RCCG House Fellowship Leader Manual 27 August 2023, Lesson 52 – END OF FOURTH QUARTER / INTERACTIVE SESSION

RCCG House Fellowship Leader Manual 27 August 2023, Lesson 52 – END OF FOURTH QUARTER / INTERACTIVE SESSION

RCCG HOUSE FELLOWSHIP LEADERS’ MANUAL
SUNDAY, 27TH OF AUGUST, 2023
LESSON: FIFTY TWO (52)

TOPIC: END OF FOURTH QUARTER / INTERACTIVE SESSION

SUMMARY OF LESSONS 40 – 51

SUNDAY JUNE 4TH 2023
LESSON FORTY (40)

TOPIC: PRETENSE

MEMORY VERSE: “So Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill. When the king came to see him, Amnon said to him, “I would like my sister Tamar to Come and make some special bread in my sight, so I may eat from her hand”. 2 Samuel 13:6

BIBLE TEXT: 2 Samuel 13:3-14

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Pretense is an attempt to make something that is not the case appear true, a claim to have a particular skill or quality. A lot of believers are not feigning, making people believe that they are not bringing confusion to the body of Christ. In our bible passage 2 Sam.13: 3 – 14, we discovered that Ammon pretended to be sick in order to have canal knowledge of Tamar, his half-sister, making his father King David believe he was sick whereas he was not. Beware of Ammon loitering around your territory!

LESSON OUTLINE ONE
WHY PRETENSE IN THE BODY OF CHRIST?
Pretense comes when:

Revival is going out and carnality is dominating the altar of God.
Leaders in the body of Christ are losing focus, vision for mundane things. Genesis 27:1 3. Leaders crave for more gain instead of accessing who is bringing the gain. A lot of harlots and evil associates are in God’s altar because money answers all things.
Sinners are being celebrated without weighing the consequences while the devoted, truthful and dedicated are abandoned or rejected. Genesis 38:13-16
The weaklings are being positioned to dethrone the qualified.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO
DANGERS OF PRETENSE

Pollution of God’s altar.
Loss of divine mandate.
Embracing of deceit and condoning sinful acts.
4 Loss of integrity and trust. Genesis 29:16 – 25
It brings misleading of saints. Luke 21:8, Mark 13:3-14

SUMMARY: Beware of Ammon loitering around your territory!

CONCLUSION: Let God and people see the real you, pretense is an ungodly acts and hell is the reward.

SUNDAY 11TH OF JUNE, 2023
LESSON FORTY ONE (41)

TOPIC: SECRET OF THE CHAMPION (PART 1)

MEMORY VERSE: “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies, thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over”. Psalm 23:5

BIBLE TEXT: 2 Chronicles 20:2-25

LESSON INTRODUCTION: A champion is a man whose spiritual armour are blood stained and battled tested. He/She has faced failures, defeats and success in life’s struggles and are still standing in Christ.
Being a champion requires you to see yourself as a champion. The Bible says in Proverbs 23:7, As a man thinks in his heart, so is he”.
The way you see yourself will dramatically affect how you live your life, a champion views himself differently than the average person
does.

CHARACTERISTICS OF CHAMPIONS (THEIR SECRETS)
Conquerors are those who went to war where there was the spilling of blood. That’s why Jesus was and is a conqueror. He spilled blood, overcame demonic opposition to become a champion for our salvation.

You must be committed to rising above average. Revelation 3:16, Philippians 4:13.
You must have the heart of a champion. The heart of a true champion knows that God is his strength and empowers him/her to even greater victories.
You must believe in yourself when no one else will. David in 1 Samuel 17:45:47 believed he can defeat Goliath and he actually did.
Confront your fears. You will be free if you confront your insecurities, jealousness and anything that will break your focus. Fear holds you back. Joshua 8:1, Luke 12:32, psalm
27:1, Isaiah 41:9-10.
For champions, good is not good enough. In the story of David, he refused to hold his peace when being shouted down until he
got the desired victory 1 Samuel 17: 28-31.
Champions are always ready to pay the price. You need to spend time in God’s presence. Proverbs 8:17, 2 Tim. 2:15, Psalm 145:18.
God believes in excellence. God wants you to do more than is necessary. He wants you to excel in everything you do. 3 John 1:2, 1 Corinthians 12:31.
Be a finisher. Those who rise above the crowd are the champions who go the extra mile while others are relaxing.

ACTIVITY: Mention giant killers you read in the Bible.

