Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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THAT I MAY KNOW HIM ( PART 1), JANUARY 19TH, 2025

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THAT I MAY KNOW HIM ( PART 1), JANUARY 19TH, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHT Knowing Christ and His ways brings down God’s presence. TEXT: PHIL. 3:10-16; EPH.1:17-19. INTRODUCTION: Knowledge is the condition of being familiar or acquainted with something through experience or association. It involves understanding the principles through study, investigation, observation, or experience. To know means to be in possession of exclusive knowledge or to be well-informed of an issue or matter.Paul, in his letter to the church in Philippi, declares his desire to know Him (Christ)… This is a statement of surprise coming from someone we think has experienced God so much that he ought to have had enough knowledge of Him. Rather he emphasizes the need to know more of Jesus and His ministry until the ultimate is achieved, which is to become Christ-like and win the prize of heaven.This first part of the study focuses on the meaning, and desired personal qualities in knowing Christ at all times by every believer. LESSON OBJECTIVES 1. To explain what it means to “know Him”. 2. To identify those that should seek to know Christ. 3. To list some qualities that will aid the believer to know Christ better. 4. To identify the ultimate goal in knowing Christ. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO KNOW CHRIST? JN.3:3; JN.4:24; 1JN.1:1-4. We are living in a time of unprecedented desire to acquire and manipulate knowledge in various aspects of our existence. The church is not left out because ignorance gives birth to destruction. (Hos.4:6). Our knowledge of God cannot be complete on this earth. There will be new revelations on the personality and purposes of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which can only come as we daily relate with Him.To know Christ will involve a whole range of events consciously undertaken by the believer consistently and faithfully. Among these are:-The new birth, which brings us back into the family of God and opens a new chapter of relationship between us and our maker. This new birth is accomplished when Christ is introduced to us, accepted of us, and believed on by us.-A life of communion and fellowship at a consistent and continuous level with the Lord. This we do by turning our back to sin and Satan and yielding daily to His will.-Having a right knowledge of His mission, first as a lamb of sacrifice that atones for our sins, secondly as a priest of eternal divine order, ministering to the imperfections of man to bring justification for him and also as a king with glory and authority, to whom we shall be accountable bye and bye.-Be identified with His mission-a life of humility, and sacrifice and be sustained by the hope of sharing in glory with Him.-To know Christ will also mean to tell others about Him i.e. to make Him known. His command to preach the gospel and be His witnesses is a task. Keeping to it is visible evidence that we know Him in truth. QUESTION 2) WHO ARE THOSE THAT SHOULD SEEK TO KNOW HIM? ROM.3:23; ISA.53:6 There is no human that is exempted from knowing Christ. The unrepentant sinner must be persuaded and led into the knowledge of the Son of God. For him, Christ was offered as a lamb of sacrifice so that he may believe and receive remission of sins.Furthermore, ministers...

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FULFILLING GOD’S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE

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FULFILLING GOD’S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE

CENTRAL THOUGHTAs we remain yielded to the Lord, His glorious plans for our lives unfold like the sunflower at sunrise. TEXT: JOSHUA 1:1-9 INTRODUCTION:It is a certainty that the Lord has a good and purposeful plan for all of humanity, but the realization of this plan by the individual requires the cooperation and obedience. The plan is encapsuled in the work of redemption by which the Lord Jesus Christ took the place of the sinful man in an agonizing death on the cross. That sacrificial work is summarized in the all-too-popular verse of the Bible: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son: that whosoever believeth in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). When an individual accepts Christ and repents from the sin, the plan of God embedded in this work of Grace begins to unfold. At first, there is the experience of inner peace and profound joy which overtakes the burden that arises from sin. Then as we continue in a walk of obedience, other aspects of the plan of God begin to unfold. If it is in full-time Christian service, the Lord opens doors of ministry with excellent results. If it is in a profession or career or business, the opportunities come naturally, the Lord providing the required guidance. This is certainly in contrast to the frenzy many believers put themselves into in an attempt to fulfill the plan of God for their lives. This usually arises because we either want to outrun the Lord or out-maneuver others. Knowing the Lord has good plans for us could be the most refreshing thought, which will keep our minds at peace. LESSON OBJECTIVES To know what God’s plan is for the believer. To know how God’s plan can be fulfilled in our lives. To know the roles of the believer in the fulfillment of God’s plans in his life. To know the place of “right timing” in the fulfillment of God’s plan. To know how to respond to situations that are seemingly contrary tothe plan of God for our lives. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT DOES FULFILLING GOD’S PLAN FOR ONE’S LIFE MEAN?Each one born into this world has a definite mission to fulfill on this earth. Because our God is omniscient, having a knowledge of our beginning and end, He has perfect knowledge of this mission each one of us is to fulfill. However, because we are finite, having knowledge of the now and a tiny bit of the future which God chooses to reveal to us, our comprehension of God’s plan for our lives is limited. Nevertheless, it is still possible to perfectly fulfill every plan that the Lord has for us. That comes from living a life of obedience-obedience to the Lord and His word. Essentially then, fulfilling God’s plan for one’s life means living in obedience to the Lord. It is important that we understand and appreciate this fact because many erroneously think that being successful (by whatever standard of measurement) in their endeavors is a fulfillment of God’s plan for their lives. One may be a successful businessman but may fall short of fulfilling God’s plan for his life, while one who, in obedience, does a missionary work in some remote lands with few converts...

