Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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DAVID FELL INTO SIN, March 21st , 2021

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DAVID FELL INTO SIN, March 21st , 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT“ Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor 10:12). HYMN: AMAZING GRACE TEXT: 2 Samuel 11:1-27; Psalm 32:1-7; 51. INTRODUCTION: Scripture tells us that David lusted after Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, the Hittite who was away at the battle front. He committed adultery with her. The result of their sinful union was a pregnancy. In an attempt to cover up his sin, David called Uriah from the battle front and tried to make it appear that Uriah was the father of the child. But in a display of patriotism, Uriah refused to go to his wife. Frustrated by Uriah’s actions, David plotted the killing of Uriah on the battle front. After the appropriate period of mourning, David married Bathsheba. For a time, it appeared that David had “gotten away from his sin”. David and Bathsheba in due time “bore a son”. David went for more than nine months or a year without repenting of his sins. Does that mean he was happy or peaceful? Hardly! In fact, a look at Psalm 51:3 and Psalm 32: 2-3, shows that his conscience and soul was tormented no peace because his sins were unconfessed. “What David had done, displeased the lord.” (2 Sam 11:27). However, God out of love for His child and in an effort to bring the sinner to repentance, sent the prophet Nathan to David with a simple parable: a story of a selfishness and meanness. He told of a rich man who, instead of taking one of many sheep of his flocks to feed a visitor to his home, he took the one lone sheep of a poor man. David failed to see his own wrong, a wrong more serious than that of a rich man. ( 2 Sam. 12:1-14).Nathan confronted David with his sin and guilt announcing “You are the Man!”. David’s heart from touched as Nathan spoke to him. He could no longer hide his sins, but openly confessed, “ I have sinned against the lord”. God had been waiting for David’s repentance as He waits for each of us to acknowledge and confess our sins to Him. He is also anxious to comfort every repentant sinner with the assurance of forgiveness and the promise of life. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are:1.To identify the events that led David to committing sin.2.To acknowledge the fact that one sin often leads to another.3.To identify the effects of the sin committed by David.4.To appreciate how David repented. BIBLE TRUTHQ1. WHAT IS THE EVENT THAT LED TO DAVID’S SIN? 2 Sam 11:1-14, Prov. 4:23-27, Rom 12:11, Matt 5:27-30.David was idle ( 2Sam. 11:1-2) and in the wrong place- “at the time when the kings go forth to battle”. In his idleness, he saw Uriah’s wife in her nakedness. Matthew Henry’s commentary has it that “idleness gives great advantage to the temper and standing waters gathers filth. The bed of a sloth ( laziness) often proves the bed of lust”. This was the problem that led David seeing what he ought not to see. David would have turned his eyes from the nakedness of this woman, but lust took hold of him. Matt. 5:28 “ But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath...

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DAVID CROWNED AS KING, March 14th, 2021

