Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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Responsibility of Children in the Home, 5/9 – 5/14, 2016

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Responsibility of Children in the Home   Memory Verse. Ephesians 6:1 – “Children obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.”   Daily Devotional: Monday:  Responsibilities of children in the home.  Ephesians 6:1-3 Tuesday:  Life-long honoring of parents.  1 Timothy 5:4; Proverbs 10:1 Wednesday:  Meditate on Matthew 15:3-6 Thursday: Bring up the child in the fear of the Lord.  Proverbs 13:24; Hebrews 12:5, 7, 11 Friday: Train up the child in the way he should go.  Proverbs 22:6 Saturday:  Meditate on Psalm 25:12-14; Ephesians...

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Responsibility of Children in the Home, May 8th, 2016

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Responsibility of Children in the Home   Central Thought:  Children are a blessing from God to honor, obey and live in harmony with their parents.   Hymn:  My Faith Looks Up to Thee Text: Ephesians 6:1-9; Proverbs 22:6   Children in the home constitute a part of the nuclear family.  They are gifts from God unto their parents, and could also include biological children or adopted children.  They could include other people’s children living in the home – that is, as maids, servants, etc. – from cradle.  They are to be loved, cared for, trained and “polished after the similitude of a palace”, Psalm 144:12. Children have their role to play. They are to obey their parents, honor and respect them; because they are subject by God’s command to their parents’ authority in the home.  That authority is God-given; and is not to be flouted.  Children who honor their parents are blessed, even physically, while those who rebel and ignore their parents end up miserably. However, conflicts between parents and children are to be expected in every home but with good management the parents would ensure that the harmony and peace in the home are not broken. Often, generation gaps are usually pinpointed as the cause of this conflict but its main source stems from the fact that biblical principles are not strictly adhered to in the home.   Lesson Objectives: To highlight the primary obligation of children to their parents. To enumerate the role of children in the home. To examine how conflicts can be resolved between parents and children. To enumerate the parental duties toward children.   What are the primary responsibilities of children to their parents? Ephesians 6:1-3 God specifically assigned authority of an overseer to parents and as such, children are under obligation to respect that God-given authority.  Paul declares, “It is right for children to obey their parents.” Some of the reasons why children should obey their parents are: -When children obey their parents, they are obeying God.  For parents are placed to have authority over their children for their own good. -Parental authority ensures the security and safety of children.  Obedient children enjoy guidance from their parents, which enables them to avoid situations that may endanger their spiritual and physical wellbeing.  Obedient children rarely learn things the hard way and they are spared of many hurts and heartaches in life. -When children obey their parents, they in turn will earn the respect of their children.   1B. At what age does a child cease to fulfill these responsibilities to their parents? It will be difficult to pinpoint a chronological age when a child can stop his God-given responsibilities to his or her parents. However, this command of God that a child should honor his/her father and mother is not limited to the time the child is still subject to parents alone.  The honoring of father and mother should continue long after the child has become an adult; and is no longer under the direct control of his/her parents.  It is only then that the child can be fulfilling the command of God, 1 Timothy5:4 NIV/Amplified.   How can a child practically demonstrate obedience and respect for his or her parents? Jesus upheld God’s commandment that a child should obey and honor their father...

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Responsibilities of the Woman in Marriage, 5/2 – 5/7, 2016

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Responsibilities of the Woman in Marriage   Memory Verse: Ephesians 5:22 – “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”   Daily Devotional Guide: Monday: A wise woman builds her house.  Proverbs 14:1, 24:3 Tuesday: A Christian woman works hard.  Proverbs 31:10-31 Wednesday: A wise woman submits to her husband.  Ephesians 5:22-25, 1 Peter 3:1-7 Thursday: Moses mother was a virtuous woman.  Exodus 2:1-10, Hebrews 11:23 Friday: Lois and Eunice were women of faith.  2 Timothy 1:3-5, Acts 16:1 Saturday: Hannah was steadfast.  1 Samuel 1:9-20,...

