Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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OBEDIENCE- OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE (PART 2), June 4th, 2023

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OBEDIENCE- OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE (PART 2), June 4th, 2023

HYMN: “When we walk with the Lord. ” CENTRAL THOUGHTGod demands total obedience from every believer. TEXT: 1 SAMUEL 15:1-23 INTRODUCTION:In the scripture, God always demands total obedience to His commands. Almost all the blessings we receive from God are predicated on total obedience to His words and commands.God expects from every believer a heart and attitude of complete obedience. In 1 Sam. 15:1-23, King Saul assumed his action in sparing the best of the Amalekites’ cattle and the King Agag would be used for sacrifice to God. Our God is more interested in our obedience than whatever sacrifice we would offer to Him. Thus, obedience entails totalsubmission to God’s authority over our lives, His will and command. Our willingness to submit to God’s will and instructions carrying them out on a daily basis should be our goal.Obedience attracts God’s blessing while disobedience brings about curse (Deut. 11:27-28).Disobedience to God is a sign of disrespect to Him and this has very serious consequences. Our obedience therefore should be complete for us to receive the promise (Heb. 10:36). LESSON OBJECTIVES1.) To know what obedience means.2.) To differentiate total obedience from “partial” obedience.3.) To discuss some areas believers indulge in partial obedience.4.) To highlight the consequences of partial obedience.5.) To know the rewards of total obedience. BIBLE TRUTHQUESTION 1.) WHAT IS OBEDIENCE?Obedience can be defined as carrying out the will of another person. It can also be viewed as a positive, active response to what one hears. It is an act or instance of submitting to authority. It is the compliance with the demands or requests of someone over us.Obedience to God is an obligation stressed in both Old and New Testaments. One evidence that a person is a child of God is his continued obedience to the commands of God. Obedience keeps our relationship with God open and free.Our obedience to God implies a total, unquestionable and complete submission to His will in all areas of our lives. This entails obeying the word of God (Exodus 19:5-6), pleasing Him in all we do and everywhere. Our obedience must therefore be motivated by our love for God based on reverence for Him. QUESTION 2.) DIFFERENTIATE TOTAL OBEDIENCE FROM “PARTIAL” OBEDIENCE.God demands total or complete obedience from every believer. Our obedience to God should manifest in all we do and it should be unconditional. Abraham demonstrated total obedience in offering his son Isaac (Gen. 22:1-12). You can imagine how one would feel when asked to offer a child one received after waiting for the promise for twenty five years. Although it would have been a very difficult decision to take, Abraham believed that God was able to bring back Isaac back to life even after he had offered him (Heb. 11:17-19).On the other hand Saul started as a humble man (1 Sam. 9:21) who was attentive to God’s commands. Gradually he began to listen to other voices. He placed higher value on appearances and popularity than obedience to God (1 Sam. 15:13-23). God rejected Saul as King because he did not completely obey God’s command (1 Sam. 15:3).Only our total obedience meets God’s standards and therefore acceptable to Him. Partial obedience as far as God is concerned is reckoned as disobedience. QUESTION 3.) DISCUSS SOME AREAS BELIEVERS INDULGE IN PARTIAL OBEDIENCE.There are...

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OBEDIENCE (PART 1): THE MARK OF A TRUE CHILD OF GOD, May 28th, 2023

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OBEDIENCE (PART 1): THE MARK OF A TRUE CHILD OF GOD, May 28th, 2023

