Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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TRUE AND FALSE SHEPHERDS, MARCH 2ND, 2025

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TRUE AND FALSE SHEPHERDS, MARCH 2ND, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHTThe True Shepherd loves and cares for the sheep. TEXT: JOHN 10:1-2, ACTS 20:28 INTRODUCTION:When the Lord Jesus died on the cross, “the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and earth did quake, and the rocks rent” (Mt. 27:51). This veil was at the entrance of the Holy of Holies into which the high priest alone went once a year toatone for the sins of the people. (Heb. 9:2-9). The rending of the veil signified that each believer now could have personal access to God (Heb. 9:8; 10:19-23; Eph. 2:14-18) and that the middle wall of partition between Jews and Gentiles was broken (Eph. 2:14-18).Every believer in Christ therefore belongs to His body, the church, of which He is the Head and Shepherd. The LORD is the Good shepherd who willingly laid down His life for the sheep.By His divine arrangement, the Lord has ordained (approved) that people should act as leaders of His church on earth. Such persons pastoring or overseeing such assemblies on His behalf are the shepherds of such congregations. They are in effect under shepherdsserving under the leadership of the LORD Himself who is the Good and Great Shepherd of the Church. Certain qualities are expected of these men (servants) of God. They must demonstrate sufficient love, care, and compassion for the sheep under their care.Unfortunately, today, many people who are wolves in sheep’s clothing parade themselves as Shepherds of God’s people. Such persons by their lifestyle bring shame and disgrace to the work of the ministry. We are warned of the LORD that such persons will be known by their fruits. Every believer therefore must be vigilant. The aim of this lesson is to reveal to us from scriptures what the characteristics of true and false Shepherds are, so that by the grace of God, we will not be lured away or deceived by the cunningness of men. LESSON OBJECTIVES1.) To know who a shepherd is2.) To understand the characteristics of a True Shepherd3.) To expose the characteristics of a False Shepherd4.) To understand that every Christian should be watchful/vigilant. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) WHO IS A SHEPHERD?The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary simply defines Shepherd as a person who looks after sheep. Such a person is expected to lead or guide the sheep to places of shelter,food, water etc. Such a shepherd ensures that the sheep does not go astray. He keeps constant watch over the sheep. This can be easily comprehended when we look at how sheep rearers and cattle rearers tend their sheep and cattle.In our lesson text, the LORD says He is the Good Shepherd. The LORD indeed is the Good and the Great Shepherd of His church. He loved the Church so much that He gave Himself for it (Eph. 5:25-27). As the Good Shepherd, He laid down His life for the sheep. He did this to deliver us (His Church) from the enemy (satan). Today, He as the Good Shepherd protects us from the hands of the devil. He provides for us; He directs our paths. He ensures our safety. Psalm 23 describes adequately the Shepherd hood of the Lord Jesus Christ. We, believers are His sheep. We must hear His voice and follow Him. As stated earlier, the Lord Himself...

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OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT (PART 2), FEBRUARY 23rd, 2025

