Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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COME BEFORE HIS PRESENSE WITH THANKSGIVING, December 17, 2023

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COME BEFORE HIS PRESENSE WITH THANKSGIVING, December 17, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTThanksgiving in an acclamation that we recognize the grace of God, and are grateful to Him. HYMN: “Blessed Assurance”. TEXT: GEN 4:2-7; PSALM 95:1-7; LUKE 17:11-19 INTRODUCTION:Thanksgiving is an expression of gratitude for favor received. It involves a grateful thought, expressed verbally or by action in relation to an occurrence. It is a testimony to the benevolence of a person or an authority, intended to lubricate the wheel of good relationship and to promote further acts of favor. Absence of thanksgiving can dampen the enthusiasm of the benevolent.Giving thanks unto God is an integral part of our relationship with our God and Maker. All the patriarchs of old and heroes of faith had this understanding and they never played with it. The Bible is an embodiment of a rich culture of thanksgiving as part of the worship of God. Be that as it may, it is sad to note that this subject has also been greatly abused today. This study is the enlighten believers on the scriptural standards expected in thanksgiving. LESSON OBJECTIVES:This lesson will: Explain what it means to come before God with thanksgiving. Establish why and when we thank God. Discuss how we should thank God. Enumerate some abuses to thanksgiving today. List the benefits of thanksgiving BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1a.) WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO COME BEFORE GOD’S PRESENCE WITH THANKSGIVING? Psalm 95:2Coming before His presence with thanksgiving is symbolic of an existing cordial relationship between God and His people. This is only possible through the mediation of Jesus Christ. It begins with genuine salvation, which comes through the acknowledgment of the Lordship of Jesus Christ. This can then be followed by heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to God for who He is, what He has done, and who we are in Him. It is an action that recognizes God as the source of all our victories and the hope of our expectations. QUESTION 1b.) WHY SHOULD WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD?We give thanks to God because He deserves it as the Supreme Majesty. It is in His perfect will and expectation that we should show gratitude for His blessings. It is a mark of cordial relationship that we give Him thanks; and by thanksgiving, we express our faith in His ability to do more for us. By thanksgiving, we publish His greatness and we invite others to join us to glorify His name. QUESTION 2.) WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF AN ACCEPTABLE THANKSGIVING TO GOD?Psalm 51:17; Lev. 22:19-20; 2 Cor. 9:6-8There are clear Scriptural guidelines to follow if our thanksgiving is to be acceptable. Just like any other form of Christian giving, thanksgiving must be with a broken and contrite heart (soaked in grace and overwhelmed by the love of God). The motive must be pure, devoid of arrogance and not intended for self-publicity. It should be done with a willing and grateful heart, out of personal conviction and cheerfully. The substance offered at the thanksgiving must be of quality, painful to part with, and unblemished (2 Sam. 24:24). More emphasis must be placed on appreciating God than on the feasting as we observe in many instances. It is not wrong to invite friends, relations, and well-wishers, but aim should be evangelic, to proclaim the love and mercy of God through Jesus Christ. QUESTION 3.)...

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A FULFILLED LIFE, December 10th, 2023

