Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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CHRISTIAN AND CORRUPTION, May 30th, 2021

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CHRISTIAN AND CORRUPTION, May 30th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHTA believer should not partake in corrupt practices whenever and wherever they manifest. HYMN: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD TEXT: Deut. 16:19-20, Acts 24:24-27 INTRODUCTIONCorruption is a subject of common discussion among people irrespective of race, tribe, sex or religion. The irony that is corruption is never justified by anyone; even those who indulge in corrupt practices condemn it openly. Nevertheless, it remains a canker worm that has eaten into the fabrics of society. It is seen in all aspects of our society-religious, secular, political etc.What should be the Christian’s attitude towards this “pandemic”? The Lord will help us in this lesson to address this matter from the biblical point of view. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are:1.) Understand what corruption means.2.) Identify some forms of corruption noted in the Scriptures.3.) Examine, discuss and note the effects of some forms of corruption in our society.4.) Appreciate what the Christian’s attitude should be towards corruption.5.) Know how to practically tackle corruption. BIBLE TRUTH Q1 WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY CORRUPTION? Corruption has assumed a huge dimension that it becomes difficult to define especially in a society like ours. However, corruption may simply be defined as willingness to act dishonestly most times in return for money or some other “benefit”. In some cases, dishonest acts are also perpetuated without any promised return of gain or benefit. Nepotism/favoritism, tribalism, “godfatherism” may be the driving force behind corruption implies a tendency by an individual to be evil or immoral in his/her dealings with people. Q2. IDENTIFY SOME FORMS OF CORRUPTION NOTED IN THE FOLLOWING PASSAGES IN THE BIBLE. a.) Deut. 16:19-20, 1 Sam. 8:1-3, Acts 24:24-27The forms of corruption mentioned in these passages include perversion/misinterpretation/misapplication of judgement; partiality, taking of bribe, expectation of bribe etc. The believer is warned against these practices and he/she is encouraged to “follow what isaltogether just (uncompromisingly righteous), that you may live and inherit the land which your God gives you” (Deut. 16:20).b.) The forms of corruption mentioned here include greed/covetousness, false accusation, deceitfulness/cunningness, plot to kill or assassinate, and using one’s office to perpetuate evil etc. As wealthy as Ahab was, he coveted Naboth’s piece of land and when Naboth refused to give it to him, Ahab’s wife (Jezebel) hatched a plot that led to the elimination of Naboth. There are such parallels in our society today.c.) Eccl. 3:16-17This passage talks about wickedness and iniquity being forms of corruption. Wickedness is found in the place of judgement and iniquity in the place of righteousness. The implication is that those charged with the responsibility of dispensing justice have become wicked (Condemning the guiltless and setting the guilty free) while those who are supposed to teach people the way of The (righteousness) have embraced iniquity. There are also parallels of those in our society. Q3. DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING FORMS OF CORRUPTION IN OUR SOCIETY AND THEIR EFFECTS?a.) Bribery , Exo. 23:8, 1 Sam 8:1-3A bribe is something offered in an attempt to obtain a favor or pervert the course of judgement. It may be money, land, car, house or sex (where ladies offer themselves, to men to gain favor). Etc. Bribery is the act of dishonestly paying someone to act in one’s favor.Bribery as a form of corruption is a problem in our society. It manifests...

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ESSENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, May 23RD, 2021