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GOD’S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE, JANUARY 5TH, 2025

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GOD’S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE, JANUARY 5TH, 2025

TEXT: GEN.12:1-3; 15:1-7, 13-16; 37:5-11; ECCL.3:1-8 AND ACTS 9:11-15 CENTRAL THOUGHTKnowing and accepting God’s plan for your life enables you remain steadfast no matter what you may be passing through. Hymn: To God be the glory! Great things He hath done. INTRODUCTION:Right from creation, man has been faced with the problem of knowing who he is, why he is where he is, where he would go from, where he is, and what lies ahead of him. In his efforts to find answers to the problem, man has fashioned out various philosophies and methods which unfortunately have not helped him in getting the needed solution. Man has also found it difficult to understand why certain things should happen to him.This consequently has kept him in a state of dissatisfaction with himself, leading him to propound theories like self-actualization, self-discovery etc. But all these cannot provide solution to his problem. The answer to his problem can only come at a point when man realizes that he did not come to the face of this earth by accident, but that he was made by God and that God has a purpose and plan for his stay on earth.Christians are not supposed to be taken in this web of ignorance, but it does appear that some Christians are not willing to accept God’s plan for their lives and this has led them into believing that “it may not, after all be sufficient to trust in God alone, but rather one has to do some other things to protect oneself from the seeming dangers of living”. A lie that has robbed many of the full benefits of salvation. It is instructive to note that a proper understanding and total acceptance of God’s plan for one’s life brings out the best in living and an appreciation of other creations of God. LESSON OBJECTIVES To Know that God has a plan for your life. To know why God has a plan for your life. To know how you can discover God’s plan for your life. To know the benefit of accepting God’s plan for you. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY GOD’S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE?A plan can be defined as a table of intended proceedings; formulated, or an organized method by which a thing is to be done. God’s plan for your life therefore can be understood as an organized method or pre-arranged order by God, indicating how your life should be lived on earth.The scripture tells us that God is not the author of confusion. Whatever God does is properly thought out,organized, or planned and executed in accordance with His overall plan. Nothing happens by accident with God. He knows the end from the beginning. This divine knowledge enables God to arrange all things in proper order for the period of their existence. God has therefore set out an order of occurrence, a procedure of events, or a line of action for your life on the face of the earth. It only behooves man to now seek out and walk along that divine pathway. God’s plan for your life can also be defined as God’s expectation for your life. God has a set goal for everyone on earth and He expects every individual to accomplish this goal. The set goal therefore is...

