Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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THE RESURRECTED CHRIST, MARCH 31ST, 2024

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THE RESURRECTED CHRIST, MARCH 31ST, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTWithout the resurrection, the belief in God’s saving grace through Christ is vain. TEXT: JN 11:25-26, JN. 20:1-18, 1 COR. 15:1-4, 14-21 INTRODUCTION:The resurrection of Jesus Christ is foundational to the Christian faith and without it, the faith of the believer in Christ, is in vain (1 Cor.15:17). The manner in which Jesus died, buried, and resurrected was unique, with infallible proofs and had no precedence. The resurrection on the third day was literal, real, and physical and it was after he was crucified, confirmed dead, and buried. All four gospels recorded that Jesus resurrected on the first day of the week (Luke 24:1, John 20:1), but Matthew (Matt. 28:1) and Mark (Mark 16:1) specifically added that it was after the sabbath (our present-day Saturday) and so Sunday could be regarded as the resurrection morning. The great mystery of godliness is based on the truth that God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world and received up into glory (1 Tim. 3:16).The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a very important event that provides hope and assurance that by His resurrection we have eternal life. LESSON OBJECTIVES1.) To understand what the word “resurrection” means.2.) Outline proofs of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.3.) Know what resurrection implies and appreciate why it is celebrated annually; and also4.) Outline what the resurrection teaches us. BIBLE TRUTH QUESTION 1A) WHAT IS THE MEANING OF RESURRECTION?According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word “Resurrection” is the rising again to life of all the human dead before the final judgement or the state of one risen from the dead. Also, the word ‘RESURRECTION” could mean bringing back to life one that was dead. It is translated from the Greek word “Anastasias” in the New Testament which means “rising up” or “standing again”. QUESTION 1B) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST?JOHN 19:30-36, MATT. 28:1-8. This is the Christian belief that God raised Jesus after His crucifixion, starting HIS exalted life as CHRIST and LORD (Phil. 2:9-11). Jesus Christ was crucified, died, and was buried, but on the third day, he came back to life again. The resurrection was a real, literal, physical, raising of Jesus’ body from the dead. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the rising up of Jesus Christ from the dead. QUESTION 2) HOW DO WE KNOW THAT JESUS CHRIST WAS RESURRECTED?ACTS 1:3, REV. 1:18There are many infallible proofs to show that Jesus rose from the dead; a few are outlined below:-That His Tomb Empty Is the Evidence:Matt. 27:57-66 tells us that a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, laid the dead body of Jesus in a tomb hewn out of rock, and that he sealed the tomb by rolling a large stone against its door. The passage also tells us that a guard was placed at the tomb to secure the tomb. The tomb became empty as the Lord rose from the dead with power and came out. Luke 24:3 says, “And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus”. What else can this be but the proof of the Lord’s resurrection? If Christ had not risen from the dead again, His tomb should still remain closed like others that have died;...

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BENEFITS OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST, MARCH 24TH, 2024