SUMMARY: Winning as champions starts with healthy relationship with God.

CONCLUSION: Every believer is made for the peak, to have a defeat mentality is dangerous. Numbers 13:30-33

SUNDAY 18TH OF JUNE, 2023
LESSON FORTY TWO (42)

TOPIC: SECRET OF THE CHAMPION (PART 2)

MEMORY VERSE: “….but the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits”. Daniel 11:32b

BIBLE TEXT: 2 Chronicles 20:5-23, Joshua 1:3-10

LESSON INTRODUCTION: The promise of God is to make His children the head and not the tail, Deuteronomy 28:1, always having upper hand. Last week, we talked about characteristics of champions.
Today we will be looking at how can one become an indisputable champion in God’s vineyard, what the secrets of true champions are and some biblical examples. May the Lord open our eyes to the secrets of becoming a true champion.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE
HOW TO BECOME A GODLY CHAMPION?
To become a godly champion: You must;
1 Know the champion of all champions. John 3:16

You must know the truth, acknowledge divine provision for your rising. John 8:32, Acts 10:38
Be addicted to divine knowledge and principles. Psalm 119:9&11. Get the required information from the word of God. Joshua 1:8
Crucify all limitations to your goal. Galatians 2:20
Be obedient to divine order. Joshua 1:9, Numbers 13:1-2
Explore the ways other champions used to succeed and discard errors the defeated made ie. you must always focus on Jesus to get you to your clerical peak. Hebrew 12:2.
Discipline: A controlled behaviour, self-control.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO
BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF TRUE CHAMPIONS

Daniel. He became champion in a foreign land because he refused to defile himself with king’s meal. Daniel 1:8
Joseph. He fulfilled his dreams when he refused to sleep with Potiphar’s wife Genesis 39:7-13
Mordecai and Queen Esther. They became champions in the palace of king Ahasuerus when they refused to bow to the threat of wicked Haman. Esther 6:13
King Hezekiah. He conquered terror and panic from the camp of King Sennacherib by deploring angelic assistance that silenced king of Assyria. 2 kings 19:32-39
King Jehoshaphat. He conquered the thread of three powerful nations that came against the land of Judah by believing the word of God. 2 Chronicles 20:1-22

ACTIVITY: Discuss with members what David did to conquer Goliath.

SUMMARY: Becoming godly champion begins with the mind of seeing yourself as a product of grace, procured through divine mercy.

CONCLUSION: Building structure of greater works of divine champion starts from knowing who you are in Christ.

SUNDAY JUNE 25TH 2023
LESSON FORTY THREE (43)

TOPIC: TAKING RESPONSIBILITIES

MEMORY VERSE: But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an
infidel”. 1 Timothy 5:8

BIBLE TEXT: 2 Timothy 2:1-5

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Responsibility is an act of being answerable for an act performed or for its consequences. It is the state or fact of having control over someone. Many areas are waiting for believers to take firm responsibilities, At creation, Almighty God gave responsibility to the first family i.e. Adam and Eve i.e. “dress it and keep it’ – Genesis 2:15 and the day they failed on this task, they were cursed and expelled from the garden of Eden – Genesis 3:23.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE
AREAS OF TAKING RESPONSIBILITIES

1.Oneself: You are accountable for your well-being. In 2 kings 13:14, the Bible says Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. Take good care of yourself (health).

Family: Each family has responsibilities.
Spouse- Husband is to love his wife and never to treat her harshly nor take advartage of her – Eph. 5:25, Col. 3:19. wife, is to accept the
authority of her husband and submit Eph. 5:22, 1 Peter 3:1. As parents, they are to bring up their children with discipline and instruction.
They must not provoke their children to anger and they must treat them well Ephesians 6:4. If the couple co-operate together, what is not
enough today will become sufficient and even surplus in no time.
Financial Planning and Investment: As believers, we are to take responsibility of controlling our financial life, investment will bring future’s laughter. Stop being extravagant, never put your money or resources on what will not yield any profit or future financial freedom.
Wisdom demands that your spending and your savings should be considerable – Proverbs 4:7, 16:8
Service to God: Believers are to deplore their physical, spiritual, mental and financial resources to populate God’s kingdom. Pay your
Tithes and Offerings – Malachi 3:8, win souls for God- Mark 16:15, help the helpless- 1 Timothy 5: 16, James 1:27 and invest in growing your local church and bless the servants of God. Philippians 4:16.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO
DANGERS OF NEGLECTING TO TAKE UP RESPONSIBILITIES
(a) Divine Replacement 1 Samuel 15:26,28
(b) Loss of divine presence and relevance. 1 Samuel 16:15
(c) Withdrawal of divine privileges, Genesis 3:24
(d) Walking under Curse. Genesis 3:23
(e) Inability to end well. 1 Samuel 31:3-6

ACTIVITY: Let members define different responsibilities as mentioned above.

