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


RESTORING THE BACKSLIDER, February 27th, 2022

Posted by on 9:48 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on RESTORING THE BACKSLIDER, February 27th, 2022

RESTORING THE BACKSLIDER, February 27th, 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT Restoration of the backslidden is a challenge that demands love, patience and wisdom. HYMN:  RESCUE THE PERISHING Text: Reading Text: Jeremiah 2:1-13 Text: Jeremiah: chapters 1, 2 & 3 INTRODUCTION: To backslide is to inconsistently, unfaithfully, erringly, and selfishly follow the Lord who hath delivered us from darkness and brought us into His marvelous light, Galatians 1:6; Colossians 1:13. The backslider is thus one who desists or draws back in his/her commitment to the Lord.  It could involve denying the person of knowledge of God and His Christ.  It could be for a moment or for years in which the backslidden loses relationship or fellowship with the Triune God.  It is primarily a condition of the heart.               It must be stated here that there is no Christian who is automatically backslide-proof.  So, the belief by some Christians that they cannot backslide and thereby trusting in their own ability to continue in the race is false and dangerous.  They have most often, to their dismay, found themselves erring and deviating from the truth.  So, the Word of God warns thus, “wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall”, 1 Corinthians 10:12.               The Bible records many characters and people who were mightily used of God but who backslid in their respective ways.  For instance, King Saul, King David, Samson, Judas Iscariot, Peter and Lot’s wife are a few of many who lived for God at a time and backslid.  While some where restored back to God, others really backslid to the damnation of their souls as they refused to come back to God.               Since it is possible for a Christian to backslide and be wearied in the course of our spiritual warfare against the prince of darkness and his cohorts; hence it is in the duty of those Christians who remain steadfast in the Lord to restore the backslidden and help them find their way back to God, and of course, to Heaven, Galatians 6:1, Ezekiel 33:7-9.               We must restore them prayerfully and with all concern as we know that a backslider is more difficult to be won than one who had never known the Lord. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To know what it means to backslideTo appreciate the need to restore the backslider.To know how to restore the backslider.To know how to guide against backsliding. Q1. WHAT IS BACKSLIDING?             To backslide is to revert to a bad habit or sin or wrongdoing.  This implies that the individual was doing right or living righteously in the fear of God.  To backslide is to drawback or desist from following the Lord Jesus Christ.  It could also involve a denial of the knowledge of God and His Christ or the efficacy of the work of Christ on the Cross.  Backsliding is a process which begins with loss of interest or lukewarmness to spiritual things and attaching less importance or significance to them.  When one starts to diminish in his/her commitment to God: for example, when a Sunday School Teacher who used to enjoy teaching every Sunday no longer does so on a regular basis, he or she has begun a process of backsliding.  Thus, one may still be in church or fellowship but the heart is cold, critical...

read more

THE INDISPUTABLE END OF MAN, February 20th, 2022

Posted by on 10:11 am in Sunday School | Comments Off on THE INDISPUTABLE END OF MAN, February 20th, 2022

THE INDISPUTABLE END OF MAN, February 20th, 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT It is here on earth that man decides where his eternal abode will be after his eyes close in death. HYMN:  WHEN THE TRUMPET OF THE LORD SHALL SOUND Text: Luke 16:19-36 INTRODUCTION: The account of the rich man and Lazarus is an actual event that took place.  In it, the Lord Jesus presents the facts of the reality of life after death.  It reveals as well the inevitability of death which offers no respect or apologies to any mortal being whether poor or rich, commoner or king, whether of the low cadre in society or the top brass in society.  Death is a subject which most persons prefer to keep silent about.  It sends a chill feeling through the bones and marrows of many lives.  Death seems to provide a grave restraint on the activities of many vile persons, yet it cannot save nor deliver them from their evil ways.  Whatever is our attitude to death, its conquering prowess over the small and great continues unabated.             The story in our text conveys biblical truth about the suffering and misery that awaits the unbeliever at death, and the rest (bliss) that awaits the righteous.  More importantly it reveals the futility of any prospect of repentance or change of one’s eternal abode after death.  For the believer, the possibility to witness to unsaved loved ones, and opportunities to do good cease when such a believer departs this life.             The more unfortunate aspect of this story is that in our present circumstances, those who have a chance to repent and become converted seem neither to know nor make attempts to know the terrible torment that awaits them beyond the grave.  They allow themselves to become blind to the warnings of God in His word, and even remain skeptical even in the face of the miraculous.  The thousands that slip into eternity daily without Christ will only become aware of the reality of hell when it is too late.  But here is another opportunity for the living to choose his desired eternal home. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To understand that man determines his eternal destiny while here on earth.To know that rejection of God’s gift of salvation incurs God’s anger.To know that acceptance of God’s gift of salvation attracts God’s favor.To emphasize that there is no repentance in the grave.To understand that death is not the end of man but the beginning of eternity. Q1.  COMMENT ON THE CHARACTER OF THE RICH MAN?             From the few remarks made of the rich man in verse 19 of our text, we may be in a position to infer certain things about his person.  The Bible says in that verse that he was a rich man “clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously everyday”.  He must have been a wealthy ruler or prominent individual who lived each day in mirth and luxury because of the abundance of his possessions.  He can be said to have the best that could be attained in life – good clothing, comfortable home, and abundance in all spheres of life.  He was a self-centered individual with no compassion whatsoever for his fellow man.  He had an opportunity to do good to his fellow man, but he shut his bowel...

