Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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THE MAN ZACHARIAH, JUNE 9TH, 2024

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THE MAN ZACHARIAH, JUNE 9TH, 2024

HYMM: S.S & S. 642 “When we walk with the Lord” CENTRAL THOUGHTService to God and mankind is a great privilege. TEXT: LUKE 1:5-25INTRODUCTION:Zachariah, a Jewish priest in his days, was privileged to be chosen one day as the “minister on duty” to enter the Holy place of the temple to offer incense to God for the people. God guided the choice of Zachariah to bring His purpose to pass. Bible records that both Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth were righteous before God. There were blameless in keeping God’s commandments and ordinances, yet they had the challenge of childlessness. The challenge notwithstanding, Zachariah and his wife continues to serve God faithfully. It was while Zachariah was serving in the temple and the congregation worshipping and praying outside that an angel of God brought the news of God’s answer to prayers. At the right time, God answered the prayers of the couple. They gave birth to John the Baptist who was the forerunner of Jesus Christ. We have lessons to learn on the records of this man and his wife as we serve in the house of God. LESSON OBJECTIVES To describe the person Zachariah Explain his being “minister on duty” Discuss the encounter with an angel of the Lord while ministering BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) WHO WAS ZECHARIAH AND WHAT WERE THE LIFESTYLES OF THE MAN AND HIS WIFE? (LUKE 1:5-7) BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHO WAS ZECHARIAH AND WHAT WERE THE LIFESTYLES OF THE MAN AND HIS WIFE? (LUKE 1:5-7)Zechariah was a Jewish priest, a member of the priestly order of Abijah, married to Elizabeth also of the priesthood lineage of Aaron. They were upright and holy in the sight of God blamelessly. As a priest, he was expected to be teaching people the word of God, directing the worship services, burning incense, and interceding on behalf of the people. Though Zechariah and his wife were righteous and serving God diligently, they had a big challenge on their marriage. They were childless and this was considered as a curse in the Jewish culture (Gen 30:22-23). We don’t know how many years they have been praying for the fruit of the womb with no manifestation. They were now very old, and the situation appeared hopeless and helpless. It is instructive to note that excellent Christian life does not insulate one from this world’s challenges and difficulties. However, prayers offered in faith through Jesus Christ will surely be heard. The answer may appear delayed, but it will surely come to pass. God intervened at the right time; for it is written, “Behold, God will not forget the righteous” (Job 8:20).QUESTION 2) EXPLAIN HIM BEING “MINISTER ON DUTY” AND RELATE TO TODAY’S CHURCH DUTIES (EXODUS 30:7-8; 2 CHRO. 31:2; LUKE 1:8-10)History has it that at this period, there were about 20,000 priests in the land. They were divided into 24 groups. Each group would be on duty for a week. Every morning the group on duty will cast a lot to determine who God will choose to enter into the Holy of place. It was therefore a great privilege and perhaps once in a lifetime for a priest to be chosen to enter into this Holy place. On this occasion, the lot fell on Zechariah. He was to offer incense in the...

