Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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THE MAN GIDEON: HIS CALL AND COMMISSION, September 3rd, 2023

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THE MAN GIDEON: HIS CALL AND COMMISSION, September 3rd, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTThe abiding presence of God makes the difference in the life of any believer. HYMN: Stand up! Stand up for Jesus TEXT: JUDGES 6:1-24 INTRODUCTIONMost of us want to know God’s plan for our lives, but we are not always sure how to find it. The Bible gives descriptions of how God guided many people. We can see that God’s call often came while people were completely immersed in the challenge of the moment. A good example of this kind of guidance is seen in Gideon’s life.Gideon was committed. His challenge was to obtain food for his family even though hostile invaders were making the growing, gathering and preparation of food almost impossible. He was resourceful and put a winepress to double duty by turning it into a threshing floor, hidden from the Midianites. Gideon was working in his threshing floor when God sent him a messenger with a challenge. His acceptance of this challenge made him one of the judges of Israel. He was a judge who led Israel for forty years to subdue the Midianites who had oppressed the people of Israel.A study of his character will reveal among other things how God calls His people, the implications, and rewards of obedience to God’s call. LESSON OBJECTIVES: To explain the circumstances that led to the call of Gideon. To relate Israel’s experience to the situation in our nation. To comment on Gideon’s complain and God’s response. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES LED TO THE CALL OF GIDEON?JUDGES 6:1-12In verse one of Judges 6, we read “ And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord delivered them into the hands of the Midianites seven years”. Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord and this led them into trouble as should be expected for all who sin against God.God delivered them into the hands of the Midianites, a desert people that descended from Abraham’s second wife, Keturah. Years earlier, the Israelites while still wondering in the wilderness, battled the Midianites and almost completely destroyed them. The tribe repopulated and increased in number that they were capable of being made a severe scourge to Israel. God had promised to increase Israel as the sand on the sea shore, but their sin stopped their growth and diminished them while their enemies who were supposed to be in every way inferior to them overpowered them. The Midianites made frequent incursions into the land, they allowed the Israelites to sow their crops, but towards harvest, came seized, ate up and destroyed both grass and corn. While leaving, they went away with the sheep and oxen. This was the situation for seven years. When all efforts to get succor from other sources failed, Israel at last cried unto the Lord. God heard their cries and sent a prophet to reprove them for sin and bring them to repentance.The person God commissioned for the service of delivering the Israelites from the hands of the Midianites was Gideon. QUESTION 2.) HOW CAN WE RELATE ISRAEL’S EXPERIENCE TO THE SITUATION OF OUR NATION TODAY?Israel was quite a prosperous nation because God’s hand was upon them but when they chose to do evil in the sight of the Lord, He gave them up to suffer in...

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STEWARDSHIP: OUR TIME, BODY AND FINANCES, August 27th, 2023