read more

BALAAM, BALAK AND THE PLAN TO CURSE ISRAEL, February 13th, 2022

Posted by on 11:19 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on BALAAM, BALAK AND THE PLAN TO CURSE ISRAEL, February 13th, 2022

BALAAM, BALAK AND THE PLAN TO CURSE ISRAEL, February 13th, 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT Whom God has blessed no one can curse. HYMN:  STAND UP! STAND UP FOR JESUS! TEXT: Text: Numbers 23:1-30 INTRODUCTION: Israel fought several wars on their way from Egypt to the promised land.  God gave them victory, in all these wars including war with Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-16), Amorites (Numbers 21:21-32) and several other nations.  Therefore, when the children of Israel camped in the plains of Moab, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab became afraid because Israelites were many and he had seen how they had utterly destroyed other nations.  In a desperate bid to avert the impending danger, Balak invited Balaam to curse the Israelites so that he could defeat them.  Some have argued that Balaam was a soothsayer but used by God temporarily.  Others believed that Balaam seemed to have known God considering that he inquired from God who in turn spoke to him on several occasions; he declared God’s message faithfully, made sacrifice to Him but later went into error for reward and became a soothsayer (Joshua 13:22; Jude 11; Revelation 2:14; 2 Peter 2:14-16). Whatever the position, the episode that followed the invitation extended to Balaam by Balak to curse Israel is full of diverse lessons which are the focus of this study. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To understand Balaam’s identity and why Balak sent for him.To appreciate some truths from the prophecies of Balaam.To examine some of Balaam’s errors.To understand that Christians should not fear curses.To highlight the danger in compromise. Q1. WHO WAS BALAAM AND WHY DID BALAK SEND FOR HIM? Joshua 13:22; Numbers 22:2-6, 24:2-4; 2 Peter 2:15-16 Balam was the son of Beor, a king of Edom (Genesis 36:1-32), who settled in Pethor, beyond the river Euphrates in Mesopotamia.  He was not an Israelite but an internationally known priest-diviner who had a widespread reputation of having ability to prophesy and pronounce a curse or blessing upon people.  Israel defeated Sihon, King of the Amorites who refused them passage through his land and took possession of all the land north of the river Armon which was the northern border of Moab, as they moved north, they defeated King Og of Bashan who ruled over sixty cities at Edrei (Deuteronomy 3:1-12).  These exploits together with the numerical strength of Israel kept Balak the King of Moab jittering.  He confessed that Israel who was coming out of Egypt has covered the face of the earth and a people too powerful for him to handle.  The people of Israel were a great multitude, and their mere presence in the plains of Moab put fear into Balak, the King of the Moabites.  He therefore schemed to get the nation of Israel cursed by Balaam with the hope that divination and incantations against Israel will cause their defeat.  Balak then sent a powerful delegate with the rewards of divination in their hands requesting Balaam to come immediately to place a curse on Israel to enable Balak and his men prevail against them. Q2. WHAT TRUTHS CAN WE LEARN FROM THE PROPHECIES OF BALAAM? Numbers 23:7-10, 19-23, 24:9 As long as sin and perverseness were not found in Israel, God’s presence, blessings and hands of protection was with them.  Thus, Balaam got it right when he asked “But how can I...