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DIVINE PROMOTION: MORDECAI IN FOCUS, JUNE 2ND, 2024

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DIVINE PROMOTION: MORDECAI IN FOCUS, JUNE 2ND, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTPromotion acquired through God’s standard is enduring. TEXT: ESTHER 6:1-10; 10:1-3 INTRODUCTION:Everyone loves to be promoted, either as a servant/ worker or a student. Mordecai, a war captive, started as a servant at the gate in the palace of king Ahasuerus. He later became a great man. Staying true to God’s word may cost us positions and advantages in the short run, but those who choose God over money/ power will one day acquire heavenly wealth beyond measure (Matt. 6:19-21).God is using the situations we face daily to weave a pattern of godliness into our character. The pathway to glory or promotion is humility and obedience. A heart and an attitude of obedience and humility remain the bedrock on the pathway to promotion and success in life.The natural man is arrogant, self-willed, self-centered, and disobedient. Such people as Haman, Prime Minister to King Ahasuerus, find it difficult to submit to the authority of God. God had woven an effective counterstrategy against which Haman’s plan could not stand. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the ends thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).Any believer who chooses to go the way of humility has chosen the path to greatness, promotion, and honor. Another route which we can be lifted is through the submission to God like Mordecai. True submission involves having little or no regard for one’s personality and achievement in life and taking on the position of obedient and humble servant which will create an avenue for promotion and exaltation. LESSON OBJECTIVES To discuss Mordecai and his initial status in Shushan Examine the divine intervention in the life of Mordecai Identify the role played by Mordecai in the life of Esther Highlight the honor done to Mordecai BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1A) WHO WAS MORDECAI AND WHAT WAS HIS INITIAL STATUS IN SHUSHAN? Esther 2:5-6,19Mordecai was a Jew of the tribe of Benjamite, from Kish family. His family was one of the Israelite families taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. He as a war captive who became the King’s gate keeper. QUESTION 1B) COMMENT ON SOME OF THE ACTIONS OF MORDECAI INCLUDING THE RISKS THAT HE TOOK. Esther 2:21-23; 3:2-4; 4:1-2; 13-14Mordecai was faced with a lot of challenges which he turned into opportunities. First, he exposed the plot to kill king Nebuchadnezzar by two of his chamberlains. This was a great risk for Mordecai. Moreover, as a Jew, he refused to bow and reverence Haman, the King’s Prime Minister, and was told to Haman by fellow attendants to the King. This brought him into disfavor before Haman, who hated him (Mordecai) to the extent of plotting to eliminate all Jews in the whole kingdom. With this information, Mordecai carried out a one-man demonstration (clothed with sackcloth and ashes) to draw Queen Esther’s attention to the death sentence passed on all Jews. The rewards for doing right are sometimes delayed, but guaranteed by God. QUESTION 2A) READ ESTHER 6:1-10 AND DISCUSS THE DIVINE INTERVENTION IN THE LIFE OF MORDECAI.Mordecai violated so many palace rules which would have led to severe punishment. Haman had even capitalized on one of such disobedience to desire his death. The last stage of Haman’s plot was to be executed the next morning, but the God of the Jews intervened...

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THE THREE HEBREW CHILDREN, MAY 26TH, 2024

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THE THREE HEBREW CHILDREN, MAY 26TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHT Unwavering faith in GOD brings the desired results. TEXT: DANIEL 3:1-30 INTRODUCTION:Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were companions with Daniel. The three young Jewish men were deported to Babylon along with Daniel. In Babylon’s religious culture, statues were commonly erected and worshipped. Nebuchadnezzar, perhaps in an attempt to unite the nation and solidify his power by centralizing worship, made a gold statue ninety feet tall and nine feet wide. He called his officials together and commanded that at the sound of the horn, flute, harp and other musical instruments, people of all races, nations and languages should bow to the golden image. This was a great challenge to the faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. A great conflict: to obey man or God. In this study we shall see what their choice was, what they passed through, the king’s decrees and repentance, the secret of their success and their reward. LESSON OBJECTIVES To examine the circumstances that brought the three Hebrew children to the kings court. To discuss the three Hebrew children’s refusal to bow down to the golden image. To appreciate that God’s commandment is superior to man’s decree/law. BIBLE TRUTH QUESTION 1.) WHAT WERE THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT BROUGHT THE THREE HEBREW CHILDREN TO THE BABYLONIAN COURT? DANIEL 1:1-6King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon invaded Jerusalem in the third year of the reign of king Jehoiakim of Judah. God gave him victory over Jerusalem. To demonstrate his dominance and victory he took the finest and wisest men and women to Babylon as captives. They were taken as trophies. Among them were Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. While in Babylon, the king directed Ashpzaz, his Chief of Staff to select among the young men of Judah’s royal family and other noble families, those that were strong, healthy- and good-looking young men. Such persons must be skillful in all wisdom, and cunning, or well-seen in knowledge and understanding of science, quick, sharp, and intelligent. These people are to work in the king’s court. Such persons are to be well fed from the king’s portion to enhance their look and performance. Among those chosen for this great and privilege training and assignment were Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. The three plus Daniel were chosen to be trained in order to serve in the king’s palace. Thus they find themselves from Jerusalem to the king’s court. QUESTION 2) HOW CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE THREE HEBREW CHILDREN FROM DANIEL 2:17-18, AND WHAT DOES THIS TEACH YOU ABOUT CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIPS?When Daniel was at a crisis point, he ran to these trusted Jewish friends and they prayed together. God answered them and victory became their portion. We can learn from them that Christian friends are helpful. When we find ourselves in tight spots, we can share our needs and what we are passing through with trusted Christian friends.Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were three great and trusted friends. Their unity and togetherness help us think of the real meaning of friendship. Together they silently defied king Nebuchadnezzar’s order to fall down and worship his golden image. This was to attract the death penalty which could have put an end to their sweet relationship. When the king confronted them face to face and gave them another opportunity to fall down and worship the golden image, they courageously and unanimously...

