Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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CHRISTIAN GIVING, October 8th, 2023

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CHRISTIAN GIVING, October 8th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTIt is in sowing that we reap, and it is in giving that we receive. HYMN: “Sowing in the morning”. TEXT: 2 COR. 9:6-12, GAL. 6:6-10INTRODUCTION:The practice of giving in church circles is a very topical issue in the society today. It is faced with controversies, allegations of abuses and criticisms. Skeptics and enemies of the church have capitalized on the situation to rain insults on the body of Christ. The purpose, methods and benefits of giving have been clearly spelt out by God in His word.In the Old Testament giving was viewed from the angle of legalistic obligations recommended in different forms and purposes in worship, while in the New Testament the essence of giving was more broadly regarded as part of worship to God and service to humanity. God is evidently the greatest giver of all times having sacrificed His only begotten Son to serve as atonement for the sins of mankind. Christian giving can truly be regarded as a reciprocation of God’s initiative. It is of divine origin, a form of worship to God and an investment with sure returns.This study is designed to present a balanced Scriptural perspective of the concept of giving. LESSON OBJECTIVES:1.) To explain the concept of Christian giving.2.) List various ways that God demonstrated giving3.) Discuss the scriptural principles associated with giving.4.) Identify various types of giving; and5.) Enumerate the blessings associated with giving. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1.A) EXPLAIN THE PHRASE “CHRISTIAN GIVING”.To “give” simply means to transfer something and to put it into possession and benefit of another. It is to grant or bestow a present or a favor for the advancement of another. Christian giving is the embodiment of processes and means for the transfer of benefits as taught in the Scriptures and practiced among believers.Christian giving covers material and non-material resources which are willingly transferred for the use of others or made available for social use. QUESTION 1.B) WHAT IS THE STARTING POINT OF CHRISTIAN GIVING?2 COR. 8:5The starting point of Christian giving is to surrender the totality of oneself to God in repentance and acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. This implies genuine conversion from darkness/wickedness to light/righteousness and a pledge of one’s life to seek and to do the pleasure of God. When our personality has been cleansed and made acceptable to God, we stand in position to render other acceptable services before God.QUESTION 2.) ENUMERATE WAYS IN WHICH GOD DEMONSTRATED GIVING.GEN. 1:26-27, JOHN 3:16There are very many ways God has demonstrated the virtue of giving. From the creation of man to the present day, God has never relented in giving.God created the entire universe, and then made man in His own image and likeness (or nature). He gave him the breath of life and transferred dominion to him over His entire creation. The earth is one of the gits of God to man. He also gave man a forum for regular fellowship with his maker.When man fell from grace God went after him to restore him. The priceless gift of the only begotten Son of God was made available for the atonement of man’s sins. Christ came and gave His life in sacrifice for mankind. God gave His own Spirit, the Holy Spirit to all who will believe and thereby restored man to authority...

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DANGER OF FORGETFUL HEARING, October 1st, 2023

