Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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MOSES: THE LORD’S SERVANT PT. II, November 12th, 2023

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MOSES: THE LORD’S SERVANT PT. II, November 12th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTHe whom God calls He empowers. TEXT: EXODUS 3:1-22 INTRODUCTION: In the last study, we learned that Moses, out of fear, ran away from Egypt to Midian (Ex. 2:14-15). While there, God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and asked him to go to Pharaoh to demand for the freedom of the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt. This was a daunting task. He was to go and confront one of the most powerful rulers at the time on behalf of mere slaves without any physical army backing him up. For 40 years, Moses was trained in the wisdom of the Egyptians whilst in Pharaoh’s household (Acts 7:22). The next 40 years was spent as a shepherd in Midian. During this period, Moses learned how to survive in the wilderness. The next 40 years were used to lead the children of Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land. The circumstances surrounding Moses’ call and his response shall be considered in this study. LESSON OBJECTIVES:The objectives of this lesson are: To examine the circumstance under which Moses was called. To understand why God called Moses to Pharaoh. To emphasize the need for reverence of God’s presence in our midst. To appreciate the eternal Name of God – “I AM THAT I AM”. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) EXPLAIN THE UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCE UNDER WHICH GOD CALLED MOSES.EX. 3:1-6For about 40 years Moses tended flocks in Midian for his father-in-law, Jethro. One day, he led the flocks to mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai. The Angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire in a bush. The fire was burning, but the bush was not consumed. Moses became curious at the strange sight. He decided to see why the bush was on fire without being consumed. When the Lord saw that Moses turned aside to see, then God called him by his name. The response of Moses to the call of God was spontaneous. Today, the believer in Christ should learn to recognize God’s voice by familiarizing himself with the word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit. QUESTION 2a.) WHY DID GOD SEND MOSES TO PHARAOH? EX. 3:7-10; ACTS 7:24-36At this time, Israel, as a nation, was in apostasy and rebellion. Few may have known God, but the majority have forgotten Him and embraced the gods of Egypt. (Ezekiel 20:5-8)After the death of the king of Egypt, it appears that Israel came to their senses. They called upon the Lord and their cry came unto God. God heard their cry and “remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” (Ex. 2:23-25).God then decided to deliver His people from bondage and He called Moses to be His instrument in that exercise. He commissioned Moses to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites from Egypt. Moses’ responsibilities were to approach Pharaoh to demand for the freedom of God’s people from bondage and physically lead them from Egypt to the promised land. God stated clearly in Exodus 3:7 that He had seen the oppression of His people, heard their cries of distress and was aware of their suffering. However, God acted when the people cried to God for help. Today, nations are in distress and believers in those nations should learn from the experience...

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MOSES: THE LORD’S SERVANT PT. I, November 5th, 2023

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MOSES: THE LORD’S SERVANT PT. I, November 5th, 2023

