RCCG House Fellowship Leader Manual SUNDAY 1ST OF DECEMBER, 2024, SUNDAY 1ST OF DECEMBER, 2024 – TOPIC: QUARTERLY REVIEW/SUMMARY (1-12)

RCCG House Fellowship Leader Manual SUNDAY 1ST OF DECEMBER, 2024, SUNDAY 1ST OF DECEMBER, 2024 – TOPIC: QUARTERLY REVIEW/SUMMARY (1-12)

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RCCG HOUSE FELLOWSHIP LEADERS’ MANUAL

SUNDAY 1ST OF DECEMBER, 2024

LESSON FOURTEEN (14)

TOPIC: QUARTERLY REVIEW/SUMMARY (1-12)

LESSON ONE (01)
TOPIC: WHERE ARE THE NINE?
BIBLE TEXT: Luke 17:12-17

MEMORY VERSE: And Jesus answering said were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Luke 17:17

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Many do not show appreciation to God for daily, weekly, monthly and yearly miracles received, even in RCCG, not all that witnessed BEYOND EXPECTATION CONVENTION were alive to see HEAVEN’S CONVENTION, God deserves our thanksgiving for different victories, miracles of protection, provisions on daily basis and unseen battles He fought for us. Ingratitude denies many access to more blessing, we need to cultivate virtue of appreciation as believers so as to avoid God blocking us from enjoying fulfilment of divine promises, therefore take time to give God praise.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE: SHOW GRATITUDE
Gratitude to God is a strong feeling of appreciation to Almighty God for the assistance received from Him, for;
(1) Immeasurable support on daily basis. Psalm 68:19
(2) Victory over the enemies. Isaiah 59:19
(3) Immense intervention over shame. Luke 5:1-7
(4) Healings and recoveries. Mark 5:25-34, 1 Samuel 30:18
(5) Divine repositioning. E.g Daniel and Esther
(6) Bringing the giants in one’s destiny down. 1 Samuel 17:45-51 Zechariah 4:6,7
(7) Making us more than conquerors. Romans 8:37

LESSON OUTLINE TWO: BENEFITS OF GRATITUDE
(a) Wholenessi.e. entirely sound, healthy, uninjured. Luke 17:17-19
(b) Receiving grace for abundance, living in surplus. Matthew 15:36,37.
c) Proclaimed dead received ordained life. John 11:41-44
(d) Hope is restored. John 11:44
(e) The bound and the afflicted are set at liberty
(f) The impossible receives divine attention. Mark 8:1-3
(g) God’s mercy and His faithful love never ends or depreciates Psalm 139, Daniel 2:22.
(h) Revelation of deep and wonderful things.
(i) Gratitude brings glory to God and keep us in God’s will. 2 Corinthians 4:15, 1 Thessa.5:18.

SUMMARY: “Oh! Give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endures forever 1 Chronicles 16:34

CONCLUSION: Showing gratitude to God makes Him happy, cause Him to do more for us, makes your life His dwelling place. Whenever a child quits thanking His father for his benevolence, that child’s right is shortened. Don’tbe like Samson, be grateful like David!

LESSON TWO (02)
TOPIC: TRYING TIMES AND PATIENCE
BIBLE TEXT: James 1:2-4

MEMORY VERSE: Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation continuing instant in prayer. Romans 12:12

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Trying times is simply means periods of difficulty or hardship, going through, though times posing as a challenge to your existence. No matter the difficult challenges one maybe going through, there is always provision for the presence of ELOHIM, Hebrews 13:5, that’s why a Christian should remain unperturbed, because there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE: WHAT ARE TRYING TIMES?
Trying times is described as;

Difficult situations or hardship someone faces or passingthrough.
Times of troubles and struggles. Exodus 2:23-25
Times that makes someone to trigger “suicide thought” because of lack of support.
Times of test of loyalty to divinity or God’s agenda.
Times of waiting for God’s intervention. Job 14:14.
Time of secret weeping, test of strength, patience and endurance. Psalm 30:5.
Time of ‘no help received’ and situation getting worse and complicated.
Time of closed heaven, all efforts become fruitless. Luke 5:1-2
Time of abandonment and inflow of undesirable thoughts. Psalm 22:1
Time of seeking God’s face for immediate intervention and resolution. Exodus I: 13-13

LESSON OUTLINE TWO: LEARN TO BE PATIENT
To be patient means;
I. Ability to wait without becoming upset, angry.

