Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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BEING ABOUT MY FATHER’S BUSINESS, AUGUST 11th, 2024

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CENTRAL THOUGHTSoul wining is the Father’s business in which all believers have a share. TEXT: LUKE 2:49; 10:1-11; JOHN 9:4; MARK 16:15-18 INTRODUCTION:“And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49). From the Scriptures, these are the first recorded words spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ. From the onset, He made it abundantly clear that He was here on a mission- to do His Father’s business. From the first opportunity that presented itself, He launched Himself into this task. One may be tempted to ask- what is this business of the Fatherthat was such a consuming passion in His life? It was to bring the message of the gospel to the world; the good news of God reconciling the world to Himself by thesacrificial and substitution death of His Son; to enlist men and women into this business and leave it as a perpetual commission to all who come to believe the message of the gospel. Therefore, as those who have come to embrace the love of God demonstrated in the gospel, we need to see the task of reaching others for God not only as our duty but see it as the Lord Jesus did- it is our Father’s business. LESSON OBJECTIVES To know what the Father’s business is To understand the urgency of the business To know the requirement of effective evangelism To identify what constitutes the evangelistic message To appreciate the consequences of not evangelizing. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) WHAT IS THE FATHER’S BUSINESS?The Father’s business is the business of evangelizing to the world; it is a world alienated from God by sin- the original sin and the present continuing acts of men which offend God. It is the task of making men understand that as Romans 3:23 says, none is exempted “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”. All have sinned andso all have need of God’s forgiveness. The good news is that by Christ’s death, pardon for sin has been purchased.All who repent and believe in this finished work of grace have their sins remitted and are reconciled to God. Having accomplished salvation by His death, the Lord Jesus has left us the business of telling others, so that being reconciled they may escape eternal judgement and damnation awaiting all those who spurn at God’s offer. QUESTION 2) WHY IS EVANGELISM AN URGENTBUSINESS?From the Lord’s handling of this matter, it is obvious that it was a very urgent business. In John 4:34 He said to the disciples, “My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me and to finish His work”. To the Lord, nothing else mattered, the first reason for this passionate disposition was that the harvest was already ripe and plenteous (Matt. 9:36-37; John 4:35-38). The harvest was already ripe and therefore must be brought in to avoid waste and loss. Just as God is interested in the souls of men for salvation, so also is the devil but with the aim of bringing them into destruction. That is why we must get them to obtain abundant life in Christ (John 10:10). Secondly, the harvest is plenteous. There is much to be done and so there is no time...

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DELIVERED, YET IN BONDAGE, AUGUST 4TH, 2024

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DELIVERED, YET IN BONDAGE, AUGUST 4TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHT My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. TEXT: GALATIANS 3:1-6, 5:1-5; EXODUS 32:7-6INTRODUCTION:It is a great accomplishment to obtain liberty for oneself orfor another but is greater task to sustain the principles andprocess of that liberty. This scenario is more apt in theChristian race where at repentance; we are delivered fromthe darkness of sin and Satan and brought into themarvelous light of Christ’s gospel. What have we donewith this state of liberty? The tendency to drift into anotherform of bondage is high, through the conflicts and fusion ofthe old and new lives.There are very many practical trends in todays’ Church thatare clear evidences of bondage among believers. Theymanifest in lifestyles, self –imposed taboos and very poorunderstanding of the divine privileges associated withsalvation.This study is aimed at identifying the various forms ofbondage plaguing believers today and to proffer solutionsout of such captivity. LESSON OBJECTIVES To explain how one can be delivered and yet be in bondage. To identify the causes of bondage after deliverance. To discuss some biblical examples of people that were delivered andyet in bondage. To identify practices among believers that are evidences of bondage. To examine how we may truly remain delivered from bondage. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) DISCUSS THE PHRASE ‘DELIVERED, YET IN BONDAGE’.In the context of this study, to deliver means to liberate, orto set free from any form of oppression, barrier, obstacle;while bondage refers to a state of servitude, captivity orsubjugation by a force. It means to be restricted inliberty. The two concepts deliver, and bondage arecontrary to each other.In the context of salvation in Christ, we are grafted into thefamily of God when we express faith in Jesus Christ andfollow it up with repentance. We are thus delivered. Fromthis state of liberty, it is possible to gradually slide backinto the same type of entanglement or with another form ofbondage. In this situation, our practical lives will notmatch the expectations of the kingdom. Such an individualwill still be under the oppressive influence of sin, and hisChristian growth will be retarded. Service will beineffective and living the Christian life (i.e. Christ-like life)becomes burdensome. The desire for the pleasures of theold lifestyle begins to reawaken. QUESTION 2) WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF BONDAGE AFTER DELIVERANCE? Proverbs 4:23; Hosea 4:6 The general cause of bondage after deliverance is spiritual carelessness, and poor discernment. This is seen in manifest ignorance of the word of God, giving birth to impatience, greed, incomplete surrender, ungodly association, inadequate discipleship training, and outright disobedience.Other causes are carnality and lust, pride of life and excessive desire for material accomplishment. Others are doctrinal crossbreeding through allegiance to multiple fellowships and numerous prophets. QUESTION 3) ARE THERE SCRIPTURAL INSTANCES OF PEOPLE WHO WERE DELIVERED, BUT STILL EXPERIENCED BONDAGE? Exodus 32:7-9, Galatians 3:1-3 There are some examples where people who were delivered by God, had to slide back to bondage. The Israelites were delivered from bondage in Egypt by the strong arm of God through Moses. But with every challenge, they openly manifested the nature of Egypt. They soon forgot their slavery and craved for the pot flesh of Egypt. This became a hindrance and many of them perished without getting to the Promise Land.The Galatian Church is another example. It didn’t take long, after they were saved by grace, for them to return...

