Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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THE LIVING HOPE, April 12th, 2020

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THE LIVING HOPE, April 12th, 2020

  CENTRAL THOUGHT Hope based on the power of the risen Christ is a sure and unfailing one. HYMN: CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY   Text: 1 Corinthians 15:12-58 Introduction: The resurrection of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the basis of the Christian faith. Its acceptance as an event of history provides the foundation for having faith in the scriptures and for living and dying for the truth of the scriptures. Without the resurrection of Christ, there is no Christianity. Without the resurrection of Christ, there can be no guarantee of a life after death. It thus gives hope to our beliefs. People have all kinds of hopes and expectations, there are those who at the moment are penniless, but who hope that in not too distant time they will have the financial resources to build a house and buy a good car. Others have the expectation that they will acquire a university degree, and still others dream of the day that they will have a very lucrative job. While everyone has a right to have hope or expectation on anything the human mind can dream about, there are hopes which will not materialize and thus bring disappointment, and there are those that will be fulfilled. The hope of all believers of an eternal home of bliss and of rewards for all good done in the name of Christ is predicated on the resurrection of Christ. Because Christ rose from the dead, the believers hope shall someday be a reality. The hope generated by the resurrection in the hearts of the believers continues to provide the drive and motivation for faithful and unalloyed service and commitment to God and the well-being of humanity. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this lesson are to know, understand, consider and appreciate: To know that the resurrection of Christ is a fact of history. To appreciate that there can be no veritable faith in Christ without a warm embrace of the resurrection of Christ. To know the benefits of the resurrection of Christ. To know how the hope generated by the resurrection can stimulate a dynamic Christian service.   Bible truth: Q1. HOW IS THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST A FACT OF HISTORY? John 20:1-17 Efforts of many uneducated men and women philosophers, scientists’ historians, literary generals, etc. to erase the fact of the resurrection of Christ from the minds of people past and present and to present it as a figment of the imagination of the followers of Christ have not only met with woeful failure, but in some instances, made more converts to Christ. That is because the resurrection is at heart of anyone that fully appropriates it with a divine glow. All four gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John penned the events of the man Jesus Christ who went everywhere on the shores of the Palestine doing good, healing the sick and delivering all those that were oppressed by the devil (Acts 10:38). After 3 ½ years of such unique ministry, the hatred, jealously, and indignation of the Jewish religious leaders had welled up to the point that they felt they had to get rid of Him. They framed charges which they could neither defend nor substantiate against Jesus and urged the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate to attend...

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THE SUFFERING OF GOD’S SERVANT, April 5th, 2020

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THE SUFFERING OF GOD’S SERVANT, April 5th, 2020