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Responsibilities of the Woman in Marriage, May 1, 2016

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    Responsibilities of the Woman in Marriage     Central Thought: A woman’s joy is the stability of her home.   Hymn: When We Walk With the Lord Text: Ephesians 5:222-24; Proverbs 31:10-31     The family is an institution that is of great importance to God. The scriptures reveal God’s original plan for it and how it should be preserved to continue to fulfill that plan.  The family comprises the man, woman and children/wards.  The woman occupies a unique position in the family set-up.  Her responsibilities include that of a wife, a helpmeet/partner, a companion, an adviser, a home builder/keeper, a manager of resources, a nurse/health officer, and a mother who takes care of the children and other members of the family.  The stability or otherwise of any marriage depends to some extent on the woman.  Her responsibilities in the family are so important that her absence at any time is felt both by her husband and the children.  Therefore we cannot over emphasize the responsibilities of the woman in a home.     Lesson Objectives: To understand what is involved in a wife being submissive to her husband. To highlight the responsibilities of the woman towards her husband and children. To know the attitude of a Christian woman towards an unbelieving husband.   What is involved in a wife being submissive to her husband? Ephesians 5:22-25, 33; Colossians 3:18; Titus 2:4-5; 1 Peter 3:1-6 At creation God made the woman out of the rib of the man. It was the Man (Adam) that gave name to the woman; she plays the complementary role in his life.  In Genesis 3:16 God declared, “your desire shall be to you husband and he shall rule over you”. Submission becomes easier when the woman recognizes her God-given position and responsibility at home. The woman graciously and willingly submits when she properly maintains such position.  Submission does not go alone.  She is to be loved and cared for, Ephesians 5:33.  The woman needs not challenge the husband’s headship and authority but she responds in godly submission.  She should submit herself unto her own husband, be in subjection and obedient with sobriety as unto the Lord not as the situation demands but as God commands.  Furthermore, she should be self-controlled and pure, busy at home, kind and subject to her husband, so that no one will malign the word of God.   Read Proverbs 31:10-31 and explain further the following responsibilities of the wife: -Moral character and trustworthiness, v. 10-11: “A good wife is her husband’s pride and joy, but a wife who brings shame to her husband is like a cancer in his bones”, Proverbs 12:4 (Good News).  When a woman is upright and trustworthy her husband and household will be proud and joyful and their home will be peaceful. -Industrious and hardworking, v.14, 16, 25 & 27: A godly woman is hardworking, strong and respected.  She is industrious and not afraid of the future.  She is always busy and looks after her family’s needs.  She does not eat the bread of idleness; rather she diligently works with her hands to keep the home in order. -A good home keeper/builder, v. 15, 27; Titus 2:4-5: “Every wise woman buildeth her house, but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands”, Proverbs...

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Responsibilities of the Man in Marriage, 4/25 – 4/30, 2016

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Responsibilities of the Man in Marriage   Memory Verse: Colossians 3:19 – “Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.”   Daily Devotional Guide: Monday: Husband’s tender love for his wife.  Ephesians 5:25, 28, 33a, Colossians 3:19 Tuesday: Listening to and heeding your wife’s wise counsel.  Judges 20:1-2; 2 Samuel 20:1-2; 1 Samuel 25:9-33 Wednesday: Sex in marriage is pure, holy and ordained of God.  Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 7:28, 36 Thursday: Husbands should treat their wives with honor and love.  1 Thessalonians 4:4-5 Friday: The bad fruit of being an indulgent father. 1 Samuel 3:13; 1 Kings 1:1, 5-6; Proverbs 29:15 Saturday: Examples of fatherly love. Genesis 37:33-35; 2 Samuel 12:15-18; Luke...

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Responsibilities of the Man in Marriage, April 24, 2016