HYMN: “There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus”. CENTRAL THOUGHTBelievers, like soldiers, should endure hardship in service. TEXT: EXODUS 2:1-25 INTRODUCTION: The book of Exodus is the record of Israel’s deliverance as a nation. Within the protective “womb of Egypt”, the Jewish family of seventy rapidly multiplied. At the right time, accompanied with severe pains, an infant nation numbering between two and three million people was divinely protected, fed, and nurtured. Moses, therefore, was born as a deliverer.This servant of the Lord was born when an ungodly decree by Pharaoh was given, that every male child born of any Israelite in Egypt should be killed. God helped him to survive that situation and he was brought up in Pharaoh’s house. The circumstances surrounding Moses’ birth and how he was prepared divinely as a deliverer is the basis or focus of this study. It is also to show Christians that the prevailing circumstances of one’s birth is less important if we focus on the Lord for guidance and protection. LESSON OBJECTIVES:The objectives of this lesson are: To know that prevailing circumstances during a person’s birth does not matter. To know that positive actions of parents towards a child is very important. To recognize that Christian homes are where children are trained. To know that any man divinely supported and directed would make an impact that will stand the test of time. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) DISCUSS THE PREVAILING CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN MOSES WAS BORN.EX. 1:11-22Moses was born in a period when the Israelites were under heavy affiliations and life became bitter and increasingly unbearable, According to Dake’s commentary, the seven-fold labor of the Israelites were – (i) Digging the clay for making bricks, (ii) Kneading clay to proper consistency (i.e to press wet clays with your hands, very laborious/ difficult), (iii) taking clay to brick mold, (iv) Forming the bricks, (v) Drying them in the sun, (vi) Carrying them to the building places,, (vii) Building cities out of bricks (e.g Pharaoh’s treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses (Exodus 1:11-14)).In spite of these severe afflictions, the population of the Israelites was increasing, and a decree was issued by Pharaoh that all the sons of the Hebrew women be killed at the point of delivery. It was at this point that Moses was born. QUESTION 2.) COMMENT ON THE ACTIONS OF HIS PARENTS. EX. 2:1-4; HEB. 11:23To the parents, Moses was their second son and third child. They evidently believed God’s word and hid the child for three months. Heb. 11:23 says, “By faith Moses, when he was born was hid three months of his parents because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.”. By faith they took him to the river brink and “his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done of him” Ex. 2:4. Also, Pharaoh’s daughter had compassion on the child Moses, and took him into Pharaoh’s palace as her son (Ex. 2:5-6,9). The action of Moses’ parents, his sister and even Pharaoh’s princess were in line with God’s plan for Moses, and indeed for the nation of Israel. QUESTION 3.) MOSES DENIED HIMSELF THE COMFORT AND BENEFITS OF THE KING’S COURT CHOOSING TO IDENTIFY WITH THE SUFFERING OF HIS PEOPLE. (HEB. 11:24-28). EXPLAIN HIS ACTION AND WHAT...

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OVERCOMING ANXIETY, October 29th, 2023

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OVERCOMING ANXIETY, October 29th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTWhen we cast our cares and burdens on the Lord, anxiety is subdued. HYMN: When we walk with the Lord TEXT: MATTHEW 6:25-34; PHILIPPIANS 4:4-8 INTRODUCTION:Usually human beings fear or worry about the possibility of failure in one endeavor or the other. Also, the fear of failure creates in the minds of some believers, doubts leading to worry and anxiety. Believers often forget that God has the master plan for everything He created and has made adequate provisions for them. Lack of faith, fear or worry makes us lose focus on God’s providence for our lives. God wants us to be patient and acknowledge Him, so that he can bring to fulfillment His plans for our lives. This study focuses on how we can solve the problem of anxiety and worry. LESSON OBJECTIVES:The objectives of this lesson include”1.) To comprehend what anxiety means.2.) To examine the effect of anxiety on the individual.3.) To appreciate the fact that believers should not be anxious.4.) To understand how one can overcome anxiety. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY ANXIETY?Readers Digest Great Illustrated Dictionary defines anxiety as a state of uneasiness and distress about future uncertainties; apprehension; worry or eagerness.Simply put, anxiety is the state of feeling nervous or worried that something bad may likely happen. Anxiety is a troubled feeling in the mind, caused by fear and uncertainty about the future, real or imagined. Anxiety takes root from the mind. Worries and fears take over when we are not able to achieve what we want or not have our needs met. Such is the situation in the society today. We have forgotten that ‘except the Lord build the house, he that builds, builds in vain”.We are admonished in Matthew 6:25-34, not to “worry about your life, “for God has made everything available to all His children.” As God provided manna in the wilderness to the children of Israel, so is God still providing for His people and will continue to provide for us all. Worry weakens our faith in God, because the devil’s mission is to steal, kill and destroy, John 10:10. There is a spirit behind anxiety which should be resisted by every believer. QUESTION 2.) READ MATTHEW 2:2-12 AND 1 SAMUEL 13:8-14. DISCUSS HOW THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUAL EXHIBITED ANXIETY. A. HEROD:After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea according to the prophecy, the wise men received a sign and decided to find him and worship Him. The news came to King Herod and immediately he became troubled. The fear of another King coming overwhelmed him completely. In order to overcome his fear he made a decision which led to the mass killing of innocent children, Matthew 2:16-18. He thought his decision, born out of fear and worry, could address his fear. God had a greater plan to save the child Jesus, who was born king to save the world. Ultimately Herod died and his mission to kill the young child Jesus failed.B. SAUL:The Philistines started gathering against the children of Israel for battle, this created fear in the heart of Saul the king. Saul was instructed to wait for the prophet Samuel to arrive to tell him how to fight the Philistines, 1 Samuel 10:8; but out of anxiety and fear of being defeated, Saul could...