HYMN: “When we walk with the Lord ” CENTRAL THOUGHTWe must obey God completely and fully in all things. TEXT: GEN. 6:11-14, 22, 12:1-5, 22:1-8, PHIL. 2:5-13, JAMES 1:25 INTRODUCTION:Obedience to God is the total submission of our will to the excellent and perfect will of God. God does not force any one to obey Him but expects it to be voluntary. A study of the Bible reveals that man’s obedience to God’s will, has always brought man happiness, and disobedience, unhappiness. For this reason we have in the Bible an emphasis on obedience. God said, “The things I command you, observe to do” Deut. 12:32. Again, “if you be willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land” Isaiah 1:19, “for as by one man’s disobedience man were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” (Romans 5:19).Redemption, which became necessary because of the disobedience of man, was made possible by the obedience of Christ. Obedience is at the center of man’s problem and likewise God’s solution. It is as we study the true meaning of obedience that we see the necessity of it for salvation, blessing, and God-honoring life. There are many things that make man unwilling to obey God. In this study, these shall be identified and discussed in order for us to have a fruitful Christian life. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe lesson objectives are as follows:1.) Have an in-depth understanding of what obedience is.2.) To know what obedience entails.3.) Identify some of the things that makes it difficult today for believers to obey God’s word.4.) To consider the outcome of obedience in the life of some Bible Characters. BIBLE TRUTH QUESTION 1.) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY OBEDIENCE?When we generally think of obedience, we think of doing what one is instructed to do. In scripture there are several different words used for obedience. In order to establish the principal meaning of these words in our minds, we will look at two of them briefly.Shama: This Hebrew word is the primary one used throughout the Old Testament. The word has as its primary root the meaning, “to hear intelligently”. Please note the word hear, it is central to the meaning.Hupakouo: This Greek word is the primary one used throughout the New Testament. The word is really made up of two words: hupo meaning under or beneath, and akouo meaning to hear. Thus the meaning of the word could be stated as, “to hear under”. It carried with it the thought of subordination, or the recognition of authority and wisdom. it is an attitude of hearing.Obedience is an attitude of the heart toward a higher authority. As Christians, that higher authority is God Himself. For the Christian, obedience is submitting intelligently to a higher authority because He is the Lord and final authority. Obedience is submission to God’s will, complying with given instructions; doing what God says one should do and not doing what God says one should not do. QUESTION 2.) WHAT DOES OBEDIENCE ENTAIL?a.) Sticking to what God says even when it seems unfavorable:When the Bible speaks of one obeying God’s will, it is teaching that one is to do what God has said, in the way God has said it, and for the reason God has given. Matthew 7:21...

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MEEKNESS, May 21st, 2023

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MEEKNESS, May 21st, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTMeekness is a virtue that must be desired and manifested by believers. HYMN: “ I am Thine O Lord ” TEXT: GEN. 13:1-12, PSALM 37:11, MATT. 5:5, JOHN 13:1-17 INTRODUCTIONMeekness is a virtue to be desired and manifested by believers. Any church filled with a disposition of meekness may be devoid of tension, schisms, rancour, misunderstanding, etc. Unfortunately, meekness as a virtue appears lacking in today’s church. Nevertheless, it remains an essential requirement in relationships within and outside of the church. A meek lifestyle has earthly and eternal rewards. In today’s lesson, we will examine what meeknessis. and how it can be demonstrated in our lives. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe lesson has as its objectives: Understanding what meekness is. Knowing how a believer can “acquire” meekness. Knowing how to demonstrate meekness in our relationships. Learning some lessons from the lives of some persons in scripture who demonstrated meekness of character. Appreciating the fact that meekness has a reward. BIBLE TRUTHQUESTION 1.) WHAT IS MEEKNESS?Meekness as defined in the dictionary is a disposition to be gentle, kind, quiet, and obedient. It carries with it an implication of being balanced in tempers and passions. Also, a meek disposition includes patience in suffering injuries without a feeling of revenge. The meek heart believes that vengeance belongs to God who will repay all evil doers. To be meek means to be humble, not proud, not hasty, not arrogant. QUESTION 2.) HOW IS MEEKNESS “ACQUIRED”?GAL. 5:22-23Meekness is included in the fruit of the SPIRIT as stated in Gal. 5:22-23. This attribute therefore is deposited potentially in the believer’s life at conversion when the HOLY SPIRIT comes to indwell him and bears witness with his spirit that he is now a child of GOD. Although potentially present in a believers life, however the manifestation of meekness (like any other fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT) comes through a continued yieldedness to the HOLY SPIRIT. Meekness is a virtue that’s expected to be acquired from childhood through parental training and environmental influences as we grow up to hear that we are what we are by the grace of God.In addition, a believer may learn meekness (and grow in it) through certain human experiences (trials) which GOD may allow in his/her life. Most times, such trials serve as “training grounds” for us so that more of God’s character will be reflected in our lives.In Rom. 5:3-5, we read “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”. The essence of meekness in the believer’s life is to reveal the person and character of the Lord Jesus Christ. QUESTION 3.) HOW DO WE DEMONSTRATE MEEKNESS IN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH:a) God. (James 4:6, 10, Psalms 51).God demands humility from every follower of His. There is no room for pride in our relationship with HIM. He created us and died for us. He redeemed us. He brought us into his marvelous light. The grace to live for HIM in this world comes from HIM. All we are, all we have and all we ever hope to be or have certainly derive from HIM. Therefore, there...

