Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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Co-Workers Wanted, Part 1, September 14, 2014

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Co-Workers Wanted, Part 1     Central Thought: There is an urgent call for workers in the Vineyard of God.     Text: Matthew 20:1-16; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9     God is the first worker ever known when He planted the Garden of Eden, Genesis 2:8, and He gave man the privilege to dress the garden, Genesis 2:15.  God saw the importance of co-workers when He said: “Let us make man in our image; and let them have dominion over. . .”, Genesis 1:26. Jesus speaking on this issue stressed the utmost need for laborers or workers in God’s vineyard through the parable of workers in the vineyard.  The vineyard is the world and workers needed are to reap the ripe harvest of souls of men for the kingdom of God.  When we get saved, we are to bring the good news to others in order for them to be saved.   1. Who are co-workers? Co-workers are two or more individuals who wish to accomplish a particular job or achieve a desired aim or objective together. All Christians (born again) are co-workers in God’s vineyard, and to make our call more effective, there should be unity among the workers.  The unity of believers flows from the Holy Spirit’s presence in each redeemed life.  He places us in the body (the church) when we are saved to serve.  He is not concerned with our nationality, voice or social standing.  Rich and poor, great and lowly, gifted and ungifted, Jew and Gentile all are made one in Christ by the Spirit.  All are indispensable to the church.  Thus, as co-workers, we are enjoined to desist from divisive actions which could become a dangerous weapon that could be used by the devil against Christians to hinder or destroy their work.  The interest of the individual must never overshadow those of the church. As co-workers in Christ, we must be ready to accept and carry out all instructions of the Master irrespective of prevailing circumstances in the course of discharging His duty of sharing the Word, 2 Corinthians 6:3-10.  In carrying out our duties as co-workers, there must be yieldedness to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.   2. With whom are we co-workers? Every Christian (born again) is a co-worker with God.  It is a privilege to be in partnership with God in business.  In order to go about this business, we must abide in Christ.  Jesus saw the importance of abiding when He said: “Abide in Me and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abides in the vine; no more can you except you abide in Me”, John 15:4.  Believers as co-workers are enjoined to abide in the Lord for effective work.  Paul encouraging the Corinthian believers told them: “For we are laborers with God. . .” 1 Corinthians 3:9.  Since we are believers in Christ, God sees us as ‘partners in progress’ working together with Him in His vineyard.   3. Why are co-workers needed? From creation, God has always worked with people to achieve His purpose.  In Genesis 1:26, God said: “Let us make man in our own image. . .: In the same manner, Jesus also needed co-workers when He chose His twelve disciples to work with Him who would...

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Following Christ, 9/8 – 9/13, 2014

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Following Christ   Memory Verse: Luke 9:23 – “And he said to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”     Daily Devotional Guide: Monday: Abraham followed God’s instruction. Genesis 12:1-8; Hebrews 11:8 Tuesday: Jesus is the Light of the world. John 8:12 Wednesday: Pattern your life after Christ. John 14:19; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Hebrews 7:25 Thursday: Jesus is our great High Priest. Hebrews 4:15; Jude v. 24 Friday: Focus on Christ in your Christian journey.  Hebrews 12:1-2; Luke 9:23 Saturday:  Features of a life following Christ.  Philippians 2:5-8; 1 Peter 1:15-16,...

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Following Christ, September 7, 2014

