Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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THE POWER OF APPRECIATION, October 10th, 2021

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THE POWER OF APPRECIATION, October 10th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT Gratitude expressed from the heart produces joy and attracts more blessings. HYMN: BLESSED ASSURANCE Text: Luke 17:11-19, Mark 14:3-9 Introduction: Our Lord Jesus Christ commended the only man who came back to give thanks to Him for cleansing him of leprosy out of the ten that were healed of the same ailment. According to Matthew Henry’s commentary “The rest were made whole by the power of Christ, in compassion to their distress, and in answer to their prayer: but he was made whole by his faith, by which Christ saw him distinguished from the rest. …Temporal mercies are then doubled and sweetened to us when they are ferried in by the prayers of faith, and returned by the praise of faith”. We are today living in a world where many humans are very selfish and self-centered. It is a part of the signs of the end time to fail to appreciate the good done to us for any reason. The fact remains that Christ as our example appreciated Peter for allowing Him the use of his boat to preach, by making him to catch “a great multitude of fishes” after an earlier fruitless effort. Part of the Lord’s reasons for this could be to teach the lesson of appreciation as well as compensate them for their sacrifice of love to Him. A local adage has it that “if appreciation is given to the worker, his cutlass becomes sharper”. Others have it that “if thanks are given to a person for freely offering part of his chicken for food, he is encouraged and would be most desirous to share out of his goat-meat at his nearest opportune time”. Appreciation has the positive power to effect goodness by way of influencing the giver to do more. In other words, appreciation empowers the benefactor to be more helpful and enables the beneficiary to be better enriched. It should be pointed out also that the benefactor also receives from God for his giving in the final analysis. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this lesson are to: To understand the power of appreciationTo know what it means to appreciateTo know why we should appreciateTo show the consequences of not appreciatingTo understand the benefits of appreciation Bible truth: Q1. WHAT DO WE UNDERSTAND BY “POWER OF APPRECIATION”? By power we mean energy of strength, opportunity, capability, potency, influence, or ability of the body or mind to act or do something. Appreciation means to express or show happiness, thankfulness, or gratitude with the words of our mouth, gesture, favorable reaction or parting with our material substance, belonging etc. to somebody or authority who did us good, or favor or extended grace and forgiveness to us. Power of appreciation therefore, is the capability of our expression, out of a heart full of gratitude to induce, or cause, produce or generate more atmosphere for future benefits as a result of the previous done to us. Thus, power of appreciation does not only make both parties to be happy but invokes more love between them. It is that zeal to do more good to someone who expresses satisfaction over our help or goodness to him. Q2. WHO SHOULD SHOW APPRECIATION AND TO WHOM? Gratitude should be expressed from our hearts to all persons whether older or younger...

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THE REWARD OF TRUE DISCIPLESHIP, October 3th, 2021

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THE REWARD OF TRUE DISCIPLESHIP, October 3th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT The believers’ labor in the LORD will not be in vain. HYMN: WHEN JESUS COMES TO REWARD HIS SERVANTS Text: Mark 10:23-30 Introduction: A disciple is loyal, submissive and committed to his master. He is zealous for his master’s honor and interest at all cost. All serious-minded Christians are true disciples of Christ. There are rewards when believers are committed and consistent in their Christian faith. We have this assurance from His word that whatever a man sows that he will surely reap. We are therefore expected to be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord; for God is not unrighteous to forget our work and labor of love. We are never to give up in our service for the Lord. Paul described all the pains, sorrow, tears and challenges we go through as light affliction. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a fair more exceeding and eternal weight of glory”, 2 Corinthians 4:17. The Lord will reward us according to our choices and actions. Our Lord is always fair and just, He is absolutely unbiased when rewarding His children. Such rewards could be received on earth here and hereafter. The nature of such rewards and conditions to receiving them is the focus of this study. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To understand the meaning of Reward.To explain Rewards mentioned by the Lord Jesus in the text.To examine the basis for receiving rewards from the Lord.To discuss our attitudes towards the Lord’s services. Q1. WHAT IS A REWARD? A reward is whatever is given or received in return for doing something; compensation, for what you have done; the fruit of your labor and actions. Someone who has invested time, money, talents, etc., surely receives blessings. A child that has put up a good behavior will likely be commended and compensated. The Bible copiously states that Christians that are loyal, obedient and committed to the Lord will surely be rewarded. Peter was not rebuked when he on behalf of the other disciples asked the Lord, “we have forsaken all and followed thee, what shall we have therefore?” Our Lord simply replied, “And every one that has forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundred fold now in this time, . ..and in the world to come eternal life”, Mark 10:28-30. In the Bible, obedience or disobedience attracts reward in line with God’s character of justice. What is certain is that our labor will be rewarded. The timing, nature and value of our reward is the prerogative of God. Q2. IN THE LIGHT OF MARK 10:28-30, LIST AND DISCUSS THE REWARDS MENTIONED BY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST? ARE THERE OTHER REWARDS? The Lord Jesus gave us assurance that anyone who gives up something valuable for His sake shall receive hundred folds of houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, property, persecution, eternal life. Accepting Christ as Lord and personal Savior may lead to rejection or being ostracized by one’s family but he or she will gain   the   larger   family   of God. Persecution was added because it can be part of our calling. Paul writing to Timothy said, “Yea, and all that will live godly...