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A SUCCESSFUL AND HAPPY MARRIAGE, May 14th , 2023

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A SUCCESSFUL AND HAPPY MARRIAGE, May 14th , 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTA successful and happy Marriage springs from genuine heart agreement and unalloyed love of the couple. HYMN: “ Blest be the tie that binds ” TEXT: EPH. 5:21-25, TITUS 2:4, PSALM 127:3-5 INTRODUCTION:Certain factors account for a successful and happy marriage. First, is the love burning with the fire of divine love in the heart of the couple, that brought them to the precious unity in marriage. There should be continued protection of that vital unity with “walls” of love: loving words; loving deeds; demonstration of spirit of forgiveness, and mutual tolerance.Marriage will be successful and happy if the couple keeps confidence. This helps to preserve unity as they keep their private matters within themselves and within their home if in God.Settle conflict or misunderstanding at once. There is no doubt that two people from different backgrounds living together, are bound to have misunderstanding. When it occurs, it should be settled that same day. Apostle Paul counsels “ Let not the sun go down on your wrath…” (Eph. 4:26). If at the heat of an argument, the husband or wife breaks down and says “I’m sorry” for the unkind words or deeds, that settles it.The successful and happy marriage also has the blessings of children. The Bible says, “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord…. Happy is the man that has his quiver full of them” (Psalm 127:3-5).Above all, the couple should let God direct their affairs. If the husband and wife put God first in everything, establish a family altar where they pray together and look up to Him for direction, their marriage will be blessed with peace, harmony and contentment. This way leads to happiness also. LESSON OBJECTIVES1.) To know the meaning of a successful and happy marriage.2.) To know the basis of a successful and happy marriage.3.) To know what may lead to an unhappy marriage.4.) To know the consequences of unhappiness in marriage.5.) To know how to handle or deal with the factors that may cause unhappiness in marriage. BIBLE TRUTHQUESTION 1.) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY A SUCCESSFUL AND HAPPY MARRIAGE? A successful and happy marriage is one in which that fire of love which brought the couple together is kept “burning” all the time, protecting their unity and oneness; the bedrock of which is studying the word of God together, and submitting to the Holy Spirit in every way. It also means having confidence, trust, and reliance in each other all the time; even where the marriage is not yet blessed with children, keeping harmony in the home. QUESTION 2.) WHAT IS THE BASIS OF A SUCCESSFUL AND HAPPY MARRIAGE? First, the couple must have the fear of God (Proverbs 8:13) in their hearts, without which the marriage cannot be successfully lived in purity and holiness. Otherwise, the marriage vows would be thrown to the winds and they would not be kept. The married couple must live to please God always. Next, the couple must learn to love each other all the time by overlooking all offences (Prov. 10:12), remember that hatred causes strife, and love overlooks faults.Husband and wife should sleep on the same bed all their lives; this intensifies their love and oneness for each other. Sleeping on the same bed together keeps them warm when necessary, sex actions,...

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EFFECTIVE FOLLOW UP, May 7th, 2023

