Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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The Excellency of God’s word (Part 1), September 18th, 2022

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The Excellency of God’s word (Part 1), September 18th, 2022

Central Thought: God’s word is forever settled and will prosper.Hymn: Thy word is a lamp to my feet, O Lord.Text: Psalm 119; Isaiah 55. (Reading Text Psalm 119:1-24) Introduction:Men who recognize the efficacy of the word of God by allowing His will tobe done in their lives have always beaten all odds and excelled. Josephwent from slavery to be an important leader in Egypt because he preferredthe way of God, obeyed Him and was testified of by Pharoah to be “a manin whom the spirit of God is” (Gen.41:38). Daniel ruled in Babylon andprospered because he believed and trusted in the word of God continually:“an excellent spirit was found in him” (Dan.6:3). Hananiah, in obedience toMishael and Azariah refused to worship any other gods besides the God ofIsrael and rose from the fiery furnace to governorship position. Mosesforsook Pharoah’s palace and against all odds obeyed God’s word todeliver Israel from Egypt. Each of these personalities portray thesupremacy of God’s word. Obeying God’s word always produces result thatfar exceed the highest that can be achieved through any other way, thoughtor decision. No wonder God says in Isa.55:8-9 “For my thoughts are notyour thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as theheavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways,and my thoughts than your thoughts”. The bible is God’s written word and will, Jesus Christ is His word madeflesh, being “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). God’s spoken wordbrought the world into being. It’s forever the same, immutable andinexhaustible. The psalmist was persecuted by men of rank and authority,who ridiculed his beliefs, seeking to put him to shame and make him giveup his faith. But he strengthened himself by meditating on the word of theLord, which to him was comfort, his prized possession, his rule of life, hisresource for strength-all of which drove him to desire it now as it was then.Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe. Lesson Objectives: To understand what God’s word is.To know why the written word of God should be appreciated.To appreciate the relevance of God’s wordBible Truth:Q1. What is God’s word?The bible is God’s written word and promise to men. It has been given toguide, instruct and comfort man in life’s journey. From the varioussymbols with which the Bible has been illustrated we see the need tostudy, know and do the word of God. Like a two-edged sword (Heb.4:12)the Bible pierces the heart of the hearer; like a hammer (Jer.23:29) it ispowerful and breaks the resistance of the hearer; like a fire (Jer,20:9;23:29) it is a burning word consuming the dross in the hearer; while likea seed (1 Peter.1:23) the Bible is a living word regenerating the hearer.Moreover, in branding the Bible a mirror, its ability to faithfully reveal theindividual to himself is portrayed (James.1:23-25). This same word issaid to be a lamp and a light (Ps.119:105), illuminating and guiding thebeliever day by day. As food, (1 Peter.2:2; Heb.5:12-14; 1Cor.3:2), theBible is nourishment feeding the soul. The word of God thereforeconvicts, regenerates, reveals, illuminates and nourishes the individual.It is profitable for doctrine, for reproof , for correction, for instruction inrighteousness (2Tim.3:16).There is need to study to show oneself approved as Paul instructedTimothy (1Tim.2:15-16). Until you “receive with meekness the engraftedword...

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The Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ, September 11th , 2022