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CARING FOR ONE ANOTHER, September 26th, 2021

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CARING FOR ONE ANOTHER, September 26th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT Caring for church members promotes growth and unity. HYMN: FADING AWAY LIKE THE STARS OF THE MORNING. Text:    Galatians 6:1-10; Acts 4:32-33 Introduction: Christ’s followers were nicknamed Christians in Antioch in the early apostolic days as a result of the activities they were involved in. The major deeds of the believers then were sharing and caring for one another such that no one lacked. Believers today are happy to be called Christians and should be ready to do things worthy of the name. The church of the early apostles had majorly, the need for the basic necessities of life, food, shelter and clothing. The needs of the church today are far wider in scope than that. The devil is fighting his last battle before the rapture of the saints; he is using deceit, suffering, denials of rights, frustration and delay of believer’s miracles, false teachings and lack of good things of this life, etc., to do this. The church of today should be conscious of these facts and come up with a program of activities that are capable of building members wholesomely to withstand the strategies of the devil. The care of Church members should be all-embracing. Thus, delayed marriages, child-bearing, joblessness, illnesses suffered by church members should not only be prayed about but should attract a lot of empathy from the leaders and members of the church. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To comprehend what it means to care for one another.To know how to care and the extent of our care for one another.Highlight the dangers of not caring for the members.Appreciate the benefits of caring for the brethren. Q1A. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BEAR ONE ANOTHER’S BURDEN? John. 3:16; 15:13; 1 Cor. 13:1-3, Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 13:1-3; Joel 2:16-17; Matthew 25:35-40 Burden simply means load, weight or trouble. It could also mean anything that makes one   uncomfortable or disturbed. This could cut across all aspects of human endeavors, physical, psychological or spiritual. Anything that makes one to lack rest of mind or body is termed weight and would be very disturbing. All persons on earth irrespective of status, sex, religion, position, faith, tribe or tongue do suffer burdens sometimes. If certain problems are not attended to on time, its’ possible consequences could be very grievous and unbearable to the individual and the Christian race would be adversely affected. To bear one another’s burden therefore, refers to assisting someone to bear or carry part of the weight of their problems. It enables the person to ease off a bit and get going in the Lord with more assurance of getting into the kingdom when the trumpet sounds. Some clubs attract new members due to the perceived assistance they were assured of before enrolling as members. There is no doubt also that many got converted into the Christian faith as a result of some good reports of caring and sharing done by brethren. Q1B. DISCUSS THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BEARING ONE ANOTHER’S BURDEN IN V.2 AND BEARING YOUR OWN BURDEN IN V.5 OF GALATIANS 6. While the burden bearing in verse 2 refers to giving help to others, bearing of one’s burden in verse 5 refers to a call to everyone to live up to expectation and do his own assigned routine, duties or...

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ELIJAH: GOD’S MAN FRIGHTENED / DISCOURAGED, September 19th, 2021

