Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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PAUL: THE CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY (Part 2), FEBRUARY 25TH, 2024

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PAUL: THE CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY (Part 2), FEBRUARY 25TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHT: Every believer has a duty to reach out to others with the gospel. INTRODUCTION The missionary work may require the missionary to live among the people he/she seeks to reach. In most times it will involve leaving a seeming comfort zone to less comfortable ones. Missionaries are passionate about souls and winning souls for Christ means much more to them than worldly comfort. Our brother Paul was called by God to reach out to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15). He was enjoying spiritual fellowship at Antioch with some prophets and teachers when the Holy Spirit said “now separate to me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which have called them”. In this study we shall look at how Paul lived among the people and showed commitment to his call (and commission). BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1A) MENTION SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THAT CHRISTIAN MISSIONARIES COULD ENCOUNTER. The missionary is bound to encounter challenges on the mission field. These challenges come in various forms e.g resistance to the gospel (Acts 13:8), the competition of false gospel that have deceived the people and held them captive (Acts 16:17-20), physical maltreatment like beating, torture, lack and want, sickness, loneliness, false accusation even from brethren (2 Cor. 11:23-33). It is worse off when the missionary has to suffer from his own people, his brethren (2 Cor. 11:26). The challenge of being grounded with the word and being full of the Holy Ghost is to be able to combat the enemy of the gospel, the devil and his agent is major. There are also trials of the missionary’s faith. The missionary must never get too busy to forget his source of strength; he must always revert to God for the power of the Holy Ghost. Jesus did not leave the disciples in ignorance of the persecution, rejection, hatred they shall face when he sent them out (Matt. 10:16-31). The typical missionary’s life is a difficult one, sometimes they live in hostile communities and often face dangers (Matt. 10:16-18). Paul testified of this (Rom. 8:36). Some other challenges Christian missionaries can face are issues of indecision, e.g willingness to respond to the call, especially where the Lord’s leading appears to be opposed to the desire of the missionary. Also, the challenges of the church leadership who often focus on achieving their goal with little concern and care for the missionaries with whom the goals will be achieved. In the same vein, there may be pressure on the missionary from the church leadership to perform his function sometimes differently from the way God is leading the missionary to carry out the work. The missionary could be discouraged by the result of his work, especially where so much effort is put in with little or no results of growth in the converts. There is also the challenge of being a men pleaser, so as to get the needed support. The fear of declaring the word boldly like John the Baptist did to Herod (Mark 6:17-19). Sometimes, there is challenge of language barrier in some areas and adjustments when working with people of different cultures and life. A major challenge is that lack or poor support morally, financially, spiritually, etc. especially that of sustaining the family life by providing for the needs of the missionary. The early...

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PAUL: THE CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY (Part 1), FEBRUARY 18th, 2024

