Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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Standing Fast in the Lord, 6/15 – 6/20, 2015

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Standing Fast in the Lord, 6/15 – 6/20, 2015

Standing Fast in the Lord   Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”   Daily Devotional Guide: Monday: Set your affections on things above. Colossians 3:1-3 Tuesday: Standing fast in liberty of Christ. Galatians 5:1 Wednesday: Love not the world. 1 John 2:15-16 Thursday: We wrestle not against flesh and blood. Ephesians 6:12 Friday: Reprove every unfruitful work. Ephesians 5:10-11 Saturday: Ye shall receive a crown of Glory. 1 Peter...

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Standing Fast in the Lord, June 14, 2015

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Standing Fast in the Lord, June 14, 2015

Standing Fast in the Lord   Central Thought: The Christian faith requires patience, courage and steadfastness.     Text: Ephesians 5:1-21, 6:10-18   As we draw closer to end times, many believers are troubled in heart at the local and global events happening daily. Many of these events are direct threats to our faith, while some others are threatening our very existence as humans. In another sense, the devil is using subtle means to mount pressure on believers to lower the standards of morality and holy living, and to distance humanity from true fellowship with the living God. Satan knows fully well that his time is running our; and has therefore put in place several measures to distract the church with ungodliness. For the believer to succeed in his Christian race, he must know why he is in the race, desire to remain in the race and be sure what to do to accomplish the race. Being a spiritual race, he must fully rely on God for strength and must be determined to forge ahead in the face of stiff opposition. He must be rooted and built up in Christ so that he can stand fast at all times. This study is therefore aimed at encouraging us to be resolute, unwavering and tenacious in our pursuit of kingdom goals.     What does it mean to stand fast in the Lord? 1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:15 When an individual accepts the Lord Jesus as his Savior, he gives up his old way of life and begins to live a life that is pleasing to God. Usually there are new challenges that confront this man which must be resolved daily as a child of God. To stand fast in the Lord means to give up every habit and manner that is not pleasing to God and to be determined not to fall by the way. It means being courageous and patient to know the word of God and to live by it. It is a call to focus attention on the Lord Jesus Christ who becomes our mentor and master. Standing fast in the Lord involves drawing strength from the word of God, trusting in His promises and learning positive lessons from the recorded accounts of Bible characters. It includes the need to be in communion with the heavenly Father, and in true fellowship with other believers. It means to be resolute and tenacious in our pursuit of the goals of God’s kingdom.   Why is it necessary to stand fast in the Lord? 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Philippians 3:18 It is necessary to stand fast in the Lord because Jesus Christ is coming soon; the exact time we do not know. In order not to be caught unprepared, we need to stand fast in the Lord. Furthermore, there are enemies within in form of deceivers and counterfeit leaders who are agents to Satan. We must watch out against such by standing fast. To maintain stability of faith and not tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine, we need to stand fast in the Lord. Moreover, the Christian race is not a carnal one. The enemies of our faith are not in human form, they are spirit beings of various demonic ranks. Standing fast in the Lord will...

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Pressing Forward, Jun 7, 2015

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Pressing Forward, Jun 7, 2015