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ELIJAH: GOD’S MAN FRIGHTENED / DISCOURAGED, September 19th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). HYMN: MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE Text: 1 Kings 19:1-18 INTRODUCTION In a dramatic display of God’s power, the Prophet Elijah the Tishbite witnessed God’s nearness. He challenged the prophets of Baal to climb mount Carmel for a contest: his God against theirs. After these false prophets spent most of the days pleading for their god to accept their sacrifice, Elijah prayed to the one true God, immediately “the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil….” 1 Kings 18:38. Amazed by God’s response, the people put the prophets of Baal to death at his command. When wicked Queen Jezebel heard what had happened to her prophets, she sent Elijah a message: “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time” (19:2). As a result, “Elijah was afraid and ran for his life” (vs. 3). Did Elijah feel the Lord had left him in the middle of this difficult situation? After watching God’s defeat of Baal, did Elijah think God would not, or could not, help him? These are the focus of this lesson. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: 1.) To understand why Elijah fled from Jezebel. 2.) To reflect on Elijah’s attitude and its consequences. 3.) To derive a lesson from Elijah’s situation. Bible Truth: Q1. WHY DID ELIJAH FLEE FROM JEZEBEL? When wicked Queen Jezebel heard what had happened to her prophets, she refused to believe the truth! She had spent so many years believing in her made-up gods that she would not admit they were false. Her heart had become as hard as stone, and she would not accept the truth about the almighty God. So, she sent Elijah a message: “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time” (19:2). Elijah on receiving the queens message became discouraged and depressed, His depression was not due to one single cause; it was linked to several things. At the root of depression is almost some form of fear. Elijah felt alone and had little hope for the future. He suffered from paranoia, thought that everyone was out to get at him. He did not see any way out of his predicament. The great prophet of Israel was scared/frightened by Queen Jezebel’s threats, and thus fled for his life. The Lord Jesus admonished us not to fear those that can only kill the body but cannot kill the soul (Matt. 10:28). Q2. REFLECT ON ELIJAH’S ATTITUDE DURING DEPRESSION / FEAR AND THE CONSEQUENCES. Elijah walked for 40 days and nights (with God’s empowerment) until he came to mount Horeb. This was the same place where God had appeared to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-2). Here, the Lord asked, “Elijah, what are you doing here?” This was God’s way of making Elijah think about why he had run away. Gently, God was giving Elijah the opportunity to confess his mistrust, and turn from his discouragement. But Elijah did not...

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ELIJAH: GOD’S MAN FACING FALSE PROPHETS, September 12th, 2021

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ELIJAH: GOD’S MAN FACING FALSE PROPHETS, September 12th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT Stop wavering between two opinions, take a stand for God. HYMN: STAND UP, STAND UP, FOR JESUS Introduction:Elijah was the most famous and dramatic of Israel prophets. He was not a superhuman. In the book of James, we read: “Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are” (James 5:17). He was after all, a normal human being like the rest of us. He had emotion and problems and experienced the same ups and downs in his life that all of us face. However, he knew God intimately. That personal relationship with God was the bedrock of all the miracles God used him to perform. He derived his strength from his knowledge of God’s presence. He recognized that he was always in the presence of God (1 Kings 17:1). Such knowledge has a remarkable effect upon a person’s thinking, actions and character.Elijah knew that even while he stood in the presence of King Ahab and all the false prophets, he was standing in the presence of God who was infinitely greater. He represented God in an encounter with the prophets of Baal and Asherah.How he boldly challenged the prophets of Baal and called down fire from heaven to prove that the LORD GOD only is to be worshipped is the focus of this study. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are: To examine Ahab’s resolve to search for Prophets Elijah.To appreciate the courage of Prophet Elijah before amagnitude of Baal prophets.To examine the battle line between a true worshipper ofGod and idol worshippers. Bible truth:Q1. WHAT MADE AHAB DETERMINED TO KILL ELIJAH, CHANGE HIS ATTITUDE ON SEEING HIM?1 Kings 17:1, 24, 18:1-2, 16-20Elijah had prophesied that there would be no rain or dew until he prayed for it. This was a slap on the face of all worshippers of Baal, who had believed that their God is the one that gives rain and ensure bumper harvest. But we know that only God has power to withhold rain (Deut. 11:13-17) and none other has power to revoke it, (Jer. 14:22).This resulted to a long and grievous famine in the land. A large number of Israelites had probably died of starvation. For want of rain, their fertile land was turned into barrenness, all because of the iniquity of the people led by king Ahab.The country had seen three and a half years of famine; Ahab knew that his sin, that of his household and Israel’s apostasy had brought this drought upon his kingdom. But he still had no concern for his sin and no thought of repentance toward God. Relief from divine judgement was all he wanted. Just like Pharaoh, who when a plague struck called for Moses to pray to have the plague removed. Then once the judgement had been removed, Pharaoh returned to his former evil ways. To Ahab, Elijah was the cause of Israel’s problems. He therefore went all out to seek the life of Elijah. He sought for him thoroughly in his own country, as well as all the countries bordering Israel and had made those nations swear that Elijah was not among them. Thus, it was clear that Elijah was to face a vindictive man. God had commanded Elijah to go and meet Ahab. In obedience to God’s command, Elijah set out...