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A FULFILLED LIFE, December 10th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTGodliness with contentment is great gain. HYMN: “I need Thee every hour” TEXT: Mark 10:17-31 INTRODUCTION:A rich and zealous young man came to Jesus to inquire about the ways of the kingdom of God. With apparent humility and seemingly religious fervency, he engaged the Lord Jesus in a conversation about the requirements for eternal life. Jesus loved him and told him the whole truth, but he became offended, and left sorrowfully.Though he was wealthy and kept the basic commandment of Moses, he felt his future was still bleak as far as eternal life was concerned. He came with a mindset that had a limit on what he was willing to entertain from the ‘good master’. He decided to opt for his wealth instead of eternal life.Fulfillment in life means different things to different people, depending on one’s understanding of the purpose of life. LESSON OBJECTIVES:The objectives of this lesson are: Discuss the attitude of the rich young man to his wealth; Identify some things in life that can possibly compete with our love for God; Examine the ideal Christian attitude towards wealth; Identify the rewards in serving God; and List the hallmarks of a fulfilled Christian life. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1a). WHAT WERE THE MORAL QUALITIES OF THE RICH YOUNG MAN?Mark 10:17-20The rich young man had some striking moral qualities. He was very mindful and eager about eternal life. He was also a conscious keeper of the basic commandments given through Moses. He was very sensitive to the extraordinary nature of Jesus, hence he called Him, ‘Good Master’. He presented himself as one who was desirous of knowledge and zealous to do more. QUESTION 1b.) WHAT LESSONS CAN WE LEARN FROM THE LIFE OF THIS RICH YOUNG MAN?The young man was very religious and he carefully observed the letters of the law, but within him, there was still a big vacuum and a measure of doubt as to his access to eternal life. We need more than a routine set of laws to be at peace with God. He expected Jesus to advise him along his parochial mindset, and when that was not the case, he left with offense. We must learn to approach God with openness, and we must not set bounds on God in our life. His excessive attachment to his wealth was his major obstacle to eternal life. There is no prize too great to pay to have the kingdom of God. QUESTION 2a.) WHAT WAS LACKING IN THE LIFE OF THE RICH YOUNG MAN? Mark 10:21Though the young man had some credits of morality in his store, he lacked some basic ingredients needed to relate effectively with God for a fulfilled life.First, he lacked knowledge of the source and purpose of wealth. He did not realize that he was a custodian of wealth from God for the services of God and humanity. His openness to God was limited, and so was his trust in God as the provider of the resources. In conclusion, he was rich in material items but very poor in matters of the soul. QUESTION 2b.) IDENTIFY SOME THINGS IN LIFE THAT CAN POSSIBLY COMPETE WITH OUR LOVE FOR GOD? John 21:15-17Our indulgences, ambitions, pains, possessions, and affiliations all have the capacity to interfere with our love for God if not...

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LESSONS FROM THE EPISTLE OF JUDE, December 3rd, 2023

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LESSONS FROM THE EPISTLE OF JUDE, December 3rd, 2023

HYMN: “Stand up! Stand up for Jesus!” CENTRAL THOUGHTContend earnestly for the faith. TEXT: JUDE 1-25 INTRODUCTION:The epistle of Jude was written to warn all those “who have been called by God the Father” about the activities of ungodly men who had wormed their way into the churches, teaching that God’s marvelous grace permits Christians to live immoral lives. Jude set out to appeal to the Christians to reject this firmly and hold on tightly to the faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that was delivered to them. This is even worse in our time and the need to stand firm is more urgent. We look up to the Lord to teach us eternal lessons from this study. LESSON OBJECTIVES: To understand who Jude was. Examine why the epistle of Jude was written. Understand the characteristics of the ungodly men that Jude is warning the Church about. Understand how we should contend for the faith. Understand some specific things we must do daily to avoid the influence of ungodly people who may be in the church. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THE WAY JUDE INTRODUCED HIMSELF?JUDE 1, JAMES 1:1; ROMANS 1:1Jude introduces himself simply and had no grandiose ideas about himself. The introduction captures his own estimation of himself…. “Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and a brother of James”. It is widely believed that Jude was the younger brother of the Lord Jesus Christ; why did he not brandish this relationship to the brethren? Could it be because he realized that biological relationship with the Lord Jesus did not make him “exactly like Jesus”, or translate to spiritual authority or make him unusual or super? Indeed, our biological relationships do not automatically confer any superiority upon us. Being related biologically to one who occupies one of the fivefold ministry gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, or teachers does not confer on us any spiritual stature of gifts. Each individual is unique in God’s scheme, and must, by a close walk with God, find his/her place in Christ and fulfill it.The mother of a pastor is not a pastor and the son of a prophet may not have any prophetic gifts. Jude had willingly pledged himself to slavery and obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ and lived to do His bidding. He was not ashamed of this and did not pride himself in whatever he was via earthly relationships. Paul and James introduced themselves similarly. How do you see yourself? How do you introduce yourself to the world? We should not esteem ourselves above others nor more highly than we ought to.Like Jude, we must have proper estimates of ourselves based on the measure of grace we have received from Christ. QUESTION 2.) WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM JUDE VS 5-7?A. The experience of Israel (Verse 5; 1Corinthians 10:1-12): God worked wonders and delivered Israel from Egypt. He guided them by day and night, protected and provided for them but those who did not please Him were destroyed in the wilderness.B. The fallen angels (Verse 6; 2 Peter 2:4): God created the angels as wonderful beings and endowed them with great wisdom and power to serve His purposed, but those that joined Lucifer in rebellion are bound in outer darkness waiting for eternal judgement. We...