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STEWARDSHIP: OUR TIME, BODY AND FINANCES, August 27th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTEvery believer should realize that God is the giver of life unto whom he/she is accountable. TEXT: Eph. 5:15-17; 1 Cor.6:12-20. INTRODUCTIONStewardship encompasses different areas of human activity. As caretakers of God’s manifold resources believers are expected to demonstrate faithfulness, responsibility, and accountability in the areas of the use of time, body, and finances. God gives us time and other resources according to our abilities and expects us to invest them wisely until He returns. It is observed that many believers expend their God-given time on things that do not have eternal value or even of benefit to their lives. Inappropriate time-budgeting is also a big problem for us. Having an understanding that time is God-given, we must deploy it for optimal spiritual and material benefit.In the same vein, some believers misuse their bodies and finances as though we are the sole owners. We must constantly remind ourselves that we are not our own and that we are bought with a price. It is the Lord that gives us the power to make wealth. Therefore, we are enjoined to glorify God in our bodies and finances, which are His. LESSON OBJECTIVES:The objectives of the lesson are to: Explain how believers are stewards over their time, body and finances; Discuss how we can be good stewards over out time, bodies and finances; and Appreciate the rewards of good stewardship. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) DISCUSS HOW BELIEVERS ARE STEWARDS WITH REGARDS TO THE FOLLOWING(a). Time: Ps.39:4, 90:9-12; Eph.5:15, 16. Time is an expendable resource that is universally applicable to all humans, given to man by God. In comparison with eternity, it is short and transient. Everyone has his/her own time apportioned to him/her by God. It is not how long one spends on earth that matters but how relevant and impactful our lives are to the rest of humanity. The Lord Jesus spent thirty three and half (33 ½) years on earth yet transformed the entire world for God.The time we have now is borrowed. We are mere caretakers of it. We must learn to make the maximum use of our time. In doing this, diligence is required and procrastination must be avoided, remembering that we shall render account of it to God who gave it to us. Use it wisely.(b). Our bodies: Gen.2:7; 1 Cor.6:19-20. The Almighty God, who created man in His image (Gen.2:7), is interested in our bodies as much as our soul and spirit. In fact, our bodies constitute the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. We did not form or create ourselves. We are owned by God(1 Cor.6:19).Moreover, Jesus Christ purchased us back to God through His death on the cross (1 Cor.6:20). We are mere servants of God to render quality services to Him with our bodies. We shall as well render account to God on how we utilized our bodies while on earth.(c ) . Our finances: Deut.8:18. Man is born naked into this this world and he exits naked (Job 1:21). Between the point of birth and death, all we acquire (material or financial) are therefore gifts from the Maker and owner of all things. (Ps.24:1). He is the one that apportions to everyone some measures of these resources for our well-being and that of others (Eph.4:28; Deut.8:18). Therefore , our finances...

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STEWARDSHIP: TALENTS AND GIFTS, August 20th, 2023

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STEWARDSHIP: TALENTS AND GIFTS, August 20th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTEvery believer has been endowed by God with a particular gift or talent for the benefit of the body of Christ. HYMN: “ Take my life, and let it be”. TEXT: MATT.25:14-30; EPH. 4:7-16. INTRODUCTION:Man, by nature has been endowed with specific gifts or talents which God expects him to utilize for his own development as well as that of others. These endowments can be called gifts or talents which are unique and specific to the individual. The gifts are entrusted on us by God, therefore, as stewards or servants of His, we will surely give account of how we utilized them. Thus, we are expected to exhibit a high degree of wisdom and faithfulness in all responsibilities assigned to us.Talents/gifts may also represent any type of resources given to us by God. The all-knowing God gives us the talents/gifts according to our abilities and expects us to use them appropriately. In God, there is no room for irrelevant existence, hence there is no one without talent or gift. These talents are either natural or spiritual and should not be left dormant but should be used for the advancement of the church, society and to the glory of God. LESSON OBJECTIVES:By the end of this lesson, the believer should be able to: Explain what talents/gifts are; Understand how a believer can recognize his/her gift/talents; Know how we can develop our talents/gifts; Discuss how we can use our gifts/talents effectively; and Determine whether one’s talent can be lost. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF TALENTS AND GIFTSLongman’s active dictionary simply explain both talent and gifts to mean a natural ability to do something very well. God, in His infinite mercy has wired or configured every believer to fulfil a particular purpose which is unique to him/her. It is His prerogative to bestow on everyone a special gift, talent, or ability such as singing, poetry, oratory, sports, technical ability, artistry, etc. so as to be able to manifest His glory on earth. The gifts are so many that no one is left without any.Spiritual gifts include ministerial gifts listed in Romans 12:6-8, 1 Cor.12:4-11, 28-30 and Ephesians 4:11. Some of them are the gift of apostleship, prophecy, evangelism, pastoral and teaching as well as faith, ministration, giving, administration and help, tongues, working of miracles and so forth. QUESTION 2.) DISCUSS HOW A BELIEVER CAN RECOGNIZE HIS/HER GIFT/TALENT.It is necessary that every believer attempts to identify what his/her gift is. Certain clues to identifying our talents are here highlighted. A Child may be bestowed with some attitudinal dispositions (flair or abilities) which are talents in him/her that begin to unfold as he/she matures. For example, a child who is often engaged in manipulating objects and toys is likely going to be effective in practically-oriented skills. In church such persons can be very useful in decorating, instrumentalist, technical units,etc.Secondly, a believer could seek counsel from his/her pastor and other leaders regarding the areas of service he could be involved. Pastors, on their own can prayerfully appoint members to areas of ministry they consider appropriate for the member. Personal interests on the part of the member on a particular area of service is also very important. A member that is given to singing at all times could make a good Chorister....