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ELIJAH: GOD’S MAN IN A SINFUL AGE, September 5th, 2021

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ELIJAH: GOD’S MAN IN A SINFUL AGE, September 5th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT Living righteously remains the standard for all believers. HYMN: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD Text: 1 Kings 17:1-24 INTRODUCTION In the days of Elijah, the land of Israel under the rulership of King Ahab was an idolatrous nation. Ahab led the people to sin and as such the people did not stand for what was right. They turned their backs on the only true and living God and began to worship idols. King Ahab did so much evil. He married a strange woman (Jezebel), through whom idolatry was introduced in Israel (1 16:30-33, 21:26). The reign of King Ahab was very notorious for evil deeds, but God decided to bless the Israelites with Prophet Elijah. Never was a king so bold to sin and never was a prophet so bold to reprove as Elijah who knew his God and stood for the right, despite the happenings at this time. He lived a separated and consecrated life unto God. In this study, we shall see how God challenges sinful and idolatrous people. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To know who Elijah was.To highlight the lifestyle of the people in Elijah’s time and show how a Christian can maintain Christian witness in the midst of ungodly and immoral people today.To show how God used unusual ways to meet the prophet’s needs and what this account teaches the believer about God’s care and ability.To examine Elijah’s relationship with God and identify the qualities that made him useful. Bible Truth: Q1. WHO WAS ELIJAH? 1 Kings 17:1 Elijah (also called Elias) means “My God Jehovah is He”. Preferably, Jehovah is He who sends me, owns me and bears me out. Elijah believed in the God that sent him and totally depended on Him to see him through. The story of Elijah begins abruptly. Usually when a prophet is introduced in the Bible, we have an account of his parentage or whose son he was and of what tribe, but there is no record of Elijah’s background, parentage or descent. Elijah was an inhabitant of Tishbe, a place in Gilead located east of the Jordan river. From the text, He was a bold prophet, who stood against the king and his subjects for disobeying God’s commandments. He depended on Jehovah to honor the word of His servant. He allowed God to use him to show His power and glory in all circumstances. Q2A. WHAT WAS THE LIFESTYLE OF THE PEOPLE IN ELIJAH’S TIME? 1 Kings 16:29-34 The lifestyle of the Israelites in Elijah’s time was a huge reflection of the lifestyle of their leader King Ahab, the son of Omri. They lived lives of sin and wickedness some of which are enumerated below. Idolatry: (2 Kings 9:22, Rev. 2:20). The Israelites were involved in Baal worship because their king married a devout idolater (vs. 31). Baal worship was introduced to the Israelites by the marriage of King Ahab to Jezebel who introduced idol worship into the nation at that time. This took them away from serving the only true and living God. Immorality: (1 Kings 16:30- 33, Rev. 2:20) Jezebel was an embodiment of whoredom and witchcraft by which she influenced the nation, evidenced in the many prophets of Baal. She morally corrupted the land of Israel through Baal...

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GOD’S MERCY, August 29th, 2021

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GOD’S MERCY, August 29th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT Experiencing God’s mercy not only produces profound gratitude but also the stimulus to be merciful to others. HYMN: WHEN ALL THY MERCIES, O MY GOD Text: Luke 6:36, Matt 5:7, 18:23-35 Introduction: People display a variety of dispositions and virtues dependent on their upbringing, perceptions, experiences, and relationships. One of such virtues is mercy which derives from a genuine encounter with the Lord. It is very easy to give misleading impressions to others that one is merciful by showing outward acts of charity, voluntary services and so forth when they are driven by self-centered agendas. It is this deception that every believer should avoid, hence a study like this that puts us in the right perceptive of being merciful. The grace of God is demonstrated by mercy and favor that no human deserves. Those who have a relationship with the Lord through Christ are endowed with this virtue of mercy. The most obvious response by the believer is a  continual sense of gratitude and appreciation gratitude for being saved and free from the power and dominion of sin and the devil; gratitude for the hope of eternal life; gratitude for the Lord’s continued provisions, protection, and sustenance. This gratitude stems from the fact that all these favors are underserved. The other obvious response is in kind of show of mercy to others (believers and unbelievers). For the believer, it is simply natural to show mercy. Scriptures indicate that “from everyone who has been given much (of mercy), so much (of mercy) will be demanded (Luke 12:48). Believers are being encourage to enlarge their hearts to show mercy in view of the overwhelming and abundant mercy we have received from the Lord. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To have an understanding of God’s mercy.To have the right perspective to show mercy.To show mercy as the Lord expects of his children.To know the rewards of being merciful. Q1. WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY GOD’S MERCIES? The display of mercy by the Lord reveals His character. Deut. 4:31 put this point across, “For the Lord God is a merciful God”. Being his character, the Lord has responded to the falling tendencies of man since the fall of Adam with continual acts of mercies. Hence the human race continues in existence. For the believer, this holds special significance “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassion’s fail not.” (Lamentations 3:22). Closely linked to this is the fact that the mercies of God reveal his love. God’s love is displayed by his many acts of mercies. The coming of Christ in human form, his endurance of suffering and shame at the hands of wicked and sinful men, his death on the cross, and his resurrection were demonstrations of his mercies of ensuring that man does not receive the just retribution of eternal condemnation for his sins. The love of God and his mercy are simply inseparable. Love is demonstrated in his many acts of mercies redemption being the ultimate; His mercies reveal His love. We observed this twinning of love and mercy in Isaiah 63:9 “In His love and mercy he redeemed them and carried them all the days of old.” It is regrettable that till this date many do not still appreciate both...