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The Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ, September 11th , 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT Those who allow the Lord to reign in their lives now will reign with Him during the millennium. HYMN: THERE IS A LAND THAT IS FAIRER THAN DAY. TEXT: Revelation 20:1-15 INTRODUCTION The word millennium is derived from two Latin words, ‘mille’ – meaning a thousand and ‘anium’ – meaning year. Millennium therefore means a thousand years and the millennial reign of the LORD Jesus Christ refers to the period of one thousand years when the LORD will reign physically over all the nations of the earth with His headquarters in Jerusalem. The millennial reign will be preceded by some events revealed in the Scripture. These events include the rapture, the great tribulation, the judgement of the believers for rewards, the marriage super of the Lamb, etc. The hope of every Christian is to be with the LORD and to reign with Him in millennial splendor. When a Christian is going through trial, part of their sustaining joy emanates from the confidence in the promise of the LORD that He is coming back again to rule on the earth for a thousand years with His saints. However, to be able to reign with the Lord during the millennium, the Christian should have lived consistently for the Lord on the earth in righteousness and holiness. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To explain the meaning of millennium and the millennial reign of Christ.To highlight some of the events that will precede the millennial reign of Christ.To know the purpose of the millennial reign of Christ.To understand what will characterize the millennium.To know that the saints will reign with Christ during the millennium. BIBLE TRUTH Q1.) WHAT DOES THE ‘MILLENNIUM’ AND THE ‘MILLENNIAL REIGN OF CHRIST’ MEAN? The word millennium as earlier stated is derived from two Latin words: ‘mille’, meaning a thousand years, and ‘anium’ meaning year. Millennium therefore means a thousand years. The millennial reign of Christ refers to the period of one thousand years when the LORD will physically rule and reign over the nations of the earth with His headquarters established in Jerusalem. In Scripture this period is also variously referred to as the dispensation of the fullness of the times. Ephesians 1:10; the day of the Lord, Isaiah 2:11, 19:21; Ezekiel 39:22. The world age to come, Matthew 12:32, Mark 10:30. The regeneration, Matthew 19:28. The times of the restitution of all things, Acts 3:20-21, and the Kingdom of His Dear Son, Colossians 1:13; 2 Peter 1:11. The millennium will be between the Second Advent and the New Heaven and New Earth. The millennial reign will be literal and earthly, Isaiah 9:6-7; Daniel 2:44-45. The reign will be a world- wide theocratic government. All the raptured saints will join the LORD in this reign as they will return with the LORD at the Second Advent. Q2.) WHAT ARE SOME OF THE EVENTS THAT WILL PRECEDE THE MILLENNIAL REIGN OF CHRIST? The scriptures reveal that certain events will precede the millennium. Some of these events include the rapture, the great tribulation on the earth, the marriage supper of the Lamb, the judgment of the saints for rewards and the advent of the LORD with His saints to begin the millennial reign. A brief summary of what some of the events entail is given...

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The Marriage of the Lamb, September 4th , 2022

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The Marriage of the Lamb, September 4th , 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT Keeping our garments spotless before God guarantees our participation in the marriage feast of the Lamb. HYMN: WHEN THE TRUMPMET OF THE LORD SHALL SOUND. TEXT: Revelation 19:1-10; Matthew 25:1-13. INTRODUCTION The Church comprises a people who have been called out from the life of sin and the influence of the kingdom of darkness, into a life of righteousness and the kingdom of the Son of God. To restore the original plan of God for humanity which is that man should have unbroken fellowship with God. This marriage of the Lamb establishes this unbroken fellowship since the church shall by the marriage be in an eternal union with Christ. The marriage supper of the Lamb is thus, an event at which all believers of all ages, races, languages, and in all continents will be joined in marriage to Christ who is the Lamb that was slain from the foundation of the world. With the marriage of the Lamb at which only those whose garments (hearts) are washed by the blood of Jesus will be allowed to participate thereof. There is the need for believers who want to be a part of the marriage supper of the Lamb to ensure that their lives are kept pure and in a good state to receive the bridegroom. Such preparations will include being vigilant in prayers, abstaining from anything which defiles, and actively serving the Lord in His vineyard. The marriage supper of the Lamb is the glorious hope which propels the believer in his walk with the Lord. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To have an understanding of the marriage feast of the Lamb.To know those who are invited to the marriage feast.To know when this marriage feast will take place.To know those who qualify to be a part of the marriage feast.To understand what the marriage supper of the Lamb is intended to achieve.To emphasize the personal preparations required for the feast. BIBLE TRUTH Q1.) WHAT IS THE MARRIAGE FEAST OF THE LAMB? Over many centuries of man’s existence on this earth, there are individuals who have distinguished themselves in their walk with God. They have lived godly lives, abstained from evil, and honored God by their lifestyle. Up until this moment, there has never been an occasion of meeting by this multitude of faithful believers. At the marriage feast of the Lamb, such a meeting shall take place. At that feast, the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Israel, will fellowship with the Prophets, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Ezekiel and others, the first century saints, Peter, Paul, John and others, and with the saints of our contemporary times. At this great feast, a union will take place between all saints and the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. What a great union that will be. It will be a union that will restore the original plan of God for humanity which is that there should be an unbroken fellowship between man and God. Q2.) WHO ARE THOSE THAT ARE INVITED TO THE MARRIAGE FEAST? The parable of the kingdom of Heaven given by our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 22:1- 14 is about a king, who prepared an elaborate wedding banquet for his son, provides a clue on those invited to the marriage feast. When everything for the feast...