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ESSENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, May 23RD, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHTThe Holy Spirit is given to the believer for empowerment and for service. HYMN: SPIRIT DIVINE ATTEND TO OUR PRAYERS. INTRODUCTIONThe Holy Scriptures is full of references to the Spirit of God coming upon individuals and performing supernatural feats. The essence of the Holy Spirit has never been lost to any generation that walked with God. He is the agent of fellowship between man and his Maker.When a person accepts Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit comes into his life. This is the beginning of the new birth. He becomes a companion and guide to the believer in all matters of life and godliness. This initial presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a new believer is automatic, immediately such a believer confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of his Life. However, this is not theultimate. For the purpose of endowment and manifestation of ministerial gifts for the service of God, the believer is to experience another level of infilling by the Holy Spirit. This is the baptism of the Holy Spirit that the disciples of Jesus experienced on the day of Pentecost. This infilling is heralded by a desire to receive and to function. No one can live to glorify God and do greater works for God except by the power of the Holy Spirit.This study will focus on the person of the Holy Spirit and the conditions for receiving Him. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are:1.Explain the personality of the Holy Spirit.2.Discuss the place of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.3.Identify evidences of the presence of the Holy Spirit in a believers life.4.Explain how we can develop and sustain a cordial fellowship with the Holy Spirit. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. WHO IS THE HOLYSPIRIT? John 14:15-17 The Holy Spirit is a Divine personality, being the third personality in the Godhead. He has the attributes of knowledge, intelligence, feelings, and affection. He speaks, knows all things and can be grieved. He is God’s gift to all who believe and accept Christ as their Saviour. He is the comforter of the believer, welling up an inexplicable inner joy even in the face of trials of faith. He is the Teacher and a Guide, the Spirit of Truth that testifies continually about our Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the eternal and omnipresent Spirit of God (Heb. 9:14), the Spirit of holiness (Rom. 1:4) and the author of spiritual gifts (1 Corin. 12:8-11). Q2. DISCUSS THE PLACE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LIFE OF THE BELIEVER: REPENTANCE? God owns the believer, having purchased him by the blood of Jesus Christ, and deposited in him the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is at work today in the following areas, in the lives of those that are filled. a.) Assurance of Salvation. Rom. 8:16-17, Gal. 4:5-6The Holy Spirit bears witness with the spirit of the believer on the reality of salvation and conversation. He empowers the believer to overcome habitual sins and evil lifestyles.b.) Power to witness. Acts 1:8It is by the enabling power of the Holy Spirit that a believer is bold to testify of the salvation that is in Christ, His death and resurrection.c.) The Holy Spirit is a seal or mark of ownership on the believer so that the enemy...

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REND YOUR HEART NOT YOUR GAMENT, May 16th, 2021

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REND YOUR HEART NOT YOUR GAMENT, May 16th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHTGod is never pleased with an outward display of penitence without true inward repentance. HYMN: HAVE YOU BEEN TO JESUS FOR CLEANSING TEXT: Joel 2:12-17INTRODUCTIONDeep remorse and grief was often shown among the Jews by the tearing of clothes and placement of ashes on the head (Esther 4:1-3). As painful or as pitiful as such sight seems to the onlooker, in some instances, it never reflected the true situation of the individuals heart.In other words, it was possible for an offender to tear his clothes after committing an offence and put ashes on his head without an iota of genuine repentance inside of him.This practice of outward show of penitence not accompanied by inward (a heart of originated) repentance is not limited to the Jews.It is common in every society (culture) today. Some persons exhibit a hypocritical attitude when it comes to the issue of sin. They claim to be sorry for sin committed or wrong done and even weep; only to return to commit the same sins from which they claim they have repented.It must be noted however that God is never pleased with an outward display of penitence, or observance of religious tenets, duties or weeping and sorrowing for sin (like Judas Iscariot and Esau) without true inward repentance or a genuine substance of it (Heb. 12:17). This lesson hopes to examine among other things what it means to “rend” our hearts totally to God. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are:1.To know the characteristics of an individual church that has gone astray and requires repentance.2.To understand what it means to rend one’s heart.3.To appreciate the lifestyle of an individual who has truly repented.4.To examine the consequences of not “rending” one’s heart.5.To know the benefit of genuine repentance. BIBLE TRUTHQ1 WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO REND ONE’S HEART? Ps. 51:16-17, 34:18As defined in the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, to rend means to tear something apart with force or violence; an example is when people rend (tear) their clothes in grief.In Biblical context, to rend one’s heart is to be broken inwardly over a sin committed or a wrong done . Beyond mere remorse, it carries with it a genuine godly sorrow that plagues the heart for the offences that have been committed. It involves a display of a contrite attitude, that is an outward attitude that reveals an inner sorrow of heart for a wrong that has been committed and with a resolve never to commit that sin again.There are examples in scripture of people who rent their hearts over sins they committed. David (Ps. 51:1-17), Zacchaeus (Lk. 19:1-10), and Peter (Matthew 26:69-75) exhibited the attitude of genuine repentance. The ultimate desire of a broken heart is never to return to the sin that was committed.Today, to genuinely repent of one’s sin is to confess the sins to theLORD JESUS, receive Him as LORD and personal SAVIOURand ask HIM for grace to live for HIM all the days of one’s life. Q2. WHAT ARE SOME THE CHARACTERISTICS OF AN INDIVIDUAL OR CHURCH THAT HAS GONE ASTRAY AND REQUIRES REPENTANCE? Rev. 2:4-5, 3:14-17Many things characterize an individual or church that has strayed from GOD’S way. Some are discussed below.A.) Leaving his/her “first love”.It is expected that anyone who has given his/her life to the LORD will love...