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MOSES: THE LORD’S SERVANT PT. IV, November 26th, 2023

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MOSES: THE LORD’S SERVANT PT. IV, November 26th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTGod requires absolute obedience to His instructions. HYMN: “I am Thine, O Lord…”. TEXT: Numbers 20:1-13 INTRODUCTION:In Moses, we see a man described as the meekest man on Earth, who in the course of his walk with God, manifested his weak point at a time when God expected greater commitment from him. Moses was not a perfect man and God did not change who Moses was (i.e a man slow of speech), He did not give Moses new abilities and strength. Rather, he took Moses’ characteristics and remolded them until they suited His purpose. God found Moses a man good enough to discuss face to face with. However, this did not stop God from unfolding his anger when Moses faltered. So, we should not take God for granted, or feel that we have become too familiar with God that we cannot undermine His instructions.As we conclude our series of study on the life of Moses, a great servant of God, we shall focus on his strength and weakness demonstrated in the course of his walk with God. LESSON OBJECTIVES:This study aims at helping us:a. Identify the core quality of Moses and the costly mistake he made.b. Identify and examine the challenge/ obstacle faced by the children of Israel in their journey to the promised land.c. Understand God’s expectation of anyone who works in his vineyard.d. Identify the lessons derivable from the error or Aaron and Moses. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) DISCUSS MOSES’ REACTION TO THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS IN THE WILDERNESS:A. WHEN THE ISRAELITES FACE OBSTACLES.There were several occasions when the children of Israel were faced with obstacles in the wilderness. In Ex. 14:10-14 they were faced with imminent destruction at the hand of the Egyptian army. Moses’ reacted to the situation by crying unto God and encouraging them, not to be afraid but to stand still, assuring them that the Egyptians they were seeing that day, they would see no more forever, that God would fight for them and they would hold their peace. Ex. 15:22-25. They were confronted with a lack of drinking water. It was so severe that they complained bitterly against Moses. Again, Moses cried to the Lord for help and the Lord provided them with drinking water. Ex. 17:1-4. At Rephidim, as the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed towards the promised land, they were again faced with shortage of drinking water, and as usual they complained and accused Moses of bringing them to die in the wilderness. On this occasion, Moses reacted by accusing them of tempting God, he then in turn complained to God that the people were about to stone him. God told him what to do to provide water for the people. B. WHEN THEY SINNED AGAINST GOD.Ex. 32:11-14, 30-33; Num. 11:1-2; 14:10-20. When Moses delayed in his journey to the mountain where he received the ten commandments, the children of Israel made themselves a god of calf, built an altar and worshipped it and sinned against their God. In His anger, God said He would destroy the entire congregation and raise another generation through Moses. Moses’ initial reaction to this act of the people was a demonstration of righteous anger, by breaking the two tablets of stone containing the ten commandments. Next, he went up to God and...

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MOSES: THE LORD’S SERVANT PT. III, November 19th, 2023