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PRAYING ALWAYS, JULY 28TH, 2024

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PRAYING ALWAYS, JULY 28TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHT Prayer is a powerful weapon to fight spiritual war. TEXT: EPHESIANS 6:18-20; 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-4INTRODUCTION:Prayer is a line of communication between man and his Maker, the Almighty God. For the believer, it should be a lifestyle and a habit. It is an attitude of waiting on the Lord until the answer comes. It is a place of stability, fellowship, conversation, partnership, etc. where the believer receivesstrength, learns holiness and obedience. It is very vital for Christian living. In prayer, we draw closer to God. Full consecration comes through prayer.Prayer is part of the Christian’s armor andinstrument/weapon of war. Through prayers, kingdoms are subdued. Prayer, as a spiritual weapon, is both defensive and offensive.This study is aimed at helping us to recognize that men ought always to pray and not to faint. LESSON OBJECTIVES To know what prayer is Appreciate how prayer is an armor and how to use it effectively. Know the hindrances to answer to prayers. Understand what the believer should pray about BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT IS PRAYER? Prayer is the line of communication between man and his Maker, the Almighty God, in the form of thanksgiving, appreciation of God’s past works, supplication, request or intercession. It is a time of asking, listening, and hearing from God. Prayer is an act of worship. It enhances every other activity in one’s relationship with God. It is an offensive weapon to fight against the powers of darkness. The power to pray grows gradually with the help of the Holy Ghost. QUESTION 2) HOW IS PRAYER AN ARMOR? Prayer is an armor (a spiritual armor) because it connects the believer with the power of God and attracts the attention of heaven for answers to be released. Prayer brings us into communion with God who knows the strategy of the enemy for each battle. In the place of prayers, the enemy’s strategy/ stronghold and strength are revealed to the believer and this will enable him/her to know how to fight each battle. King Hezekiah was threatened by King Sennacherib; he prayed, and God gave him victory over his enemy (2 Kings 19:14-19, 32-37). Prayer as a weapon of our warfare is mighty through God for pulling down of strongholds (2 Corin. 10:3-5). Prayer also strengthens and keeps us alert spiritually. QUESTION 3) WHAT SHOULD THE BELIEVER PRAY ABOUT? Scriptures enjoin us that prayers be made for: a. All men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:1)b. For kings and all that are in authority to rule honestly and in the fear of God (1 Timothy 2:2) c. For all Christian leaders to be led by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 6:19) d. That all believers may be effective in doing the work of God (Matt. 9;37,38; 5:16)e. Our enemies (Matt. 5:44) f. Ourselves, amongst others (Matt. 6:9-14) We must depend on the Holy Spirit to reveal to us daily what we must pray for. QUESTION 4) WHAT ARE THE HINDRANCES TO ANSWER TO PRAYERS? There is no prayer that God does not answer unless it is not according to His will/word, or the believer is not attentive to hear from Him. The answer can be yes, no, or wait, depending on God’s purpose for His children. The hindrance to prayers can be: a. Sin: Sin is the major hindrance to...

