE SOME COMMON CAUSES OF HURTS AND OFFENCES? (GEN. 37:1-36) There are many causes of hurts and offences. Some of the common causes include the following:Hatred: Hatred has to do with having intense dislike for something or someone. It can also manifest in the form of hostile actions motivated by intense dislike or prejudice against someone. Joseph was loved by his father more than all his other children, because he was the son of his old age. Jacob made a coat of many colors for Joseph. This made Joseph’s brothers to hate him. Also, when Joseph dreamed a dream and narrated it to his brothers, they hated him the more. As believers, we should not hate but love one another.Envy: This is a feeling of discontent or resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possession or qualities. Sometimes people do not appreciate what qualities or possessions they have and always want to be like the other person. When they perceive that the person in question has an...

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LIVING WITH ETERNITY IN VIEW (PART 2), NOVEMBER 9TH, 2025

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LIVING WITH ETERNITY IN VIEW (PART 2), NOVEMBER 9TH, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHTThose who live for God in this life will spend their eternity with Him. TEXT: HEB.11:8-16; 12:18-29. INTRODUCTION:In the first part of this study, we learned that eternity means time without end. Therefore, those things that are eternal last beyond our sojourn here on earth. We also note that every believer must live with eternity in view. In this concluding part, we shall focus on how a believer can live with eternity in view on a daily basis and the blessings that accrue to such a believer. LESSON OBJECTIVES To know how living with eternity in view can influence the lifestyles of the believer. Identify some of the relevant “ingredients” required for living with eternity in view. Appreciate the blessings in living with eternity in view. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) HOW WILL LIVING WITH ETERNITY IN VIEW INFLUENCE OUR LIFESTYLE AS BELIEVERS?Living with eternity in view must certainly affect our lifestyle positively. The pattern of our life should portray that of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is our perfect example (1 Pet.2:21). This should influence us in the following areas:i. Personal discipline (1 Cor.9:24-27; Eph.4:29; Phil.4:11-13)One of the qualities that must be manifest in the life of a believer living with eternity in view is personal discipline. We must learn to bring our bodies daily under subjection and not to yield to the desires of the flesh but allow the spirit of God to control our lives continually. We should guard our utterances, so we do not allow any evil communication to proceed out of our mouths. Only those things that are good to use of edifying, capable of ministering grace unto the hearers should be spoken by our lips.ii. Interpersonal relationship (Eph. 4:25-32; Heb.12:14; Rom.12:16-18; 14:19). In our daily interactions with others, we must be examples of the believers in word, in conversation, in love, in faith, in purity (1 Tim 4:12). We are expected to be truthful, honest and exhibit self-control even when offended. We are also enjoined to live at peace with all men, not repaying evil with evil. We should be seen as peacemakers. Envy and bitterness should not be mentioned among us at all, rather we should show love to all those around us by assisting them as much as it lies within our powers. This will attract them to the love of God and thus draw them to the saving knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.iii. Attitude towards material things: (Phil.4:5, Luke 12:15, 1 Tim 6:6-8).Our attitude towards the things of this world should be such that we do not pursue them to the detriment of our goal of spending eternity with God. We have been warned that if riches increase that we should not set our hearts on them (Ps 62:10b).Secondly, we should show moderation in all things bearing in mind that Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain that we can carry nothing out of it. A life of contentment will help to get us focused on Jesus Christ who is our source. He is able to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory (Phil.4:19). QUESTION 2) IDENTIFY SOME BASIC REQUIREMENTS NECESSARY FOR LIVING WITH ETERNITY IN VIEW?For every believer living with eternity...