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BENEFITS OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST, MARCH 24TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTThe death and resurrection of Jesus Christ purchased total salvation for the believer. TEXT: Isaiah 53:1-10 INTRODUCTION:The cross is symbolic of suffering, shame, and death, yet it is the wisdom of God for our total salvation (1 Cor. 1:18-21). The sin of our progenitor’s (Adam and Eve) permeated the entire human race. Being a just God, this sin must be punished for “The wages of sin is death …. Rom. 6:23a). Glory to God! Jesus voluntarily bore the punishment of our sins, took our guilt upon Himself and thereby reconciled us to God through His vicarious death on the cross (1 Pet. 2:24).This unparallel act of love exemplified by Christ’s death on the cross has graciously bestowed on the believer a lot of benefits. The knowledge of these benefits and how we can access them form the focus of this study. LESSON OBJECTIVESBy the end of this lesson, believers should be able to:1.) Explain the meaning of the cross.2.) Identify the usefulness of the Blood that Christ shed on the cross.3.) Explain other benefits of the Cross of Christ; and4.) Examine the seven (7) last statements of Jesus Christ on the cross. BIBLE TRUTH QUESTION 1.) WHAT DOES THE CROSS MEAN? DEUT. 21:22-23, GAL. 3:13, 1 COR. 1:18-25, EPH. 1:19, HEB. 12:2 For the Jews who continued to breach the Mosaic Law inadvertently, the death of Jesus on the Cross was a total liberation (redemption) from the curse consequence upon their ability to uphold the tenets of the law. However, for the unregenerate Jew, Christ’s Cross is a “stumbling block” that is, they cannot decipher its relevance to man’s salvation. To them, salvation is hinged on no other but strict adherence to the Law of Moses.To the Greek society who were adept on moral reasoning and deep philosophical orientation, the Cross of Christ was absolute “foolishness”, for how could one man’s punitive death on the Cross obliterate man’s sin question? But thanks be to God that those who are called both Jews, Greeks (the Gentiles) Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God unto salvation (1 Cor. 1:24). QUESTION 2A) IDENTIFY THE USEFULNESS OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST ON THE CROSS.JOHN 19:31-37. Right from the Old Testament, blood played a critical role in man’s attempt to please God. Both Jewish worshippers as well as the temple and other accessories of worship were made holy on regular basis by the blood of animals. Jesus Christ, however, shed His blood on the Cross once and for all, for the entire mankind. The shedding of His blood, amongst others, has purchased for the believer forgiveness of sin, for “without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin” Heb. 9:22. Thus, His immaculate blood cleanses our consciences from dead works so that we can serve the living God acceptably (Heb. 9:14).The blood of Jesus Christ gives the promise of eternal inheritance (Heb. 9:15c). Hence, we are joint heirs with Jesus Christ. Also, the blood of Jesus grants the believer unhindered access to the throne of God without any human intermediary. We are therefore direct sons of our heavenly Father. Finally, the believer is assured of eternal salvation when Christ shall appear in glory (Heb. 9:28). QUESTION 2B) ARE THERE OTHER BENEFITS OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST?ISAIAH...

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BETRAYAL AND TRIAL OF HE LORD JESUS, March 17th, 2024.

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BETRAYAL AND TRIAL OF HE LORD JESUS, March 17th, 2024.

CENTRAL THOUGHTThe Lord Jesus in His innocence was condemned so that we would be free. TEXT: MATT. 26:14-16, 20-25, John 18:12-14, 19-24 INTRODUCTION:A very experience in life is betrayal by someone close to you. Instead of protecting your interest, he/she tries to destroy you by “stabbing you in the back”. To betray means to violate the confidence and trust of someone and reveal secrets that could endanger the person. This is what our Lord Jesus Christ experienced when one of His disciples betrayed Him and handed Him over to the Jewish leaders for trial, who condemned and crucified Him. All that happened during this betrayal and trials is the focus of this study. LESSON OBJECTIVES T o appreciate the circumstances of the betrayal of the Lord Jesus and To understand the different stages of His trials. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1A) WHO BETRAYED THE LORD JESUS AND WHAT WAS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BOTH OF THEM?JOHN 13:18, MARK 14:10, MATT. 26:14-16, 20-23, MARK 14:43-49, PSALM 41:9 “Then one of the twelve called Judas Iscariot went unto the Chief priest…” Matt. 26:14. It was one of the twelve disciples Judas Iscariot, that betrayed Jesus. The Lord Jesus declared to the disciples that He know those He had chosen, but to fulfill the Scripture, one of them was going to betray Him. It meant that the Lord Jesus was not ignorant of the fact that among those He had chosen one of them would betray Him, yet He kept him as His disciple and all the while never revealed it. The Lord Jesus even told them that, it is the person that would dip his hand with Him in the dish that will betray Him. Jesus did not embarrass him or call him names. The relationship between Judas Iscariot and Jesus was cordial. The Lord Jesus knew by divine knowledge (John 13:11) that Judas will betray Him in the future because of his unbelief and greed. There is no record of the Lord Jesus side lining Judas Iscariot; he was even the treasurer among the twelve. This is a challenge to believers especially those in leadership positions, on how we relate with brethren who do not share the same opinion with us on certain issues. The Jewish leaders have been looking for some way to get rid of Jesus but they were afraid of the people (Luke 22:1-2) and could not arrest him publicly until they found an insider who went into negotiations with them and sought for opportunity to betray Him in the absence of the multitude (Luke 22:4-6).It was for 30 pieces of silver (Matt. 26:15) that Judas Iscariot sold the lord Jesus to the chief priests, the price of a slave (Ex. 21:32). QUESTION 1B) WHAT EVENTUALLY HAPPENED TO THE PERSON THAT BETRAYED THE LORD JESUS?MATT. 27:3-5 When Judas saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priest and the elders. Realizing his sin that he had betrayed an innocent blood, he cast down/threw the pieces of silver in the temple, left, and went to hang himself. QUESTION 2) IDENTIFY THE VARIOUS WAYS PEOPLE BETRAY OTHERS TODAY AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. PS. 41:9 The various ways people betray others today are numerous. Generally, it is not a stranger that betrays...