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OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT (PART 2), FEBRUARY 23rd, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHTGuard your heart and refuse to be discouraged. TEXT: 1 SAM 30:1-8, 2 COR.11:23-33INTRODUCTION:Discouragement according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary is the feeling of having lost hope or confidence. It has also been defined as the loss of motivation to press forward. It is one of the situations that we may experience in life. It has also been said that discouragement is one of the most devasting emotions known to man. It comes in different forms since the reasons for discouragement and situations differ for people, though there are common features that result in discouragement. It is a tool of the devil (2 Cor. 2:11). Any form/means by which discouragement comes, how it is handled is very important. Ifdiscouragement is not properly handled like the withering effect of a scorching wind, it can leave us weak, helpless, and fruitless. In this study, we shall examine the effects of discouragement and how it can be overcome. LESSON OBJECTIVESAt the end of this study, we trust God to enable us to know the following: The effects of discouragement. The believer’s role towards a discouraged brother/sister. How we can overcome discouragement. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) DISCUSS THE EFFECTS OF DISCOURAGEMENT?The effect of discouragement on an individual is mostly negative and they are numerous. They are both spiritual and physical. From Deut 20:8. We see that God cannot use a discouraged person. Again, in Judges 7:3, we see that 22,000 people were discouraged and returned from going to the battle. It drains out one’s strength and leaves one in a hopeless situation. Other effects include, leading to doubt and unbelief, self-pity, selfishness; it makes one to be withdrawn, keeping away from others; it can make someone to lose guard and fall easily into temptation; it can make someone to talk carelessly about God and the situation. (Num 21:4-5) and pray the wrong prayers. In Num 11:14-15 Moses prayed that God should kill him; Elijah also in 1 Kg 19:10. Discouragement can also result in anger and transfer of aggression and make one to give up; it sometimes does not end with the discouraged person, because such a person discourages others. QUESTION 2) WHAT IS OUR ROLE TOWARDS A DISCOURAGED BROTHER/SISTER?The body of Christ is one, so when one aches the wholebody aches (1 Cor.12:12-27). We have a role towards one another. When a brother or a sister is discouraged, we must put ourselves in the shoes of such an individual to offer succor. Brethren should be physically present; we must reach out to such people. The mere presence of the brethren could be lifting. Hence, we must not be self-centered and have “I don’t care” attitude. We must see one another as a constituent of the whole (i.e. the body of Christ) to which we belong. Being there for one another will involve our time, energy, talent, and money in whichever way the demand calls. We should be readily available to bear one another’s burden (Gal.6:2) and pray for such one. We must be ready to expound the word of God by sound teaching to the discouraged. In Neh.4:14, Nehemiah admonished the people to fight for their brothers, sons, and daughters. We must support one another, like Aaron and Hur supported Moses in Ex.17:10-12. QUESTION 3) USING THE FOLLOWING POINTS DISCUSS IN PRACTICAL TERMS...

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OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT (PART 1), FEBRUARY 16th, 2025

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OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT (PART 1), FEBRUARY 16th, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHTGuard your heart and refuse to be discouraged. TEXT: 1 SAM 30:1-8, 2 COR.11:23-33 INTRODUCTION: Discouragement according to Mariam-Webster dictionary is the feeling of having lost hope or confidence. It has also been defined as the loss of motivation to press forward. It is one of the situations that we experience in life. It has been said that discouragement is one of the most devastating emotions known to man. It comes in different forms since the reasons for discouragement situations differ for people, though there are common features that result in discouragement. It is a tool of the devil (2 Cor 2:11). Any form/means by which discouragement comes and how it is handled is very important. If discouragement is not properly handled like the withering effect of a scorching wind, it can leave us weak, helpless, and fruitless. In this study, we shall identify some of the causes of discouragement and biblical ways of handling them. LESSON OBJECTIVES At the end of this study, we trust God to enable us know the following: 1. What discouragement is 2. The causes of discouragement 3. Lessons from some biblical characters on how they handled discouragement BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT IS DISCOURAGEMENT?Discouragement is one attribute of life experienced by most persons. At different stages man may face one form of discouragement or another. In any manner and form discouragement presents itself, it leaves one with a feeling of hopelessness and lack of confidence.Discouragement does not come from God. The devil is the source of all discouragement. No man is above discouragement. Discouragement reveals man’s weakness and brings him into a realization of the need to seek strength from God.Believers may also experience discouragement. The words in John 16:33 are apt. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”. These were Jesus’ comforting words to the church. As long as we live in this world, we experience discouraging moments in one way or the other. No man is immune to being discouraged, so the believer needs to know how to handle/manage the situation when it arises. QUESTION 2) WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT CAN CAUSE DISCOURAGEMENT? EXO.2:23, ACTS 27:20, 1 PET.5:8, JUDGES 6:11-15,PROV.13:12, NUM.13:31-33.The causes of discouragement are many. The Bible is not silent on the causes of discouragement; some of which are mentioned below.-The bondage experienced by Israel in Egypt discouraged them, and they cried to God (Ex.2:23)-The evil report brought by the 10 spies made Israel panic in Num.13:31-33 and brought discouragement. Joshua and Caleb saw Israel as overcomers because their God had given them the land.-Gideon was discouraged by the oppression of theMidianites and gave his poor background as reasons why he felt he was unqualified to deliver the people. (Judges 6:11-15).-Hopelessness, ‘unanswered prayers’, stress and difficult life situations can result in discouragement (Prov.13:12).-Other common causes of discouragement include illness, financial loss/misfortune. Lack and want (inability to provide the basic needs of feeding, clothing, and housing), abandonment/feeling of loneliness due to lack of love, and care, loss/death of a loved one, setbacks, lack of loyalty/support from people being led etc.It should be always noted that, our enemy the devil is the major cause...

