Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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FASTING: THE RIGHT WAY, July 2nd, 2023

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FASTING: THE RIGHT WAY, July 2nd, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTFasting should be done the way it is prescribed in Scriptures. HYMN: Nearer, my God, to Thee. TEXT: MATTHEW 6:16-18, ISAIAH 58 INTRODUCTION:Fasting is a time when we humble ourselves before the Lord, accompanied with prayers and study of the Word. Fasting, is a means given to believers to approach the Lord, is practiced by many denominations. However, the purpose and its usefulness have been abused by a lot of individuals intentionally and unintentionally. For instance, its effectiveness is sometimes seen by some persons in the number of days one can fast or should fast, in order to receive from the Lord. Some believers pride themselves in the number of days they and their church members have fasted. Thus, it becomes a show. Some persons tacitly believe that fasting is a must as we enter into the new year or else that year will be less glorious. Sometimes some believers fast because their church or denomination has proclaimed a fast and not because they believe that it is the will of God for them to fast. Others think it is a sure way of receiving from the Lord irrespective of the way they live. Such persons do not see anything wrong with fasting in strife, unforgiveness, immorality, corruption etc. This study is to remind us that our fasting must be done according to the pattern prescribed in Scripture. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this lesson include to: Make us understand that Fasting is a necessity. Know the proper way to fast Appreciate the reasons why we fast and Know what to expect when we fast. BIBLE TRUTH QUESTION 1.) IS FASTING NECESSARY FOR BELIEVERS? MATT 6:16-18; LUKE 5:35From the above Scripture (Matt 6:16-18) the Lord Jesus used the Word “when” which indicates that HE expects us to fast. To make the point more obvious, the Lord Jesus was specific about it when He said “but you, when you fast”. Also in Luke 5:35, the Lord Jesus boldly declared that “ the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they (His disciples; His body- the church) will fast in those days.” This is to affirm the truth that the Lord Jesus expects us to fast. QUESTION 2.) FROM OUR MAIN TEXT, WHAT ARE THE PROPER WAYS TO FAST?The proper ways to fast as recommended by God Himself in the Scriptures include:Fasting is expected to be between the person fasting, other parties that may be involved and God alone (Matt 6:17-18). It may therefore involve you and the church (Acts 13:1-2), your spouse and/or family members (1 Cor.7:5), and prayergroup members. It is not what we should broadcast or make a public show of or make boast of. Fasting is a time when we humble ourselves before the Lord. One of the reasons God didn’t respond favorably to the fast of the children of Israel was that they behaved as they pleased and not toplease the Lord. During fasting they quarreled, they fought and were in bitterness, strife and unforgiving ( Isaiah 58:3-4). It is also not a time for sensual pleasures. The Bible says that we cannot fast like this and expect our voice to be heard. Rather its’s a time where men humble themselves before the Lord.Fasting is the time of forgiveness- when...

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THE USE OF THE TONGUE, June 25th, 2023

