Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

[img src=https://mzgtiglobal.org/wp-content/flagallery/may-2/thumbs/thumbs_dsc_0127.jpg]180
[img src=https://mzgtiglobal.org/wp-content/flagallery/may-2/thumbs/thumbs_dsc_0108.jpg]240
[img src=https://mzgtiglobal.org/wp-content/flagallery/may-2/thumbs/thumbs_dsc_0107.jpg]160
[img src=https://mzgtiglobal.org/wp-content/flagallery/may-2/thumbs/thumbs_dsc_0105.jpg]150
[img src=https://mzgtiglobal.org/wp-content/flagallery/may-2/thumbs/thumbs_dsc_0103.jpg]180
[img src=https://mzgtiglobal.org/wp-content/flagallery/may-2/thumbs/thumbs_dsc_0096.jpg]170
[img src=https://mzgtiglobal.org/wp-content/flagallery/may-2/thumbs/thumbs_dsc_0095.jpg]170
[img src=https://mzgtiglobal.org/wp-content/flagallery/may-2/thumbs/thumbs_dsc_0136.jpg]130
[img src=https://mzgtiglobal.org/wp-content/flagallery/may-2/thumbs/thumbs_dsc_0134.jpg]160
[img src=https://mzgtiglobal.org/wp-content/flagallery/may-2/thumbs/thumbs_dsc_0133.jpg]230
[img src=https://mzgtiglobal.org/wp-content/flagallery/may-2/thumbs/thumbs_dsc_0083.jpg]480
[img src=https://mzgtiglobal.org/wp-content/flagallery/may-2/thumbs/thumbs_dsc_0115.jpg]230
[img src=https://mzgtiglobal.org/wp-content/flagallery/may-2/thumbs/thumbs_dsc_0110.jpg]230
[img src=https://mzgtiglobal.org/wp-content/flagallery/may-2/thumbs/thumbs_dsc_0099.jpg]290
[img src=https://mzgtiglobal.org/wp-content/flagallery/may-2/thumbs/thumbs_dsc_0094.jpg]270
[img src=https://mzgtiglobal.org/wp-content/flagallery/may-2/thumbs/thumbs_dsc_0092.jpg]220
[img src=https://mzgtiglobal.org/wp-content/flagallery/may-2/thumbs/thumbs_dsc_0090.jpg]320
[img src=https://mzgtiglobal.org/wp-content/flagallery/may-2/thumbs/thumbs_dsc_0086.jpg]460
[img src=https://mzgtiglobal.org/wp-content/flagallery/may-2/thumbs/thumbs_dsc_0084.jpg]390


DOING EXPLOITS THROUGH PRAYERS, July 10th, 2022

Posted by on 9:19 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on DOING EXPLOITS THROUGH PRAYERS, July 10th, 2022