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PROPHET MICAIAH, THE SERVANT OF GOD, August 13th, 2023

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PROPHET MICAIAH, THE SERVANT OF GOD, August 13th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTGod’s word will always prevail over falsehood. HYMN: When we walk with the Lord. TEXT: 1 KINGS 22:1-37INTRODUCTION:In the time of the reign of Ahab, the king of Israel, he requested the assistance of Jehosphaphat, the king of Judah to fight a war against the Syrians. Jehoshaphat suggested that before embarking on the war, they should first seek the will of God concerning the matter. The encounter of the two kings with prophet Micaiah will be examined in this study. LESSON OBJECTIVES: By the end of this study, the believer should be able to: Identify who prophet Micaiah was: State the message of the prophets: Explain the content of the true message declared by prophet Micaiah: Discuss how the prophecy of Micaiah was fulfilled: and Highlight the lessons derived from this study. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1.) WHO WAS PROPHET MICAIAH?1 KINGS 22:8, 14Micaiah was the son of Imlah, a prophet in the land of Israel during the period of the reign of Ahab as king. He was a prophet of the Lord.King Ahab hated prophet Micaiah because the king believed that Micaiah never prophesied good concerning him but evil. However, Micaiah always prophesied whatever God asked him to say. QUESTION 2A.) WHAT WAS THE MESSAGE OF THE PROPHETS? (1 KINGS 22:12; 20-23)The prophets (about 400 of them) prophesied in unison “saying, Go up to Ramon-gilead, and prosper: for the Lord shall deliver it into the King’s hand” (1 Kings 22:12). By the revelation God gave Micaiah, we understand that God put a lying spirit in the mouths of the prophets to prophesy a lie unto Ahab. God was not pleased with the King because of the fact that he had forsaken the God of Israel, the true God and was serving Baal and other idols. God permitted Ahab to be deceived by this false message so that he would fall at Ramoth-gilead. QUESTION 2B.) COMMENT ON THE ADVICE OF THE MESSENGER SENT TO CALL MICAIAH AND THE PROPHET’S REPLY. 1 KINGS 22:13-14The messenger sent to call Micaiah tried to persuade him to declare ‘good’ to the King just like the other prophets who declared “good unto the King with one mouth”. Using the exact words of the messenger to Micaiah sounds like this “let thy word I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good”. The truth of the word of God cannot be thwarted or compromised. Whatever is determined by God cannot be changed. Prophet Micaiah replied the messenger thus “As the Lord liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that which I speak” (1 Kings 22:14). A true prophet of God must be ready to deliver the message given to him by God exactly how he received it without adding to or subtracting from it. QUESTION 3.) EXPLAIN THE CONTENT OF THE TRUE MESSAGE DECLARED BY PROPHET MICAIAH. 1 KINGS 22:15, 17-23Initially, Prophet Micaiah spoke like the other prophets. However, Ahab was not convinced that Micaiah was telling the truth. Little wonder Ahab said to him “how many times shall I make you swear that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord?” (1 Kings 22:16). Then Prophet Micaiah declared the true message to King Ahab. Micaiah said that he saw all the...