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MOSES: THE LORD’S SERVANT PT. III, November 19th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTAs God’s people, let us learn to trust Him always and to deal with criticisms objectively. TEXT: NUMBERS 11:1-35 INTRODUCTION: Moses received God’s call to deliver the Israelites from bondage in Egypt. Through him God delivered Israel with a mighty hand (Ex. 5:1, 6:13) and led them out of Egypt through the Red Sea; he sang songs of praises (Ex. 15:1-18), received various instructions from God for his people, and interceded for them at various times.However, at a point, Moses became overwhelmed by the murmuring, complaints, and unguided criticism of the Israelites that were around him, to the extent that Moses himself had to complain to God even though he was a very meek man “above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (Num. 12:3). The enormity of the work God gave to Moses was so much that he cried to God for help. God, in his infinite wisdom, gave him men to work with and gave them the enablement. God endowed the seventy elders with the same spirit that was upon Moses (Num. 11:25). The relevance of this event and how to handle criticisms as leaders is the focus of this study. LESSON OBJECTIVESAt the end of the lesson, we should be able to: Identify and explain the reason(s) why Moses complained and blamed God for putting him in leadership position. Comment on God’s response to Moses’ complaint and accusation. Discuss Moses’ reaction to God’s promises to supply meat to His people. Identify and discuss the contention Miriam and Aaron had with Moses. Find out and discuss the warning for us concerning how to treat true men of God today. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) WHAT GAVE RISE TO THE COMPLAINTS IN NUMBER 11:1-9?The complaints among the children of Israel arose from their perceived monotonous diet of manna that God had provided for them.This incident is one of several cases of murmuring and complaining against God and Moses. As a result, God’s anger was kindled against them, and the fire of the LORD burnt among them and consumed some of them. They cried to Moses who prayed unto the LORD for them, and the fire was quenched. Soon after this deliverance, the mixed multitude wept and complained against God and Moses because they lusted after meat, in addition to the regular manna from heaven. This made Moses complain and blame God for fostering on him the leadership of these difficult people. Is the lust and greed we exhibit today actually different from what we read about the Israelites in the passage under consideration?The answer is no, because we most often think that God is unfair to us by what He allows at some point in time in our lives. We must come to understand that He alone has the perfect view of life and what He allows may just be what we really need at that time. QUESTION 2A.) WHAT WAS GOD’S RESPONSE TO MOSES’ COMPLAINT?NUM. 11:16-20God’s response to Moses’ complaint was not judgmental. To help him with the enormity of the job, God requested him to appoint 70 competent elders from among the people. The elders were selected from those who were already functioning as leaders among the people. God took the spirit that was on Moses and put it on the 70...

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MOSES: THE LORD’S SERVANT PT. II, November 12th, 2023

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MOSES: THE LORD’S SERVANT PT. II, November 12th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTHe whom God calls He empowers. TEXT: EXODUS 3:1-22 INTRODUCTION: In the last study, we learned that Moses, out of fear, ran away from Egypt to Midian (Ex. 2:14-15). While there, God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and asked him to go to Pharaoh to demand for the freedom of the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt. This was a daunting task. He was to go and confront one of the most powerful rulers at the time on behalf of mere slaves without any physical army backing him up. For 40 years, Moses was trained in the wisdom of the Egyptians whilst in Pharaoh’s household (Acts 7:22). The next 40 years was spent as a shepherd in Midian. During this period, Moses learned how to survive in the wilderness. The next 40 years were used to lead the children of Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land. The circumstances surrounding Moses’ call and his response shall be considered in this study. LESSON OBJECTIVES:The objectives of this lesson are: To examine the circumstance under which Moses was called. To understand why God called Moses to Pharaoh. To emphasize the need for reverence of God’s presence in our midst. To appreciate the eternal Name of God – “I AM THAT I AM”. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) EXPLAIN THE UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCE UNDER WHICH GOD CALLED MOSES.EX. 3:1-6For about 40 years Moses tended flocks in Midian for his father-in-law, Jethro. One day, he led the flocks to mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai. The Angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire in a bush. The fire was burning, but the bush was not consumed. Moses became curious at the strange sight. He decided to see why the bush was on fire without being consumed. When the Lord saw that Moses turned aside to see, then God called him by his name. The response of Moses to the call of God was spontaneous. Today, the believer in Christ should learn to recognize God’s voice by familiarizing himself with the word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit. QUESTION 2a.) WHY DID GOD SEND MOSES TO PHARAOH? EX. 3:7-10; ACTS 7:24-36At this time, Israel, as a nation, was in apostasy and rebellion. Few may have known God, but the majority have forgotten Him and embraced the gods of Egypt. (Ezekiel 20:5-8)After the death of the king of Egypt, it appears that Israel came to their senses. They called upon the Lord and their cry came unto God. God heard their cry and “remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” (Ex. 2:23-25).God then decided to deliver His people from bondage and He called Moses to be His instrument in that exercise. He commissioned Moses to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites from Egypt. Moses’ responsibilities were to approach Pharaoh to demand for the freedom of God’s people from bondage and physically lead them from Egypt to the promised land. God stated clearly in Exodus 3:7 that He had seen the oppression of His people, heard their cries of distress and was aware of their suffering. However, God acted when the people cried to God for help. Today, nations are in distress and believers in those nations should learn from the experience...

