Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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Taking a Step of Faith, January 25, 2015

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Taking a Step of Faith     Central Thought: Faith in a believer’s life determines what he becomes.     Text: Matthew 14:23-33     At the beckon of Christ, Peter took a step of faith, which was honored as long as his eyes were on Christ Jesus.  The Lord expects us to do likewise, for it is written, “the just shall live by faith”, Hebrews 10:38.  In this study, we shall have a closer look at how to practically live by faith, using the experience of Peter as an example.     What do you understand by “taking a step of faith”? Faith is the assurance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen, Hebrews 11:1.  To take a step means to move forward or go ahead to do something.  Taking a step of faith therefore means daring to act on what seems impossible to the natural eye or taking an actual step in the direction one believes that God is leading him or her in order to achieve the desired goal.   Explain the circumstances that led to Peter walking on top of water. Matthew 14:23-29 The disciples were in a ship on the sea which was being tossed with waves because the wind was contrary.  At the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went to meet them, walking on the sea.  As the disciples cried out for fear, Jesus told them to be of good cheer and not to fear that He was the one.  Peter then said, “Lord if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water” and Jesus said “come”. Then Peter went out of the ship and walked on water to meet Jesus before he started to sink out of fear. What qualities can you identify in Peter that made him walk on water? Peter was bold, fearless, humble, obedient to his master and courageous and had and unwavering faith on Jesus.  He later confessed that Jesus is the Christ; the son of the living God, Matthew 16:16.  Peter trusted Christ with the assurance that “if Jesus bid him come, he would come even to walk on the water.” Why did he start sinking? Matthew 14:30-31 “But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid. . .”, v. 30. Peter started sinking when he removed his faith on Christ and lost focus.  This can be likened to circumstances of life faced by believers.  He was afraid forgetting that Jesus was also standing on the same water.   What action did Peter take when his faith faltered? “. . . and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me”, v.30b.  Peter immediately called on Jesus to save him and Jesus responded.  Peter’s case here is like any other believer who has answered the call of God to follow Jesus.  The water and wind represents the troubles of life believers face.  But as long as we hold fast to the promises of God that He will not leave us nor forsake us, we are sure to overcome.  Moreover, trials and challenges of life are necessary ingredients/tools that make true believers climb the ladder of Christian life in order to be fit for the kingdom and to prove ones loyalty to Christ who also suffered, leaving us an example...

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Taking a Step of Faith, 1/26 – 1/31, 2015

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Taking a Step of Faith     Memory Verse: Hebrews 10:38 – “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draws back my soul have no pleasure in him”     Daily Devotional Guide: Monday: No circumstance is beyond Christ.  Matthew 14:23-29 Tuesday: Doubt is dangerous.  Matthew 14:30-31, James 1:8 Wednesday: Jesus is the king of glory.  Psalm 24 Thursday: Divine healing is God’s will for us.  Deuteronomy 7:12-15, 3 John 2 Friday: Commitment to God helps to improve ourselves.  Philippians 3:13-15 Saturday:  The just shall live by faith.  Hebrews...

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New Commitment in the New Year, 1/19 – 1/24, 2015

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New Commitment in the New Year     Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”     Daily Devotional Guide: Monday: We must work while it is day.  John 9:4 Tuesday: We should maintain good works.  Acts 9:36-42; Titus 3:8 Wednesday: Be ye steadfast.  1 Corinthians 15:58 Thursday: Hold that fast which thou hast. Revelation 3:11-13 Friday: He that overcometh and keepeth. . . Revelation 2:26-29 Saturday:  There is a reward for faithful service.  Matthew 24:45-47...