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DANGER OF FORGETFUL HEARING, October 1st, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTIt is not enough to hear God’s word; live by it also. HYMN: I’ve a message from the Lord TEXT: DEUT. 28:1-14, EZEKIEL 36:26-27, JAMES 1:22-25, LUKE 8:4-8, 11-15 INTRODUCTION:The Sovereign God out of love established a father-son relationship with all believers. He is almighty, omnipresent, and all-knowing. But as a good and perfect father, he has a purpose for our lives as individuals and corporately. He only requires us, as loving children to trust and obey Him. “but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word…”, Isaiah 66:2b. “If ye love me, keep my commandments”, John 14:15. In the scriptures, “to hear” God’s word is often used synonymously with hearkening to or obeying it. To encourage us to obey His word and, therefore, grow increasingly into His purpose for our lives, in reality all of God’s blessings have been tied to obedience. In this study, we examine the danger or forgetful hearing and how to live above it. LESSON OBJECTIVES:1.) To discuss what happens in our hearts when we hear God’s word.2.) To consider what it means to be a “forgetful hearer” and,3.) To understand what it means to be “dull of hearing”, “having itching ears”, and not “mixing the word with faith”. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) WHAT ARE THE MAJOR INFLUENCES ON THE OUTCOME OF THE WORD SOWED BY GOD IN OUR HEARTS?LUKE 8:4-8, 11-15In the parable, seeds of the same quality/potential were sown on different soils (human hearts). The first group had the word immediately stolen from their hears, because they did not understand it. The devil sowed doubts and unbelief. The second group are usually excited when they hear God’s word but when troubles or persecutions test their love for God and confidence in the word, they fall away.The third group receives the word but are bogged down by the worries of this life and the eagerness to accumulate wealth and “make it” quickly, because they have been deceived into believing that more wealth makes them more important and better human beings. They, therefore, cannot obey they word and remain unfruitful. The fourth group, “… with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it and by perseverance produce a crop”.It is fairly obvious to the reader that it did not come easy for the fourth group. First, they had prepared their hearts for obedience and left no room for unbelief. Hence, their hearts are described as noble. They fought to “retain” the word against all odds and the ploys of the evil one to snatch it or make it unfruitful; despite contrary circumstances they persevered, holding on to their obedience and ultimately bearing bountiful fruit. QUESTION 2A.) WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A “FORGETFUL HEARER”?JAMES 1:23-25 A forgetful hearer is someone who hears/reads God’s word and does not do what it says. The word of God functions as a mirror. As the word is revealed to our hearts, it x-rays us showing us our true state whether good or bad. It exposes the areas we fall short or are living in sin or disobedience, convicting our hearts on the need for a change. The natural response is repentance and a plea to God to work on...

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LESSONS FROM THE TOWER OF BABEL, September 24th, 2023

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LESSONS FROM THE TOWER OF BABEL, September 24th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTPlans no matter how lofty must be in the will of God. TEXT: GEN. 9:1-7, GENESIS 11:1-9, 1 JOHN 2:15-17 INTRODUCTION:In Genesis chapters 6-10, we read the fascinating account of God’s judgement on the earth but in the midst of judgement, Noah found favor in God’s eyes (Gen. 6:8) and He kept him, his family, and representatives of the animal kingdom safe. The judgement came upon the earth because “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart” Genesis 6:5-6. Genesis 10-11 gives the account of the new beginnings of man after the flood. The purpose of the flood was to judge evil on the earth and it would be expected that, with the opportunity for a new beginning, those that survived the flood would learn from the experience and do the will of the Lord on earth. LESSON OBJECTIVES:1.) To know why men decided to build the tower of Babel.2.) Understand the power of unity.3.) Understand the basis of Christian unity.4.) Know that God’s will is sovereign. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) WHY DID MEN DECIDE TO BUILD A TOWER AND IN WHAT WAYS COULD THIS BE CONSIDERED A REBELLION AGAINST GOD?ACTS 17:26-27 “And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.” Genesis 11:4. As the population of men increased after the flood, they remained together and moved from place to place until they came to a plain in the land of Shinar. At first consideration, it may not be obvious what God faulted in their decision to build a city and a tower, after all, God had blessed Noah and his sons and asked them to be fruitful. However, when we compare God’s mandate to Noah in Gen. 9:1-7, and their vision in Gen. 11:4, we see differences. God wanted them to spread out and replenish the earth but they did not want to! They wanted to build a monument and make a name for themselves and not be scattered abroad over the earth. The primary focus of that group of men was to achieve greatness, serve their interests and bring glory to themselves. God and his purposes did not feature at all in their thoughts. They had become a god unto themselves and turned their backs on the living God. God paid them a visit and judged them. His purpose stood in the end. They were spread out over the earth. QUESTION 2.) DISCUSS THE POWER OF UNITY AS DEPICTED IN GEN. 11:6. WHY IS THERE SO MUCH DISUNITY IN THE WORLD AND IN CHRISTIAN DENOMINATIONS TODAY. “And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do”, Genesis 11:6.Unity empowers a people. Naturally, the more the people are united for a purpose, the more the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual resources that can...