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Authority In The Name Of Jesus, May 19th, 2024.

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Authority In The Name Of Jesus, May 19th, 2024.

CENTRAL THOUGHTThe name of Jesus is the believer’s weapon for all purposes. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1A) HOW DID JESUS OBTAIN THIS GREAT NAME? HEB. 1:1-4, EPH. 1:20-23, MATT. 28:18-20, PHIL. 2:5-11 The Lord Jesus obtained this name: (1) By Inheritance: God the Father bequitted the name to Him as the Son of God and Heir of all things. As a Son, the name Jesus is one of the things He inherited from His Father (Luke 1:31). (2) By conquest: After Jesus rose from the dead, God made Him to sit at the right-hand side of His Majesty in Heaven, far above principalities, powers, dominion and every name in this world and in the world to come. He put all things under Him and made Him the head of the church. (3) By God’s authority: At the commissioning of His disciples to go and preach the gospel to all the nations, Jesus told them that all authority has been given to Him, (by the Father) so they should baptize those who believe in Him, in the name of the Father, the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit. (4) By Humility and Obedience: Although Jesus had the freedom as God’s Son, to affirm the fulness of God, which His Father placed in Him, He humbled Himself and took the form of a bond servant. “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name (Jesus), which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in Heaven, and of things on earth and of things under the earth….”. QUESTION 1B) FROM THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURES, MENTION OTHER NAMES OF JESUS: ISAIAH 7:14, 9:6. The Lord Jesus is also called “Immanuel”, which is interpreted “God with us” affirming His continuous presence in the midst of His people. “Wonderful” as seen in the marvelous works done by Him. “Counselor”, leading His people by the Holy Spirit and His word. “Mighty God”, stating the truth of His being. “Everlasting Father”, depicting His eternal existence. “Prince of Peace”. He is the author of peace. QUESTION 2A) WHO SHOULD EXERCISE AUTHORITY IN THE NAME OF JESUS? MATT. 28:18-19, MARK 16:15-18, JOHN 3:21, PSALMS 66:16-20. The exercise of authority in the name of Jesus is not an all comer’s affair. Only those whom He has authorized, can do so- Those who are sent on His mission, those who believe in His name, those who have confidence in God and do what pleases Him, all who fear and obey His word, those who know Him and are known by Him, those who do not have any condemnation in their heart, those who are recognized by God as His children. However, the name is not to be used as a magic wand, for merchandise or other selfish end, but for the praise and glory of God. Are you one of those authorized to use the name of Jesus? Are you really using it? Why not avail yourself of this rare privilege given you by God and free yourself from the embarrassment of the enemy of your soul. QUESTION 2B) WHY DO SOME BELIEVERS FAIL TO EXERCISE THE AUTHORITY IN THE NAME OF JESUS? Hosea 4:6. To be given authority is one thing, and to exercise the authority is another. Not all...