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UNDERSTANDING THE CALL OF GOD (PART 2), August 22nd, 2021

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UNDERSTANDING THE CALL OF GOD (PART 2), August 22nd, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT Blessed are the congregations and ministries whose leaders are men and women truly called by God. HYMN: WHEN HE COMETH, WHEN HE COMETH Text: Ezekiel 34:1-10; Eph. 4:7-12; 1Cor. 12:28 Introduction: The part 2 of this lesson continues with some characteristics associated with the major calls by God. The need to differentiate between the call of God and the seeming “call” of man cannot be more appropriate today than ever before as there is this deliberate attempt to swop one for the other. This has led to the tragedy of the time; where it is those in “specific calls” position that ought to seek and appoint people into “service calls” positions. Now, it is the other way around and some even make appointments and some even appoint themselves. Thus, God’s Hand is removed from the entire process and the mechanization of ordinations is the most obvious evidence today. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To understand the place of “service chiefs” Deacons, bishops, group leaders, etc., in the work force of God.To identify some of the consequences of not understanding our call in God.To discuss the likely benefits of understanding our calls in God. Q1. CONTINUATION: THE CHARACTERISTICS / PECULIARITIES OF THE FOLLOWING CLASSES OF “CALLED” PEOPLE. Evangelist “ And God have set some in the church,… teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings…” (1Cor. 12:28). These are assigned the special responsibility of extending the frontiers of the Christian faith, demonstrate the reality of the power resident in the name of the risen Christ. The office of the in evangelist is, therefore come on authenticated by the following: The call is specific and made by God, not man (2Tim. 1:11);The evangelist is extremely sensitive to the leading of the spirit of God in matters of where, when and how for all his outreach programs: crusade, open air meetings, etc. (Acts 16:6-10). They are, therefore, not entirely regimented to one particular denomination even though they must have their home base church.Their follow up program is usually skillful and detailed (Acts 15:36, 14:21-23), including the authority to ordain elders to run a local church.They are enabled by the power gifts of the Holy Ghost such as faith gifts of healings and working of miracles (1Cor.12:9-10), to demonstrate, only consistent basis, that they are representatives of the God of heaven in such places. 2. Pastor “And God have set some in the churches,… helps, governments, diversity’s of tongues” (1Cor.12:28). This is a very important group of brethren charged with the primary responsibility of sheepherding the flock in all ramifications. The pastor is the “little Apostle”, the immediate accounting officer to God of his efforts to keep the flock entrusted to his care. The true pastor is therefore identified by the following characteristics, among others: The call is from God, not by men. Unambiguous. Not circumstantial. Not economy driven.Pastors feed the flock, not to feed on them (John 22:15-17). Feeding should not be “… with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and power…” (1Cor. 2:4-5).The pastor preserves the flock (John 17:12). He cares for the Church (2Cor. 11-28).The pastor assesses himself by the frightful Ezekiel 34:1-10 declarations which read in parts “…woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! Should...