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THE AFTERLIFE OF THE BELIEVER, DECEMBER 29TH, 2024

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THE AFTERLIFE OF THE BELIEVER, DECEMBER 29TH, 2024

xr:d:DAFDFqCCnyQ:20,j:28217326057,t:22060906 CENTRAL THOUGHTThe Believers’ victorious living onearth is a foretaste of the gloriouslife hereafter. TEXT: 2 SAMUEL 12: 15-23; PHILIPPIANS 1:21-23;1 CORINTHIANS 15:42-44INTRODUCTION:“…for what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeared for a little time, and then vanished away”, James 4:14. The physical life of man is brief. However, death is a universal experience for all of mankind. There’s no individual, whether rich or poor, wise or foolish, great or small that has power to resist in the day of death. Psalm 89:48 says, “What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shallhe deliver his soul from the hand of the grave Selah?” The appointment with death is compulsory for both the believer in Christ and the non-believers in Him. The Lord Jesus conquered death for the believers and defeated Satan that had enslaved mankind in the fear of death. To the believer death is gain, triumphant, and to be greatly desired. The believer in Christ does not fear death, Psalm 23:4, but has hope in his death, Proverbs 14:32. Whether alive or deadphysically, the believer belongs to the Lord, and liveseternally with the Lord. Unfortunately, when the unbeliever dies he/she is lost forever in hell, because his/her inner man is dead in sin and forever separated from God. Sorrow is the portion of the unbeliever after death but the fullness ofredemption is the portion of the righteous. LESSON OBJECTIVES 1. To appropriate how the Bible highlights the finality of death. 2. To see the contrast between the death of the believer-in-Christ and an unbeliever. 3. To appreciate that the believer belongs to the LORD whether alive or dead physically. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) HOW DOES SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHT THE FINALITY OF DEATH? The physical life of man is said to be like a vanishing vapor. “That appeared for a little time, and then vanished away”, James 4:14. Life is brief. Also physical death, which is compared to “sleep in the dust of the earth”, Job 7:21; Daniel 12:2, is a compulsory experience for all living things, Ecclesiastes 3:19. It is “ the house appointed for all living”, Job 30:23. No man, whether rich, poor, wise, foolish, brutish, etc., has power to resist in the day of death, Psalm 49:10, 89:48;Ecclesiastes 8:8. Categorically, it is stated in Hebrews 9:27 that “it is appointed (fixed or decided) for (all) men once to die…” (amplified translation). This appointment is compulsory for both believers in Christ and unbelievers. The LORD GOD foretold of this in Genesis 3:19 with the phrase, “till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” “Thus, man dies immediately the spirit and soul are removed and separated from the body and returned to the giver and maker, Ecclesiastes 12:7; James 2:26. The body then goes back to dust. It was after the Lord Jesus had commended (entrusted for safekeeping) His spirit into the hands of the Father that He gave up the ghost or died, Luke 23:46. By going through death, the Lord Jesus destroyed (brought to naught and made of no effect) the devil who had the power to enslave people with the fear of death, also setting such persons free, Hebrews 2:14-15. This is victory over death...

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THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST

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THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST

CENTRAL THOUGHT Celebrating the Lordship of Jesus Christ. TEXT: LUKE 2:1-20 INTRODUCTION: The birth of Jesus Christ is the essence of the Christmas celebration. Ironically, many people celebrate Christmas without recourse to the significance of the celebration. In other words, many celebrate the birth of whom they do not know.Worse still they are not even willing to consider the purpose of the celebration or how it affects their personal life, even when someone tells them. To some, Christmas is just an annual Christian festival, an opportunity to wine and dine.This study will help us look beyond the glamor of the season and get hold of the essence of the birth of Jesus Christ. LESSON OBJECTIVES 1. Understand God’s ability to fulfill all His promises. 2. Understand Christ’s humble nature. 3. Understand the purpose of Christ’s birth. 4. Learn what is expected of Christians at the season of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1A) WHAT DO WE LEARN ABOUT GOD AS THE DECREE OF CAESAR AUGUSTUS HELPED TO FULFILL HIS PREDICTION CONCERNING CHRIST?Lk.2:1-5; Micah 5:2 The decree of Caesar Augustus went out by the will of God in order to fulfill His plan to bring His son into the world. In the garden of Eden, God made a promise that the seed of the woman would bruise the head of the serpent, and this was accomplished in the birth of Jesus Christ. In Micah 5:2, the Prophet predicted that the Messiah (Jesus Christ) would come from Bethlehem in the city of David. At the time of the decree, Mary whom God ordained to give birth to Jesus Christ was living outside Bethlehem with Joseph her espoused husband, and she was already pregnant of the child. Caesar’s decree directed everyone to go back to his hometown for registration. QUESTION 1B) “THERE WAS NO ROOM FOR THEM IN THE INN”. WHAT DOES THIS TEACH US? Lk.2:7b When all the citizens of Bethlehem returned, accommodations reserved for them were fully occupied and Mary and Joseph could not be accommodated and the time for the birth of Mary’s child was due, so there was no room for them to stay. Eventually the child was born in a manger because “There was no room in the inn”. This teaches us that God’s purposes and plans must always be accomplished with or without human provision.God is all sufficient. There is no limitation with Him. He is able to do whatever He says He will do. We should therefore learn to believe and trust Him to accomplish those things He has promised us. He is trustworthy and faithful to see us through all our challenges. QUESTION 2) DISCUSS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CHRIST’S BIRTH IN HUMBLE SURROUNDINGS. Christ was born in a manger- a stall for feeding cattle. The prophesy in Isaiah 42:1-3 described the Messiah as one who “shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.”, “For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no...