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THE MAN GIDEON: HIS FINAL TRIUMPH AND EXIT, September 17th, 2023

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THE MAN GIDEON: HIS FINAL TRIUMPH AND EXIT, September 17th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTGod is always ready to use anyone who make himself/herself available for His service. HYMN: I Need thee Every Hour TEXT: JUDGES 8:1-35 INTRODUCTION:Gideon had been reasonably concerned about the condition of his people- the Israelites. In his discussion with the Angel of the Lord, he had queried, “… IF the Lord, be with us, why then has all this befallen us? And where be all His miracles which our fathers told us of… but now the Lord has forsaken us into the hands of the Midianites” (Judges 6:13). The Lord’s response to him was however reassuring.“Go in this your might, and you shall save Israel from the hands of the Midianites: have not I sent you?” Judges 6:14, Gideon yielded himself to the Lord and in the process made positive influences on the lives of the Israelites. They remained reasonably faithful to God during his lifetime. In this study, we shall examine how Gideon secured his final victory over the Midianites and his leadership failure. LESSON OBJECTIVES:1.) To understand the complaint of the Ephraimites against Gideon and to discuss how justified they were.2.) Examine Gideon’s response and to know how appropriate it was.3.) Look at Gideon’s character and draw some lessons from it.4.) Find out why Gideon created the ephod and its impact on the Israelites.5.) Understand what Gideon’s failure was and discuss how to avoid such problems. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) DISCUSS HOW GIDEON MANAGED THE COMPLAINT OF THE MIDIANITES AND THE LESSONS WE CAN DERIVE FROM IT.JUDGES 8:2-3, PROVERBS 15:1, COLOSSIANS 4:6, ROMANS 12:18, MATTHEW 10:19, JOHN 14:26The Ephraimites complained that Gideon should not have left them out of the call to battle. They rebuked Gideon sharply; Gideon was gentle in his response but not in fear. With Godly wisdom he gave a soft answer which made their resentment against him to subside.The Bible tells us that a soft answer turns away wrath, but that grievous words stir up anger (Proverbs 15:1).In Colossians 4:6, we are admonished thus, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how ye ought to answer every man”. In Romans 12:18, we are also advised that, if it be possible, as much as lieth within you, live peaceably with all men”. From Matthew 10:19, we acknowledge that even when we are in difficult situations, not knowing what exactly to say, the Lord has promised us that “…. It shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak”.Gideon rather than challenging the contention of the Ephraimites, did not allow the self in him to manifest rather his humility and meekness were displayed. By so doing he challenged them to be more focused in handling the task ahead. QUESTION 2.A) WHAT DOES JUDGES 8:4-5 REVEAL ABOUT GIDEON’S CHARACTER?His request for help from the men of Succoth to assist his three hundred soldiers with food was rejected. His men were “weak, yet pursing” their targets.This scenario reveals the following about Gideon’s character:That he was quite focused about his mission and objective.That his desire to get the job done did not becloud his concern for the welfare of his men.That his response to them confirmed his implicit confidence in God and his conviction that victory was certain.That he had a persevering spirit; he had a...

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THE MAN GIDEON: HIS OBEDIENCE AND EXPLOITS, September 10th, 2023