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Following Christ     Central Thought:  Following the footsteps of Jesus the pathway to becoming like Him.     Text: Luke 9:18-25; Ephesians 4:17-30     To follow implies walking closely behind someone who knows the way in order to have a sense of direction as to where one is heading to.  It can also mean emulating someone else by doing things in the same way that person does things.  As believers, Christ is calling us to follow Him.  Therefore following Christ entails living by God’s standards and being led by the Holy Spirit.  Following Christ requires having a closer walk with Him and this must be a consistent one.  When Jesus lived here on earth, He encountered many challenges but in all of them He came out victorious.  Anyone that follows Christ consistently without looking back will also pass through this world victoriously.  Jesus is saying to all who are willing to follow Him, “I am the light of the world:  he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life”, John 8:12.  Following Christ therefore is the only way we can have a closer walk with God.   1. What is the meaning of the phrase “AND FOLLOW ME”? Luke 9:23 To follow implies walking closely behind someone who knows the way in order to have a sense of direction as to where one is heading to. We must be ready to follow the Master without questioning or trying to reason out the sense behind the instruction through human wisdom.  Likewise, when Abram was instructed by God to leave his country, kindred and father’s house to a place he was to be shown, Abram left without questioning, Genesis 12:1-8.  “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went”, Hebrews 11:8. The implication of the article “and” in the phrase is that before we follow Christ, we must be ready and willing to forsake all that will hinder us or slow us down in following.  We must first of all be ready to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily.  It is only after we have done this that we can follow Christ.  This implies giving up worldly desires and everything that does not glorify God in our lives and then focusing on Christ alone, who is the author and finisher of our faith.   2. Who/What do some people follow today instead of Christ? Some people, rather than following Christ have resorted to following other people and things.  Some have made men  their focus and are under the whims and caprices of these mere mortals.  Some may be following their parents, their mentors, their so called role models or even their pastors, bishops or overseers instead of Christ.  It does not matter how religious these people may be, or whatever title they may be known by, if they do not point Christ to you to follow, then you have missed it.  Apostle Paul rightly admonished the Corinthian brethren as follows, “Pattern yourselves after me [follow my example] as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah)”, 1 Corinthians 11:1 amplified.  Believers must be careful so that no one makes...

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Divine Protection, 9/1 – 9/6, 2014

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Divine Protection   Memory Verse: Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”     Daily Devotional Guide: Monday: Divine protection is conditional.  Exodus 23:23; Deuteronomy 28:1-14 Tuesday: The secret place of the Most High is a place of refuge.  Psalm 91:1-16; Proverbs 14:26 Wednesday: The righteous are guided and protected by the Lord.  Psalm 1:1-16 Thursday: Put on the whole armor of God.  Ephesians 6:10-18. Friday: Abiding in Chris Jesus will guarantee divine protection.  John 15:1-7 Saturday:  Do not put your trust in man.  Psalm 20:7,...

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Divine Protection, August 31, 2014

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Divine Protection     Central Thought: From everlasting to everlasting God’s protection is assured.     Text: Psalm 91:1-16     One big problem facing our generation today is insecurity.  This has generated fear and panic among the citizens of nations, towards the end of each year. Many people find it difficult to sleep with two eyes closed.  Others seek protection from spiritualists, occult people, and false prophets, etc., because of fear of being killed, harmed or used for end of year sacrifice.  However, those that know the power of God seek Him for protection.  In this study, we shall be looking at God’s provision for our freedom from fear, and deliverance from harm and danger.   1. What do you understand by “Divine Protection”? The word DIVINE relates to or coming from God, supernatural power or deity.  PROTECTION refers to the act of protecting or being protected and preserved from injury or harm.  Therefore, DIVINE PROTECTION means the act of being protected and preserved by a supernatural power or deity, i.e., “The Almighty God.”   2. Highlight some of the measures that man always puts in place to ensure protection. Some measures always put in place by man to ensure protection could be physical or spiritual.  These could be in form of personal gadgets, iron protectors in the home or the use of security personnel.  Many people believe that without some ‘spiritual back-ups’, their lives are in danger hence they seek such powers outside that which only the Almighty God can give.  Scripture says, “. . . except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”, Psalm 127:1.   3. What should be the Christians attitude towards these measures? Psalm 20:7, 127:1-2 A true believer is not expected to seek help or protection outside God or put his confidence in other things as they are all manipulated by the devil.  Our attitude should be to have confidence in God’s ability to save and deliver us because all creation is subject to the Creator.   4. What do you understand by, “the secret place of the Most High”? Psalm 31:20, 91:1; Colossians 3:3 The secret place of the Most High is a place where God’s presence is.  It is His pavilion; His shadow, wings, feathers, palms of His hands, Isaiah 49:16.  Jesus came as Emmanuel, “God with us”.  He said while on earth, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”, Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5.  It is a great privilege to be protected by the Almighty God.  Those under the supernatural power of God need not fear any evil but only trust Him for His ability to keep them that come to Him.   5. How can one make the Lord his dwelling place?  Psalm 33:18; 34:15 Man was secured in God’s presence at creation.  Sin made a separation between man and God but before He pronounced judgment on the man, God made provision for his salvation, Genesis 3:15. For one to make the Lord his dwelling place, he must have to be born again.  The new birth (not church membership) guarantees man the privilege of making God his dwelling place, 2 Corinthians 5:19.   6.  Identify what God has promised those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High.  Psalm 91: 3-4 “Surely,...