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Preparing for His Coming, Part 4: Judgement, August 28th , 2022

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Preparing for His Coming, Part 4: Judgement, August 28th , 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT …it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement. HYMN: WHEN THE TRUMPMET OF THE LORD SHALL SOUND. TEXT: John 5:22-30; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15; Revelation 20:11-15 INTRODUCTION It does not appear popular anymore to talk of a “judgement day” in the future, in which the entire world will be judged by God. People tend not to believe that one day; they must render account to God for their time here on earth. The lifestyle displayed by many today does not suggest that they are expecting that a day of reckoning will dawn sometime in the future. This attitude is ironical because in day-to-day life, people are usually expected to render account for one thing or the other. For example, at the end of a school term or semester, students write examinations which are used to judge their performance. Men ought to expect too that at the end of life on earth, God will ask them to give an account of how they had lived on the earth. However, the Bible states emphatically that judgement is inevitable and awaits all, “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement”, Hebrews 9:27. It therefore makes sense to be prepared for the Lord’s coming. Although everyone will be judged, believers will however face judgement without fear of condemnation, Romans 8:1. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To understand what judgement is, who is to be judged and who will be the Judge.To understand the basis and nature of GOD’s judgement.To know some of the rewards believers, the Saints, will receive after judgement.To know how we, the believers, ought to conduct ourselves in anticipation of judgement. BIBLE TRUTH QUESTION 1)WHAT IS JUDGMENT? Simply stated, judgement can be considered to be a time or situation when someone is called upon to give an account of his/her stewardship for the purpose of assessing his/her performance. In Biblical context, judgement refers to the time God will require everyone to give account of his stewardship here on earth. Usually, the day this will happen is referred to in Scripture as “Judgement Day”. In Acts 17:31 we read, “Because He has appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He has ordained….”. Every human being who has passed through this world will face GOD’S judgement, 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27; 1 Peter 4:15-19. It is obvious from scripture that GOD will judge the world through the LORD JESUS CHRIST, John 5:22; Romans 2:16; 1 Corinthians 6:2-4; Hebrews 12:23. It is instructive to note that believers and unbelievers will be judged separately. The judgement of believers will be for the purpose of rewarding them for the service rendered to God on earth. This will be after the rapture that is between the rapture and the Second Advent. It will take place at the Judgement seat of CHRIST in Heaven, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10. As stated in Dake’s Annotated Bible, P. 177 New Testament, believers will be judged concerning: -Doctrines, Romans 2:14-16, Romans 14 -Conduct to others, Matthew 18; Romans 14 -Carnal traits, Colossians 3; Romans 8:1-13 -Words, Matthew 12:32-37 -Things that affect others; slander, quarrels, idle words, foolishness, dishonesty, broken promises, wrong dealings, Romans 1:29-32; 2...