Exercising self-control
Refraining from complaining
Control your emotions and your intentions.
Be calm and rely on divine inputs.

WHY DO YOU NEED PATIENCE?
a. Impatience causes stress.
b. Unresolved stress affects your well-being.
c. Impatience may cause one to take wrong and deadly decisions. 1 Samuel
d. Impatience incurs curses or God’s anger. 1 Samuel 13:14, Exodus 32:1.28

SUMMARY: In waiting on God’s for His intervention the solution is always lasting and yielding, no matter the situation, brethren Wait till God acts

CONCLUSION : Believers should learn to wait on God during trying times

LESSON THREE (03)
TOPIC: NEW DAWN
BIBLE TEXT: Isaiah 43:18-19

MEMORY VERSE: Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

LESSON INTRODUCTION: What is new dawn? It means forgetting old happenings, the troubles, the setbacks, business failures, career lopsidedness and down journey of life and getting access to new beginning. Many in life have witnessed down journey in life, inability to secure comfort for their family members, defeat and derogatory statements being faced at work which may have caused untold hardship, don’t be perplexed, there is provision for new beginning!

LESSON OUTLINE ONE: WHAT IS THE NEW DAWN?
New dawn means;
i. A fresh start. Exodus 3:1-10
ii. An end to difficult era, the beginning of new era with the releasing of good helpers.
iii. Transformation of darkness to light. Genesis 1:3
iv. Bringing realization to divine promises. 2 Corinthians 1:20.
v. A new beginning to arise, shine. Isaiah 60:1
vi. Awakening form slumbering and sleeping.
Proverbs 24:33-34.
vii. Revitalization of God’s given ability. Phil 4:13.
viii. Recovering of lost virtues, ground or opportunity. Joel 2:25-27
ix. Getting encounter with God of divine repositioning. Mark 5:25-34.
x. Sudden divine intervention to sorrowful situation. Luke 7:11-15, Jeremiah 32:29.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO:
HOW CAN NEW DAWN BE KEPT PERMANENTLY?
These are the things to do to have permanent new dawn:
a) Show gratitude to God of Wonders.2 kings 5:25
b) Always see yourself as light over darkness, having Godly thought. John 9:5
c) Be obedient to divine instructions. 2 kings 5: 10,15, John 9:7
d) Testify of your new era. John 9:11, Matthew 9:29-31
e) Abstain from contamination that may terminate your new beginning. 1 Thess.5:22.
f) Always believe in divine presence and His influence. Isaiah 41:10, Hebrews 11:5.

SUMMARY: In Matthew 20:28, Jesus has made the provision for any challenging situation that we maybe going through, new dawn comes with making request to the MOST HIGH GOD, there is nothing hard for Him to do. Jeremiah 32:29.

CONCLUSION: To access your new dawn, you must follow the TRUE DOOR. John 10:9, getting fresh start begins with personal transformation in thought and in character of one that desires it, act of gratitude to God and affirmation of one status as light. Matthew 5:13-16 will sustain one’s new dawn and open more doors.

LESSON FOUR (04)
TOPIC: RUN IT WELL
BIBLE TEXT: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27

MEMORY VERSE: Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one race with the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 1 Corinthians 9:24.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: The race oflife is not relay is a marathon (an extended race) that is the reason you need to run it well with a lot of factors required to gain the prize at the end. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, the bible says many are running the race, running as they race but few are gaining the prize. The race to eternity can only end will when our Saviour, Lord Jesus is still with us guiding us and equipping us with the required strength and grace.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE
HOW CAN INDIVIDUAL RUN THE RACE WELL?
Christian race is a marathon where the runner is competing, striving to fulfil great commission as directed by the Lord Jesus.