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BUILDING UP THE CHILD FOR THE FUTURE (PART 2), May 12th, 2024

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BUILDING UP THE CHILD FOR THE FUTURE (PART 2), May 12th, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTParents have the primary responsibility to build up the lives of their children. TEXT: PS. 78:1-7, 127:1-5 INTRODUCTION: Any child who is well trained will bring honor to the parents. We cannot expect a child who is denied any form of education throughout his life to become a renowned personality. Training develops the skill in any human being. This is why the scripture enjoins that a child should be trained in the way he should go. Every Christian parent who has found the way to eternal life should not withhold the knowledge of how to tread on this path from the children.Parents can only give out what they have. Parents should meditate on the word of God day and night so that they can have good successes even in the building up of their children’s lives (Josh 1:8). Think good, talk good, and act well so that you can give out that which is good (Phil. 4:8).In this study, we shall be discussing how and what to teach our children to make them acceptable to God and succor us in our old age. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are to: Understand how to prepare out children for the future Know what to teach our children Appreciate the benefits of training our children well. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) HOW SHOULD WE PREPARE OUR CHILDREN FOR THE FUTURE? We are to prepare our children for the future by diligently teaching them to keep the commandments of God. We are to spare no effort. Deut 6:6-7 says, “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up”. Jesus calls the Word “meat” to us. We must carefully and consistently teach them at all times, in all places and by every good means. We must be committed, make time for it, and put on every effort to achieve this. It requires continuity and consistency. It must be “precept upon precept… line upon line… here a little, there a little” (Isa. 28:9-10), day by day, week after week, month by month, year after year until it becomes part of them. We must not hide our faith. We should teach by the word and by examples. A light of the world, we must “let out light so shine that people (our children) may see our good works and glorify our father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14). We must be examples to our flock ( 1 Pet. 5:3). Children observe and want to copy from their parents. We must therefore say “be ye followers of me even as we follow Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). If we live godly and consistently practice righteousness, holiness, and life in the spirit, we can trust God to help our children to follow His way of life which they might have seen in us. We should take them to church and encourage them to identify with their age-groups (children, teenagers, and youths), Good News Bible clubs, children conferences, camp meetings, and good secular educational institutions. Parents must continue to monitor what they are being taught. It is our...

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BUILDING THE CHILD FOR THE FUTURE (PART 1), MAY 5th, 2024

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BUILDING THE CHILD FOR THE FUTURE (PART 1), MAY 5th, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTThe child built on the foundation of the Word of God will never fall. TEXT: PSALM 78:1-7; 127:1-5 INTRODUCTION:Children are precious heritage given to families by the Lord (Ps. 127:3). From the day a child is born, parents and well-wishers start the process of caring for the present and future. Expectations are high for the healthy existence, provisions, and training of the child.Every parent’s dream is for the child to live up to their expectations for him or her. Parents must therefore start to pattern their children in a way that they will be godly enough to bring honor to them and become useful citizens. This is why the foundation towards achieving success is paramount. A building erected on a solid foundation never collapses. Only children who are built up on the foundation of Christ can stand the winds of life as the scriptures enjoins us to train up the child in the way he should go so that when he grows up he will not depart from it (Prov. 22:6). Parents must therefore ensure that the building up of a child involves making them stable spiritually in Christ alongside their secular trainings.When their life is in line with the principles of the Kingdom of God and its righteousness then all other things will follow (Matt. 6:33).This study therefore will address how and what to do if we want our children to “… walk worthy of the Lord…” (Col. 1:10). LESSON OBJECTIVESAt the end of the lesson, we should be able to: Know who the child is Establish the importance of building up children for the future Know the vices that plague the society and how to curb them BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHO IS A CHILD?Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary defines a child as a young human being who is not yet an adult. A child is a free gift from God to any family as a blessing. He is God’s property given to man as a custodian. Parents are therefore accountable to God in the way they build up the children’s lives.The child needs to be equipped for the future by being taught the way of God. The home is the first point of interaction. Parents should empower their children with the gospel of Jesus Christ and God will confirm this effort with blessings that follow kingdom children.Children need to be trained, directed, encouraged, and empowered in the things that pertain to life and godliness; this is building up the child. QUESTION 2) WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BUILD A CHILD?It is of great importance for parents to train up a child because it is a commandment from God (Deut. 6:6-7a; Eph. 6:4).Psalm 78:5-6 emphasizes that as we teach the children in the way of the Lord, they will “arise and declare the word to their children”. Obedience to this command brings the knowledge of God to future generations. The child will not depart from the way when he is grown up (Prov. 22:6).We are custodians od these children, being precious heritage from God (Ps. 127:3). We must therefore train them in the way of the Lord who gave them to us. This we cannot do “for without Him we can do nothing” (John 15:5). “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build...