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GOD’S EXPECTATION FOR THE FAMILY, May 8TH, 2021

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GOD’S EXPECTATION FOR THE FAMILY, May 8TH, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHTGod’s expectation is for us to raise up godly families. HYMN: WILL YOUR ANCHOR HOLD IN TEXT: Eph. 5:21-33, 6:1-4, Col. 3:8-19, Heb. 13:4-6 INTRODUCTIONThe Lord God created the heavens and the earth, instituted marriage with the first family of Adam and Eve. God declared that everything He had created was very good (Gen. 1:31). He placed everything in its strategic position (including the first family). But Satan (the enemy of God and man) challenged that family, caused them to sin against God who drove them out of the Garden of Eden. He placed at the garden of Eden Cherubim and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep them away from the tree of life. Ever since, satan has been attacking family and is still in the act: to steal, kill and destroy. This study will therefore address God’s expectation for the family. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are:1.) To know the times, we are in.2.) To know God’s expectation from our families. BIBLE TRUTH Q1A. ENUMERATE THECHARACTERISTICS OF THE TIMES WE ARE IN. 1 Tim. 4:1-3, 2 Tim. 3:1-8, 1 John 2:15-18 The times we are in, called perilous times or the last days, are characterized by all forms of wickedness, backsliding, preaching/practices of false doctrines and hypocrisy. The scriptures says that “men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient, to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God: having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof….”The present times are also filled with the love of the world. Worldliness has crept into some families that one hardly differentiates the language, manner of life, dressing, conduct, etc. of a believer from that of the unbeliever. Some believers live as if they are going to spend the rest of the lives here on earth; they have forgotten that they are strangers and pilgrims in this world only passing through to another world. Q1B. WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF THESE CHARACTERISTICS ON THE HOME Romans 1:18-32, Gal. 5:17-21, Psalm 125:5, Prov. 21:17 The spirit of the last days which is the antichrist has adversely affected the believers’ homes and the effects are innumerable. Sin/disobedience, works of the flesh, spiritual poverty, lack of focus on eternity, the love of the world causing deviation, distorted gospel, heretic beliefs and preaching of the doctrines of the devil are on the increase and corrupt practices are manifest undermining the imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ to take the prepared saints to heaven. Families go to church, partake in different activities, yet exhibit ungodly character as if they do not have the knowledge of God. Children and youths witness the evil of the practice of cultism and prostitution. We should be careful not to partake of this evil or live in disobedience, for God cannot share His glory with any man. Q2A. WHAT IS GOD EXPECTING FROM YOUR FAMILY/HOME? Gen. 6:8-9, 8:18-19, 1 Peter 3:1-12For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him and THEY SHALL KEEP THE WAY OF THE LORD to do justice and judgement. God’s expectation from Christian homes is that they should keep...