DOING EXPLOITS THROUGH PRAYERS, July 10th, 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous man availeth. HYMN: What a friend we have in Jesus TEXT: 2 Kings 19:10-20, 35-36, 20:1-6, 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 INTRODUCTION There are many situations we face in life as believers which may seem very difficult and unpleasant, and the believer may become discouraged and feel like giving up. But prayer offers the believer the strength to persevere until the expected change comes. Job knew this so well that he rightly said “all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change comes” Job 14:14b. The Scriptures are replete with cases of people who when faced with very difficult situations prayed fervently to God and their stories changed for good. God brought about a turnaround. Therefore, it is imperative for every believer who desires a positive change in life, a successful and fruitful life in Christ, to be fervent in prayer. It is only through prayer that this change can come and be sustained. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To explain the meaning of prayer.To discuss how believers should pray.To highlight some ingredients to effective prayer.To discuss some practical situations from scripture of exploits done through prayers. BIBLE TRUTH Q1.) WHAT DOES PRAYER MEAN? 1 Samuel 1:15-16, Luke 11:1-4 Prayer can rightly be said to be the means through which the believer communicates to God our Heavenly father. For this communication to be effective there must be a standing or existing relationship between the two parties. It therefore follows that it is only those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and personal Savior that are qualified to partake in this relationship. Prayer is essentially a two-way communication. As we commune with our Heavenly Father in the place of prayer, pouring out our hearts to Him. He in turn responds by ministering to us through the Holy Spirit. Thus, prayer provides the avenue through which we can come into God’s presence and enjoy fellowship with Him. Jesus said “Verily, I say unto you whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it you” John 16:23. The death, resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ has given us access to the throne of grace. Q2.) HOW SHOULD BELIEVERS PRAY? Matthew 6:5-15, John 14:13, Hebrews 11:6 In His sermon on the mount, Jesus taught on how the believers should pray. First of all, the one praying must acknowledge God as Father. The implication of this is that such a person must have accepted Jesus as Lord and personal Savior. In acknowledging God as our Father, we must come to Him in worship and adoration before we begin to make our petitions known to Him. In addition, we must not harbor any unforgiveness while praying. We are to present our requests to God in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Also, we must ask in faith believing that God is able to accomplish that which we ask of Him. Q3.) WHAT ARE SOME OF THE INGREDIENTS TO EFFECTIVE PRAYER? Psalms 1:1-2, Joshua 1:8, Romans 8:26, 27, John 14:26, Hebrews 11:6 For our prayers to be effective there are certain ingredients that must be present. First of all, we must not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way...

read more

FASTING- SEEKING THE HEART OF GOD, July 3rd, 2022

Posted by on 7:57 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on FASTING- SEEKING THE HEART OF GOD, July 3rd, 2022

FASTING- SEEKING THE HEART OF GOD, July 3rd, 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT Fasting brings the believer closer to God in prayers. HYMN: I AM THINE O’ LORD. TEXT: Isaiah 58, Matthew 6:16-18 INTRODUCTION Fasting is the deliberate, temporary keeping away from food for spiritual reasons. It denies the fleshly body while it reaches out spiritually in seeking a special request from God or for seeking a closer relationship with Him. Although it is almost always combined with prayer, it should be considered a spiritual exercise on its own. It is usually done on a voluntary basis, but in Jewish history, the Day of Atonement (Lev.16:29; 23:32), was the only annual fast demanded by Law. At times, fasting was also called for during special times of repenting as found in 1 Sam. 14:24, 1 Kings 21:9, 2 Chron.20:3, Jer. 36:9, Joel 1:14. In the New Testament there is approval of widespread fasting as an act of devotion toward God. In the early church, after the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, fasting was often combined with fervent prayer. In Luke 2:36, 37 we find a classic example of the sincere devotion of an 84 year old widow, whom Scripture says “departed not from the temple but served God with fasting and prayers night and day”. Apostle Paul in 1 Corin. 7:5 advised the married believers not to defraud their partners “except it be with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again”. This shows that fasting is usually found in communion with prayer as a personal “one-on- one” time with God. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: 1.) To identify the forms of fasting. 2.) To know how to properly fast and how not to. 3.) To answer if fasting is for today or just a “thing of the past”. 4.) To identify some purposes for fasting with prayer. BIBLE TRUTH Q1.) WHAT ARE THE FORMS OF FASTING? Three forms of fasting seen in the Bible include: a.) Absolute fast. (Esther 4:16, Acts 9:8-9). This involves abstaining completely from food and water, as was done by Paul, Mordecai, and other Jews. Normally, this fast should not last more than three days, because the body then begins to dehydrate. The Lord Jesus reinforced this thought in Matt. 15:32 where He “…called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way”. Moses and Elijah undertook the absolute fast for 40 days (Exo. 34:28, Deut. 9:9,18, 1 Kings 19:8) but only under divine order. b.) Normal fast. This abstaining from all food, solid, or liquid, but not from water. c.) Partial Fast (Dan. 10:3) This is a restriction of diet rather than complete abstention. Q2.) HOW ARE WE TO PROPERLY FAST? Matt. 6:16-18 The Lord Jesus told His followers to “let your light shine before men”. Fasting (going without food in order to spend time in prayer) is a very personal holy action that is between an individual and God- It is not something done to impress others. The Lord Jesus said, “when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face…”. Our outward appearance should never reflect a tortured...

