Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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THE ESSENCE OF THANKSGIVING, December 19th, 2021

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THE ESSENCE OF THANKSGIVING, December 19th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT Thanksgiving is an expression of gratitude from the heart to the LORD. TEXT: Genesis 4:3-7; Psalm 34:1-3, 107:20-32, 124:1-8; Luke 17:11-19 INTRODUCTION Thanksgiving is a show of appreciation for the good that one has received from another. As Christians, the Scriptures admonish us to be thankful to God always in all things. When we express thanks for what has been done for us, we simply place ourselves in position to attract more blessings. Unfortunately, we complain and grumble over what we think God has ‘failed’ to do for us and lose sight of the numerous things He has done for which we should be thankful to Him. We will always see the need to give thanks to God, if we reflect on the countless mercies and favor He lavishes on us. As children of God, we should not wait until we are pushed before we see the need to thank Him. This lesson is to stimulate us to thank God at the slightest opportunity without being cajoled. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: 1.) 1. To understand what thanksgiving is. 2.) To identify some reasons why we should thank God. 3.) To discuss what we should thank God with. 4.) To identify some hindrances to thanksgiving. 5.) To discuss what should be the right attitude of Christians to thanksgiving. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. WHAT IS THANKSGIVING? In trying to explain thanksgiving, let us first look at the words separately, for instance, thanks and giving. Thanksgiving is expressing one’s gratitude or telling somebody that you are grateful for something that has been done, while giving is a continuous process of handing something to somebody to look at, use or keep or hand something to somebody as a present. We can therefore say that thanksgiving is telling God that we are grateful for what He has done for us and showing Him gratitude in the process. We should thank God from the depth of our hearts. Q2. IDENTIFY SOME REASONS WHY WE SHOULD THANK GOD. There are so many reasons why we must thank God always. We will mention just a few in this study. The first reason why we should thank God is that He made us in His image and likeness. We had no choice in deciding what we should be, it is purely god’s decision to make us human. He could have decided to make us reptiles or any kind of animal or anything else, but out of His love, He made us who we are. Scripture says, “God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them”, Genesis 1:27. For this we should be thankful. Secondly, that we are alive is another reason why we should thank God. It pleases God to give us life and we are not dead is worth thanking God for. Most times, we are quick at seeing our colleagues or ‘mates’ we consider ‘better’ than us and so do not see why we should thank God. We are however not quick to see those who are dead and therefore have no hope of doing anything to improve their situation. As it is often said, the miracle of sleeping and waking is the greatest miracle, so we must thank God for this. Thirdly,...

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THE BIRTH OF CHRIST, PART2, December 12th, 2021

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THE BIRTH OF CHRIST, PART2, December 12th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT The Birth of Christ brought redemption to mankind. TEXT: Luke 2:1-20 INTRODUCTION Every birth is a miracle and every child is a gift from God. Over twenty centuries ago, there was a truly miraculous birth as the Son of God was born a man. With a divine Father and a human mother, Jesus entered history as God in human flesh. Luke began his story with angels appearing to Zacharias and then Mary, telling them of the birth of their son, Mary would conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear Jesus, the son of God. To help fulfill God’s promises concerning His birth place, Caesar Augustus declared a census which made Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem where the child Jesus   was born. Angels announced the joyous event to shepherds who rushed to see for themselves, praised God and spread the news. In this study, we shall be looking at where he was born and his mission on earth. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To examine the place where Christ was born.To consider the visit of the wise men.To examine the purpose of his birth.To consider whether it is right to celebrate the birth of Christ. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. WHERE WAS JESUS BORN AND WHAT DOES THIS REVEAL ABOUT HIS NATURE AND CHARACTER? Luke 1:26-27; 2:4, Luke 2:7; Micah 5:2; Zechariah 9:9 In Luke 2:7 we read, “And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Jesus was born in Bethlehem as was foretold. Bethlehem which signifies the house of bread was the proper place for the one who is the bread of life   to   be born. Swaddling clothes were strips of cloth used to keep a baby warm and give it a sense of security. They were believed to protect its internal organs. He was born in a stable. Stables were often caves with feeding troughs carved into the rock walls. The surroundings were dark and dirty, an atmosphere the Jews least expect to be the birth place of the Messiah king they expected to be born in a royal surrounding. His birth depicts humility. The baby Jesus in a manger lived an amazing life, died for us, ascended to heaven and will come back to this earth as king of kings. He will rule the world and judge all people according to their decisions about Him. Q2. WHY DID THE WISE MEN VISIT THE BABY JESUS? Luke 1:28-29, Matthew 2:1, 9-11 Although not much is known about the wise men as per where they came from or how many they were, they were men of high position from Parthia near the site of ancient Babylon. These men from a faraway land recognized Jesus as the Messiah, but most of God’s chosen people in Israel did not. The wise men said they saw Jesus’ star. In Numbers 24: 17, we read in part “. . .. there shall come a Star out of Jacob and a scepter shall rise out of Israel, . ..”. This star out of Jacob is often thought to refer to the coming Messiah. These wise men may have been Eastern astrologers who studied ancient manuscripts around the world to know what...