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LIVING WITH ETERNITY IN VIEW (PART 1), NOVEMBER 2ND, 2025

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LIVING WITH ETERNITY IN VIEW (PART 1), NOVEMBER 2ND, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHTBelievers should know that they are pilgrims on earth; heaven is our destination. TEXT: HEB. 11:8-16; 12: 18-29 INTRODUCTION:The first step that must be taken by anyone who wishes to partake in eternity with God is to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and personal Savior. Such a one must be born again (John 3:3, 5). After this great experience of new life in Christ, the believer must live his life on earth daily as a pilgrim on a journey seeking a city which has foundation, whose builder and maker is God (Heb. 11:10). This then calls for a lifestyle which depicts those who have eternity in view. Some believers live their lives today according to the dictates of the world, as if all about them ends in this world.If our hope ends in this world we are of all men most miserable (1 Cor. 15:19).Since we are on a journey to eternity, we must therefore live our lives to please Him who has called us, by passing the time of our sojourning here in fear (1 Pet.1:7). God is a holy God and if we must spend eternity with Him, we must be holy also in all areas of our lives (1 Pet.1:15-16).In this first part of the study, we shall be looking at what living and eternity in view entails and examples of some people in the scriptures who lived with eternity in view. LESSON OBJECTIVES To know what eternity means. Understand what it means to live with eternity in view. Appreciate why a believer must live with eternity in view. Know the common features of a life that is lived without eternity in view;and Discuss how some people in the scriptures lived with eternity in view. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) WHAT DOES ETERNITY MEAN?Eternity has been defined as time without end, world without end. From this, one point is clearly seen, and it is that eternity has no end. Thus, eternity has to do with those things that are eternal which will last beyond our lives here on earth.Every believer therefore should be conscious of the fact that there is an eternity. We should all prepare for eternity. Believers who run the race successfully to the end willspend eternity with God while the unbelievers will spend eternity with Satan and his angels in hell. The opportunity to choose to spend eternity with God is still available to us now that we still have breath. QUESTION 2) WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO “LIVE WITH ETERNITY IN VIEW”?Jesus has promised all believers that He is going to prepare a place for them and would come again to take them so that where He is there they will be also (John 14:1-3). Anyoneexpecting to be with Christ forever must live a life that is pleasing and acceptable in His sight. Such a person must seek those things which are above and also set his affections on things above not on things on the earth (Col.3:1-3).In pursuance of this, we must daily present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God which is our reasonable service. We must not be conformed to thisworld but must be transformed daily by renewing our minds. By so doing we will be able to prove what is that good and acceptable...

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SOUL WINNING, PART 2, OCTOBER 26TH, 2025

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SOUL WINNING, PART 2, OCTOBER 26TH, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHTSoul winning is GOD’s mandate to allbelievers. TEXT: MATTHEW 28:18-20; JOHN 4:20-26 INTRODUCTION:From study one of this topic, we understood that soul winning is a commission to all believers by our Lord Jesus Christ, and the assignment continues for as long as the Lord’s return is being awaited. By this He intends to give opportunity to every human being on earth to hear themessage of God’s salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, so that as many as believe, would be saved from the consequences of sin and Satan’s dominion. In this study, we shall be looking at the challenges and the prospect of reaching more souls with the gospel message. LESSON OBJECTIVES1.) To consider how evangelism can contribute to church growth.2.) To know the role of the local assembly in evangelism.3.) To understand some challenges that could be encountered in theprocess of soul winning and proffer solutions.4.) To know the rewards of soul winning. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) HOW DOES EVANGELISM CONTRIBUTE TO CHURCH GROWTH?When the gospel message is preached in the power of the Holy Spirit, people are convicted of their sins and its consequences. As they believe and repent from their sins, they would naturally desire to continue in their newly found faith through fellowship and the study of God’s word, which the church should readily provide. As these new believers join the church, there will be increase in membership and this will eventually lead to opening of more fellowship centers. In Acts 2:40-43, Apostle Peter preached the good news of Christ’s death and resurrectionfor the remission of sin and justification of those who believe. About 3,000 people believed and joined the company of the apostles, testifying of their experiences, and the church grew rapidly. The preaching of the gospel brings about the growth of the church of Jesus Christ. QUESTION 2) WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY IN EVANGELISM?It is the responsibility of a local assembly to teach her members the importance and necessity of evangelism and encourage them to be involved in personal evangelism. Evangelism materials such as tracts, pamphlets and Christian literature can be provided by thechurch to enhance the effectiveness of personal evangelism. The church can also organize massevangelism where people go out in groups to preach the good news. Crusades and outreaches can also be organized. Media programs through which people could hear the message of salvation could also be sponsored by the local church. QUESTION 3) DISCUSS HOW THE FOLLOWING HUMAN FACTORS CAN AFFECT EFFECTIVEEVANGELISM AND HOW THEY CAN BE OVERCOME.Fear, 2 Timothy 1:7:Fear is an apprehensive feeling that something unpleasant may happen. Fear sometimes affects or determines human behaviors. The fear of failure, being proved wrong or being humiliated can restrict one from speaking in public. Fear of opposition is always present with man, andit can hinder us from engaging in evangelism. When we succumb to intimidation, we neutralize the effectiveness of our work for God. We need to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to help us overcome our fears.Shyness:Shyness is the lack of boldness to speak or act in the presence of others. It is an offshoot of lack of self confidence or inferiority complex. Anyone who finds himself or herself in such state cannot evangelize. Shyness can be overcome by...