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TAKE HEED-LESSONS FROM SAMSON’S LIFE, OCTOBER 22ND, 2023

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TAKE HEED-LESSONS FROM SAMSON’S LIFE, OCTOBER 22ND, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTPerfect accomplishment only comes through full obedience to God. HYMN: When we walk with the Lord TEXT: JUDGES 13:1-25, 1 CORIN. 10:11-14 INTRODUCTION:To take heed is to pay careful attention to somebody’s advice or warning. To listen to and obey or take to instructions given to someone either as a sign of respect to the one advising, or a safeguard or corrective measure to the one advised.We are no doubt in perilous times. The love of many is waxing cold. The Holy Scriptures are able to save, secure and preserve us unto the day of Christ’s appearing, even as the Lord Jesus prayed in John 17:17. Sanctify them by the truth, they word is the truth. It therefore pays to take heed to biblical counsel and truth, lest we fall away.In this lesson, we would examine the life of Samson which did not end well because he did not take heed to Godly counsel. Nobody is infallible hence every believer should “take heed lest he fall” 1 Cor. 10:12. LESSON OBJECTIVES:To understand the following:1.) Who the man Samson was.2.) How he lived his life and the extent of his successes and failure.3.) The factors which led to his successes/failure.4.) Possible warnings and encouragements from his lifestyle if any. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) WHO WAS SAMSON?JUDGES 13:1-5Samson was a child of promise, the son of Manoah from Zorah and of the family of the Danites. Samson was made a Nazarite from the womb, as a boy set apart to God from birth who would drink no wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing. No razor was to come upon his head while his God-ordained mission was to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines (Judges 13:4-5). QUESTION 2.) WHAT PARALLEL CAN BELIEVERS DRAW FROM THE LORD’S INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT SAMSONS LIFE?God has called us out of darkness and bestowed on us the duty of bringing men back to Himself.When we come out of sin and cleave to God in righteousness, He receives us, gives us all we need and expects us to bring forth our kinds for Him, with the much He endowed us with.We are saved to serve. Serving Him is not only in area of praying, parting with our belongings for Him, but also in laboring for Him in his vineyard and bringing sinners to Him for salvation.This is only achievable by faith through our godly living and labor of love. As Samson was meant to save or deliver the Israelites from the bondage of the Philistines, so the present-day believers are supposed to be spiritually minded and busy recusing the unsaved from the sinful enslavement by satan. QUESTION 3.) DISCUSS HOW THE FOLLOWING LED TO SAMSON’S FALL AND THE POSSIBLE LESSONS FOR US.God expressly warns those who think that they are strong in the Lord to take heed or else they fall (1 Cor. 10:12). We should therefore, be careful watching in prayers and righteousness as we walk daily.Some of the factors that led to Samson’s fall include these:1.) LUST (JUDGES 14:1-2, GEN. 3:6, 24:3, 28:1, DEUT. 7:3, JOSH. 23:12, EZRA 9:12, NEH. 13:25God commanded that believers should not marry unbelievers. Samson was carried away by his fleshly desire that he ignored this injunction. Not long after his wrong choice he discovered the fact...