Pressing Forward   Central Thought: The ultimate target of the Believer is “the prize of the high calling of GOD in Christ Jesus.”     Text: Philippians 3:1-21   We thank God for the opportunity and privilege to be counted among the living. As we wake up every morning counting days into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years, we make progress in life’s journey. No doubt we encounter life’s challenges, some successes and failures are recorded in course of our sojourn here on earth. However, we must realize that each tick of the clock pull us gradually towards the coming of the Lord and the end of life on earth. God therefore, expects us to move forward and give no room for complacencies. In this study, we shall consider the attitude maintained by Apostle Paul that made him to excel for Christ, with the view to deriving some lesson there from.     What does it mean to press forward? The phrase ‘press forward’ has several meanings. For the purpose of this study, we shall adopt this meaning: “it is to push or move forcefully in a particular direction successfully”. While the word “forward” means the direction that one is facing or travelling, and it further means, moving towards a successful end. This, therefore, involves a continuous effort that demands complete attention and refusal to be discouraged. Apostle Paul had to say in verse 14 of our text that “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”. This was in spite of his many achievements; he was careful not to be carried away by them, refusing to dwell and live in his past glory, yet emphasized the need not to give up, to remain focused on the prize, i.e. eternity with God. For an individual to press forward there must be a goal, or an aim that one seeks to achieve, else efforts would be wasted driving/pursuing shadows. For Paul, his goal was to achieve eternity with God. He was mindful that all he had done and achieved must be put behind him, and efforts must be directed at those things that are before. He refused to live in his past glory, but looked forward to doing more things for God and the kingdom. It is common knowledge that, not all those that run a race win the prize. Paul herein stated that he has a mark, a target, an aim, a goal, set for him to attain; to which there is a reward: “prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus.’ We as believers must have similar goals or targets, which should be the only driving force, especially in challenging times. It is only when our anchor is secured in Christ that we can remain focused on the prize. The prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus is the reward, the gain and benefit the believer gets in Christ at the end of the race. We must therefore not focus on frivolities, but the substance. Our aim/goal should be fixed on God and what He wants us to be, where He wants us to be, what He wants us to do and when to do this.   What lessons do we learn from Paul concerning followership?...

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Pressing Forward, 6/8 – 6/13, 2015

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Pressing Forward, 6/8 – 6/13, 2015

Pressing Forward Memory Verse: Philippians 3:13-14 – “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” KJV   Daily Devotional Guide: Monday: What it means to press forward. Philippians 3:13-14 Tuesday: The external demands of the law for which Paul was considered blameless. Philippians 3:14-16; Genesis 17:12, 23 Wednesday: The spiritual height of Paul. Philippians 3:17; 2 Timothy 4:7-8 Thursday: How we can improve on our walk with the Lord. Luke 18:1; 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 5 Friday: How we can put behind our past failures. Luke 15:17-21; Philippians 3:13 Saturday: Our attitude towards the enemies of the cross. 1 Timothy 6:5; Titus...

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The Church: Relationship Amongst Members, May 31, 2015

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The Church: Relationship Amongst Members, May 31, 2015

The Church: Relationship Amongst Members Central Thought:  A cordial relationship among members of the body of Christ is advocated in the Scriptures.   Text:  Philippians 2:1-15; Galatians 6:1-10; 1 John 4:7-21   The church consists of many members who make up the body of Christ.  These members have many roles and functions which differ from one to the other.  Secondly, they come from different backgrounds, temperaments and even social status.  In spite of these differences, it is expected that all members of the body of Christ should live in harmony and relate one to another cordially by avoiding any form of discord or acrimony among themselves.  There should be mutual respect and genuine love expressed towards all and sundry.  We must learn to show concern and love towards one another.  The way we relate among ourselves as members of the body of Christ as seen by the unbelievers will either attract them from Him.  We must therefore remember the Lord’s command to us as His disciples.  “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another”, John 13:34-35.   What should be the attitude of a church leader towards the members? Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3; Isaiah 40:11; 1 Timothy 5:21 A good leader must learn to identity with those he is leading.  This involves much more than just knowing them.  It entails expressing genuine love for them and sincerely showing love, care and concern for them.  He must love them unconditionally just as our Lord Jesus Christ loved all even to the extent of loving those who presented themselves as His enemies.  A leader should also be able to accommodate all irrespective of their dispositions and temperament.  He should treat all equally without showing partiality.  Apostle Paul was very mindful of this fact that he admonished Timothy not to prefer one before another and do nothing by partiality.  The leader must teach those he is leading the counsel of God as revealed in His Word.  “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost had made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His blood”, Acts 20:28.  “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over Gods’ heritage, but being ensample to the flock”, 1 Peter 5:2-3.  A leader should also realize that those he is leading are at different levels of maturity.  Therefore the leader must learn to relate with each of them at their individual level of understanding.  He must know that as people are different, their actions and reactions will also differ.  He must study them one by one, to know how best to relate to every individual he is expected to lead.  A good leader must endeavor to uphold the flock of God under his care in prayer.  He must be always in readiness to attend to their needs; both spiritual and physical.  A good leader must be ready and willing to sacrifice his time, resources, energy...