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THE USE OF THE TONGUE, June 25th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTWholesome use of the tongue is a measure of spiritual maturity. TEXT: JAMES 3:1-13; PSALM 34:12-13 INTRODUCTIONThe tongue is a very important part of the body, situated in the mouth. It is a very small fleshy muscular organ that facilitates speech among other things. When properly used, it brings blessings to the speaker and the hearer but when used wrongly, it can result in death, destruction, bitter envying and strife, clamor, and wars, etc.However, it is important to note that what comes out of a man depends on what he harbors in his heart because the Bible says, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks”, Luke 6:45. If the heart of an individual is filled with the word of God, the Holy spirit will undue him with godly wisdom that will enable him to control his tongue and “speak with grace”; have “sound speech that cannot be condemned”, Colossians 4:6; Titus 2:8. “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.”, James 3:2. Wrong use of the tongue can cause a lot of problems to an individual in the home, neighborhood, and community and even in a local church.The Bible says: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof”, Proverbs 18:21. For this reason, every believer is encouraged to make wholesome use of the tongue so as to have graceful speech seasoned with salt, Colossians 4:6; in order to avoid bitterness, clamor and in-fighting in a local church, James 4:1:2; Ephesians 4:31. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are: To know what the tongue is. To appreciate what the Bible teaches concerning the use of the tongue. To know how to exercise control over the tongue. To know the consequences of wrong use of the tongue. To appreciate the benefits of proper use of the tongue. BIBLE TRUTH QUESTION 1.) WHAT IS THE TONGUE?The tongue is that fleshy muscular organ in the mouth that can be used for tasting, licking, swallowing and speaking. Although the tongue is a small member of the body, it can cause an enormous irreparable damage. If not properly used, it is full of wickedness, which can poison every other member of the body.In James 3:5-6, the Holy Bible describes the tongue as a little member of the body, which makes great boasts. It is also described as “a fire”, “a world of iniquity” that can defile the whole body, and set on fire the course of nature and “it is set on fire of hell”, James 3:6. This implies that though the tongue is a little member of the body, it can destroy the life of an individual, cause bitterness among brethren, wars and fighting among nations, or even cause confusion and strife in a local church if not carefully guarded.However, the tongue can only say what is in the heart. It mirrors the heart. When the heart is richly endowed with the word of God and Spirit-filled, the wisdom from above will help the believer to tame his or her tongue and have “sound speech that cannot be condemned.” Every believer is therefore encouraged to fill his or...

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ISAAC THE COVENANT CHILD, June 11th, 2023

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ISAAC THE COVENANT CHILD, June 11th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTGod keeps His covenant with His people. TEXT: GENESIS 22:1-18, 25:19-21, 26:1-6 Isaac was the son of Abraham and Sarah. He was born when his father was one hundred years old and the mother ninety years. He was a covenant child which God promised Abraham. Ishmael had already been born to Abraham at this time and he was almost giving up hope, thinking that it was no longer possible for him and his wife Sara to have children. Abraham was pleading with God on behalf of Ishmael, Genesis 17:15-18. ” And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.”, Genesis 17:9. God is the covenant keeping God, “what He had promised, He was able also to perform, Romans 4:21b. We can be rest assured that God is too faithful to fail. Whatever promise He makes to us as His children, He will surely bring to pass. He is not a man that He should lie, neither the son of man that He will repent. His word is Yea and Amen.In this study, we shall discuss the birth of Isaac, his growth and progress in life from childhood to adulthood. We shall also highlight some lessons we can learn from the story of his life to see how we can apply them to our lives. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this lesson are to: To discuss how Isaac’s birth marked the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham Highlight the lessons we can learn from the Scriptures concerning Isaac as a child. Examine how Isaac handled the barrenness of his wife and the lessons we can derive from it. Identify the secret of Isaac’s prosperity and the lessons that can be derived from it. To identify some shortcomings in the life of Isaac as recorded in the Scriptures that we must avoid. BIBLE TRUTH QUESTION 1. DISCUSS HOW ISAAC’S BIRTH MARKED THE BEGINNING OF THE FULFILMENT OF GOD’S COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM? GENESIS 18:9-15, 21:1-7, 17:9-27; ACTS 3:13, 24-25; ROMANS 9:6-10Isaac was the son of Abraham, who was born to him by Sarah his wife when Abraham was one hundred years old and Sarah ninety years. The birth of Isaac was the fulfilment of God’s promise to Abraham. “…I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son”, Genesis 18:10. Therefore, Isaac was a child of promise. God had promised Abraham that Sarah his wife was going to give birth to a son and that the child should be named Isaac which means laughter. God also told Abraham that He would establish a covenant with Isaac for an everlasting covenant. Although God entered into this covenant with Abraham a long time before the period of the birth of Isaac, the covenant found its fulfilment at the birth of Isaac, Genesis 15:18. God’s word will surely come to pass: no matter how long it takes, it will never fail. QUESTION 2. READ GENESIS 22:6-10 AND HIGHLIGHT THE LESSONS WE CAN LEARN FROM ISAAC AS A CHILD.There are many lessons we can learn from Isaac as a child. It was very obvious that Isaac knew and believed in the God of his father. His father must have taught him...