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DAVID CROWNED AS KING, March 14th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHTGod fulfills His promises in His time. HYMN: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD. TEXT: 1 Sam 16:1-3; 2 Sam 2:1-4; 5:1-10. INTRODUCTION The promises of God never fail even in the face of hardship and affliction. Humanly speaking, it was possible for David to think that God has forgotten him like we do at times. This also happened in the life of Joseph, Abraham among others. Abraham was fully persuaded that what God had promised, HE was able also to perform ( Rom 4:21). God has not failed in any of His promises ( 1 Kings 8:56b). His words are yea and amen. He is not slack concerning His promises ( 2 Pet. 3:9). A Child of God should therefore, hear from God expressly, understand Him well and believe Him. He should continue to live, walk, work and patiently behave or do things in consonance with God’s instructions. We are in a race where distractions abound, but we are expected to follow the principles spelt out rigidly for a crown to be given to us at the end ( 1 Cor 9: 24-27). It is expected in stewards that a man be found faithful ( 1 Cor 4:2). We should therefore, not be like the fools who run aimlessly, since the crown can only be obtained when we run the race to the end. Let us keep running, using the word of God and the good examples of our brethren who had gone before us. This study will teach us how to patiently wait for God’s promises and not be discouraged by adverse life situations. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are:1.To understand why God rejected Saul and chose David as king.2.To appreciate God’s choice of David.3.To appreciate the fact that though anointed king in his youthful age, he was not crowned until many years later. BIBLE TRUTHQ1. WHY DO YOU THINK GOD REJECTED SAUL AND CHOSE DAVID AS KING? (1 Sam. 15:23; 16:1; Acts 13:22)God’s instruction to Saul was clear enough for him to have obeyed. Saul did not only do contrary, he pretended that he wanted to do God favor with sacrifice- a sacrifice God did not demand, and as such unacceptable to Him.God rejected Saul as king because his heart was very far from Him. He was longer walking according to God’s word. God is not a respecter of persons and He delights so much in His servants who obey His commandments and instructions. Example of similar cases abound in our world today, of men of God who started well by depending on God, seeking and hearing Him at all times and completely abiding by His instructions taking them step by step, only to deviate from all these for reasons best known to them-devil’s deceit. Usually they did well while trusting in God. Once they allow themselves to be distracted, they go out of the will ofGod, and earn subsequent rejection like Saul. Q2. ON WHAT BASIS DID GOD CHOOSE DAVID? ( 1 Sam 16:6-13) God looked at the nature of David. He was a man with a caring heart for his people and also obedient to God’s instruction. He made David and knew the composition of his person. He knew David’s inner man. God told Samuel not to look at the countenance, height,...

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DAVID IN TIMES OF AFFLICTION, March 7th , 2021

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DAVID IN TIMES OF AFFLICTION, March 7th , 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHTThose who live Godly in Jesus must suffer persecution. HYMN: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD. TEXT: 1 Sam. 18:1-16, 19: 1-17. INTRODUCTION Despite the fact that David was anointed King in his youthful age, he behaved himself and did not allow pride of the position get into his head. He remained cool-headed and dedicated to his shepherd business from where he was called out for anointing. He gained his experience of self-defense and protection of his people during this process which he later used to defeat Goliath. After this victory, one expected that David would enjoy some peaceful rest in his father’s land especially from his brethren but contrary was the case. The devil in his usual manner devised other means to cause him problems using his own people. Their King, Saul, was the instrument the devil found useful. The victory became talk of the city and women formed music as a result. Thus, this situation of joy became a source of jealousy against his popularity by King Saul, who tried in vain severally to kill him. God intervened and kept him, though not without some pain afflicted on him by the devil through kill King Saul. In this lesson therefore, we shall be looking at how David comported himself at these trying times, some pains he suffered and why God allowed them, as well as some possible lessons derivable from them. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are:1.To establish the source of David’s afflictions.2.To Know how and why he was afflicted.3.To see how he suffered affliction and his response during the problems.4.To establish how we should comport ourselves in times of affliction.5.To know the benefits when we overcome afflictions. BIBLE TRUTHQ1A. WHAT MADE SAUL DETERMINED TO KILL DAVID? ( 1 Sam. 18:6-9): ANY LESSON FROM THIS?David applied the self-defense and protective experience he gained from his shepherd duties to the situation he was faced with and came up successful. He killed Goliath and liberated the Israelites from bondage to the philistines when he went further, fought wars and conquered the enemies completely. This was an issue which brought great joy to the entire people and their women went about the streets singing in jubilation. They sang that Saul killed his thousands but David killed his ten thousand. Saul saw this as attributing more honor to David than himself and that David was becoming more popular than himself the king. Saul therefore, resolved to kill David. Thank God that he could not succeed. In one word therefore, Saul wanted to kill David because he was jealous of him.We have many lessons from this issue and they include the following: •Saul by his disobedience allowed the devil to control him, filling his heart with jealousy.•Saul was very selfish and self-centered and did not know that the hand of God was upon David.•David though lived his life righteously; the devil still went after his life. All who will live Godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution ( 2Tim. 3:12).The devil always wants to discourage and cause us to sin against God.•The devil wanted to stop David’s bright future. Believers should realize that their arch-enemy is the Devil. Q1B. WHAT WERE THE VARIOUS WAYS DAVID WAS AFFLICTED BY SAUL? 1 Sam. 18:11, 20-21; 19:1-2; 23:7-8, 14-15, 19-20; 24:1-2; 26:1-2.David, like...