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PAUL: THE CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY (Part 1), FEBRUARY 18th, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHT Every believer has a duty to reach out to others with the gospel. TEXT: ACTS 13:1-13, 34-41 INTRODUCTION: The word missionary has been defined to mean someone who attempts to convert others to a particular doctrine or program. In the context of this study, a missionary is anyone who converts people to the Christian faith; it is the effort made to convert others to Christ. Missionaries are in different categories. There are those in the mission field dedicated and committed to sharing the gospel, laboring day and night for the conversion of souls. Others who are not actively involved give financial support to the work and others pray. Hence in missionary terms, it is called the 3 “G’s”. those that go, give, and groan for the work. Jesus Christ commanded every believer in Mark 16:15 to “go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature”. Winning souls is mandatory for every believer, and it is a demonstration of our love and commitment to God. Missionary work requires one’s time, effort, energy, consistency, and commitment. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1A) HOW DID PAUL START HIS MISSIONARY ACTIVITIES? Acts 13:1-2“While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them”(NIV). It was during a fasting service, of brethren which included some prophets and teachers, that the Holy Spirit spoke that Barnabas and Saul was to be set apart for the work. It was a clear instruction they received. He was busy ministering to the Lord in the church at Antioch. Even when Paul had been ordained (from the encounter with the Lord), he did not rush to the mission field. It is necessary to be trained and wait on the Lord before proceeding to the mission field. QUESTION 1B) IDENTIFY THE PARTIES INVOLVED IN CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY WORK AND COMMENT ON THE ROLE OF EACH PARTY (Acts 13:2-5)Christian missionary work is a spiritual work and should not be done carnally. Different parties are involved in Christian missionary work. They are: The Missionary: The first party involved in Christian missionary work is the missionary who has made his/ herself available to be sent by God and the Church. Such an individual must be willing to give up personal pleasures, choices, and be ready to yield totality to God and be willing to go as lead by the Lord. The Church: The local church is where the missionary takes off to the mission field. There are, however, lone missionaries who have no “mother” church, but work with different churches at different times. Where the missionary has a local assembly, their role is to fast, pray, lay hands on the missionary, and send them forth. Sending them forth will entail equipping spiritual and physical material and financial support. Where the missionary is a lone missionary, it is advisable he/she gets an affiliate to act as a part church/body where they can get both spiritual and physical support. The local assembly/body gives support in diverse ways to the missionary; beyond laying of hands and financial support, they also act as supervisory body. (Rom. 15:26; 2 Cor. 8:9; Phil. 4:10, 15-16; 1:19). The Holy Ghost: The most important party in the Christian ministry work is the Holy...

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PAUL: GOD’S INSTRUMENT FOR MIRACLE, FEBRUARY 11TH, 2024

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PAUL: GOD’S INSTRUMENT FOR MIRACLE, FEBRUARY 11TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTMiracles are God’s Divine Intervention in the Affairs of Men. HYMM: S.S & S. 524 “Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah”. TEXT: ACTS 14:8-18, 16:16-40 INTRODUCTION:Paul was formerly known as Saul, until his miraculous conversion. He was a devout supporter and practitioner or Judaism- the Jewish religion that teaches that justification can only come through obedience of the law- The Ten Commandments as given to Moses by God. He was a lawyer by profession (Acts 22:3) though he was also involved in tent making (Acts 18:1-3) and was so zealous in the teaching and observance of the tenet of Judaism. His zeal was so much that he regarded anyone who practiced any other religion outside Judaism an enemy. Therefore, when the church of Christ was born on the day of Pentecost, he became an archenemy of the Church. He persecuted the believers in Christ, hauling them into prison and killing others until that fateful day on his way to Damascus, when he had encountered the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 9:1-8). God chose him and used him extensively as an instrument for miracles in the course of his ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ.In this study, we shall consider Paul’s experiences in Lystra and Philippi where God used him to heal a cripple and a demon possessed girl respectively, during one of his missionary journeys, and how he handled the hazards he faced as a result. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are to: Understand how God used Paul as an instrument for miracles Learn how to handles the challenges in ministry See the need of walking in the Spirit Understand that God is the source of every genuine miracle Learn to given the glory to God for every success recorded in ministry BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1.) HOW DID GOD USE PAUL TO BRING HEALING TO THE MAN CRIPLLED FROM HIS MOTHER’S WOMB?The incident took place in the city of Lystra. Paul and his companions arrived in Lystra from Iconium, and continued the preaching of the gospel message. Among their audience was a crippled from his mother’s womb, who listened to Paul’s message with rapt attention. Paul was moved by the Holy Spirit to acknowledge him and observed that the man had faith to be healed; so, Paul with a loud voice said to him “stand upright on thy feet”. Immediately the crippled man leaped and started walking, and the people who saw the miracle was amazed. This miracle underscored the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit and being led by Him when ministering. QUESTION 2A) WHAT DANGER DID PAUL AND BARNABAS FACE FROM THEIR HEATHEN AUDIENCE?Having seen this great miracle that was wrought by Paul, the people were greatly amazed, and in ignorance, they believed that their gods has come down to them in the likeness of men. As a form of gratitude to their gods, they wanted to offer a sacrifice to the apostles which the apostles resisted. The incident had presented an opportunity for Paul and Barnabas to arrogate power and glory to themselves. This obviously would have destroyed their ministry and place them as enmity to God. Of course, the apostles know that what was done was absolutely an act of God, and not in any way, by their power. They equally knew the...