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PILGRIM LIFESTYLE, May 2nd, 2021

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PILGRIM LIFESTYLE, May 2nd, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHTOur life on earth is the route to heaven, our final destination. HYMN: ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIER INTRODUCTIONA pilgrim is one who travels from his/her country, to a holy place for religious reasons. This implies that a pilgrim has a permanent abode. A pilgrim is also one journeying through life as a stranger in this world since this world is not his final destination. A pilgrim can be regarded as a stranger or foreigner or sojourner in another country. The pilgrim is not a permanent dweller and does not naturalize (without the right of citizenship) in the foreign land. After some time on the pilgrimage, the pilgrim must return to his real abode. It is very important to note that in the journey of life, a pilgrim must live with determined focus so that he/she is not entangled by the affairs of the foreign or temporary land of pilgrimage.Some Christians have lost focus of who they are, where they are from and where they are going. The Christian is Christ’srepresentative or ambassador on earth who was redeemed to fulfill God’s purpose and Heaven is the final destination of the believer that overcomes the world.The world is wallowing in darkness and sin; low morals have become acceptable, environmental factors are very potent, exerting a continuing eroding influence on all within it; these challenges may not be sharp and easily noticeable. This study is aimed at reassuring the believer that Christian principle still remains the standard in this race of life. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are:1.To identity the Christian status as a pilgrim.2.To understand God’s expectation of His children and why.3.To know that it is practically possible to be holy in our corrupt world.4.To highlight the qualities of a life that befits a Christian pilgrim. BIBLE TRUTHQ1 WHAT IS THE CHRISTIAN STATUS FROM FOLLOWING THE SCRPTURE? 1 Peter 1:1-2, 2:9-11, Heb. 11:13, 2 Cor. 5:20The Christian must be conscious of his status at all times; he/she must know that he is not like every other person. Christians are not citizens of this world but mere sojourners. In 1 Pet. 1:1-2, Peter was writing to strangers or Jewish converts who have been regenerated to a lively hope of eternal salvation. Christians scattered throughout various countries of the world should live according to God’s word and lead others to embrace and receive Christ.Christians are citizens of heaven who ought to live not according to the ways of this world, which is most corrupt. Fleshly and worldly action should not rule and dictate the lifestyle of the believers (1 Pet. 2:11). Those who profess to seek heavenly country should not be entangled with the affections of worldly things.Salvation automatically confers on the individual a different status (a minute he was in darkness the next he is saved and, in the light,), by reason of a transformation through Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit then works on one’s life to make usChrist-like. This is a spiritual thing hence Nicodemus in John 3:3-7 could not understand what it meant to be born again. At salvation we experience the privilege of having our sins forgiven by faith in Christ’s shed blood at Calvary and reconciled to God. The believer is saved to serve God, please, obey Him and make His counsel known to others. The believer...

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THE TRUTH CANNOT BE IGNORED, April 25th, 2021

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THE TRUTH CANNOT BE IGNORED, April 25th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHTAnd ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32). HYMN: AMAZING GRACE! HOW SWEET THE SOUND TEXT: John 8:28-36, 17:14-21 INTRODUCTION Any person who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ is made free. He is ordained and sent as a messenger to the world- Matt. 28:18-20. A messenger is known by the message he receives and gives others. The message he gives also indicates the source of the message, the authority and power behind him. No messenger can give a message when he is not made free, chosen and sent for a specific purpose, with a specific word that would turn the hearts of his audience to God. His life is a further proof of the truth of the message he received. This will help his listeners to take his message serious or otherwise. By the reason of imitating Christ, he has become an example to all the Christians. The word of the Lord will be ringing out from his mouth to people everywhere he goes. People will bear witness of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. But a messenger without a message is a hireling, a thief and a robber (Jn 10:1). A messenger knows that he is not alone he has been sent (John 17:18); that gives him boldness and authority to speak that which he hears and sees the sender speak and does. Four times in this discourse (John 8:16, 18, 26, 29). Jesus declared He had been sent by the Father. He did not originate His message. He was simply conveying the truth the Father had given Him to bring to the human race. He was indeed ministering to human need, the way of salvation which is the greatest need. If any person says he is made free but cannot speak about Jesus his freedom is not real. A true Christian who is made free must proclaim Christ in season and out of season because he is free to speak that which he knows, believes, sees and hears (John 3:11; 2 Cor. 4:13). “Continue” is the key word in Jesus’ description of discipleship and the phrase “Go ye” is the long life commitment to carry the gospel to the entire world. It is not a hit-miss-run profession. Jesus calls for a continuous teaching and preaching of the truth. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: 1.) To know who is a true Christian 2.) To examine how people misinterpreted freedom 3.) To understand what the right attitude to the truth should be 4.) To know how love for God is made manifest BIBLE TRUTH Q1. WHO IS A TRUE CHRISTIAN? JOHN 3:3, 17:14-21; 2 COR. 5:17 Any person who is born again (John 3:3) is a true Christian. He is chosen to carry our a specific work here on earth. The person should be a teacher under the chief teacher wherever he goes. He must also be a preacher under the chief preacher, proclaiming the good news of God’s unfailing love, explaining our experience, about our faith on the Lord Jesus as the only Way to the Father, the only Truth about God and as the very Life of God to mankind. As such, we reveal His truth to others and give life to them. We...