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THE BIRTH OF CHRIST (PART 1), December 5th, 2021

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THE BIRTH OF CHRIST (PART 1), December 5th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT The birth of Jesus Christ brought redemption to mankind. HYMN: HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING TEXT: Matthew 1:1-25 INTRODUCTION For over 400 years since the last Old Testament prophecies, the Jews waited for a leader who had been promised centuries before by inspired prophets. They believed that this leader would rescue them from their Roman oppressors and establish a new kingdom, but overlooked the prophecies which spoke of Him as a suffering servant who would be rejected and killed. Matthew, one of Jesus twelve disciples began his book by showing how Jesus Christ was a descendant of David. He went on to show that God did not send Jesus to be an earthly king, but a heavenly king whose kingdom is greater than David’s because it has no end. In this study, we shall be looking at the birth of this great and unique man that has transformed the lives of humanity. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: 1.) To examine some prophecies concerning the birth of Christ. 2.) To examine the encouragements, we can derive from the fulfillment of these prophecies. 3.) To understand the genealogy of Jesus Christ. 4.) To examine the significance of the virgin birth of Christ. 5.) To examine the character of Joseph. BIBLE TRUTH Q1A. EXAMINE THE FOLLOWING PROPHESIES CONCERNING THE BIRTH OF CHRIST. Genesis 3:15, 49:10; Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7 & Micah 5:2 In Genesis 3:15, we read “And I will put enmity between the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel”. As God was passing sentences on man for his disobedience, He made a gracious promise of Christ as the deliverer of fallen man from the power of Satan. This promise was made to the hearing of our first parents, who doubtless, saw a door of hope opened to them. Our enemy will do anything he can do to get us to follow his evil path. God magnifies His grace in that though the woman was first in the transgression, yet she shall be saved in child bearing, i.e. by the promised seed who shall descend from her. “The scepter shall not depart from Judah. . .” Genesis 49:10. This meant that Judah’s line would produce the promised Messiah, Jesus. “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son . . . Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14. Prophet Isaiah in God’s name gave a sign of goodwill to Israel and to the house of David. In Isaiah 9:6-7, God also promised His people a Savior that will bring light to their dark world. He promised to send a Light who would shine on everyone living in the shadow of death. This light is both Might God (all powerful) and Counselor (all loving). In Micah 5:2, Prophet Micah accurately predicted Christ’s birthplace hundreds of years before He was born.  Bethlehem signifies the house of bread, the fittest place for Him to be born in whom is the bread of life. Also, because it was the city of David, by a special providence, it was ordered the He should be born there. Q2. WHAT ENCOURAGEMENT CAN WE DERIVE FROM THE FULFILLMENT OF THESE PROPHESIES? Habakkuk 2:3 reads, “For the vision is yet for an appointed time,...