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LESSON FROM THE ANTS, October 15th, 2023

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LESSON FROM THE ANTS, October 15th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTGod will always bless those who diligently do their part and rely on Him. TEXT: PROVERBS 6:4-11 INTRODUCTION:As big as the elephant is, it is not mentioned in the Bible. As small as the ant is, however, it is featured prominently in Scriptures. It was used as an instructional aid to drive home fundamental lessons on wisdom about orderly lifestyle and diligence. The ants are indeed small living creatures that could be observed to obtain knowledge. A close observation of the living pattern of the ants reveals an orderly community of creatures doing their things diligently without supervision. They are time-conscious beings that provide for the “rainy day”. In this study, we shall examine these creatures with a view to deriving pertinent lessons from their living pattern. LESSON OBJECTIVES:This lesson is intended to accomplish the following objectives:1.) Describe some physical features of the ants.2.) Draw salient lessons from the life pattern of the ants.3.) Explain the principles of hard work and prayers in life endeavors.4.) Discuss how a Christian can remain diligent among the slothful. BIBLE TRUTH QUESTION 1.) WHAT WOULD ONE OBSERVE WHILE WATCHING THE ANTS? PROVERBS 6:6-7Ants are small insects that live in highly organized groups. They are social insects. There are many types of ants but they share some characteristics in common – among which are: They have six legs They are divided into three parts bodily. Some even have wings. There are various species of the ants.The first observation that one could make while watching a colony of ants is that they have no captain or commander or overseer. Each of them has a divinely coded instinct for survival. Secondly, ants are sensitive and punctual to every available opportunity that comes across their way. For instance, they quickly reach out to any crumb of food. Also, ants display a high sense of diligence in the pursuit of set goals such as that displayed in the pulling of food or building materials into their holes (anthills). QUESTION 2.) WHAT LESSONS CAN WE DRAW FROM THE ANTS AND OTHER SMALL CREATURES LISTED IN PROVERBS 30:24-28?Some basic lessons that can be derived from the behavior of the ants and other small creatures are Believers should sharpen their survival instincts by catching every opportunity that pass them by daily. The ant is a very punctual creature. Believers should take notice. Today many Christians go late to school, work, Church, etc. The ant is very diligent in all it does. This virtue should characterize the life of the believer. We should be known to be very dutiful in our offices, schools, private business, home and in church, Proverbs 12:24 For the ants, there is no tree too tall, no ground too hard to build its home. Similarly, the believer should be determined to succeed no matter the prevailing economic and environmental conditions. The ants display a high sense of resilience. Even when their “house” is destroyed due to human activity they quickly regroup to reconstruct it. Believers should be determined never to give up no matter the obstacles. The righteous is not immune to setbacks. He may fall seven times but rises again seven times. These tiny ants pull their little strengths together to form a large pull of power. They are therefore able to accomplish great things such...

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CHRISTIAN GIVING, October 8th, 2023

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CHRISTIAN GIVING, October 8th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTIt is in sowing that we reap, and it is in giving that we receive. HYMN: “Sowing in the morning”. TEXT: 2 COR. 9:6-12, GAL. 6:6-10INTRODUCTION:The practice of giving in church circles is a very topical issue in the society today. It is faced with controversies, allegations of abuses and criticisms. Skeptics and enemies of the church have capitalized on the situation to rain insults on the body of Christ. The purpose, methods and benefits of giving have been clearly spelt out by God in His word.In the Old Testament giving was viewed from the angle of legalistic obligations recommended in different forms and purposes in worship, while in the New Testament the essence of giving was more broadly regarded as part of worship to God and service to humanity. God is evidently the greatest giver of all times having sacrificed His only begotten Son to serve as atonement for the sins of mankind. Christian giving can truly be regarded as a reciprocation of God’s initiative. It is of divine origin, a form of worship to God and an investment with sure returns.This study is designed to present a balanced Scriptural perspective of the concept of giving. LESSON OBJECTIVES:1.) To explain the concept of Christian giving.2.) List various ways that God demonstrated giving3.) Discuss the scriptural principles associated with giving.4.) Identify various types of giving; and5.) Enumerate the blessings associated with giving. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1.A) EXPLAIN THE PHRASE “CHRISTIAN GIVING”.To “give” simply means to transfer something and to put it into possession and benefit of another. It is to grant or bestow a present or a favor for the advancement of another. Christian giving is the embodiment of processes and means for the transfer of benefits as taught in the Scriptures and practiced among believers.Christian giving covers material and non-material resources which are willingly transferred for the use of others or made available for social use. QUESTION 1.B) WHAT IS THE STARTING POINT OF CHRISTIAN GIVING?2 COR. 8:5The starting point of Christian giving is to surrender the totality of oneself to God in repentance and acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. This implies genuine conversion from darkness/wickedness to light/righteousness and a pledge of one’s life to seek and to do the pleasure of God. When our personality has been cleansed and made acceptable to God, we stand in position to render other acceptable services before God.QUESTION 2.) ENUMERATE WAYS IN WHICH GOD DEMONSTRATED GIVING.GEN. 1:26-27, JOHN 3:16There are very many ways God has demonstrated the virtue of giving. From the creation of man to the present day, God has never relented in giving.God created the entire universe, and then made man in His own image and likeness (or nature). He gave him the breath of life and transferred dominion to him over His entire creation. The earth is one of the gits of God to man. He also gave man a forum for regular fellowship with his maker.When man fell from grace God went after him to restore him. The priceless gift of the only begotten Son of God was made available for the atonement of man’s sins. Christ came and gave His life in sacrifice for mankind. God gave His own Spirit, the Holy Spirit to all who will believe and thereby restored man to authority...