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DIVINE INTERVENTION: SAUL’S CONVERSION, February 4TH, 2024

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DIVINE INTERVENTION: SAUL’S CONVERSION, February 4TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHT Forgiveness and eternal life come through faith in Christ and are for ALL people. HYMM: “Take my life and let it be…” TEXT: ACTS 9:1-19 INTRODUCTION: God’s main intention for man at creation was and is still to be like Him. Unfortunately, man failed God through yielding to satan’s temptations. Paul (formerly Saul), like all men, was caught in satan’s web of exploitation and human degradation. However, God, not willing that man should remain in that state, made provisions for the redemption of mankind to his original state of well-being through the grace of Jesus Christ. Saul of Tarsus received this grace of salvation while he was going to destroy the members of the church of Jesus Christ. “And Saul was consenting unto Stephen’s death…; he made havoc of the Church, entering into every house and haling men and woman committed the, to prison” (Acts 8:1,3). The conversion of Saul was unique in the sense that while he was severely persecuting the Church of Jesus Christ, he met with the head and owner of the Church. Saul was saved because he trusted on Jesus Christ. “Trusting” means putting your confidence in Christ to forgive your sins and make you right with God and empower you to live the way He teaches. God’s solution to man’s problems is available to all of us regardless of our background or past life (behavior). We are all saved by grace through faith and not of our works of righteousness which we have done (Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shall be saved (Acts 16:31). BIBLE TRUTH QUESTION 1.A) WHO WAS PAUL? Paul was originally called Saul from the city of Tarsus in Cilicia. He was a Pharisee, trained and brought up in Judaism under Gamaliel. A Hebrew of the tribe of Benjamin. Paul was zealous towards God ignorantly, but blameless in the Law of Moses. He was transformed by God from a persecutor of Christians to a preacher of Christ. He both served as a missionary and tent maker. He shaped the history of Christianity greatly by writing many epistles. QUESTION 1.B) WHAT WAS PAUL ENGAGED IN BEOFRE HIS ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS CHRIST? (Acts 8:1-3; 9: 1-3). Paul was a loyal Pharisee, knew the law and sincerely believed that the new Christian movement was dangerous to Judaism. Thus Paul hated the Christian faith and persecuted Christians without mercy. He consented to the murder of Stephen and made havoc of the Church, entering every house, and forcefully dragging men and women to be imprisoned. He was breathing out threatening’s against the disciples of the Lord in Jerusalem, got permission to travel to Damascus to capture Christians and bring them back to Jerusalem for death or imprisonment. He thought that he was doing God’s will. QUESTION 2.) HOW DID HIS CONVERSION HAPPEN? Acts 9:3-9 As Paul was severely persecuting the Church, God had other plans for him and stopped him in his hurried tracks on the road to Damascus. Paul personally met Jesus Christ, and his life was never the same again. With this divine encounter with God, Paul received the grace of salvation. Just imagine for a while, who would have had the boldness to preach to Paul one on one, as all disciples dispersed to...

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THE PRODIGAL SON, JANUARY 28TH, 2024

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THE PRODIGAL SON, JANUARY 28TH, 2024