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Responsibilities of the Man in Marriage, April 24, 2016     Central Thought: Uphold God’s principles and standard in marriage.   Hymn: When We Walk With the Lord Text: Ephesians 5:21, 23-33     Marriage is a serious business which involves the union of two people who have consciously considered the probable challenges and joys of sharing their lives together by surrendering themselves to each other for mutual benefits. After the wedding and honeymoon experiences, the couple should settle down to face the reality of their marriage life together.  What actually becomes of the marriage is a function of how well the parties involved face their God-given responsibilities in the home.  Marriage, like salvation, must be “worked out with fear and trembling.”  It is God’s expectation for man to live joyfully with the wife whom he loves, all the days of their lives together, Ecclesiastes 9:9. In this study therefore, we shall be looking at the responsibilities of the man in making a successful Christian home, in an age where people strive for their privileges and rights only.     Lesson Objectives: To explain the responsibilities of the man in the marriage. To explain the concepts ‘leaving’ and ‘cleaving’ as commanded by God to man. To explain man’s responsibilities toward his children.   What do you understand by ‘leaving’ and ‘cleaving’ as commanded by God to man? Genesis 2:24 The two terms should be viewed as an inspired declaration which forms the basis and law of marriage. It points to a unity of two persons involving conjunction of bodies, a community of interest and reciprocity of affections.  To leave connotes a priority change on the par to the husband (the man).  The leaving would mean not only leaving parents but the entire family control and former ways of living.  Some cherished relationships also have to be sacrificed for the new union; some friends, habits and routines should be parted with.  The cleaving together must be functional and not merely cosmetic.  They have to behave essentially as one person – oneness in actions. Activities, owning and using things as well as in planning and the execution of such plans, Amos 3:3.  For a successful home, there must be a leaving and a cleaving, by the man and the woman. God, the Author of the marriage institution, is able to guide the couple as they look up to Him. Both partners can then make decisions, and have the opportunity to learn from their own mistakes and move ahead without undue interferences.   Explain the following responsibilities of the man towards his wife. –Loving Her as Christ Loves the Church, Ephesians 5:25-29: A husband has the responsibility of giving self and sacrificial love to his wife at all times just as Christ give to His church.  According to 1 Corinthians 13, this kind of love is patient, kind, never haughty or selfish or rude, does not demand its own way, does not hold grudges, etc.  This Christ kind of love, when lavished on a wife by her husband, will enhance her submission to him.  Both partners should always look up to Christ, when there are any challenges in the home. –Feeding, Caring and Bearing Her Burdens, 1 Timothy 5:8: As the head of the home, the man has been entrusted with the...

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Christian Marriage Part3, April 17, 2016

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Christian Marriage Part3, The Church Wedding   Memory Verse: Hebrews 13:4 – “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”   Daily Devotional Guide: Monday: The Lord at a wedding ceremony.  John 2:1-10 Tuesday: Reflect on Romans 12:16-17; Philippians 4:6 Wednesday: Court Registry/Wedding. Romans 13:1-7 Thursday: Avoid borrowing for a wedding ceremony.  Romans 13:8a Friday: No nakedness on wedding day.  Romans 13:10-14 Saturday: Separation/Divorce after wedding, not to be contemplated.  Malachi 2:16; Matthew...

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Christian Marriage Part3, April 17, 2016

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Christian Marriage Part3, The Church Wedding       Central Thought: Don’t allow wedding bills drown out your wedding bells.   Hymn: When We Walk With the Lord Text: John 2:1-10     In our text Jesus honored the marriage invitation by gracing the occasion with His physical presence and performing His first miracle there.   The Church blessing/wedding concludes all the preparations towards Christian marriage.  Until this is done an intending couple cannot relate as husband and wife.  Preparing for a wedding has been compared to reading for a trip into the unknown.  The wedding dress, venue, invitation cards, wedding cake, drinks, rings, handling of guests, etcetera need to be carefully set as a compass pointed toward new territory.  In doing so, we must be guided by the word of God and experience of those brethren who have done it before.  This is so because when it comes to the preparation and execution of wedding programs much can be learned from the Bible and experience of others.  This will help to avoid some mistakes so that all things can be done decently and in order to the glory of God.  In this study, we shall be looking at an ideal Christian wedding.       Lesson Objectives: To know the meaning of Church blessing/wedding. To appreciate the need to minimize cost of a Church wedding. To know how to overcome challenges that may arise while preparing for a wedding.   What is the relevance of the church blessing/wedding in Christian marriage? It is an occasion when you officially and publicly declare to all in the presence of God and the host of heaven that you are now legally married to your partner. According to Christian doctrine, marriage is a sacrament that can only be received if both husband and wife are born again and baptized in the church. To a Christian, marriage seems much more significant when celebrated in church. Consider the atmosphere, the wedding service the sermon, the prayers, the hymns, the signing of the marriage register, the solemn occasion, and the joyful occasion with relatives, friends and well-wishers around you.  A Christian who goes into marriage with Church blessing or wedding ceremony denies himself of the prayers of the saints and other blessings derivable there from.   What advice do you have for an intending Christian couple who cannot afford an elaborate wedding ceremony? Romans 12:16-17; Philippians 4:6 An intending Christian couple who cannot afford an elaborate wedding ceremony has several options. They could opt for the Church blessing on any day of the week of their choice.  What is required is the presence of the Pastor, Church leaders, the couple, their parents and few witnesses.  The wedding could also be conducted during normal Church service.  In all these, costs associated with printing the invitation cards, hiring a hall, entertainment of guests, wedding cake and many more may be avoided.  Once the bride price has been paid, they could do civil marriage at the Registry and go for the church blessings. We must bear in mind that preparing for a wedding does not equal being prepared for marriage. Some couples spend more times and other resources preparing for their weddings than they do for their marriage.  This is an error.  Wedding is an event, but marriage is...