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THE MAN DAVID – HIS EARLY LIFE, February 28th , 2021

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THE MAN DAVID – HIS EARLY LIFE, February 28th , 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHTAnointing is an inward consecration for service. HYMN: ALL TO JESUS I SURRENDER. TEXT: 1 Sam. 16:11-23, 17:15-37 INTRODUCTION: David was the youngest son (8th) of Jesse, a Bethlehemite. He later became the second King of Israel. The name David means BELOVED. In his immediate family, David was assigned the job of attending to the flock of their father. He was a shepherd boy. But against human judgement, he was preferred by God above his brethren who were more physically well-built and more militant. His pastoral/shepherd life may have provided him the opportunity of meditation, contemplation and communion with God and endowed him with compassion for the less privileged. David certainly had his personal weakness and failures, but in the old testament, he left a footprint in relating with God and in relating with humans. He was anointed by prophet Samuel while King Saul was still in power. This anointing first of all brought troubles in full measure. But most importantly, it brought enough grace to overcome all the troubles, and unimaginable empowerment for the fulfillment of a divine destiny. In this study, we shall take a careful look at the early life of David, his anointing and the lessons we can learn from them. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are:1.To examine the family background and childhood experiences of David.2.To discuss the implications of David’s anointing by Prophet Samuel.3.To discuss the experiences of David between the time he was anointed and the time he actually became King.4.To list some godly attitudes exhibited by David in the period of trial. BIBLE TRUTHQ1. READ THE FOLLOWING PASSAGES AND HIGHLIGHT THE FAMILY BACKGROUND AND CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES OF DAVID. 1 Sam. 16:11, 12,18, 21, 17:15, 20, 32-37David was the last son in a family of eight boys. His father’s name was Jesse, a Bethlehemite of the tribe of Judah. He was the keeper of the family flock, spending night and day out in the field, all alone. He developed in strength, courage, and attractiveness while caring for his father’s sheep (1 Sam. 16:12, 17:34-36).He developed intimate communion with God, became independent minded and thoughtful, very courageous and daring. No wonder he became a thoughtful poet and a very skilled musician with great inspiration. Q2. WHAT WERE THE IMPLICATIONS OF DAVID’S ANNOINTING BY PROPHET SAMUEL?When king Saul disobeyed God, he was rejected and Prophet Samuel was instructed to anoint another leader for Israel. This was where David came in, chosen by God and anointed by prophet Samuel- when there was a sitting King (Saul) and waiting prince (Jonathan). He was anointed into an office that was not vacant! From the day he was anointed the Spirit of God (for good governance and courageous leadership) came on David. Spiritually, the anointing brought to David the following:-a.) A divine mandate to advance the cause of God.b.) A divinely instituted concern for God’s people.c.) A divine impartation of grace and gifts for Service.d.) An inward advancement in wisdom and courage needed for leadership.e.) A divine seal of protection. All these were the divine blessings communicated with the anointing. Saul was however jealous of David’s achievements and favor.He passed a death sentence on him, and many indeed were killed for David’s sake (1 Sam. 22:11-18). For a great part of Saul’s last years as king, David...

