Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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SOME CAUTIONS ABOUT PRAYERS, JULY 7TH, 2024

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SOME CAUTIONS ABOUT PRAYERS, JULY 7TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTPrayers must conform with the word of God, as led by the Holy Spirit. TEXT: JAMES 4:3; LUKE 9:51-56; MATT. 6:5-13 INTRODUCTION:Prayer as we all know it is a veritable mode of communication between us believers and our Heavenly Father. Christ emphasized the need for and importance of prayer “that men ought always to pray and not faint” (Luke 18:1b).Therefore, for every Christian, prayer is indispensable. However, prayer has become one Christian practice that has been misused and abused by many in recent times. Many people in a bid to receive “quick answers” to their prayers have been led into error. Some so-called prayer leaders have devised many teachings and doctrines on prayer which are contrary to the Word of God. Some of these have led to unwholesome practices that tend towards occultism and fetish. It must be emphasized that any form of prayer outside that as was taught by Jesus Christ is unacceptable by God and can never attract His attention. LESSON OBJECTIVES To explain what Christ cautioned against as Christians pray; Highlight and discuss what time of the days were prayers made by people in the Scriptures; Identify where each of these prayers took place; and Explain some prayer practices, including how scriptural they are. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT WAS IT THAT CHRIST CAUTIONED AGAINST AS CHRSITIANS PRAY? (Matt. 6:5-7)Jesus Christ cautioned against outward show as Christians pray. He said “and when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward” (Matt. 6:5). He also cautioned against vain repetition, for such persons “think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” Prayer should be genuine and sincere from the heart. It should not be to impress people, rather it is pouring our hearts to God and expressing our sincere love and dependence on His love and mercy.QUESTION 2) WHAT TIME OF THE DAY DID PRAYERS IN THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURES TAKE PLACE? (Mk. 1:35; Matt. 26:36-39; Luke 5:12,16; 6:12; Acts 3:1)There is no specific time of the day that prayers cannot take place. Jesus rose early in the morning, a great while before day and departed into a solitary place to pray. Jesus also prayed in the night before His arrest. Jesus was a man of prayer, he prayed during the day and at other times all through the night. “Peter and John went together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.” The ninth hour in this context was stated as 3 o’clock in the afternoon. From all these references, it then follows that there is no specific time that prayer cannot take place. We are enjoined in the Scriptures to “pray without ceasing: (1 Thess. 5:17). Paul also admonished the Ephesian brethren in Eph. 6:18 this: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…” In summary, prayer can take place at any time be it morning, noon, afternoon, evening, or night. Out God “neither sleeps nor slumbers”. His ears are attentive to our prayers at all times. QUESTION 3). IDENTIFY WHERE EACH OF THESE PRAYERS TOOK PLACEMatt. 14:23; Luke 18:10; Acts 10:9,30,11:15Just as prayers...

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Month of July Prayer and Fasting

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Month of July Prayer and Fasting

Mount Zion Gospel Tabernacle International Invites you to join us as we begin our annual month of July Prayer and Fasting. July 1st-31st, fasting from 6am-6pm (or as directed by the Holy Spirit). This year’s theme is taken from Matthew 11:12, “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Brethren the Bible says that the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force. There are things that the enemy is holding on to that is yours that needs to be let go. Maybe it’s your health, maybe it’s your marriage, maybe the enemy has been toying with the destiny of your children, maybe the enemy has been keeping your life in constant lack and a cycle of struggle etc. Whatever it is, we are praying that every hold, every grip, every plan, every stumbling block, every tactic that the enemy has been using shall be exposed and destroyed. We take back our homes, our health, our finances and our destiny etc. MZGTI Month of July Fasting and Praying, fasting under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Check out our Facebook page for daily prayer points: https://www.facebook.com/Mzgtiglobal?mibextid=ZbWKwL Elderly, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions should apply their hearts unto wisdom. And expect the healing and Miracle Of God Almighty in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏. Fasting with wisdom under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. For those who would like to join us in our prayers our prayer line will be open every night in the month of July at midnight:7164271426 conference code 568693# God bless you...