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A TRUSTWORTHY SERVANT: THE EXAMPLE OF ELIEZER, August 6th, 2023

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A TRUSTWORTHY SERVANT: THE EXAMPLE OF ELIEZER, August 6th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTA Trustworthy servant focuses all his attention on this master. HYMN: I am thine O’ Lord. TEXT: GEN.15:1-4; GEN.24:1-67. INTRODUCTION:The Bible uses several metaphors to describe the relationship of Christians to their God, and each of them examines it from a different perspective to reveal different truths. One of the most prolific metaphors is that God as Master and His people as servants.A servant is one who performs service for another. Servants are entrusted with tasks according to their capability, integrity, honesty, and trust. To be a trustworthy servant, that person must be one who is worthy of being relied upon. An example of a trustworthy servant in the Bible is Eliezer, the oldest servant of Abraham’s home whom he sent to Padan Aram to take a wife for his son Isaac. In this study we shall examine the life of Eliezer and draw valuable lessons. LESSON OBJECTIVES:At the end of the lesson, we should be able to: Describe the person of Eliezer. Explain what it means to be a trustworthy servant. See the steps Eliezer took to ensure that he obeyed his master’s instruction. Draw lesson from the life of Eliezer; and Highlight the qualities of a trustworthy servant. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1A.) WHO WAS ELIEZER? GEN.15:2-3; GEN.24:2Eliezer whose name means “my God is help” was the eldest servant of Abraham (Abraham had 318 trained servants in his household. Gen.14:14). He hails from Damascus and was Abraham’s most trusted servant whom he sent to get a wife (Rebekah) for his son Isaac. He obtained Rebekah as a bride for Isaac. QUESTION 1B.) WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A TRUSTWORTHY SERVANT?A trustworthy servant can be defined as one who is reliable, loyal, faithful, and dependable. A trustworthy servant can also be defined as anyone who discharges his/her duties with little or no supervision and makes most use of available resources. Trustworthy servants are respectful, humble, and obedient. They diligently listen to instructions and obey them. QUESTION 2.) WHAT MADE ABRAHAM TO TRUST ELIEZER? GEN.24:2-9.Eliezer had faithfully ruled over all that Abraham had, so he was tested and found trustworthy. He was very respectful addressing Abraham and Isaac as “my master”. Hence Abraham committed into his hands the matter of seeking a wife for his son Isaac. QUESTION 3.) WHAT STEPS DID ELIEZER TAKE TO ENSURE THAT HE OBEYED HIS MASTER’S INSTRUCTIONS?GEN.24:9-14 He promised to obey Abraham by swearing; Abraham asked him to put his hands under his thigh to accomplish the given task. Putting his hands under the thigh of his master as a seal of solemn oath to his concerning this matter, he promised to get a wife for his son Isaac. As a good servant, he thought through the assignment and wanted to clear every doubt about it. Therefore, he asked reasonable questions to which the master gave adequate answers which now put his mind at rest. He made adequate preparation for the journey, and in faith set out taking with him ten camels loaded with jewelries, garments, and other gifts. He subjected his plans to the God of his master whom he had come to know. After travelling many miles to the city of Nahor, the servant bowed before God in prayer, requesting for guidance.Abraham’s servant acknowledged his own weakness and sought divine guidance...

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PERSONAL DEVOTION, July 30th, 2023