CENTRAL THOUGHT Jesus Christ was made God’s suffering servant when He died on the cross for man’s redemption. HYMN: I GAVE MY LIFE FOR THEE   Text: Isaiah 52:54 (Reading Text: Isaiah 53:1-12 Introduction: Right from the time of creation and especially after the disobedience of Adam, God devised a plan to redeem man from the effect of his disobedience. The price of sin is death for without the shedding of blood there is no remission. In the Old Testament sin was atoned for in various ways and sacrifices of different types of animals prescribed by the mosaic laws. These sacrifices had a shortfall as they could not both atone and wash clean man’s heart. Consequently, God raised His servant, Jesus Christ and delivered Him to an astonished world, astonished because of His underserved suffering and humiliation, and because of the dramatic end. The scriptures reveal that He bore the punishment due to others voluntarily in obedience to the voice of God who call Him. The prophet Isaiah declares unequivocally “surely he has borne our griefs and carried away our sorrow …he was wounded for our transgression he was bruised for our inequities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we 21a0re healed”, Isaiah 53:4-5. Even when He received a no-case submission from Pilate, it pleased God in His good counsel, to make Him the sacrificial lamb for the redemption of man. Never in the history of mankind was it known for someone to be so cruelly treated for the sake of others. His executioners acted ignorantly being motivated by the devil himself, 1 Corinthians 2:8. He was humiliated beyond recognition and sentenced to a capital punishment meant for criminals. But by His resurrection He emerged the only Way, Truth and Life. Based on what He has accomplished for humanity, God gave Him a name above all other names, Philippians 2:9. It becomes pertinent that man ought to appreciate this gesture and identify with Him by accepting Him as Lord and Savior, abiding in His word continually so as to enjoy with Him in His glory. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To identify God’s suffering servant. To know why he has made a man of sorrow. To highlight the features of his suffering. To understand how we an identify with him. To emphasize what awaits those who reject him.   Q1. WHO IS THIS GOD’S SUFFERING SERVANT? When the first Adam (who was earthly) brought transgression and death to humanity, there was need for another Adam (who was of heavenly origin and one that would live above sin) to redeem man from bondage of sin and corruption. All through the Biblical period humanity waited patiently for this man who will be the Messiah. This was only made known at the visitation of Angel Gabriel to Joseph in a dream, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: For he shall save the people from their sins”, Matthew 1:21. John the Baptist also introducing Christ to those around him declared, “Behold, the lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”, John 1:29. Thus Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah (Savior). Nowhere in the scriptures is there a clear description of this process of saving...

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DEDICATION AND LOYALTY, March 29th, 2020

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DEDICATION AND LOYALTY, March 29th, 2020

CENTRAL THOUGHT Dedication and loyalty are attributes which God expects of every believer. Memory Verse: Matthew 22:37 “Jesus said unto him, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind”. Daily Devotional Guide: Monday: Be dedicated and loyal to the Lord. 2 Chron. 25:2, Mal. 3:10, Mark 7:6 Tuesday: Showing dedication and loyalty in our personal and devotional life. Ezra 7:10, 2 Tim. 2:15 Wednesday: Showing dedication and loyalty in evangelism. Mark 16:15, Jam. 1:27, Heb. 10:25 Thursday: Showing dedication and loyalty in our marriage and home. Eph. 5:21-33, 2 Cor. 12:14, 1 Tim. 5:8, Tit. 2:4 Friday: Showing dedication and loyalty in our civic responsibilities. Rom. 13:1-7, 1 Tim. 2:1-4 Saturday: Blessings for the dedicated and loyal believer to the Lord. Exo. 23:25, Isa. 56:4-5, Matt. 6:2-3, John 10:28      ...

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DEDICATION AND LOYALTY, March 29th, 2020

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DEDICATION AND LOYALTY, March 29th, 2020

CENTRAL THOUGHT Dedication and loyalty are attributes which God expects of every believer. Text: 1 Thess. 2:1-20, Jer. 35:1-19 Introduction: Dedication means giving of or devoting our time, energy and resources to a cause or a purpose, belief or person. For the believer, dedication is unto God and this involves a whole hearted commitment to Him, His word, work and people. Loyalty on the other hand means to be true and faithful to a cause, purpose, idea or person. To us as believers it involves our total obedience and submission to the will and purposes of God, Jesus said “ I must work the works of Him who sent me….(John 9:4). He was loyal to His Father. So we must be to the Lord. People could be dedicated to a cause out of compulsion, for eye-service, or for vain and self-glory. Thus we see that even when the purpose of such a cause or person is not too clear or fully understood, some people still follow blindly giving their time, talent, and other resources. God does not desire us to follow Him blindly, or without a clear motive or purpose. In fact, He desires us to follow Him with a clear conscience and understanding. In this way, we open ourselves up for His infinite blessings. Ignorance has made some believers to form the habit of giving God their leisure time instead of seeking first His kingdom and righteousness. Some have become seasonal Christians exhibiting an uncaring attitude towards the things of God. He expects His people to be fully dedicated and loyal to Him at all times so that He can manifest His glory through His chosen treasures. The prophets and the early Church that lived a victorious life were dedicated and loyal even unto death. We must have the same mind in order to live a victorious Christian life. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are:  To know that God expects us to be fully dedicated and loyal to Him always.  To know that dedication is essential for Christian maturity. To know the areas in which we must demonstrate loyalty and dedication.  To know that half-hearted dedication is unacceptable to God.  To know that the Holy Spirit cannot operate in a person or group that lacks dedication and loyalty.  To know that dedication and loyalty opens the door for unlimited blessings from God. Q1. HOW IMPORTANT ARE DEDICATIO AND LOYALTY IN CHRISTIAN GROWTH AND MATURITY? Dedication and loyalty are two characteristics that we must have if we be faithful to God. They are also a mark of Christian maturity. Dedication ensures that we are wholly given to God and His word. When we are dedicated to our faith as believers then we will not need to be pushed to serve God. We know and find it absolutely important to be in full service for the Lord. We will not need to be told to study the Scriptures, spend meaningful time in prayers and be active. In the house of the Lord. By giving ourselves and all that is ours to the service of God and the Church, we find tremendous strength in God that enables us to grow. We graduate quickly from just “taking milk to eating real meat”. There is no way we can grow if...