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OBEDIENCE- OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE (PART 2), June 4th, 2023

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OBEDIENCE- OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE (PART 2), June 4th, 2023

HYMN: “When we walk with the Lord. ” CENTRAL THOUGHTGod demands total obedience from every believer. TEXT: 1 SAMUEL 15:1-23 INTRODUCTION:In the scripture, God always demands total obedience to His commands. Almost all the blessings we receive from God are predicated on total obedience to His words and commands.God expects from every believer a heart and attitude of complete obedience. In 1 Sam. 15:1-23, King Saul assumed his action in sparing the best of the Amalekites’ cattle and the King Agag would be used for sacrifice to God. Our God is more interested in our obedience than whatever sacrifice we would offer to Him. Thus, obedience entails totalsubmission to God’s authority over our lives, His will and command. Our willingness to submit to God’s will and instructions carrying them out on a daily basis should be our goal.Obedience attracts God’s blessing while disobedience brings about curse (Deut. 11:27-28).Disobedience to God is a sign of disrespect to Him and this has very serious consequences. Our obedience therefore should be complete for us to receive the promise (Heb. 10:36). LESSON OBJECTIVES1.) To know what obedience means.2.) To differentiate total obedience from “partial” obedience.3.) To discuss some areas believers indulge in partial obedience.4.) To highlight the consequences of partial obedience.5.) To know the rewards of total obedience. BIBLE TRUTHQUESTION 1.) WHAT IS OBEDIENCE?Obedience can be defined as carrying out the will of another person. It can also be viewed as a positive, active response to what one hears. It is an act or instance of submitting to authority. It is the compliance with the demands or requests of someone over us.Obedience to God is an obligation stressed in both Old and New Testaments. One evidence that a person is a child of God is his continued obedience to the commands of God. Obedience keeps our relationship with God open and free.Our obedience to God implies a total, unquestionable and complete submission to His will in all areas of our lives. This entails obeying the word of God (Exodus 19:5-6), pleasing Him in all we do and everywhere. Our obedience must therefore be motivated by our love for God based on reverence for Him. QUESTION 2.) DIFFERENTIATE TOTAL OBEDIENCE FROM “PARTIAL” OBEDIENCE.God demands total or complete obedience from every believer. Our obedience to God should manifest in all we do and it should be unconditional. Abraham demonstrated total obedience in offering his son Isaac (Gen. 22:1-12). You can imagine how one would feel when asked to offer a child one received after waiting for the promise for twenty five years. Although it would have been a very difficult decision to take, Abraham believed that God was able to bring back Isaac back to life even after he had offered him (Heb. 11:17-19).On the other hand Saul started as a humble man (1 Sam. 9:21) who was attentive to God’s commands. Gradually he began to listen to other voices. He placed higher value on appearances and popularity than obedience to God (1 Sam. 15:13-23). God rejected Saul as King because he did not completely obey God’s command (1 Sam. 15:3).Only our total obedience meets God’s standards and therefore acceptable to Him. Partial obedience as far as God is concerned is reckoned as disobedience. QUESTION 3.) DISCUSS SOME AREAS BELIEVERS INDULGE IN PARTIAL OBEDIENCE.There are...

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OBEDIENCE (PART 1): THE MARK OF A TRUE CHILD OF GOD, May 28th, 2023

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OBEDIENCE (PART 1): THE MARK OF A TRUE CHILD OF GOD, May 28th, 2023