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FERVENT IN SPIRIT, FEBRUARY 9TH, 2025

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FERVENT IN SPIRIT, FEBRUARY 9TH, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHTThe one fervent in spirit easily responds to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. TEXT: ROM.12:9-16; EPH.2:10; TITUS 2:14.INTRODUCTION:Being fervent in spirit shows a life that is in constant and unbroken fellowship with God through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is motivated by his love for God and a desire to live to honor and please Him in all areas of life. Although one may not label oneself as being fervent in spirit, it can be manifested by one’s mode of life and actions. For instance, such person will be zealous in the services of the kingdom, not for show or eye service. His constant desire always is to be and do the will of God. He lives a life of holiness, contentment, humility and manifests the fruit of the Spirit. God is pleased with the one that is fervent in spirit because such life glorifies His name. LESSON OBJECTIVES Highlight some of the benefits of being & staying fervent in the Spirit. To state what the phrase “not slothful in business” means. Explain what the expression …”fervent in Spirit” means. Discuss how some believers are diligent in personal pursuit but slothful in the Lord’s business. Explain how some behaviors lead to spiritual degeneration. Discuss some attributes that help spiritual fervency. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1A) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY THE PHRASE “NOT SLOTHFUL IN BUSINESS”?ROM.12:11; ECCL.9:10Being slothful can mean being slow, lazy, or sluggish. In most cases a slothful man does not properly apply himself to anything that will add value to his life. The scripture by saying that we should not be slothful in business therefore means that the believer should properly apply himself in whatever thing he lays hands on so that it will yield a good outcome. This will be pleasing to God who has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who has called us to glory and virtue (2 Pet.1:3). Furthermore, we are instructed in Eccl.9:10 “whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” We must realize that most activities we are engaged in are time bound so we must do them within the time frame before they become too late and lose their value. “I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4). QUESTION 1B) WHAT KIND OF BUSINESS IS THE SCRIPTURE TALKING ABOUT? COL.3:23; 1 COR.15:58The kind of business the scripture is talking about has to do with all businesses we will ever be involved in. These include our services for the Kingdom of God, our homes, our secular work, and anything we lay our hands on. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Col.3:23). Every business we get involved in must be done to bring glory to God. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Col.3:17). We must remain steadfast in doing good work in whatever we do at all times and in every place we find ourselves. QUESTION 2) EXPLAIN THE EXPRESSION “FERVENT IN SPIRIT” AS IT RELATES TO OUR SERVICE TO GOD AND OUR...