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INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY, March 22nd, 2020

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INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY, March 22nd, 2020

CENTRAL THOUGHT God deals with us as individuals. Memory verse 2 Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad”. Daily Devotional guide Monday: The Lord will reward each man according to his deeds. Romans 2:5-8 Tuesday: It is the soul that sins that will die. Eze. 18:20-22 Wednesday: The righteous man will remain righteous as long as he abides in the Lord. Matt. 24:13, John 15:6 Thursday: By faith in the finished work at Calvary, we are healed from whatever backgrounds we came from. Is. 53:4-11 Friday: The blood of the lamb has redeemed us. Gal. 3:13, Psa. 107:2, Eph. 1:7, Is. 63:9 Saturday: Let him who is holy be holy still…. The Lord is coming soon. Rev. 22:11, 12...

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INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY, March 22nd, 2020

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INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY, March 22nd, 2020

  CENTRAL THOUGHT God deals with us as individuals.   HYMN: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD Text: Ezekiel 18:1-32   INTRODUCTION This lesson addresses two classes of people, God’s children and unbelievers. First, as God’s children we must know and be conscious of the fact that we are individually responsible for our actions while alive here on earth. Again, every man is morally responsible and liable to God’s judgement. An old and common deception from the devil has been the thought that we could inherit Christianity from our parents. Just as the son of a University cannot inherit his father’s degrees and positions by merely being a son, a pastor’s son cannot inherit his father’s faith by merely being a son; and no one becomes a Christian by belonging to a “Christian family”. If a child follows the ways of his father he may live like the father. But primarily, as human beings, the Lord has given a vital law that overwrites an old one. The old adage described the old law: “The fathers ate some grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge” (Ez 18:2). This saying was stopped and with a divine oath, revealing God’s unalterable intention, the Lord stated that henceforth, the soul who sins is the soul who will die. No more would the children’s teeth be set on edge for sour grapes eaten by their fathers or even forefathers as the case may be. The implications of this are many, and in this lesson, we shall attempt to look at these many implications to the Christians as well as to the unbeliever.   LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: 1. To understand that individuals are responsible for their actions before God. 2. To know why each must account for his behavior. 3. To understand the implications of individual responsibility. 4. To know how long the righteous must remain in his righteousness in order to be justified on the last day.   Bible Truth: Q1. INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES – WHAT IT MEANS? This phrase simply means that it is for a man’s own sins that he will die. Also, it is for a man’s goodness that he will live. A father won’t be punished for his son’s sins, and the son shall not be punished for his son’s sins. And the son shall not be punished for his fathers. The good person will be rewarded for his own goodness. And the wicked person will be punished for his wickedness. This reversal of the old situation, the Lord said, is for fairness! (Ez 18:2, 3, 29). The Lord will punish or reward each according to his own actions. He does not enjoy seeing the sinner die. And He does not want people to suffer for the wrong of others, not even people from the same family. In the beginning, a man was made. And man remains a separate, single entity. The awareness of the singleness of man is manifested first at birth, then in many important times in the life of an individual (i.e. in decision-making situations… essentially, an individual has to live his life!) and then at death. Even twin babies are born separately; there is no two individuals that are completely identical. There is usually a difference that makes an individual...