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OVERCOMING THE ‘GRASSHOPPER’ MENTALITY, June 30th, 2024

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OVERCOMING THE ‘GRASSHOPPER’ MENTALITY, June 30th, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTTo doubt and deny the word of God will result in disobedience. TEXT: NUM. 13:1-33 INTRODUCTION:At the very borders of the Promised Land, Moses had to send out twelve spies to search out the land and bring possible evidence of the fruitfulness of the place to camp. The reaction to their report brought much distress in the camp of God’s people. Some even resolved to elect another group of leaders who would take them back to slavery in Egypt. By their report, the people who were already in sight of the promised land had to wander for many more years in the desert as punishment from God.The spies were trusted leaders elected from all the tribes. However, it backfired when ten of the twelve gave an evil report of the Land. Their report confirmed that the land was indeed good but went on to arrogate much strength to the enemy and great cowardice and fear came upon God’s people. No reference was made to their experiences with God right from Egypt. This was their undoing and great error.This study will examine the mission, the reports of the spies, and the lessons it holds for us today. LESSON OBJECTIVES Explain the mission to spy on the Promised Land. Examine the reports of the spies in line with God’s revelation Examine the reactions to and the effects of the reports Identify some present day giants and “walled cities” around us Discuss how to overcome the “grasshopper” mentality BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1A) EXPLAIN THE IDEA OF SENDING SPIES INTO THE LAND OF CANAAN?Num. 13:1-3; Deut. 1:21-24From a strategic point of view, it was not a bad idea to send men to search out a future inheritance. The suggestion seems to have been first muted by some leaders to Moses, who acceded to and must have obtained God’s approval. God specifically directed that those to go on this mission must be respected leaders, one from each tribe. This was a design adopted to make a good report to have maximum positive impact on the generality of people. QUESTION 1B) WHAT WERE THE TERMS OF REFERENCE GIVEN BY MOSES TO THE TWELVE SPIES? Num. 13:17-20The terms of reference as given by Moses was very specific and came under three heads and a general charge. There were:(a). To spy the land and the natural resources, whether it be good or bad, fat or lean, and to bring back the fruit of the land.(b). To spy the technology of their cities, whether they dwell in tents or strongholds, whether their cities were fortifies and walled or not.(c). To spy on the people, whether they be weak or strong, and whether they be many or few in number.(d). They were charged to be of good courage – to use the eye of faith in this assignment, bearing in mind God’s revelations and previous acts from Egypt until then. QUESTION 2A) EXAMINE THE REPORTS OF THE TWELVE SPIES IN LINE WITH GOD’S EARLIER REVELATION. Ex. 3:8; Num. 13:26-33God specifically promised them a large, good land, flowing with milk and honey (fertile and full of resources) and presently occupied by some Canaanite nations. God said He would drive them out in His own way.The report of the spies gave a perfect confirmation of the nature of the land and...

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JEPHTHAH: THE HARLOT’S SON, June 23rd, 2024

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JEPHTHAH: THE HARLOT’S SON, June 23rd, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTGod despises no man; He delights in all who fear Him. TEXT: JUDGES 11:1-40 INTRODUCTION:Jephthah was the son of Gilead, from the tribe of Gilead in Israel. His mother was a harlot whose name was not mentioned. He had half brother who regarded him as an illegitimate son of their father. They hated him and denied him any inheritance in their father’s house. He was chased out and fled to the land of Tob, where he gathered to himself, people of like mind and became a leader. Not too long, the gang became a band of great warriors. At about this time, the Ammonites began a war against Israel. The elders of Israel sent for Jephthah to come back home and lead Israel to fight against their enemies. He did not forget the circumstances that led to his departure from his father’s house, but the love of brotherhood constrained him to accede to their request. However, he entered into an agreement with them to ensure that they would keep all their promises. Though, regarded as a worthless person by his people, Jephthah acknowledges the place of God in his life and realized that only God could give him victory over the Ammonites. Before he went to the war, he made a vow to God, which late turned out to be a costly one. We shall consider in this study, how he helped his people to fight their enemies- the Ammonites, his costly vow, and his strength of will to fulfill it in spite of the resultant pain. LESSON OBJECTIVES Know the issue that worked against Jephthah Understand what worked to his advantage and how he overcame his challenges Learn from the turn of events that worked to Jephthah’s favor Consider how he helped his people fight the Ammonites Consider his costly vow and his strength of will to fulfill it in spite of the pains BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) “NOW JEPHTHAH THE GILEADITE WAS A MIGHTY MAN OF VALOUR, AND HE WAS THE SON OF AN HARLOT…” JUDGES 11:1 (a). WHAT IN THIS STATEMENT WORKED AGAINST JEPHTHAH?The statement was true of Jephthah, but circumstances that were not his making worked against him during his youthful age. The status and life of his mother as a harlot did not favor him in his father’s house. His half-brothers regarded him as an illegitimate son, and so was not qualified to be a bonafide member of their family. This posed a great challenge in his life as a young man; consequently, he became an outcast among his people. (b). WHAT WORKED TO HIS ADVANTAGE AND HOW DID HE OVERCOME HIS CHALLENEGE? Judges 11:3His rejection by his people eventually created an opportunity for him to discover his potentials. Soon after his departure from among his people to the land of Tob, he discovered leadership within himself when he gathered other fellows of like mind. Within a short period, he had become the leader of a band of warriors. In spite of the unfortunate situation Jephthah found himself, he never gave up hope in God, as was proved by the turn of events later in his life. Under God, he was able to organize the band into a contingent of foot soldiers who could dislodge any invading army. In the process of their...