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KNOWING AND EXERCISING YOUR DOMINION, FEBRUARY 2ND, 2025

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KNOWING AND EXERCISING YOUR DOMINION, FEBRUARY 2ND, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHTThe people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits. TEXT: LUKE 10:14-19; ROM.6:11-14; 1 JOHN 4:4 INTRODUCTION:We live in a world where the activities of angels, demons and familiar spirits are manifest; for it is a world exposed to the influence of principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world. These forces influence the thoughts, actions, and behavior of the people.There is delegated authority, the right to use power as received and when needed. (Luke 10:17-19). Originally the right was given to Adam in the beginning (Gen.1:27-28), sold out to the devil, but fully restored through the Lord Jesus Christ. Hence it does not matter whether you are a child, an adolescent or fully grown but as a believer, you are equipped to exercise dominion over the powers of darkness.With the defeat of Satan, principalities and powers were also conquered and now the believer is raised up and made to sit together in heavenly places with Christ and live in His victory (Eph.2:6).This study focuses on our dominion and rights as children of God. LESSON OBJECTIVES To understand what dominion is. To identify the source of our dominion. To know how to maintain our dominion in Christ. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY THE WORD DOMINION?According to Longman dictionary of contemporary English, Dominion is the power or right to rule. Great Illustrated dictionary defines dominion as control or the exercise of control; rule; sovereignty; a territory or sphere Of influence or control; a realm; a domain. At the Garden of Eden, the first man lost the dominion God gave him over all living creatures. (Gen.1:27-30, 3:6,17-19). What we lost through the first man Adam was restored By the last Adam, the Lord Jesus Christ. QUESTION 2) WHAT SHOULD THE CHRISTIAN EXERCISE DOMINION OVER?ROM. 6:11-14, 1 JOHN 2:12-14, EPH.1:18-23.This can be categorized into three, namely the flesh, Satan, and the world. Talking about flesh, the Christian man or Woman should have dominion over sin. Sin in any form should not Lord over the believer in Christ. This also includes all appetites and habits. Ps.19:13 “Keep your servant back from presumptuous sins”. Considering the demands of the flesh Paul declares, “All things are lawful but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” 1 Cor.6:12.Moreover, the believer should exercise dominion over Satan and his cohorts. Lk.10:19 declare that the Lord Jesus has given us authority over all the power of the enemy. Also, 1 John 5:19 explains that the whole world is under the control of the evil one (NIV). The Lord Jesus said “be of good cheer I have overcome the world” Jn.16:33.Consequently the believer has been equipped enough to exercise and maintain dominion over the world (1 Jn.5:5). QUESTION 3) HOW SHOULD THE BELIEVER EXERCISE DOMINION?JAMES 4:7; EPH.6:10-18; MK.16:15-18.The scriptures teach us how we may overcome the enemy and exercise dominion over all things. Rev.12:11 declares “they (the servants of the Lord) over him (Satan) by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony”. The Blood of the Lamb and our confession are potent weapons in the exercise of our dominion. From Eph.6 we have the Armor of God with which the...

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THAT I MAY KNOW HIM ( PART 2), JANUARY 26TH, 2025

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THAT I MAY KNOW HIM ( PART 2), JANUARY 26TH, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHT More knowledge of Jesus assures victory of storms of life. TEXT: PHIL.3:10-16; 2 COR.11:23-27 INTRODUCTION:In the first part of this study, we defined knowledge to include the condition of being familiar or acquainted with something or level of apprehension for some form of principles. We also observed that knowledge may be acquired through study, investigation, observation, or experience. To know Christ means to experience the new birth, be in communion and fellowship with the Lord and be part of the totality of the mission of Christ. It is theresponsibility of everyone (babes and adults in Christ) to seek to know Him more perfectly. We also identified faith, increasing knowledge of the word of God, the Holy Spirit’s enabling power, Humility, obedience, and Holiness as essential factors for us to grow in the knowledge of Christ. In this second part we shall focus on the denials and benefit associated with knowing Christ. LESSON OBJECTIVES 1. To identify some denials associated with knowing Christ. 2. To discuss the implications of desiring to know Christ more. 3. To list the benefits of knowing Christ. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) IDENTIFY SOME DENIALS ASSOCIATED WITH KNOWING CHRIST.MATT.24:9-10; 2 COR.11:23-27; 12:10.Knowing Christ and His ways brings about a life ofsubmission to His Lordship. Christ gave an example of what the world thinks about His ministry and same must apply to us. The resurrection of Christ was premised on His suffering and death. Similarly, for us to share in His glory, we must partake also in the fellowship of His suffering. The dimensions of this fellowship are diverse, and may include the following:(a) Persecution: – which involves inflicting severeenvironmental and bodily discomfort in the believer so as to make him renounce his faith in Christ or terminate his physical life. This has been the lot of some saints that walked with God. The end-point of the severity of persecution is martyrdom.(b) Hatred without cause: Just for witnessing to theministry of Jesus, and for upholding the Christian tenets of faith, the believer will be hated. The mere presence of a believer can agitate and provoke any agent of darkness.However, it is good to maintain that God’s grace is made abundant in the midst of such uprisings. The believer is not to fret or give up because our God is a man of war also. (c) Loss of worldly treasures, either through the afflictions inflicted supposedly by the enemy or through renunciation as a result of revealed knowledge of truth. Our valuables are targets of the enemy if they desire to quench our faith. Furthermore, knowing Christ may propel us to do away with ungodly sources of treasure, and this may have some biting effect on our physical comfort for a while. (d) Imprisonment and ostracizing are common forms of sanction imposed on believers for daring to stand up to the word of God in our rural and sometimes urban communities. Christians have been sent to jail and some have been rejected by their families or communities on account of their faith and knowledge of Christ. (e) Others have been denied their economic entitlement and deprived of their benefits, for refusing to down play on God’s prescribed standards. Virtually in every profession today, the believer is heavily pressurized to adopt the world system as his standards with...