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Christian Marriage Part 2, 4/11 – 4/16, 2016

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Christian Marriage Part 2, Payment of Bride Price   Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”   Daily Devotional Guide: Monday: Introduction of subject. Genesis 24:34-38 Tuesday: A type of ‘native law and custom’ ceremony. Genesis 24:49-60 Wednesday: Items presented to a would-be brides family.  Genesis 24:53-54 Thursday: Marriage should be honored by all.  Hebrews 13:4; Ephesians 5:3 Friday: God Forbids swearing at ancestral shines.  Matthew 5:34-36 Saturday: Meditate on 1 Corinthians...

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Christian Marriage Part2, April 10, 2016

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Christian Marriage Part 2, Payment of Bride Price     Central Thought: Uphold God’s principles and standards in marriage.   Hymn: Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah. Text: Genesis 24:34-67     Payment of Bride Price is a customary requirement for marriage, which some call ‘native Law and Custom’ ceremony. The Christian is therefore usually confronted with certain issues that border on aspects of tradition and customs which are not in consonance with the Word of God.  In such situations, he may be faced with making a choice between the tradition of the land and his Christian convictions.  In the Word of God we find some guidelines on what should be our attitude as Christians as regards tradition. It should be state here that there are some aspects of tradition which do not run contrary to the Word of God. There are also some which are in conflict with the Word of God.  In situations where there are conflicts between the tradition and the conviction of Christian then he must choose to obey God rather than the traditions of men, Acts 5:29.  The Christian must realize that the Word of God is superior to the tradition of men and therefore should be fully adhered to. In this study, we shall be examining the payment of bride price ceremony during the process of marriage and what it involves form the Christian perspective.       Lesson Objectives: To explain what ‘native law and custom’ ceremony is all about as it relates to marriage. To state how a Christian should handle some demands from the-would be in-laws. To give advice to intending Christian couple who cannot afford elaborate ‘native law and custom’ ceremony. To state if the Church has any role to play in the payment of bride price ceremony. To examine if the intending Christian couple can start relating as husband and wife after customary ceremony.   What do you understand by ‘native law and custom’ as it relates to marriage? ‘Native law and custom’ as it relates to marriage has to do with the traditional aspect of marriage involving the families of the intending couple, where both families meet, bride price is paid and the woman is formally handed over to the family of the man. This is not complete until the agreed demands by the family of the woman are met.   How should the Christian handle the following demands from the would-be in-laws? In the course of the ceremony, it is customary for the man to be given a long list of items he needs to present to the family of the woman. There should be reconciliation between both families about the content of the list of items, long before the day of this ceremony.  It is expected that the intending couple would have been in prayers, and exhibited the Christian attributes/character before their respective families.  This will greatly impact on the ease of reconciliation. Some of the issues that would need to be reconciled before the ceremony are: –Presentation of Alcoholic drinks and Tobacco, John 2:3-10; Habakkuk 2:15: What we know is not acceptable to God, we must avoid. It will be very easy to handle if the people involved have before then taken a stand on this matter and their families have known their stand...

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