Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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The praying Christian, 7/9/17-7/15/17

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The praying Christian, 7/9/17-7/15/17

  Central Thought: A prayerful Christian has power with God. Hymn: What a friend we have in Jesus   Text: Ephesians 6:18, Luke 6:12, Mark 1:35, Philemon 4:6-7   Introduction: In nature, it is normal for a child to talk with and intimately communicate with his/her parent. Every individual came into this world as a child; and no child is an island. Similarly, it is needful that every child of God talks with and intimately communicates with his/her heavenly Father, Creator and God. So prayer is the act of communicating with God. God is the one who takes the initiative in communications between Himself and His creatures. So the basic nature of the prayer is a response to God’s initiative. Prayer is very important in the life of any Christian, as the individual cannot live a successful Christian life without it. There is also the saying that, “a prayerful Christian is a powerful Christian”. And conversely a prayer-less Christian is a powerless Christian. The Lord Jesus Christ, our great High Priest and Mediator, started His earthly ministry in prayer and ended it in prayer. The patriarchs of old had power with God through a prayerful living. Abraham prayed for Sodom (Genesis 18:12-33). Jacob had power with God through prayer (Genesis 32:24-29). Others were Moses (Exodus 15:24-25), Joshua, Elijah (1 Kings 18:37-38), to mention but a few. By whatever yardstick we measure prayer life, its passionate intensity, its boldness, its penetration into prophetic mysteries, Daniel’s was an outstanding life of prayer. Also Hannah’s childlike prayer for personal needs as indicated in the phrase: “Sorely troubled… pouring out my soul before the LORD… speaking out my great anxiety and vexation…” (1 Samuel 1:15, 16); tells of a God who cares for the poor and the downtrodden. The Lord Jesus taught His disciples that “men ought always to pray and not to faint” (Luke 18:1). Apostle Paul, following after the Lord also emphasized the need for the believer to be alert to this duty or call, praying in everything, to enjoy the inner divine strength. Apostle James declared “The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available or is dynamic in its working”; James 5:16b Amplified.   Lesson Objectives: To know who is a praying Christian To appreciate why a Christian should live a prayerful life To know some areas of focus in prayer To know how to cultivate the attitude of praying always   Question 1.) Who is a praying Christian?   From scriptures, it is clear that prayer is the response to God’s initiative of communicating with the man He has placed on the earth. With some of the patriarchs of old, God spoke directly and the urge to pray was born. “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? (Genesis 18:17). The medium of communication may have been different. To Abraham it was the spoken word, to Daniel the written. But the same God spoke with the same purpose in mind: call His servants to pray. Like Daniel, we are given the written Word and the quickening Holy Spirit. The praying Christian is that individual who appreciates the essence of the entire scriptures, and knows where the “heart” of scripture lay: in the revelation of God’s character, of His purposes and attitudes...

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The praying Christian, 7/9/17-7/15/17

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The praying Christian, 7/9/17-7/15/17

Memory Verse: 1 Peter 4:7 ‘But the end of all things is at hand, be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayers”.   Daily Devotional Guide   Monday: How can a Christian be effective in prayer? Ephesians 6:17-19, Mark 9:28-29, Romans 8:26 Tuesday: Who is a praying Christian? 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Luke 18:1 Wednesday: How can we develop an effective prayer life? Mark 1:35 Thursday: In what areas can we focus on in our prayers? 1 Timothy 2:1 Friday: Why should a Christian live a prayerful Christian life? Colossians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Luke 18:1, Isaiah 62:6-7, Jeremiah 1:10 Saturday: What are the benefits for a prayerful Christian? 1 Corinthians...