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THE MAN GIDEON: HIS OBEDIENCE AND EXPLOITS, September 10th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTA child of God that responds positively to His call becomes an instrument of honor. HYMN: Stand up! Stand up for Jesus! TEXT: JUDGES 6:25-40, 7:1-25 INTRODUCTION:Gideon was an ordinary citizen in Israel with a poor and idolatrous family background. He had some knowledge of Israel’s history and wondered why they were going through their current experiences at the hands of the Midianites. Despite his background and his uncertainty about God’s presence with them, the Almighty God chose him as the instrument to be used Israel’s deliverance from the Midianites. Gideon obeyed God’s call and became an instrument in His hands to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites and to restore the true worship of God in Israel. LESSON OBJECTIVES:1.) The objectives of this lesson include.2.) To appreciate Gideon’s obedience to God’s call.3.) To understand that God is the Deliverer of His people.4.) To appreciate the truth that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal.5.) To realize that God guarantees victory for His people. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) HOW DID GIDEON DEMONSTRATE HIS OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S CALL?JUDGES 6:25-32 God commanded Gideon to throw down the altar of Baal which belonged to his father. He was further instructed by God to build an altar unto the Lord (Judges 6:25-26). Gideon immediately obeyed as we read in Judges 6:27 “Then Gideon took men of his servants and did as the Lord had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father’s household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night”. Thus, Gideon demonstrated his obedience to God’s call by carrying out immediately the very first assignment God gave to him.Let us understand that God did not specify the time Gideon should carry out this instruction of throwing down the father’s idol. However, for fear of his father’s household and the men of the city, he (Gideon) chose to do it in the night. Considering the turmoil it generated when the people woke up in the morning, perhaps more turmoil would have occurred if Gideon hand destroyed the idol during the day. In a commentary on that verse Dake wrote “more than anything else, he may have feared the turmoil such action would have caused in the day time, so he chose the night when the city was asleep”. However, most importantly, our God did not condemn Gideon for doing it in the night.We (Believers) need a lot of wisdom as we go about fulfilling God’s call upon our lives and carrying out our God given assignments as individuals, families and congregations. We must depend on the HOLY SPIRIT for direction and we must be ready to follow the HOLY SPIRIT as HE leads and directs us. QUESTION 2.) IN WHAT WAYS CAN A CHRISTIAN BE INVOLVED IN DESTROYING “BAALISM” AND RESTORING TRUE WORSHIP IN OUR TIME? Like Gideon, believers can be used by God to pull down the various types of “Baal” we find in the society today, Greed/covetousness, crave for wealth, and fame etc. are gods (baals) plaguing men and women today. The first way a Believer shows resentment to any of these things is to refuse to participate, partake in or promote any of them. In addition he must speak...

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THE MAN GIDEON: HIS CALL AND COMMISSION, September 3rd, 2023

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THE MAN GIDEON: HIS CALL AND COMMISSION, September 3rd, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTThe abiding presence of God makes the difference in the life of any believer. HYMN: Stand up! Stand up for Jesus TEXT: JUDGES 6:1-24 INTRODUCTIONMost of us want to know God’s plan for our lives, but we are not always sure how to find it. The Bible gives descriptions of how God guided many people. We can see that God’s call often came while people were completely immersed in the challenge of the moment. A good example of this kind of guidance is seen in Gideon’s life.Gideon was committed. His challenge was to obtain food for his family even though hostile invaders were making the growing, gathering and preparation of food almost impossible. He was resourceful and put a winepress to double duty by turning it into a threshing floor, hidden from the Midianites. Gideon was working in his threshing floor when God sent him a messenger with a challenge. His acceptance of this challenge made him one of the judges of Israel. He was a judge who led Israel for forty years to subdue the Midianites who had oppressed the people of Israel.A study of his character will reveal among other things how God calls His people, the implications, and rewards of obedience to God’s call. LESSON OBJECTIVES: To explain the circumstances that led to the call of Gideon. To relate Israel’s experience to the situation in our nation. To comment on Gideon’s complain and God’s response. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES LED TO THE CALL OF GIDEON?JUDGES 6:1-12In verse one of Judges 6, we read “ And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord delivered them into the hands of the Midianites seven years”. Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord and this led them into trouble as should be expected for all who sin against God.God delivered them into the hands of the Midianites, a desert people that descended from Abraham’s second wife, Keturah. Years earlier, the Israelites while still wondering in the wilderness, battled the Midianites and almost completely destroyed them. The tribe repopulated and increased in number that they were capable of being made a severe scourge to Israel. God had promised to increase Israel as the sand on the sea shore, but their sin stopped their growth and diminished them while their enemies who were supposed to be in every way inferior to them overpowered them. The Midianites made frequent incursions into the land, they allowed the Israelites to sow their crops, but towards harvest, came seized, ate up and destroyed both grass and corn. While leaving, they went away with the sheep and oxen. This was the situation for seven years. When all efforts to get succor from other sources failed, Israel at last cried unto the Lord. God heard their cries and sent a prophet to reprove them for sin and bring them to repentance.The person God commissioned for the service of delivering the Israelites from the hands of the Midianites was Gideon. QUESTION 2.) HOW CAN WE RELATE ISRAEL’S EXPERIENCE TO THE SITUATION OF OUR NATION TODAY?Israel was quite a prosperous nation because God’s hand was upon them but when they chose to do evil in the sight of the Lord, He gave them up to suffer in...