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ATTRIBUTES OF GOD, November 28th, 2021

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ATTRIBUTES OF GOD, November 28th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT Knowing God’s attributes strengthens the believer’s confidence in Him. HYMN: OH, WORSHIP THE KING TEXT: Ps 139:1-12; Job 34:21-22; Heb 4:12-13 INTRODUCTION Attribute can be defined as a quality or characteristics given, or regarded as a natural or typical part of a person that distinguishes him from his contemporaries. The attributes of an individual are sometimes recognized from the proficiency with which he carries out his activities. It brings out the peculiarities in its possessor. Discussing the attributes of God requires the understanding that God is a Spirit as opposed to natural beings. His attributes are typical expression of His being and they are inherent. God is unlimited by time, space and power. His attributes include Sovereign, Immortal, Invincible, Wise, Holy, True, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Eternal, Alpha and Omega, I am that I am (the Unchanging one), Ancient of days, King of Glory, Rock of Ages etc. Of all the attributes, we shall be discussing only three in this study OMNIPRESENT, OMNIPOTENT and OMINISCIENT. God is the supreme authority in Heaven and earth and He alone is worthy of our worship. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To understand the attributes of God.To understand what should be our attribute towards God, as a result of our knowledge of His attributes.To examine the benefits of knowing God’s attributes. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. BRIEFLY DISCUSS WHAT YOU UNDERSTAND ABOUT THE FOLLOWING ATTRIBUTE OF GOD. A.   Omnipresent: The word omnipresent refers to a state of being present everywhere at the same time. This characteristic is commonly used in religious context and it is bestowed only on God. With the full knowledge of God’s omnipresent nature, the Psalmist declared “I can never escape from your (God) presence, I can never get away from your presence” (Ps.139:7 (NLT).    In    John’s gospel, Jesus (as God) demonstrated His attribute of Omnipresence when He said Nathaniel “Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee” (John 1:48). He already knew Nathaniel before the two met. In Jeremiah 23:24, god said “Can any hide himself in secret places that I should not see him? Do not I fill heaven and earth?” God, by this statement confirmed to the people of Jeremiah’s time that truly He is Omnipresent. B.   Omnipotent: Omnipotent is defined as Almighty or infinite in power; having great or unlimited authority or power; all powerful; supreme or unrestricted ability. This is what God is saying when He declared, “From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done.” (Isa.43:13 (NLT). Nebuchadnezzar declared of Him, “And all inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, what doest thou?” (Dan.4:35). It is unthinkable to expect to see any human being who can manifest these attributes. Of course, only the Lord God, who created the world out of nothing. C.   Omniscient: Omniscient is the ability or capacity to know everything about all things, – ‘All knowing including situations and circumstances; past, present and future; thoughts, feelings and character. Having knowledge and foreknowledge of all occurrences. God sees all things; even death...

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THE COMFORT OF GOD’S PRESENCE, November 21st, 2021