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THE FAMILY EMPOWERED TO SUCCEED, JUNE 16TH, 2024

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THE FAMILY EMPOWERED TO SUCCEED, JUNE 16TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHT…for with God, nothing shall be impossible. TEXT: GEN. 24:1, 34-36; 35:1-7; JOHN 15:4-5 INTRODUCTION:The word ‘empower’ means to give power to someone or give official authority or legal power to act on behalf of another. It could also mean enabled, inspired, influenced, or promoted and trained. An empowered family is that where every member properly takes his/her responsibilities. 2 Peter 1:3 says, “According to His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue”. As believers, we are expected to begin the gospel propagation from our homes. LESSON OBJECTIVE To know what it means for a family to be empowered Discuss ways God can empower a family Know the hindrances to family empowerment Know what it means to succeed BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR A FAMILY TO BE EMPOWEREDFor a family to be empowered, it means that God is involved in building and establishing it. He lays the foundation and makes provisions for its spiritual and physical well-being. Psalm 127:1 says, “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it…”. As the master builder, God made the provision for families’ empowerment and desires that each family (Christian family) will abide in Christ to enable them in fulfilling God’s purpose on Earth. QUESTION 2) DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING WAYS GOD CAN EMPOWER A FAMILYThrough the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:7-8; Isa. 11:1-3): “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal…”. The workings of the Holy Spirit empower family members to succeed, as each member carries out his/her assigned responsibilities in the home. The nine gifts of the Holy Spirit and other talents given to believers by God are to affect their generation and live better Christian lives, thereby wroughting success.Obedience to the word of God (Josh 1:8; Rom. 4:3; 2 Tim 3:16-17; Ps. 119:11). “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you”. The word of God is the greatest weapon of empowerment the family has to succeed in all things. This can be achieved through studying, meditating, and obedience to it. “For wherewithal shall a man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to Thy word” (Ps. 119:9).Prayers (Gen. 17:17-22; 1 Thess. 5:17). Prayer strengthens the family, makes their vision clearer, and produces faith, hence we are enjoined to pray without ceasing.Faith (Acts 3:25; Gen. 22:8; Gal. 3:7-9). Faith believes for the impossible to be made possible. Abraham confessed to Isaac that “… God shall provide Himself a Lamb for sacrifice…”. We are children of Abraham by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.Love for God and Man (1 Cor. 13:1-7). “And herein do I exercise myself to have always a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man” (Acts 24:16). Love for God and man is manifested in being free of offence towards God and man while producing the fruit of the Spirit in our daily walk/ work in life.Vision (Gen. 15:1; 46:2; Num. 12:6). Clear vision of God’s purpose in a family produces confidence towards God’s direction for every situation of life. God said to Abraham “… fear not… I am thy shield and thy exceeding great...

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THE MAN ZACHARIAH, JUNE 9TH, 2024

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THE MAN ZACHARIAH, JUNE 9TH, 2024