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PERSONAL DEVOTION, July 30th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTDaily intimate fellowship with God is an assurance against defeat and failure. HYMN: Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! TEXT: EXODUS 33:8-23; ISAIAH 6:1-12; DANIEL 6:4-23. INTRODUCTION:Every believer has a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and the Father. This personal relationship comes into effect at the new birth and is nurtured and developed through a sustained and effective personal devotional life-style.Personal devotion is one of the Christian’s exercises that are so beneficial and needed but rarely practiced by many believers. Most of us are so pre-occupied with our struggle for survival in these hard days that we hardly include in our daily routines a time to be with God alone. But if we are to grow spiritually we must devote time each day where we must be alone with Him. We do this by reading, studying, and meditating on His word and spending also some reasonable time in prayers.When we do this on a daily basis, we find that we will never be barren or unfruitful but live daily a victorious Christian life. Let us be quick to mention at this point that developing an effective personal devotional life-style requires much dedication and commitment. There are a number of distractions within and outside us that will want to frustrate an individual who plans to practice a regular quite time. Hence, we must persevere to ensure that no day passes without us spending time with God preferably in the quietness of our home. LESSON OBJECTIVES: To know what is personal devotion. To know the importance of personal devotion in the life of a believer. To know what constitutes a personal devotion. To know how you can improve your personal devotion. To know the results of an effective personal devotional life-style. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) WHAT IS PERSONAL DEVOTION?Personal devotion is setting oneself apart in order to have a personal fellowship with God. This can be best achieved when we set a time each day to read, study and meditate on the word of God. It is also a time we set aside to pour our hearts to the Lord in worship, praise and prayers. It is a time we set apart to seek the Lord by ourselves. It is essential that every believer observe a quiet time each day for personal devotion. The time set aside should be at that person’s convenience; it could be day or night. It may not be fixed for a particular time of day or night, as some of our daily chores may not make this very convenient. However, one will counsel that where possible this should be a particular time each day.Personal devotion was a way of life for the men and people of God of old. These men of God who had a mark on the sands of time not only believed in but practiced personal devotion on daily basis. Thus, they were able to say thus said the Lord with all assurance and certainty. Moses often will leave the people and go into the tabernacle to have a ‘table conference’ with the Lord. One of such occasions he was privileged to see the glory and the back parts of God, (Exo.33:8-23). On two occasions he spent 40 days alone with God where he received the Ten...

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THE PRAYER OF JABEZ, July 23rd, 2023

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THE PRAYER OF JABEZ, July 23rd, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTGod will not overlook a sincere and passionate prayer. HYMN: What a friend we have in Jesus. TEXT: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. INTRODUCTION:The book of Chronicles begins with the genealogies of Israel but chapter four reveals Judah’s descendants. (1 Chronicles 4:1-8). The most remarkable person mentioned is Jabez. He was called Jabez because he bore him in sorrow. Jabez’s, short appearance in the Bible may make us think that he was insignificant to warrant our attention, but a critical look at how he got his name and his prayer request will reveal that we have a lot to learn from him. He is remembered for his prayer instead of a heroic act. His prayer is worth reflecting on, though not to be used as a formula or mantra to be chanted. This study examines Jabez prayer and is aimed at encouraging us to pray, no matter our condition. LESSON OBJECTIVES:The objectives of this lesson are to: Identify who Jabez was and the meaning of his name; Appreciate derivable lessons from the prayer of Jabez; Understand why Jabez prayed; and Recognize that God answers sincere and passionate prayers. BIBLE TRUTHQUESTION 1.) WHO WAS JABEZ AND WHY WAS HE NAMED JABEZ? (1 CHRON.4:9)Jabez was a well-respected man and an ancestor in the lineage of the Kings tribe of Judah. He was a descendant of Judah. His parents names were not mentioned neither when we were we given the age in which he lived. But the Scripture mentioned that he was more honorable than his brethren. The name Jabez was also mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:55 possibly as a place named after him.The name Jabez is Hebrew word for “atsah” which means “sorrow” or “pain”. His mother stated “I gave birth to him in sorrow” ( 1 Chron.4:9). To the mother, such could be a reminder of God’s faithfulness even in times of sorrow. And also a reminder to the child on the need to love, honor and comfort the mother in view of what she passed through the process of delivery. QUESTION 2.) WHY DID JABEZ PRAY AND WHAT DOES THE PRAYER REQUEST REVEAL ABOUT THE PERSON OF JABEZ ?Obviously, Jabez was not satisfied with his condition. The beginning of his life may have been very rough and he desired a change. He must have realized that he could not help himself, hence he decided to cry out to God for divine help. His prayer revealed that He had a personal relationship with the God of Israel, had faith in Him and was convinced that only this God could help him. He prayerfully trusted God to direct his life, for all round blessings, including material blessings, protection, and guidance. God honored him. His prayer also revealed that he was a man that desired to serve and bring glory to God. QUESTION 3.) EXPLAIN THE MEANING AND THE LESSONS DERIVABLE FROM THE PRAYER REQUEST OF JABEZ ( 1 CHRON.4:10)The prayer request of Jabez could be separated into the following four parts.a. “AND JABEZ CALLED ON THE GOD OF ISRAEL, SAYING, OH THAT THOU WOULDEST BLESS ME INDEED”.Jabez called on the God of Israel, the only living and true God. The covenant keeping God who hears and answers prayers; not on the dead gods of the gentiles. He appears to understand the blessedness...