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New Commitment in the New Year, January 18, 2015

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New Commitment in the New Year      Central Thought: Commitment is evidenced in ones service to God and humanity.     Text: John 13:1-9     The dawn of a new year offers new opportunities for service unto God and man, and fresh hope of new blessings.  While many people make resolutions to improve on and change their ways of life, increase their businesses, get married, acquire more possessions etc., the believer seeks opportunity to enter into a new relationship with God.  He strives to be more committed and consecrated to serve Him acceptable, having in mind the fact that the coming of the Lord is at hand and that the trumpet can blow any time; that we will only be rewarded according to our work.  In this study, we shall among other things, be looking at various opportunities open for us to serve God and humanity in this New Year.     Explain the phrase “New commitment in the new year” Commitment refers to the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity or a person.  It also means a promise to do or give something etc.  “New commitment in the New Year” involves dedicating oneself afresh to something/someone in the New Year which can be in service to God, business, academics, marriage, etc.   In what ways did Christ exemplify commitment while on earth? John 4:34-38, 9:4, 13:1-9 Jesus exemplified commitment in every area of human endeavor while on earth; thus He said, “I must work the works of Him that sent me while it is day; the night cometh when no man can work”, John 9:4.  His meat was to do the will of God and finish it, John 4:34.  He showed humility by washing the disciples’ feet.  He was compassionate; He loved, cared for and prayed for both past and present followers.   Identify the qualities in the life of the following brethren and how they served faithfully. The Seven Deacons, Acts 6:1-7: v.3 “Wherefore brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business”.  The seven deacons were of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom.  In addition, they were full of faith, aspiration and ready to work.  It is expedient that the business of the kingdom should be handed over to men and women of such qualities in order to maintain its eternal value. Dorcas, Acts 9:36-42: Dorcas was recognized by the people around her to be a woman of good works and alms deeds.  She affected the lives of the widows that when she died they sent for Apostle Peter, who prayed and presented her to the saints and widows when she was brought back to life. Also we are admonished in Titus 3:8 ‘. . . that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.  These things are good and profitable unto men.’ We should endeavor to maintain good works for many will believe through our good works. Priscilla and Aquila, Acts 18:1-4, 24-26: These were couple that practiced true Christianity.  They were united in spirit and had the same aspiration to expand the kingdom of God on earth and at the same time make heaven. ...

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The First Man – Adam, 1/5 – 1/10, 2015

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The First Man – Adam, 1/5 – 1/10, 2015

The First Man – Adam Memory Verse: Romans 5:19 – “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by the one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.”     Daily Devotional Guide: Monday: Man created with authority. Genesis 1:26-31 Tuesday: Man with authority over God’s creation. Genesis 2:18-25 Wednesday: What made man fall? Genesis 3:1-6 Thursday: What characterized man’s fall? 1 John 2:15-17 Friday: Examine Adam and Eve’s defense after the fall.  Genesis 3:12-13 Saturday:  Contrast Adam’s life with that of Christ. Romans 5:14-21; 1 Corinthians...

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Dominion Restored in Christ, 1/12 – 1/7, 2015

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Dominion Restored in Christ     Memory Verse: 1 John 4:4 – “Ye are of God little children and have overcome them:  because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.”     Daily Devotional Guide: Monday: Dominion/Authority over nature. Genesis 1:26-28 Tuesday: Dominion/Authority over the devil.  Luke 10:17-19 Wednesday: Be bold, courageous.  Joshua 1:1-9 Thursday: Exceeding great and precious promises.  2 Peter 1:3-11 Friday: Walk in holiness.  Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; 1 Peter 1:15-16 Saturday:  Our position in Christ.  Ephesians...