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THE LORD’S SUPPER AS A COVENANT MEAL, MARCH 10th 2024

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THE LORD’S SUPPER AS A COVENANT MEAL, MARCH 10th 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTFor my flesh is the real food; my blood is the real drink, John 6:55 TEXT: EXODUS 12:1-14, LUKE 22:13-20, 1 COR. 11:20-34 INTRODUCTION:The Lord Jesus Christ ate the Passover meal with His disciples before His eventual trial and crucifixion.An understanding of the Passover meal in the Old Testament will no doubt give us a clearer insight into the meal that is today celebrated as the Lord’s Supper.The Lord’s Supper is an act of worship which is also known as The Communion (1 Cor. 10:16). Today, some refer to it as The Eucharist, from the Greek eucharisteo, “giving of thanks”, which Christ did at the time of its institution- Mt. 26:26-27. It is a simple act, in which those who are Christians partake of unleavened bread and drink of the fruit of the vine. It is an important act, one that we should understand why we do it, lest our participation be meaningless to us, displeasing to God, and detrimental to us as we read in 1 Cor. 11:27.It is therefore very necessary for all Christians to be well acquainted with the meaning and practice of the Lord’s supper. LESSON OBJECTIVES:The objectives are to:1.) Know the meaning of the Lord’s Supper.2.) Examine the characteristics of the Lord’s Supper as set out in the Scriptures; and3.) Know the benefits of partaking in the Lord’s Supper. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE LORD’S SUPPER?As the Passover was a memorial commemorating Israel’s deliverance from Egypt through the blood of the lambs on the door post, so the Supper is a memorial of our Lord’s death who makes our deliverance from bondage of sin possible. Paul gives us an account as given by the Lord Himself- 1 Cor. 11:23-25. Here we note that we eat the bread in memory of His body and drink the cup (fruit of the vine) in memory of His blood. This way, we commemorate the death of Jesus on the cross. His death made the new covenant possible, “For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator”, Heb 9:16. His blood was shed for the remission of sins, “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” Eph. 1:7. QUESTION 2.) HOW IS THE LORD’S SUPPER TO BE OBSERVED?We are to reverentially eat the communion, “in a worthy manner”, 1 Cor. 11:27,29. Failure to observe with proper reverence brings condemnation. One will thus be guilty of the blood of the Lord resulting in eating and drinking judgement to oneself. To make light of this memorial puts one in the same category as those who mocked Him as He hung on the cross!It is to be done with self-examination, reflecting upon one’s spiritual condition. 1 Cor. 11:28. The Lord’s Supper in one sense, then becomes a very private matter between a Christian and his or her God; a time to reflect on the past and to resolve for the future. It is a time to ask oneself some basic questions: Are we living in a manner that shows appreciation for His sacrifice by accepting the grace of God in our lives? 2 Cor. 5:14-15, Gal. 2:20; or are we by willful sinning, guilty of having “trampled the...

