Church Construction 2013

May 2013 - Planting the Garden

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Commissioned to Service in God’s Vineyard, 3/21 – 3/29, 2014

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Commissioned to Service in God’s Vineyard   Memory verse Luke 19:13 – “And He called His ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.”   Daily Devotional Monday – The parable of the loaned money. Matthew 25:14-30 Tuesday – The great commission.  Matthew 28:16-20 Wednesday – The King’s ten servants. Luke 19:12-27 Thursday – Jesus talks with Peter. John 21:15-17 Friday – Believers are the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 Saturday – We will reap what we sow.  Galatians...

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Commissioned to Service in God’s Vineyard – March 23, 2014

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Commissioned to Service in God’s Vineyard   Central Thought: No service for God goes unrewarded. Text: Genesis 24:15-20; 1 Samuel 16:6-12; Matthew 25:14-24; Luke 19:12-13   Christianity generally is a call to a relationship with Christ that gives us an opportunity to serve in His vineyard.  After man was created, God gave him the responsibility to tend the garden.  This is service.  All through His earthly ministry, our Lord Jesus gave Himself to service and before His departure from the earth, He commissioned His disciples to continue from where He stopped.  Therefore, we who are privileged to be His followers today have no reason to be idle in the vineyard.  Like the disciples of old, we have been called to service, and we must get busy with it.  This lesson is to remind us of the various avenues of service available in the Lord’s vineyard, the need to identify your own area of service and faithfully serve to the glory of Him who has called us.   1. What is service? There are various dictionary definitions of the word service, but one will be most appropriate here.  According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, ‘service’ is the work that a person does for an organization or a body, etc., especially when it continues for a long time.  For the purpose of this study, we will define service as the work we do in the Lord’s vineyard with the view to winning more souls into the kingdom of God while we have the opportunity.   2. What are the various avenues of service in the vineyard? 1 Corinthians 12:28-31; Ephesians 4:11-12 There are various services that can be rendered in the Lord’s vineyard such that no one can say he or she has no area to serve.  1 Corinthians 12:28 reads “and God has set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” This verse like many others in the Bible clearly shows that there is no room for idleness in the vineyard as every Christian has been endowed with one ability or the other to serve in the vineyard. One major problem we have today is that we have tried to give more attention to some services above many others and this is making people look at some services as inferior to others  to the point that people don’t want to go into these seemingly unattractive areas of service.  Everybody may not have the opportunity to handle the mic to preach on Sunday or during other service days, but can pray behind the scene without anybody knowing about it.  The success of a pastor may be the result of the prayer of an unknown member.  The usher who sweeps and cleans the Church halls and seats for others to use during service, is doing something in the vineyard.  Therefore, we should encourage every Christian to be effective in whatever area he or she feels led to serve.   3. Who is a minister as in Mark 10:42-45? As it is used in the passage above, a minister is not one who Lords over others but one who is there to serve.  Jesus Christ our Lord, our perfect example, graciously placed Himself at the service of...

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Witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ, 3/17 – 3/22, 2014

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Witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ     Memory verse Acts 4:20 – “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard”.   Daily Devotional Monday – Who is a witness for Christ? John 1:12; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; 1 John 1:1-3 Tuesday – Central message of the Gospel.  John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Acts 16:31; Colossians 1:20 Wednesday – Avenue of witnessing for Christ. John 4:6-29; Acts 8:26-38 Thursday – Avenue of witnessing for Christ. Matthew 4:18-25; Acts 8:5-8 Friday – Some essentials for effective witnessing. Psalms 1:1-3; Acts 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Saturday – Benefits of being witnesses for Christ. Daniel 12:3; Luke 15:4-7; John...