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BEING LIKE CHRIST IN HUMILITY, April 18th, 2021

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BEING LIKE CHRIST IN HUMILITY, April 18th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHTHumility is a virtue that must be seen in the life of every Christian. HYMN: JESUS KEEP ME NEAR THE CROSS TEXT: John 5:30-34, John 13:3-16, Phil. 2:1-11 INTRODUCTIONIt is a fact of scripture that God desires that those who come to HIM should be like HIS SON the LORD JESUS CHRIST. This entails walking in the steps of the LORD.Humility is one of the footprints of the LORD JESUS. Therefore, a believer in CHRIST ought to be humble.It is a virtue every Christian must cultivate. Humility is a basic requirement for honor in GOD’s Kingdom. In this study we will examine some exemplary display of humility by the LORD and what should be our obligations as believers with respect to this virtue. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are:1. Know what humility is.2. Be able to differentiate true humility from false humility3. Have an understanding of how the LORD demonstrated humility while on earth.4. Examine some ways people manifest pride today.5. Highlight the blessings of a humble life. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. WHAT IS HUMILITY AND HOW IS TRUE HUMILITY DIFFERENT FROM FALSE HUMILITY? Rom. 12:3, Phil. 2:3 Humility is defined in the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary as “The quality of not thinking that you are better than people, the quality of being humble”. It is explained in the Wycliffe Bible Dictionary as “a mental attitude of lowliness” (Eph. 4:2, Phil. 2:3); the opposite of pride. It is that specific grace developed in the Christian by the SPIRIT of GOD wherein the believer frankly acknowledges that all he has and is, he owes to the Triune GOD who is dynamically operating on his behalf. He (the believer) then willingly submits himself under the mighty hand of GOD (James 4:6-10, 1 Pet. 5:5-7). Thus, humility should not be equated with a pious inferiority complex. Such a complex may make an individual withdraw to himself/herself but in pretense displays an external pious disposition. However, for such individuals, when the factors causing the inferiority complex are assuaged, perhaps by acquisition of wealth or educational certificates, the external display of a pious attitude vanishes (disappears) and the deep seated pride in the heart begins to manifest. Essentially therefore, humility is a disposition that is not puffed up. Humbling oneself is the first step in true revival for GOD Himself, the high and lofty One delights to dwell with him who has a contrite and humble spirit in order to revive him (Psalm 51:17, Isaiah 57:15). Q2. WHAT ARE SOME WAYS THE LORD DEMONSTRATED HUMILITY WHILE ON EARTH? John 13:3-17 The LORD JESUS is our supreme example of humility. He demonstrated humility in several instances in the Bible. In John 13:3-17, He showed humility in serving the disciples by washing their feet. It is noteworthy that the LORD JESUS did this after “knowing that the Father had given all things into HIS hands and that HE was come from GOD and went to GOD” (John 13:3b). Rather than become proud by reason of having been given all things, He humbled Himself and served the disciples.Also, the LORD never sought the glory of men. He was more interested in doing the will of the FATHER and seeking HIS glory. There were instances in scriptures where HE performed miracles and asked the recipients of such...