Lay aside all weight encumbrances. Hebrews 12:1.
Repent of all sins committed. Acts 3:19
Be steadfast, focused and unmovable. 1 Corinthians 15:58.
Follow Jesus and His strategies. Hebrews 12:2
Have faith to end well. Hebrews 10:37-38.
Don’t be complacent, never compare yourself with others.
Jesus is your perfect example to race well. Hebrews 12:2
Run with purpose and patience. 1 Corinthians 9:24, 26; Hebrews 10:36
Be temperate, don’t be excessive. 1 Corinthians 9:25
Endure all odds on the road. 2 Timothy 4:5

LESSON OUTLINE TWO
BENEFITS OF RUNNING THE RACE
WELL

There is joy awaiting the winner. Hebrews 12:2
There is an AUTHOR, ANCHOR to lead you through. Hebrews 12:2
You will receive the promise. Hebrews 10:36; 2 Timothy 4:7-8
There will be royal welcome at His appearing.
You will be in God’s presence forever. John 14:3
Your heavenly home is built by God. John 14:2

SUMMARY: The Christian race is a marathon race with rewards and must be ran well

CONCLUSION: But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make proof of your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5. To win the race, there is divine methodology i.e looking unto Only ONE that will make sure you achieve the prize.

LESSON FIVE (05)
TOPIC: JABEZ
BIBLE TEXT: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

MEMORY VERSE: And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren and his mother called his name Jabez saying, because I bare him with sorrow. 1 Chronicles 4:9

LESSON INTRODUCTION: There is no mountain, human obstacles, family evil pronouncement, Almighty God cannot pull down or address but the factor to get it done is recorded in Matthew. 11:12 i.e being violent. Jacob wrestled with God until his destiny which was plagued with curses was divinely visited and corrected. To become honourable, be ready to enforce your liberty.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE
WHO IS JABEZ?

Jabez was from the tribe of Judah (praise) but was living in sorrow. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10.
At the beginning of his life, his mother commissioned him to life of sorrow. 1 Chron. 4:9
He rejected evil spoken to his destiny by his mother.
Hard time, life of struggles, reproach continued in his life until he (Jabez) reacted.
Jabez initiated the process of solution for himself by calling on Almighty God for intervention. Jeremiah 33:3.
He told God what he wanted:
1) God to bless him.
2) God to enlarge his coast i.e prosper his work.
3) God to keep him from all evil and disasters.
4) God to delete from his life things that is causing him to grieved.
He refused to accept defeat. Numbers 14:28
He quit the sorry state and delivered his generation from unknown embargo.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO
YOUR INPUTS TO GREATNESS IS REQUIRED.
What are the inputs?

Have perfect relationship with Almighty God.
Be determined to succeed, never receive no for an answer.
Go to the source of your problems and address it. 2 Kings 2:19-22.
Be prayerful. Mark 9:29
Obedience will sustain your greatness. 1 Samuel 15:18-22.
Maintain your stand with God, keep on lane, and remain focused till the victory is won.
Self-control and discipline is required. Genesis 49:5-7

SUMMARY: Christian should always be ready to reclaim everything belonging to them

CONCLUSION: Everyone created by God has mandate of walking in dominion, though there are adversaries to contend with, from immediate family to extended family members, neighbourhood, working place, e.t.c. This is the reason Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 16:9, that great and effectual doors are opened but there are adversaries to contend with. Fight for your destiny!