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TRIUMPHANT THANKSGIVING, DECEMBER 15TH, 2024

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TRIUMPHANT THANKSGIVING, DECEMBER 15TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTThanksgiving is a necessity for all believers. TEXT: 2 CORINTHIANS 2:14; 2 CHRONICLES 7:1-16. INTRODUCTION: As a believer in Christ, you can give thanks because you are a part of His triumph; you are more than a conqueror through Him. No matter what you have gone through in this passing year, you can give thanks to God because Christ, not you, not your smartness, not your financial assets, Christ alone has made you to triumph over the world, the flesh, and the devil. Nothing that is happening in our society today, neither death, nor natural disasters, nor war, nor political turmoil, nor scandal, ought to cause you to be ungrateful or unthankful on this day or any other day. Christ has overcome the world, and you have overcome through Him.LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are to: 1. Understand what triumphant thanksgiving means. 2. Know from scripture how king Solomon offered thanksgiving to God. 3. Learn what it takes as believers to give thanks unto God. 4. Appreciate the elements of a triumphant thanksgiving from scriptures. 5. Draw valuable lesson(s) from the believers of old that gave thanks unto God. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1A) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY“TRIUMPHANT THANKSGIVING”?Triumphant thanksgiving refers to a victorious or successful thanksgiving. It refers to the thanks offered as prescribed by God in the scriptures, that is acceptable toHim, i.e. one that God is pleased with and one that He accepts. Genesis 4:3-5 gives us clear example of God accepting Abel’s offering and rejecting Cain’s. It is oneoffered to God from a sincere heart in appreciation for what He has done.It is also a thanksgiving offered unto God as a result of what Christ has accomplished for us on the cross, despite the experiences one may have had. QUESTION 1B) IN WHAT SITUATION SHOULD WE OFFER THANKS TO GOD?1 Thess.5:18; Phil.4:6?Scriptures enjoin us to offer thanks to God at all times and in all circumstances. (Ps 34:1). Specifically, we are admonished to be thankful at certain times and seasons. For example:i. When all is well with us. (Ps.103:1-2). ii. In adverse situations e.g. sickness or affliction (2 Cor.12:9-10) knowing that God is with us always and will turn things around for our good. iii. When we are disappointed or feel abandoned or rejected. (Ps 42:5). iv. When we are going through trials (Ps 59:16-17).v. When we are persecuted or tempted. (Dan.6:10).vi. When experiencing delay. (Ps 13:1-6).Thanksgiving is a choice we make to look for the good in every situation. Giving thanks in all things might not change the situation, but it will always change us in the situation. QUESTION 2A) IDENTIFY THE VARIOUS WAYS KING SOLOMON AND HIS SUBJECTS OFFERED THANKS TO GOD? 2 Chronicles 7:1-62 Chronicles 7:1-6, shows how King Solomon and his subjects offered thanksgiving unto God. They prayed, fell on their faces to the ground and worshipped and praised God. The king made a sacrifice of 22,000 oxen or cattle and 120,000 sheep offering unto God; this is a very expensive offering in our today’s currency. They used the instrument of music to worship God. QUESTION 2B) HOW DID GOD RESPOND TO SOLOMON’S SACRIFICE? 2 Chron.7:1-3, 11-16 God was well pleased with Solomon and his people and entered into a covenant with them. “If my people, which are called...