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The Church: Relationship Amongst Members, 6/1 – 6/6, 2015

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The Church: Relationship Amongst Members, 6/1 – 6/6, 2015

The Church: Relationship Amongst Members   Memory Verse: John 13:35 – “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciple, if ye have love one to another”   Daily Devotional Guide: Monday: Attitude of church leaders toward members.  Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3; 1Timothy 5:21 Tuesday: Members’ attitude toward leaders in church.  Galatians 6:6; Philippians 2:2, 4:14-19; 1 Corinthians 11:1 Wednesday: Members’ attitude toward leaders in church.  1 Timothy 5:17-18; Hebrews 13:7-9, 16-17; 1 Peter 5:5 Thursday: Relating with one another.  John 13:34-35; Galatians 6:2,10; Romans 15:1-7, 13:8,13 Friday: Relating with one another.  John 15:12-13; Romans 14:1, 10, 12:10; Colossians 3:9-14 Saturday:  Meditate of James...

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The Manifestation of God’s Power – Part 3, Through Holy Living, 5/25 – 5/30, 2015

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The Manifestation of God’s Power – Part 3, Through Holy Living, 5/25 – 5/30, 2015

The Manifestation of God’s Power – Part 3, Through Holy Living   Memory Verse: 1 Peter 1:15-16 – “But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”   Daily Devotional Guide: Monday: Evidence of an unholy life.  Galatians 5:19-21 Tuesday: Consequence of lying, deceit.  Acts 5:1-10 Wednesday: The fruit of the Holy Spirit.  Galatians 5:22-23 Thursday: Command to be holy.  1 Peter 1:15-16 Friday: Power of a holy church.  Acts 5:12-16 Saturday:  Power for holy living comes from God.  John 1:12; Acts 1:8; Joel 2:28-29; Zechariah...

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The Manifestation of God’s Power – Part 3, Through Holy Living, May 24, 2015

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The Manifestation of God’s Power – Part 3, Through Holy Living, May 24, 2015

The Manifestation of God’s Power – Part 3, Through Holy Living Central Thought:  God’s power is manifested through righteous and holy living.   Text:  Acts 5:1-11; Romans 6:16-17; Galatians 5:19-23; 1 Peter 1:15-16   In our earlier lessons, we discussed how God’s power is manifested through us in signs, wonders and miracles, and in the way we show love to one another.  This concluding lesson on the manifestation of God’s power focuses on manifesting His power through righteous and holy living. The Lord Jesus conquered/defeated Satan who is the source/originator of sin, through His death and resurrection and anyone who believes in Him experiences victory over sin.  At conversion, the Holy Spirit indwells the believer, Romans 8:16, and God’s righteousness is imparted to him and as he keeps following the directions of the Holy Spirit, he (the believer) enjoys a walk with God in holiness.  Thus the believer is empowered to live for Him in righteousness and holiness.   Who is the source of sin? The source (originator) of sin as revealed in the Bible is the devil.  In Genesis 3:1-7, we read of how he introduced sin to humanity and made Adam and Eve to fall from the position God placed them.  The Lord Jesus described him as a “murderer from the beginning”, a liar and the father of lies, John 8:44.  In Acts 5:3 we read, “But Peter said, Ananias why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost…”  It is also written in 1 John 3:8, “He that committeth sin is of the devil: for the devil sinneth from the beginning…”  It is clear from the Scriptures that Satan is the source (originator) of sin. However, the individual has a choice either to obey or disobey him.  If a man yields himself to the devil, he becomes a servant of the devil.  “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”, Romans 6:16.   Where does the power for Holy Living come from? John 1:12; Acts 1:8; Joel 2:28; Zechariah 4:8 The power to live a holy life does not come from any individual.  We understand from Scriptures that, “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23, and that there is none righteous; no not one, Romans 3:1.  David also confessed, “…in sin did my mother conceive me”, Psalm 51:5. The power to live a holy life comes from God.  He empowers us to live for Him through the Holy Spirit which comes to live in us when we give our lives to Christ.  The Holy Spirit produces in us the character of God (the fruit of the Spirit). See Galatians 5:22-23. Thus the first step in living a holy life is to give one’s life to the Lord Jesus.  “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name:  which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God, John 1:12-13.  Thereafter, the believer must train himself in the way of the Lord, Psalm 119:9-11; Proverbs 4:20-22; listening to...