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THE DANGER OF SHIFTING BLAMES, March 15th, 2020

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THE DANGER OF SHIFTING BLAMES, March 15th, 2020

  CENTRAL THOUGHT The individual is fully responsible for his actions and decisions.   Memory verse: Hebrews 4:7 c “To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts”.   Daily Devotional Guide: Monday: A command; not a suggestion Gen 3:6 Tuesday: Shifted blame on God Gen. 3:7-12 Wednesday: Shifted blame on the people 1 Sam. 15:16-23 Thursday: Obedience is better than sacrifice 1 Sam. 15:16-23 Friday: Failure to be accountable brings destruction Prov. 28:1-13 Saturday: The Lord is forgiving Isa. 55:1-7                ...

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THE DANGER OF SHIFTING BLAMES, March 15th, 2020

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THE DANGER OF SHIFTING BLAMES, March 15th, 2020

CENTRAL THOUGHT The individual is fully responsible for his actions and decisions. HYMN: NEARER, MY GOD, TO THEE   Text: 1 Samuel 15:1-35 Introduction: The consequences of our actions and decisions confront us on a daily basis. Sometimes, we prefer to wait for some other persons to point out to us our failures before we either admit them or pass them to some other persons. It takes the man of character to identify his failures and errors and seek God’s forgiveness. It takes greater courage to admit one’s error when they are pointed out to him. Saul was an individual who failed on these two aspects. When he spared Agag, the king of the Amalekites, and the best of the spoil of the battle, in utter disregard of the command of the Lord, he could not see his plight as one living in disobedience. Worse still when confronted with his error, he passed the blame to the people whom he governed. He simply lacked the character to be accountable for his actions. Other examples of persons who showed this trait were Adam, Eve, and Cain. They shifted responsibility for their actions to some other persons. In the case of Adam, he blamed God for being gracious in giving him a wife (Gen. 3:12). David was an exception to this trait. When his sins of adultery and murder were pointed out to him, he took full responsibility for his actions and sought God’s forgiveness. No wonder, Psalm 51 remains an epitome of a heart that is broken and contrite before the Lord. This character of being accountable was also demonstrated by Apostle Peter who sought forgiveness from the Lord after denying Him three consecutive times. Many, especially in leadership positions, think that it is a sign of weakness to admit one’s errors; it is a mark of great strength of character- one that clearly indicates a deep experiential knowledge of the grace of God. LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: To know the Christian’s response to God’s commandments To know the blessing of being reproved To know how to positively respond to correction To know what to do when in error To know the benefit of being accountable for our actions and decisions   Bible truth: Q1. WHAT LESSONS CAN WE DRAW FROM GOD’S COMMAND TO SAUL? The Lord’s command to Saul is found in 1 Sam. 15:3 “Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle, and sheep, camels and donkeys”. Before the Lord gave Saul this command, He reminded him that the assignment accompanying the command was the outcome of power and authority that had been divinely bestowed on him as king of Israel. That sounds quite familiar to those who have had a walk with the Lord. When Samuel reminded Saul that it was the Lord God Almighty who anointed him to be king over Israel, it was intended to get Saul to have a proper perspective of the situation of things. It got Saul to realize that he was who he was because of the divine favor of the Lord. That is what the Lord does to his children. When he lifts us up in the...