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PRICELESS VALUE OF KNOWING CHRIST, MARCH 3RD, 2024

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PRICELESS VALUE OF KNOWING CHRIST, MARCH 3RD, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTOur best achievements do not compare with excellency of knowing Christ. HYMM: “Just as I am without one plea” TEXT: Philippians 3:1-21 INTRODUCTION:At the time of writing the Epistle, the church in Philippi appeared to be a faithful and flourishing one but was often disturbed and confused by the influence of itinerant teachers who erroneously propagated the supremacy of circumcision over and above the cross of Christ. It was on this note that the church was cautioned by Apostle Paul to be weary of such teachers. They were reminded that the true Christian faith teaches us to worship God in spirit, as opposed to advocates of rituals and outward observances of the Old Testament.Paul had seen both sides of the divide. He was a privileged Jew and a Pharisee. He was an influential associate of the Sanhedrin and well tutored in the law under notable teachers. He also had the singular privilege of partaking in the light of the gospel of Christ. He had decided to follow Christ, and to forego all the privileges he enjoyed in Judaism.This study is intended to explore how treasurable it is to know Christ from an inward personal experience as opposed to the observance of outward religious ordinances. LESSON OBJECTIVES:The objectives of this lesson are as follows:1.) To discuss Apostle Paul’s warning about entangling teachings.2.) Discuss Paul’s attitude to earthly credentials and privileges.3.) Explain what the ideal goal of the believer should be.4.) Identify the internal enemy of the cross; and5.) Examine the hope and expectations of every believer. QUESTION 1.) READ PHIL. 3:1-3, AND COMMENT ON PAUL’S WARNING TO THE CHURCH.The warning of Paul in this passage is presented in three statements: (i) Beware of dogs (ii) Beware of evil workers (iii) Beware of the concision.Together, they represent those who hold malice against faithful believers, barking and sometimes biting. They oppose the faith in Christ and instead plead good works only. They boast of the covenant of circumcision whereas in actual fact their emphasis is on the mark of the knife on the flesh and not on the regeneration of the spirit.True Christianity teaches us to first establish inward peace with God so that our sacrifices of faith may be acceptable before Him.The implication of this is that the confidence and contentment of a believer must be derived from a personal experience of inner salvation rather than just outward identity. QUESTION 2.) HOW DID PAUL REGARD HIS EARTHLY CREDENTIALS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS? PHIL. 3:4-11Paul was an original Jew to the core, a Pharisee, a zealot, and religious nationalist for the cause of Israel. He studied under the best teachers of his time and had access to the ruling council called the Sanhedrin.Paul expressed readiness to do away with all these credentials if ever any was in conflict with his goal of knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection. His talents and privileges would count nothing if not for the advancement of his faith in Christ. Our earthly credentials and achievements from God to help us fulfill divine mandate. Otherwise, they are nothing but dung. QUESTION 3.) WHAT SHOULD BE THE IDEAL GOAL OF THE BELIEVER? PHIL 3:10-14The ambition of any believer should be to know Christ, the power of His resurrection and be made conformable to His death. It is to...

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PAUL: THE CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY (Part 2), FEBRUARY 25TH, 2024

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PAUL: THE CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY (Part 2), FEBRUARY 25TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHT: Every believer has a duty to reach out to others with the gospel. INTRODUCTION The missionary work may require the missionary to live among the people he/she seeks to reach. In most times it will involve leaving a seeming comfort zone to less comfortable ones. Missionaries are passionate about souls and winning souls for Christ means much more to them than worldly comfort. Our brother Paul was called by God to reach out to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15). He was enjoying spiritual fellowship at Antioch with some prophets and teachers when the Holy Spirit said “now separate to me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which have called them”. In this study we shall look at how Paul lived among the people and showed commitment to his call (and commission). BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1A) MENTION SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THAT CHRISTIAN MISSIONARIES COULD ENCOUNTER. The missionary is bound to encounter challenges on the mission field. These challenges come in various forms e.g resistance to the gospel (Acts 13:8), the competition of false gospel that have deceived the people and held them captive (Acts 16:17-20), physical maltreatment like beating, torture, lack and want, sickness, loneliness, false accusation even from brethren (2 Cor. 11:23-33). It is worse off when the missionary has to suffer from his own people, his brethren (2 Cor. 11:26). The challenge of being grounded with the word and being full of the Holy Ghost is to be able to combat the enemy of the gospel, the devil and his agent is major. There are also trials of the missionary’s faith. The missionary must never get too busy to forget his source of strength; he must always revert to God for the power of the Holy Ghost. Jesus did not leave the disciples in ignorance of the persecution, rejection, hatred they shall face when he sent them out (Matt. 10:16-31). The typical missionary’s life is a difficult one, sometimes they live in hostile communities and often face dangers (Matt. 10:16-18). Paul testified of this (Rom. 8:36). Some other challenges Christian missionaries can face are issues of indecision, e.g willingness to respond to the call, especially where the Lord’s leading appears to be opposed to the desire of the missionary. Also, the challenges of the church leadership who often focus on achieving their goal with little concern and care for the missionaries with whom the goals will be achieved. In the same vein, there may be pressure on the missionary from the church leadership to perform his function sometimes differently from the way God is leading the missionary to carry out the work. The missionary could be discouraged by the result of his work, especially where so much effort is put in with little or no results of growth in the converts. There is also the challenge of being a men pleaser, so as to get the needed support. The fear of declaring the word boldly like John the Baptist did to Herod (Mark 6:17-19). Sometimes, there is challenge of language barrier in some areas and adjustments when working with people of different cultures and life. A major challenge is that lack or poor support morally, financially, spiritually, etc. especially that of sustaining the family life by providing for the needs of the missionary. The early...