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Dominion Restored in Christ, January 11, 2015

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Dominion Restored in Christ     Central Thought: Knowing and appropriating Christ’s authority is the key to a victorious life.     Text: Genesis 1:26-31, Luke 10:17-24     A simple definition of ‘dominion’ in the dictionary refers to authority to rule or control.  In human affairs (e.g. politics, civil service, military, etc.).  Those who are given authority exercise the powers associated with their positions over their subordinates and the subordinates are expected to obey within the defined rules of their co-existence. In reality, from the beginning (when the heavens and the earth were created) God gave man the dominion or authority to control all other living things on land, in the air, sea (water) and indeed over all the earth.  All creatures and the entire creation were to be subject to him; he was to have dominion over all of them, Genesis 1:26-28.  Unfortunately, man lost this authority when he disobeyed God, Genesis 3:1-6, and as a result he became subject to the very things he was meant to control.  However, God in His infinite mercies, brought redemption to man when He gave His only begotten Son to die for man’s sins; rise for his justification; conquering the devil and bringing restoration to mankind.  Thus, any man who believes in what God did through His Son is restored to the position of having dominion/authority to rule over the devil, demons and their agents in the affairs of this world. The purpose of this lesson therefore is to awaken the believer to the reality of his restored dominion so that he/she will experience victory in all situations of life.     What do you understand by dominion; what is the source and scope of the believer’s dominion? As defined above, dominion has to do with authority to rule or control.  In human affairs, people exercise dominion or authority over others as we see in government/politics, civil service, military, etc. Although in some situations, the issue of dominion is used by man as a tool to oppress fellow human beings; this was not God’s original purpose.  As stated in the Bible, Genesis 1:26-28, God‘s original purpose was for man to exercise dominion/authority over His entire creation.  When man fell, Genesis 3, there was a loss of that dominion to the devil.  Dominion was restored to man when the Lord Jesus Christ, described as the second Adam, 1 Corinthians 15:45-49, died and rose again from the dead.  Anyone who believes in Christ has the dominion fully restored to him.  Thus, the source of man’s dominion is the Lord God Almighty who created the heavens and the earth.  The scope of this dominion as it concerns the believer today is as stated in Genesis 1:26-28 and amplified in the Gospels, Mark 16:15-18, Luke 10:19.  Today’s believer has dominion, power, authority, over the enemy and its workers/agents in all spheres of life.  As the believer learns to exercise this dominion, he/she experiences victory in daily living.   What are some of the areas in which believers are expected to exercise their dominion? Genesis 1:26-28; Mark 16:15-18, Luke 10:19; John 15:15-16, 16:24; Romans 1:16, 6:11-14; Ephesians 6:10-18; James 4:7 The believer is equipped by the Holy Spirit to exercise dominion in every situation of life.  God’s injunction is that we should have dominion over...

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The First Man – Adam, January 4, 2015

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The First Man – Adam, January 4, 2015

 The First Man – Adam Central Thought: Let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he falls.   Text: Genesis 3:1-24; 1:26-31   Adam was the first man on earth and the only human being that was not born of any parent, but was created an adult by God. Adam had the rare opportunity of sharing an intimate personal relationship with God.  God gave him complete freedom in the garden he was placed, with the responsibility to tend and care for it.  Adam was told to avoid one tree which was the tree of knowledge of good and evil.  This instruction was simple enough to obey, but he failed.  This failure has brought sorrow and pain to the world till today. In this study, we shall examine the responsibility given to Adam by God and how Adam failed in it.   In what privileged position did God place Adam? Genesis 1:26-31; 2:15-25 Adam at creation was made in the image and likeness of God, to be a reflection of God’s Glory.  He was given the potential to be sinless and eternal, just like he was opportune to know God personally and make valuable contribution to the work of creation.  Simply put, Adam was placed at the pinnacle of creation. He was given dominion over all that was created as God delegated some of His authority to Adam.  God entrusted all that He created into his hands and expected him to take responsibility of the environment and all other creatures.  Adam was given the privilege of giving names to all that God created and God did not argue or disagree on any name he gave to any creature as He accepted the names for all as Adam called them. Adam was also given the responsibility of taking care of the garden with an only command not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.  He was given the right to choose whether to obey or disobey this simple instruction.  God gave Adam a wife as a companion and a help meet.  Thus it can be rightly said that Adam was placed in a very highly privileged position by God.   What made man fall? Genesis 3:1-6; 1 John 2:15-17 In Genesis 3:6 we read, “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.”  Satan made Eve to doubt God’s goodness; by making her feel that God was stingy and selfish for not wanting her to share God’s knowledge of good and evil.  He made her to forget all that God had given her and made here focus on the one thing she could not have.  Eve ate of the fruit and also gave her husband to eat.  He ate the fruit without reminding her of the instruction given to them by God.  Whatever sin one commits starts from the heart, thus it is characterized by three attitudes: the lust of the flesh, which is the desire to satisfy the flesh; the lust of the eyes, which is craving and accumulating things; and the pride of life, which...