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STEWARDSHIP: OUR TIME, BODY AND FINANCES, August 27th, 2023

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STEWARDSHIP: OUR TIME, BODY AND FINANCES, August 27th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTEvery believer should realize that God is the giver of life unto whom he/she is accountable. TEXT: Eph. 5:15-17; 1 Cor.6:12-20. INTRODUCTIONStewardship encompasses different areas of human activity. As caretakers of God’s manifold resources believers are expected to demonstrate faithfulness, responsibility, and accountability in the areas of the use of time, body, and finances. God gives us time and other resources according to our abilities and expects us to invest them wisely until He returns. It is observed that many believers expend their God-given time on things that do not have eternal value or even of benefit to their lives. Inappropriate time-budgeting is also a big problem for us. Having an understanding that time is God-given, we must deploy it for optimal spiritual and material benefit.In the same vein, some believers misuse their bodies and finances as though we are the sole owners. We must constantly remind ourselves that we are not our own and that we are bought with a price. It is the Lord that gives us the power to make wealth. Therefore, we are enjoined to glorify God in our bodies and finances, which are His. LESSON OBJECTIVES:The objectives of the lesson are to: Explain how believers are stewards over their time, body and finances; Discuss how we can be good stewards over out time, bodies and finances; and Appreciate the rewards of good stewardship. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) DISCUSS HOW BELIEVERS ARE STEWARDS WITH REGARDS TO THE FOLLOWING(a). Time: Ps.39:4, 90:9-12; Eph.5:15, 16. Time is an expendable resource that is universally applicable to all humans, given to man by God. In comparison with eternity, it is short and transient. Everyone has his/her own time apportioned to him/her by God. It is not how long one spends on earth that matters but how relevant and impactful our lives are to the rest of humanity. The Lord Jesus spent thirty three and half (33 ½) years on earth yet transformed the entire world for God.The time we have now is borrowed. We are mere caretakers of it. We must learn to make the maximum use of our time. In doing this, diligence is required and procrastination must be avoided, remembering that we shall render account of it to God who gave it to us. Use it wisely.(b). Our bodies: Gen.2:7; 1 Cor.6:19-20. The Almighty God, who created man in His image (Gen.2:7), is interested in our bodies as much as our soul and spirit. In fact, our bodies constitute the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. We did not form or create ourselves. We are owned by God(1 Cor.6:19).Moreover, Jesus Christ purchased us back to God through His death on the cross (1 Cor.6:20). We are mere servants of God to render quality services to Him with our bodies. We shall as well render account to God on how we utilized our bodies while on earth.(c ) . Our finances: Deut.8:18. Man is born naked into this this world and he exits naked (Job 1:21). Between the point of birth and death, all we acquire (material or financial) are therefore gifts from the Maker and owner of all things. (Ps.24:1). He is the one that apportions to everyone some measures of these resources for our well-being and that of others (Eph.4:28; Deut.8:18). Therefore , our finances...

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STEWARDSHIP: TALENTS AND GIFTS, August 20th, 2023