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Reward of True Discipleship, 8/25 – 8/30, 2014

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Reward of True Discipleship   Memory Verse: Hebrews 6:10 – “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”   Daily Devotional Guide: Monday: Reward for obedient and committed Disciples of Christ. Matthew 19:27-29 Tuesday: Divine healing for True Disciples. Exodus 15:26; Isaiah 53:5 Wednesday: Divine protection for True Disciples. Psalm 91 Thursday: Divine provision for True Disciples. Matthew 6:33; Philippians 4:19 Friday: Future glory for True Disciples of Christ.  Romans 8:17-18; 2 Timothy 2:12 Saturday:  Future glory for True Disciples of Christ. Daniel 12:2; Acts 26:18; Revelation...

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Reward of True Discipleship, August 24, 2014

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Reward of True Discipleship     Central Though: The believers’ labor in the LORD will not be in vain.     Text: Mark 10:23-30   A disciple is loyal, submissive and committed to his master.  He is zealous for his master’s honor and interest at all cost.  All serious minded Christians are true disciples of Christ.  There are rewards when believers are committed and consistent in their Christian faith. We have this assurance from His word that whatever a man sows that he will surely reap.  We are therefore expected to be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord; for God is not unrighteous to forget our work and labor of love.  We are never to give up in our service for the Lord.  Paul described all the pains, sorrow, tears and challenges we go through as light affliction.  “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a fair more exceeding and eternal weight of glory”, 2 Corinthians 4:17.  The Lord will reward us according to our choices and actions.  Our Lord is always fair and just, He is absolutely unbiased when rewarding His children.  Such rewards could be received on earth here and hereafter.  The nature of such rewards and conditions to receiving them is the focus of this study.   1. What is a reward? A reward is whatever is given or received in return for doing something; compensation, for what you have done; the fruit of your labor and actions. Someone who has invested time, money, talents, etc., surely receives blessings.  A child that has put up a good behavior will likely be commended and compensated. The Bible copiously states that Christians that are loyal, obedient and committed to the Lord will surely be rewarded. Peter was not rebuked when he on behalf of the other disciples asked the Lord, “we have forsaken all and followed thee, what shall we have therefore?”  Our Lord simply replied, “And every one that has forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundred fold now in this time, . . .and in the world to come eternal life”, Mark 10:28-30. In the Bible, obedience or disobedience attracts reward in line with God’s character of justice. What is certain is that our labor will be rewarded.  The timing, nature and value of our reward is the prerogative of God.   2. In the light of Mark 10:28-30, list and discuss the rewards mentioned by our Lord Jesus Christ.  Are there other rewards? The Lord Jesus gave us assurance that anyone who gives up something valuable for His sake shall receive hundred folds of houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, property, persecution, eternal life.  Accepting Christ as Lord and personal Savior may lead to rejection or being ostracized by one’s family but he or she will gain the larger family of God.  Persecution was added because it can be part of our calling.  Paul writing to Timothy said, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution”, 2 Timothy 3:12. Other rewards for a true disciple of Christ in this world will include: a. God’s abiding presence, Matthew 28:20.  This continuous presence of God is...