read more

THE CHALLENGES OF OUR TIME:PRESSURE TO CONFORM TO THE PATTERN OF THE WORLD, February 6th, 2022

Posted by on 10:18 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on THE CHALLENGES OF OUR TIME:PRESSURE TO CONFORM TO THE PATTERN OF THE WORLD, February 6th, 2022

THE CHALLENGES OF OUR TIME:PRESSURE TO CONFORM TO THE PATTERN OF THE WORLD, February 6th, 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT Friendship with the world is enmity with God. HYMN:  I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR TEXT: Rom. 12:1-2; James 4:4-8; Dan. 1:3-20, 3:8-18 INTRODUCTION The Christian life is full of challenges.  However, in the world of changing values the believer is expected to live a life of non-conformity to the world no matter the pressure.  The believer who has made heaven their goal must steer clear from worldliness in its various forms and shades. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To understand what it entails to conform to the pattern of the world.To know why believers are under pressure to conform to the way of the world.To identify the pressures that God’s people faced, their reactions and the outcome.To know how to cope with the pressures. BIBLE TRUTH: Q1. IN WHAT AREAS ARE WE UNDER PRESSURE TO CONFORM TO THE PATTERN OF THE WORLD? GIVE PRACTICLE EXAMPLES. A. In the way we acquire and handle money. The place of money in one’s life cannot be over emphasized.  The Scripture says that ‘money answereth all things.’  There are many acceptable ways of acquiring money that can be considered godly.  However, there are several ways of making money which believers should not be involved in.  Money is also supposed to be our servant.  Unfortunately, many believers have turned it to be their master.  The money acquired in an ungodly way will equally be wrongly handled.  For instance, a business man/woman who indulges in false measure or worker who falsifies figures cannot be innocent. B. In our relationship with people. The song writer says “let others see Jesus in you”.  Our faithfulness and comportment in relationship with people around us is a proof of Christ’s Lordship and Mastership over our lives.  Godly relationships is void of compromise and worldly conformity.  The ideology of “I will repent after or it does not matter God understands” is the devil’s end time doctrine. C. The way we pass our examinations. There is a high level of examination malpractice in our educational system today because of too much importance that is attached to paper qualification.  The believer should be diligent/hardworking, trusting and believing that God will grant him success.  They should never be involved in exam malpractice.  The believer should aim to excel in his studies like Daniel. D. In our professions. The believer is also under pressure to conform to the pattern of the world in their profession.  For example, an Accountant or Auditor who wants to stand as a believer may be pressured to compromise by the ‘higher power’ in the system but there is enough grace for those who want to stand firm. E. In our religious practices that are not based on the word of God. The stress of life has driven some believers to prayer houses where heretic practices prevail.  Unwholesome practices like sensual songs and dances, spraying of money on preachers are prominent in churches and whosoever refuses to participate will be taken as a ‘holier than thou’ person. Q2. WHY ARE WE UNDER PRESSURE TO CONFORM TO THE WAY OF THE WORLD?  SEE  EPH. 2:1-5 At creation, man was made in God’s image: holy and righteous.  When he sinned, man became separated from God.  Christ came and liberated as many as believe in Him, John 1:12. ...

read more

THE SIN OF REBELLION, January 30th, 2022

Posted by on 7:47 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on THE SIN OF REBELLION, January 30th, 2022

