Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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The Sanctity of Marriage, 4/27 – 5/3, 2014

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The Sanctity of Marriage     Memory verse Hebrews 13:4 – “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled, but whore mongers and adulterers God will judge.”     Daily Devotional Monday – Submit one to another. Ephesians 5:21-30 Tuesday – The fear of God in marriage.  Psalms 1:1; Proverbs 31:30-31; Exodus 20:7; Leviticus 19:12 Wednesday – God hates divorce. Matthew 19:6-8 Thursday – Marriage is honorable.  Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 7:38 Friday – Love one another.  Ephesians 5:25-29; John 13:35 Saturday – Unity in marriage.  Genesis...

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The Sanctity of Marriage, April 27, 2014

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The Sanctity of Marriage       Central thought: Godly foundation guarantees the sanctity of marriage.     Text: Genesis 2:21-25; Ephesians 5:21-33     Marriage was instituted by God in the Garden of Eden where God placed the first man He made- Adam.  God also provided a “help meet” for Adam, Genesis 2:18, whom Adam called woman, “the bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh”.  The man and woman were called husband and wife. God originally intended that marriage should be an estate of sanctity (saintliness, godliness, holiness).  Hence marriage is described as Holy matrimony. This study focuses on some factors that have polluted the marriage institution, and attempt to offer possible solutions.     1. What foundation can we lay for the sanctity of marriage? Marriage is a union of a man and a woman who live together throughout their life time having all things in common, being in one accord in every area of their lives.  The individuals should realize that it is a creation of God; therefore no other foundation can guarantee its sanctity except the Word of God.  In other words, sanctity of marriage can only be sustained through the fear of God that emanate from the knowledge of His word, and deliberate determination to obey the same.  Psalm 127: 1 says, “Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders in wasted”.  A Christian should not marry an unbeliever.  God’s desire is that marriage should be honorable in all things, Hebrews 13:4.  Giving honor to a marriage will require the utmost in Christian conviction and only a monogamous type of marriage is more likely to provide the atmosphere for the exhibition of the honor God expects in marriage.  Saintly marriage should be Bible based. In grateful acknowledgement of all that God has done for us, Christians must consecrate themselves to God, so as to live a life of holiness in the fear of God, even in marriage. Individuals in a marriage relationship must live honestly and commit themselves to honoring and glorifying God in their marriage. 2. Discuss how the following factors have adversely affected marriage. a. Economic Problems: It is now a common phenomenon for husband and wife to leave home in the morning and come back at night, in the name of trying to make ends meet.  Children in such a family are normally left either to themselves or in the hands of house helps, who may not care so much about the children’s welfare.  Economic pressures can adversely affect marriage if not properly handled.  b. Improper Child Upbringing, Proverbs 22:6: Improper child upbringing has had its toll on marriage.  Children who become deviant constitute problems to their families and society.  Children who would make positive contributions to the stability of a marriage need to be taught the word of God and guided to obey the instructions therein.  When this is properly done, such children bring joy and peace to the family. c. Delayed Child Bearing: There may be pressure from parents, in-laws, relatives, brethren and even clergy men in situations of delayed child bearing.  However couples under such situations should learn to wait patiently on God, 1 Samuel 1:1-22; Luke 1:5-20,57-64. d. Desired Sex of a Child: Every child is a gift from God; no father...

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The Power of the Cross, 4/21 – 4/26, 2014

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The Power of the Cross     Memory verse Galatians 2:20 – “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.”   Daily Devotional Monday – The consequences of sin.  Romans 3:23; 6:23 Tuesday – God’s gift to Men. John 3:16 Wednesday – Christ tasted death for everyone.  Hebrews 2:9 Thursday – Salvation is only in Jesus.  Acts 4:12, 16:31 Friday – Love not the world.  1 John 2:15-17 Saturday – Victory on the cross.  Colossians...