HYMN: “When we walk with the Lord ” CENTRAL THOUGHTWe must obey God completely and fully in all things. TEXT: GEN. 6:11-14, 22, 12:1-5, 22:1-8, PHIL. 2:5-13, JAMES 1:25 INTRODUCTION:Obedience to God is the total submission of our will to the excellent and perfect will of God. God does not force any one to obey Him but expects it to be voluntary. A study of the Bible reveals that man’s obedience to God’s will, has always brought man happiness, and disobedience, unhappiness. For this reason we have in the Bible an emphasis on obedience. God said, “The things I command you, observe to do” Deut. 12:32. Again, “if you be willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land” Isaiah 1:19, “for as by one man’s disobedience man were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” (Romans 5:19).Redemption, which became necessary because of the disobedience of man, was made possible by the obedience of Christ. Obedience is at the center of man’s problem and likewise God’s solution. It is as we study the true meaning of obedience that we see the necessity of it for salvation, blessing, and God-honoring life. There are many things that make man unwilling to obey God. In this study, these shall be identified and discussed in order for us to have a fruitful Christian life. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe lesson objectives are as follows:1.) Have an in-depth understanding of what obedience is.2.) To know what obedience entails.3.) Identify some of the things that makes it difficult today for believers to obey God’s word.4.) To consider the outcome of obedience in the life of some Bible Characters. BIBLE TRUTH QUESTION 1.) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY OBEDIENCE?When we generally think of obedience, we think of doing what one is instructed to do. In scripture there are several different words used for obedience. In order to establish the principal meaning of these words in our minds, we will look at two of them briefly.Shama: This Hebrew word is the primary one used throughout the Old Testament. The word has as its primary root the meaning, “to hear intelligently”. Please note the word hear, it is central to the meaning.Hupakouo: This Greek word is the primary one used throughout the New Testament. The word is really made up of two words: hupo meaning under or beneath, and akouo meaning to hear. Thus the meaning of the word could be stated as, “to hear under”. It carried with it the thought of subordination, or the recognition of authority and wisdom. it is an attitude of hearing.Obedience is an attitude of the heart toward a higher authority. As Christians, that higher authority is God Himself. For the Christian, obedience is submitting intelligently to a higher authority because He is the Lord and final authority. Obedience is submission to God’s will, complying with given instructions; doing what God says one should do and not doing what God says one should not do. QUESTION 2.) WHAT DOES OBEDIENCE ENTAIL?a.) Sticking to what God says even when it seems unfavorable:When the Bible speaks of one obeying God’s will, it is teaching that one is to do what God has said, in the way God has said it, and for the reason God has given. Matthew 7:21...

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MEEKNESS, May 21st, 2023

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MEEKNESS, May 21st, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTMeekness is a virtue that must be desired and manifested by believers. HYMN: “ I am Thine O Lord ” TEXT: GEN. 13:1-12, PSALM 37:11, MATT. 5:5, JOHN 13:1-17 INTRODUCTIONMeekness is a virtue to be desired and manifested by believers. Any church filled with a disposition of meekness may be devoid of tension, schisms, rancour, misunderstanding, etc. Unfortunately, meekness as a virtue appears lacking in today’s church. Nevertheless, it remains an essential requirement in relationships within and outside of the church. A meek lifestyle has earthly and eternal rewards. In today’s lesson, we will examine what meeknessis. and how it can be demonstrated in our lives. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe lesson has as its objectives: Understanding what meekness is. Knowing how a believer can “acquire” meekness. Knowing how to demonstrate meekness in our relationships. Learning some lessons from the lives of some persons in scripture who demonstrated meekness of character. Appreciating the fact that meekness has a reward. BIBLE TRUTHQUESTION 1.) WHAT IS MEEKNESS?Meekness as defined in the dictionary is a disposition to be gentle, kind, quiet, and obedient. It carries with it an implication of being balanced in tempers and passions. Also, a meek disposition includes patience in suffering injuries without a feeling of revenge. The meek heart believes that vengeance belongs to God who will repay all evil doers. To be meek means to be humble, not proud, not hasty, not arrogant. QUESTION 2.) HOW IS MEEKNESS “ACQUIRED”?GAL. 5:22-23Meekness is included in the fruit of the SPIRIT as stated in Gal. 5:22-23. This attribute therefore is deposited potentially in the believer’s life at conversion when the HOLY SPIRIT comes to indwell him and bears witness with his spirit that he is now a child of GOD. Although potentially present in a believers life, however the manifestation of meekness (like any other fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT) comes through a continued yieldedness to the HOLY SPIRIT. Meekness is a virtue that’s expected to be acquired from childhood through parental training and environmental influences as we grow up to hear that we are what we are by the grace of God.In addition, a believer may learn meekness (and grow in it) through certain human experiences (trials) which GOD may allow in his/her life. Most times, such trials serve as “training grounds” for us so that more of God’s character will be reflected in our lives.In Rom. 5:3-5, we read “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”. The essence of meekness in the believer’s life is to reveal the person and character of the Lord Jesus Christ. QUESTION 3.) HOW DO WE DEMONSTRATE MEEKNESS IN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH:a) God. (James 4:6, 10, Psalms 51).God demands humility from every follower of His. There is no room for pride in our relationship with HIM. He created us and died for us. He redeemed us. He brought us into his marvelous light. The grace to live for HIM in this world comes from HIM. All we are, all we have and all we ever hope to be or have certainly derive from HIM. Therefore, there...