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Praises to our God, 7/2/17- 7/8/17

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Praises to our God, 7/2/17- 7/8/17

      Central Though: Our God is worthy of Praise continually by all who dwell on earth.   Hymn: “Praise, my soul, king of Heaven”   Text: Psalm 66:1-20, 89:1-26, 2 Chronicles 20:15-24   Introduction: Christian praise to God is appreciating God for His grace, love and favor right in the soul (depth of the heart) of man accompanied spontaneously by a response of body, soul and spirit yielded to Him. The heart of it all is thanksgiving; not only with our lips, but in our lives. The true nobility and fulfillment of man are found in his right relationship with God as Father and the worshipper as a child through Jesus Christ. In spite of the importance of praises and the central place it occupies in the life of a Christian with his God, some still find praises dry, boring and uninteresting. One can give reasons why Christian praises appear dull to some believers. But by and large, it would seem that many Christians are not quite sure what praises to our God is really about. It is important for us to mention here that praises unto our God is more or less a command from the scriptures. “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord” Psalm 150:6. The main aim of praises to our God is not for amusements but to show thanksgiving and gratitude to God who has ransomed and redeemed us and has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, to show forth His praises. Lesson Objectives: To understand the meaning of praises To know how and when to praise God To resist the hindrances to praise To appreciate the benefits of praises   Question 1.) What is the meaning of Praises? The dictionary meaning of praises is to bestow an approval upon, or a commendation. But the Christian meaning of praise is to appreciate God for whom He is. We only praise something that we honor and prize highly. If we hold the Lord in the highest state of respect and admiration it will be easy to praise Him. Praises are obligatory for believers irrespective of age because out of the mouth of babes and suckling’s God has perfected praise (Matthew 21:16). We are born and created to praise God for his mighty acts and for His wonderful works. God needs men and women today in our generation who will praise Him in the beauty of His holiness, who will launch out into the deep, take hold of the promises of God, and bring forth the witness of the truth. Praises bring down God’s glory. (2 Chronicles 5:13-14). A very important component of praise is worship which means a celebration of God’s grace and love in the soul of man. To worship God is to quicken the conscience with the holiness of God. In Revelation 4:8-11, we see the saints and the heavenly host give honor and thanks to Him that sat on the throne. Furthermore in chapter 5:9-14, there is the universal worship of the Lamb that was slain. They proclaimed “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory and blessing” We also find in Revelation 7:9-12 another incident of worship of the Father and Son for His...

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Praises to our God, 7/2/17-7/8/17

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Praises to our God, 7/2/17-7/8/17

  Memory Verse Psalm 66:8 “O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of His praise to be heard”   Daily Devotional Guide   Monday: Praise God for a marvelous deliverance. Exodus 15:1-18 Tuesday: Praise God for His wonderful works. 1 Chronicles 16:23-36 Wednesday: Praise God for He brings victory. 2 Chronicles 20:20-25 Thursday: Come into His presence with Praise. Psalm 100:1-5 Friday: All the creation shall praise Him. Psalm 149:1-9 Saturday: The Saints shall praise Him. Luke 2:13-14, Revelation 5:11-12, Revelation...

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Practical Christian Living, 6/25/17-7/1/17

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Practical Christian Living, 6/25/17-7/1/17

Central Thought: The practical life of a believer is a more effective message to his generation     Hymn: “When we walk with the Lord” Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22, Romans 13:12-14   Introduction: The practical Christian life is anchored on values that are supernatural, divine and eternal. The Christian is a citizen of the kingdom of Heaven, beyond this material universe. He is governed and motivated by the expectations of that kingdom. He lives neither for himself nor by the dictates and values of this earthly system. The scriptures abound with instructions of divine origin that are to serve as guidelines for practical relationships and responsibilities. The fruit we bear will lend credence to the truth of a transformed life, a renewed mindset and our obedience to the dictates of this higher kingdom. When our hearts are richly endowed with the word of God and with the presence of His spirit, the evidence will be an exemplary life that manifests Godly virtues unhindered. Here on earth, there are so many Christian duties which may appear like a routine or have been trivialized by us, but which are very essential in our walk with God. They are kingdom virtues which we are to cultivate as followers as Christ. The aim of this lesson is to remind us of these virtues and how we are to practice them in our daily living.   Lesson Objectives: To identify things that give lasting joy to the Christian To explain what it means to “pray without ceasing” To state why and how a Christian should “give thanks to God in all things” To explain the expression “Quench not the Holy Spirit” To discuss how to “abstain from all appearances of evil”   Question 1.) Using the scriptures below, enumerate some of the things that give lasting joy to a Christian. Luke 15:8-10, Acts 13:48, Philippians 2:2, Romans 14:17, 3 John 4, Nehemiah 8:10, Luke 10:17-20   From the given scriptures and others not listed above, there are many things that give joy to a Christian. Most of them are non-material values and experiences we encounter as we tread the path of redemption. The experience of repentance and salvation from sin generates a fountain of inexplicable joy that wells up into eternity. The realization that one has receive divine pardon, justification, and grace brings unspeakable joy. Complete obedience to divine instruction brings lasting joy to the believer. Being in genuine fellowship with true believers and with God brings long lasting joy to any Christian. According to Psalms 133:1-2, unity in a Godly brotherhood is not only good but also pleasant. Whenever we discover some elusive truth in the word of God, we become excited to the extent of shedding tears of joy like Nehemiah and Ezra did when the word of God was openly declared after many generations of ignorance. Spiritual growth of the believer which comes by hearing and exercising faith on the word of God brings lasting joy. Also winning souls for the kingdom of God by leading men to the righteousness brings joy. The presence of the Holy Spirit and the manifestation of his fruit will exhibit Christ- likeness in the life of any believer.     Question 2.) What does it mean to pray without ceasing? Daniel 6:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:17...