HYMM: S.S & S. 642 “When we walk with the Lord” CENTRAL THOUGHTService to God and mankind is a great privilege. TEXT: LUKE 1:5-25INTRODUCTION:Zachariah, a Jewish priest in his days, was privileged to be chosen one day as the “minister on duty” to enter the Holy place of the temple to offer incense to God for the people. God guided the choice of Zachariah to bring His purpose to pass. Bible records that both Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth were righteous before God. There were blameless in keeping God’s commandments and ordinances, yet they had the challenge of childlessness. The challenge notwithstanding, Zachariah and his wife continues to serve God faithfully. It was while Zachariah was serving in the temple and the congregation worshipping and praying outside that an angel of God brought the news of God’s answer to prayers. At the right time, God answered the prayers of the couple. They gave birth to John the Baptist who was the forerunner of Jesus Christ. We have lessons to learn on the records of this man and his wife as we serve in the house of God. LESSON OBJECTIVES To describe the person Zachariah Explain his being “minister on duty” Discuss the encounter with an angel of the Lord while ministering BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) WHO WAS ZECHARIAH AND WHAT WERE THE LIFESTYLES OF THE MAN AND HIS WIFE? (LUKE 1:5-7) BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHO WAS ZECHARIAH AND WHAT WERE THE LIFESTYLES OF THE MAN AND HIS WIFE? (LUKE 1:5-7)Zechariah was a Jewish priest, a member of the priestly order of Abijah, married to Elizabeth also of the priesthood lineage of Aaron. They were upright and holy in the sight of God blamelessly. As a priest, he was expected to be teaching people the word of God, directing the worship services, burning incense, and interceding on behalf of the people. Though Zechariah and his wife were righteous and serving God diligently, they had a big challenge on their marriage. They were childless and this was considered as a curse in the Jewish culture (Gen 30:22-23). We don’t know how many years they have been praying for the fruit of the womb with no manifestation. They were now very old, and the situation appeared hopeless and helpless. It is instructive to note that excellent Christian life does not insulate one from this world’s challenges and difficulties. However, prayers offered in faith through Jesus Christ will surely be heard. The answer may appear delayed, but it will surely come to pass. God intervened at the right time; for it is written, “Behold, God will not forget the righteous” (Job 8:20).QUESTION 2) EXPLAIN HIM BEING “MINISTER ON DUTY” AND RELATE TO TODAY’S CHURCH DUTIES (EXODUS 30:7-8; 2 CHRO. 31:2; LUKE 1:8-10)History has it that at this period, there were about 20,000 priests in the land. They were divided into 24 groups. Each group would be on duty for a week. Every morning the group on duty will cast a lot to determine who God will choose to enter into the Holy of place. It was therefore a great privilege and perhaps once in a lifetime for a priest to be chosen to enter into this Holy place. On this occasion, the lot fell on Zechariah. He was to offer incense in the...

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DIVINE PROMOTION: MORDECAI IN FOCUS, JUNE 2ND, 2024

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DIVINE PROMOTION: MORDECAI IN FOCUS, JUNE 2ND, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTPromotion acquired through God’s standard is enduring. TEXT: ESTHER 6:1-10; 10:1-3 INTRODUCTION:Everyone loves to be promoted, either as a servant/ worker or a student. Mordecai, a war captive, started as a servant at the gate in the palace of king Ahasuerus. He later became a great man. Staying true to God’s word may cost us positions and advantages in the short run, but those who choose God over money/ power will one day acquire heavenly wealth beyond measure (Matt. 6:19-21).God is using the situations we face daily to weave a pattern of godliness into our character. The pathway to glory or promotion is humility and obedience. A heart and an attitude of obedience and humility remain the bedrock on the pathway to promotion and success in life.The natural man is arrogant, self-willed, self-centered, and disobedient. Such people as Haman, Prime Minister to King Ahasuerus, find it difficult to submit to the authority of God. God had woven an effective counterstrategy against which Haman’s plan could not stand. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the ends thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).Any believer who chooses to go the way of humility has chosen the path to greatness, promotion, and honor. Another route which we can be lifted is through the submission to God like Mordecai. True submission involves having little or no regard for one’s personality and achievement in life and taking on the position of obedient and humble servant which will create an avenue for promotion and exaltation. LESSON OBJECTIVES To discuss Mordecai and his initial status in Shushan Examine the divine intervention in the life of Mordecai Identify the role played by Mordecai in the life of Esther Highlight the honor done to Mordecai BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1A) WHO WAS MORDECAI AND WHAT WAS HIS INITIAL STATUS IN SHUSHAN? Esther 2:5-6,19Mordecai was a Jew of the tribe of Benjamite, from Kish family. His family was one of the Israelite families taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. He as a war captive who became the King’s gate keeper. QUESTION 1B) COMMENT ON SOME OF THE ACTIONS OF MORDECAI INCLUDING THE RISKS THAT HE TOOK. Esther 2:21-23; 3:2-4; 4:1-2; 13-14Mordecai was faced with a lot of challenges which he turned into opportunities. First, he exposed the plot to kill king Nebuchadnezzar by two of his chamberlains. This was a great risk for Mordecai. Moreover, as a Jew, he refused to bow and reverence Haman, the King’s Prime Minister, and was told to Haman by fellow attendants to the King. This brought him into disfavor before Haman, who hated him (Mordecai) to the extent of plotting to eliminate all Jews in the whole kingdom. With this information, Mordecai carried out a one-man demonstration (clothed with sackcloth and ashes) to draw Queen Esther’s attention to the death sentence passed on all Jews. The rewards for doing right are sometimes delayed, but guaranteed by God. QUESTION 2A) READ ESTHER 6:1-10 AND DISCUSS THE DIVINE INTERVENTION IN THE LIFE OF MORDECAI.Mordecai violated so many palace rules which would have led to severe punishment. Haman had even capitalized on one of such disobedience to desire his death. The last stage of Haman’s plot was to be executed the next morning, but the God of the Jews intervened...