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A SUCCESSFUL AND HAPPY MARRIAGE, May 14th , 2023

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A SUCCESSFUL AND HAPPY MARRIAGE, May 14th , 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTA successful and happy Marriage springs from genuine heart agreement and unalloyed love of the couple. HYMN: “ Blest be the tie that binds ” TEXT: EPH. 5:21-25, TITUS 2:4, PSALM 127:3-5 INTRODUCTION:Certain factors account for a successful and happy marriage. First, is the love burning with the fire of divine love in the heart of the couple, that brought them to the precious unity in marriage. There should be continued protection of that vital unity with “walls” of love: loving words; loving deeds; demonstration of spirit of forgiveness, and mutual tolerance.Marriage will be successful and happy if the couple keeps confidence. This helps to preserve unity as they keep their private matters within themselves and within their home if in God.Settle conflict or misunderstanding at once. There is no doubt that two people from different backgrounds living together, are bound to have misunderstanding. When it occurs, it should be settled that same day. Apostle Paul counsels “ Let not the sun go down on your wrath…” (Eph. 4:26). If at the heat of an argument, the husband or wife breaks down and says “I’m sorry” for the unkind words or deeds, that settles it.The successful and happy marriage also has the blessings of children. The Bible says, “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord…. Happy is the man that has his quiver full of them” (Psalm 127:3-5).Above all, the couple should let God direct their affairs. If the husband and wife put God first in everything, establish a family altar where they pray together and look up to Him for direction, their marriage will be blessed with peace, harmony and contentment. This way leads to happiness also. LESSON OBJECTIVES1.) To know the meaning of a successful and happy marriage.2.) To know the basis of a successful and happy marriage.3.) To know what may lead to an unhappy marriage.4.) To know the consequences of unhappiness in marriage.5.) To know how to handle or deal with the factors that may cause unhappiness in marriage. BIBLE TRUTHQUESTION 1.) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY A SUCCESSFUL AND HAPPY MARRIAGE? A successful and happy marriage is one in which that fire of love which brought the couple together is kept “burning” all the time, protecting their unity and oneness; the bedrock of which is studying the word of God together, and submitting to the Holy Spirit in every way. It also means having confidence, trust, and reliance in each other all the time; even where the marriage is not yet blessed with children, keeping harmony in the home. QUESTION 2.) WHAT IS THE BASIS OF A SUCCESSFUL AND HAPPY MARRIAGE? First, the couple must have the fear of God (Proverbs 8:13) in their hearts, without which the marriage cannot be successfully lived in purity and holiness. Otherwise, the marriage vows would be thrown to the winds and they would not be kept. The married couple must live to please God always. Next, the couple must learn to love each other all the time by overlooking all offences (Prov. 10:12), remember that hatred causes strife, and love overlooks faults.Husband and wife should sleep on the same bed all their lives; this intensifies their love and oneness for each other. Sleeping on the same bed together keeps them warm when necessary, sex actions,...