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Strength for the Journey, 12/29/2014 – 1/3/2015

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Strength for the Journey Memory Verse: Isaiah 40:29 – “He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.”     Daily Devotional Guide: Monday: Elijah receives “strength for the journey”, from God.  1 Kings 19:5-8 Tuesday: Receiving ‘strength for the journey’.  Acts 1:8; Philippians 4:13; John 15:7 Wednesday: Receiving ‘strength for the journey’.  Ephesians 3:16; Luke 18:1; Hebrews 10:25 Thursday: Vision received; motivation factors.  Exodus 32:12-14; Psalm 42:1; Isaiah 6:8 Friday: How we can be led by the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:5-14 Saturday:  Meditate on Romans...

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Strength for the Journey, December 28, 2014

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Strength for the Journey     Central Thought: God strengthens His children throughout the journey of life.     Text: Exodus 33:12-14; Isaiah 40:29-31; Psalm 84:57-5-7     For nearly forty years, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness under the leadership of Moses.  He was known as a man chosen and used by God.  When he died, Deuteronomy 34:1-5, the mantle of leadership was then entrusted to Joshua the son of Nun, a man full of the Spirit of wisdom and also a servant (minister) of Moses, Joshua 1:1-2.  This indeed was a gigantic task to lead the Israelites successfully to the Promised Land.  God spoke to him reassuring of His divine presence and strength.  Joshua must be strong and courageous; he must meditate on the Word of God always. When Jacob too met with the Lord in a spectacular way in Peniel, it was not a touch of perfection; rather it was the beginning of a new and transforming experience of God.  When God gives us a vision fulfilling it is not a question of human will or effort, “for by strength shall no man prevail”, 1 Samuel 2:9. A child of God or a believer is on a journey to their promised land, heaven.  The journey will require courage to stand against all unrighteousness, strength to withstand the powers of darkness.  He or she will also require the Word of God which is the Sword of the Spirit from time to time.  Just as God assured Joshua, we have the promises of God and Christ to see us safely to our journey’s end and to possess our due inheritance.     What do you understand by the expression: “Strength for the journey”? 1 Kings 19:5-8 The phrase ‘strength for the journey’ means power from God to live victoriously as a child of God.  In the above passage, Elijah needed strength to stand against the threat or opposition from the enemy; this was given by God with assurance.  Christians today should seek strength from God and His word; as by studying and meditation on the word of God we will know the direction for victory.   What is the source of this strength and how can we receive and sustain it? Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:16; Philippians 4:13; John 15:7; Luke 18:1; Hebrews 10:25; Romans 8:1 The journey we are talking about is not one initiated by the individual (Christians), it is of God.  The source of strength is by the word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.  When we are born again, He gives us power to become the sons of God.  The sustenance is by the following: -Abiding in Christ because He is the vine and we are the branches. -The place of prayers is vital; for the Word of God enjoins us to pray always.  Prayer strengthens the believer. -Walking in the Spirit and maintaining fellowship with God and fellow believers, coupled with living right with God’s Word.   What motivates the man that has received a vision from God? Acts 26:19; Isaiah 6:8; Psalm 42:1; Exodus 33:12-14 Having received strength, the propelling drive is there to run along the path of the journey that has been mapped out and not until you get to the destination, one will not quit or stop...

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