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Return Unto Me, 8/18 – 8/23, 2014

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Return Unto Me     Memory verse Isaiah 1:18 – “Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”     Daily Devotional Monday:  We have all sinned and need to repent.  Romans 3:23, 26 Tuesday:  We all need to consider our ways before the Lord. Haggai 1:2-6 Wednesday:  Let us do the work of God now that we have the opportunity. John 9:4 Thursday:  Our duty on earth is to fear God and obey His instructions.  Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Friday:  Paying tithes and giving good offerings should be part of us. Malachi 3:10-11 Saturday:  God is calling us back to Him for our good. Isaiah 1:18-19...

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Return Unto Me, August 17, 2014

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Return Unto Me   Central thought: God accepts and establishes anyone who earnestly returns to Him.     Text: Malachi 1-4 (reading 3:1-18)     God, since the creation of man, has never kept him ignorant of His will for all.  Even when man goes astray, He still seeks his return to Him, because it is really not His will that anyone should perish but get repented, Genesis 3:15; Matthew 4:10. Though man has always wanted to go his own way to his hurt, God always desires and puts all possible machinery in place to bring him back to the way of life.  So many ways which seem right to man are destructive at the end, Proverbs 14:12.  Hence, this all-important and sovereign call by God unto man to return to Him. Israel as a nation and all spiritual Israelites by rebirth, have always been given this benevolent call from Him – “Return unto Me and I will return unto you”, vs.7.  A good heed to this glaring call gives peace and abundant life.  No matter the level or gravity of man’s sins, God is always able and willing to set him free by cleansing him of them all if a sincere intention and action is exhibited by the sinner, Isaiah 1:18. Prophet Malachi was used at a time when the Israelites were caught in the web of ungodliness having put off the word of God.  At that time, they even had deceivers bearing big titles in God’s house, but telling them lies in the form of messages they intend to hear and not the truth from the Almighty god. Similarly, among the spiritual Israelites of today are some lying prophets, but there are still a remnant like Elijah who will not bow down to Baal; they are rather busy telling us the truth from God, to enable us retrace our feet from when we fell. This lesson presents a good chance of retreating back to the way, that narrow way back to God, such that one will make it to heaven if the individual remains in faith till the end.   1. From the following scriptures, identify the activities of the priests and the people for which they were condemned.  Malachi 1:6-14, 2:7-9, 11-17; 3:8-9, 13-15; Haggai 1:2-6 The entire people of Israel in the days of Malachi no doubt have gone astray from the way of the Lord, and followed their own way contrary to the will of God.  They failed to see God as their maker, who deserves all the honor they can give Him.  They did not treat God as their Master and Father who gave them grace to be whatever they were. The priests failed to teach the people the truth from the word of God. The priests whose zeal for godliness had dwindled, saw no reason to make enough result-oriented effort to enable them know the truth that sets free and restores godly living.  Thus everyone did what seemed right in his sight to the detriment of their spiritual well-being. The resultant effects were that: -No one was interested in seeking the truth. -They all disrespected the Creator and worshiped the creatures they had. -They put God secondary instead of in the right place as real Father. -They neglected God and His house....

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Call to Holy Living, 8/11 – 8/16, 2014

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Call to Holy Living   Memory verse 1 Peter 1:16 – “be ye holy; for I am holy”     Daily Devotional Monday:  Holy living is a command from the Lord.  1 Peter 1:16 Tuesday:  Let your light shine.  Matthew 5:13-16 Wednesday:  Called unto holiness.  1 Thessalonians 4:17 Thursday:  Traits of an unholy life.  Galatians 5:19-21 Friday:  Traits of a holy life.  Galatians 5:22-23 Saturday:  Benefits of a holy life.  Deuteronomy...

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