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DANGER OF FORGETFUL HEARING, October 1st, 2023

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DANGER OF FORGETFUL HEARING, October 1st, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTIt is not enough to hear God’s word; live by it also. HYMN: I’ve a message from the Lord TEXT: DEUT. 28:1-14, EZEKIEL 36:26-27, JAMES 1:22-25, LUKE 8:4-8, 11-15 INTRODUCTION:The Sovereign God out of love established a father-son relationship with all believers. He is almighty, omnipresent, and all-knowing. But as a good and perfect father, he has a purpose for our lives as individuals and corporately. He only requires us, as loving children to trust and obey Him. “but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word…”, Isaiah 66:2b. “If ye love me, keep my commandments”, John 14:15. In the scriptures, “to hear” God’s word is often used synonymously with hearkening to or obeying it. To encourage us to obey His word and, therefore, grow increasingly into His purpose for our lives, in reality all of God’s blessings have been tied to obedience. In this study, we examine the danger or forgetful hearing and how to live above it. LESSON OBJECTIVES:1.) To discuss what happens in our hearts when we hear God’s word.2.) To consider what it means to be a “forgetful hearer” and,3.) To understand what it means to be “dull of hearing”, “having itching ears”, and not “mixing the word with faith”. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) WHAT ARE THE MAJOR INFLUENCES ON THE OUTCOME OF THE WORD SOWED BY GOD IN OUR HEARTS?LUKE 8:4-8, 11-15In the parable, seeds of the same quality/potential were sown on different soils (human hearts). The first group had the word immediately stolen from their hears, because they did not understand it. The devil sowed doubts and unbelief. The second group are usually excited when they hear God’s word but when troubles or persecutions test their love for God and confidence in the word, they fall away.The third group receives the word but are bogged down by the worries of this life and the eagerness to accumulate wealth and “make it” quickly, because they have been deceived into believing that more wealth makes them more important and better human beings. They, therefore, cannot obey they word and remain unfruitful. The fourth group, “… with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it and by perseverance produce a crop”.It is fairly obvious to the reader that it did not come easy for the fourth group. First, they had prepared their hearts for obedience and left no room for unbelief. Hence, their hearts are described as noble. They fought to “retain” the word against all odds and the ploys of the evil one to snatch it or make it unfruitful; despite contrary circumstances they persevered, holding on to their obedience and ultimately bearing bountiful fruit. QUESTION 2A.) WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A “FORGETFUL HEARER”?JAMES 1:23-25 A forgetful hearer is someone who hears/reads God’s word and does not do what it says. The word of God functions as a mirror. As the word is revealed to our hearts, it x-rays us showing us our true state whether good or bad. It exposes the areas we fall short or are living in sin or disobedience, convicting our hearts on the need for a change. The natural response is repentance and a plea to God to work on...