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THAT I MAY KNOW HIM ( PART 1), JANUARY 19TH, 2025

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THAT I MAY KNOW HIM ( PART 1), JANUARY 19TH, 2025

CENTRAL THOUGHT Knowing Christ and His ways brings down God’s presence. TEXT: PHIL. 3:10-16; EPH.1:17-19. INTRODUCTION: Knowledge is the condition of being familiar or acquainted with something through experience or association. It involves understanding the principles through study, investigation, observation, or experience. To know means to be in possession of exclusive knowledge or to be well-informed of an issue or matter.Paul, in his letter to the church in Philippi, declares his desire to know Him (Christ)… This is a statement of surprise coming from someone we think has experienced God so much that he ought to have had enough knowledge of Him. Rather he emphasizes the need to know more of Jesus and His ministry until the ultimate is achieved, which is to become Christ-like and win the prize of heaven.This first part of the study focuses on the meaning, and desired personal qualities in knowing Christ at all times by every believer. LESSON OBJECTIVES 1. To explain what it means to “know Him”. 2. To identify those that should seek to know Christ. 3. To list some qualities that will aid the believer to know Christ better. 4. To identify the ultimate goal in knowing Christ. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO KNOW CHRIST? JN.3:3; JN.4:24; 1JN.1:1-4. We are living in a time of unprecedented desire to acquire and manipulate knowledge in various aspects of our existence. The church is not left out because ignorance gives birth to destruction. (Hos.4:6). Our knowledge of God cannot be complete on this earth. There will be new revelations on the personality and purposes of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which can only come as we daily relate with Him.To know Christ will involve a whole range of events consciously undertaken by the believer consistently and faithfully. Among these are:-The new birth, which brings us back into the family of God and opens a new chapter of relationship between us and our maker. This new birth is accomplished when Christ is introduced to us, accepted of us, and believed on by us.-A life of communion and fellowship at a consistent and continuous level with the Lord. This we do by turning our back to sin and Satan and yielding daily to His will.-Having a right knowledge of His mission, first as a lamb of sacrifice that atones for our sins, secondly as a priest of eternal divine order, ministering to the imperfections of man to bring justification for him and also as a king with glory and authority, to whom we shall be accountable bye and bye.-Be identified with His mission-a life of humility, and sacrifice and be sustained by the hope of sharing in glory with Him.-To know Christ will also mean to tell others about Him i.e. to make Him known. His command to preach the gospel and be His witnesses is a task. Keeping to it is visible evidence that we know Him in truth. QUESTION 2) WHO ARE THOSE THAT SHOULD SEEK TO KNOW HIM? ROM.3:23; ISA.53:6 There is no human that is exempted from knowing Christ. The unrepentant sinner must be persuaded and led into the knowledge of the Son of God. For him, Christ was offered as a lamb of sacrifice so that he may believe and receive remission of sins.Furthermore, ministers...