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EFFECTIVE FOLLOW UP, May 7th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTEffective follow up is essential for true discipleship. HYMN: “ Guide me O Thou great Jehovah ”. TEXT: Matt: 13:24-27, Acts 15:36 INTRODUCTIONAn expectant mother adequately prepares for the care of her expected baby before delivery. The mother begins from the first day to ensure that the baby is fed with the appropriate food that will make it grow to maturity. In the same way, a new convert (a newly born-again believer) can be likened to a new-born baby and has to be cared for. There is need to pay attention to the process of helping our new converts to become matured Christians, using every good means possible to ensure that this is achieved. A good follow-up goes a long way to determine the stability of a new convert. A person who is well tutored in the word of God and tenet of his/her new faith and belief at the beginning is likely to be more serious in his/her walk with the Lord Jesus. So, we will in this study, examine what effective follow-up entails, and how it will enhance discipleship. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this lesson are to:1.) To enlighten our minds on what follow up entails.2.) To rekindle and reawaken in us the attitude to effective follow-up.3.) Acknowledge the benefits of effective follow up. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.A) WHAT IS FOLLOW UP?Follow up in the context of our study, is a systematic program put together to enable a new convert understand what his/her new found faith entails. This usually includes teaching the new convert the Basics of our faith, visitations, prayers, counseling, words of encouragement and ensuring that the individual is involved in regular fellowship with the Lord and the brethren. The exercise starts from when the individual accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and personal savior and continues until such individual is considered to have understood the tenet of the Christian faith. QUESTION 1B) WHO ELSE SHOULD BE FOLLOWED UP?In our discussion above, we referred to new converts as persons who should be followed up. In a broader sense, there are some old members in the church who should be followed up in addition to new converts- those who have become weak in faith as a result of series of persecutions, temptations, and other life challenges. Such brethren should be followed- up to reassure them that God still loves them and is interested in their well-being. QUESTION 1C.) WHO SHOULD DO THE FOLLOW UP?As much as it is advisable to have a follow-up group in a church, every genuine Christian who is interested in the welfare of other members and the growth of the church, should engage in follow up exercise. The scripture enjoins all Christians to be their brothers’ keepers. (Rom. 15:1-2, Gal. 6:2, Phil. 2:4). In addition, any believer who engages in witnessing/evangelism should of necessity follow-up his/her converts. QUESTION 1D) WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO DO FOLLOW UP?MATT. 13:18-21, 24-26Reasons abound why we should do follow up.1.) To enable new converts fully understand the decision they have made.2.) That the word they have received will take root in them.3.) To enable them stand in the face of trials/challenges.4.) That they may be able to confess Jesus boldly in the presence of their old friends, and everyone.5.) That they will not be deceived by...

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HELL- A PLACE OF TORMENT, April 30, 2023

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HELL- A PLACE OF TORMENT, April 30, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTHell is a place of eternal torment and deep regret. HYMN: “Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling” TEXT: Luke 16: 19-31; Rev. 20:1-15 INTRODUCTIONThe subject of hell is not a pleasant one for discussion. Some people will not like to talk about it, yet it is a fearful reality, an awful state and a tragic fate. If we are to preach and teach the complete, balanced and undiluted word of God faithfully, we must not omit the facts about hell. Admitting that the subject of hell is one of the most difficult subjects in the Bible, Billy Graham said, he usually devoted one evening to a discussion on the subject of hell during outreaches. He added, “However, that for days afterwards there would be many lesser from his audience arguing the pros and cons of the subject”. but, one thing is certain, hell is real, whether we believe it or not. There is something within a man that says that death and the grave are not the end. Indeed, there is a scarcely people in the world that do not have some kind of belief in life after death and that the wicked will go unpunished. The Lord Jesus spoke so much about hell on the pages of Scripture. We shall, in this study, discuss what Scripture says about life in hell fire and the way to escape this place of torment. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this lesson are to: Understand what hell refers to Know those who will end up in hell Know why the rich man went to hell and that life in hell is for eternity Examine what life in hell looks like Know the way of escape from hell fire Q1. WHAT DOES HELL REFER TO IN THE BIBLE?Hell is a place where the unconverted go. It is a place of eternal separation from God, a region of banishment from all that is good. It is a land of night (darkness) where there is no hope of a future amelioration of conditions there.Hell was originally prepared for Satan and his angels (Matt 25:41). God did not intend it for man. However, if any man persists in serving Satan and reject the Lordship of Christ, he will spend eternity with Satan in hell. Q2. WHO ARE THOSE THAT WILL END UP IN HELL? Rev. 20:15, 21:8; Matt. 25:41-45; 2 Peter 3:17 Hell is the abode of sinners who die unsaved.Those that will be found there are the false prophets (Matt. 7:15-19), the selfish, unkind, and unmerciful (Matt. 25:41-46), all those whose names were not found recorded in the Book of Life (Rev. 20:15), the cowards who denied Christ because of persecution unbelievers, the corrupt, murdered, cultists, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshippers, and all liars (Rev. 21:8), all those who rejected Christ and refused to accept Him and Lord and Savior (John 3:18-19), the backsliders (Heb. 6:4-6), the sorcerers, drunkards, armed robbers, kidnappers and other sins (see Gal. 5:19-20). Anyone living such life without repenting at the point of death or at Christ’s coming will end up and suffer in hell. Q3. WHAT IS THE DURATION OF LIFE IN HELL FIRE? Rev. 20:10; Matt. 25:46 There are many false teachings on this subject by some denominations and cult groups. Some of these teachings...