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THE MAN SAMUEL (PART 3), APRIL 28TH, 2024

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THE MAN SAMUEL (PART 3), APRIL 28TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTDischarge of God’s assignment demands due diligence. TEXT: 1 SAM.8:1-22. INTRODUCTION: Samuel had done everything to distinguish himself as a leader of God’s people. He served under the priest Eli and witnessed the calamity that befell that family. He saw the terror of God visited upon the Philistines when they seized the ark of God. At the height of his glory, he was well known and sought after throughout Israel. He held courts in Bethel, Gilgah and Mizpeh and had his residence in Ramah. He brought reformation and led the nation in repentance back to God. But to the dismay of this divine general, his sons failed to follow his footsteps in serving God, and rather went after the pleasures of life. This became one of the premises on which the Elder’s demand for a king. Though Samuel was not happy with the request, he was instructed by God to oblige them. Taking instructions from God, Samuel was able to anoint the first king of Israel, in the person of Saul, the son of Kish. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this lesson are to: Identify the qualities of the king chosen by the people. Explain the people’s reaction to Samuel’s warnings. Explain how Saul eventually met Samuel. Discuss Saul’s reaction to Samuel’s information. Discuss how Saul was anointed king over Israel by Samuel. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) HOW DID SAMUEL REACT TO THE ELDER’S DEMAND FOR A KING ? 1 SAM.8:6-9.The demand for a king indicated Samuel in two ways, namely, his age and the lifestyle of his children. Samuel was displeased and probably surprised. He felt it was a slight on him and a vote of no confidence from the people for whom his whole life was pledged. However, he still went to pray and took time out to seek God’s direction. God encouraged him not to be too personal about the matter, as it was also an affront on His authority. God directed him to accede to their request, but that he should also pre-inform them of the implications. QUESTION 2) WHAT WERE THE QUALITIES OF THE DESIRED KING BY THE PEOPLE AND WHAT WAS GOD’S WARNING?From the angle of the Elder’s, they needed a king whose physical build would be intimidating, and whose voice will thunder. His royalty will be physically evident, and he must be an excellent warrior. The qualities desired by the Elder’s of their king were all about outward and visible traits. They forgot God in their estimation, and just wanted to be like other nations whose kings adorned dreadful features.However, God warned them through Samuel, that a human king would bring along unforeseen inconveniences they never imagined. Prominent among the inconvenience were curtailment of their freedom, conscription for military duties. Provision of forced labor through the children, taxation of their harvests and abduction of their daughters into forced marriages. All these came with the kingship and the associated fanfare of the royal family and college of advisors. QUESTION 3) DESCRIBE THE ENCOUNTER BETWEEN SAUL AND SAMUEL, AND STATE THE LESSON TO NOTE. 1 SAM 9:1-14.The encounter between Samuel and Saul was circumstantial and seemed to have been arranged by God. Saul was out in search of some missing family domestic animals when providence led him to the presence of the Seer in the...