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DECEITFULNESS OF THE HEART, February 21ST , 2021

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DECEITFULNESS OF THE HEART, February 21ST , 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHTOnly the pure in heart shall see God. HYMN: TAKE MY LIFE AND LET IT BE. TEXT: Jer. 7:9, Mark 7:21-23, Mic. 6:10-12 INTRODUCTION: Deceit is fraud, trick, falseness, or treachery. It is a vice which the Lord Jesus Christ said emanates from the heart of man (Mk. 7:21-23) and defiles him. Since the fall of man, the scriptures testify, the thoughts of the heart of man have been evil continually (Gen. 6:5, Ps. 116:11, Jere. 9:5, 17:9, Mic. 6:12, Rom. 3:13).People find themselves having to put their trust in unreliable politicians, scientists, clergies, employers, etc. Hopes are crushed when they discover that the same old lies have been told to them in new words. The wickedness of man has made man to deliberately deceive man; a man rises up and declares fallacies to people who are unsuspecting, deceives them and collects their money, their goods, or simply steals their admiration and time! He calls himself a herbalist, a palm-reader, a spiritualist or any other name. The rich deceive the poor toget richer, salaries are delayed while lies are told to the workers. Promises are made without any intention of fulfilling them. For this reason, the scriptures say” … Cursed be the man that trusted in man, and maketh flesh his arm and whose heart departed from the Lord” (Jer. 17:5). All form of deceit is lie, whether it’s a false smile, or a blatant lie, the idea is to give a false impression: it could be in dressing, talking, or even in eating style, any act of deceit is lie. For all persons in these classes, the Lord Jesus Christ said, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it” (Jn. 8:44). LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are:1.) To comprehend what deceitfulness of the heart means.2.) To understand different ways by which deceitfulness is manifested.3.) To discover how to escape the evil of deceit. BIBLE TRUTH Q1. WHAT IS DECEITFULNESS OF THE HEART? Generally speaking, the heart of man is that hollow muscular organ whose rhythmic attraction acts as a force pump maintaining the circulation of the blood. However, in the context of this study, the heart of man denotes one’s innermost character, feelings, or inclinations. It also means the emotional or moral as distinguished from the intellectual nature. Deceitfulness of the heart is consequently a state of mind of an individual set to falsehood. The term describes the ability of man to reveal the wrong as being the right and/or the right as wrong willfully. It involves dissimulation, which is pretense, dishonesty, imitation or hypocrisy. His innermost (hidden) character essentially determines the actions of a man. When the heart of a person is pure his deeds would be pure. But an individual with the dirty heart, out of his dirty heart bears dirty fruit of evil deeds (Titus 1:15). The Lord Jesus Christ said that the pure in heart are the ones that would see the Kingdom of God! (Matt. 5:8). Also, the apostle Paul admonished in Phil. 4:8,“Finally,...

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PATIENCE AS A GODLY CHARACTER, February 14th , 2021

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PATIENCE AS A GODLY CHARACTER, February 14th , 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT: Every believer should manifest patience. HYMN: HO, MY COMMARADES, SEE THE SIGNAL… TEXT: 2 Peter 1:5-8 INTRODUCTION: In the fast-growing world in which we live today, where everything is expected to happen in a hurry, the idea of waiting for something (not to talk of waiting without complaint) may seem alien to many. “The quicker, the better” seems to be the watchword of this generation, and whatever it takes to rapidly achieve the expected end appears acceptable, so long as the desired result is obtained. As Christian’s, however, we are encouraged not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, so as to prove that good acceptable and perfect will of God (Rom. 12:2). We are called to be “salt” and “light” to the world we live in. (Matt 5:13-14). Showing, in all things, the more excellent way. Patience, although cast aside as foolish by today’s world, is esteemed by God (Eccl. 7:8) and a genuinely patient attitude in a child of God should be seen as a sign of maturity and truly godly character. It ought, therefore, to be highly coveted and sought after by every sincere child of God. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are:1.To define patience and show its basic characteristics.2.To show when (i.e. in what circumstances) patience is needed.3.To discover how we can develop patience in our individual lives.4.To show the benefits of patience. BIBLE TRUTHQ1. WHAT IS PATIENCE?Patience may be defined as being able to wait for somebody to come, or for something to happen, without complaining, even when what one is waiting for appears to be delayed. It could further be defined as being able to accept annoyance or suffering without complaint, and without any other negative reaction such as retaliation. A patient person does not get angry or tired. He continues steadfastly in what is right, in spite of difficulty or delay.Genuine patience goes beyond mere self-control, in which one may keep a check on negative feelings and, thus, not show them outwardly although he may be “boiling” inside. It is not mere tolerance of a situation but a calm readiness to see it through to the expected end. Q2. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENCE?1.) It expects something (waits for somebody to come or for something to happen). In other words, it has a hope- it is looking for something yet unseen. It could be the arrival of anexpected person or thing, or a change in a particular situation, or even in the character of another person. (Rom. 8:24-25, Tit. 2:13, 2 Tim. 2:24-25, Heb. 6:12, 10:36).2.) It waits, no matter how long. It has confidence that the expected end will surely come and is therefore willing to wait, in spite of apparent delay. It accepts the waiting as a necessary route to receiving the promise; therefore, it does not get upset. Just as a farmer does not get upset with his crops but waits till the appointed time of harvest (James 5:7).3.) It endures (annoyance or suffering). The scriptures abound with examples of those who were patient in suffering; who, for the sake of the kingdom, endured all kinds of indignities (humiliations) against themselves, their families and their property without retaliation or complaint (Rom. 12:12, 2...