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STEWARDSHIP: TALENTS AND GIFTS, August 20th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTEvery believer has been endowed by God with a particular gift or talent for the benefit of the body of Christ. HYMN: “ Take my life, and let it be”. TEXT: MATT.25:14-30; EPH. 4:7-16. INTRODUCTION:Man, by nature has been endowed with specific gifts or talents which God expects him to utilize for his own development as well as that of others. These endowments can be called gifts or talents which are unique and specific to the individual. The gifts are entrusted on us by God, therefore, as stewards or servants of His, we will surely give account of how we utilized them. Thus, we are expected to exhibit a high degree of wisdom and faithfulness in all responsibilities assigned to us.Talents/gifts may also represent any type of resources given to us by God. The all-knowing God gives us the talents/gifts according to our abilities and expects us to use them appropriately. In God, there is no room for irrelevant existence, hence there is no one without talent or gift. These talents are either natural or spiritual and should not be left dormant but should be used for the advancement of the church, society and to the glory of God. LESSON OBJECTIVES:By the end of this lesson, the believer should be able to: Explain what talents/gifts are; Understand how a believer can recognize his/her gift/talents; Know how we can develop our talents/gifts; Discuss how we can use our gifts/talents effectively; and Determine whether one’s talent can be lost. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1.) EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF TALENTS AND GIFTSLongman’s active dictionary simply explain both talent and gifts to mean a natural ability to do something very well. God, in His infinite mercy has wired or configured every believer to fulfil a particular purpose which is unique to him/her. It is His prerogative to bestow on everyone a special gift, talent, or ability such as singing, poetry, oratory, sports, technical ability, artistry, etc. so as to be able to manifest His glory on earth. The gifts are so many that no one is left without any.Spiritual gifts include ministerial gifts listed in Romans 12:6-8, 1 Cor.12:4-11, 28-30 and Ephesians 4:11. Some of them are the gift of apostleship, prophecy, evangelism, pastoral and teaching as well as faith, ministration, giving, administration and help, tongues, working of miracles and so forth. QUESTION 2.) DISCUSS HOW A BELIEVER CAN RECOGNIZE HIS/HER GIFT/TALENT.It is necessary that every believer attempts to identify what his/her gift is. Certain clues to identifying our talents are here highlighted. A Child may be bestowed with some attitudinal dispositions (flair or abilities) which are talents in him/her that begin to unfold as he/she matures. For example, a child who is often engaged in manipulating objects and toys is likely going to be effective in practically-oriented skills. In church such persons can be very useful in decorating, instrumentalist, technical units,etc.Secondly, a believer could seek counsel from his/her pastor and other leaders regarding the areas of service he could be involved. Pastors, on their own can prayerfully appoint members to areas of ministry they consider appropriate for the member. Personal interests on the part of the member on a particular area of service is also very important. A member that is given to singing at all times could make a good Chorister....

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PROPHET MICAIAH, THE SERVANT OF GOD, August 13th, 2023

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PROPHET MICAIAH, THE SERVANT OF GOD, August 13th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTGod’s word will always prevail over falsehood. HYMN: When we walk with the Lord. TEXT: 1 KINGS 22:1-37INTRODUCTION:In the time of the reign of Ahab, the king of Israel, he requested the assistance of Jehosphaphat, the king of Judah to fight a war against the Syrians. Jehoshaphat suggested that before embarking on the war, they should first seek the will of God concerning the matter. The encounter of the two kings with prophet Micaiah will be examined in this study. LESSON OBJECTIVES: By the end of this study, the believer should be able to: Identify who prophet Micaiah was: State the message of the prophets: Explain the content of the true message declared by prophet Micaiah: Discuss how the prophecy of Micaiah was fulfilled: and Highlight the lessons derived from this study. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1.) WHO WAS PROPHET MICAIAH?1 KINGS 22:8, 14Micaiah was the son of Imlah, a prophet in the land of Israel during the period of the reign of Ahab as king. He was a prophet of the Lord.King Ahab hated prophet Micaiah because the king believed that Micaiah never prophesied good concerning him but evil. However, Micaiah always prophesied whatever God asked him to say. QUESTION 2A.) WHAT WAS THE MESSAGE OF THE PROPHETS? (1 KINGS 22:12; 20-23)The prophets (about 400 of them) prophesied in unison “saying, Go up to Ramon-gilead, and prosper: for the Lord shall deliver it into the King’s hand” (1 Kings 22:12). By the revelation God gave Micaiah, we understand that God put a lying spirit in the mouths of the prophets to prophesy a lie unto Ahab. God was not pleased with the King because of the fact that he had forsaken the God of Israel, the true God and was serving Baal and other idols. God permitted Ahab to be deceived by this false message so that he would fall at Ramoth-gilead. QUESTION 2B.) COMMENT ON THE ADVICE OF THE MESSENGER SENT TO CALL MICAIAH AND THE PROPHET’S REPLY. 1 KINGS 22:13-14The messenger sent to call Micaiah tried to persuade him to declare ‘good’ to the King just like the other prophets who declared “good unto the King with one mouth”. Using the exact words of the messenger to Micaiah sounds like this “let thy word I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good”. The truth of the word of God cannot be thwarted or compromised. Whatever is determined by God cannot be changed. Prophet Micaiah replied the messenger thus “As the Lord liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that which I speak” (1 Kings 22:14). A true prophet of God must be ready to deliver the message given to him by God exactly how he received it without adding to or subtracting from it. QUESTION 3.) EXPLAIN THE CONTENT OF THE TRUE MESSAGE DECLARED BY PROPHET MICAIAH. 1 KINGS 22:15, 17-23Initially, Prophet Micaiah spoke like the other prophets. However, Ahab was not convinced that Micaiah was telling the truth. Little wonder Ahab said to him “how many times shall I make you swear that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord?” (1 Kings 22:16). Then Prophet Micaiah declared the true message to King Ahab. Micaiah said that he saw all the...