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Witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ, March 16, 2014

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Witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ   Central thought: The life of a witness is an open book for all to read and find Christ. Text: 1 John 1:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Acts 8:26-38 All through the ages many people have claimed to be witnesses for Christ.  There are some whose claim is based on a true experience of the Lord and are propped by the love of God to live for Him.  Some others only use religion as a disguise to advance their personal causes.  So if being identified as a Christian proves popular for the moment, they do not hesitate to claim to belong.  These are a front to achieve their ulterior motives. Some others, like the Apostles have a true claim.  They were with Christ all through His earthly ministry.  They were with Him when He preached to the multitudes, healed the sick, fed thousands, showed compassion on the helpless and above all brought the light of God to men’s souls. His prayer life and public ministry was such as they had not seen before.  Christ made an indelible impact upon their lives., writing about their walk with the Lord.  In his later years Apostle John wrote ‘. . .that which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and our hands have handled, declare we unto you’, 1 John 1:1-3.  Peter writing in the same vein declared, ‘for we have not followed cunningly devised fables when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ but were eye witnesses of His majesty, 2 Peter 1:16. A witness for Christ today is the man who has experienced His transforming power in the New birth, obeys the great commission and goes to share the wonderful message of the gospel with others.  We become living epistles, which men read and testify to the reality of the redeeming power of Christ   1. Who is a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ? John 1:12; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; 1 John 1:1-3 By dictionary definition, a witness is a person who had the privilege of being present at the scene of an event or one who has had a personal experience to which he or she unequivocally can testify.  Unlike the Apostles, none of us was around to witness the earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.  However when we were presented with the message of the gospel, God brought through it the miracle of the new birth in our spirits and we were born again.  Like the man born blind in John 9, our eyes were suddenly opened to spiritual realities to which our hearts were, before now, blinded by sin.  Most often we are unable to contain our joy and excitement.  We feel we must tell someone else about our newfound life.  We are filled with zeal that knows no bound and no obstacle or circumstance seems great enough to discourage us.  This actually is the beginning of the life of a witness.  Our message is simple, once I was a sinner but now I am saved.  I am a new man transformed by the power of God.   Our witness however does not end there.  We must daily endeavor to share the...

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The Christian in a Corrupt World (Part 2), March 9, 2014

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The Christian in a Corrupt World (Part 2), March 9, 2014   Central Thought: The believer should always do the right thing even if it means standing alone. Text: Ecclesiastes 3:16-17, 7:7; Acts 24:24-27, Deuteronomy 16:19-20   Introduction:   The Christian is daily confronted with this evil called corruption.  He is constantly under pressure to play ball’ or risk losing out.  For the majority, corruption has become a way of life that cannot be avoided.  But for us as Christians, it is a capital challenge that desires to put us at enmity with God.  With determination, and by the heavenly provisions at our disposal, we must confront this giant standing on our way.  Many have been knocked down, and some fatally wounded in the spirit, by the plague of corruption, but the “chosen generation” must show forth the praises of “Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light”, 1 Peter 2:9. Finally, it must be noted that corruption is not new or peculiar to any one nation alone, but what is clear is that it attracts God’s wrath, Genesis 6:8-12. Questions and Answers   1. Discuss the following forms of corruption in our society and their effects. a. Favoritism – This is an act of kindness beyond what is due or usual, it is a special treatment given to one person at the expense of another, James 2:1-4.  There should be no favoritism or partiality on account of rank, birth, wealth or apparel.  Partiality is not consistent with the Scriptures.  Our God is not a respecter of persons, Act 10:34; Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9.  Favoritism is not only a problem in society but has crept into the church.  It was in scripture where the widows were neglected and only a fraction of persons were being served.  This necessitated the appointment of seven and to ensure a fair treatment for everyone.  In today’s church, favoritism appears in different forms.  Leaders are appointed in some congregations based on personal interest, such as tribal, professional, social considerations, etc.  All these affect the spiritual output of the church.    b. Fraud (Advance Fee Fraud) – This is criminal deception intended to gain money or have personal advantage, 1 Thessalonians 4:6.  In recent times advance fee fraud popularly called ‘419’, had taken a new dimension with deceitful means of defrauding unsuspecting persons.  With the advent of internet services, there has been an increase in the rate of fraud or cyber crimes.  It is pitiable that some brethren have been defrauded by trusted professing Christians, even in the church, Psalms 35:20; 2 Thessalonians 2:13.  As a result, there is little or no trust among brethren most especially when it has to do with money.  Brethren should beware of fraudsters who come with flatteries, treacherous, deceitful craft.   c. Falsification of Personal Data (e.g. false declaration of age).  This is claiming any date that is not your birthday.  We should not swear falsely, Leviticus 6:3, it amounts to the documentation of lies so as to be in an advantageous stead.  This is seen at work places; where people including Christians consciously and deliberately declare younger age through a false oath to enable them spend years at work.  Anything obtained by lying is vanity and it leads to death, Proverbs 21:6. We must...