LESSON SIX (06)
TOPIC: WHO TOLD YOU?
BIBLE TEXT: Lamentations 3:31-37

MEMORY VERSE: Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass when the Lord commendeth it not? Lamentation 3:37

LESSON INTRODUCTION: To subvert (overturn from the foundation, overthrown) a man in his cause, the Lord approveth not. Lam.3:36. There is an ordained provision from God to everyone that confess to be a believer sound health, grace to be the head, victory over challenges of life, release of timely helpers, termination of wicked and deadly evil covenant, e.t.c, so who is that person that will now deny you of enjoying these precious promises.
For a child of God to receive the actualization of God’s promises, there is room to react to demonic pressure and advances.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE
GOD’S COUNSEL WILL PREVAIL.
Can anything happen without the Lord’s permission both good or bad? God permits what will happen in the life of individual, without His permission, there is no implementation. Let us look at biblical examples of people that prevailed with God’s permission despite all oppositions.
1) Joseph prevailed against his brothers opposition to his dreams. Gen. 37:5-8; 42:6-9
2) David prevailed over opposition from king Saul.
3) Three Hebrew men prevailed evil counsel of king Nebuchadnezzer. Daniel 3:4-25.
4) King Hezekiah prevailed over Assyrians that besieged land of Judah. 2 Kings 19:32-37.
5) Mordecai prevailed over Haman. Esther 6:13
6) Elisha prevailed over king of Syria. 2 Kings 6:11-23.
7) Micaiah prevailed over king Ahab. 1 kings 22:15-35.
8) Jesus prevailed over devil and his allies (sickness, affliction) Matthew 4:3-11, 14:17-21.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO.
YOUR SIN, YOUR WALL (HINDRANCE) TO YOUR TESTIMONIES.
What is sin?
a) A violation of God’s will, instructions or commandment.
b) Act of wickedness. Genesis 13:13. Psalm 104:35
c) Association with bad company and consenting to bad influence. Proverbs 1:10, 1 Corinthians 15:33.
d) Doing evil. 1 Kings 15:30.
e) Working against God’s programme.

RESULTS OF SIN

Provocation of God’s anger: 1 kings 15:30, Psalm 104:35.
Removal of divine privileges.
Sinners have no place in God’s plan and chased by trouble. Proverbs 13:21
It brings divine replacement. E.g, King Saul and Eli were replaced. Samuel 3:12-14.
Loss of right in destiny. Proverbs 13:22.

EXAMPLES OF THOSE THAT LOST FULFILLMENT DUE TO SIN

Moses: Did not enter the promise land
Eli: Divine exchange of God’s promises.
Solomon: Division of tribes of Israel.
Ten Spies: Died as a result of evil report.
Micah: Remained barren as a result of despising King David.

SUMMARY: To prevail as a child of God, you have to abstain from what can bring God’s wrath. Joseph prevailed against his brothers’ opposition to his dreams. Gen.37:5-8,42:6-9.

CONCLUSION: Thought of God towards His elect is always positive. Jeremiah 29:11 (getting the best, being kept from enemy’s advances, enjoying divine privileges, surrounded with desire helpers and walking in
dominion) but all these can be reversed and lost when there is provision and
retention of sinful lives.

LESSON SEVEN (07)
TOPIC: AVAILABLE FOR ALL
BIBLE TEXT: Luke 8:1-13

MEMORY VERSE: Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

LESSON INTRODUCTION: The Lord who is our strength, our helper, our shield and in whom our heart trusted is always available to attend to all our life concerns, hence He has given an open invitation to us to come unto Him. Psalm 28:7, Matthew 11:28

LESSON OUTLINE ONE: NO RESTRICTIONS

Jesus Christ’s invitation to all that labours and are heavy laden has no gender, race, status or locational restrictions. Matthew 11:28
The invitation is for those who are weary and discouraged about any issue of life, or facing challenges in whatever form and to all of us in charting a good path in life
It is assurance that Jesus is always ready to pay attention to your case, no matter how lowly placed you are, or even being an outcast. Mark 1:40-42
It is an invitation for us to learn from Him and imbibe His nature as a living standard. Matthew 11:29