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THE COMFORT OF GOD’S PRESENCE, November 21st, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT God’s presence in the believer’s life guarantees victory through life’s challenges. HYMN: I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR TEXT: Exo 33:1-16; Ps 91:1-12; Isa 43:1-2 INTRODUCTION: The Chambers Dictionary 20th century defines the word comfort as: to relieve from pain or distress; to strengthen; to soothe; whatever gives ease or enjoyment. The same dictionary defined presence as: Being in a place in question, readily found or existing in the thing in question. The comfort of God’s presence in context of this study therefore is: the strength we have from God, the relief we get by God’s existence in us when we go through life’s huddles, battles and challenges. This is the encouragement the believer gets from God even when no one understands what he/she is going through. This same presence was what the children of Israel carried on their way from Egypt to Canaan, being evidenced in pillar of fire by night and pillar of cloud by day-Exo.13:21; water flowing from the rock as in Exo.17:1-7, Quail and Manna from heaven as in Exo.16. In contemporary time, there are testimonies of people who have experienced God in His power as the Israelites did. It’s God’s intentions that we all should carry His presence. The Lord’s presence in a nation, community, church and individual’s life is very vital for victory, security/safety and excellence. In times like this we need to experience the blessedness of God’s presence. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To understand how we can experience God’s presence and maintain same.To understand what it means to be conscious of His presence.To know the hindrances to His presence.To appreciate the benefits of His presence. BIBLE TRUTH: Q1. HOW CAN WE EXPERIENCE GOD’S PRESENCE AND MAINTAIN IT? The knowledge that God is everywhere as stated in Ps.139:1- 3 is of no benefit until it is appreciated by man. An individual, church and society need the presence of God. This presence is God himself dwelling in man. All must desire this. The following steps that must be taken to experience and maintain God’s presence. a.  Be Born Again: John 3:1-7 A man cannot know God until he repents, forsake his sins and gives his life to the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the foundation of man’s relationship with God. b.     Being filled with the Holy Spirit: God indwells man by the Holy Spirit. The believer must therefore ask God for His baptism. He is the Comforter. John 14:16-17. c.     Obedience to God and His word: John. 14:15-18; James.1:22. God’s presence is guaranteed continually when we live in obedience to Him. d. Be righteous before God. Ps. 140:13; 15:1-5 God cannot dwell in unholy temple. His eyes are too pure to behold sin. e. Consistent study of God’s word. 1 Pet.2:2. The believer must make conscious effort to study God’s word. It’s the word that God will use to comfort when the need arises. f.    Maintain a prayerful life: 1 Thess.5:17; Luke 18:1. The believer must consistently stay in God’s presence in prayer. If Jesus could not do without prayer, we should follow our Master’s example. g. Do not forsake the assembly of the brethren. Heb 10:25 Iron sharpeneth iron. There is an aspect of God’s presence you experience from corporate fellowship. h. Watch the company you keep: 1Cor.15:33 Evil communication corrupts...

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RELATIONSHIP IN THE CHURCH: WALKING IN LOVE, November 14th, 2021

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RELATIONSHIP IN THE CHURCH: WALKING IN LOVE, November 14th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT The believer’s love for the lord determines the expression of his/her love for others. HYMN: OH WHAT FELLOWSHIP, O WHAT JOY IS MINE TEXT: Luke 6:20-37, Rom.12:10-21 INTRODUCTION: The church (Ekklesia in Greek language) is the company of people called out of the world by Christ unto Himself and this call is primarily that of love. (Rom.5:6-8). Therefore, the church is the assembly of believers who can trace their spiritual origin to the common love root of the Lord Jesus Christ, by reason of their calling and response. These people are a new race found in the different local Churches of different denominations. One thing is common with them-they are born of Christ and easily relate or connect with each other wherever they meet because they possess the same spirit of Christ. If we belong to Christ, we will embrace one another. It is therefore wrong to trace Christian relationship from the human end. It must be sourced from the God-end. When the relationship with God is deep, lovely and healthy, a believer effortlessly relates well with those of the house-hold of God and those outside it. He/she is merely reflecting the love light of Christ in him/her. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: Understand what relationship in the Christian fold means.Appreciate the demonstrations of love in relationships.Appreciate the benefits of demonstrating love relationship. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY LOVE RELATIONSHIP IN THE CHRISTIAN FOLD? Each believer as we have seen, received the call of love from Jesus Christ. As such, the members of the Christian fold are connected by the same cord of love. All their interactions with each other are propelled by love which comes from Christ. We are admonished in scriptures to love one another even as the Lord Jesus loved us. (1 John 4:10-12); and by this love people will know that we are His disciples (John 13:35). It is that love relationship exhibited among the members that attracts non-believers to Christ for salvation (John 13:34- 35; 1Cor. 13). People, who are not connected with this love cord from Christ, cannot blend for too long in the fold. Such are the sources of confusion, rancor, and bitterness in the local churches. Q2.   HOW IS THIS LOVE RELATIONSHIP DEMONSTRATED? It is only those who are in the love root of Jesus Christ that can live out the love relationship towards God and man, by the indwelling Holy Spirit; because they possess the love seed in them. (Rom.5:5). Hence the exhortation which says “let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus”. (Phil.2:5; 1Cor.2:16). The mind of Christ as expressed throughout the scriptures, encourages believers to demonstrate this agape love relationship towards the following: a.) The Almighty God: “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly beloved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Eph.5:1-2 NIV). b.) The home: “Let brotherly love continue” (Heb.13:1) in the home (as well as in the church). “Wives, submit yourselves as unto the Lord” (Eph.5:22), while “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it”. (Eph 5:25). “Children obey your parents in the lord, for this is right....