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TRIBULATION IN THE WORLD BUT PEACE IN THE LORD, April 11th, 2021

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TRIBULATION IN THE WORLD BUT PEACE IN THE LORD, April 11th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT: Christ is our peace in a troubled world. HYMN: WHEN PEACE LIKE A RIVER ATTENDETH TEXT: John 16:33, 2 Cor. 11:23-33, Eze. 34:25-26 INTRODUCTIONAfter teaching the multitude, Jesus and His disciples set sail for the eastern shore of the sea of Galilee. It was night and the Savior rested comfortably near the stern, asleep on a pillow.In time, there arose a storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship. Terrified, the disciples awakened Him: “Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:35-41).He who had created the earth was again commanding the elements. In wonderment (astonishment), His disciples asked, “what manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him”,We are living through turbulent times. A great storm of evil has come upon the earth. The winds of wickedness haul about us: the waves of war beat against our ship. As Paul wrote to Timothy: “In the last days perilous times shall come”. It is time that ominous clouds gather around us, but just as the Saviors words brought peace to the Apostles in the boat; they bring peace to us today. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are:1.To know what troubles believers are faced with today.2.To know how a believer should go through distress.3.To understand how fellow believers can help a believer to go through tribulations faithfully.4.To comprehend how to overcome tribulations/trials. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. WHAT ARE SOME OFTHE TROUBLE BELIEVERS FACE IN THE WORLD TODAY? Jesus speaking in John 15:18-20 said, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also”. The world system controlled and ruled over by the devil hates all who profess the name of Christ just the same way it hated Christ. It is the devil who also motivates unbelievers to persecute believers. While still in this world, believers are also subject to the elements of this world: hunger, sickness, pain, death, famine, deprivation etc. These collectively or individually constitute raging storms that beat against the boat of our faith. Jesus again, in response to Peter’s question in Mark 10:28-30 states that persecution is a part of the normal Christian experience.Persecution could come from a believers’ resolute not to do evil or take a bribe in the office. Because of his stance and for fear from his colleagues of their evil deeds being made known, they could make life terribly difficult for the believer as was the case of Daniel (Dan. 3:8-12, 6:4-9).Persecution may come from one’s home. This was the case with Joseph (Gen. 37:1-4) and even from the Church.Whatever form or magnitude persecution and...

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VICTORY OVER DEATH, April 4th, 2021

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VICTORY OVER DEATH, April 4th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHTBy His death and resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ conquered death for mankind. HYMN: CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY INTRODUCTIONVictory is the act of winning or the state of having won. It is a success in a struggle. Death as applied to man in the scripture can be spiritual or physical.Physical death is the last end of life or occasion of loss of life. Spiritual death is the eternal separation from God or cutting off from realizing God’s eternal purpose for which mankind was created.The death of Jesus initially appeared to look like a defeat. The disciples’ hope seemed to have been lost or dashed. The enemies thought they had succeeded; but little did they know that our Lord had gone to give the final blow to their master, the devil.In this study, we shall be looking at how the Lord defeated death and rose from the grave triumphantly. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are:1.To know Joseph of Arimathea’s role in the burial of the Lord Jesus.2.To discuss the efforts made by the enemies to ensure that Jesus did not rise from the grave.3.To understand that Christ’s victory over death is the Hope of the believer (mankind).4.To examine some of the evidences that Jesus actually rose from the dead.5.To understand the Benefits of Christ’s Resurrection. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. WHO WAS JOSEPH OFARIMATHEA? Matthew 27:57, Jn. 19:38-42 Joseph of Arimathea was a secret follower/disciple of Jesus. He was a religious leader, an honorable member of the Sanhedrin. He did not consent to the counsel and the deed of the Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. (Lk. 23:51). Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy man who was able to afford a private tomb which he later gave up for Jesus. Q1B. COMMENT ON HIS ROLE IN THE BURIAL OF CHRIST. Lk. 23:50-53 After Jesus’ death on the cross, Joseph of Arimathea asked for his body, then buried Him in a new tomb and rolled a great stone to the door (Matt. 27:60). Joseph was a secret disciple of Jesus. He risked his life and position to give a proper burial to his Lord. It is frightening to risk one’s reputation (position) even for what is right. The disciples who had publicly followed Jesus fled, but Joseph who had followed secretly, boldly took a stand (after the death of the Lord Jesus) that could cost him his life. He cared enough about Jesus to ask for His body so he could give it a proper burial. This singular act of Joseph of Arimathea has made him to become well known in Christian fold today. Q2. WHAT EFFORTS WERE MADE BY THE ENEMY TO ENSURE JESUS DID NOT RISE FROM THE GRAVE? Matt. 27:62-66 The enemies that were represented by the religious leaders took Jesus’ resurrection claims more seriously than even the disciples did. The disciples did not remember Jesus’ teaching about His resurrection, but the religious leaders did. Because of His claim, they were afraid of Jesus after His death as when He was alive. As a result of this, they tried to do everything possible to ensure that His body remained in the grave. They made sure that the tomb was thoroughly sealed and guarded. According to Life Application study Bible commentary: The tomb was probably sealed by stringing...