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LESSONS FROM THE TOWER OF BABEL, September 24th, 2023

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LESSONS FROM THE TOWER OF BABEL, September 24th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTPlans no matter how lofty must be in the will of God. TEXT: GEN. 9:1-7, GENESIS 11:1-9, 1 JOHN 2:15-17 INTRODUCTION:In Genesis chapters 6-10, we read the fascinating account of God’s judgement on the earth but in the midst of judgement, Noah found favor in God’s eyes (Gen. 6:8) and He kept him, his family, and representatives of the animal kingdom safe. The judgement came upon the earth because “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart” Genesis 6:5-6. Genesis 10-11 gives the account of the new beginnings of man after the flood. The purpose of the flood was to judge evil on the earth and it would be expected that, with the opportunity for a new beginning, those that survived the flood would learn from the experience and do the will of the Lord on earth. LESSON OBJECTIVES:1.) To know why men decided to build the tower of Babel.2.) Understand the power of unity.3.) Understand the basis of Christian unity.4.) Know that God’s will is sovereign. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) WHY DID MEN DECIDE TO BUILD A TOWER AND IN WHAT WAYS COULD THIS BE CONSIDERED A REBELLION AGAINST GOD?ACTS 17:26-27 “And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.” Genesis 11:4. As the population of men increased after the flood, they remained together and moved from place to place until they came to a plain in the land of Shinar. At first consideration, it may not be obvious what God faulted in their decision to build a city and a tower, after all, God had blessed Noah and his sons and asked them to be fruitful. However, when we compare God’s mandate to Noah in Gen. 9:1-7, and their vision in Gen. 11:4, we see differences. God wanted them to spread out and replenish the earth but they did not want to! They wanted to build a monument and make a name for themselves and not be scattered abroad over the earth. The primary focus of that group of men was to achieve greatness, serve their interests and bring glory to themselves. God and his purposes did not feature at all in their thoughts. They had become a god unto themselves and turned their backs on the living God. God paid them a visit and judged them. His purpose stood in the end. They were spread out over the earth. QUESTION 2.) DISCUSS THE POWER OF UNITY AS DEPICTED IN GEN. 11:6. WHY IS THERE SO MUCH DISUNITY IN THE WORLD AND IN CHRISTIAN DENOMINATIONS TODAY. “And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do”, Genesis 11:6.Unity empowers a people. Naturally, the more the people are united for a purpose, the more the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual resources that can...

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THE MAN GIDEON: HIS FINAL TRIUMPH AND EXIT, September 17th, 2023

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THE MAN GIDEON: HIS FINAL TRIUMPH AND EXIT, September 17th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTGod is always ready to use anyone who make himself/herself available for His service. HYMN: I Need thee Every Hour TEXT: JUDGES 8:1-35 INTRODUCTION:Gideon had been reasonably concerned about the condition of his people- the Israelites. In his discussion with the Angel of the Lord, he had queried, “… IF the Lord, be with us, why then has all this befallen us? And where be all His miracles which our fathers told us of… but now the Lord has forsaken us into the hands of the Midianites” (Judges 6:13). The Lord’s response to him was however reassuring.“Go in this your might, and you shall save Israel from the hands of the Midianites: have not I sent you?” Judges 6:14, Gideon yielded himself to the Lord and in the process made positive influences on the lives of the Israelites. They remained reasonably faithful to God during his lifetime. In this study, we shall examine how Gideon secured his final victory over the Midianites and his leadership failure. LESSON OBJECTIVES:1.) To understand the complaint of the Ephraimites against Gideon and to discuss how justified they were.2.) Examine Gideon’s response and to know how appropriate it was.3.) Look at Gideon’s character and draw some lessons from it.4.) Find out why Gideon created the ephod and its impact on the Israelites.5.) Understand what Gideon’s failure was and discuss how to avoid such problems. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) DISCUSS HOW GIDEON MANAGED THE COMPLAINT OF THE MIDIANITES AND THE LESSONS WE CAN DERIVE FROM IT.JUDGES 8:2-3, PROVERBS 15:1, COLOSSIANS 4:6, ROMANS 12:18, MATTHEW 10:19, JOHN 14:26The Ephraimites complained that Gideon should not have left them out of the call to battle. They rebuked Gideon sharply; Gideon was gentle in his response but not in fear. With Godly wisdom he gave a soft answer which made their resentment against him to subside.The Bible tells us that a soft answer turns away wrath, but that grievous words stir up anger (Proverbs 15:1).In Colossians 4:6, we are admonished thus, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how ye ought to answer every man”. In Romans 12:18, we are also advised that, if it be possible, as much as lieth within you, live peaceably with all men”. From Matthew 10:19, we acknowledge that even when we are in difficult situations, not knowing what exactly to say, the Lord has promised us that “…. It shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak”.Gideon rather than challenging the contention of the Ephraimites, did not allow the self in him to manifest rather his humility and meekness were displayed. By so doing he challenged them to be more focused in handling the task ahead. QUESTION 2.A) WHAT DOES JUDGES 8:4-5 REVEAL ABOUT GIDEON’S CHARACTER?His request for help from the men of Succoth to assist his three hundred soldiers with food was rejected. His men were “weak, yet pursing” their targets.This scenario reveals the following about Gideon’s character:That he was quite focused about his mission and objective.That his desire to get the job done did not becloud his concern for the welfare of his men.That his response to them confirmed his implicit confidence in God and his conviction that victory was certain.That he had a persevering spirit; he had a...