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PREPARING FOR HIS COMING, PART 3 : CONSEQUENCES OF MISSING THE RAPTURE, August 21ST , 2022

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PREPARING FOR HIS COMING, PART 3 : CONSEQUENCES OF MISSING THE RAPTURE, August 21ST , 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT Every believer should be ready for the rapture. HYMN: WHEN THE TRUMPMET OF THE LORD SHALL SOUND. TEXT: Matthew 24:21-24; Romans 11:25-31 INTRODUCTION The coming of the LORD is a biblical fact. The rapture, which will occur first, is the coming in the air; when the saints meet the Lord in the air, takes them back to heaven with Him, presents them to the Father where they remain during the time the tribulation is running its course on the earth, 1 Thessalonians 3:13; John 14:1-3. The marriage super and the judgement of the saints take place in heaven. The rapture is different from the second advent of the LORD. At the second advent, after the tribulation, the LORD and the saints leave heaven together to come down to the earth, 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 19. Therefore, the rapture is the time the LORD comes for the saints to take them to heaven while the second advent is the time He comes from heaven with the saints to the earth to live here and fulfil a mission. After the rapture while the saints will be with the LORD in heaven, there will be untold woes going on in the earth for unbelievers and “believers” that missed the rapture. The consequences of missing the rapture will be grave. The purpose of this lesson is not to prepare us, believers, for the events on earth after the rapture but rather to warn us of the terrible times that will be on earth after the rapture and to encourage us to take our faith more seriously. The great tribulation, an event after the rapture, will be so terrible that the LORD Himself described it as, “…great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be”, Matthew 24:21. Dear believer, this is not the time to play church or be half- heartedly committed to the LORD; the times we live in call for a total consecration, commitment and a whole hearted practice of our faith. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To understand the consequences of missing the rapture.To know what the great tribulation is and what characterized it.To know how some events of the present day world compare with event of the great tribulation.To understand how to live in view of the soon return of the LORD. BIBLE TRUTH 1.) WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF MISSING THE RAPTURE? The rapture is an event which every believer should look forward to with great expectation. The rapture can occur any moment and this should make the believer be in a state of preparedness always. However, and unfortunately, some persons who call themselves believers may miss the rapture. The consequences of missing the rapture are grave. A major consequence of missing the rapture is having to experience or pass through the period of the great tribulation. The great tribulation is a time of great horror upon the earth. It will be a horrifying experience for anyone to be on the earth during the time of the great tribulation. Also, there will be great apostasy after the rapture, obviously arising from the trials and persecutions of the great tribulation. At the rapture of all dead and living in CHRIST will arise...

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PREPARING FOR HIS COMING, PART 2: THE CATCHING UP OF THE SAINTS, August 14TH , 2022

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PREPARING FOR HIS COMING, PART 2: THE CATCHING UP OF THE SAINTS, August 14TH , 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT Every believer should prepare for the catching-up. HYMN: WHEN THE TRUMPMET OF THE LORD SHALL SOUND. TEXT: 1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-18, 5:1-11; 1 CORINTHIANS 15:50-55; 1 JOHN 3:2-3 INTRODUCTION We continue our series of study on “preparing for His coming”, as we consider an event popularly called the “Rapture”. The word rapture is not used in the Bible but it means the “catching up” of the saints, both dead and alive, to meet the Lord in the air. The certainty of the resurrection of the Christian rests on the fact that Christ Himself rose from the dead, 1 Corinthians 15:20-23. The scriptures nowhere enjoin us to attempt to calculate the date, month, or year as some have done in the past and exposed themselves to ridicule. The prospect of the rapture teaches us that it is not important whether Christ meets us dead or alive physically. What matters is that we remain faithful to the end. There are only two options for the faithful: we are either both changed and caught up in the air if we are still alive or we will be raised imperishable, if we were dead. We must daily look forward to his coming and be prepared as the consequences of missing the rapture will be grave. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To understand what the catching up of the saints mean.To know the form, the event will take.To know how we should prepare for this great event. BIBLE TRUTH WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE PHRASE “CATCHING UP OF THE SAINTS”? It stands for an event in the future when the Lord will raise “the dead in Christ”, give them instant spiritual bodies and they will rise to meet Him in the air. Similarly, faithful Christians who are still alive will have their physical bodies transformed to spiritual ones and in the twinkle of an eye they too will ascend to meet the Lord in the air. 2. WHAT FORM WILL THESE EVENTS TAKE? 1 CORINTHIANS 15:52 It will occur suddenly, with no prior warning. The Lord will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God. 1 Thessalonians 4:16. The resurrection of the dead is a definite teaching of scripture and the dead in Christ will experience this at the Lord’s coming in the air. Ultimately at the white throne judgement all the dead will be resurrected to face final judgement. The resurrection of the dead in Christ is not for judgement but an experience of the redemption (salvation) of the body and a necessary experience for them to enjoy the rewards of the kingdom and partake in the eternal authority and government of Christ which will be established subsequently. Faithful Christians will also be changed and caught up to be with the Lord. The spiritual body will be like the one Christ received at resurrection, “we shall be like him”, 1 John 3:2. Just as Christ disobeyed the natural law of gravity as he ascended into heaven, believers from all around the world will do likewise in a flash, in response to the call of their Lord. 3. HOW SHOULD WE PREPARE FOR THE RAPTURE? -We must purify ourselves, 1 John 3:2-3; 2 Peter 3:11-14. We really...