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PAUL: THE CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY (Part 1), FEBRUARY 18th, 2024

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PAUL: THE CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY (Part 1), FEBRUARY 18th, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHT Every believer has a duty to reach out to others with the gospel. TEXT: ACTS 13:1-13, 34-41 INTRODUCTION: The word missionary has been defined to mean someone who attempts to convert others to a particular doctrine or program. In the context of this study, a missionary is anyone who converts people to the Christian faith; it is the effort made to convert others to Christ. Missionaries are in different categories. There are those in the mission field dedicated and committed to sharing the gospel, laboring day and night for the conversion of souls. Others who are not actively involved give financial support to the work and others pray. Hence in missionary terms, it is called the 3 “G’s”. those that go, give, and groan for the work. Jesus Christ commanded every believer in Mark 16:15 to “go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature”. Winning souls is mandatory for every believer, and it is a demonstration of our love and commitment to God. Missionary work requires one’s time, effort, energy, consistency, and commitment. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1A) HOW DID PAUL START HIS MISSIONARY ACTIVITIES? Acts 13:1-2“While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them”(NIV). It was during a fasting service, of brethren which included some prophets and teachers, that the Holy Spirit spoke that Barnabas and Saul was to be set apart for the work. It was a clear instruction they received. He was busy ministering to the Lord in the church at Antioch. Even when Paul had been ordained (from the encounter with the Lord), he did not rush to the mission field. It is necessary to be trained and wait on the Lord before proceeding to the mission field. QUESTION 1B) IDENTIFY THE PARTIES INVOLVED IN CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY WORK AND COMMENT ON THE ROLE OF EACH PARTY (Acts 13:2-5)Christian missionary work is a spiritual work and should not be done carnally. Different parties are involved in Christian missionary work. They are: The Missionary: The first party involved in Christian missionary work is the missionary who has made his/ herself available to be sent by God and the Church. Such an individual must be willing to give up personal pleasures, choices, and be ready to yield totality to God and be willing to go as lead by the Lord. The Church: The local church is where the missionary takes off to the mission field. There are, however, lone missionaries who have no “mother” church, but work with different churches at different times. Where the missionary has a local assembly, their role is to fast, pray, lay hands on the missionary, and send them forth. Sending them forth will entail equipping spiritual and physical material and financial support. Where the missionary is a lone missionary, it is advisable he/she gets an affiliate to act as a part church/body where they can get both spiritual and physical support. The local assembly/body gives support in diverse ways to the missionary; beyond laying of hands and financial support, they also act as supervisory body. (Rom. 15:26; 2 Cor. 8:9; Phil. 4:10, 15-16; 1:19). The Holy Ghost: The most important party in the Christian ministry work is the Holy...