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THE LIFESTYLE OF A DILIGENT CHRISTIAN, DECEMBER 8TH, 2024

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THE LIFESTYLE OF A DILIGENT CHRISTIAN, DECEMBER 8TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHT: Being diligent in everything we do is profitable.Hymn:“ When we walk with the Lord”. TEXT: 2 THESS.3:6-15; PROV.6:6-11. INTRODUCTION: Diligence is a necessary virtue (habit) to be cultivated by an individual if he/she is to make success of life’s endeavors. It is an attitude that affects remarkably every area of one’s life-spiritual and physical. A diligent lifestyle is revealed in steady effort and careful hard work. An individual with a diligent lifestyle shows tremendous care and effort in his/her duties and work. On the other hand, an indolent (lazy, slothful) lifestyle is manifested in an attitude of unwillingness to work.Today, some persons are unable to maximize their potentials and achieve success in life because of a lack of an attitude of personal devotion to work. The failure of some believers in life’s endeavors is not because they have not been endowed with qualities that enhance success but rather such failures can be traced to indolence (laziness) or a lack of devotion to life’s duties.This study therefore seeks to encourage believers to maintain a diligent lifestyle because diligence is a virtue that is profitable in all areas of life. LESSON OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this lesson is to make us:-1. Understand what diligence is.2. Know the elements of diligence.3. Examine the lifestyle of a diligent man.4. Appreciate the fact that there are rewards for keeping a diligent lifestyle. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY DILIGENCE? (Prov.6:6-11; 10:4). Diligence is an attitude that manifests practically in careful and thorough work or effort. It involves showing consistent care and steady effort in your work or duties. The Scripture (Prov.6:6-11) points to the ant as an example of a diligent creature and encourages the sluggard (lazy, slothful) human beings to learn a lesson of hard work from the ants.A Bible commentary states: “the ant is a remarkable creature- an emblem of industry among creatures: ants are the most laborious insects in existence; most highly industrialized, collect food in proper seasons, fondly attached to the young, have keen interest for others, work quietly without show; work unweariedly until work is done; work together in astonishing systems of organizations to the best good of the whole community; ingenious carpenters and masons, building their own systems at homes and underground tunnels; keep their homes scrupulously clean; no one among them exists without a definite job in life to help meet the needs of the community; fight to death to protect their own homes and young from enemies; their social life compares with that of human beings in many respects: they are intelligent and wise, and they carry out life’s work without being forced to do so by a guide, overseer or ruler” (Dakes Commentary on Prov.6:6-10; 30:25).Thus, diligent lifestyle is one of hard work and continuous devotion to one’s duties or assignments; a life that is free of laziness and procrastination but steadfastly dedicated to one’s duties. Paul exhibited, pursued and manifested a diligent lifestyle. (2 Thess.3:2-9; Acts.18:3). QUESTION 2) EXPLAIN BRIEFLY THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS OF DILIGENCE. (a). Obedience (Joshua.22:5; Isaiah.1:19)An obedient heart is a prerequisite for a diligent lifestyle. A disposition of obedience will make the believer respond to God’s call to a service for HIM at any time and place. The believer should therefore pray for grace from GOD...

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COVETOUSNESS, DECEMBER 1ST, 2024