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PREPARING FOR HIS COMING, PART 1: SIGNS OF THE END TIMES, August 7TH , 2022

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PREPARING FOR HIS COMING, PART 1: SIGNS OF THE END TIMES, August 7TH , 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT The coming of the Lord is at hand! HYMN: WHEN THE TRUMPMET OF THE LORD SHALL SOUND. TEXT: Matthew 24:3-51; 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 4:3-4; 1 Peter 4:7 INTRODUCTION At the fall of man, God promised that the “seed of the woman” will crush the head of Satan. With time, the prophets gave more details about the first coming of Jesus Christ, Isaiah 53:1-12. However, at the time the promise was fulfilled, the religious order of the day was caught at unawares. Their expectation of the Messiah was blurred by personal bias, opinions and the political state of Israel. They expected a political deliverer. God may not have told them exactly when Christ would come but the circumstances of His birth, life, ministry and death were clearly spelled out but “…and the world knew him not.”, John 1:10b. Jesus is coming soon. Again, the events that will signal His second coming and the end of the age are clearly taught in scriptures. We must be prepared, lest we should be taken unawares. “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape”, 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3. In this study, we will examine the signs of the end time. It is our prayer that the Lord will keep us all awake and alert at His coming. Amen. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To understand the events that will herald the end of the age.To understand the effects these events will have on men.To state how believers must handle the events of the last days. BIBLE TRUTH 1. IDENTIFY THE EVENTS THAT WILL HERALD THE END OF THE AGE Spiritual Events Matthew 24:4, 9-12, 24; 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 2 Timothy 4:3-4. The last days, which we are already in, will be characterized by deception. There will be an unusual emphasis on signs and wonders, many of which will be performed by false teachers and prophets to draw men after themselves. The Bible says that the deception and the greatness of these lying signs and wonders will be such as to deceive even the elect – if that were possible! Matthew 24:24. Secondly, “the love of most will grow cold”. The love of Christ will grow cold in the church and be replaced by love of self, money, and pleasure. Men will have a form of godliness but their lives will be the exact opposite churches with leaders that tell them what they want to hear. The emphasis of the gospel will shift from Christ to self, money, and pleasure. As a result of this, those who stand firm will be ridiculed, persecuted, treated as outdated, not dynamic, and not in touch with the times. We must watch out! However, despite, the negative events “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come”, Matthew 24:14. The days we are in have witnessed the greatest push in preaching the gospel ever. On radio, TV, satellite, on the internet, in villages… everywhere the gospel is being preached. At times, the motives are...