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PAUL: GOD’S INSTRUMENT FOR MIRACLE, FEBRUARY 11TH, 2024

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PAUL: GOD’S INSTRUMENT FOR MIRACLE, FEBRUARY 11TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTMiracles are God’s Divine Intervention in the Affairs of Men. HYMM: S.S & S. 524 “Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah”. TEXT: ACTS 14:8-18, 16:16-40 INTRODUCTION:Paul was formerly known as Saul, until his miraculous conversion. He was a devout supporter and practitioner or Judaism- the Jewish religion that teaches that justification can only come through obedience of the law- The Ten Commandments as given to Moses by God. He was a lawyer by profession (Acts 22:3) though he was also involved in tent making (Acts 18:1-3) and was so zealous in the teaching and observance of the tenet of Judaism. His zeal was so much that he regarded anyone who practiced any other religion outside Judaism an enemy. Therefore, when the church of Christ was born on the day of Pentecost, he became an archenemy of the Church. He persecuted the believers in Christ, hauling them into prison and killing others until that fateful day on his way to Damascus, when he had encountered the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 9:1-8). God chose him and used him extensively as an instrument for miracles in the course of his ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ.In this study, we shall consider Paul’s experiences in Lystra and Philippi where God used him to heal a cripple and a demon possessed girl respectively, during one of his missionary journeys, and how he handled the hazards he faced as a result. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are to: Understand how God used Paul as an instrument for miracles Learn how to handles the challenges in ministry See the need of walking in the Spirit Understand that God is the source of every genuine miracle Learn to given the glory to God for every success recorded in ministry BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1.) HOW DID GOD USE PAUL TO BRING HEALING TO THE MAN CRIPLLED FROM HIS MOTHER’S WOMB?The incident took place in the city of Lystra. Paul and his companions arrived in Lystra from Iconium, and continued the preaching of the gospel message. Among their audience was a crippled from his mother’s womb, who listened to Paul’s message with rapt attention. Paul was moved by the Holy Spirit to acknowledge him and observed that the man had faith to be healed; so, Paul with a loud voice said to him “stand upright on thy feet”. Immediately the crippled man leaped and started walking, and the people who saw the miracle was amazed. This miracle underscored the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit and being led by Him when ministering. QUESTION 2A) WHAT DANGER DID PAUL AND BARNABAS FACE FROM THEIR HEATHEN AUDIENCE?Having seen this great miracle that was wrought by Paul, the people were greatly amazed, and in ignorance, they believed that their gods has come down to them in the likeness of men. As a form of gratitude to their gods, they wanted to offer a sacrifice to the apostles which the apostles resisted. The incident had presented an opportunity for Paul and Barnabas to arrogate power and glory to themselves. This obviously would have destroyed their ministry and place them as enmity to God. Of course, the apostles know that what was done was absolutely an act of God, and not in any way, by their power. They equally knew the...

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DIVINE INTERVENTION: SAUL’S CONVERSION, February 4TH, 2024

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DIVINE INTERVENTION: SAUL’S CONVERSION, February 4TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHT Forgiveness and eternal life come through faith in Christ and are for ALL people. HYMM: “Take my life and let it be…” TEXT: ACTS 9:1-19 INTRODUCTION: God’s main intention for man at creation was and is still to be like Him. Unfortunately, man failed God through yielding to satan’s temptations. Paul (formerly Saul), like all men, was caught in satan’s web of exploitation and human degradation. However, God, not willing that man should remain in that state, made provisions for the redemption of mankind to his original state of well-being through the grace of Jesus Christ. Saul of Tarsus received this grace of salvation while he was going to destroy the members of the church of Jesus Christ. “And Saul was consenting unto Stephen’s death…; he made havoc of the Church, entering into every house and haling men and woman committed the, to prison” (Acts 8:1,3). The conversion of Saul was unique in the sense that while he was severely persecuting the Church of Jesus Christ, he met with the head and owner of the Church. Saul was saved because he trusted on Jesus Christ. “Trusting” means putting your confidence in Christ to forgive your sins and make you right with God and empower you to live the way He teaches. God’s solution to man’s problems is available to all of us regardless of our background or past life (behavior). We are all saved by grace through faith and not of our works of righteousness which we have done (Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shall be saved (Acts 16:31). BIBLE TRUTH QUESTION 1.A) WHO WAS PAUL? Paul was originally called Saul from the city of Tarsus in Cilicia. He was a Pharisee, trained and brought up in Judaism under Gamaliel. A Hebrew of the tribe of Benjamin. Paul was zealous towards God ignorantly, but blameless in the Law of Moses. He was transformed by God from a persecutor of Christians to a preacher of Christ. He both served as a missionary and tent maker. He shaped the history of Christianity greatly by writing many epistles. QUESTION 1.B) WHAT WAS PAUL ENGAGED IN BEOFRE HIS ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS CHRIST? (Acts 8:1-3; 9: 1-3). Paul was a loyal Pharisee, knew the law and sincerely believed that the new Christian movement was dangerous to Judaism. Thus Paul hated the Christian faith and persecuted Christians without mercy. He consented to the murder of Stephen and made havoc of the Church, entering every house, and forcefully dragging men and women to be imprisoned. He was breathing out threatening’s against the disciples of the Lord in Jerusalem, got permission to travel to Damascus to capture Christians and bring them back to Jerusalem for death or imprisonment. He thought that he was doing God’s will. QUESTION 2.) HOW DID HIS CONVERSION HAPPEN? Acts 9:3-9 As Paul was severely persecuting the Church, God had other plans for him and stopped him in his hurried tracks on the road to Damascus. Paul personally met Jesus Christ, and his life was never the same again. With this divine encounter with God, Paul received the grace of salvation. Just imagine for a while, who would have had the boldness to preach to Paul one on one, as all disciples dispersed to...