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Practical Christian Living, 6/25/17-7/1/17

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Practical Christian Living, 6/25/17-7/1/17

  Memory Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:21   “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good”.   Daily Devotional Guide Monday: Watch and pray    Matthew 26:41 Tuesday: Avoid evil company   1 Corinthians 15:33 Wednesday: Desire spiritual gifts 1 Corinthians 14:1 Thursday: Give no room for works of darkness Romans 13:12 Friday: Be thankful in every situation 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Saturday: Do not grieve the Holy Spirit     Ephesians...

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A Living Sacrifice, 6/18/17-6/24

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A Living Sacrifice, 6/18/17-6/24

    Central Thought: A Victorious Christian life originates from absolute surrender to Christ and total dependence on the Holy Spirit     Hymn: “I am Thine O’Lord” Text: Romans 12:1-8, Galatians 2:20   Introduction: The Christian life begins with the new birth that is made possible by the prize that was paid by our Lord Jesus Christ. The born again believer thus becomes a property of the Lord Jesus who loved him and died for him. His will, thoughts, tastes, emotions and preferences are therefore subsumed in Christs. He lives to please the Lord God at all times. God actually demands total and moment-by-moment yielding of our lives to Him. Our old sinful lifestlye is supposed to give way to the new life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). It is to be observed however, that many believer’s conduct and lifestyle do not represent their new status in Christ. Such believers have merely accepted Christ as their Savior but have not made Him their Lord, so are unable to live victorious Christian lives on earth. In the light of this, we shall In this study consider how we can present our lives as a living sacrifice to God and the result of doing so.   Lesson Objectives: By the end of the lesson, the believer should be able to: Explain the term “A living Sacrifice” List and explain the qualities of the sacrifice that God demands from us. Discuss how someone can get conformed to the world. Explain how self-will can hinder someone from yielding to God and Appreciate the benefits of presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice   Question 1.) What do you understand by the expression “A Living Sacrifice”? The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary explains “Sacrifice” to mean “the act of offering something to a god, especially an animal that has been killed in a special way…”. In this context, the victim of sacrifice is fully given to the deity or god being appeased. “A living Sacrifice” as stated by Apostle Paul relates to a believer in Christ fully yielding every department of his life to God in order to reciprocate the earlier sacrifice of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ for our salvation. Thus the believer’s spirit, soul and body belongs to the Lord. He ceases to operate his own will and allows the will of God to be fully done in his life. A living Sacrifice involves a life of total separation from sin and unto God (2 Chronicles 29:5). It also entails laying one’s life at the altar of God (Galatians 2:20, Luke 22:42). Like Jesus, He allows the will of God to be done in his life. Also, a living sacrifice relates to a life fully given to the service of the Lord. Such a believer is prepared to give up his time, talent, money and other resources for the purpose of the kingdom advancement.   Question 2.) What are the qualities of the sacrifice that God demands from us? Romans 12:1-2 There are some qualities that the Almighty God desires of a life that is sacrificed to Him. (a) He or she does not make a practice of sin. Sin in a person’s life will deprive him or her of divine companionship and fellowship. (b) The sacrifice that God demands of...