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AS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH, February 7th , 2021

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AS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH, February 7th , 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT: God is faithful to those who obey Him. HYMN: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD. TEXT: Genesis 6:1-22 INTRODUCTION Before the flood in the days of Noah, “the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Gen. 6:5). In the midst of this wickedness, Noah found grace in the sight of the Lord and separated himself from the evil in the land. God’s response to the wickedness was to destroy the world with a flood. He warned Noah about this impending judgement upon the earth. Noah’s faith carried him to act on God’s warning that a flood would cover the world. While Noah believed God and constructed the ark, the rest of the people, by contrast, ignored Noah’s message of coming judgement. His obedience was an indictment on those who persisted in their disobedience. The situation is not different today, as evil abounds in the hearts of men, with many not believing the gospel and scoffers mocking at the truth of an impending judgement. In this study, we shall be examining the life and times of this man, whose family was the only one saved in an entire generation. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are:1.To identify who Noah was.2.To understand what was the state of Noah’s day and relate it to ours.3.To examine how Noah lived among his people.4.To identify the need to bring up our children the right way.5.To understand how we can escape God’s impending judgement. BIBLE TRUTHQ1. WHO WAS NOAH? Gen. 5:28-32Noah was the son of Lamech and the grandson of Methuselah. The name Noah signifies rest, or comfort. The Bible describes Noah as a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time who walked in close fellowship with God (Gen. 6:9). He walked in faith with God, as a living example to his generation. Q2A. WHAT WAS THE STATE OF NOAH’S DAY? Gen. 6:5-6, Matt. 24:37-39In the Bible we read from Gen. 6:5 “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually”. This implies that all kinds of sin was found in that generation. The earth was corrupt before God, it was filled with violence and injustice towards fellow men. People had dead consciences and there was no fear of God. All flesh had corrupted his way and did not remember God in anything. Q2B. WHAT ARE THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN NOAH’S DAYS AND OURS?One can rightly say that the wickedness of that generation is here again. All kinds of sin is found in our world today just as it was in the days of Noah. There is corruption in high and low places and even in most unexpected places, like churches. Violence and injustice towards fellowmen have filled the land. There is great wickedness everywhere and the fear of God is no more there. Places of Christian worship that used to be regarded by all as sacred have come under attack by men of violence. Just like the days of Noah, men are becoming too conscious of themselves and relegating God perpetually to the background in all they do. God still desires men who will stand...