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FULFILLING GOD’S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE

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FULFILLING GOD’S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE

CENTRAL THOUGHTAs we remain yielded to the Lord, His glorious plans for our lives unfold like the sunflower at sunrise. TEXT: JOSHUA 1:1-9 INTRODUCTION:It is a certainty that the Lord has a good and purposeful plan for all of humanity, but the realization of this plan by the individual requires the cooperation and obedience. The plan is encapsuled in the work of redemption by which the Lord Jesus Christ took the place of the sinful man in an agonizing death on the cross. That sacrificial work is summarized in the all-too-popular verse of the Bible: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son: that whosoever believeth in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). When an individual accepts Christ and repents from the sin, the plan of God embedded in this work of Grace begins to unfold. At first, there is the experience of inner peace and profound joy which overtakes the burden that arises from sin. Then as we continue in a walk of obedience, other aspects of the plan of God begin to unfold. If it is in full-time Christian service, the Lord opens doors of ministry with excellent results. If it is in a profession or career or business, the opportunities come naturally, the Lord providing the required guidance. This is certainly in contrast to the frenzy many believers put themselves into in an attempt to fulfill the plan of God for their lives. This usually arises because we either want to outrun the Lord or out-maneuver others. Knowing the Lord has good plans for us could be the most refreshing thought, which will keep our minds at peace. LESSON OBJECTIVES To know what God’s plan is for the believer. To know how God’s plan can be fulfilled in our lives. To know the roles of the believer in the fulfillment of God’s plans in his life. To know the place of “right timing” in the fulfillment of God’s plan. To know how to respond to situations that are seemingly contrary tothe plan of God for our lives. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) WHAT DOES FULFILLING GOD’S PLAN FOR ONE’S LIFE MEAN?Each one born into this world has a definite mission to fulfill on this earth. Because our God is omniscient, having a knowledge of our beginning and end, He has perfect knowledge of this mission each one of us is to fulfill. However, because we are finite, having knowledge of the now and a tiny bit of the future which God chooses to reveal to us, our comprehension of God’s plan for our lives is limited. Nevertheless, it is still possible to perfectly fulfill every plan that the Lord has for us. That comes from living a life of obedience-obedience to the Lord and His word. Essentially then, fulfilling God’s plan for one’s life means living in obedience to the Lord. It is important that we understand and appreciate this fact because many erroneously think that being successful (by whatever standard of measurement) in their endeavors is a fulfillment of God’s plan for their lives. One may be a successful businessman but may fall short of fulfilling God’s plan for his life, while one who, in obedience, does a missionary work in some remote lands with few converts...

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GOD’S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE, JANUARY 5TH, 2025

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GOD’S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE, JANUARY 5TH, 2025

TEXT: GEN.12:1-3; 15:1-7, 13-16; 37:5-11; ECCL.3:1-8 AND ACTS 9:11-15 CENTRAL THOUGHTKnowing and accepting God’s plan for your life enables you remain steadfast no matter what you may be passing through. Hymn: To God be the glory! Great things He hath done. INTRODUCTION:Right from creation, man has been faced with the problem of knowing who he is, why he is where he is, where he would go from, where he is, and what lies ahead of him. In his efforts to find answers to the problem, man has fashioned out various philosophies and methods which unfortunately have not helped him in getting the needed solution. Man has also found it difficult to understand why certain things should happen to him.This consequently has kept him in a state of dissatisfaction with himself, leading him to propound theories like self-actualization, self-discovery etc. But all these cannot provide solution to his problem. The answer to his problem can only come at a point when man realizes that he did not come to the face of this earth by accident, but that he was made by God and that God has a purpose and plan for his stay on earth.Christians are not supposed to be taken in this web of ignorance, but it does appear that some Christians are not willing to accept God’s plan for their lives and this has led them into believing that “it may not, after all be sufficient to trust in God alone, but rather one has to do some other things to protect oneself from the seeming dangers of living”. A lie that has robbed many of the full benefits of salvation. It is instructive to note that a proper understanding and total acceptance of God’s plan for one’s life brings out the best in living and an appreciation of other creations of God. LESSON OBJECTIVES To Know that God has a plan for your life. To know why God has a plan for your life. To know how you can discover God’s plan for your life. To know the benefit of accepting God’s plan for you. BIBLE TRUTH:QUESTION 1) WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY GOD’S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE?A plan can be defined as a table of intended proceedings; formulated, or an organized method by which a thing is to be done. God’s plan for your life therefore can be understood as an organized method or pre-arranged order by God, indicating how your life should be lived on earth.The scripture tells us that God is not the author of confusion. Whatever God does is properly thought out,organized, or planned and executed in accordance with His overall plan. Nothing happens by accident with God. He knows the end from the beginning. This divine knowledge enables God to arrange all things in proper order for the period of their existence. God has therefore set out an order of occurrence, a procedure of events, or a line of action for your life on the face of the earth. It only behooves man to now seek out and walk along that divine pathway. God’s plan for your life can also be defined as God’s expectation for your life. God has a set goal for everyone on earth and He expects every individual to accomplish this goal. The set goal therefore is...