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A Living Sacrifice, 6/18/17-6/24

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A Living Sacrifice, 6/18/17-6/24

Memory Verse: Roman 12:1   “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service”.   Daily Devotional Guide Monday: We were created for God’s glory.    Colossians 1:16 Tuesday: I am crucified with Christ.   Galatians 2:20-21 Wednesday: If any man be in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Thursday: Put aside selfish ambition. Luke 9:23-24 Friday: Let Love be Sincere Romans 12:9 Saturday: Present your body a living sacrifice.     Romans...

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The Hidden Treasure, Part 3, June 12-17, 2017

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  Memory Verse Colossians 3:1 “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God”   Daily Devotional Guide Monday: Why the merchant man sold all that he had to buy the hidden treasure Matthew 13:44-46 Tuesday: How a man can find the kingdom of heaven today John 3:3-8, Romans 10:9-10 Wednesday: Values to be given up for the sake of the kingdom. Self and worldly pleasure 1 John 2:15-17, Mark 8:34-38 Loved ones and worldly possessions Matthew 19:29, 6:19-21 Thursday: Practical ways believers can really treasure the kingdom of heaven they have found. Philippians 3:4-14 and 4:5-6 Friday: Characteristics of the life of someone who has given up all for the kingdom sake. Colossians 3:1-2 and Matthew 6:19-21 Saturday: Benefits of giving up all, to follow Jesus.  Matthew...

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The Hidden Treasure, Part 3, June 11th, 2017

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Central thought: The Kingdom of God is of inestimable value that must transcend every other earthly possession. Hymn: There’s a land that is fairer than day… Text: Matthew 13:44-46, 19:16-26 In Matthew chapter 13, the Lord Jesus began to utter mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven in public and private places.  One of the eight parables in the chapter, is the parable of the hidden treasure.  All men have different things they treasure at different things they treasure at different times.  A number of factors determine what men treasure, which may include their wealth, positions, race, etc.  The main emphasis of the parable of the hidden treasure is that nothing is more precious than the kingdom of God.  The parable emphasizes the whole-hearted response a person should give towards the Kingdom of Heaven, and the need for total devotion and commitment to the Kingdom.  This study will examine the kingdom of heaven as a hidden treasure. Lesson Objectives: We trust God that at the end of this study, we shall be able to: Discuss practical ways in which believers can demonstrate their citizenship and treasure of the kingdom of heaven. Appreciate what characterizes the life of someone who has given up all the kingdom’s sake.   Question 1.) In what practical ways can believers demonstrate their citizenship (and treasure) of the Kingdom of Heaven?  Romans 6:11-12, 16:19; Philippians 3:4-14, 4:5-6, 1 Timothy 6:11-12; Hebrews 12:1-2, 13:5-6 Treasures are highly valued.  There are various ways in which individuals treasure their valuables.  Some keep valued possessions ins are places in the house, in a safe, others with barristers, trusted persons, banks and the court.  In any manner in which the treasures are preserved, it is for safe keeping for the day of need.  The same is for the Christian.  For every Christian, the kingdom of heaven must be treasured.  Below are some of the ways that believers can demonstrate their citizenship and treasure of the Kingdom. A.) Being dead to sin:  Romans 6:11-12, the first practical way to treasure this kingdom is to be dead in sin, e.g. to consciously live above sin.  Stay away from any thing that is sin.  Those who are in Christ should not allow their lives to be controlled by sinful nature.  We should be dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. B.) Obedience to God: Obedience to God relates to submitting to His authority and command.  It helps the believer to get closer to God.  It is those that do the will of God that will enter the kingdom, Matthew 7:21.  Such an individual must be willing to obey God to the letter, Romans 16:19, 6:16, whether it is convenient or not.  Those that have received Christ are now sons of God and have enablement to obey God. C.) Fight for the faith: 1 Timothy 6:11-12; the believer is encouraged to follow after righteousness, and fight the good fight of faith.  The Christian race is one that must to run consistently.  There are so many distractions on the way, and daily the devil presents himself in various forms, all to discourage the believer.  The world offers itself in different shades, and tries to lure the believer out of the race.  Hence the believer must fight and contend for the faith, Jude 1:3.  This means standing  up to...

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