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The Power of the Cross, April 20, 2014

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The Power of the Cross     Central thought: Without the cross of Christ there is no crown.   Text: Mark 8:34-38; 1Corinthians 1:17-18; Galatians 6:14     Historically, the cross is a wooden structure consisting of an upright and a transverse beam used by the ancient Romans for the execution of criminals.  It was a horrific, slow, painful and humiliating death process that was watched by many.  More broadly, a cross refers to an affliction that tries one’s virtues, steadfastness or patience, in the affairs of life.  Most importantly, today, the cross is the symbol of the Christian faith. God in His mercy sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for the sin of mankind. His death was on the cross.  By that death, the cross obtained another symbolism, from a structure of criminal execution t a symbol of hope, redemption and justification.  Therefore, the cross must never lose its place in our lives.  We must glory in the cross because it daily declares God’s undying love for a lost world.  It reminds us that salvation is not cheap, but was purchased for us by Christ at a great price.  It is necessary for us to always redirect our minds on the significance of Christ’s death on the cross. To the Christian, taking up the cross daily entails a conscious effort to follow in the footsteps of Christ, manifesting His character and drawing strength for perseverance from the Holy Spirit.     1. Highlight some aspects of the suffering of Christ and His death on the cross. Isaiah 53:3-5: Matthew 27:11-30 The way of the cross which Jesus went through was unique in many respects, and clearly different from the logic of the world system.  First He prayed and allowed the will of God, though grievous, to be done.  He offered no resistance and rejected Peter’s violent response.  To the amazement of Pilate he did not enter a plea; neither did He put up a defense before His accusers.  He did not deny His kingship.  He was declared innocent, not guilty, yet condemned and sentenced to pacify the crowd.  The Priests and the people consented to take the guilt upon themselves and their children.  At His trial a notorious criminal was preferred and released.  His conviction and execution were all done with speed and coincided with the age-long feast of Passover, a time of redemption for God’s people.  A gentile was invited and made to share in the burden of the cross of Christ.  All these were not accidents of history, but a carefully ordained plan of salvation unfolding for all mankind. He was stripped of His clothes, flogged, ridiculed with a scarlet robe, a crown of thorns, a wooden scepter and a mockery of homage with spitting in place or royal kiss.  He was nailed hands and foot to the wooden cross raised up and left hanging in pain. Jesus had to die because that was the purpose of God for the redemption of mankind.  The justice of God required blood to atone for the sin of man.  Jesus had to die for this sacrifice.  Secondly he had to die to conquer death and free all the captives of death (sinners). Furthermore His death was a demonstration of the strength of His love.  This is...

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Jesus – His Passion and Crucifixion, 4/14 – 4/19, 2014

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Jesus – His Passion and Crucifixion Memory verse Isaiah 53:5 – “But He was wounded for our transgression, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and by His strips we were healed.”   Daily Devotional Monday – Jesus, our burden bearer. Psalm 55:22; Matthew 11:28-30 Tuesday – The benefit of the cross.  1 Corinthians 1:18: Ephesians 2:15-22; Colossians 1:20-22 Wednesday – Jesus, the sacrificial lamb.  Isaiah 53:7; John 1:29, 36 Thursday – Sin is a reproach.  Proverbs 14:34; Joshua 7:3-12 Friday – The love of God endures forever.  Jeremiah 31:3 Saturday – Whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.  Acts 4:10-12, 2:21; Joel...

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Jesus – His Passion and Crucifixion, April 13, 2014