THE SIN OF REBELLION, January 30th, 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT Rebellion is rejection of Gods authority. HYMN:  I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR TEXT: Numbers 16:1-33, 40-45, 1 Samuel 15:1-23 Reading text: 1 Samuel 15:1-23 INTRODUCTION Rebellion is standing in opposition to God and His word. In the Scriptures, the sin of rebellion is likened unto the sin of witchcraft, which is an abomination before the Lord. It manifests itself as stubbornness, wickedness and gross disobedience. Satan rebelled against the authority of God from the beginning and is actively recruiting men and women who make themselves available to do the same. Sadly, some believers have yielded themselves to the subtle allurements of Satan to rebel against God and His constituted authority on earth. Church ordinances are flagrantly disobeyed in the name of modernization; the Bible, which is God’s infallible word/constitution for mankind, is relegated to the background, among others. No generation has probably been more willing to disobey God’s word than the present, and it is a trend we must check. Rebellion incurs the wrath of God, (1 Samuel 15:23) and brings calamities/death/destruction. God expects total obedience and anything short of this is abhorrent to Him. Believers must guard against rebellion in every way and resist its manifestations. In this lies the blessing of God. LESSON OBJECTIVES It is aimed that at the end of this lesson: To understand the meaning of rebellion.To know how rebellion manifests.To know the consequences of rebellion. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. WHAT IS REBELLION? It means to fight against, resist authority, refuse allegiance to constituted authority, refuse to submit to legal, civil or spiritual authority etc. Rebellion begins with disobedience and if not curbed, soon leads to a way of life that rejects instruction or authority. It manifests in several ways and against authorities such as: A. The Church: (Matt. 18:17-18, 16:18). The church is God’s institution and authority on earth. God has given to the church authority to bind and loose. Therefore, believers must see the church as God’s agency and submit themselves under her authority as a way of submitting to God. The church is the body of Christ and the Lord Jesus Christ is the head. However, some believers do not have this understanding and thus disregard Church leaders and ministers and the ordinances of the church. Believers are encouraged to desist from this practice which is displeasing to the Lord and capable of attracting His wrath. B. The Family: (Eph. 6:1-4,Gen. 2:24). This is another of God’s constituted authorities on earth; the duties and responsibilities of every member of the family unit is spelt out by God in His word. These are often abused today. Prominent among them is that children no longer want to submit to the authority of their parents, who are God ordained leaders of the home. In choice of marriage partners, friends, dressing, church attendance etc., children rebel against their parents and by extension, God. C. the Government: (Rom. 13:1-7). Every government is ordained by God and it behooves every believer to obey its laws. Believers should not be truce breakers. They must obey government agencies, obey traffic lights, pay taxes, electricity, water bills etc. This also is a service unto God. Q2. FORMS OF REBELLION IN THE CHURCH. As earlier discussed, rebellion manifests in divers’ ways in the church, from a seemingly innocuous comment to...

read more

OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT, January 23rd, 2022

Posted by on 11:33 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT, January 23rd, 2022

OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT, January 23rd, 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT Consider the LORD that endured such contradiction of sinners, and faint not. HYMN: HO! MY COMRADES! SEE THE SIGNAL… TEXT: Numbers 14:1-4, 1 King 19:2-4, 15-18, Matt. 11:2-6 INTRODUCTION      The Reader’s Digest Great Illustrated Dictionary defines “discourage” as “to cause someone to lose confidence, hope, enthusiasm or spirit; to be disheartened or daunted; to dissuade or deter”. Discouragement therefore means the act of discouraging. Everyone who accepts Jesus Christ as Lord is called to a race, a pilgrimage, a way of life on earth. This requires a daily exercise of confidence in God’s character and His word. Based on this confidence, we are expected to pattern our lives according to His word and to seek to please Him daily in every area. However, there are experiences that could make us lose our confidence in God or cause our zeal or enthusiasm to diminish or cease altogether. When this happens, we may inwardly develop doubts about God’s character and faithfulness to His word. The individual may gradually become lukewarm or indifferent to the things of God though maintaining an outward appearance of religion. In this lesson we shall look at the experiences of God’s people in the scriptures and seek to understand such situations and how best to handle them. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To examine the possible cause of discouragement.To understand why God allows us to go through life challenges.To appreciate how to overcome discouragement. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. WHAT EXPERIENCES  IN LIFE MAY CAUSE DISCOURAGEMENT? A. Passing through trials or circumstances that we feel ill-equipped to handle (Number 14:1-4). The Israelites were glad when God delivered them from slavery and looked forward eagerly to the promised land flowing with milk and honey. They could not understand why they had to go through hunger, thirst, and the path of hostile tribes on their journey. Also, most of those sent to spy out the promised land reported it was full of giants and the cities with impenetrable walls. They had soon forgotten the mighty hand of God that brought them out of Egypt, and only focused on their own limitations. So, they set about choosing a leader to lead them back to Egypt. Similarly, when we are saved, we often find it difficult to comprehend why God permits us to pass through difficulties, trials, and very demanding circumstances. We then wonder why He wouldn’t make the journey smooth, rosy and stress free! God’s answer to the Israelites, and us is in Deut. 8:2-3. The trials and challenges He lets us go through are to train us not to rely on ourselves but to trust in Him, who is our strength. They are aimed at building character in us preparing us for greater fruit- fullness and responsibility in the vineyard and in the new age to come. B. Facing persecution and ridicule in God’s service (1 King 19:2-4, 13-18, Matt. 11:2-6, 5:11-12). John the Baptist towards the end of his life on earth sent his followers to ask Jesus if He was really the one to come! He had been imprisoned for standing for the truth. But the pressure of imprisonment (physical, emotional, and psychological) may have prompted the questions he posed at the Lord Jesus Christ. However, the answer the Lord sent back calmed...