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HEARING GOD’S VOICE, January 31st, 2021

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HEARING GOD’S VOICE, January 31st, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT Deep spiritual maturity is hinged on the ability to hear God’s voice correctly. HYMN: I AM THINE, O LORD, I HAVE HEARD THINE VOICE. INTRODUCTION Hearing Gods voice is the sum total of our fellowship, communion, and relationship with our Father. It entails him speaking to us, at His discretion, for instructions that may bother on our general well-being, specific assignments, rebukes, and being incorporated into the deeper secrets of His overall plans and programs for the future. It also includes the special privilege of being able to reach Him, at our own discretion, and converse with Him of issues about which we are in doubt and on which His opinion will be accepted as sacrosanct and, therefore final. Bible history and stories tells us that in both old and contemporary times, men and women that have moved the hands of God and stayed long with Him, have been those who have been able to secure the voice of God, and therefore, His opinion on issues that have sharpened the destinies of individuals, families, regions, and needless darkness, from individuals nations of the world. Unfortunately, today many of us still grope in to churches or anywhere some perceived solution exists, in search for God’s voice concerning our failing marriages, dwindling businesses and sources of livelihood, disappointments in church and society, and general backwardness.Fortunately, it is in the character and desire of God for Him to speak to us. In the past, He spoke to His people largely through prophets/seers by the media of visions, dreams and vocal communications. Today He has graciously added the agencies of the written Word and the Holy Spirit to the means by which He seeks that we hear His voice. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are:1.) What it means to hear God’s voice?2.) Some media by which God speaks to us3.) How to cultivate this attribute of hearing God’s voice and4.) What are the benefits of being able to hear from God? BIBLE TRUTHQ1. WHAT DOES IT REALLY MEAN TO HEAR GOD’S VOICE?This literally involves God speaking to any of His children audibly enough for such a person to hear clearly with his/her natural sense of hearing (the care) about a matter in which He (God) does not want His opinion to be misunderstood. This action, as can be seen from the above references, is usually initiated by God Himself, with the frequency, time and place being His exclusive rights. However, we may hear God speaking to us as we read His word with the right attention, concentration, reverence, and privacy. It could also mean God, through His Spirit in us, communicating messages to us by strong understandable impressions that cannot be ignored, in our moments of deliberate quietness, meditation and prayers. Most commonly it takes the form of a dialogue that demonstrates the intimate relationship that exists between Father and child. Q2. DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING WAYS, AMONG OTHERS, BY WHICH WAYS GOD SPEAKS TO HIS PEOPLE.a)Visions and Dreams (Numbers12:6-8, Joel 2:28)These are God’s methods of getting messages across to His people by deliberately interfering with their sleep or rest pattern. We must immediately note that: (i) it comes at the discretion of God, in line with 2 Peter 1:19-21. That someone is employed to “see visions” for you is a...

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THE GOOD SHEPHERD AND HIS FLOCK, January 24th, 2021

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THE GOOD SHEPHERD AND HIS FLOCK, January 24th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHT The good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep. HYMN: GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH. TEXT: Psalm 23:1-6, John 10:1-18 INTRODUCTION In describing the Lord as the shepherd, the Psalmist wrote out of the Lord’s inspiration from his personal experience having spent his early years caring for the sheep. The Lord is the Good Shepherd of the Christian flock. The good shepherd often slept in the sheep fold to protect the sheep. Jesus the Good Shepherd, cares for His flock. In this lesson, we shall examine the relationship between Him and His flock, observing carefully His tender and loving care for His sheep. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: 1.To understand who the Good Shepherd is. 2.To understand what is expected of the sheep. 3.To identify some blessings that God bestows on His sheep. 4.To understand the consequences of not heeding to the Shepherd’s voice. 5.To examine the relationship the Shepherd expects among the flock. BIBLE TRUTH Q1A. WHAT DOES THE WORD SHEPHERD MEAN? Simply put, Shepherd is a person who takes care of sheep, leads, guides, and guards the sheep to good pastures and against any intruder or enemy. He is also one who provides spiritual care and guidance for a group of people. Q1B. WHO IS THE GOOD SHEPHERD? The Lord Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd, that is why He could lay down His life for the Sheep. All believers in Him constitute the sheep. Psalm 100:3 makes us understand that it is God that made us and not we ourselves; we as His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Q2. WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM THE SHEEP? John 10:3-5, 27, 1 Sam. 15:22 The sheep is expected to heed the voice of the Good Shepherd by following Him faithfully. The sheep should be in absolute obedience to the Shepherd who will go before it or lead it to the green pasture. Thus, the sheep will have contentment because it is following the leadership of the Good Shepherd who understands the need of the sheep. The sheep should beware of hirelings whose ultimate motive is self and its gratification. Q3. HOW DOES THE SHEPHERD EXPECT THE FLOCK TO RELATE TO ONE ANOTHER? Acts 2:44-47, Eph. 4:1-6, Phil. 2:1-8 The basic relationship that is expected among the flock of the Good Shepherd is Love. This love will make every believer who make up the flock to see one another as brethren in the big family of God. This will make them, like the early Christians in Jerusalem, to share all that they have so that all can benefit from the blessings of God. It will make us recognize that as part of God’s family, we have a responsibility to help one another in every way possible. This type of relationship will create a healthy Christian community which will attract people to Christ just like it was in the early Church. The flock should be untied and not divided for any reason and be a source of encouragement one to another. Q4. WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT HEEDING THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE? 1 Sam. 15:22-23, John 15:6 The consequences of not heeding the Shepherd’s voice are better imagined than experienced. The sheep that does not listen would go astray and as such fall...