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UNDERSTANDING THE CALL OF GOD (PART 1), August 15th, 2021

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UNDERSTANDING THE CALL OF GOD (PART 1), August 15th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT Blessed are the congregations and ministries whose leaders or men and women truly called by God. HYMN: WHEN HE COMETH, WHEN HE COMETH –   TEXT: Ezekiel 34:1-10, Eph. 4:7-12, 1 Cor 12:28 INTRODUCTION: The call of God is a privileged assignment to man that comes from God, using the clearest medium of expression in order to avoid ambiguity. The scope is usually well-defined and the necessary equipment for accomplishment      adequately provided. These general characteristics appear to be quite consistent with the call of God, no matter the nature of the call whether it is specific or general. General calls are for all believers while specific ones are usually expressed in any of the five major “offices” of the Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists and Pastors. There are other “service” positions needed for good administration of the church as in the provisions for Deacons and Bishops, group leaders etc. This study therefore seeks to provide some characteristics/marks for major group of “calls” so that we can reappraise our individual calling, whether it is from man or God. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To understand, on a general basis, what the “call of God” means.How to know you have been called by God.To identify some most important characteristics/peculiarities associated with the major calls by God. Q1. WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY “THE CALL OF GOD”? It is God laying his hands upon an individual or group of persons for a project he wants executed. There are three major types of call. The first is the general call for all believers that or genuinely saved. Mark 16:15- 18 “…Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature…” is a call to all Christians. John 15:16 “… I have chosen you and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain…” strengthens the call. 2 Cor. 5:17-19 “… God who has reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and have given to us the ministry of reconciliation…” is an assignment, a biblical ministry, for all believers. The second is the call to a specific assignment. In Exodus 3:1-9, we read in part “…God called on to him out of the midst of the bush and said Moses, Moses … come now therefore and I will send thee to Pharaoh that mayest bring forth my people, the children of Israel out of Egypt.” That was for Moses. It was that specific for Joshua (Joshua 1:1-9). For Paul, it was “… separate unto me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them “(Acts 13:1-2). Specificity in calls is clearly spelled out in Ephesians 4:8-11 when the Lord Jesus Christ called and “… gave some apostles, in some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers”. The third major category of calls is the “service” calls or assignments. Acts 6:1-3 “… then the 12 called the multitude of the disciples unto them and said “…Look ye out among use seven men of honest report, Full of the Holy Spirit whom we may appoint over this business”. This category includes all service chiefs, no matter the title bishops, elders, deacons, headship of various organs in church; chosen by the people and so appointed by those chosen by God into...

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THE FUTILITY OF TRUSTING IN MAN, August 8th, 2021

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THE FUTILITY OF TRUSTING IN MAN, August 8th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT Trust in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. HYMN: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD TEXT:    1 Timothy 6:17-19, Galatians 6:14, John 2:15-17 INTRODUCTION We are constantly at risk of putting our trust in the things and men we see as insurance for the future or security. We may, for example, unconsciously, feel that the more money we have, the more secured our lives would be. Also, some Christians will do ‘all that needs to be done’ to be considered ‘loyal’ by a reigning Vice- Chancellor, Managing Director, political office holder, pastor, bishop, or boss. This is based on the belief that it guarantees their chances of getting promoted early or getting choice appointments, posting, or rewards even if ‘what needs to be done’ doesn’t square up with the teachings of the scripture. Some of us feel like ‘we have made it’ or deserve extra respect when we become top professionals, doctors, administer a large congregation or a province, a bishopric or a ministry. After all, should a man’s life, and the respect he gets, not be measured by the multitude of things he has acquired especially when it is a high position, wealth or knowledge? (Luke 12:15) The true church of God comprises of men and women who have committed themselves to live in obedience to Christ. The scripture states that “He dies that those who live should live no longer for themselves but for Him who dies for them and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:15). This expectation does not change no matter our age, socio-economic, academic, or religious status. Those committed to Him can expect Him to be faithful to His promise. “For He said I will never leave nor forsake you so we may boldly say THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT FEAR…” (Hebrew 13:5-6). We pray the Lord teaches us what it means to trust Him, expose the traps in trusting a man and incline our hearts to trusting Him always. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To know what it means to trust a man.To compare this with trusting God.To know why we should trust in God. BIBLE TRUTH: Q1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO TRUST IN MAN? To trust in man is to put confidence in man primarily for something, to rely or depend on man. In the context of this study, there are two aspects of it. First is putting confidence in who we are or what we have achieved. In the world system, a man is measured by the amount of wealth he possesses, his position or occupation. God hates the world system and warns us that “If anyone loves the world, the love of the father is not in him”. In other words, our Christianity is vain before God. If while we profess His name, follow the dictates of the world system because of what it promises us. When we begin to measure ourselves and put our confidence in what we have or have attained, and not in who we are in Christ, we have fallen into the error of trusting in man. On the other hand, when we start to treat others as though our lives depend on them because of their position or influence, we trust in man. We may then...

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