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SOUL WINNING, PART 1, OCTOBER 19TH, 2025

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SOUL WINNING, PART 1, OCTOBER 19TH, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHTSoul winning is a mandate given to all believers by God. TEXT: MATTHEW 28:19-20; MARK 16:15; LUKE 10:1-12 INTRODUCTION:When man disobeyed God’s command through Satan’s deception, he became corrupted, was brought under the dominion and rule of Satan and was destined for destruction. His relationship with God was severed. But God in His love, promised to restore man back to Himself. However, the consequences of this disobedience passed on to all men from generation to generation untilGod fulfilled His promise by sending Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son to earth for the redemption of man.All through His time on earth, Christ engaged Himself in the work of reconciling men back to God. He completed this work by His death on the cross, and resurrection according to God’s plan. Before He returned to His Father in heaven, He commissioned His followers to proclaim the‘good news’ of redemption to all creatures so they can believe and accept that Christ died for the redemption of their souls. Soul winning therefore is an important mandate which all believers owe as a duty. We shall, in this study, examine the implications and the requirements for effectivesoul winning. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are:1.) To understand what soul winning is.2.) To know why we should be involved in soul winning.3.) To understand the urgency of the assignment.4.) To discuss the requirements for effective soul winning.5.) To examine the component of the gospel…. A Christian shouldpreach to sinners. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) WHAT IS SOUL WINNING?Soul winning, also referred to as evangelism or witnessing, is a process of letting people understand their sinful and dead nature before God. It involves explaining to them what God, in His love, has done through Jesus Christ to liberate men from the consequences of sin and Satan’sdominion. It also entails encouraging them to see the need for them to believe the message and accept the person of Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal Savior, so as to be truly free from Satan’s rule, and be made children of God, having the hope of eternal life in God’s kingdom. QUESTION 2) WHY IS SOUL WINNING AN URGENT ASSIGNMENT?This assignment is urgent because: -It is to be carried out within a specified time, until Christ comes back. His coming is very imminent, Revelation 3:11, 22:7. No one knows when this will be. -The harvest is ripe and the harvesters need to be urgent in order to preserve the harvest from rottenness or wastage. -Life is very, very short. “Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah”, Psalm 39:5. Job said, “We blossom like a flower, and then wither. Like a passing shadow, we quickly disappear’, Job 14:2 (NLT). These scriptures buttress the urgency of the assignment. The opportunity given for the work is short, John 9:4. QUESTION 3) WHY SHOULD WE BE INVOLVED IN SOUL WINNING?Jesus, at the end of His earthly ministry commissioned His disciples to go into all the world and preach the ‘good news’ with the sole purpose of winning souls. We are Christ’s followers today and by implication, we are commissioned by Christ to go and win souls. We should be involved because the command is...