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FAVORITISM, March 8th, 2020

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FAVORITISM, March 8th, 2020

Daily Living Application: We’ve understood what favoritism is all about. However, this study was not designed to merely add to our stock of knowledge, but to bring about an attitudinal and behavioral change in us. As we address the issue of favoritism in our midst, we would not only be pleasing God but also healing the wounds and hurts in our homes, offices, churches and in the community. Memory Verse Proverbs 24:23 “These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment”.   Daily Devotional Guide Monday: God does not show favoritism Acts 10:34-35, Eph. 6:9 Tuesday: Being impartial is a fruit of the spirit James 3:17, Gal. 5:16-25 Wednesday: Favoritism is a sin Prov. 24:23, James 2:8-11 Thursday: Parents should guard against showing favoritism towards a child Gen. 25:27-28, 37:1-4 Friday: Favoritism causes disunity, confusion and decline in the church, homes, offices etc. Acts 6:1-7, James 3:14-16, Gen. 37:18-28 Saturday: Every work of the flesh including favoritism must be repented of and mortified Col. 3:5, Gal 5:1        ...

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FAVORITISM, March 8th, 2020

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FAVORITISM, March 8th, 2020

  CENTRAL THOUGHT Partiality among God’s people hinders fellowship. HYMN: JESUS WANTS ME FOR A SUNBEAM     Text: James 2:1-13, Matt. 20:20-23 INTRODUCTION Today’s topic focuses on an aspect of the human character that holds great potential for disunity, disintegration, and destruction in individuals, homes, and organizations. Since Christians have been called to live in love and unity, it becomes necessary to examine the subject of favoritism and the various forms in which it may manifest in the church and individual lives. By doing so, one might be able to use the word of God to do a fair assessment of oneself with a view to making adjustment if need be. In James 1:23, the Bible has been compared to a mirror by which we can examine our lives as individual Christians or bodies. As humans, we are apt to have preferences in our daily interactions with people. Much as this is not objectionable however, Christians must be careful not to allow such preferences put them at variance with God’s established standards. This is because God with whom we have to do, makes His rain and sun fall and shine respectively upon both the righteous and the unrighteous. He does not show respect of persons.     LESSON OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are: 1. To understand what favoritism means 2. To examine some manifestations of favoritism 3. To examine the consequences of favoritism 4. To identify why people show favoritism. 5. To suggest ways of dealing with favoritism   Bible Truth: Q1. WHAT IS FAVORITISM? Favoritism is the act of being partial or biased towards a person or group. It is a display of special treatment accorded an individual or group usually at the expense of others. It implies treating one person different from another based on bias. Favoritism can also be defined as an unequal or unfair treatment of people. Although derived from the word favor, it is however used in the negative sense when one shows preferential treatment to an individual usually at the expense of others. Such preferential treatment is given on the basis of factors like the persons age, birth, tribe, family, sex, church, financial status, authority, political affiliations etc. It is described in some scriptural presentation as “respect of persons” (Deut. 1:17, 1 Peter 1:17) as being partial (Mal. 2:9, James 2:4) and partiality (1 Tim. 5:17, James 3:17). As Christians we need to understand that favoritism is not part of God’s character whom the Bible says judges or treats people according to their works or doings (Acts 10:34-35, Eph. 6:8-9, 1 Peter 1:17). We also need to realize that being impartial is an attribute of God (James 3:17) and needs to be cultivated.   Q2. ARE THERE EXAMPLES OF FAVORITISM IN THE BIBLE? In Gen 37:1-4, Jacob showed preferential treatment to Joseph above his other children. For Joseph, Jacob made a coat of many colors which incurred the envy of his brethren. James 2:1-3 gives a vivid account of how in the church, the rich are treated specially while the poor were despised. Similarly Acts 6:1 tells us how selective attention was paid to the native Jewish widows above the Grecian widows in the serving of food (i.e. the church welfare scheme). The above incidents show clearly that favoritism can...

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