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THE MAN SAMUEL PART 2, APRIL 21ST, 2024

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CENTRAL THOUGHTThose who rebel against God’s authority and rule are directly pledging loyalty to Satan. INTRODUCTION:The two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died in the battle against the Philistines. Eli also died when the bad news of the death of his sons and the seizure of the ark by the Philistines reached him. The worship and pilgrimage to Shiloh was truncated and Israel became subservient to the Philistines. It must have been a big blow to Samuel considering how close he was to his family. This was the state when Samuel became judge in Israel.After many years of reflection, Samuel took his first major steps, which was to initiate national repentance and prayers. This action provoked the Philistines who now launched attack against Israel. The intercession of Samuel and his word of motivation gingered the people of Israel to the resounding defeat of the Philistines at Ebenezer.Samuel had a complex administrative structure that saw him create offices in Bethel, Gilgah and Mizpeh, while his home was in Ramah. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT WERE THE HIGH POINTS OF SAMUEL’S RULE AS A JUDGE, PROPHET, AND PRIEST IN ISRAEL? For Samuel, the transition to headship was sudden. It followed the tragic death of Eli and his sons. After twenty years, the peoples heart yearned for God, and Samuel led them to repentance. While the people gathered at Mizpeh, the Philistines attacked and God thundered from heaven, and the Philistines were defeated.He administered the land by going around in circuit with bases in Bethel, Gilgah and Mizpeh, while his permanent home was in Ramah. As he grew old, he appointed his sons to serve as judges. But they were materially minded, took bribes, and perverted justice.The Elders of Israel came and demanded for a King so as to be like other nations. Samuel was displeased at this, but God told him to oblige them. Eventually he had the privilege of anointing the first and second Kings of Israel in the persons of Saul and David. Samuel was not a warrior, but he commanded great respect among the people. QUESTION 2) WHAT WERE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES SAMUEL FACED, AND HOW DID HE TACKLE THEM?There were several challenges Samuel faced as a Leader. The tragic events that led to the death of Eli and the seizure of the Ark by the Philistines were the first major challenge. Suddenly, he became the leader. He had no choice but to learn from the errors of Eli. Next, his administrative approach took much of his time, visiting three other cities in turns to examine matters for adjudication. Also, he had his family challenge in that his two sons did not walk in his footsteps and were cited later by those agitating for monarchy. Another challenge was the regular departure of the people from Jehovah to strange gods. Security threat from the Philistines from time to time also occurred. In many of these challenges he looked up to God and often interceded on behalf of the nation. Samuel was firm at dispensing justice and was well known as a true voice of God throughout his lifetime. QUESTION 3) WHY DID THE ELDERS OF ISRAEL DEMAND FOR A KING? 1 SAM.8:1-5The ministry of Samuel was an integrated one that put the judge, the prophet, and the priest...

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THE MAN SAMUEL ( PART 1), APRIL 14TH, 2024

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THE MAN SAMUEL ( PART 1), APRIL 14TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHT Personal loyalty and commitment to God distinguishes a man. INTRODUCTION: Samuel was one of the very significant historical figures in the evolution of the state of Israel. His birth was a miraculous answer to the prayers of Hannah, a wife of Elkanah, a Levite from Ephraim. In gratitude to God, the family pledged the young boy to the service of God for the rest of his life. Samuel consequently grew up with the household of Eli, the Priest in Shiloh. Samuel showed interest, focus and dedication in the service of God. He was soon distinguished by his loyalty to God and commitment to the ministry. This was in sharp contrast to the privileged sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, who abused the office of Priesthood and would not accept any correction. A remarkable event was the call of the boy Samuel by God and his inability to discern the voice of God, assuming it to Eli’s call. In his innocence, he also related to Eli everything that God told him about the Priest’s impending judgement. In this first part of the study, we shall examine the childhood experiences of Samuel and the important lessons we could learn from them. Lesson objectives:The objectives of this study are to:Compare the lifestyle of Eli’s son’s and SamuelExplain what it means to be in favor with God and with man.Explain how to recognize the voice of God; and List the lessons we can draw from the childhood ministry of Samuel. Lesson Objectives: The Objectives of this lesson is to: 1.) Highlight the key points of Samuel’s leadership over Israel; 2.) Identify the major challenges he faced as a judge, a prophet and a seer in Israel; 3.) Explain why the elders of Israel demanded for a king. 4.) Explain how God reacted to the demand; and 5.) Comment on the lifestyle of Samuel’s sons. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) COMPARE THE LIFESTYLE OF ELI’S SONS AND THAT OF SAMUEL. Hophni and Phinehas, as well as Samuel, all grew up in the same environment, within the vicinity of the tabernacle; but their characters manifested differently. Hophni and Phinehas were described as sons of Belial, who did not Know God. They exhibited wicked, corrupt, and immoral tendencies. They were overbearing and became burdensome to pilgrims. They would not listen to their father’s warning. To them the priesthood was to serve their lust and greed. In the same household was Samuel, a young innocent mind who had imbibed the fear of God into his activities. He ministered sincerely to God, to Eli and to the people. Soon he became well-known and sought-after and grew from one level of revelation to another by the word of God. While Eli’s sons were a grief to him, the boy Samuel proved to be his source of Joy and was always available to minister grace. QUESTION 2) WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE IN FAVOR WITH GOD AND WITH MAN ? ACTS 24:16. This is a description of Samuel’s relationship with God, and with fellow humans. Being in favor with God begins with a cordial personal acquaintance with the word and ways of God. This implies an intimacy to the extent that one is admitted into the plans and visions of God. One is thereby clothed with God’s presence...