Hymn: Just as I am without one plea CENTRAL THOUGHT Genuine repentance attracts God’s pardon TEXT: LUKE 15:11-24 INTRODUCTION: This parable is an illustration of the depravity and depth of misery which sinners and backsliders slump into through disobedience. It also illustrates God’s love for all and His willingness to receive those who return to Him. The prodigal son requested for his portion of the inheritance and went into a strange land; there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. (Luke 15:14-15). In a bid to struggle for survival, he went into the abominable act of feeding with swine. He was later convicted, broken down and returned to his father who joyfully accepted him with celebration. The aim of this study is to warn sinners and backsliders on the danger of rejecting God’s protection and also to guide them on the process of returning to Him. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) READ LUKE 15:11-13 AND MENTION SOME OF THE RISKS TAKEN BY THE PRODIGAL SON IN DEPARTING FROM THE FATHER’S HOUSE The prodigal son out of covetousness (emanating from pride of life and quest for recognition), requested his father to share his inheritance and give him his portion. Thereafter, he gathered all his belongings and went into a far country and there he wasted his substance on riotous living. He abandoned his father’s coverage/ protection thereby despising the law of God. QUESTION 2) FROM LUKE 15:14-16, IDENTIFY THE DANGERS OF BACKSLIDING. Backsliding means turning away from the truth of the gospel. It begins when a believer starts living presumptuously i.e being insensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit. The scripture says that he that breaks the hedge, serpent will bite. The dangers of backsliding are: i. Exposure to the devil’s attack. ii. The backslider makes the sacrifice of Jesus Christ of no effect to himself. iii. The person loses fellowship with God. iv. The person also loses fellowship with brethren. v. The backslider ultimately faces eternal destruction if he/ she refuses to repent. God in His infinite mercy is calling all sinners and backsliders to return to Him. The careless ones are also warned to be careful with their lives. God says in Jer. 3:22, “return ye backsliding children and I will heal your backsliding”. God is not interested when a sinner or backslider dies hence, He calls all to return to Him. QUESTION 3A) IDENTIFY THE STEPS TAKEN BY THE PRODIGAL SON IN HIS EFFORTS TO RETURN TO HIS FATHER’S HOUSE LUKE 15:17-21 Having realized his error, the depravity of his lifestyle, his father’s enormous wealth, his suffering and abominable acts (feeding with swine), the prodigal son came to his senses and declared he will arise and go to his father and that he was no longer worthy to be called his father’s son rather chose to be a servant, if only he would be accepted. Thereafter, he took the following steps: i. I will arise and go to my father; and say to him, “ I have sinned against heaven and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.” And he arose and came to his father. (Vs. 17-20a). ii. He had a change of mind (genuine repentance)...

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A HEART THAT IS STAYED ON GOD, JANUARY 21ST, 2024

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A HEART THAT IS STAYED ON GOD, JANUARY 21ST, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTA heart that is stayed on God has perfect peace. Hymn: Peace perfect peace. TEXT: 1 SAM. 30:1-8; JOB 14:1, 7-9,14; ISA.26:3-4; MATT.6: 25-34.INTRODUCTION:It is common and natural to see people panic and fret when problems of life confront them. However, the believer ought to go beyond the natural state of man. Job knew this when he declared that “man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble…all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.” (Job 14:1; 14). David also suffered invasion, but he encouraged himself in the Lord. It is refreshing to know that God is not only interested in our spiritual well-being but also in our physical well-being. Our Lord Jesus taught us not to worry or be troubled about life challenges… but to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all other things will be added to us. For He will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him because he trusted Him. Isaiah 41:10 also says, “fear thou not, for I am with thee: be not dismayed for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” LESSON OBJECTIVESThe lesson objectives are to: Know what it means to have a heart that is stayed on God. Know some features of a heart that is stayed on God. Highlight the dangers of not having our hearts stayed on God. Enumerate the benefits of a heart that is stayed on God. Know how to have our hearts stayed on God. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) DISCUSS WHAT IT MEANS TO HAVE A HEART STAYED ON GOD?The heart is a place of communication between God and man. For the heart to stay on God, the person has to know God as a Father and his word to direct his life endeavors. He should have knowledge of God’s wonders and faithfulness of old and trust Him even more. He must have determined to trust and depend on God whether life treats him well or not. QUESTION 2) FROM LUKE 15:14-16, IDENTIFY THE DANGERS OF BACKSLIDING.Backsliding means turning away from the truth of the gospel. It begins when a believer starts living presumptuously i.e being insensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit. The scripture says that he that breaks the hedge, serpent will bite. The dangers of backsliding are:i. Exposure to the devil’s attack.ii. The backslider makes the sacrifice of Jesus Christ of no effect to himself.iii. The person loses fellowship with God.iv. The person also loses fellowship with brethren.v. The backslider ultimately faces eternal destruction if he/ she refuses to repent.God in His infinite mercy is calling all sinners and backsliders to return to Him. The careless ones are also warned to be careful with their lives. God says in Jer. 3:22, “return ye backsliding children and I will heal your backsliding”. God is not interested when a sinner or backslider dies hence, He calls all to return to Him QUESTION 3A) IDENTIFY THE STEPS TAKEN BY THE PRODIGAL SON IN HIS EFFORTS TO RETURN TO HIS FATHER’S HOUSELUKE 15:17-21Having realized his error, the depravity of his lifestyle, his father’s enormous wealth, his suffering and abominable acts (feeding with swine), the prodigal son...