read more

Mount Zion Gospel Tabernacle International

Posted by on 7:41 pm in Slider | Comments Off on Mount Zion Gospel Tabernacle International

Mount Zion Gospel Tabernacle International

Invites you to join us as we begin our annual month of July Prayer and Fasting. July 1st-31st, from 6am-6pm (or as directed by the Holy Spirit). This years theme is taken from Ezekiel 37:1-14. DRY BONES SHALL LIVE AGAIN “The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest. Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live” (Ezekiel 37:1-5). Whether you have been dealing with sickness, or poverty, setback, or failure etc. We declare that every dry place in your life shall come back to life in Jesus name! The dryness that manifests itself as problems in your life, the dryness that has been passed down from generation to generation shall come to an end in Jesus name! May you receive the breath of life into your health, your marriage, your finances, your career etc. MZGTI Month of July Fasting and Praying, fasting under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Be on the lookout for various prayer points etc. Elderly, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions should not fast. Fasting with wisdom under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Please visit our Facebook page for daily prayer points.. https://www.facebook.com/Mzgtiglobal God bless you...

read more

CARNALITY REBUKED, June 26th, 2022

Posted by on 11:12 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on CARNALITY REBUKED, June 26th, 2022

CARNALITY REBUKED, June 26th, 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT Greatness and promotion come from God. TEXT:  Mark 10:35-45, Matt. 16:21-23, 18:1-6 INTRODUCTION Carnality was one of the attitudes displayed by the disciples of Jesus which He seriously condemned. Carnality refers to the Adamic nature of man which can also be defined as worldly, selfish, and fleshly. It also has to do with concern and crave for physical things which perish with usage. In Romans 8:7, Paul talked of the carnal mind as one who walks after the flesh, who cannot submit to the law of God, rather is in enmity against God. In another scripture, Paul referred to it as the sinful natural mind. Whoever is under the control of this kind of mind cannot please God. Man is carnal by nature, but the new birth transforms the carnal man into the image of Christ the Son of the Living God and the mind is renewed by the word of God. A carnal man becomes spiritual when the Holy Spirit of God indwells him. Things of God appear foolish to the carnal mind because they are spiritually discerned, so it can neither understand them nor receive them. (1 Cor. 2:14). The carnal mind is continually in conflict against the Spirit. Paul in Rom. 7:15-19 stated the nature of this conflict when he said “For that which I do, I allow not: for what I would, that do I not: but what I hate that I do. For the good that I would, I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do”. The conflict can be overcome only by absolute yieldedness to the control of the Spirit of God. “… To whom you yield yourself servant to obey, his servant you are to whom you obey…” Rom. 6:16. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To examine how the disciples displayed carnality.To consider Christ’s reaction to the disciples’ carnal desire.To know the way God views selfish requests.To examine how people scheme to become great.To know Biblical pattern of attaining greatness. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. HOW DOES THE ARGUMENT OF THE DISCIPLES AND THE REQUEST OF THE SONS OF ZEBEDEE PORTRAY CARNALITY? Mark 9:33-35, 10:35-37 Jesus’ statement appears to have aroused a crave for position and status among His disciples. They must have believed that one of them would eventually emerge as the head of the ministry should Jesus die. Peter’s question later, in Mark 10:28 is a revelation of the disciples’ value for earthly positions and possessions. Both Peter’s question and their argument are clear manifestations of carnality. They were so preoccupied with the organization of Jesus’ earthly kingdom that they lost sight of its divine purpose. Instead of seeking a place of service, they busied themselves with seeking positions of advantage. It is easy to lose focus of our eternal perspective and compete for promotions or positions in the church. When ambitions or aspirations push aside service and obedience to God’s word, it becomes sinful. This was evident in the argument of the disciples, as it was a struggle for personal success or achievement. God already promised all these things for the believer. A promise is not a thing to be struggled after, faith and trust in the One who promised, is all it requires to get through. The believer is enjoined...