SUMMARY: Our Maker has inputted grace of resourcefulness to us as His creation therefore not being responsible is not in His divine agenda.

CONCLUSION: Taking responsibilities is a must to get divine accolades, avoiding responsibility guarantees divine wrath.

SUNDAY 2ND OF JULY, 2023
LESSON: FORTY FOUR (44)

TOPIC: THE FIRST INSTITUTION

MEMORY VERSE: For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife”. Mark 10:7

BIBLE TEXT: Mark 10:6-10

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Marriage is the first institution set up by God for man after the creation. It is older than the church and any other human government or institution. In Genesis 2:21-25, God caused a deep sleep to come upon Adam, took one of his ribs, and with it formed the woman (Eve), brought her to Adam and solemnised their marriage as man and wife. Adam recognised Eve as the bone of his bones. God declared them as one flesh with the instruction to cleave to one another. Our Lord Jesus in Mark 10:9-10 reiterated this divine pronouncement with an instruction that no man should break the marriage covenant.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE
WHY MARRIAGE?
At creation, God confirmed that man cannot succeed in his assignment of fruitfulness, multiplication, replenishment, and domination of the earth alone- Genesis 2:18-20. He therefore formed the woman to provide a help meet for him.
Marriage is therefore important for the following reasons:

To obey the command of God for fruitfulness – Genesis 1:28, as well as the continuity of the human race (procreation). Genesis 9:1
For fellowship and partnership. Genesis 2: 18 & 24, Ecc. 4:9-11
To satisfy the sexual and emotional desires that can only be established in marriage. 1 Corinthians 7:2, 9

LESSON OUTLINE TWO
BEFORE YOU TAKE THAT STEP
The Bible in Genesis 24:3-8, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 gives us the blueprint of the appropriate steps to take before we go into marriage knowing that God does not support divorce – Malachi 2:16. You must know that;

You cannot marry an unbeliever. 2 Cor. 6:14, Gen. 24:3
You need God’s guidance for your marriage life partner. Gen. 24:12, Psalm 37:5
You need a close relationship with God before marital relationship. Matt. 6:33
You cannot engage in pre-marital sex during courtship. Hebrew 13:4
God’s pronouncement on marriage covenant is irrevocable. MarK 10:9
Marriage is for adults and not children (be ready). You need maturity to overcome challenges in marriage and the resources to
take care of your home. Gen. 2:15-18, 1Tim. 5:8

ACTIVITY: Mention what made the first family fall.

SUMMARY: Maturity is required before ONE SAYS I DO. Marriage is for adults not for children

CONCLUSION: Our heavenly Father is the best friend and guide anyone can have. He is the one that made the first help meet for the first man and He is still on the throne – Daniel 4:17. He knows the bone of your bones from the foundation of the earth, ask for His guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6

SUNDAY JULY 9TH 2023
LESSON: FORTY FIVE (45)

TOPIC: CONTAINER AND CONTENT

Memory Verse: “But we have this treasure in heathen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us”. 2 Corinthians 4:7

Bible Text: 2 Timothy 2:20-21

LESSON INTRODUCTION: What is a container? This is an object that holds or is used to transport things. It covers the actual thing which it protects. The Container acts as a protection for that which is contained in it. That which is in the container is the content. Take for example a can of corn beef. The can is the container while corn beef is the content. But note that the beauty of the can does not determine the taste of corn beef. 2 Corinthians 4:7

LESSON OUTLINE ONE
POINTS TO CONSIDER
The treasure in the earthen vessel has to be of greater value than the earthen vessel. Nowadays we See men and women who are very well dressed and made up with all sorts of make-up and jewelries but when we probe into their lives, we see that the beautiful vessel is covering a terrible human being;

A husband can become a boxer after marriage, what was looking good is actually a beast waiting to unleash arrow on his wife.
On the other hand, could it be that a beautiful woman after marriage is unable to keep a home. (cannot boil water to cook an edible meal). You need to check that container both spiritually and otherwise before saying yes. Never be in a hurry to say yes just because he or she looks good to the eyes.
Even in the other types of partnerships, business, ministry etc. we should seek God’s approval. Some people sweet talk their victim only to dump them at the long run. So we should take everything to God in prayer and ask Him to help us make the right choice. Psalm 53.2.