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A TRUSTWORTHY SERVANT: THE EXAMPLE OF ELIEZER, August 6th, 2023

Posted by on 11:06 am in Sunday School | Comments Off on A TRUSTWORTHY SERVANT: THE EXAMPLE OF ELIEZER, August 6th, 2023

A TRUSTWORTHY SERVANT: THE EXAMPLE OF ELIEZER, August 6th, 2023

CENTRAL THOUGHTA Trustworthy servant focuses all his attention on this master. HYMN: I am thine O’ Lord. TEXT: GEN.15:1-4; GEN.24:1-67. INTRODUCTION:The Bible uses several metaphors to describe the relationship of Christians to their God, and each of them examines it from a different perspective to reveal different truths. One of the most prolific metaphors is that God as Master and His people as servants.A servant is one who performs service for another. Servants are entrusted with tasks according to their capability, integrity, honesty, and trust. To be a trustworthy servant, that person must be one who is worthy of being relied upon. An example of a trustworthy servant in the Bible is Eliezer, the oldest servant of Abraham’s home whom he sent to Padan Aram to take a wife for his son Isaac. In this study we shall examine the life of Eliezer and draw valuable lessons. LESSON OBJECTIVES:At the end of the lesson, we should be able to: Describe the person of Eliezer. Explain what it means to be a trustworthy servant. See the steps Eliezer took to ensure that he obeyed his master’s instruction. Draw lesson from the life of Eliezer; and Highlight the qualities of a trustworthy servant. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1A.) WHO WAS ELIEZER? GEN.15:2-3; GEN.24:2Eliezer whose name means “my God is help” was the eldest servant of Abraham (Abraham had 318 trained servants in his household. Gen.14:14). He hails from Damascus and was Abraham’s most trusted servant whom he sent to get a wife (Rebekah) for his son Isaac. He obtained Rebekah as a bride for Isaac. QUESTION 1B.) WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A TRUSTWORTHY SERVANT?A trustworthy servant can be defined as one who is reliable, loyal, faithful, and dependable. A trustworthy servant can also be defined as anyone who discharges his/her duties with little or no supervision and makes most use of available resources. Trustworthy servants are respectful, humble, and obedient. They diligently listen to instructions and obey them. QUESTION 2.) WHAT MADE ABRAHAM TO TRUST ELIEZER? GEN.24:2-9.Eliezer had faithfully ruled over all that Abraham had, so he was tested and found trustworthy. He was very respectful addressing Abraham and Isaac as “my master”. Hence Abraham committed into his hands the matter of seeking a wife for his son Isaac. QUESTION 3.) WHAT STEPS DID ELIEZER TAKE TO ENSURE THAT HE OBEYED HIS MASTER’S INSTRUCTIONS?GEN.24:9-14 He promised to obey Abraham by swearing; Abraham asked him to put his hands under his thigh to accomplish the given task. Putting his hands under the thigh of his master as a seal of solemn oath to his concerning this matter, he promised to get a wife for his son Isaac. As a good servant, he thought through the assignment and wanted to clear every doubt about it. Therefore, he asked reasonable questions to which the master gave adequate answers which now put his mind at rest. He made adequate preparation for the journey, and in faith set out taking with him ten camels loaded with jewelries, garments, and other gifts. He subjected his plans to the God of his master whom he had come to know. After travelling many miles to the city of Nahor, the servant bowed before God in prayer, requesting for guidance.Abraham’s servant acknowledged his own weakness and sought divine guidance...

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