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HEAVEN- THE ULTIMATE HOME OF THE BELIEVERS IN CHRIST, April 23rd, 2023

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HEAVEN- THE ULTIMATE HOME OF THE BELIEVERS IN CHRIST, April 23rd, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTHeaven is a prepared place for a prepared people and nothing that defileth can enter therein. HYMN: “When the Trumpet of the Lord Shall Sound” TEXT: John 14:1-3; 2 Cor. 5:1; Rev. 21:1-7 INTRODUCTIONHeaven is the abode of the Godhead, angels, and the dead in Christ. It is a place or state of supreme bliss. Heaven is the dwelling place of God (Acts 7:49) and the future home of the saints (John 14:3); a place free from every stain of sin and iniquity. Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people and a place of perfect satisfaction and glory.Heaven is the Throne- room of God (Ps. 103:19), a place of God’s full glory (Dan. 7:9-10), the home of the righteous dead (2 Cor. 5:1), the future home of all believers in Christ (Rev.7:9-10). Heaven is aplace far beyond anything that we can possibly conceive (1 Cor. 2:9), a place of holiness, full of great glory and without end, a place of continual worship (Rev. 19:1-6), a place that will never end (2 Peter 1:11), a place uncontaminated by evil (Rev. 21:27), and a place without night, curse, pain, crying, sorrow, and death.As believers, we now live our lives in a special relationship with heaven because: (i) we belong there (Heb. 12:22-22), (ii) we are enthroned there (Eph. 2:6), (iii) we have our source of life in Christ there (Eph. 1:3), (iv) we have our names recorded there (Luke 10:20), (v) we have been sent by the One who lives there (John 17:18), (vi) we have our eyes fixed there (2 Cor. 4:17-18), (vii) we have our treasure there (1 Peter 1:3-4), (viii) our focus is heaven (Phil. 3:13-14). LESSON OBJECTIVESAt the end of the lesson, we should be able to: Appreciate the reality and existence of heaven Identify those who are qualified to be in heaven Understand the features of heaven Know what happens to a Christian after death Examine what characterizes the life of a believer in heaven, his ultimate home BIBLE TRUTHQ1. IS HEAVEN REAL AND IN EXISTENCE? (GEN. 1:1; JOHN 14:1-3; ACTS 7:49, 55-56).In Genesis, it is recorded that God created the heavens and the earth (Gen. 1:1). God’s Throne-room and dwelling place is heaven (Acts 7:49).Furthermore, some Bible characters saw a glimpse of the existence of and reality of heaven. Some of them include(a) Jacob, who saw a ladder that connected heaven and earth (Gen 28:12),(b) John the Baptist, at the baptism of Jesus Christ saw the heavens open and a voice spoke to him, “This is my son in whom I am well pleased.” (Matt. 3:16-17),(c ) Stephen, the first martyr, at the point of being stoned to death, saw the heavens open and saw Jesus standing on the right hand of the Father (Acts 7:55-56),(d) Apostle Paul also testified that he saw a glimpse of the third heaven (2 Cor. 12:1-4).In John 14:1-3, the Lord Jesus Christ made a very special promise to every believer: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you...