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BUILDING GODLY SEED TO DO GREATER WORKS, November 7th, 2021

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BUILDING GODLY SEED TO DO GREATER WORKS, November 7th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT God expects believers to bring up their children in His fear and nurture. HYMN: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD TEXT: Gen 18:1-16; Deut 6:1-9; Prov 22:6 INTRODUCTION God’s desire for His children who are parents is that they should nurture, train and build Godly seed. This constitutes the bed rock from which the ability to do greater works is derived. This is God’s mandate for Christian parents. This divine injunction must be obeyed by all parents if they are to build Godly seeds for greater works. The task may seem enormous, but with the help of the Holy Spirit and through constant teaching and admonition in the word of God, our seed shall be built to do greater works. In this study, we shall be examining why and how we will accomplish this divine instruction. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To understand what “building Godly seed to do greater works” means.To discuss the common vices among children in society today and the consequences of these vices.To discuss the roles of the following in building Godly seed to do greater works: parents, the church, school and society.To know the responsibilities of the child in building Godly seed to do greater works.To Know the benefits of building Godly seed to do greater works. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. WHAT DO WE UNDERSTAND BY BUILDING GODLY SEED TO DO GREATER WORK? Building Godly seed to do greater works simply means bringing up our children to know, love, fear and serve God unreservedly with all their might and all their being. Children are gifts from God. He has given them to the parents to bring them up in such a way as to bring honor and glory to His name. God’s divine instruction to parents is “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6). This involves making a deliberate and concerted effort at bringing up our children according to the scriptural and biblical standards. They must be taught to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior and live daily to please Him in all things. It is only after this is accomplished that they can be fully equipped to do greater works. Q2. WHAT ARE THE COMMON VICES AMONG CHILDREN IN SOCIETY TODAY AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES? There are many vices among children in the society today. The commonest among them include crimes such as stealing, fraud, disobedience to parents and other properly constituted authorities, murder, terrorism,  kidnapping, fornication, rape, homosexuality, lesbianism, membership of secret cults and societies and the likes. The devil is also luring them into these vices through the internet where so many crimes are committed through the wrong use of     the technological advancements the world attained. Rather than using these to improve on their wellbeing and use these to honor God and advance God’s kingdom here on earth, they have used these to perpetrate evil in our society today. The consequences of these vices are numerous. There is breakdown of law and order in some segments of our society. Many people live daily in fear of being victims of one thing or the other. There is moral decadence in the society. The children will cause grief to the parents and other...

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THE HEALING OF THE SYROPHENICIAN WOMAN’S DAUGHTER, October 31st, 2021