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The Manifestation of God’s Power – Part 2, Manifesting GOD’s power through Expression of Love and Unity, May 17, 2015

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The Manifestation of God’s Power – Part 2, Manifesting GOD’s power through Expression of Love and Unity, May 17, 2015

The Manifestation of God’s Power – Part 2, Manifesting GOD’s power through Expression of Love and Unity Central Thought:  GOD’s power is manifested through believers in CHRIST when they walk in love and live in unity.   Text:  John 13:34-35; Acts 2:44-47, 4:32-37; 1 Corinthians 13     Last week, we examined how believers can manifest GOD’s power through signs, wonders and miracles.  GOD has empowered us by His Spirit and He is ever willing to use us to perform signs, wonders and miracles as His representatives on earth to His praise and glory alone. This second lesson in our series on manifesting GOD’s power focuses on the manifestation of GOD’s power by believers through expression of love and unity among them.  Love and unity were key points in the teachings of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.  He commanded us to love one another and prayed for our unity, John 13:34-35, 17:1-26.  Indeed GOD’s power will be revealed to the world when believers choose to walk in love and live in unity.   What do you understand by love? Love as it relates to GOD involves total devotion of one’s being to the LORD and HIS service, Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Matthew 22:33-38.  GOD expects our love for HIM to be total.  We must love GOD above anyone and everyone else; we must also love HIM above anything and everything else. Love, as it relates to man, is wishing our neighbor or fellow human being the highest good in life and helping to pursue the realization of that good.  This is what is considered “Agape” – loving the way GOD loves, Matthew 22:39-40.   What does unity mean in biblical context? Unity has to do with togetherness.  This has to do with believers having the same mind on issues; pursuing the same goals and objectives in life.  It has nothing to do with denominations becoming one in programs, ideas or doctrines; rather it is a call on believers irrespective of denominations to see themselves as one and pursue the course of CHRIST on earth together. The LORD prayed for the unity of His Body – The Church, John 17.  We must return to GOD’s original purpose of believers being of one mind, pursing the same goals and objectives in life.  It is worth noting that the early church demonstrated both love and unity in their relationship.   Love is both a command and a sign of discipleship. Believers are commanded to love GOD and to love one another, Matthew 22:37-39; John13:34; 1 John 3:23.  God demonstrated for us when He gave His only Begotten Son to die for our sins.  “Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends”, John 15:13. We are expected to love GOD with the totality of our being. Our love for one another is to be derived from the love GOD has for us.  “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another”, John 13:34.  Also, we read in John 15:12, “this is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have laved you.”  Our GOD has placed on us a responsibility to love one another as HE loved us.  One of the ways...

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The Manifestation of God’s Power – Part 2, Manifesting GOD’s power through Expression of Love and Unity, 5/18 – 5/23, 2015

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The Manifestation of God’s Power – Part 2, Manifesting GOD’s power through Expression of Love and Unity, 5/18 – 5/23, 2015

The Manifestation of God’s Power – Part 2, Manifesting GOD’s power through Expression of Love and Unity Memory Verse: John 13:35 – “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”   Daily Devotional Guide: Monday: Love GOD. Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Matthew 22:37-38 Tuesday: Love your neighbor.  Matthew 22:39-40; Luke 10 Wednesday: Love: sign of discipleship.  John 13:34-35 Thursday: Love revealed in actions. James 2:14-17; 1 John 3:16-18 Friday: Love and unity by the early church.  Acts 2:42-47, 4:32-37 Saturday:  Results of love and unity.  Acts...

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