read more

PUTTING AWAY LYING, January 16th, 2022

Posted by on 5:31 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on PUTTING AWAY LYING, January 16th, 2022

PUTTING AWAY LYING, January 16th, 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHT Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD. (Prov. 12:22a). HYMN: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD TEXT: Prov. 6:16-19, Acts 5:1-11, Eph. 4:25 INTRODUCTION Lying can be defined as an expression of an untrue state of a matter. It can also mean giving false impression about a matter in order to mislead. Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). The first act of lying Satan practiced with man was in the Garden of Eden, when he misled Adam to disobey God. Lying is a grievous offence before God, and He hates it (Prov. 6:16-19). Lying is the foundation of every evil activity. Unfortunately, it has become the most common practice among human race. Every crime begins with telling a lie. Satan has so much polluted human mind that people now tell lies freely as if it is a way of life. Some people trivialize it, describing it with terms such as “white lie”, “black lie”, “hard lie” or, “a soft lie”. A lie is a lie and lying is sin. The Bible says that the punishment for the sin of lying is destruction (Prov. 19:9). Just as the sin of murder can lead a man to hell, so lying can. Consider the case of Ananias and Saphira. They died for telling a lie. The characteristic of a lie is such that is does not stand alone. When a lie is told, it quickly attracts several of its association to make it stand as if it is the truth. It is so dangerous that is can easily entangle anyone who collaborates with it. It seeks to gratify the desires of the flesh, so it has become a societal norm, and only very few people can recognize the danger of being involved in it. The opposite of the lie is truth. While lie gives a false impression about a thing in order to mislead, truth presents a factual existence of reality, sincerity in action, character and utterance. Only a regenerated man who lives in obedience to the Spirit of God that dwells in him can avoid lying. In this study we shall be focusing on the dangers of lying and how one can be delivered from lying spirit. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To examine Ananias & Sapphira as a case study.To discuss the common lies and their consequences as they relate to:PoliticsTrading/businessChurch leaders and the led,Relationships and marriagesTo explain and discuss the dangers of lyingTo examine how someone can be delivered from lying spirit. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. USING THE LIFE OF ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA, DISCISS THE CONSEQUENCES OF LYING? ACTS 5:1-11 Ananias and Sapphira were husband and wife, who were members of the early church. The Bible recorded that both of them (husband and wife) died on the same day, within three-hour intervals because of a lie. They sold part of their possessions and brought a portion of the proceeds to the Apostles to be distributed among the brethren. They wanted to be like Barnabas, who had earlier sold his piece of land and surrendered the entire proceeds to the Apostles, out of a genuine love for the brethren. When Ananias and Saphira were asked by Peter whether the amount they brought was the price for the possession sold, they answered in the...

read more

THE MAN THAT GOD USES, January 9th, 2022

Posted by on 8:31 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on THE MAN THAT GOD USES, January 9th, 2022