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SOWING AND REAPING, OCTOBER 12TH, 2025

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SOWING AND REAPING, OCTOBER 12TH, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHTThe divine principle of sowing and reaping is manifest in all aspects of life. TEXT: GAL. 6:1-10; 2 COR. 9:6 INTRODUCTION:The law of sowing and reaping has come to be accepted as a universal, natural, scriptural, and spiritual truth that has found acceptance in all fields of endeavors. It is as old as creation and has been employed to communicate diverse kinds of instructions. In the church of Christ today, this truth is often declared among believers. The only irony is that today this truth finds vocal expression often when church is soliciting funds from members. A careful pinder on this truth will reveal the fact that its application extends beyond the borders of financial solicitations. In the actual sense, it embraces every element of Christian activities and secular routines that require the selfless use of divine endowments to enhance the comfort of one another. This includes how tenderly we restore the backslider, how burdensome we are when we render helping hands to others, how faithfully we conduct ourselves in the exercise of gifts how committedly we contribute towards the welfare of Laborers in God’s vineyard, and in general, how lovingly we respond to every opportunity to glorify God with our talents. In each of the scenarios above, the quality of seed we sow goes a long way to determine the kind of harvest that we get.This study will focus on some of the dimensions of sowing and reaping, and how they should be practiced among believers in Christ. LESSON OBJECTIVESThis lesson is intended to accomplish the following objectives: Explain the scriptural concept of Sowing and Reaping Discuss how correction and restoration may be handled among believers Explain how believers can bear one another’s burdens; and Discuss our obligations to gospel ministers BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) EXPLAIN THE CONCEPT OF SOWING AND REAPING FROM SCRIPUTAL POINT OF VIEW. Gal. 6:7-10Sowing and reaping is a natural law with divine backing (Gen. 8:22). It teaches us to sow now if we must expect to reap at a later date. Sowing comes before reaping. The sower determines what to sow while the divine law or reciprocation dictates the output. The active elements in sowing are intention, quality (or measure), watering, and regularity. It has divine conditions attached. Sowing must be done with godly intention with pleasure, in good measure, regularly, and sacrificially. Sowing that will bring good harvest requires no compulsion, neither is it a matter of convenience. It amounts to self-deceit and a mockery of the Gospel when we imagine that reaping is an unconditional entitlement.There is no need to manipulate for harvest if we have sown according to divine direction.It is important also to state that scriptural sowing and reaping is not restricted to items of material value only. It is applicable to the non-material dimensions as well.QUESTION 1B) WHAT SHOULD BE OUR MOTIVES IN SOWING? 2 COR. 9:6In sowing, according to spiritual standards, there are desires that should constitute our driving force. Some of them are as follows:a. Desire to have the nature of God (who is the chief sower) and comply with God’s instituted ordinance on seed time and harvest (Gen. 8:22).b. Desire to reap and have a bountiful harvest to one’s own account.c. Desire to do the pleasurable will of God by being a source of...