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MOSES: THE LORD’S SERVANT PT. I, November 5th, 2023

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MOSES: THE LORD’S SERVANT PT. I, November 5th, 2023

HYMN: “There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus”. CENTRAL THOUGHTBelievers, like soldiers, should endure hardship in service. TEXT: EXODUS 2:1-25 INTRODUCTION: The book of Exodus is the record of Israel’s deliverance as a nation. Within the protective “womb of Egypt”, the Jewish family of seventy rapidly multiplied. At the right time, accompanied with severe pains, an infant nation numbering between two and three million people was divinely protected, fed, and nurtured. Moses, therefore, was born as a deliverer.This servant of the Lord was born when an ungodly decree by Pharaoh was given, that every male child born of any Israelite in Egypt should be killed. God helped him to survive that situation and he was brought up in Pharaoh’s house. The circumstances surrounding Moses’ birth and how he was prepared divinely as a deliverer is the basis or focus of this study. It is also to show Christians that the prevailing circumstances of one’s birth is less important if we focus on the Lord for guidance and protection. LESSON OBJECTIVES:The objectives of this lesson are: To know that prevailing circumstances during a person’s birth does not matter. To know that positive actions of parents towards a child is very important. To recognize that Christian homes are where children are trained. To know that any man divinely supported and directed would make an impact that will stand the test of time. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) DISCUSS THE PREVAILING CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN MOSES WAS BORN.EX. 1:11-22Moses was born in a period when the Israelites were under heavy affiliations and life became bitter and increasingly unbearable, According to Dake’s commentary, the seven-fold labor of the Israelites were – (i) Digging the clay for making bricks, (ii) Kneading clay to proper consistency (i.e to press wet clays with your hands, very laborious/ difficult), (iii) taking clay to brick mold, (iv) Forming the bricks, (v) Drying them in the sun, (vi) Carrying them to the building places,, (vii) Building cities out of bricks (e.g Pharaoh’s treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses (Exodus 1:11-14)).In spite of these severe afflictions, the population of the Israelites was increasing, and a decree was issued by Pharaoh that all the sons of the Hebrew women be killed at the point of delivery. It was at this point that Moses was born. QUESTION 2.) COMMENT ON THE ACTIONS OF HIS PARENTS. EX. 2:1-4; HEB. 11:23To the parents, Moses was their second son and third child. They evidently believed God’s word and hid the child for three months. Heb. 11:23 says, “By faith Moses, when he was born was hid three months of his parents because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.”. By faith they took him to the river brink and “his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done of him” Ex. 2:4. Also, Pharaoh’s daughter had compassion on the child Moses, and took him into Pharaoh’s palace as her son (Ex. 2:5-6,9). The action of Moses’ parents, his sister and even Pharaoh’s princess were in line with God’s plan for Moses, and indeed for the nation of Israel. QUESTION 3.) MOSES DENIED HIMSELF THE COMFORT AND BENEFITS OF THE KING’S COURT CHOOSING TO IDENTIFY WITH THE SUFFERING OF HIS PEOPLE. (HEB. 11:24-28). EXPLAIN HIS ACTION AND WHAT...