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THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST, April 16, 2023

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THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST, April 16, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTThe ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ is a historical fact that is well documented in scripture. HYMN: “Fade, fade, each earthly joy; Jesus is mine” TEXT: Luke 24: 50-53; Acts 1:9-11 INTRODUCTIONThe Lord Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again from the dead, all in fulfillment of Biblical prophecies concerning Him and to bring about man’s full redemption. After the resurrection, He spent forty days on earth and appeared to many people. Finally, He ascended to heaven. The ascension is that event in which the Lord Jesus departed from the earth visibly and entered into heaven. He came to the earth as the baby born in a manger but left the earth as the exalted conqueror. The Ascension is a historical fact that is well documented in scriptures. It’s manner and benefits will be the focus of this lesson. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this lesson include:a. To identify some of the persons that Christ appeared to after His resurrection.b. To examine the manner of His Ascension and determine any similarities with His second advent.c. To know the benefits of the Ascension. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. IDENTIFY SOME OF THE PERSONS CHRIST APPEARED TO AFTER HIS RESURRECTION (Mark 16:9-14)The Lord Jesus appeared to individuals and groups after His resurrection. The list includes:a. Mary MagdaleneShe was the first person that saw the Lord after His resurrection. She had come to the sepulcher (where the Lord was buried) early in the morning in her mourning to further anoint the body of the Lord. However, she met an empty grave and while wondering what happened, the Lord appeared to her and revealed Himself to her. She was the first to carry the good news of the resurrection.b. The Ten DisciplesExcluding Thomas Didymus. Mary Magdalene took the news of the resurrection to the Disciples where they were all gathered. As they wondered about what they had heard, the Lord also appeared unto them (Mark 16:9-14).c. Thomas DidymusWhen Thomas came, the other disciples told Him of the Master’s resurrection, and, that in fact, He had appeared to them. Thomas expressed his doubts. In order to deal with His doubts, the Lord appeared to him (John 20:24-29).d. Cleopas and the other disciple on the way to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35).Cleopas and another disciple on the way to Emmaus discussed the recent events in Jerusalem which had troubled their minds and brought them much distress. Perhaps the decision to go to Emmaus was a way to soothe their confounded hearts. However, on the way, the Lord appeared to them and they quickly returned to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples.e. OthersMany other people saw the Lord after His resurrection. For example, 1 Cor. 15:6 declares “After that, He was seen of about five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present but some are fallen asleep”. Also, in Acts 1:3-9, the 12 disciples saw Him. He also appeared to James (1 Cor. 15:7) and also years later to Paul (Acts 9:1-9).These appearances to different people at different times further buttress the fact of the Lord’s resurrection. He spent the period on earth after His resurrection strengthening the disciples and expounding to them the things “pertaining to the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3). Q2. WHAT WAS THE MANNER OF HIS ASCENSION? (Mark...

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BURIAL AND RESURRECTION OF CHRIST, April 9, 2023

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BURIAL AND RESURRECTION OF CHRIST, April 9, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTChrist’s resurrection is the assurance and proof of the genuine-ness of the Christian faith. HYMN: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” TEXT: Matt. 27:57-60; 28:1-7. INTRODUCTIONWhile the burial of Jesus Christ involved the remarkable fulfillment of one aspect of Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 53:9), His resurrection confirms its claims; validates His authority and assures us that because Jesus lives, we shall live also. In this study, we shall examine some details of the burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. LESSON OBJECTIVES To understand the role played by Joseph of Arimathea in the burial of the Lord Jesus Christ. To know the attempts made by men to prevent the Lord’s resurrection. To appreciate the significance of the Lord’s resurrection. BIBLE TRUTH:Q1. WHAT WAS THE ROLE OF JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA IN THE BURIAL OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST?Luke 23:50-53; John 19:38Joseph of Arimathea was an honorable counselor, a conscious and hopeful believer (disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ) who waited for the kingdom of God. He was a good and just man who never consented to the counsel of evil deeds of the men of his time.After the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate, took permission from him, carried the body of Christ, wrapped it with linen and laid it in his (Joseph’s) sepulcher which he hewn for hisown burial. Joseph of Armathea helped to fulfill Isaiah 53:9 “And He made his grave… and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth”. He prepared a befitting grave for his own burial and in fulfillment of scripture he offered it up for Jesus’ burial.Contemporary believers have lessons to learn from the life and character exhibited by Joseph of Arimathea.(i). As an honorable counselor, he had the opportunity to “dance” to “the tune of the music of the power to be”, especially with the Jewish leaders, chief priests, elders, and the multitude who proclaimed “Hosanna” today and the next moment “crucify Him”, but he did not because he so much hoped for the eternal honor.(ii). As a believer, he was very conscious and hopeful of the long awaited kingdom of God that he could recognize his role of burying the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He was a giver. He gave Jesus his best- a rich man’s best.(iii). As “a good and just man”, his position and power in the society did not influence him negatively; rather, he pleased God and had peace with men.These challenges are for believers today. They should not drop eternal value for sensual honor because the Lord Jesus must be lifted up. Q2. DISCUSS THE ATTEMPTS MADE BY MEN TO PREVENT THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.Matt. 27:62-66; 28:12-15Christ’s enemies did not forget His saying; they went to Pilate and reminded him of Christ’s words that “on the third day he would rise again” and requested that he (Pilate) should “command that the sepulcher be made sure until the third day, lest His (Christ) disciples come by night and steal him away and say unto the people, “He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be made worse than the first… so they went and made sure the sepulcher sure, sealing the stone and setting...