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EFFECTIVE FOLLOW UP, May 7th, 2023

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EFFECTIVE FOLLOW UP, May 7th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTEffective follow up is essential for true discipleship. HYMN: “ Guide me O Thou great Jehovah ”. TEXT: Matt: 13:24-27, Acts 15:36 INTRODUCTIONAn expectant mother adequately prepares for the care of her expected baby before delivery. The mother begins from the first day to ensure that the baby is fed with the appropriate food that will make it grow to maturity. In the same way, a new convert (a newly born-again believer) can be likened to a new-born baby and has to be cared for. There is need to pay attention to the process of helping our new converts to become matured Christians, using every good means possible to ensure that this is achieved. A good follow-up goes a long way to determine the stability of a new convert. A person who is well tutored in the word of God and tenet of his/her new faith and belief at the beginning is likely to be more serious in his/her walk with the Lord Jesus. So, we will in this study, examine what effective follow-up entails, and how it will enhance discipleship. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this lesson are to:1.) To enlighten our minds on what follow up entails.2.) To rekindle and reawaken in us the attitude to effective follow-up.3.) Acknowledge the benefits of effective follow up. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.A) WHAT IS FOLLOW UP?Follow up in the context of our study, is a systematic program put together to enable a new convert understand what his/her new found faith entails. This usually includes teaching the new convert the Basics of our faith, visitations, prayers, counseling, words of encouragement and ensuring that the individual is involved in regular fellowship with the Lord and the brethren. The exercise starts from when the individual accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and personal savior and continues until such individual is considered to have understood the tenet of the Christian faith. QUESTION 1B) WHO ELSE SHOULD BE FOLLOWED UP?In our discussion above, we referred to new converts as persons who should be followed up. In a broader sense, there are some old members in the church who should be followed up in addition to new converts- those who have become weak in faith as a result of series of persecutions, temptations, and other life challenges. Such brethren should be followed- up to reassure them that God still loves them and is interested in their well-being. QUESTION 1C.) WHO SHOULD DO THE FOLLOW UP?As much as it is advisable to have a follow-up group in a church, every genuine Christian who is interested in the welfare of other members and the growth of the church, should engage in follow up exercise. The scripture enjoins all Christians to be their brothers’ keepers. (Rom. 15:1-2, Gal. 6:2, Phil. 2:4). In addition, any believer who engages in witnessing/evangelism should of necessity follow-up his/her converts. QUESTION 1D) WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO DO FOLLOW UP?MATT. 13:18-21, 24-26Reasons abound why we should do follow up.1.) To enable new converts fully understand the decision they have made.2.) That the word they have received will take root in them.3.) To enable them stand in the face of trials/challenges.4.) That they may be able to confess Jesus boldly in the presence of their old friends, and everyone.5.) That they will not be deceived by...

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HELL- A PLACE OF TORMENT, April 30, 2023

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HELL- A PLACE OF TORMENT, April 30, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTHell is a place of eternal torment and deep regret. HYMN: “Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling” TEXT: Luke 16: 19-31; Rev. 20:1-15 INTRODUCTIONThe subject of hell is not a pleasant one for discussion. Some people will not like to talk about it, yet it is a fearful reality, an awful state and a tragic fate. If we are to preach and teach the complete, balanced and undiluted word of God faithfully, we must not omit the facts about hell. Admitting that the subject of hell is one of the most difficult subjects in the Bible, Billy Graham said, he usually devoted one evening to a discussion on the subject of hell during outreaches. He added, “However, that for days afterwards there would be many lesser from his audience arguing the pros and cons of the subject”. but, one thing is certain, hell is real, whether we believe it or not. There is something within a man that says that death and the grave are not the end. Indeed, there is a scarcely people in the world that do not have some kind of belief in life after death and that the wicked will go unpunished. The Lord Jesus spoke so much about hell on the pages of Scripture. We shall, in this study, discuss what Scripture says about life in hell fire and the way to escape this place of torment. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this lesson are to: Understand what hell refers to Know those who will end up in hell Know why the rich man went to hell and that life in hell is for eternity Examine what life in hell looks like Know the way of escape from hell fire Q1. WHAT DOES HELL REFER TO IN THE BIBLE?Hell is a place where the unconverted go. It is a place of eternal separation from God, a region of banishment from all that is good. It is a land of night (darkness) where there is no hope of a future amelioration of conditions there.Hell was originally prepared for Satan and his angels (Matt 25:41). God did not intend it for man. However, if any man persists in serving Satan and reject the Lordship of Christ, he will spend eternity with Satan in hell. Q2. WHO ARE THOSE THAT WILL END UP IN HELL? Rev. 20:15, 21:8; Matt. 25:41-45; 2 Peter 3:17 Hell is the abode of sinners who die unsaved.Those that will be found there are the false prophets (Matt. 7:15-19), the selfish, unkind, and unmerciful (Matt. 25:41-46), all those whose names were not found recorded in the Book of Life (Rev. 20:15), the cowards who denied Christ because of persecution unbelievers, the corrupt, murdered, cultists, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshippers, and all liars (Rev. 21:8), all those who rejected Christ and refused to accept Him and Lord and Savior (John 3:18-19), the backsliders (Heb. 6:4-6), the sorcerers, drunkards, armed robbers, kidnappers and other sins (see Gal. 5:19-20). Anyone living such life without repenting at the point of death or at Christ’s coming will end up and suffer in hell. Q3. WHAT IS THE DURATION OF LIFE IN HELL FIRE? Rev. 20:10; Matt. 25:46 There are many false teachings on this subject by some denominations and cult groups. Some of these teachings...