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TRAVAILING IN PRAYER II, July 16th 2023

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TRAVAILING IN PRAYER II, July 16th 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTBelievers should pray always and not lose hope. HYMN: Spirit divine attends our prayers. TEXT: MATT 26:36-46, 1 THES.5:17, HAB.2:3 INTRODUCTION: Prayer is a very important aspect of Christian living. Jesus demonstrated this throughout His earthly ministry, thus leaving us an example to follow. In the garden of Gethsemane, he prayed so earnestly that His sweat was like great drops of blood falling to the ground Luke 22:44.In this lesson we will be looking at some areas in which we require travailing prayer in our warfare with the devil. LESSON OBJECTIVES: To identify areas in which we need travailing prayer. To identify also some situations in life when it appears as if answers to a Christian prayer is delayed and encouragement to give in such situation. To discover some of the things that will help in our prayers. BIBLE TRUTHQUESTION 1.) DISCUSS SOME CIRCUMSTANCES THAT DEMAND TRAVAILING PRAYER.The following are some of the areas we need to travail in prayers. a. THOUGHT (PRO. 4:23, 2 COR.10:5).Believers should not forget that the main battle field where the devil fights us most is our mind. He inspires evil thoughts, confusion, doubts, fear, despair, discouragement etc. A child of God should not allow his heart to be where devil operates anything he likes. Our hearts should always be guided in prayers to ward off any intrusion. b. ANXIETY: PHIL.4:6, MATT.6:25-34.Anxiety means worry. Most often the devil uses this as strategy to wear a believer out, presenting the catalog of needs of life all the time-what to eat, what to drink, wear, bills to pay, etc. all in attempt to make a child of God violate the word of God which says in Matt.6:25-34, “Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat….”The believer should resist steadfastly the spirit of cares of this life in his prayers.Matt.6:34 says “take no thought for tomorrow,” vs, 32B…. for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” Be vigilant and trust God for your daily provision.c. TRIALS AND TEMPTATION:PS.34:19, 1 COR.10:13, MATT.26:41.The time of trials and temptation is not the time to abandon prayers, neither is it the time to give in or surrender to Satan. The devil is never a friend; he wants to lure a believer to sin, thereby making him to deviate from God and His word. Remember that he is always eager to get his threefold mission fulfilled (to steal, to kill and to destroy. Jn.10:10).The Bible says in 1 Pet.5:8-9, be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil as a roaring lion…The believers should in times like this resist the enemy through travailing prayers. d. THREATS BY THE ENEMY AND HIS AGENT: MK.16:17, PHIL.2:10, ACTS 4:29 -30, DAN.6:10The devil can threaten a child of God in different ways; threats of death, accidents, termination of appointment, divorce etc. The believer should not at this time allow himself of herself be swallowed up in fear. Remember whom you are (son of God, joint heir with Christ etc.), power and authority have been bestowed on you by God.The word of God in Lk 10:19 says “ behold I give you power to tread upon serpents and scorpion…So do not be intimidated by any threat from any angle. Pray authoritatively, believing in your prayers all the time and...