LESSON OUTLINE TWO: COME UNTO HIM

Irrespective of your status, position or condition in life, you must first come to Jesus by surrendering your life and accepting Him as your Lord and personal savior. Luke 17:12-14, Matthew 8:13.
Do not be ashamed or feel demeaned or reduced in status if people find you in the midst of those seeking Jesus daily. Luke
19:1-6
Let not your status continue to make you suffer in silence. Luke 7:1-10
No matter how powerful you are in life, you must go to the POSSESSOR OF ALL POWER in heaven and earth to receive solution to your problems. Psalm 56:21, 2 Kings 5:1-16.
If you are cheated, jilted, exploited or maltreated by people you trusted or being taken advantage of, you need to come Jesus, for His more than able to sort things out for you. 2 Kings 6:26-30, Luke 8:43-48

Why Should You Come Unto Him

To subdue all giants and end all your travail. Luke 7:11-15, Luke 5:1-7
To supply all your needs. Phil.4:13
To keep you from all opposition and demonic oppressions. John 5:1-9
To assist you to end well. 2 Timothy 4:7
To finish the work He started at Calvary for you and give you the rewards. John 17:4, 19:30, Revelation 22:12

SUMMARY: As you come unto Him, all your burdens will be lifted and those who have written you off, will soon gather to celebrate your new status.

CONCLUSION: We should stop getting unnecessarily worried and wearied but take all issues to Jesus Christ who is always available to bear every of our burden.

LESSON EIGHT (08)
TOPIC: ORDAINED TO GOOD WORKS
BIBLE TEXT: Ephesians 2:8-14

MEMORY VERSE: For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works. Eph.2:10.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: According to Ephesians 2:8, it says” for by grace ye are saved through faith, our ordination or acceptance unto good works started with the price of redemption of Calvary the remission of sin through the shed blood of Christ brought our justification at last.
Work of grace at Calvary precedes good works God intends us to bear.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE:
PRICE PAID BEFORE BEING ORDAINED TO GOOD WORKS
Before creation embraced emancipation from the coven of Satan, there was price paid.

Significance of the Price.
i Evil handwritings contrary to the elected were blotted away. Colossians 2:14
ii Bondage of sickness, infirmities was broken. 1 John 3:8
iii Lost opportunities, virtues were restored. Joel 2:25
iv Aliens, unprofitable were redeemed to become beloved. Ephesians 1:4-6.
v Exchange was done to favour once called the lost. 2 Cor 8:9, Galatians 3:13-14.
vi. Evil provisions were nailed to the Cross. Colossians 2:14
vii. It enlisted believers into spiritual blessings. Ephesians 1:3. Granted us provision of HEADSHIP OVER ALL THINGS. Ephesians 1:22.
viii. Deliverance from the power of darkness and divine shifting into God’s kingdom. Col.1:3

LESSON OUTLINE TWO:
YOU ARE BEING ORDAINED TO GOOD WORKS
Good works are grace endowed or received of helping of others. What are the good works believers are called into?

Bringing sinners to the cross for redemption. Acts 10:20-48
Relieving people from pains. Acts 8:5-8, 9:39
Intercession for those in captivity. Acts 12:5
Supporting the helpless to receive assistance. Mark 2:2-4
Fellowshipping with the saints.
Contributing to the advancement of the gospel.
Feeding the poor, clothing the homeless.
Praying for the trouble communities, nations.
Counselling the afflicted and the rejected.

SUMMARY: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

CONCLUSION: Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us and took it out of the way nailing it to his cross i.e. the price Jesus paid on the cross.

LESSON NINE (09)
TOPIC: JUDGING OTHERS
BIBLE TEXT: Luke 6:37

MEMORY VERSE: “Judge not, that ye not be judged” Matthew 7:1

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Judge others means to form a decide or conclusion about someone. And the bible warned us that we should judge not, so that we would not be judge. Matthew 7:1. We will all face judgement, at one time of the other and needs to understand that judgement is coming from our creator, from God. He is the one we must all give an account to. When we judge, we put ourself in God’s place.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE: JUDGE NOT.
What does judging others mean? It means evaluating, assessing, or forming a critical opinion of someone or something. If you have trouble seeing others’ flaws, generally thinking of people as being all bad, when you don’t like people who are not like you, feeling everyone is against you or think less of others are examples of judging others. People judge others to avoid reckoning with potential feelings of inferiority and shame.