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THE AWE IN WORSHIP, JULY 21ST, 2024

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THE AWE IN WORSHIP, JULY 21ST, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHT True worship leads to righteous living and righteous living enriches congregational worship. Hymn: “Oh Worship the King” TEXT: ISAIAH 6:1-5, JOHN 4:19-34, 2 CHRONICLES 5:1-14 INTRODUCTION: God Almighty, the Creator of the universe and everything therein and His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who redeemed mankind from death, destruction, deserve our praise, thanks, honor, adoration and worship. We can do nothing without Him because He is our source. After creating the heavens and the earth, God created man in His image and likeness to live in comfort and enjoy His creation and reciprocate by serving and worshiping Him all the days of his life. When man sinned and became separated from God, He sent His only begotten Son to redeem him from death and destruction. For these reasons every living soul ought to serve and worship the Almighty God for His goodness, loving kindness and mercy. True worship arises from a heart that is fully or totally yielded unto God, which begins with the acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and personal Savior and is reflected in total obedience to the will of the Almighty.As believers we must acknowledge that we are privileged to be partakers of God’s divine grace, as made available in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In response to His divine grace, we must approach Him reverently, in faith and humility, yielding our Spirit, Soul and body unto Him without any reservation. The believer must also live in constant consciousness of the constant presence of the Almighty. This will enable him or her to faithfully live for Him and not soil his or her life with sin.Conclusively, it is not enough to worship but there is also need for the believer to stand in awe of Him. LESSON OBJECTIVES 1. To explain the meaning of worship. 2. To identify who to worship. 3. To know how to worship. 4. To understand what is meant by making a joyful noise unto the Lord. 5. To know the hindrances to worship BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT IS WORSHIP?In Great Illustrated Dictionary, ‘worship’ is defined as the reverent love and allegiance accorded a deity; ardent devotion; adoration.The Christians worship the Almighty God who made the heavens and earth, and everything therein. Through God we live, move and have our being. By God, our redemption was made possible through Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son who told us not to fear since He holds the keys of hell and death. Hence with gladness we solicit for God’s divine presence through worship as He is our comforter, defender, provider, healer, etc. Also, God promised that He would be with us always even till the end of the world.In worship, we make a joyful noise unto the Lord with singing, praises and thanksgiving, proclaiming His good and mighty works. As revealed in the “Lord prayer” in Matthew 6:9-10, we hallow God’s name through worship as done in heaven. The angels and the twenty-four elders do not rest day and night in heaven, glorifying, honoring and thanking God, Revelation 4:9-11. Worship is total surrender to God of our all, appreciating and giving Him credit for everything we have or have achieved since wecan do nothing without Him, 2 Chronicles 5:11-14; Psalm 100:1-5. QUESTION 2) WHO SHOULD WE WORSHIP?...

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HINDRANCES TO PRAYER, JULY 14TH, 2024

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HINDRANCES TO PRAYER, JULY 14TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTSinful living constitutes a major hindrance to prayer. TEXT: ISA. 59:1-2; JAMES 4:1-10 INTRODUCTION:It is God’s desire, as it is our desire when we pray, that we receive answers to our prayers. God said, “call upon me in the day of troubles: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15).Occasionally we are hindered from praying and even when we pray, answers to our prayers may be hindered. The reason is that Satan knows that when we go to God in prayer, we obtain strength to prevail against him. Therefore, he does all he can to hinder us from paying. It is not that God is not able to fulfil His promise to answer our prayer, but our iniquities, which Satan plunges into us, separates between us and our God, and our sins hide His face from us that He would not hear. Satan therefore causes us to sin to affect our separation from God.In this study, those things that may bring about hindrances to our prayers would be examined, and ways in which those hindrances can be overcome are suggested. LESSON OBJECTIVES To know what hindrances to prayer imply To know some of the things the enemy (Satan) may use to hinder us from praying. To know how to overcome those hindrances. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HINDER?The word hinder according to the dictionary means to keep back, to stop, or prevent, to be an obstacle. According to an elementary dictionary, the word hinder simply means, get in the way of someone or something.“Hindrance to prayer” therefore implies the act of stopping prayer or that which keeps back prayers, or prevention to prayer, or obstacle to prayers, or on the other hand, person or thing that gets in one’s way to prayer.Hindrance to prayer can be described as physical speed breaks which are usually built on our roads, to pose obstacle to the free flow of traffic. It does not allow one to maintain a particular speed level. Hindrances to prayer would not allow one to maintain an upward prayer life. Answers to prayers could also be hindered through delays that may be engineered by the devil which God may allow to benefit the Christian. (Daniel 10:12-14; Rom. 8:28). QUESTION 2). WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THE ENEMY (SATAN) MAY USE TO HINDER US FROM PRAYING? Lk. 21:34Nothing troubles Satan, our enemy, like the prayers of the Saints. Therefore, he tries all his possible best to stop or hinder the Saints from praying. Some of the things the enemy uses to hinder us from praying are stated in Luke 21:34. “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.”First from this passage is surfeiting. Anything of this flesh is capable of hindering us from praying. As the Bible puts it “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father.” (1 John 2:15-17). The love of the world which is associated with these three elements, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and...