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HEAVEN- THE ULTIMATE HOME OF THE BELIEVERS IN CHRIST, April 23rd, 2023

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HEAVEN- THE ULTIMATE HOME OF THE BELIEVERS IN CHRIST, April 23rd, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTHeaven is a prepared place for a prepared people and nothing that defileth can enter therein. HYMN: “When the Trumpet of the Lord Shall Sound” TEXT: John 14:1-3; 2 Cor. 5:1; Rev. 21:1-7 INTRODUCTIONHeaven is the abode of the Godhead, angels, and the dead in Christ. It is a place or state of supreme bliss. Heaven is the dwelling place of God (Acts 7:49) and the future home of the saints (John 14:3); a place free from every stain of sin and iniquity. Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people and a place of perfect satisfaction and glory.Heaven is the Throne- room of God (Ps. 103:19), a place of God’s full glory (Dan. 7:9-10), the home of the righteous dead (2 Cor. 5:1), the future home of all believers in Christ (Rev.7:9-10). Heaven is aplace far beyond anything that we can possibly conceive (1 Cor. 2:9), a place of holiness, full of great glory and without end, a place of continual worship (Rev. 19:1-6), a place that will never end (2 Peter 1:11), a place uncontaminated by evil (Rev. 21:27), and a place without night, curse, pain, crying, sorrow, and death.As believers, we now live our lives in a special relationship with heaven because: (i) we belong there (Heb. 12:22-22), (ii) we are enthroned there (Eph. 2:6), (iii) we have our source of life in Christ there (Eph. 1:3), (iv) we have our names recorded there (Luke 10:20), (v) we have been sent by the One who lives there (John 17:18), (vi) we have our eyes fixed there (2 Cor. 4:17-18), (vii) we have our treasure there (1 Peter 1:3-4), (viii) our focus is heaven (Phil. 3:13-14). LESSON OBJECTIVESAt the end of the lesson, we should be able to: Appreciate the reality and existence of heaven Identify those who are qualified to be in heaven Understand the features of heaven Know what happens to a Christian after death Examine what characterizes the life of a believer in heaven, his ultimate home BIBLE TRUTHQ1. IS HEAVEN REAL AND IN EXISTENCE? (GEN. 1:1; JOHN 14:1-3; ACTS 7:49, 55-56).In Genesis, it is recorded that God created the heavens and the earth (Gen. 1:1). God’s Throne-room and dwelling place is heaven (Acts 7:49).Furthermore, some Bible characters saw a glimpse of the existence of and reality of heaven. Some of them include(a) Jacob, who saw a ladder that connected heaven and earth (Gen 28:12),(b) John the Baptist, at the baptism of Jesus Christ saw the heavens open and a voice spoke to him, “This is my son in whom I am well pleased.” (Matt. 3:16-17),(c ) Stephen, the first martyr, at the point of being stoned to death, saw the heavens open and saw Jesus standing on the right hand of the Father (Acts 7:55-56),(d) Apostle Paul also testified that he saw a glimpse of the third heaven (2 Cor. 12:1-4).In John 14:1-3, the Lord Jesus Christ made a very special promise to every believer: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you...

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