read more

RAISING THE TOTAL CHILD, June 19th, 2022

Posted by on 9:42 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on RAISING THE TOTAL CHILD, June 19th, 2022

RAISING THE TOTAL CHILD, June 19th, 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT The character of our children tomorrow, is sharpened by what they learn from us today. HYMN: TELL THE GLAD STORY TEXT:  Genesis 18:16-19, Deut. 6:1-9, Prov. 22:6 INTRODUCTION Children constitute a big asset in the church and the society at large. They are a bundle of potentials and remain the bedrock of a future generation. Therefore, no church or society should fail to pay attention to the development of her children, spiritually, physically, socially etc. Children are the leaders of tomorrow and if we bring them up wholesomely, our Nation will experience peace and progress. Little wonder then that United Nations Organization (UNO) declared 1979 the International Year of the child (IYC) in acknowledgement that today’s children have a great future. They therefore deserve encouragement and recognition. This is in contrast to what happens in some churches and homes where children are neglected. Jesus said in Mark 10:14 “…Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God”. Some parents also toil day and night to provide the physical needs of their children, but never bother to teach them the way of the Lord. Just as a child grows physically into adulthood, so too he needs to develop and mature spiritually. If this does not happen, we should be concerned. Parents, Pastors, Sunday School teachers, school administrators and other adults have their role to play in bringing up children. A Christian heritage is the best legacy we can bequeath to our children. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To know the meaning of a total child.To highlight the need for a thorough development of the child.To know those who have the responsibility of raising up the total child.To examine the roles we can play in the development of the total child.To know the effect of neglecting parental responsibilities. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. WHO IS A CHILD? Chambers Universal Learners Dictionary defined a child as “ a young human being of either sex”, “a son or a daughter of any age”. Legally speaking, in Nigeria, a child is any one below the age of 18 years. Yet in some other countries anyone below the age of 21 years is regarded as a child. Thus, there is no universally accepted definition of a child. For the purpose of this study, we shall consider anybody who is under the authority of another person whether biological parents or guardians as a child. Such an individual is not independent economically, socially and spiritually. Q2. WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY “RAISING UP A TOTAL CHILD”? Man is a tripartite being-spirit, soul and body. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 reads “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ”. The body is the outward sheath which gives us world-consciousness. The soul comprises the intellect which aids us in the present state of existence and the emotions which proceed from the senses hence it is often termed self-consciousness. The spirit is that part by which we commune with God and by which we are able to apprehend and worship Him. It is called the element of God-consciousness. The development of these three components of...

read more

MORE THAN CONQUERORS, June 12th, 2022

Posted by on 6:48 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on MORE THAN CONQUERORS, June 12th, 2022