THE MAN THAT GOD USES, January 9th, 2022

CENTRAL THOUGHTGod will use a man that is yielded to Him. HYMN: TAKE MY LIFE, AND LET IT BE TEXT: Daniel 1:8, 6:1-5; Luke 14:25-27; Ephesians 2:10, 5:17; 2 Timothy 2:19-21 INTRODUCTION The Scripture is full of the accounts of men and women who encountered God, experienced transformed lives and were used mightily by Him. From Abraham, Daniel, Esther, in the Old Testament to Peter and Paul in the New Testament; these were men and women of like passions like us but who had encounters with God that set them apart for His use. While it is God who takes the initiative to reach out to man, the Scriptures show that how well or how useful we are in God’s hands depends largely on us: the states of our hearts, our innate desires and the daily exercise/submission of our wills. The Scriptures state in 1 Corinthians 12 that everyone who gets saved belongs to the body of Christ since we are all baptized by His Spirit into His body. It further shows that every part of the body is useful. Every part has a predetermined function which God intends for it to grow up maximally into. But what happens if the members of the body are ignorant or the body part has a “disease” that paralyzes it and makes it nonfunctional or diminishes its functionality? In this study, we look up to the Lord by His Spirit to teach us from the experience of God’s people how we can be more useful to Him. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To understand the requirements necessary to be used by God.To understand some qualities that endear a man to God for service.To distinguish between religious service to please men and genuine service in God’s vineyard. BIBLE TRUTH Q1A. WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS OF BEING USED OF GOD? A. Being born again: Ephesians 2:10 states that believers are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works. The first requirement for service is that a man must be born again. Work in God’s vineyard is only for the new creation whose sins have been washed away and who share in the nature of God and have their names written in heaven, Hebrews 12:23. These are God’s sons and His sons are led by Him, Romans 8:14. A man must consciously decide to turn away from sin and then receive pardon from Christ. Only then can such persons qualify for use by God. We find the examples of the sons of Sceva who wanted to cast out demons without being saved and Bar-Jesus who wanted the gift of the Holy Spirit without being saved. Cornelius was a religious man but God had to arrange for him to hear the gospel and repent to enable him obtain mercy in His eyes. B. Denying oneself and carrying ones’ cross daily, Luke 14:25-27 The Master insists that those that desire to follow Him must first deny themselves. Self here may represent our concepts of life and fulfillment, our desires and ambitions that have no spiritual focus. In spiritual terms, self may embody our concepts of service and status in the kingdom and our cravings for position and relevance in places of worship.C. Being filled with the Holy Spirit: Another requirement is to be...

read more

WISDOM FOR DAILY LIVING, January 2nd, 2022

Posted by on 2:38 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on WISDOM FOR DAILY LIVING, January 2nd, 2022

WISDOM FOR DAILY LIVING, January 2nd, 2022

  CENTRAL THOUGHT  A believer should comport himself wisely in his daily life. HYMN: STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF GOD TEXT: Matt. 6:25-34,   Luke 12:22-36   INTRODUCTION    THE Word of God  declares “Wisdom is the principal  thing; therefore, get wisdom: and  with all thy getting get  understanding. (Proverbs 4:7).  There is no doubt that everyone  needs wisdom in our day-to-day  assignments or engagements.  Today’s world appears so  complex that we need to exercise  a lot of wisdom in making our  choices, maintaining relationships, applying ourselves  to our jobs, facing the challenges  of life etc. The lack of wisdom  and/or perhaps the lack of the  expression of it have resulted in  broken marriages, loss of jobs,  and ruined ministries etc.  Therefore, wisdom and its  application in our daily living is  very important. The aim of this  lesson is to encourage the believer  to have wisdom and apply it in the  course of daily living.  LESSON OBJECTIVES   The objectives of this study are:   1. Knowing what true wisdom is, it’s source and how it  can be obtained.   2. Understanding how this wisdom can be applied in daily  living.   3. To appropriate the virtue of contentment that comes  through the wisdom of not worrying about tomorrow.   BIBLE TRUTH   Q1. WHAT IS WISDOM?   Wisdom is defined in the  Oxford Advanced Learner’s  Dictionary as “The ability to  make sensible decisions and give  good advice because of the  experience and knowledge that  you have”. Dake’s Annotated  Bible Commentary defined  wisdom as “that which enables  men to judge what are the best  ends and the best means of  attaining them. Prudence is  practical wisdom applied in the  best time and manner to secure  the best ends”… Thus, man was  created to be wise but when he fell  as recorded in Gen. 3:1-7, his  wisdom became corrupted, so  man today in various situations  may use his wisdom to achieve  selfish, disastrous and evil ends.  True wisdom therefore is one  that is controlled by the HOLY  SPIRIT, who dwells in every  believer. GOD Himself is the  SOURCE of this wisdom and its expression begins with the fear of  the Lord (Prov. 1:7). This wisdom  is given to anyone who surrenders  his/her life to CHRIST and  promises to live for HIM all the  days of his/her life. It is part of the  package of the new life  experience (2 Cor. 5:17).  However, the believer must learn  to be sensitive to the  guidance/leading of the HOLY  SPIRIT for the full expression of  this wisdom in daily life.   Q2. HOW IS THE WISDOM TO BE APPLIED IN THE DAILY OBLIGATIONS OF CHRISTIANS?   Luke 1:74-75, Acts 17:11,  Joshua 1:8, Psalm 86:3, 88:9,  Luke 9:23, Heb. 3:12-13, Matt.  6:11   The Christian has several  obligations (spiritual and  physical) in life. These  obligations constitute his daily  life, and must include praying and  studying the Bible, attending fellowships, going to  work/school/business place,  staying with the family etc. With  such an array of  activities/obligations, the believer  needs a lot of wisdom to ensure  that there is no conflict while  adhering to the “bottom line” of it  all i.e. that of taking up the cross  and following/serving the Lord  daily.   When as a student one has  an assignment, it may be a mark  of wisdom to get the assignment  done before the date due for  submission so...