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JESUS – HIS PASSION AND CRUCIFIXION, April 2nd, 2023

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JESUS – HIS PASSION AND CRUCIFIXION, April 2nd, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTPeace with God through Christ’s sufferings. HYMN: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” TEXT: Matt. 27:27-54 INTRODUCTION:The word Passion as used in Galatians 5:24 (NAS, NIV) can be defined as strong feeling, intense desire or enthusiasm towards something. It is also referred to as affection and lust of the flesh. Paul in his letter said “those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh and its passion and desires” (NKJV). But when Passion is used in relation to Jesus Christ, it refers to his suffering and death, in which case it is prefixed by the word “The” – The Passion (of Jesus Christ). In the Christian world, the period is referred to as “The Passion Week”. It starts from “Psalm Sunday” when Jesus triumphantly entered into Jerusalem as a king, through to “Good Friday” when He was crucified. In our study, we shall examine some of the agonies and pains experienced by our Lord Jesus during “the Passion Week”. LESSON OBJECTIVES To critically examine Christ’s sufferings. To understand why He needed to go through all the sufferings. To understand how we are to reciprocate the sacrifice of Christ for us. To examine Christ’s seven last statements on the cross. To identify some of the miraculous events that accompanied the death of Christ. BIBLE TRUTHQ1. READ AND BRIEFLY COMMENT OF THE FOLLOWING PAINS SUFFERED BY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. a) False Witness Against Him (Matt. 26: 59-61). Two witnesses who claim to testify against Christ came forward and said “This Man said I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days: This was false. Jesus said “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up”. However, He never referred to the infrastructural Temple of God, rather He was referring to His body (His death and resurrection), which the so-called witnesses failed to understand. In ignorance, they testified falsely against Christ. This must have really caused Jesus a great deal of pain.b) Smitten and Spat on (Mark 14:65; 15:19; John 18:22).It was a public humiliation of an innocent man. There was no base for such treatment, but for His obedience to the command of His Father, He neither complained nor reacted in any form.c) Given Gall and Vinegar (John 19:28-29; Matt. 27:34,48). It is unimaginable to think of offering bitter or sour liquid to a man hungry or thirsty of water. What a mockery!d) Hands and Feet Pierced (John 19:37; 20:25-27). Jesus was nailed to the cross alive. What a great pain that physical injury caused. The excruciating pain is better imagined than experienced.e) Mocked While Dying (Matt. 27:39-40). While in great pain and distress, deserted by His disciplines, needing encouragement and comfort, even His kinsman mocked Him.f) His Side was Pierced (John 19:34). The only way the soldiers who crucified Him thought it right to ascertain whether He was still alive, while hanging on the cross, was to pierce His side with a spear. What an act of merciless cruelty!g) Flogged with a Whip (Matt. 27:26). Jesus was flogged, not just with an ordinary whip, but one with thorns which made visible marks of injury all over His body.h) He was Stripped and Worn a Crown of Thorns (Matt. 27:28-29). The soldiers forced the “crown” on His head and thorns, piercing...

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