MORE THAN CONQUERORS, June 12th, 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT Victory is the pre-determined lot of the believer in every challenge in life. HYMN: STAND UP! STAND UP FOR JESUS! TEXT:  Romans 8:31-39, Ephesians 6:10-18, 2 Corinthians 10:2-6 INTRODUCTION The Christian life is full of challenges and conflicts coming in various ways, sources and degrees. The objective of every challenge is to cause a breach between God and His children. At conversion, a believer breaks ranks with Satan, and pledges full allegiance to Jesus Christ. The devil is always offended by this, and he does all within his power to bring about a break in the fellowship with God. It is a thing of joy to note that victory has been obtained and made certain at the Cross. Jesus had to experience all the perils of human existence and came out without sin. He proceeded to the cross where He died to redeem mankind from the captivating chain of sin and Satan. Man obtained reconciliation and acceptance in the presence of God, and he was restored to the original dominion. In this new state, man is not just to conquer, subdue and control, but has been admitted into a concluded victory. He is to rule by virtue of faith and obedience to the word of God. In this state the believer is higher than a conqueror. There may be challenges around but they become meat and stepping stones to higher glory. This study is therefore intended to inform the believer in Christ that he has been declared victorious before the battle. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To explain what it means to be “more than conquerors”.To identify the forces we are contending against.To identify the weapons at the disposal of the believer.To state the role of Christ in our victory.To discuss why believers may sometimes experience defeat.To identify the benefits in being more than a conqueror. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. EXPLAIN THE PHRASE “MORE THAN CONQUERORS”. To conquer means to subjugate or acquire by force or strategy. It is to overcome obstacles or to bring down and destroy an existing power. A conqueror is someone who has conquered. In the literal sense, to be more than conquerors implies a situation where victory is always 100% guaranteed. There is no room for failure because of the superiority of force and strategy provided by Jesus Christ. Victory is a concluded matter for the believer. In the figurative sense, to be more than a conqueror means to live in obedience and total submission to God in the light of the truth of Christ’s death and resurrection. By His death He conquered death, and by resurrection He became more than all the conquerors of this world that have been bonded mankind since creation. He obtained a new name and a new status by His resurrection, and He co-opted us into that same privilege. To be more than conquerors, therefore is to submit to the virtues of faith and patience in the battles of life. We are more than conquerors because the benefits of our victory in Christ far exceed the rewards available to literal conquerors of the world. Glory, honor, peace, crown of righteousness and does not fade away and eternal life are some of the rewards we obtain through the victory of Jesus Christ. Q2. IDENTIFY THE CHALLENGES...

read more

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY, June 5th, 2022

Posted by on 7:37 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY, June 5th, 2022

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY, June 5th, 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT God strengthens His children throughout the journey of life. HYMN: GUIDE ME OH, THOU GREAT JEHOVAH TEXT:  Exodus 33:12-14; Isaiah 40:29-31; Psalm 84:5-7 INTRODUCTION For nearly forty years, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness under the leadership of Moses.  He was known as a man chosen and used by God.  When he died, Deuteronomy 34:1-5, the mantle of leadership was then entrusted to Joshua the son of Nun, a man full of the Spirit of wisdom and also a servant (minister) of Moses, Joshua 1:1-2.  This indeed was a gigantic task to lead the Israelites successfully to the Promised Land.  God spoke to him reassuring of His divine presence and strength.  Joshua must be strong and courageous; he must meditate on the Word of God always. When Jacob too met with the Lord in a spectacular way in Peniel, it was not a touch of perfection; rather it was the beginning of a new and transforming experience of God.  When God gives us a vision, fulfilling it is not a question of human will or effort, “for by strength shall no man prevail”, 1 Samuel 2:9. A child of God or a believer is on a journey to their promised land, heaven.  The journey will require courage to stand against all unrighteousness, strength to withstand the powers of darkness.  He or she will also require the Word of God which is the Sword of the Spirit from time to time.  Just as God assured Joshua, we have the promises of God and Christ to see us safely to our journey’s end and to possess our due inheritance. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To understand the expression: “strength for the journey”.To know the source of this strength and how to receive it.To understand what propels the man that receives a vision from God.To know how one can be led by the Holy Spirit. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY THE EXPRESSION: “STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY”? 1 Kings 19:5-8 The phrase ‘strength for the journey’ means power from God to live victoriously as a child of God.  In the above passage, Elijah needed strength to stand against the threat or opposition from the enemy; this was given by God with assurance.  Christians today should seek strength from God and His word; as by studying and meditation on the word of God we will know the direction for victory. Q2. WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF THIS STRENGTH AND HOW CAN WE RECEIVE AND SUSTAIN IT? Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:16; Philippians 4:13; John 15:7; Luke 18:1; Hebrews 10:25; Romans 8:1 The journey we are talking about is not one initiated by the individual (Christians), it is of God.  The source of strength is by the word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.  When we are born again, He gives us power to become the sons of God.  The sustenance is by the following: -Abiding in Christ because He is the vine and we are the branches. -The place of prayers is vital; for the Word of God enjoins us to pray always.  Prayer strengthens the believer. -Walking in the Spirit and maintaining fellowship with God and fellow believers, coupled with living right with God’s Word. Q3. WHAT MOTIVATES THE MAN THAT HAS RECEIVED...