ACTIVITY: Members should access the contents they are carrying.

SUMMARY: Container determines the content, pure in heart will carry godly acts.

CONCLUSION: We should not opt for anything just because they look good. We should take out time to pray and enquire from God before deciding.

SUNDAY JULY 16TH 2023
LESSON: FORTY SIX (46)

TOPIC: ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD

MEMORY VERSE: “But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart”. 1 Samuel 16:7

BIBLE TEXT: 1 Samuel 16:7-13

LESSON INTRODUCTION: “AIl that glitters is not gold” This means that all things that shine and glitter are not appealing and useful for us. Gold is a pure metal that shines and glitters, but not all things that shine and sparkle become gold. Therefore, as children of God, we must be led by God in the choices we make in life. In today’s Bible reading, Samuel would have made a wrong choice if he was not led by God.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE
ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD, BE LED BY GOD – ROMANS 8:14
It is an expression that not everything that looks precious or true turns out to be so. In view of this we must be very careful in the choices we make especially in marriage, business and ministry.

MARRIAGE- Many have ended up in broken homes or in broken marriages because of outward appearances of their spouses -2 Corinthians 4:4-18. When choosing a life partner, you must be led by God.
BUSINESS – Before getting influenced by the glittering outer appearance packaging of a business proposal one should ensure the inner qualities of the business. The real value of an object does not depend up on its appearance, as appearance are often deceptive. Many have gone into unexpected debt due to improper check. Be led by God. 1 Samuel 16:7.
MINISTRY- This is a common factor in the body of Christ Today. Many have gone into ministry because their pastor friend is thriving in ministry without hearing from God, in the cause of that, their ministry has suffered shipwreck leading innocent believers astray. Always involve God in the choices we make in life; they either make us or mar us. Rom. 4:18, Psalm 143:10, Gal. 5:18.

ACTIVITY: Discuss 1 Samuel 16: 7-13 with members.

CONCLUSION: Outward appearances are sometimes deceptive. It is not always possible to make judgment about the real worth of a thing by its exterior appearance. Many articles made of an inferior material are given a nice shining outward appearance in order to deceive people. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 -6

SUNDAY 23RD OF JULY, 2023
LESSON: FORTY SEVEN (47)

TOPIC: DIVINE CHOICES

MEMORY VERSE: “And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:” Ruth 1:16

BIBLE TEXT: Ruth 1:6-20

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Divine choices can be defined as Godly choices. Choices taken by the leading of God’s spirit. Our Bible text talks of a widowed lady who got to know the God of her late husband and family and chose to follow her mother in the law and at the end it led to a victorious end.
Our choices should anchor on the Lord for direction. Today we should be looking at two outlines to help us in choices to be taken.
It should be noted that God has given each and every one of us the right to choose. It is important to know also that the choices we make determine our future. We all have to make choices at different stages of our life. We are always presented with different choices and to make these decisions without error, we need proper guidance which only God can provide. Proverbs 3:5-6

LESSON AIM: To let members understand that the height to reach in life is anchored on the choice one makes.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, members should:

Understand that success/failure attained in life is based on who guides.
Have understanding of reasons for divine guidance.

TEXT REVIEW: Ruth 1:6-20.

It takes the ridiculous to get access to the miraculous.
Enduring the present situation may be another way of accessing God’s will.
When you are kept out, believe that you will pull through.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE
WHY DO WE NEED DIVINE GUIDANCE?
This is because as human being we are limited in knowledge. Deut. 29:29
A. We need it so as to fulfill our destiny. 1 Corinthians 2:10-11
B. We need it so that we can overturn the plans of the enemy. Eph. 6:11-19
C. We need it so that our paths and plans may be in line with the will of God. Daniel 11:32

LESSON OUTLINE TWO
DIVINE GUIDANCE
This is a life that is led by God, a life led by the knowledge of the word of God which survives and attain greater success. Psalms 32:8, Psalms 119:105, Galatians 5:25.

ACTIVITY: Discuss David’s travails before he reclaimed in 1 Samuel 30.

SUMMARY: Your attainment in life is based on the choice that you make. Bad choice ruins one’s destiny. Remember Achan with the garment and gold from Jericho.