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PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN LIVING, July 31ST, 2022

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PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN LIVING, July 31ST, 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT The practical life of a believer is a more effective message to his generation. HYMN: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD. TEXT: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22, Romans 13:12-14 INTRODUCTION The practical Christian life is anchored on values that are supernatural, divine, and eternal. The Christian is a citizen of the kingdom of Heaven, beyond this material universe. He is governed and motivated by the expectations of that kingdom. He lives neither for himself nor by the dictates and values of this earthly system. The scriptures abound with instructions of divine origin that are to serve as guidelines for practical relationships and responsibilities. The fruit we bear will lend credence to the truth of a transformed life, a renewed mindset, and our obedience to the dictates of this higher kingdom. When our hearts are richly endowed with the word of God and with the presence of His spirit, the evidence will be an exemplary life that manifests Godly virtues unhindered. Here on earth, there are so many Christian duties which may appear like a routine or have been trivialized by us, but which are very essential in our walk with God. They are kingdom virtues which we are to cultivate as followers of Christ. The aim of this lesson is to remind us of these virtues and how we are to practice them in our daily living. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: 1.) To identify things that give lasting joy to the Christian 2.) To explain what it means to “pray without ceasing” 3.) To state why and how a Christian should “give thanks to God in all things” 4.) To explain the expression “Quench not the Holy Spirit” 5.) To discuss how to “abstain from all appearances of evil” BIBLE TRUTH Q.1.) USING THE SCRIPTURES BELOW, ENUMERATE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT GIVE LASTING JOY TO A CHRISTIAN. Luke 15:8-10, Acts 13:48, Philippians 2:2, Romans 14:17, 3 John 4, Nehemiah 8:10, Luke 10:17-20 From the given scriptures and others not listed above, there are many things that give joy to a Christian. Most of them are non-material values and experiences we encounter as we tread the path of redemption. The experience of repentance and salvation from sin generates a fountain of inexplicable joy that wells up into eternity. The realization that one has receive divine pardon, justification, and grace brings unspeakable joy. Complete obedience to divine instruction brings lasting joy to any Christian. According to Psalms 133:1-2, unity in a Godly brotherhood is not only good but also pleasant. Whenever we discover some elusive truth in the word of God, we become excited to the extent of shedding tears of joy like Nehemiah and Ezra did when the word of God was openly declared after many generations of ignorance. Spiritual growth of the believer which comes by hearing and exercising faith on the word of God brings lasting joy. Also winning souls for the kingdom of God by leading men to the righteousness brings joy. The presence of the Holy Spirit and the manifestation of his fruit will exhibit Christ- likeness in the life of any believer. Q2.) WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO PRAY WITHOUT CEASING? Daniel 6:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 To pray without ceasing does not mean that one must only pray and do...

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INTIMACY WITH GOD – WORSHIP, July 24th, 2022

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INTIMACY WITH GOD – WORSHIP, July 24th, 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT It is only those who worship God in Spirit and in truth that are true worshippers. HYMN: OH, Worship the King TEXT: Leviticus 6:8-13; Romans 12:1-2; John 4:23-24 INTRODUCTION Worship can be defined simply as an ardent devotion or reverential love and allegiance accorded a deity or a sacred object. “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein”, Psalm 24:1, is the only One that deserves our worship. He is the only one that we should worship. “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and Him only shalt thou serve”, Matthew 4:10. Therefore, it is only God, the Creator of all, that qualifies to receive our worship. As a matter of fact, the Scriptures make us to understand this as recorded in Revelation 4:11, “thou are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created”. It follows from this therefore, that the reason for our being is to offer acceptable worship to God our maker. “O come let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker”, Psalm 95:6. Worship is a reasonable service we must continually offer to God. It must be rendered in such a manner that is acceptable to God for it to be a true worship. It must be offered in spirit and in truth; sincerely from our hearts, without hypocrisy but in total allegiance to God. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: 1.) To explain what worship means. 2.) To know why we should worship God. 3.) To discuss how we should worship God. 4.) To identify some of the hindrances to an acceptable worship. 5.) To highlight the benefits of offering an acceptable worship unto God. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. WHAT DOES WORSHIP MEAN? Psalm 141:2, 100:2, 95:6-7; 1 Chronicles 29:20; Genesis 18:2 Worship is an in-depth acknowledgement of the supremacy of God as the King of kings and Lord of lords. It involves the submission of the totality of our spirit, soul and body to the Almighty God. The period of worship in a Christian gathering is a time during which we must forget about ourselves and whatever situation that is confronting us and be fully focused on God. He alone deserves our reverence, honor, and glory at all times. When we come before God in worship, we should make ourselves open and ready to minister to Him and He will in return minister to us. We must learn to approach God in absolute humility during worship. Worship has to do with bowing down, prostrating in humility to God to acknowledge His supremacy, sovereignty and might. It also involves lifting up holy hands to God in surrender to His Lordship and Rulership over our lives. It is a means of honoring God for who He is and what He has done in our lives. Psalm 141:2 says, “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice”. It is worship that ushers us into the presence of God in the place of prayer. No wonder Psalm 95:6 has this recorded, “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us...