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THE MAN GIDEON: HIS OBEDIENCE AND EXPLOITS, September 10th, 2023

Posted by on 12:12 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on THE MAN GIDEON: HIS OBEDIENCE AND EXPLOITS, September 10th, 2023

THE MAN GIDEON: HIS OBEDIENCE AND EXPLOITS, September 10th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTA child of God that responds positively to His call becomes an instrument of honor. HYMN: Stand up! Stand up for Jesus! TEXT: JUDGES 6:25-40, 7:1-25 INTRODUCTION:Gideon was an ordinary citizen in Israel with a poor and idolatrous family background. He had some knowledge of Israel’s history and wondered why they were going through their current experiences at the hands of the Midianites. Despite his background and his uncertainty about God’s presence with them, the Almighty God chose him as the instrument to be used Israel’s deliverance from the Midianites. Gideon obeyed God’s call and became an instrument in His hands to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites and to restore the true worship of God in Israel. LESSON OBJECTIVES:1.) The objectives of this lesson include.2.) To appreciate Gideon’s obedience to God’s call.3.) To understand that God is the Deliverer of His people.4.) To appreciate the truth that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal.5.) To realize that God guarantees victory for His people. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) HOW DID GIDEON DEMONSTRATE HIS OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S CALL?JUDGES 6:25-32 God commanded Gideon to throw down the altar of Baal which belonged to his father. He was further instructed by God to build an altar unto the Lord (Judges 6:25-26). Gideon immediately obeyed as we read in Judges 6:27 “Then Gideon took men of his servants and did as the Lord had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father’s household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night”. Thus, Gideon demonstrated his obedience to God’s call by carrying out immediately the very first assignment God gave to him.Let us understand that God did not specify the time Gideon should carry out this instruction of throwing down the father’s idol. However, for fear of his father’s household and the men of the city, he (Gideon) chose to do it in the night. Considering the turmoil it generated when the people woke up in the morning, perhaps more turmoil would have occurred if Gideon hand destroyed the idol during the day. In a commentary on that verse Dake wrote “more than anything else, he may have feared the turmoil such action would have caused in the day time, so he chose the night when the city was asleep”. However, most importantly, our God did not condemn Gideon for doing it in the night.We (Believers) need a lot of wisdom as we go about fulfilling God’s call upon our lives and carrying out our God given assignments as individuals, families and congregations. We must depend on the HOLY SPIRIT for direction and we must be ready to follow the HOLY SPIRIT as HE leads and directs us. QUESTION 2.) IN WHAT WAYS CAN A CHRISTIAN BE INVOLVED IN DESTROYING “BAALISM” AND RESTORING TRUE WORSHIP IN OUR TIME? Like Gideon, believers can be used by God to pull down the various types of “Baal” we find in the society today, Greed/covetousness, crave for wealth, and fame etc. are gods (baals) plaguing men and women today. The first way a Believer shows resentment to any of these things is to refuse to participate, partake in or promote any of them. In addition he must speak...

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