The warning that comes with this teaching is: 1. We will be judged the way we judge.

If we want to judge mercilessly, then we need to demonstrate mercy towards others as well.
Denying others mercy, will keep God away from showing us mercy. Matthew 7:3-5
We should be satisfied with working on our lives without judging others. John 8:2-11.

CONSEQUENCES OF JUDGING OTHERS

It foster a negative and toxic environment and leads to conflicts
It can bring criticism in Christian fold.
It can erodes trust, respect and empathy which are essential for healthy relationship.
It is hurtful, causes relationship damage and destruction of good reputation. Prov.22:1
Whenever you judge others, you are putting yourself on God’s role, i.e. assuming God’s place. Romans 14:10-12, Psalm 75:1.
It is inaccurate, can cause spiritual ship wreck.
It brings misinformation that can make ministry to be incapacitated, unprogressive.

SUMMARY: Since we know that judging others negates divine order, we should desist from it.

CONCLUSION: The bottom line is that we are not to judge people, we are called to love them, even our enemies to forgive them, to help them, to love them into the kingdom of God.

LESSON TEN (10)
TOPIC: SERVING OTHERS
BIBLE TEXT: Matthew 20:26-28

MEMORY VERSE: “And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave” Matt. 20:27

INTRODUCTION: To serve others mean to be a servant for others. Matthew 20:26-28 tells us that the way up is to serve others. We serve others by doing something primarily for the benefits and goodwill of another person or people. Our Saviour gave Himself in unselfish service. He taught that each of us should follow Him by denying ourselves of selfish interest in order to serve others. Our attitude should always be “I’m here to serve”

LESSON ONE: HUMILITY PRECEEDS HONOUR
Humility brings honour, Jesus told the disciples in Matthew 20:26-28 that true greatness or honour would not come by showing off authority as the gentile leaders do. Instead, they will become great or honoured by serving each other, even as a slave does and as Jesus Himself did Proverbs 18:12.
We must lower ourselves and put the needs of other before ourselves. Greatness in God’s kingdom comes through humility and service. To follow Jesus, commit to living a life of sacrifices and service He gave His life so that we could be ransomed from the curse of sin. Mark 10:45

LESSON TWO: THERE IS REWARD FOR SERVICE
Serving others allow us to experience God’s presence in a new way. Paul Matthew 5:12says that at the judgement of the believers work each will receive a reward according to his/her labour. When we do whatever we do to glorify His name. He will reward us. Paul also wrote in
Colossians 3:22-24, that whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

EXAMPLES OF THOSE GOD REWARDED

Paul the Apostle. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
David later crowned as king of Judah. 2 Samuel 2:1-4
3..Mordecai revealed evil intention against king Ahasuerus. .Esther 6:1-10
Joseph sold to slavery but later became a voice in Egypt.
Samuel who was covenanted to divine service later crowned first king of Israel.

SUMMARY: Believers are called to a life of service which will be rewarded by God, so we are to serve with humility.

CONCLUSION: The rewards of serving God by serving others far outweigh the consequences. Let these motivate us to keep going. Jesus told us that our service as Christians may not be easy, but it is essential if we are to follow Him.

LESSON ELEVEN (11)
TOPIC: THE 4.9.0 PRINCIPLES
BIBLE TEXT: Matthew 18:22-35

MEMORY VERSE: “Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, until seven times, but until seventy times seven”Matthew 18:22

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Forgiveness means different things to different people, but word forgiveness means intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger. The bible teaches that unselfish love is the basis for true forgiveness since it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:5. Forgiving others means letting go of resentment and giving up any claim to be compensated for the hurt or loss we have suffered.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE: WHAT IS THE PRINCIPLE? The 4.9.0 principle is referring to the principle of forgiveness that our Lord Jesus Christ established in the passage we read today. When we forgive those that offended us seventy times seven times a day, then we would have actually forgiven for four hundred and ninety times a day. The question we need to ask ourselves is, is it possible for us to be offended 490 times in a day? This is simply admonishing us to forgive, times without number. The Lord expects us to forgive one another as He has forgiven us. Romans 3:23 teaches that all have sinned and lack the glory of God. We need forgiveness because we have sinned against God, ourselves and others. The one who has received forgiveness, has to give forgiveness as well. We must not be like that servant in today’s bible passage, who his master forgave, but he was not willing to forgive others his fellow servant.