read more

JESUS CHRIST, THE GREAT AND ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST, December 26th, 2021

Posted by on 11:32 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on JESUS CHRIST, THE GREAT AND ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST, December 26th, 2021

JESUS CHRIST, THE GREAT AND ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST, December 26th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT Jesus Christ, our Great and Eternal High Priest. HYMN: CHRIST HATH REDEEMED US TEXT: Heb 4:14-16; 5:1-6; 7:23-28 INTRODUCTION The position of the High priest in the Old Testament was a key one. The High priest was a mediator between the Most High God and men. He supervised and ensured that sacrifices were carried out well and as when due. Though the High Priest offered sacrifices, they were not sufficient to cleanse man from his/her sins. All the sacrifices done were to cover the iniquities and not to purge them out of men. These sacrifices were for himself (i.e. the High Priest) and the entire congregation of Israel, by using animals that had no defect/ blemish. The New Testament church is not left without a High Priest. In this study, we shall be looking at the Lord Jesus Christ our only Great and Eternal High Priest. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: Know who a High Priest was in Old Testament and his duties.Understand the superiority of Christ’s priesthood.Appreciate how Christ is touched by the feelings of our infirmities.Understand the sinless nature of Christ and the challenges it poses for the Christians of today.Know the present ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the benefit to the believer. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. WHAT WERE THE DUTIES OF THE HIGH PRIEST IN THE OLD TESTAMENT? For the purpose of our study, a priest is someone who is ordained and authorized to minister to a congregation as a pastor; he is a shepherd to the flock. It follows therefore that a high priest though a priest, is distinguished from others as the head, the leader, on who instructs and directs the affairs of the priesthood, having other priests under him. The high priest is the head priest and is also regarded as the Chief Priest (2 Kings.25:18). In the Bible, High Priests were called and ordained of God to minister to Him and offer both gifts and sacrifices (Heb.8:3) amongst others for the sins of men. They were chosen by God and in the Old Testament, their children also were consecrated and set apart for service in the Priesthood as clearly illustrated in the case of Aaron, Eli, and Samuel. (Num.18:7; Ex.28:43; Ex.29:9; Ex.40:15). The Old Testament High Priest were basically mediators, between God and man. They interceded on behalf of the congregation, and pronounced benedictions (Num.6:22-27; 2Chr.30:27). In addition, they instructed the Israelites on the laws/ways of God. (Deut.24:8; 31:9-13; Mal.2:7). The class should mention others. Q2. FROM THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURES, EXPLAIN THE SUPERIORITY OF CHRIST PRIESTHOOD. Heb.4: 14-16; 7:15-28; 8:6; 6:20. The priesthood of Christ is a superior to the Levitical priesthood. His priesthood is endless; it is forever. Men’s priesthood end at their death and are succeeded. (Heb.7:23). Christ priesthood is forever, it is not transferable and it is an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore, His priesthood is both human as well as divine (Heb.2:17; 3:1) but it was divinely appointed (Heb.5:5). While the Levitical priesthood (i.e. priesthood ordained from the tribe of Levi) needed animals that were without blemishes for sacrifices to atone for their sins and those of the congregation to make them acceptable to God, Christ Himself was holy, undefiled, pure and sinless. (Heb.7:26). Also, the priest of the Levitical order needed daily sacrifice on a...

read more