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THE REWARD OF TRUE DISCIPLESHIP, OCTOBER 5TH, 2025

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THE REWARD OF TRUE DISCIPLESHIP, OCTOBER 5TH, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHTThe believers’ labor in the LORD will not be in vain. TEXT: Mark 10:23-30 INTRODUCTION:A disciple is loyal, submissive and committed to his master. He is zealous for his master’s honor and interest at all costs. All serious-minded Christians are true disciples of Christ. There are rewards when believers are committed and consistent in their Christian faith. We have this assurance from His word that whatever a man sows that he will surely reap. We are therefore expected to be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord; for God is notunrighteous to forget our work and labor of love. We are never to give up in our service for the Lord. Paul described all the pains, sorrows, tears and challenges we go through as light affliction. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory”, 2 Corinthians 4:17. The Lord will reward us according to our choices and actions. Our Lord is always fair and just, He is absolutely unbiased when rewarding His children. Such rewards could be received on earth here and hereafter. The nature of such rewards and conditions to receiving them is the focus of this study. LESSON OBJECTIVES To understand the meaning of Reward. To explain Rewards mentioned by the Lord Jesus in the text. To examine the basis for receiving rewards from the Lord. To discuss our attitudes towards the Lord’s services. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) WHAT IS A REWARD?A reward is whatever is given or received in return for doing something; compensation, for what you have done; the fruit of your labor and actions. Someone who has invested time, money, talents, etc., surely receives blessings. A child that has put up a good behavior will likely be commended and compensated. The Bible copiously states that Christians that are loyal, obedient and committed to the Lord will surely be rewarded.Peter was not rebuked when he on behalf of the other disciples asked the Lord, “we have forsaken all and followed thee, what shall we have therefore?” Our Lord simply replied, “And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life”, Mark 10:29-30.In the Bible, obedience or disobedience attracts reward in line with God’s character of justice. What is certain is that our labor will be rewarded. The timing, nature and value of our reward is the prerogative of God. QUESTION 2) IN THE LIGHT OF MARK 10:28-30, LIST AND DISCUSS THE REWARDS MENTIONED BY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST? ARE THERE OTHER REWARDS?The Lord Jesus gave us assurance that anyone who gives up something valuable for His sake shall receive hundred folds of houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, property, persecution, eternal life. Accepting Christ as Lord and personal Savior may lead to rejection or being ostracized by one’s family but he or she will gain the larger family of God. Persecution was added because it can be part of our...

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THE CHURCH: RELATIONSHIP AMONGST MEMBERS, SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2025

Posted by on 11:23 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on THE CHURCH: RELATIONSHIP AMONGST MEMBERS, SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2025

THE CHURCH: RELATIONSHIP AMONGST MEMBERS, SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2025

A cordial relationship among members of the body of Christ is advocated in the Scriptures. TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 2:1-15; GALATIANS 6:1-10; 1 JOHN 4:7-21 INTRODUCTION:The church consists of many members who make up the body of Christ. These members have many roles and functions which differ from one to the other. Secondly, they come from different backgrounds, temperaments and even social status. Despite these differences, it is expected that all members of the body of Christ should live in harmony and relate one to another cordially by avoiding any form of discord or acrimony among themselves. There should be mutual respect and genuine love expressed towards all and sundry. We must learn to show concern and love towards one another. The way we relate amongourselves as members of the body of Christ as seen by the unbelievers will either attract or dispel them from Him. We must therefore remember the Lord’s command to us as His disciples. “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love oneanother. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another”, John 13:34-35. LESSON OBJECTIVES To discuss the issues of reputation in the churchTo explain what should be the attitude of a leader towards the members. To know what should be the attitude of the members towards their leaders in the church. To identify how we should relate with one another as believers. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT SHOULD BE THE ATTITUDE OF A CHURCH LEADER TOWARDS THE MEMBERS? ACTS 20:28; 1 PETER 5:2-3; ISAIAH 40:11; 1 TIMOTHY 5:21A good leader must learn to identity with those he is leading. This involves much more than just knowing them. It entails expressing genuine love for them and sincerely showing love, care and concern for them. He must love them unconditionally just as our Lord Jesus Christ loved all even to the extent of loving those who presented themselves as His enemies. A leader should also be able to accommodate all irrespective of their dispositions and temperament. He should treat all equally without showing partiality. Apostle Paul was very mindful of this fact that he admonished Timothy not to prefer one before another and do nothing by partiality. The leader must teach those he is leading the counsel of God as revealed in His Word. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood”, Acts 20:28. “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.”, 1 Peter 5:2-3. A leader should also realize that those he is leading are at different levels of maturity. Therefore, the leader must learn to relate with each of them at their individual level of understanding. He must know that as people are different, their actions and reactions will also differ. He must study them one by one, to know how best to relate to every individual he is expected to lead. A good leader...

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