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Travailing in Prayers (1), July 9TH ,2023

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Travailing in Prayers (1), July 9TH ,2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTA prayerful Christian is a powerful Christian. HYMN: What a friend we have in Jesus. INTRODUCTION:There are some situations as we run the Christian race when answers to our prayers appear to be delayed or not forth coming. The reasons for this may not be immediately known by the believer. Under such situations some Christians become discouraged and may even abandon praying. But this is the time he/she should persevere in prayer and not to faint.A believer should realize that the battle with our arch enemy is not yet over. The devil uses situations like these to wear a believer out and make him or her to lose hope in God’s word and His unfailing promises.Travailing in prayer calls for perseverance and persistence in prayers until something happens. Daniel travailed in prayer seemed delayed (Dan.10:2, 3, 11-13). Jesus travailed in prayer leaving us an example (Lk 22:40-46). In this study we shall be looking at those ingredients that will help us to get back on our knees in prayer. Lesson Objectives: To understand the meaning of prayer and Travailing prayer. To appreciate the place of travailing in prayer. To highlight the derivable challenges in Christ prayer in the garden. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1.) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY PRAYER AND TRAVAILING IN PRAYER?John 17:1-5, Acts 4:24, Matt. 26:39-42. Prayer simply means to express one’s desires, to commune with, to intercede, to ask earnestly and reverently, to make request from a higher power or authority. In our context the higher power or authority is God the Creator of the universe.God is the one who takes the initiative in communications between Himself and His creatures. He offers us the invitation to commune with Him in prayers ( Jer.29:12). The basic nature of prayer is a response to God’s initiative. Prayer is very important in the life of any Christian, as the individual cannot live a successful Christian life without it. The patriarchs, prophets of Old and many others including the Lord Jesus Himself, always prayed to gain victory and have their needs met by effective communication with God. (Gen. 18:22-23; Ex.15:24-25, 1 Sam. 1:15-16, Luke 18:1, James 5:17).Travail means strenuous mental or physical exertion while travailing in prayer means exerting a lot of energy in prayers or praying tenaciously in requesting something from God. QUESTION 2A.) WHERE DO WE TRAVAIL IN PRAYER?DAN.6:10, MATT.6:6, ACTS 12:5Travailing in prayer is always successful in one’s closet. That is a place where there is no distraction.Daniel when he knew that the writing was signed, went into his house, knelt down and prayed. Jesus our Savior commanded that we go to our closet to pray and the church also prayed; the garden of Gethsemane was the closet the Lord chose before facing the sufferings and death at Calvary.Although general prayers can be said anywhere, once a believer wants to make success in his/her prayer life, he/she has to get separated. QUESTION 2B.) IN WHAT LANGUAGE DO WE TRAVAIL IN PRAYER?Travailing in prayer can be made in any language. The Almighty God who is being communicated hears and understands all languages because He created them. Whether it be Greek, Latin, English, etc; He understands them; and each one of us should travail in his own smoothest language to God. Praying in the Holy Ghost is the highest...

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Mount Zion Gospel Tabernacle International

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Mount Zion Gospel Tabernacle International

Invites you to join us as we begin our annual month of July Prayer and Fasting. July 1st-31st, fasting from 6am-6pm (or as directed by the Holy Spirit). This year’s theme is taken from Isaiah 58:6. “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”, Ephesians 6:12. Scripture tells us that the battles that we face are not physical battles but spiritual ones. This year’s theme tackles those inherited yokes that have been passed down from generation to generation as well as the yokes we put on ourselves by engaging in iniquity. God’s word has told us that there are bands of wickedness that need to be loosed, burdens that must be undone, oppressive forces that we must be freed from as well as yokes that must be broken. Join us as we set apart the month of July to address these demonic forces to let God’s people go! MZGTI Month of July Fasting and Praying, fasting under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Visit our facebook page for daily prayer points etc. https://www.facebook.com/Mzgtiglobal Elderly, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions should apply their hearts unto wisdom. Fasting with wisdom under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. For those who would like to join us in our prayers our prayer line will be open every night in the month of July at midnight:7164271426 conference code 568693# God bless you...

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