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PURGING THE TEMPLE OF GOD, March 28th , 2021

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PURGING THE TEMPLE OF GOD, March 28th , 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHTOnly a people prepared will meet the Lord. HYMN: HAVE YOU BEEN TO JESUS FOR THE CLEANSING POWER. TEXT: John 2:13-17, 2 Cor 6:14-18. INTRODUCTION The Passover celebration took place yearly in Jerusalem. Every Jewish male was expected to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem during this time ( Deut.16:16). The temple area was always crowded during Passover with foreigners who needed to change their money to local currency and buy the needed animals for sacrifice. The merchants and money changers exploited the people, turned the temple to a market place and this attracted Christ righteous indignation. Purging is to make clean or free of physical, moral or spiritual impurity. In the bible, the temple being a physical place of worship where the lord chose to put his name, was highly revered, and it was forbidden to do some things or talk carelessly, and of such was seen as sacrilegious ( see John 2:20-21). Before the death of Jesus, God dwelt in the physical temple; however, the light of this topic purging the temple will involve both the church and our bodies. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are:1.To know what made Jesus chase the merchants and currency changers away from the temple. 2.To know the reasons for the action of Jesus and what we can learn from this 3.To highlight the various ways evil manifest today in places of worship 4.To know who is the temple of God and the things that defile or similarly desecrates this temple. 5.To know the person responsible to exercise zeal to cleanse the temple which is you and to suggest ways we can purge ourselves of defilements. BIBLE TRUTHQ1. WHAT MADE JESUS CHASE AWAY THE MERCHANTS AND CURRENCY DEALERS AWAY FROM THE TEMPLE? John 2:14,16When a thing is used for a purpose other than what it was originally meant for, an abuse may be inevitable. Jesus with a holy indignation drove out the merchants and currency dealers away from the temple because they were desecrating the temple which was meant to be a place of worship and communion with God and not a market place; their acts therefore defiled the temple. We are admonished to come before God with fear and trembling; to do otherwise is a deliberate affront on the personality of God. In Matt.21:13 we are told that Jesus replied that His Father’s house shall be called a house of prayers and not a den of thieves. Also, the people showed gross disrespect for God, were disobedient and desecrated the temple. Q2. WHAT REASONS DID JESUS GIVE FOR HIS ACTIONS AND WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM IT? John2:16Jesus was displeased that His Father’s house had been turned to a place pf merchandise. The lesson we stand to learn from it is that the house of God should be treated with respect and reverence. It should not be seen as a place of satisfying personal cravings, as a transaction ground where brethren these days bring their goods to sell in the church, where contacts are established, where people show off their personal prowess; rather it should be a place where God is served in spirit and in truth. If Jesus were to live in our time, He would have applied the same standard to the improper sales of commodities as seen...

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