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IMPATIENCE, JANUARY 14TH, 2024

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IMPATIENCE, JANUARY 14TH, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTOur true character is revealed when we are under pressure in the affairs of life. TEXT: EXODUS 32:1-10; 1 SAM.13:5-14 INTRODUCTION:The Israelites in our passage above became terrified and hid themselves when they saw the Philistine army. They forgot that God was on their side and that He couldn’t be defeated. When we are under pressure, we often forget that God is on our side and see only our own insufficient resources. We tend to panic.Under pressure of the approaching Philistines, Saul became impatient and took matters into his own hands. Rather than waiting for the priest- Samuel, he offered the sacrifice himself, which was against the law of God.We are in an age when people glamor for instant result wanting to get rich quickly. This study therefore seeks to highlight how anxiety for immediate or instant fulfilment of life desires has become the order of the day resulting in crippling of the faith of some believers. It will also highlight the need for believers to desires to live a life of patience. LESSON OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this lesson are to: Understand what impatience means. Know how King Saul and Aaron exhibited impatience. Highlight some practical ways people exhibit impatience today. Identify the consequences of impatience. Identify ways Christians can overcome impatience. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1A) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY THE WORD “IMPATIENCE” ?The Dictionary defines impatience as the inability to wait patiently. In our context, it is an ungodly feeling/character that makes one act against God’s will. It is a character devoid of long-suffering, endurance, and forbearance. It also represents an attitude of restlessness coupled with great eagerness and a feeling of wanting something to happen as soon as possible. In all cases, God is ruled out of such feelings. For anybody to please God in this journey of life, impatience must be dealt with. QUESTION 1B) DISCUSS HOW KING SAUL EXHIBITED IMPATIENCE. (1 SAMUEL 13:5-14).The Israelites were drawn in battle against the Philistines. They needed to call upon God, offering to Him burnt offerings and peace offerings before going to battle. These offerings were to be performed by the Priest Samuel alone. Saul became pressured when he saw that many of his few armies had fled, coupled with his perceived delay of Samuel the priest. Therefore, he said “Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offering” and he offered them contrary to God’s commandment. Impatience resulting from fear made him to disobey God. Unfortunately, the moment he finished offering the sacrifices, Samuel arrived. His actions robbed him of his continual reign and that of his descendants over Israel. (1 Sam.13:13, 14). QUESTION 2) WHAT LESSONS CAN WE DERIVE FROM AARON SUCCUMBING TO THE GODLESS PRESSURE AND IMPATIENCE OF THE PEOPLE. EXODUS 32:1-6.The people’s perceived delay of Moses for forty days agitated them to ask for a god they can see, feel, and carry about. This was a carryover from Egypt where they had seen bull or calf worship. Their action shows impatience. It was also an affront to Moses’ leadership.Aaron as a leader of the people ought to have counseled them against idolatry and to wait patiently for Moses’s return. As leaders of God’s people, we should not succumb to any pressure from the people to act contrary to God’s word/will. Also, those...