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THE AFTERLIFE OF THE BELIEVER, DECEMBER 29TH, 2024

Posted by on 11:51 pm in Sunday School | Comments Off on THE AFTERLIFE OF THE BELIEVER, DECEMBER 29TH, 2024

THE AFTERLIFE OF THE BELIEVER, DECEMBER 29TH, 2024

xr:d:DAFDFqCCnyQ:20,j:28217326057,t:22060906 CENTRAL THOUGHTThe Believers’ victorious living onearth is a foretaste of the gloriouslife hereafter. TEXT: 2 SAMUEL 12: 15-23; PHILIPPIANS 1:21-23;1 CORINTHIANS 15:42-44INTRODUCTION:“…for what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeared for a little time, and then vanished away”, James 4:14. The physical life of man is brief. However, death is a universal experience for all of mankind. There’s no individual, whether rich or poor, wise or foolish, great or small that has power to resist in the day of death. Psalm 89:48 says, “What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shallhe deliver his soul from the hand of the grave Selah?” The appointment with death is compulsory for both the believer in Christ and the non-believers in Him. The Lord Jesus conquered death for the believers and defeated Satan that had enslaved mankind in the fear of death. To the believer death is gain, triumphant, and to be greatly desired. The believer in Christ does not fear death, Psalm 23:4, but has hope in his death, Proverbs 14:32. Whether alive or deadphysically, the believer belongs to the Lord, and liveseternally with the Lord. Unfortunately, when the unbeliever dies he/she is lost forever in hell, because his/her inner man is dead in sin and forever separated from God. Sorrow is the portion of the unbeliever after death but the fullness ofredemption is the portion of the righteous. LESSON OBJECTIVES 1. To appropriate how the Bible highlights the finality of death. 2. To see the contrast between the death of the believer-in-Christ and an unbeliever. 3. To appreciate that the believer belongs to the LORD whether alive or dead physically. BIBLE TRUTH: QUESTION 1) HOW DOES SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHT THE FINALITY OF DEATH? The physical life of man is said to be like a vanishing vapor. “That appeared for a little time, and then vanished away”, James 4:14. Life is brief. Also physical death, which is compared to “sleep in the dust of the earth”, Job 7:21; Daniel 12:2, is a compulsory experience for all living things, Ecclesiastes 3:19. It is “ the house appointed for all living”, Job 30:23. No man, whether rich, poor, wise, foolish, brutish, etc., has power to resist in the day of death, Psalm 49:10, 89:48;Ecclesiastes 8:8. Categorically, it is stated in Hebrews 9:27 that “it is appointed (fixed or decided) for (all) men once to die…” (amplified translation). This appointment is compulsory for both believers in Christ and unbelievers. The LORD GOD foretold of this in Genesis 3:19 with the phrase, “till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” “Thus, man dies immediately the spirit and soul are removed and separated from the body and returned to the giver and maker, Ecclesiastes 12:7; James 2:26. The body then goes back to dust. It was after the Lord Jesus had commended (entrusted for safekeeping) His spirit into the hands of the Father that He gave up the ghost or died, Luke 23:46. By going through death, the Lord Jesus destroyed (brought to naught and made of no effect) the devil who had the power to enslave people with the fear of death, also setting such persons free, Hebrews 2:14-15. This is victory over death...

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