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THE THREE HEBREW CHILDREN, MAY 26TH, 2024

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THE THREE HEBREW CHILDREN, MAY 26TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHT Unwavering faith in GOD brings the desired results. TEXT: DANIEL 3:1-30 INTRODUCTION:Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were companions with Daniel. The three young Jewish men were deported to Babylon along with Daniel. In Babylon’s religious culture, statues were commonly erected and worshipped. Nebuchadnezzar, perhaps in an attempt to unite the nation and solidify his power by centralizing worship, made a gold statue ninety feet tall and nine feet wide. He called his officials together and commanded that at the sound of the horn, flute, harp and other musical instruments, people of all races, nations and languages should bow to the golden image. This was a great challenge to the faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. A great conflict: to obey man or God. In this study we shall see what their choice was, what they passed through, the king’s decrees and repentance, the secret of their success and their reward. LESSON OBJECTIVES To examine the circumstances that brought the three Hebrew children to the kings court. To discuss the three Hebrew children’s refusal to bow down to the golden image. To appreciate that God’s commandment is superior to man’s decree/law. BIBLE TRUTH QUESTION 1.) WHAT WERE THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT BROUGHT THE THREE HEBREW CHILDREN TO THE BABYLONIAN COURT? DANIEL 1:1-6King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon invaded Jerusalem in the third year of the reign of king Jehoiakim of Judah. God gave him victory over Jerusalem. To demonstrate his dominance and victory he took the finest and wisest men and women to Babylon as captives. They were taken as trophies. Among them were Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. While in Babylon, the king directed Ashpzaz, his Chief of Staff to select among the young men of Judah’s royal family and other noble families, those that were strong, healthy- and good-looking young men. Such persons must be skillful in all wisdom, and cunning, or well-seen in knowledge and understanding of science, quick, sharp, and intelligent. These people are to work in the king’s court. Such persons are to be well fed from the king’s portion to enhance their look and performance. Among those chosen for this great and privilege training and assignment were Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. The three plus Daniel were chosen to be trained in order to serve in the king’s palace. Thus they find themselves from Jerusalem to the king’s court. QUESTION 2) HOW CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE THREE HEBREW CHILDREN FROM DANIEL 2:17-18, AND WHAT DOES THIS TEACH YOU ABOUT CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIPS?When Daniel was at a crisis point, he ran to these trusted Jewish friends and they prayed together. God answered them and victory became their portion. We can learn from them that Christian friends are helpful. When we find ourselves in tight spots, we can share our needs and what we are passing through with trusted Christian friends.Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were three great and trusted friends. Their unity and togetherness help us think of the real meaning of friendship. Together they silently defied king Nebuchadnezzar’s order to fall down and worship his golden image. This was to attract the death penalty which could have put an end to their sweet relationship. When the king confronted them face to face and gave them another opportunity to fall down and worship the golden image, they courageously and unanimously...

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Authority In The Name Of Jesus, May 19th, 2024.

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Authority In The Name Of Jesus, May 19th, 2024.