read more

THIRSTING AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS II, May 29th, 2022

Posted by on 11:05 am in Sunday School | Comments Off on THIRSTING AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS II, May 29th, 2022

THIRSTING AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS II, May 29th, 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT A believer who is heaven bound must continually thirst and hunger after righteousness. HYMN: MY HOPE IS BUILT ON NOTHING LESS TEXT:  Matt. 5:6; Prov. 14:32-34; Matt. 6:31-33 INTRODUCTION Righteousness has to do with having a right standing with God. This can only be achieved through accepting that which Christ did for us by dying for us on the cross of Calvary. “For He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2Cor.5:21). Man’s righteousness cannot meet God’s demand, all our righteousness are as filthy rags (Isa.64:6). In the world of today, righteousness is fast becoming an issue almost going extinct in our modern society. In some instances, it is even difficult to distinguish between believers and unbelievers by the way they speak, comport themselves and dress etc.  The Lord knows those that are His and let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity (2Tim.2:19). Therefore, for us to live lives pleasing and acceptable to God, we must earnestly thirst and hunger after righteousness. In the first part of this study, we examined what righteousness is, and God’s expectations concerning those He has imputed righteousness. In this concluding part, we focus on what it means to thirst and hunger after righteousness and finally the blessing of living righteously before God. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To understand what to thirst and hunger after righteousness means.To identify the lifestyle of someone who thirsts and hungers after righteousness.To highlight reasons for thirsting and pursuing righteousness.To identify the blessings of thirsting after righteousness. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO THIRST AND HUNGER AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS? Ps. 42:1-3; 63:1; Matt. 5:6 Righteousness is having a right standing with God. Thus, righteousness enables us to stand before God blameless without any hinderance or feeling of guilt. It presents us approved by God. Such a person is blessed and the Lord does not impute any iniquity to him. (Ps.32:1-2). This righteousness is appropriated into our lives because of the finished work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. Righteousness is the nature of God and so when we become His children, we must be partakers of this His divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (2Pet 1:4). Our God is righteous through the ages. “Righteous are thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgements. Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful (Ps 119:137-138). As God’s children we must thirst and hunger for this attribute of God’s nature. We know that as humans, we need water and food to survive. When one is thirsty, one goes all out to satisfy this need. The same also is the case of hunger. We also note that our thirst and hunger cannot be satisfied once and for all at once. Thirst and hunger are appetites that return frequently and call for fresh satisfaction. We must earnestly desire these on a regular basis even “as the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” (Ps.42:1-2). Our desire for God’s nature which is righteousness should be as the thirst and hunger for physical nourishment of the...

read more

THIRSTING AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS I, May 22nd, 2022

Posted by on 6:06 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on THIRSTING AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS I, May 22nd, 2022