CONCLUSION: Like Ruth, we need to stand with that which the Holy Spirit inspires us to do so that God’s plan for our lives can be fulfilled to its fullness. We should always seek God for all of our plans and work with Him.

SUNDAY 30TH OF JULY, 2023
LESSON FORTY EIGHT (48)

TOPIC: SOUL-WINNING AND DISCIPLESHIP

MEMORY VERSE: “The fruit of the righteous isa tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise”. Proverbs 11:30

BIBLE TEXT: Matthew 28:18-20, Matt 9:37-38

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Soul winning is the act of preaching to people with the aim that they are converted into the kingdom of God. Discipleship is the strategic process of training and building people up firmly in God’s word after they have been converted into the kingdom of God.
You are a child of God today because someone preached to you, prayed for you and to the glory of God today you are in the family of God. Therefore, it’s now your turn to bring someone into the kingdom of God. In Matthew 28:18-20 – the great Commission.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE
POINTS TO CONSIDER

Disciples are the only one fit for the work of soul winning (Matt 28:16-20). Jesus Christ had other followers, but during the great commission He was talking to His Disciples not all other followers.
Soul winning is more in what you do than in what you say. Jesus Christ lived all the commandments He has given us to obey. It’s His life and we see Him as an example this is why we are following Him. Even as you preach to the dying world, your life must match what you are saying. I’d rather say be a Jesus to the sinners out there. Our life as children of God is also a way of soul winning.
When you go out for witnessing, preach Jesus (the gospel) alone and not a denomination. Preach about the salvation of God. Mark 16:15
Don’t get into arguments when witnessing. It’s not right as a child of God to get involved into a debate. 2 Tim. 2:16
Let the Holy Spirit work in them. When you witness, Commit their hearts into the hands of God and keep on praying for them. Matthew 21:22

ACTIVITY: Get one soul to God’s kingdom this week.

SUMMARY: He that wins soul is wise (Prov 11:30). Let us bring joy into the kingdom of God (Luke 15:7).

CONCLUSION: Jesus Christ commanded us to make disciples of all nations. The work of soul winning therefore is not just for only a group of people, but for all the children of God. We bring great joy to heaven when we win a soul for Christ.

SUNDAY 6TH OF AUGUST, 2023
LESSON: FORTY NINE (49)

TOPIC: TRIBULATION

MEMORY VERSE: “These things I 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”. John 16:33

BIBLE TEXT: Matthew 24:21-29

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Dictionary definition tribulation means distress/suffering resulting from oppression/ persecution, Bible dictionary tribulation is trouble/affliction of any kind or being hated.
Both definitions are synonymous. Persecution and trials are used synonymously with tribulation – Matthew 13:21. The great tribulation is end time event.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TRIBULATION AND THE GREAT TRIBULATION
A. Tribulation – trouble facing God’s children for bearing the name of Jesus.
B. The great tribulation – end time event. Mark 1:19
C. Can a child of God suffer tribulation?
YES, John 16:33. Jesus said, in the world ye shall have tribulation.
D. Why a child of God suffers tribulation?

For Jesus sake, believing in Jesus, bearing His name. Matthew 24:9, Luke 6:22.
He is not of this world – John 15:19 and he is obedient to God’s word.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO
POSITIVE TRIBULATION AND POSITIVE EFFECTS 1 PETER 3:13-14
A. Positive tribulation: one suffers for righteousness sake but is happy. 1 Peter 3:1
B. Jesus Overcame and gave us victory. John 16:33b
C. Tribulation builds patience. Romans 5:3, Romans 12:12
D. Passing through tribulation enables one to comfort/counsel anyone in similar tribulation.

LESSON OUTLINE THREE
NEGATIVE TRIBULATION AND NEGATIVE EFFECTS
A. The face of God is against evildoers. 1 Peter 3:12
B. The attitude of a child of God when he suffers”tribulation” justly

Rejoice because it produces fruit of patience. Romans 5:3
Should be patient and not backslide because of tribulation. Romans 12:12; 8.35
Keep and maintain faith in God. 1 Thess. 1:4
Be companions with those in tribulation (Rev. 1:9) because we are members of the same body.

ACTIVITY: Mention few of those who won trials in the Bible.

SUMMARY: But be of good cheers; I have overcome the world”. John 16:33

CONCLUSION: Tribulation should not separate us from God, as we suffer for Christ.