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Supernatural Power in Praise, July 17th, 2022

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Supernatural Power in Praise, July 17th, 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT God inhabits the praises of His people. HYMN: HOLY, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty TEXT: 2 Chronicles 20:1-24; Psalm 149:1-9 INTRODUCTION Praises and Worship are the main activities in the kingdom of God. It is the eternal duty of the Angels and other hosts of Heaven to render praises to God continually, Revelation 4:8, 5:9-13. When genuine praises are offered to God by Men, a common platform is provided for Heaven and Earth to relate cordially. The true nature and power of Heaven is brought to bear on Earth through praises to God. Much of the power of godliness in the lives of believers comes from making God our chief joy. Our faith in Christ is made clear and manifest by our level of thankful rejoicing in Him. Praise, therefore, is of cardinal centrality in our Christian race. By it we give glory to God for the triumphs already received, and through it we receive further recompense for being truly thankful to God. In this study, we shall examine the various scriptural basis for praising God and the numerous benefits that follow. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To explain the meaning of praises in the context of the Christian faith.To explain why we should praise God.To list the features of an acceptable Praise.To give scriptural examples of people that Praised God and identify results as such.To outline the benefits we get through praising God. BLE TRUTH Q1) SCRIPTURALLY, WHAT IS PRAISE? Hebrews 13:15; Jonah 2:9 Praises are communicated expressions of reverence for, confidence in and gratitude to God for His majestic power and His benevolence toward us. It is a vertical ministration or upward ministration expressing our acknowledgement and submission to the rule of God. It is an organized and joyful noise made to honor God. Gratitude is the basic index of praise to God. The use of musical instruments to praise God is very scriptural. King David raised a choir of 4,000 men and 284 instrumentalists whose life duty was to praise God continually on behalf of the king and the kingdom of Israel, 1 Chronicles 23:5, 25:1,6-7. Q2) WHY SHOULD WE PRAISE GOD? The reasons for praising God are inexhaustibly numerous. Some of them are as follows: -We are the works of His hands, created for His own glory, Psalm 100:3. -He is to be praised as the supreme authority, whose pleasure and delight is the praises of His people, Psalm 22:3. -For the salvation of our souls, Romans 5:8 -For diverse benefits and blessings, Psalm 103:1-5 -For answers to our prayers, Psalm 50:15 -We praise God for the divine health and healing He has given to us, Isaiah 53:5; Exodus 15:26 -We praise God for making us fruitful and resourceful, Deuteronomy8:18 -For qualifying us to be joint heirs of the kingdom with our Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 8:17 -For His loving discipline and chastisement on us when we deviate, Hebrews 12:6 -For His abiding presence and guidance, John 14:16 -We must not forget to praise Him for His grace, which is beyond understanding, Ephesians 1:6 Q3) DISCUSS THE FEATURES OF AN ACCEPTABLE PRAISE. Today, many things go on in the name of praises among Christians. Some have come to regard any song in church as praise. This is not true. Some...

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