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THE JOY OF HARVEST, January 17th, 2021

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THE JOY OF HARVEST, January 17th, 2021

CENTRAL THOUGHTThere is joy in heaven over a sinner that repenteth (Lk. 15:7). HYMN: SOWING IN THE MORNING, SOWING SEEDS OF KINDNESS. TEXT: Luke 15:11-24 INTRODUCTIONIn the last few years, harvest has formed the central theme of our focus as a mission. Anyone involved in farming or indeed any other venture does so in anticipation of harvest- a time of in-gathering. Harvest is what makes our labor worthy of the effort we put into it. Before a harvest comes the ground there is preparation, planting of the precious seeds and tending of the growing crops. Sowing is an act of faith. It is done in the belief that the seeds sown will survive the heat of the soil and other adversaries in the environment. Between planting and harvest is a period of hopeful anticipation. Harvest gives fulfillment to the words of the Psalmist that “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seeds, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him” (Ps. 126:5-6). There is indeed joy in and at harvest (Isa. 9:3b), which is a celebration of success, increase and in gathering- a Pentecost of a sort. It is always a thing of joy when the Lord crowns our efforts with success, grants us advancement in our endeavors, blesses our families with children and other things we have desired of Him. None of these compares to the joy that follows the harvest of souls into His Kingdom. The scriptures expressly tells us that “There is joy in heaven over a sinner that repenteth (Lk. 15:7). This harvest gives cause for celebration in heaven. Our resolve and prayer, more than ever should be to partner with the Lord of Harvest to create more occasion in heaven for the celebration of harvest. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are:1.) Remind us of the need to sow in order to expect a harvest.2.) Know the various areas we can expect a harvest3.) Understand why there is joy in harvest4.) Know the harvest that gladdens God’s heart BIBLE TRUTHQ1. CAN THERE BE HARVEST WITHOUT SOWING?There is no harvest without a sowing phase. It is only when a farmer sows that a harvest can be anticipated. A student can only hope to pass an examination if time has been given to study and preparation. A harvest of souls can only follow a time of groaning and intercession followed by a sharing of the message of God’s love demonstrated in Christ Jesus. In short, every harvest is preceded by hard work, which we must put in to get the desired result. It is only the sluggard that sleeps away his time and somehow expects a harvest. That is why he is enjoined by God to learn from the ant (Prov. 6:6-11). If we expect to have the joy of harvest, we must be ready to do what it takes to have a harvest i.e. work. We must be ready to put in this work at the right time and in the appropriate measure. He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully (2 Cor. 9:6). Q2. WHAT ARE SOME AREAS WE CAN EXPECT HARVEST? Not many of us are necessarily involved in farming today....

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