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OVERCOMING ANXIETY, October 29th, 2023

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OVERCOMING ANXIETY, October 29th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTWhen we cast our cares and burdens on the Lord, anxiety is subdued. HYMN: When we walk with the Lord TEXT: MATTHEW 6:25-34; PHILIPPIANS 4:4-8 INTRODUCTION:Usually human beings fear or worry about the possibility of failure in one endeavor or the other. Also, the fear of failure creates in the minds of some believers, doubts leading to worry and anxiety. Believers often forget that God has the master plan for everything He created and has made adequate provisions for them. Lack of faith, fear or worry makes us lose focus on God’s providence for our lives. God wants us to be patient and acknowledge Him, so that he can bring to fulfillment His plans for our lives. This study focuses on how we can solve the problem of anxiety and worry. LESSON OBJECTIVES:The objectives of this lesson include”1.) To comprehend what anxiety means.2.) To examine the effect of anxiety on the individual.3.) To appreciate the fact that believers should not be anxious.4.) To understand how one can overcome anxiety. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY ANXIETY?Readers Digest Great Illustrated Dictionary defines anxiety as a state of uneasiness and distress about future uncertainties; apprehension; worry or eagerness.Simply put, anxiety is the state of feeling nervous or worried that something bad may likely happen. Anxiety is a troubled feeling in the mind, caused by fear and uncertainty about the future, real or imagined. Anxiety takes root from the mind. Worries and fears take over when we are not able to achieve what we want or not have our needs met. Such is the situation in the society today. We have forgotten that ‘except the Lord build the house, he that builds, builds in vain”.We are admonished in Matthew 6:25-34, not to “worry about your life, “for God has made everything available to all His children.” As God provided manna in the wilderness to the children of Israel, so is God still providing for His people and will continue to provide for us all. Worry weakens our faith in God, because the devil’s mission is to steal, kill and destroy, John 10:10. There is a spirit behind anxiety which should be resisted by every believer. QUESTION 2.) READ MATTHEW 2:2-12 AND 1 SAMUEL 13:8-14. DISCUSS HOW THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUAL EXHIBITED ANXIETY. A. HEROD:After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea according to the prophecy, the wise men received a sign and decided to find him and worship Him. The news came to King Herod and immediately he became troubled. The fear of another King coming overwhelmed him completely. In order to overcome his fear he made a decision which led to the mass killing of innocent children, Matthew 2:16-18. He thought his decision, born out of fear and worry, could address his fear. God had a greater plan to save the child Jesus, who was born king to save the world. Ultimately Herod died and his mission to kill the young child Jesus failed.B. SAUL:The Philistines started gathering against the children of Israel for battle, this created fear in the heart of Saul the king. Saul was instructed to wait for the prophet Samuel to arrive to tell him how to fight the Philistines, 1 Samuel 10:8; but out of anxiety and fear of being defeated, Saul could...

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TAKE HEED-LESSONS FROM SAMSON’S LIFE, OCTOBER 22ND, 2023

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TAKE HEED-LESSONS FROM SAMSON’S LIFE, OCTOBER 22ND, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTPerfect accomplishment only comes through full obedience to God. HYMN: When we walk with the Lord TEXT: JUDGES 13:1-25, 1 CORIN. 10:11-14 INTRODUCTION:To take heed is to pay careful attention to somebody’s advice or warning. To listen to and obey or take to instructions given to someone either as a sign of respect to the one advising, or a safeguard or corrective measure to the one advised.We are no doubt in perilous times. The love of many is waxing cold. The Holy Scriptures are able to save, secure and preserve us unto the day of Christ’s appearing, even as the Lord Jesus prayed in John 17:17. Sanctify them by the truth, they word is the truth. It therefore pays to take heed to biblical counsel and truth, lest we fall away.In this lesson, we would examine the life of Samson which did not end well because he did not take heed to Godly counsel. Nobody is infallible hence every believer should “take heed lest he fall” 1 Cor. 10:12. LESSON OBJECTIVES:To understand the following:1.) Who the man Samson was.2.) How he lived his life and the extent of his successes and failure.3.) The factors which led to his successes/failure.4.) Possible warnings and encouragements from his lifestyle if any. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) WHO WAS SAMSON?JUDGES 13:1-5Samson was a child of promise, the son of Manoah from Zorah and of the family of the Danites. Samson was made a Nazarite from the womb, as a boy set apart to God from birth who would drink no wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing. No razor was to come upon his head while his God-ordained mission was to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines (Judges 13:4-5). QUESTION 2.) WHAT PARALLEL CAN BELIEVERS DRAW FROM THE LORD’S INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT SAMSONS LIFE?God has called us out of darkness and bestowed on us the duty of bringing men back to Himself.When we come out of sin and cleave to God in righteousness, He receives us, gives us all we need and expects us to bring forth our kinds for Him, with the much He endowed us with.We are saved to serve. Serving Him is not only in area of praying, parting with our belongings for Him, but also in laboring for Him in his vineyard and bringing sinners to Him for salvation.This is only achievable by faith through our godly living and labor of love. As Samson was meant to save or deliver the Israelites from the bondage of the Philistines, so the present-day believers are supposed to be spiritually minded and busy recusing the unsaved from the sinful enslavement by satan. QUESTION 3.) DISCUSS HOW THE FOLLOWING LED TO SAMSON’S FALL AND THE POSSIBLE LESSONS FOR US.God expressly warns those who think that they are strong in the Lord to take heed or else they fall (1 Cor. 10:12). We should therefore, be careful watching in prayers and righteousness as we walk daily.Some of the factors that led to Samson’s fall include these:1.) LUST (JUDGES 14:1-2, GEN. 3:6, 24:3, 28:1, DEUT. 7:3, JOSH. 23:12, EZRA 9:12, NEH. 13:25God commanded that believers should not marry unbelievers. Samson was carried away by his fleshly desire that he ignored this injunction. Not long after his wrong choice he discovered the fact...