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The Christian in a Corrupt World (Part 2), 3/10 – 3/15, 2014

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The Christian in a Corrupt World (Part 2)       Memory Verse:   James – “Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”.     Daily Devotional:   Monday – Favoritism, false declaration of age and bribery.  James 2:1-4, Psalms 26:9-10, Proverbs 17:23 Tuesday – Why some Christians are involved in corruption.  Proverbs 13:11 Wednesday – The Christian’s attitude towards corruption.  Romans 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 Thursday – The Christian’s attitude towards corruption.  1 Peter 2:11-12, John 15:19, 17:15 Friday – The love of money is the root of all evil. 1 Timothy 6:10-12 Saturday – God shall bring every work into judgment. Ecclesiastes...

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The Christian in a Corrupt World (Part 1), 3/3 – 3/8, 2014

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The Christian in a Corrupt World (Part 1)   Memory Verse:   Deuteronomy 16:19 – “Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift; for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous”.   Daily Devotional:   Monday – Set your affection on things above. Colossians 3:1-5 Tuesday – Godliness with contentment. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 Wednesday – Unrighteous judgment. Proverbs 29:4, 17:23 Thursday – Form of corruption. Acts 24:24-27 Friday – Forms of corruption. Deuteronomy 16:18-20, 1 Samuel 8:1-3 Saturday – Forms of corruption. 1 Kings 21:11-14, Ecclesiastes 3:16-17,...

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The Christian in a Corrupt World (Part 1), March 2, 2014

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The Christian in a Corrupt World (Part 1)   Central Thought: The believer should always do the right thing even if it means standing alone.   Text: Ecclesiastes 3:16-17, 7:7; Acts 24:24-27, Deuteronomy 16:19-20   Introduction: Corruption can be defined as dishonesty for personal gain, moral degradation or depravity.  Corruption comes in various forms and shades in our society; hence it is not a strange phenomenon.  It has become a canker worm that has eaten into the fabric of our society.  It has permeated all aspects of our society, secular, politics, religion, etc.  Some people in the church are living for pleasure and personal gain without morals and not thinking of pleasing God due to pressure or modernism. It is disheartening to know that even the church that should be a light, and example of Christ to the unsaved world, has been infected with this ‘plague’ of corruption.  Examples abound of how the church has compromised its sanctity by giving in to one form of corrupt practice or the other.  This brings the saying that today’s church has become worldly while the world has become ‘churchy’ describing similarities in conduct, behavior and actions of Christians and the unbelievers. This study sets out to address what the attitude of the Christians should be towards corruption. Questions and Answers   1. Identify forms of corruption in these passages.  Deuteronomy 16:18-20; 1 Samuel 8:1-3; 1 Kings 21:11-14; Acts 24: 24-27; Ecclesiastes 3:16-17, 7:7 Corruption did not start today, as we have instances in Scriptures of corrupt practices.  In Genesis 6:11, the earth was corrupted before God and was filled with iniquity.  Moses was mindful of the tendency of the Israelites to practice corruption and abandon the God of Israel.  To curb this he handed over to them God’s statutes and judgments which they were to observe in the land, which God was to give them, Deuteronomy 12:1. In Deuteronomy 16:18-20, judges were to be appointed, who were instructed to give just judgment.  They were not to pervert the cause of justice as a result of favoritism, taking of bribes or gifts or show any form of partiality based on relationships.  Care must also be taken not to practice idolatrous customs of unbelievers. A major form of corruption in our society today is when judges and those in position to decide the fate of others take bribes to pervert justice.  In some instances, the innocent who could not afford a named ‘price’ are jailed, and even executed, while the criminal is set free and allowed maximum freedom because they have the wherewithal to pay and buy their freedom. Samuel’s sons, Joel and Abiah were made judges over Israel by their father, 1 Samuel 8:1-3, and the consequences were grievous. They took bribes and perverted judgment and did not walk in the ways of their father. When we make people leaders who God has not made, because of family relationships (spouses, relatives, children of presidents and founders are made leaders to take over), the consequences cannot be different.  Even if the consequences are not obvious to men, there must be some spiritual consequence. Hence, leaders must depend on directives and instruction from God so that we may not be found wanting at His appearing, 1 Corinthians 4:2. Giving false witness is a common corrupt...