THIRSTING AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS I, May 22nd, 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT As believers in Christ righteousness should characterize our way of life. HYMN: MY HOPE IS BUILT ON NOTHING ELSE TEXT: Matt. 5:20-48 INTRODUCTION: Righteousness refers to one having a right standing with God based on one’s acceptance by faith for the finished work of Christ on the cross of calvary. This is reflected in our living right and doing what is right in the sight of God. It calls for having a deep commitment to doing what is pleasing to God and also which will lift up the name of the Lord where ever we find ourselves. Righteousness has been imputed on all who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal savior. God is righteous (Ps. 7:9) and also a righteous judge (Ps. 9:4 NIV). God expects us as His own dear children therefore to be righteous. We must understand that our righteousness cannot meet God’s demands because all our righteousness are as filthy rags before Him (Isa.64:6). God has made Jesus Christ our righteousness (1 Cor.1:30; 2 Cor. 5:21). He expects us therefore to live righteously before Him all our lives here on earth. “For the grace of God which bringeth salvation had appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lust, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world (Titus 2:11-12). LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To understand what righteousness means.To explain ways through which righteousness could come.To understand that our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and pharisees.To highlight God’s expectations concerning those He has imputed righteousness. BIBLE TRUTH: Q1. WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY RIGHTEOUSNESS? Job 1:1 Righteousness is having a right standing with God through one’s acceptance of the finished work of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ on the cross of calvary. This points to the fact that we cannot earn this by our good deeds; it is the gift of God. We receive it when we accept Christ into our lives. This righteousness must reflect in all areas of life and in every place we find ourselves. It is one thing that distinguishes believers from unbelievers. Righteousness should manifest in the way we comport ourselves, how we talk, the type of friends we keep, how we dress, the places we go, the types of programs that we watch etc. God expects us to separate ourselves from all defilements. 2 Cor.6:14 says “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers, for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communication hath light with darkness?” Righteousness connotes therefore, being perfect and upright, fearing God and eschewing evil (Job 1:1). Q2. WHAT ARE THE WAYS THROUGH WHICH RIGHTEOUSNESS COULD COME? Before Jesus Christ came in the form of flesh into the world, there was righteousness based on the law, the law was our school master to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by their faith (Gal 3:24). For by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified (Gal.2:16). God knows the inadequacy of the righteousness based on the law and therefore sent Jesus Christ to become our righteousness. We shall briefly discuss below the righteousness of the law and the righteousness of God through faith in Christ. A. Righteousness of the law (Rom. 3:19-23; 8:1-4; 10:2-5)...

read more

STANDING FAST IN THE LORD, May 15th 2022

Posted by on 3:45 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on STANDING FAST IN THE LORD, May 15th 2022

STANDING FAST IN THE LORD, May 15th 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT The Christian faith requires patience, courage and steadfastness. HYMN: STAND UP, STAND UP, FOR JESUS TEXT: Eph.5:1-21; 6:10-18 INTRODUCTION: As we draw closer to end-times, many believers are troubled in heart at the local and global events happening daily. Many of these events are direct threats to our faith, while some others are threatening our existence as humans. In another sense, the devil is using subtle means to mount pressure on believers to lower standards of morality and holy living, and to distance humanity from true fellowship with the living God. Satan knows fully well that his time is running out; and has therefore put in place several measures to distract the church with ungodliness. For the believer to succeed in his Christian race, he must know why he is in the race, desire to remain in the race and be sure what to do to accomplish the race. Being a spiritual race, he must fully rely on God for strength and must be determined to forge ahead in the face of stiff opposition. He must be rooted and built up in Christ so that he can stand fast at all times. This study is therefore aimed at encouraging us to be resolute, unwavering and tenacious in our pursuit of kingdom goals. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To explain what it means to stand fast in the Lord.To say why it is necessary to stand fast in the Lord.To list some of the things that could hinder steadfastness in the Lord.To give some scriptural examples of people that stood fast in the Lord.To explain how we can stand fast in the Lord today.To list the benefits of standing fast in the Lord. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO STAND FAST IN THE LORD? 1Cor. 16:13; 2Thess. 2:15 When an individual accepts the Lord Jesus as his savior, he gives up his old way of life and begins to live a life that is pleasing to God. Usually there are new challenges that confront this man which must be resolved daily as a child of God. To stand fast in the Lord means to give up every habit and manner that is not pleasing to God and to be determined not to fall by the way. It means being courageous and patient to know the word of God and to live by it. It is a call to focus attention on the Lord Jesus Christ who becomes our mentor and master. Standing fast in the Lord involves drawing strength from the word of God, trusting in His promises and learning positive lessons from the recorded account of Bible characters. It includes the need to be in communion with the heavenly Father, and in true fellowship with other believers. It means to be resolute and tenacious in our pursuit of the goals of God’s kingdom. Q2. WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO STAND FAST IN THE LORD? 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Phil. 3:18 It is necessary to stand fast in the Lord because Jesus Christ is coming soon; the exact time we do not know. In order not to be caught unprepared, we need to stand fast in the Lord. Furthermore, there are enemies within in form of deceivers and counterfeit leaders who are agents of...

read more