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THE POST RESURRECTION MINISTRY OF CHRIST, APRIL 7TH, 2024

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THE POST RESURRECTION MINISTRY OF CHRIST, APRIL 7TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTChrist still ministers in His church today. TEXT: MATT.28:16-20; JOHN 20:19-29; ACTS 1:3-11 INTRODUCTION:After the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and before his ascension into heaven, He appeared to His disciples in bodily form on several occasions. This was to convince them that He is risen, in view of the task ahead. Even after His resurrection, Jesus continued to physically manifest Himself to the church in ways that show that He is alive.The post resurrection ministry of Christ has many remarkable events in church history. It was during this period that the ministry of the Apostles was confirmed, and the great commission emphatically declared. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit came to pass, and the church started in earnest. Non-Jews were admitted into the grace of God, and the message of the kingdom became clearer to His disciples.The ministry of Christ is still very active to this day. There are daily signs and wonders done in His Name, showing that the risen Christ is still the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb.13:8). It Is good and important for us to continually remind ourselves of the presence of Jesus Christ in the present-day church. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are to: Discuss instances of the appearance of Jesus Christ after His resurrection. Examine the reactions of those He appeared to; Identify the assignment and assurances given to believers after His resurrection. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) FROM THE SCRIPTURES, IDENTIFY INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS WHO ENCOUNTERED THE LORD JESUS AFTER HIS RESURRECTIONThe angels of God were the first to testify that Christ has risen and no longer in the tomb ( Luke 24:4-6). Human witnesses who had encounters with the Lord Jesus after His resurrection were many. Some of those recorded in the Scriptures are as follows:(a) Mary Magdalene saw Jesus in the garden around the tomb and mistook Him for the gardener (John 20:14-18).(b) The ten disciples saw Jesus and talked with Him while they were locked up in the house. Thomas was not present at this encounter (John 20:19).(c) In His second appearance to the eleven disciples, the Lord told Thomas to “reach out and touch” His hands and side, and confirm the marks of His wounds (John 20:26-29).(d) Cleopas and one other disciple encountered the Lord Jesus on the road to Emmaus and talked about the recent events of the crucifixion, without knowing that it was the Lord, until “their eyes were opened”. (Luke 24:13-31).(e) He appeared to Saul of Tarsus, then a great enemy of the church, on the road to Damascus in a life-changing encounter (Acts 9:3-5)(f) Several other disciples were mentioned as having seen the resurrected Christ at various instances.(1 Cor.15:5-9) QUESTION 2) WHAT WERE THE REACTIONS OF THOSE WHO SAW JESUS AFTER HIS RESURRECTION?They all knew the fact that Jesus was dead and buried and were all mourning this great calamity. In this mood, when they saw Jesus physically, they were initially filled with fear, thinking they had seen a ghost. They doubted if it was really Christ or some other strange spirit. Eventually they believed, when Jesus spoke and reassured them, they were filled with joy. They became more attentive and inquisitive to know more about Him. For a period of forty days, He appeared to them, fellowshipped with them and encouraged...

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