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THE PRODIGAL SON, JANUARY 28TH, 2024

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THE PRODIGAL SON, JANUARY 28TH, 2024

Hymn: Just as I am without one plea CENTRAL THOUGHT Genuine repentance attracts God’s pardon TEXT: LUKE 15:11-24 INTRODUCTION: This parable is an illustration of the depravity and depth of misery which sinners and backsliders slump into through disobedience. It also illustrates God’s love for all and His willingness to receive those who return to Him. The prodigal son requested for his portion of the inheritance and went into a strange land; there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. (Luke 15:14-15). In a bid to struggle for survival, he went into the abominable act of feeding with swine. He was later convicted, broken down and returned to his father who joyfully accepted him with celebration. The aim of this study is to warn sinners and backsliders on the danger of rejecting God’s protection and also to guide them on the process of returning to Him. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) READ LUKE 15:11-13 AND MENTION SOME OF THE RISKS TAKEN BY THE PRODIGAL SON IN DEPARTING FROM THE FATHER’S HOUSE The prodigal son out of covetousness (emanating from pride of life and quest for recognition), requested his father to share his inheritance and give him his portion. Thereafter, he gathered all his belongings and went into a far country and there he wasted his substance on riotous living. He abandoned his father’s coverage/ protection thereby despising the law of God. QUESTION 2) FROM LUKE 15:14-16, IDENTIFY THE DANGERS OF BACKSLIDING. Backsliding means turning away from the truth of the gospel. It begins when a believer starts living presumptuously i.e being insensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit. The scripture says that he that breaks the hedge, serpent will bite. The dangers of backsliding are: i. Exposure to the devil’s attack. ii. The backslider makes the sacrifice of Jesus Christ of no effect to himself. iii. The person loses fellowship with God. iv. The person also loses fellowship with brethren. v. The backslider ultimately faces eternal destruction if he/ she refuses to repent. God in His infinite mercy is calling all sinners and backsliders to return to Him. The careless ones are also warned to be careful with their lives. God says in Jer. 3:22, “return ye backsliding children and I will heal your backsliding”. God is not interested when a sinner or backslider dies hence, He calls all to return to Him. QUESTION 3A) IDENTIFY THE STEPS TAKEN BY THE PRODIGAL SON IN HIS EFFORTS TO RETURN TO HIS FATHER’S HOUSE LUKE 15:17-21 Having realized his error, the depravity of his lifestyle, his father’s enormous wealth, his suffering and abominable acts (feeding with swine), the prodigal son came to his senses and declared he will arise and go to his father and that he was no longer worthy to be called his father’s son rather chose to be a servant, if only he would be accepted. Thereafter, he took the following steps: i. I will arise and go to my father; and say to him, “ I have sinned against heaven and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.” And he arose and came to his father. (Vs. 17-20a). ii. He had a change of mind (genuine repentance)...

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