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SOME CAUTIONS ABOUT PRAYERS, JULY 7TH, 2024

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SOME CAUTIONS ABOUT PRAYERS, JULY 7TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTPrayers must conform with the word of God, as led by the Holy Spirit. TEXT: JAMES 4:3; LUKE 9:51-56; MATT. 6:5-13 INTRODUCTION:Prayer as we all know it is a veritable mode of communication between us believers and our Heavenly Father. Christ emphasized the need for and importance of prayer “that men ought always to pray and not faint” (Luke 18:1b).Therefore, for every Christian, prayer is indispensable. However, prayer has become one Christian practice that has been misused and abused by many in recent times. Many people in a bid to receive “quick answers” to their prayers have been led into error. Some so-called prayer leaders have devised many teachings and doctrines on prayer which are contrary to the Word of God. Some of these have led to unwholesome practices that tend towards occultism and fetish. It must be emphasized that any form of prayer outside that as was taught by Jesus Christ is unacceptable by God and can never attract His attention. LESSON OBJECTIVES To explain what Christ cautioned against as Christians pray; Highlight and discuss what time of the days were prayers made by people in the Scriptures; Identify where each of these prayers took place; and Explain some prayer practices, including how scriptural they are. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT WAS IT THAT CHRIST CAUTIONED AGAINST AS CHRSITIANS PRAY? (Matt. 6:5-7)Jesus Christ cautioned against outward show as Christians pray. He said “and when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward” (Matt. 6:5). He also cautioned against vain repetition, for such persons “think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” Prayer should be genuine and sincere from the heart. It should not be to impress people, rather it is pouring our hearts to God and expressing our sincere love and dependence on His love and mercy.QUESTION 2) WHAT TIME OF THE DAY DID PRAYERS IN THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURES TAKE PLACE? (Mk. 1:35; Matt. 26:36-39; Luke 5:12,16; 6:12; Acts 3:1)There is no specific time of the day that prayers cannot take place. Jesus rose early in the morning, a great while before day and departed into a solitary place to pray. Jesus also prayed in the night before His arrest. Jesus was a man of prayer, he prayed during the day and at other times all through the night. “Peter and John went together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.” The ninth hour in this context was stated as 3 o’clock in the afternoon. From all these references, it then follows that there is no specific time that prayer cannot take place. We are enjoined in the Scriptures to “pray without ceasing: (1 Thess. 5:17). Paul also admonished the Ephesian brethren in Eph. 6:18 this: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…” In summary, prayer can take place at any time be it morning, noon, afternoon, evening, or night. Out God “neither sleeps nor slumbers”. His ears are attentive to our prayers at all times. QUESTION 3). IDENTIFY WHERE EACH OF THESE PRAYERS TOOK PLACEMatt. 14:23; Luke 18:10; Acts 10:9,30,11:15Just as prayers...

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Month of July Prayer and Fasting

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Month of July Prayer and Fasting

Mount Zion Gospel Tabernacle International Invites you to join us as we begin our annual month of July Prayer and Fasting. July 1st-31st, fasting from 6am-6pm (or as directed by the Holy Spirit). This year’s theme is taken from Matthew 11:12, “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Brethren the Bible says that the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force. There are things that the enemy is holding on to that is yours that needs to be let go. Maybe it’s your health, maybe it’s your marriage, maybe the enemy has been toying with the destiny of your children, maybe the enemy has been keeping your life in constant lack and a cycle of struggle etc. Whatever it is, we are praying that every hold, every grip, every plan, every stumbling block, every tactic that the enemy has been using shall be exposed and destroyed. We take back our homes, our health, our finances and our destiny etc. MZGTI Month of July Fasting and Praying, fasting under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Check out our Facebook page for daily prayer points: https://www.facebook.com/Mzgtiglobal?mibextid=ZbWKwL Elderly, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions should apply their hearts unto wisdom. And expect the healing and Miracle Of God Almighty in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏. Fasting with wisdom under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. For those who would like to join us in our prayers our prayer line will be open every night in the month of July at midnight:7164271426 conference code 568693# God bless you...