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Balaam, Balak and the Plan to Curse Israel, 2/24 – 3/1, 2014

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Balaam, Balak and the Plan to Curse Israel   Memory Verse:   Numbers 23:19 – “God is not man, that He should lie, neither the son of man, that he should repent; hath He said, and shall He not do it? Or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?”     Daily Devotional:   Monday – King of Moab afraid of the children of Israel. Numbers 22:2-6 Tuesday – Some truths about God’s faithfulness.  Numbers 23:7-10, 19-23, 24:9 Wednesday – Balaam’s errors. Numbers 31:16; 2 Peter 2: 15-16, Jude 11 Thursday – Christians should not fear curses.  Numbers 23:8, 20; Proverbs 26:2 Friday – Dangers of compromise. Judges 16:1-21 Saturday – Dangers of compromise. Numbers 25:1-9; Proverbs 1:10; Ephesians...

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Balaam, Balak and the Plan to Curse Israel, February 23, 2014

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Balaam, Balak and the Plan to Curse Israel, February 23, 2014   Central Thought: Whom God has blessed no one can curse. Text: Numbers 23:1-30   Introduction: Israel fought several wars on their way from Egypt to the Promised Land.  God gave them victory in all their wars including the war with the Amalekites, Exodus 17:8-16, the Amorites, Numbers 21:21-32 and several other nations.  Therefore, when the children of Israel camped in the plains of Moab, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab became afraid because the Israelites were many and he had seen how they had utterly destroyed other nations.  In a desperate bid to avert the impending danger, Balak invited Balaam to curse the Israelites so that he could defeat them.  Some have argued that Balaam was a soothsayer but used by God temporarily.  Others believed that Balaam seemed to have known God considering that he inquired from God who in turn spoke to him on several occasions; he declared God’s message faithfully, made sacrifices to Him but later went into error for a reward and became a soothsayer, Joshua 13:22; Jude11; Revelation 2:14; 2 Peter 2:14-16. Whatever the position, the episode that followed the invitation extended to Balaam by Balak to curse Israel is full of diverse lessons which are the focus of this study. Questions and Answers   1. Who was Balaam and why did Balak send for him?  Joshua 13:22; Numbers 22:2-6, 24:2-4; 2 Peter 2:15-16   Balaam was the son of Beor, a king of Edom, Genesis 36:1-32, who settled in Pethor, beyond the river Euphrates in Mesopotamia.  He was not an Israelite but an internationally known priest/diviner who had a widespread reputation of having the ability to prophesy and pronounce a curse or blessing upon people. Israel defeated Sihon, King of the Amorites who refused them passage through his land and took possession of all the land north of the river Armon which is the northern border of Moab, as they moved north, they defeated King Og of Babhan who ruled over sixty cities at Edrei, Deuteronomy 3:1-12.  These exploits together with the numerical strength of Israel kept Balak the king of Moab jittering.  He confessed that Israel who was coming out of Egypt has covered the face of the earth and a people too powerful for him to handle.  The people of Israel were a great multitude, and their mere presence in the plains of Moab put fear into Balak, the king of the Moabites.  He therefore schemed to get the nation of Israel cursed by Balaam with the hope that divination and incantations against Israel will cause their defeat.  Balak then sent a powerful delegate with the rewards of divination in their hands requesting Blaam to come immediately to place a curse on Israel to enable Balak and his men prevail against them. 2. What truths can we learn from the prophecies of Balaam?  Numbers 23:7-10, 19-23, 24:9 As long as sin and perverseness was not found in Israel, God’s presence, blessings and hands of protection was with them.  Thus Balaam got it right when he asked, ‘But how can I curse those whom God has not curse? How can I condemn those whom the Lord has not condemned”, Numbers 23:8.  Balaam was so overwhelmed by what he saw...

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