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Jesus – His Passion and Crucifixion     Central thought: Peach with God through Christ’s sufferings.   Text: Matthew 27:27-54   The word Passion as used Galatians 5:24 can be defined as strong feeling, intense desire or enthusiasm towards something.  It is also referred to as affection and lust of the flesh.  Paul in his letter said “those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh and its passion and desires”.  However, when Passion is used in relation to Jesus Christ, it refers to his suffering and death, in which case it is prefixed by the word “The”, The Passion (of Jesus Christ).  In the Christian world, this period is referred to as the “The Passion Week”. It starts from “Palm Sunday” when Jesus triumphantly entered into Jerusalem as a king, through to “Good Friday”, when he was crucified.  In our study, we shall examine some of the agonies and pains experienced by our Lord Jesus during “The Passion Week”.   1. Read and briefly comment on the following pains suffered by our Lord Jesus Christ. A. False witness against Him.  Matthew 26:59-61 Two witnesses who claim to testify against Christ came forward and said, “This man said I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days”.  This was false.  Jesus said, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up”.  However, He never referred to the infrastructural Temple of God; rather He was referring to His Body, His death and resurrection, which the so called witnesses failed to understand.  In ignorance, they testified falsely against Christ.  This must have really caused Jesus a great deal of pain. B. Smitten and spat on.  Mark 14:65, 15:19: John 18:22 It was a public humiliation of an innocent man.  There was no basis for such treatment, but for His obedience to the command of His Father.  He neither complained nor reacted in any form.  C. Given gall and vinegar.  John 19:28-29: Matthew 27:34, 48 It is unimaginable to think of offering bitter or sour liquid to a man hungry and thirsty of water.  What a mockery! D. Hands and feet pierced. John 19:37; 20:25-27 Jesus was nailed to the cross alive.  This was physical injury with great pain.  The excruciating pain is better imagined than experienced.  E. Mocked while dying.  Matthew 27:39-40 While in great pain and distress, deserted by His disciples, needing encouragement and comfort.  Even His kinsmen mocked Him. F. His side was pierced. John 19:34 The only way the soldiers who crucified Him thought right to ascertain whether He was still alive while hanging on the cross, was to pierce His side with a spear.  What an act of merciless cruelty! G. Flogged with a whip.  Matthew 27:26 Jesus was flogged, not with just an ordinary whip, but one with thorns which made visible marks of injury all over His body. H. He was stripped and worn a crown of thorns.  Matthew 27:28-29 The soldiers forced the “crown” on His head that pierced His head and blood gushed out while stripped, while they shouted a mockery slogan – “King of the Jews”.  The worst criminal was never treated this way. I. He carried His heavy cross to the crucifixion site.  John 19:17 Christ was forced to carry the heavy cross...

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Looking Unto Jesus, 4/7 – 4/12, 2014

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Looking Unto Jesus     Memory verse Hebrews 12:2 – “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right of the throne of God.”     Daily Devotional Monday – Focusing on Christ the source of our being. Proverbs 3:5; 1 Peter 2:21 Tuesday – Race set before us.  Hebrews 6:11-12, 12:1-2; Romans 12:12 Wednesday – Author and Finisher of our faith.  Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 5:9, 12:2 Thursday – The life Christ lived to save us.  Luke 23:34; Hebrews 12:2-3 Friday – Why Christ endured the cross. Matthew 3:13-15; Romans 14:9; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 12:2 Saturday – Some ingredients for running the Christian race.  Hebrews 3:14, 7:25, 12:3, 10:25  ...

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Looking Unto Jesus, April 6, 2014

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Looking Unto Jesus, April 6, 2014     Central thought: Looking unto Jesus guarantees a successful Christian race.   Text: Hebrews 12:1-3; 1 Peter 2:21-25     The Christian race begins when an individual accepts Jesus as Lord, Master and Savior of their life.  The new believer begins to learn the things of God and how to grow in the grace of God.  To make a success of this new life, he or she must depend on and trust on Jesus Christ totally in all things and at all times.  He must be dependent on Christ who is the true Vine from whom he draws both nutrient and strength to run this Christian race. Therefore he must focus on Jesus continuously because Christ is the author of this race and He is the only one who can see him through to the end.  The devil, the enemy of our soul, is always fighting by trying to put obstacles on our way in the form of opposition, discouragement, temptations, etc., but we must remain resolute and not be ashamed of all we may suffer knowing whom we have believed.  We should be persuaded that He is able to keep that which we have committed unto Him against that day, 2 Timothy 1:12.  We must therefore continually “look unto Him who is the author and finisher of our faith.”     1. What does it mean to be ‘looking unto Jesus’? Proverbs3:5; Job 13:15; 1 Peter 2:21 ‘Looking unto Jesus’ simply means focusing on Christ as the source of our being and to be fully dependent on Him for all things that pertain to life and godliness.  This implies that Jesus is the one that brought the Christian faith and perfected it.  We must steadfastly look unto Him for direction, guidance and instruction, by trusting Him absolutely and following in His steps if we must run this Christian race successfully.  When we remove our focus from Christ we stumble.  As we look unto Him, we must learn to believe and trust Him in everything while yielding our lives totally to Him.  This is the only way we can run the Christian race successfully and finish it victoriously.   2. What alternatives do people resort to when they refuse to look unto Jesus? There are many alternatives people resort to when they refuse to look unto Jesus.  Such people have come under the devil’s captivity.  Some of the alternatives include: soothsayers, native doctors, false prophets, palm readers, horoscope, astrology, necromancy, consultation of mediums and many others.  The devil, being a liar from the beginning and the father of it, gives such people false confidence that all is well with them.  Their eyes are blinded and their minds are seared so that they cannot perceive the truth and not focus on Him who is the only true and living God, the Creator of the universe.   3. What do you understand by the weight that slows down the believer and how can it be overcome? Weight that slows down the believer in the Christian race can take any form or shape. This includes excessive cares (inordinate affection) and concern for the things of this world.  When we get entangled in these, we get easily distracted and remove our focus from Christ and this...