SUNDAY 13TH OF AUGUST, 2023
LESSON FIFTY (50)

TOPIC: JUDGEMENT AND ETERNAL REWARD

MEMORY VERSE: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment”. Hebrews 9:27

BIBLE TEXT: Revelation 20:11-15

LESSON INTRODUCTION: The Bible says in the book of Hebrews 9:27, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this judgement”. God Himself is the Judge of mankind and He has the power and wisdom to judge with righteousness, truth and justice. Psalms 96:13. Rewards are offered by God to believers on the basis of faithful service rendered after salvation.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE
DEFINITIONS

Judgement is the act of ascertaining truth, right or power of passing sentence.
Reward is benefit/punishment received or given in recognition of good or bad act.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO
ON THE JUDGEMENT DAY

Everyone will appear before the Lord for Judgement. Romans 14:12; Rev. 20:11-15
Your salvation & works will be judged in accordance with our faith in Christ. Rev. 21:27; Eph. 2: 8-10. Rev. 22:12, 2 Corinthians 5:10
Our rewards will correspond with the good works we did on earth.
Crowns will be given by God on the Judgement Day:
i. Crown of Rejoicing – for Soul winners. 1 Thess. 2:19-20
ii. Crown of Life-for those who endured to the end. Rev. 2:10
iii. Crown of Righteousness- for those who love and await His appearing. 2 Tim. 4:8
iv. Crown of Victory – for self-discipline. 1 Corinthians 9: 25
v. Crown of Glory – for Servants of God. 1 Peter 5:4

SUMMARY: If anyone’s name was not found in the book of life, he/she will be hurled into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:15

CONCLUSION: Everybody should be prepared to gain divine rewards, if not eternal damnation awaits unprepared believers.

SUNDAY AUGUST 20TH 2023
LESSON FIFTY ONE (51)

TOPIC: HEAVEN AND HELL

MEMORY VERSE: “That He might present it to himself a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish”. Ephesians 5:27

BIBLE TEXT: Matthew 25:31-46

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Heaven can be described as the highest place, the holiest place, a paradise which is the abode of God, a state of bliss, a sacred reality, while Hell or the underworld are the lowest places, the abode of evil or demonic spirits and a state of spiritual impoverishment. For our lives extends beyond the grave, every departed soul ends up in either Heaven or Hell.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL
A. Heaven is generally thought of as a realm in which people experience the bliss of perfect fellowship and harmony with God and with each other; while Hell is in general thought of a realm in which people experience the greatest possible estrangement from God.
B. Heaven is God’s Kingdom where the Lord has prepared mansions for His own; while Hell is a place of everlasting fire prepared for the devil, his cohorts, the wicked and the disobedient- Matt. 25:41.
C. Heaven is reserved for the blessed of the Father to inherit; while Hell is for cursed – Matt. 25:34, 41.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO
HEADING FOR HEAVEN OR HELL?
To ensure you make Heaven and stop any Hell bound journey: –

Put God first, worship no other gods nor practice idolatry- Exo. 20:3-4.
Live a holy life, free of all blemish, wrinkle or spot- Eph. 5:27.
Do good works and harm not another- Matt. 25: 40, Gal. 6:9-10.
To Be kind and helpful to others particularly the poor or needy and less privileged- Matt. 25:40.
Always seek the face of the Lord for mercy when you fall into sin, confessing and forsaking them – Ps. 51: 1-5.

ASSIGNMENT: Let members assess themselves and correct what may hinder them from gaining access to God’s kingdom.

SUMMARY: And HE (JESUS) Shall set the sheep on His right hand (everlasting Joy), but the goats on the left (eternal damnation). Matthew 25:33

ASSIGNMENT: Check the activity to be done for the end of this quarter and plan ahead.

CONCLUSION: May the Lord help us as we make the right choice and begin to perfect our Heaven bound journey in Jesus name.

Open Heavens 2021 Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

ALSO READ: CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW US ON TWITTER ⊗ OPEN HEAVEN ⊗ JOEL OSTEEN DEVOTIONAL⊗ ABOVE ONLY ⊗ OUR DAILY BREAD ⊗ SEEDS OF DESTINY ⊗ JOYCE MEYER DEVOTIONAL ⊗ RHAPSODY OF REALITIES ⊗ JOHN HAGEE ⊗ MFM DAILY DEVOTIONAL ⊗UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHESTDCLM DAILY MANNA ⊗ JOHN PIPER DEVOTIONAL ⊗