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COVETOUSNESS, DECEMBER 1ST, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTTake heed and beware of covetousness. TEXT: 1 KINGS 21:1-16; LUKE 12:13-15; 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-2 INTRODUCTION:This present world system is class conscious. Everyone is driven by various desires, to get the most of the world either legitimately or illegitimately. While this is the spirit of the age, 2 Timothy 3:1-3, the Christian is warned against covetousness, and is expected to live their life daily faithfully trusting the Lord. The sin of covetousness has permeated every facet of our society, government/offices, business/professions and religious circles. The Scriptures are replete with people who fell for this and the dare consequences that befell them. Hence every believer should strive to resist and overcome the spirit of covetousness. LESSON OBJECTIVES To explain the word “covetousness”. To identify the things people covet. To give example of characters in the Bible who were covetous and how they ended. To identify the consequences of living a covetous life Discuss how the present day believer can overcome the spirit of covetousness. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT IS COVETOUSNESS?The word “covetousness” is form the verb “to covet” and the Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary explains it to mean “to want something very much, especially something that belongs to someone else”. Thus, covetousness means having a strong desire for the things that other people have. In the Scriptures, this attitude of the heart is labelled as sin. It is the tenth commandment in the Mosaic Law, Exodus 20:17. It is a display of evil heart desires, Psalm 10:3. QUESTION 2) WHAT ARE THE THINGS PEOPLE COVET?From Exodus 20:17, it is clear that virtually every earthly resource has the propensity to be coveted by man, hence, man is warned against it. They include neighbor’s houses, wives, domestic servants and animals, their land, etc., Deuteronomy 5:21. In our modern work, things like cars, clothes, position, electronics, and businesses can be coveted. However natural admiration of something good, if not allowed to agitate the heart, does not translate to covetousness. The sin of covetousness is evident when someone deliberately decides to dispossess another person of his rightful belonging without his/her consent, 1 Kings 21:17-19. QUESTION 3) WHY IS A COVETOUS SPIRIT ON THE RISE TODAY? 2 Timothy 3:1-2The upsurge in the operation of the spirit of covetousness is consistent with end-time prophecy. Satan is fighting his last battle to lead man to hell even, through the subtle sin of covetousness. The spirit of greed sets in when one loses heavenly focus. Some believers today are not living with eternity in view. Thus, to get the most of life, they go into inordinate accumulation of wealth, Philippians 3:17-20.The change in societal value in our world today tends to promote a covetous spirt among men. Success in life is not measured by the amount of riches that people have, irrespective of how the wealth was made. The statement of the Lord Jesus remains an incontrovertible truth, “for a man’s life consists not in the abundance of things which he possesses”, Luke 12:15b. QUESTION 4) USING THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLES, DISCUSS THE CONSEQUENCES OF COVETOUSNESS.-Lot and his wife:In Genesis13:10-13, it was covetousness that made Lot to choose the well-watered plain of Jordan first before his uncle, Abraham, who was far older. In the process, he found himself in an ungodly and wicked society. He never lived...

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REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE, NOVEMBER 24TH, 2024

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REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE, NOVEMBER 24TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTWe should learn to obey God Always. TEXT: LUKE 17:20-37, GENESIS 19:15-30 INTRODUCTION:The Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were so filled with allsorts of corrupt practices, just like our present day, that Goddecided to destroy them. Abraham, a faithful intercessor,pleaded for his nephew, Lot and God rescued him and hisfamily. The angel instructed them not to look behind but toescape for their lives, Genesis 19:17. Unfortunately, Lot’swife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. Thisaccount is so important that Christ made reference to it. Itbehooves the believer to be watchful and careful becauseChrist is coming at a time we do not expect. We shouldtighten all loose ends as Jesus has warned that; “No man,having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fitfor the kingdom of God”, Luke 9:62. This study will serveas a reminder not to lose focus of the race that is set beforeus. The Lord is coming soon. LESSON OBJECTIVES To explain what gave rise to the statement,“remember Lot’s wife”. To know what lessons we can learn from theobedience of Lot and his daughters. To understand how the believer can escape thecoming wrath and judgment of God. To know what should be the believer’s attitudetowards those who are looking back. . BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT GAVE RISE TO THE STATEMENT: “REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE”. Luke 17:20-32 Lot was the son of Haran, Abraham’s elder brother. When God called Abraham out of Ur of the Chaldees, he took Lot with him to the land of Canaan. When he parted from Abraham, he went to live in the City of Sodom where he got married and had two daughters. When the Pharisees demanded from Jesus when the kingdom of God should come; He answered that it does not come by observation.Jesus then gave example of two events – the days of Noah (the flood) and the days of Lot (fire and brimstone). He pointed out that Lot’s wife disobeyed God’s instruction and became a pillar of salt. We must be careful to live a life of obedience to the word of God so as not to end up like Lot’s wife. God expects us as individuals to respond to His word irrespective of what others are doing. QUESTION 2A) WHAT LED TO THE DOWNFALL OF LOT’S WIFE? Genesis 19:26th v. 17, “..escape for your life; look not behind you…” Lot’s wife had the privilege of angelic visitation, divine protection and guidance, but she fell because she did not take heed to the instruction given to her not to look behind her. She was not watchful in stressful situation and her compromising lifestyle led to her downfall.It is easy to blame Lot’s wife, but the errors that she fell into are with us today. Many Christians disobey God in clear violation of His revealed will concerning covetousness, association with the world, faithfulness in service and the easily besetting sins. It is very easy to fall into the danger of self-will, over-familiarity with God and presumptuous sins when one’s services are corrupted by these insidious stains. QUESTION 2B) WHAT DO YOU THINK WOULD HAVE MADE LOT’S WIFE TO LOOK BACK? The Scripture is silent on what may have made Lot’s wife to look back. However, from our understanding of Scripture, her action suggests unbelief in...