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OVERCOMING THE ‘GRASSHOPPER’ MENTALITY, June 30th, 2024

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OVERCOMING THE ‘GRASSHOPPER’ MENTALITY, June 30th, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTTo doubt and deny the word of God will result in disobedience. TEXT: NUM. 13:1-33 INTRODUCTION:At the very borders of the Promised Land, Moses had to send out twelve spies to search out the land and bring possible evidence of the fruitfulness of the place to camp. The reaction to their report brought much distress in the camp of God’s people. Some even resolved to elect another group of leaders who would take them back to slavery in Egypt. By their report, the people who were already in sight of the promised land had to wander for many more years in the desert as punishment from God.The spies were trusted leaders elected from all the tribes. However, it backfired when ten of the twelve gave an evil report of the Land. Their report confirmed that the land was indeed good but went on to arrogate much strength to the enemy and great cowardice and fear came upon God’s people. No reference was made to their experiences with God right from Egypt. This was their undoing and great error.This study will examine the mission, the reports of the spies, and the lessons it holds for us today. LESSON OBJECTIVES Explain the mission to spy on the Promised Land. Examine the reports of the spies in line with God’s revelation Examine the reactions to and the effects of the reports Identify some present day giants and “walled cities” around us Discuss how to overcome the “grasshopper” mentality BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1A) EXPLAIN THE IDEA OF SENDING SPIES INTO THE LAND OF CANAAN?Num. 13:1-3; Deut. 1:21-24From a strategic point of view, it was not a bad idea to send men to search out a future inheritance. The suggestion seems to have been first muted by some leaders to Moses, who acceded to and must have obtained God’s approval. God specifically directed that those to go on this mission must be respected leaders, one from each tribe. This was a design adopted to make a good report to have maximum positive impact on the generality of people. QUESTION 1B) WHAT WERE THE TERMS OF REFERENCE GIVEN BY MOSES TO THE TWELVE SPIES? Num. 13:17-20The terms of reference as given by Moses was very specific and came under three heads and a general charge. There were:(a). To spy the land and the natural resources, whether it be good or bad, fat or lean, and to bring back the fruit of the land.(b). To spy the technology of their cities, whether they dwell in tents or strongholds, whether their cities were fortifies and walled or not.(c). To spy on the people, whether they be weak or strong, and whether they be many or few in number.(d). They were charged to be of good courage – to use the eye of faith in this assignment, bearing in mind God’s revelations and previous acts from Egypt until then. QUESTION 2A) EXAMINE THE REPORTS OF THE TWELVE SPIES IN LINE WITH GOD’S EARLIER REVELATION. Ex. 3:8; Num. 13:26-33God specifically promised them a large, good land, flowing with milk and honey (fertile and full of resources) and presently occupied by some Canaanite nations. God said He would drive them out in His own way.The report of the spies gave a perfect confirmation of the nature of the land and...

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JEPHTHAH: THE HARLOT’S SON, June 23rd, 2024