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Overcoming Anxiety, 3/31 – 4-5, 2014

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Overcoming Anxiety       Memory verse Philippians 4:6 – “Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God.”     Daily Devotional Monday – Be content with what God gives you. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 Tuesday – It is only God that can give peace without trouble. John 14:27 Wednesday – Jesus has called on all with great burden to come to Him.  Matthew 11:28 Thursday – Give thanks to God for all He has done for you and is still doing now. Luke 17:15-16. Friday – Only the living can praise God.  Praise and worship keeps us in line with God.  Isaiah 38:18-19 Saturday – God is always there to lift a standard against our enemies. Isaiah...

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Overcoming Anxiety, March 30, 2014

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Overcoming Anxiety       Central thought: When we cast our cares and burdens on the Lord, anxiety is subdued.   Text: Matthew 6:25-34; Philippians 4:4-8   Usually human beings fear or worry about the possibility of failure in one endeavor or the other. Also the fear of failure creates in the minds of some believers, doubts leading to worry and anxiety.  Believers often forget that God has the master plan for everything He created and has made adequate provisions for them.  Lack of faith, fear or worry makes us lose focus on God’s providence for our lives.  God wants us to be patient and acknowledge Him, so that he can bring to fulfillment His plans for our lives.  This study focuses on how we can solve the problem of anxiety and worry.   1. What do you understand by anxiety? Readers Digest Great Illustrated Dictionary defines anxiety as a state of uneasiness and distress about future uncertainties; apprehension; worry or eagerness. Simply put, anxiety is the state of feeling nervous or worried that something bad may likely happen.  Anxiety is a troubled feeling in the mind, caused by fear and uncertainty about the future, real or imagined.  Anxiety takes root from the mind.  Worries and fears take over when we are not able to achieve what we want or not have our needs met.  Such is the situation in the society today.  We have forgotten that ‘except the Lord build the house, he that builds, builds in vain”. We are admonished in Matthew 6:25-34, not to “worry about your life, “for God has made everything available to all His children.”  As God provided manna in the wilderness to the children of Israel, so is God still providing for His people and will continue to provide for us all.  Worry weakens our faith in God, because the devil’s mission is to steal, kill and destroy, John 10:10.  There is a spirit behind anxiety which should be resisted by every believer.   2. Read Matthew 2:2-12 and 1 Samuel 13:8-14.  Discuss how the following individual exhibited anxiety. A. Herod: After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea according to the prophecy, the wise men received a sign and decided to find him and worship Him.  The news came to King Herod and immediately he became troubled.  The fear of another King coming overwhelmed him completely.  In order to overcome his fear he made a decision which led to the mass killing of innocent children, Matthew 2: 16-18.  He thought his decision, born out of fear and worry, could address his fear.  God had a greater plan to save the child Jesus, who was born king to save the world.  Ultimately Herod died and his mission to kill the young child Jesus failed. B. Saul: The Philistines started gathering against the children of Israel for battle, this created fear in the heart of Saul the king.  Saul was instructed to wait for the prophet Samuel to arrive to tell him how to fight the Philistines, 1 Samuel 10:8; but out of anxiety and fear of being defeated, Saul could not wait for the arrival of Samuel, he called for the burnt offering and made the sacrifice himself.  Soon after, the prophet arrived, 1 Samuel 13-8-14.  Only a priest was allowed to...

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