LESSON OUTLINE Two: WHY DO PEOPLE FIND IT DIFFICULT TO FORGIVE?

Lack of knowledge of God on forgiveness. Matthew 6:12-15
Shameful experience brings up old hurting that can seems shameful for one selves.
Betrayal of trust.
Emotional wound
Feeling of resentment.

SUMMARY: Believers are mandated to forgive others for ALL wrong doings

CONCLUSION: When you can think of people without thinking of the hurt they caused and stopped looking for them to fail, you have really forgiven them.

LESSON TWELVE (12)
TOPIC: THE PRAYING CHRISTIAN
BIBLE TEXT: Acts 12:5-12

MEMORY VERSE: “And He spake a parable unto them to this end that men ought to pray and not to faint”. Luke 18:1

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Prayer can be described as untold treasure that remains to be unearthed, an untapped resources which is mostly talked about and practiced less than anything else. And yet for the believer, it remains one of the greatest gift our Lord has given us outside of salvation. Instead of being something we do every day like breathing, eating, walking and talking. The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer but un-offered prayer. As Christians, 1 Thess 5:7 says pray without ceasing.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE: TYPES OF PRAYER. Effective prayer line is one of the cornerstone of Christianity and yet we sometimes struggle with making it a permanent structure in our everyday lives. One of the reasons that makes prayer hard to some people is that we fix in our mind that there is only one way to pray. We will be looking into seven different types of prayer
a. Prayer of Worship: – Hebrew 13:15, Revelation 4:11. This type of prayer is as simple as saying “God, you are so good, worshipping the Lord focuses on who God is.
b. Prayer of Thanksgiving: Psalm 100:4: This is prayer centers on appreciating God’s act of benevolence, it is closely related to prayer of worship, although the difference is that one is recognizing who God is, and the other is giving thanks to God for what He has done.
c. Prayer of Faith: James 5:13-16. When we pray in faith, it is an act of reaffirming that we have faith in God’s, enforcing our will into His.
d. Prayer of Intercession: Daniel 9:1-27. Intercession is an act of praying on behalf of another person or group of people. When we pray for the well-being of others, we are interceding on their behalf.
e. Corporate Prayer: Acts 12:5-18. This is praying in a group to achieve a specific purpose. In Acts 12:5-18, the reason for their corporate prayer as a church was for the release of Peter who Herod put in jail.
f. Prayer of Consecration: Matthew 26:26, 27. When we take communion, we are praying a prayer of consecration. This means w are consecrating the bread and the wine to bring wholeness to our body and make us holy as believers.
g. “Pray” in the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:26,27. Praying in the language of Holy Spirit helps us brings quickening to our state of weakness by interceding for us in accordance with the will of God.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO: WHY SHOULD WE PRAY AS BELIEVERS?

It is a command from God. A prayer less Christian is a powerless Christian. Prayer is our weapon of welfare. 1 Thess. 5:17
It creates openings for the blocked access. Acts 12:5-18.
It enables us to move forward. 2 chronicles 20:1-20
Prayer ends dominance and terrorism of adversaries. 2 kings 19:35
It aligns our ears to His glorious thoughts towards us. Jeremiah 29:11
It awakes our sensitivity towards what can do. 1 chronicles 4:9-10.
Prayer brings divine purpose into fruition.
It brings renewal to divine fellowshipping.

SUMMARY: Christian are called to life of prayers and intercession. prayer is the pipeline of communication between God and His people, between God and those who love Him.

CONCLUSION: Apostle Paul was somebody who understand prayer and its power. You cannot really be a good Christian and not pray.

Open Heavens 2024 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.

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