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JEPHTHAH: THE HARLOT’S SON, June 23rd, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTGod despises no man; He delights in all who fear Him. TEXT: JUDGES 11:1-40 INTRODUCTION:Jephthah was the son of Gilead, from the tribe of Gilead in Israel. His mother was a harlot whose name was not mentioned. He had half brother who regarded him as an illegitimate son of their father. They hated him and denied him any inheritance in their father’s house. He was chased out and fled to the land of Tob, where he gathered to himself, people of like mind and became a leader. Not too long, the gang became a band of great warriors. At about this time, the Ammonites began a war against Israel. The elders of Israel sent for Jephthah to come back home and lead Israel to fight against their enemies. He did not forget the circumstances that led to his departure from his father’s house, but the love of brotherhood constrained him to accede to their request. However, he entered into an agreement with them to ensure that they would keep all their promises. Though, regarded as a worthless person by his people, Jephthah acknowledges the place of God in his life and realized that only God could give him victory over the Ammonites. Before he went to the war, he made a vow to God, which late turned out to be a costly one. We shall consider in this study, how he helped his people to fight their enemies- the Ammonites, his costly vow, and his strength of will to fulfill it in spite of the resultant pain. LESSON OBJECTIVES Know the issue that worked against Jephthah Understand what worked to his advantage and how he overcame his challenges Learn from the turn of events that worked to Jephthah’s favor Consider how he helped his people fight the Ammonites Consider his costly vow and his strength of will to fulfill it in spite of the pains BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) “NOW JEPHTHAH THE GILEADITE WAS A MIGHTY MAN OF VALOUR, AND HE WAS THE SON OF AN HARLOT…” JUDGES 11:1 (a). WHAT IN THIS STATEMENT WORKED AGAINST JEPHTHAH?The statement was true of Jephthah, but circumstances that were not his making worked against him during his youthful age. The status and life of his mother as a harlot did not favor him in his father’s house. His half-brothers regarded him as an illegitimate son, and so was not qualified to be a bonafide member of their family. This posed a great challenge in his life as a young man; consequently, he became an outcast among his people. (b). WHAT WORKED TO HIS ADVANTAGE AND HOW DID HE OVERCOME HIS CHALLENEGE? Judges 11:3His rejection by his people eventually created an opportunity for him to discover his potentials. Soon after his departure from among his people to the land of Tob, he discovered leadership within himself when he gathered other fellows of like mind. Within a short period, he had become the leader of a band of warriors. In spite of the unfortunate situation Jephthah found himself, he never gave up hope in God, as was proved by the turn of events later in his life. Under God, he was able to organize the band into a contingent of foot soldiers who could dislodge any invading army. In the process of their...

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THE FAMILY EMPOWERED TO SUCCEED, JUNE 16TH, 2024

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THE FAMILY EMPOWERED TO SUCCEED, JUNE 16TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHT…for with God, nothing shall be impossible. TEXT: GEN. 24:1, 34-36; 35:1-7; JOHN 15:4-5 INTRODUCTION:The word ‘empower’ means to give power to someone or give official authority or legal power to act on behalf of another. It could also mean enabled, inspired, influenced, or promoted and trained. An empowered family is that where every member properly takes his/her responsibilities. 2 Peter 1:3 says, “According to His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue”. As believers, we are expected to begin the gospel propagation from our homes. LESSON OBJECTIVE To know what it means for a family to be empowered Discuss ways God can empower a family Know the hindrances to family empowerment Know what it means to succeed BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR A FAMILY TO BE EMPOWEREDFor a family to be empowered, it means that God is involved in building and establishing it. He lays the foundation and makes provisions for its spiritual and physical well-being. Psalm 127:1 says, “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it…”. As the master builder, God made the provision for families’ empowerment and desires that each family (Christian family) will abide in Christ to enable them in fulfilling God’s purpose on Earth. QUESTION 2) DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING WAYS GOD CAN EMPOWER A FAMILYThrough the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:7-8; Isa. 11:1-3): “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal…”. The workings of the Holy Spirit empower family members to succeed, as each member carries out his/her assigned responsibilities in the home. The nine gifts of the Holy Spirit and other talents given to believers by God are to affect their generation and live better Christian lives, thereby wroughting success.Obedience to the word of God (Josh 1:8; Rom. 4:3; 2 Tim 3:16-17; Ps. 119:11). “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you”. The word of God is the greatest weapon of empowerment the family has to succeed in all things. This can be achieved through studying, meditating, and obedience to it. “For wherewithal shall a man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to Thy word” (Ps. 119:9).Prayers (Gen. 17:17-22; 1 Thess. 5:17). Prayer strengthens the family, makes their vision clearer, and produces faith, hence we are enjoined to pray without ceasing.Faith (Acts 3:25; Gen. 22:8; Gal. 3:7-9). Faith believes for the impossible to be made possible. Abraham confessed to Isaac that “… God shall provide Himself a Lamb for sacrifice…”. We are children of Abraham by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.Love for God and Man (1 Cor. 13:1-7). “And herein do I exercise myself to have always a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man” (Acts 24:16). Love for God and man is manifested in being free of offence towards God and man while producing the fruit of the Spirit in our daily walk/ work in life.Vision (Gen. 15:1; 46:2; Num. 12:6). Clear vision of God’s purpose in a family produces confidence towards God’s direction for every situation of life. God said to Abraham “… fear not… I am thy shield and thy exceeding great...

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