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REVIVAL UNDER KING JEHOSHAPHAT, NOVEMBER 17TH, 2024

Posted by on 12:22 am in Sunday School | Comments Off on REVIVAL UNDER KING JEHOSHAPHAT, NOVEMBER 17TH, 2024

REVIVAL UNDER KING JEHOSHAPHAT, NOVEMBER 17TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTGod’s word will surely prevail. TEXT: 2 CHRONICLES 17:1-13 INTRODUCTION:The name Jehoshaphat means “God has judged” or “God established the right”. He was the son and successor of Asa the King of Judah (1 Kings 15:24). He was a pious King who began to rule at the age of 35 years and ruled in Jerusalem for 25 years. During his reign, he carried out a national program of religious education by teaching the people to know and observe the commandments of God. He realized that knowing God’s commands was the first step to getting people to live as they should. He enjoyed several Military victories. However, he did not completely destroy idolatry in the land. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives are to: Identify the good things that King Jehoshaphat did. Mention the wrong things he did. Comment on the prophecies/actions of Micaiah, Jehu etc. Summarize the blessings that God bestowed on Jehoshaphat for his obedience. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHO WAS KING JEHOSHAPHAT?1 Kings 22:41-44Jehoshaphat was the son of King Asa who became the King of Judah at the age of 35 years after the death of his father and ruled in Jerusalem for 25 years. His mother was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. Jehoshaphat had a good heritage of godliness from his father’s early life. He had seven sons with Jehoram as the first who took over from him as king of Judah after his death. Jehoshaphat was a bold follower of God who contributed immensely to the spiritual, moral and material health of his country. Like his ancestors Solomon and Asa, he failed to completely remove the pagan shrines in the hill so the people never fully committed themselves to follow the God of their fathers (2 Chron.20:33). QUESTION 2) IDENTIFY THE GOOD THINGS THAT KING JEHOSHAPHAT DID.2 Chronicles 17:1-9;19:4-11The young King Jehoshaphat took the following steps that enabled him to build a powerful kingdom.(a) Good relationship with God. (2 Chron.17:3-6)Jehoshaphat found baal worship detestable and offensive to God and so refused to serve this popular heathen god. He chose to serve and obey the commandments of the living God. He was deeply committed to the Lord who in turn established his control over the Kingdom of Judah.(b) Good Education Policy (2 Chron.17:7-9).The people of Judah were biblically illiterate at this time. In some cases, people sinned against God because they were ignorant of His requirements. Jehoshaphat took time to raise competent teachers of the Word led by the Levities, Priests and Princes who travelled around through all the towns of Judah teaching the people the word of God. This caused everyone to fear the Lord.(c). Good Neighborliness (2 Chron 17:10-11)King Jehoshaphat maintained good relationship with surrounding nations. More so, the scripture says, “ When a man’s ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him”. (Proverbs 16:7). God caused the Philistines and Arabians to fear and respect him. They were bringing gifts to this King and no one was ready to declare war against the King and his people.(d). Good domestic defense (2 Chron.17:12-19).Jehoshaphat provided security by fortifying the cities and building up a large, competent and well-equipped army. This army who was recruited according to their ancestral clans supported the king and were stationed in Jerusalem and fortified towns throughout...

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