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LESSON FROM THE ANTS, October 15th, 2023

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LESSON FROM THE ANTS, October 15th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTGod will always bless those who diligently do their part and rely on Him. TEXT: PROVERBS 6:4-11 INTRODUCTION:As big as the elephant is, it is not mentioned in the Bible. As small as the ant is, however, it is featured prominently in Scriptures. It was used as an instructional aid to drive home fundamental lessons on wisdom about orderly lifestyle and diligence. The ants are indeed small living creatures that could be observed to obtain knowledge. A close observation of the living pattern of the ants reveals an orderly community of creatures doing their things diligently without supervision. They are time-conscious beings that provide for the “rainy day”. In this study, we shall examine these creatures with a view to deriving pertinent lessons from their living pattern. LESSON OBJECTIVES:This lesson is intended to accomplish the following objectives:1.) Describe some physical features of the ants.2.) Draw salient lessons from the life pattern of the ants.3.) Explain the principles of hard work and prayers in life endeavors.4.) Discuss how a Christian can remain diligent among the slothful. BIBLE TRUTH QUESTION 1.) WHAT WOULD ONE OBSERVE WHILE WATCHING THE ANTS? PROVERBS 6:6-7Ants are small insects that live in highly organized groups. They are social insects. There are many types of ants but they share some characteristics in common – among which are: They have six legs They are divided into three parts bodily. Some even have wings. There are various species of the ants.The first observation that one could make while watching a colony of ants is that they have no captain or commander or overseer. Each of them has a divinely coded instinct for survival. Secondly, ants are sensitive and punctual to every available opportunity that comes across their way. For instance, they quickly reach out to any crumb of food. Also, ants display a high sense of diligence in the pursuit of set goals such as that displayed in the pulling of food or building materials into their holes (anthills). QUESTION 2.) WHAT LESSONS CAN WE DRAW FROM THE ANTS AND OTHER SMALL CREATURES LISTED IN PROVERBS 30:24-28?Some basic lessons that can be derived from the behavior of the ants and other small creatures are Believers should sharpen their survival instincts by catching every opportunity that pass them by daily. The ant is a very punctual creature. Believers should take notice. Today many Christians go late to school, work, Church, etc. The ant is very diligent in all it does. This virtue should characterize the life of the believer. We should be known to be very dutiful in our offices, schools, private business, home and in church, Proverbs 12:24 For the ants, there is no tree too tall, no ground too hard to build its home. Similarly, the believer should be determined to succeed no matter the prevailing economic and environmental conditions. The ants display a high sense of resilience. Even when their “house” is destroyed due to human activity they quickly regroup to reconstruct it. Believers should be determined never to give up no matter the obstacles. The righteous is not immune to setbacks. He may fall seven times but rises again seven times. These tiny ants pull their little strengths together to form a large pull of power. They are therefore able to accomplish great things such...

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