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THE HEALING OF THE SYROPHENICIAN WOMAN’S DAUGHTER, October 31st, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT Persistent faith in God guarantees answered prayers. HYMN: WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS TEXT: Matt. 15:21-28, Mark 7:24-30 INTRODUCTION Christ left the borders of Israel after reproving the learned men of Jerusalem for their hypocrisy in making void the commandments of God by their traditions. He departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon which were two ancient principal cities of Phoenicia. Tyre and Sidon were port cities located north of Palestine on the East Coast of the Mediterranean area. During Christ’s visit there; the Syrophoenician woman approached Him to heal her demon possessed daughter. Despite being ignored of the Lord and resented by the disciples, she kept up her plea for mercy. Even when the Lord eventually answered her, she was told her request could not be granted since she was a Gentile. Even then, she chose to worship and persisted in her plea. When granting her request was likened to handing the children’s bread to dogs, she replied that she was content to get the crumbs that fell from the master’s table. Her unwavering faith and persistence got her request granted. The persistence demonstrated by this Gentile woman is an example of what is expected of believers when requesting God’s intervention in the face of daunting challenges. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: 1.) Reveal the identity of this woman from Canaan and her need. 2.) Show the Lord’s response and the disciples’ attitude towards her and her response to the situation. 3.) Explain what the healing of the Syrophenician woman’s daughter reveals about God’s power. 4.) Show the lessons we can learn from this woman’s resilience. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. HIGHLIGHT THE IDENTITY OF THIS WOMAN FROM CANAAN. Mark 7:26, Eph. 2:12, Deut. 7:1-2 The woman was a Greek from Phoenicia also called Syrophoenicia because it bordered upon Syria and so a Gentile who was a stranger to the commonwealth of Israel. She besought the Lord Jesus Christ to heal her daughter who was demon possessed. She was not a Jew but an alien who was not entitled to get anything as of right from God (Matt. 15:24). This woman must have heard of Christ’s healing ministry and so decided to seek help of Him for her daughter. Her way to getting her desired answer was not easy. She demonstrated faith and persistence which has become the hallmark of her testimony. Q2. WHAT WAS THE LORD’S INITIAL RESPONSE AND THE DISCIPLE’S ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE WOMAN? Matt 15:23 Matt. 15:23 “But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us”. The Lord seemingly ignored her because He answered her not a word. The disciples did not help matters. They saw her as a nuisance and demanded of the Lord to send her away. The Lord’s lack of response here should not be mistaken for lack of compassion. The Lord was perhaps waiting for the woman to manifest faith. The disciples attitude showed a lack of understanding of what Christ came to accomplish. It was not to send men away but to bring them back to God. Q3. DID JESUS’ STATEMENT IN MATT. 15:24 CONTRADICT THE TRUTH THAT GOD’S MESSAGE IS FOR ALL PEOPLE? Ps. 22:27, John 1:11-12, Eph. 3:1-11...

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FAITH THAT HEALS BARTIMAEUS’ CASE, October 24th, 2021

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FAITH THAT HEALS BARTIMAEUS’ CASE, October 24th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT God will answer the sincere requests made to Him. HYMN: WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS Text:    Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-42 Introduction: Blindness is a disability which makes an affected person incapacitated and unable to move freely like others. Bartimaeus found himself in this condition. The reason for which he had the problem was not disclosed. Today, various reasons or causes could be adduced by medical experts to be responsible for such predicaments. Bartimaeus must have made up his mind to overcome his situation. He must have been unsatisfied with moving with stick or being led by someone’s arm all his life. He refused however, to give up or resign to such a fate. Rather, he took the challenge and called on the Creator who has the ability to heal all manner of diseases, sicknesses and afflictions. Christ responded to His faith and healed him. By faith therefore, he lived the rest of his life in joy, testifying of the goodness of the Lord Jesus Christ to all. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To know who Bartimaeus was.To learn how we can regain freedom from bondages and afflictions of the devil.To learn how to approach God in prayers.To appreciate the fact that God still delivers from all kinds of problems today. Q1. WHO WAS BARTIMAEUS? Mark 10:46 Bartimaeus was the son to Timaeus. He was blind and sat by the roadside bedding for alms. He heard of the presence of Jesus Christ who was leaving Jericho on his final journey to Jerusalem and cried out for mercy. Q2A. WHAT PROMPTED BARTIMAEUS’ ACTIONS IN LUKE 18:36-38, ACTS 10:38? Bartimaeus realized who he was, his pitiable state, his ordeal in the condition, the personality, love and authority of Christ Jesus. Among the things that prompted him were these: He believed in Christ’s power to heal.He believed that Christ will have compassion on him,He trusted that God will honor his faith. The fact that Bartimaeus called Jesus the son of David showed that he recognized Him as the Messiah. His faith in the Lord Jesus as the Messiah brought about his healing. Q2B. WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TITLE “SON OF DAVID”? Luke 18:39, Isa. 11:1-3, 2 Sam. 7:16 Christ being called or acknowledged as the Son of David, is a declaration of the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ is the true and promised Messiah, whose reign is forever. It implies an acceptance of the Lordship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and a surrender to Him. It means accepting Him as the true and only redeemer of mankind. No wonder Bartimaeus saw Christ as the one that can see him through all problems and any problem he will ever encounter in life. Q3A. IDENTIFY THE OBSTACLES BARTIMAEUS FACED AND HOW HE HANDLED THEM. Luke 18:39 Bartimaeus was a blind beggar. In coming to Christ, Bartimaeus met with some obstacles. He had the crowd to content with. The crowd did not only try to stop him from reaching the Lord but also commanded him to keep quiet as he called on the Lord for mercy. His faith in the ability of the Messiah to heal and to deliver overcame these obstacles, because he shouted out the more. Q3B. WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES BEFORE US...