CENTRAL THOUGHTThe name of Jesus is the believer’s weapon for all purposes. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1A) HOW DID JESUS OBTAIN THIS GREAT NAME? HEB. 1:1-4, EPH. 1:20-23, MATT. 28:18-20, PHIL. 2:5-11 The Lord Jesus obtained this name: (1) By Inheritance: God the Father bequitted the name to Him as the Son of God and Heir of all things. As a Son, the name Jesus is one of the things He inherited from His Father (Luke 1:31). (2) By conquest: After Jesus rose from the dead, God made Him to sit at the right-hand side of His Majesty in Heaven, far above principalities, powers, dominion and every name in this world and in the world to come. He put all things under Him and made Him the head of the church. (3) By God’s authority: At the commissioning of His disciples to go and preach the gospel to all the nations, Jesus told them that all authority has been given to Him, (by the Father) so they should baptize those who believe in Him, in the name of the Father, the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit. (4) By Humility and Obedience: Although Jesus had the freedom as God’s Son, to affirm the fulness of God, which His Father placed in Him, He humbled Himself and took the form of a bond servant. “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name (Jesus), which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in Heaven, and of things on earth and of things under the earth….”. QUESTION 1B) FROM THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURES, MENTION OTHER NAMES OF JESUS: ISAIAH 7:14, 9:6. The Lord Jesus is also called “Immanuel”, which is interpreted “God with us” affirming His continuous presence in the midst of His people. “Wonderful” as seen in the marvelous works done by Him. “Counselor”, leading His people by the Holy Spirit and His word. “Mighty God”, stating the truth of His being. “Everlasting Father”, depicting His eternal existence. “Prince of Peace”. He is the author of peace. QUESTION 2A) WHO SHOULD EXERCISE AUTHORITY IN THE NAME OF JESUS? MATT. 28:18-19, MARK 16:15-18, JOHN 3:21, PSALMS 66:16-20. The exercise of authority in the name of Jesus is not an all comer’s affair. Only those whom He has authorized, can do so- Those who are sent on His mission, those who believe in His name, those who have confidence in God and do what pleases Him, all who fear and obey His word, those who know Him and are known by Him, those who do not have any condemnation in their heart, those who are recognized by God as His children. However, the name is not to be used as a magic wand, for merchandise or other selfish end, but for the praise and glory of God. Are you one of those authorized to use the name of Jesus? Are you really using it? Why not avail yourself of this rare privilege given you by God and free yourself from the embarrassment of the enemy of your soul. QUESTION 2B) WHY DO SOME BELIEVERS FAIL TO EXERCISE THE AUTHORITY IN THE NAME OF JESUS? Hosea 4:6. To be given authority is one thing, and to exercise the authority is another. Not all...

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BUILDING UP THE CHILD FOR THE FUTURE (PART 2), May 12th, 2024

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BUILDING UP THE CHILD FOR THE FUTURE (PART 2), May 12th, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTParents have the primary responsibility to build up the lives of their children. TEXT: PS. 78:1-7, 127:1-5 INTRODUCTION: Any child who is well trained will bring honor to the parents. We cannot expect a child who is denied any form of education throughout his life to become a renowned personality. Training develops the skill in any human being. This is why the scripture enjoins that a child should be trained in the way he should go. Every Christian parent who has found the way to eternal life should not withhold the knowledge of how to tread on this path from the children.Parents can only give out what they have. Parents should meditate on the word of God day and night so that they can have good successes even in the building up of their children’s lives (Josh 1:8). Think good, talk good, and act well so that you can give out that which is good (Phil. 4:8).In this study, we shall be discussing how and what to teach our children to make them acceptable to God and succor us in our old age. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are to: Understand how to prepare out children for the future Know what to teach our children Appreciate the benefits of training our children well. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) HOW SHOULD WE PREPARE OUR CHILDREN FOR THE FUTURE? We are to prepare our children for the future by diligently teaching them to keep the commandments of God. We are to spare no effort. Deut 6:6-7 says, “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up”. Jesus calls the Word “meat” to us. We must carefully and consistently teach them at all times, in all places and by every good means. We must be committed, make time for it, and put on every effort to achieve this. It requires continuity and consistency. It must be “precept upon precept… line upon line… here a little, there a little” (Isa. 28:9-10), day by day, week after week, month by month, year after year until it becomes part of them. We must not hide our faith. We should teach by the word and by examples. A light of the world, we must “let out light so shine that people (our children) may see our good works and glorify our father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14). We must be examples to our flock ( 1 Pet. 5:3). Children observe and want to copy from their parents. We must therefore say “be ye followers of me even as we follow Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). If we live godly and consistently practice righteousness, holiness, and life in the spirit, we can trust God to help our children to follow His way of life which they might have seen in us. We should take them to church and encourage them to identify with their age-groups (children, teenagers, and youths), Good News Bible clubs, children conferences, camp meetings, and good secular educational institutions. Parents must continue to monitor what they are being taught. It is our...

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