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TRAIN YOURSELF TO BE GODLY, January 7th, 2024

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TRAIN YOURSELF TO BE GODLY, January 7th, 2024

CENTRAL THOUGHTIt is expected that every child of God should train him/herself to be Godly. Hymn: “When we walk with the Lord”. TEXT: 1 TIM 4:7-8, 2 PET 1:5-8 INTRODUCTION:To train (as a verb) means to respond to instruction and discipline for one’s good. It also implies growing up in a good and specific direction that would make somebody responsible. It equally involves focusing one’s attention on what the individual wants to learn and increasing or adding new knowledge to what the individual already knows and a constant check to access how well the individual has fared in the desired skill. Training also means to shape, or condition, or discipline, oneself to practice an ability. That is, to teach and form by practice. Though Timothy had been a co-laborer with Paul for many years, he deemed it necessary to write on the need to train himself in godliness. The main text also shows that there is no such thing as “instant godliness”. Godly character does not come at once hence we need to train for it. LESSON OBJECTIVES To discuss what it means to be godly. Know how to train yourself to be godly. Discuss the consequences of living a godless life. Identify the reward of godliness. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE GODLY? TITUS 2:11-12; 1 TIM 4:7 To be godly has been defined by the dictionary as godly manner, pious, devout, and righteous. Paul defined godliness in 1 Tim. 3:16 as Jesus who was manifest in flesh, justified in the spirit…and taken up in glory. So, Jesus is the essence of godliness. To be godly means to be more like our Lord Jesus Christ. The word godly is from God, it entails being like God, in character and behavior. It is a man demonstrating or living out the qualities of God for others to see. It involves being peaceful, holy, gentle, loving, patient, good, kind etc. A man is therefore godly when he lives out the character of God for others to see. It is the fear of God in a man’s heart that constrains him to be godly. In essence, it is a good and holy life that emanates from a deep reverence for God, to be like God, to exhibit the character and nature of God.Before the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, only the Jews could claim to be godly. With His coming and upon His death on the cross and resurrection, grace came. It is grace that enables man to become godly. His divine power has given us all that pertains to life and godliness. (2 Pet.1:3). QUESTION 2A) HOW DOES ONE TRAIN ONESELF TO BE GODLY?2 COR.3:18; JAMES 1:19-25; 1 TIM 4:12-16; 1 COR.15:33; TITUS 2:11-12; PHIL 2:12; ROM.12:2; PHIL.2:6The starting point of training oneself to be godly is by giving one’s life to God. It is a deliberate act of acknowledging one’s sins and asking the Lord Jesus to forgive one’s sins and make one His child. It is surrendering one’s old life of sin at the altar of grace and accepting the redemption offered by Christ Jesus. From that point, the individual becomes a part of the family of God, redeemed from sin and darkness into the kingdom of the light. The believer must then renew...

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NOT NEGLECTING GOD’S GREAT SALVATION, December 31st, 2023

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NOT NEGLECTING GOD’S GREAT SALVATION, December 31st, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTGive earnest heed to the Word of God. TEXT: HEB. 2:1-4; 3:16-19; 1 COR. 10:1-12 INTRODUCTION:There is no period in the entire history of the church when we stand the danger of departing from the faith more than these times. A lot of casualties are being recorded along the path to heaven.Although many people profess to be saved, the earnest believers know that an awful lot is wrong with the church in our generation. Many are careless with their faith. In this study, we shall be looking at how some people of old lost the great opportunity given to them for salvation and its consequences. LESSON OBJECTIVES:The objectives of this lesson are: To understand what it means to neglect God’s Great Salvation To know the acceptable day of salvation and repentance from sin To understand the lessons learned from the children of Israel made To know the subtle dangers to watch against as believer BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1a.) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY NEGLECTING GOD’S GREAT SALVATION?To neglect God’s Great Salvation means to pay little attention to the instructions and teachings of the Bible. God’s Salvation is what is provided in the redemptive work of Christ and the demand it places on us who believe. To neglect it is when our commitment to the body of beliefs we hold begin to wane and we now live unmindful of them. In this state, we begin believing in what we once condemned. This is in agreement with Paul’s admonition to the Galations in Gal. 2:18, “for if I build again the things which I destroyed I make myself a transgressor.” QUESTION 1b.) WHEN IS THE ACCEPTABLE DAY OF SALVATION AND REPENTANCE FROM SIN?In Heb. 3:7-8 the scriptures say that today is the day of salvation. The grace of God is still available to everyone that comes to Him. There is no need to postpone the issue of salvation. As His word is being preached as many that hear it should heed the message and be saved. QUESTION 2.) EXAMINE BRIEFLY HOW THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE LOST OUT OF THE RACE.a.) Judas Iscariot (John 13:2 & 27)The Scriptures made us understand that Judas as a disciple was unfaithful in the keeping of the purse (John 12:6), and ultimately ended up betraying the Lord Jesus. The opening or loophole in Judas’ life was his greed for money and wealth. Believers should be careful on how they go about looking for money because if not checked, could lead to being pierced with many sorrows.b.) Saul (1 Samuel 10:24)King Saul lost out of the race when he disobeyed God’s command to utterly destroy the Amelekites.c.) Demas (2 Tim. 4:10)Demas initially was a faithful witness for Christ, but due to the love for the pleasures of this world he decided to forsake gospel work.d.) Lot’s wife (Gen. 19:24-26)Lot’s wife disobeyed a command that was expressly given not to look back. For her disobedience, she became a pillar of salt. QUESTION 3.) THE CLASS SHOULD EXAMINE THESE OTHER SUBTLE DANGERS TO WATCH AGAINST IF WE MUST MAINTAIN OUR FAITHFUL TO THE END.a.) The peril of itching ears. 2 Tim. 4:3-4b.) Dangers of being hearers only. James 1:22c.) Being deceived by erroneous teachings. Matt. 7:15; 1 Tim 4:1-3d.) Joining the company of many whose love is waxing cold....