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FAITH THAT HEALS, October 17th, 2021

Posted by on 11:43 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on FAITH THAT HEALS, October 17th, 2021

FAITH THAT HEALS, October 17th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT Faith is believing God’s word firmly and acting on it. HYMN: WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS Text: Matt. 9:18-26, Mark 5:21- 43 Reading Text: Mark 5:21-43 Introduction: Faith is the assurance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:1). Faith is not a feeling or sense knowledge. It is simply and firmly believing that God is not a liar and that the Lord Jesus is not a deceiver; that the promises of God (including healing) are true when the conditions are met. Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood expressed faith in Christ Jesus and their faith comes through the knowledge of the word of God, by hearing, reading and heartily accepting/acting God’s word. The woman, “when she heard of Jesus said if I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole” (Mark 5:27 & 28). Jairus believed that Jesus could heal his daughter. No matter how hopeless the circumstances may seem, or how impossible they may look, we can believe God, with whom all things are possible (Mark 10:27). LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To highlight who Jairus and the Woman with the issue of blood were, and their problem.To know how they reacted to their situations.To understand what the Lord Jesus did for them.To appreciate the lessons believers can derive from their experience. Bible Truth Q1. JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER RAISED TO LIFE. a.) Who was Jairus and what was his problem? Matt. 9:18A, Mark 5:22-23, 35. Jairus was one of the rulers of the synagogue. He had a little daughter who was sick and later died. b.) Read Matthew 9:18, Mark 5:22-23, and comment on: 1.) His humility…… “and when he saw Him (Jesus) he fell at His feet…. And worshipped Him”. This man was extremely humble despite his position in the society. He never thought of how his followers would react to his action; he knew what he wanted and defied all odds to reach the Lord Jesus. 2.) His faith: Jairus had a great faith. When the daughter was sick, he believed that by the laying on of hands by the Lord Jesus, his daughter could be healed. When the report came that the daughter had died, he still trusted that Christ was able to bring her back to life. c.) Explain the significance of the statement of the Lord Jesus made in Mark 5:36, 39 and Matt. 9:2 “Be not afraid, only believe”. Faith is very important in the life of every believer. What believers need is to have faith and trust Him absolutely. The saints of old like Moses and Elijah had power with God. Heb. 11:32-35, 39 says “What shall I more say? For the time would fail to tell of Gideon, Samson, Abraham, Philip, Stephen, Peter… who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouth of lions, quenched the violence of fire… made strong, waxed, valiant…. Women also received their dead to life again… All these obtained a good report through faith”. God’s promises are sure, His word has never failed and will not fail in our time. d.) What was the result of his faith? “And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly....

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