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UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN, December 24, 2023

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UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN, December 24, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTThe celebration of the birth of Christ, should be a time of sober reflections, re-dedicating our lives for more services unto God. TEXT: MATT. 1:18-25; MATT. 2:1-23; LUKE 2:1-20INTRODUCTION:The birth of Jesus Christ was so important that Prophets in the Old Testament prophesied about the way and manner of His birth, (Isa. 7:14; Micah 5:2). God the Father, in confirming the prophesies, sent forth angel Gabriel in the New Testament to the earthly “parents” of Jesus Christ (Joseph and Mary) (Matt. 1:18-25).The birth of Christ was for the purpose of saving the sinful man. Before the birth of Christ, man, due to his fall from grace in the garden of Eden (Gen. 3), was in total bondage in the hands of the devil. For the purpose of deliverance, restoration, and salvation, Jesus was born (John 3:16-18). Many today have divers’ definition for Christmas: to some, it is a time to acquire new and latest design of clothes, for others it’s a time of merry making. Jesus is the reason for the season (Christmas). It should be a period of sober reflection of the newness of life that the birth of Jesus brings and his amazing grace. LESSON OBJECTIVES: To comprehend the purpose of Christ’s birth; To know the importance of the birth of Jesus Christ; To review the unfruitful attempt of the devil on the child; To know that there is nothing impossible to God. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) WHY WAS JESUS CHRIST BORN?When men fell in the garden of Eden, God said to the serpent (Gen. 3:14), that the seed of the woman (Jesus Christ) shall bruise the head of the devil. God had in mind of sending forth His Son through a woman, holy and virtuous to come and destroy the works of the devil and to save man from sin and its consequences. Before man fell, there was a divine fellowship between God and man. When this fellowship between God and man was willfully broken by man, God sought for a way to deliver man from sin.Anyone who lives in sin is in bondage and a slave to it. “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness.” (Rom. 6:16). Consequently, the sinner cannot do the works of God, neither can he do that which pleases God. Thus, he is a slave to sin and evil. The only way of escape from him is God’s provision in Jesus Christ.Jesus Christ was born to be the go-between man and his maker, for the restoration of fellowship between him and his maker (John 14:6; Heb. 9:14,15). Through Him, man can be restored back unto fellowship with his creator, God. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). His birth brought God down to man, so as to take man back to his proper place/position of dominion on earth.It is not the will of God that anyone should perish, but all should come to repentance and accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour (2 Peter 3:9b). many have accepted Christ as their saviour but have not surrendered all to Him. Accepting...

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