RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL – LESSON FIFTY-TWO – DATE: SUNDAY 28TH AUGUST 2022 – TOPIC: EFFECTIVE PERSONAL EVANGELISM (SUMMARY OF LESSONS FROM LESSON 40-51)
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RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL
LESSON FIFTY-TWO
DATE: SUNDAY 28TH AUGUST 2022
TOPIC: FORTH INTERACTIVE SESSION (SUMMARY OF LESSONS FROM LESSON 40-51)
LESSON: FORTY
TOPIC: EFFECTIVE PERSONAL EVANGELISM
MEMORY VERSE: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek”. –Romans 1:16
BIBLE PASSAGE: MARK 16:15-18
INTRODUCTION
Personal evangelism is the act of a person sharing the gospel with another. While there are many different methods of evangelism and means of helping others find salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, personal evangelism has been found to be very effective. Personal evangelism is the responsibility of every believer. God calls each of us to different tasks and endows us with different gifts, but the goal is the same-the salvation of the Lost (1Corinthians 12:6-7; Luke 19:10). He places us in strategic positions for influence, not privilege. We have neighbours, co-workers, friends, and relatives who need to hear the good news about Jesus. Like Apostle Paul, believers should not be ashamed of sharing their faith with others (Romans 1:16).
LESSON OUTLINES
- THE PREPARATION PHASE
- CREATIVITY IS KEY
THE PREPARATION PHASE
A. The person who wants to embarking result-oriented personal evangelism must prepare in the following five ways:
i. Preparation through prayers.
ii. Preparation through righteous life style.
iii. Preparation through the knowledge of the word of God.
iv. Preparation through life application.
v. Preparation through right attitude.
B. Why are these preparation phase
essential?
I. Preparation through consistent and meaningful prayer life is essential because:
i. Prayer enables the preacher to be filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 4:31).
ii. The Holy Spirit brings convintion and repentance (2Timothy 2:25).
iii. The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus to sinners. (John 3:16)
iv. The Holy Spirit release the right word to the audience. (Colossians 4:6).
v. Through prayer, God will open the hearts and the eyes of the sinners to receive and see Christ. (2Corinthians 4:4).
vi. Prayer equips the evangelist with courage and boldness to preach the gospel. (Acts 4:29).
II. Preparation through righteous lifestyle: Righteous life style is a divine qualification to embark on personal evangelism after salvation. (1Peter 3:15).
III. Preparation through Biblical knowledge: Being well grounded in the word of God enables the preacher to rightly select and refer to the appropriate Bible verses for the situation or condition of the audience. (2Timothy 2:15).
IV. Preparation through life application of your salvation experience and testimony: Sharing the experience of what Jesus has done in your life to save you can encourage your audience to believe Jesus and be saved. (1Corinthains 13:1-3; Mark12:30; Matthew 7:3-5).
V. Preparation through right attitude: Sharing the gospel with love and respect for your audience will attract them to the Lord Jesus Christ. (1Corinthains 13:1-3; Mark 12:30; Matthew 7:3-5).
CREATIVITY IS KEY
i. Share the gospel as God gives you the skill and the abilities not necessarily the same way like other people. (1Corinthains 12:12-26; Ephesians 4:11-16).
ii. Maximise every opportunity you have to share the gospel with others people. (2Timothy 4:2).
iii. Give support to all works of evangelism be it personal or mass evangelism. (Phillippians 4:9)
iv. You can write tracts, compose songs, produce graphic design, and so on to support-the soul-winning mandate. (1Corinthains 3:5-9).
SUMMARY
“Preparations” and “creativity” are essential tools of personal evangelism.
CONCLUSION
Effective personal evangelism is a veritable tool for soul winning.
LESSON: FORTY-ONE
TOPIC: DIGITAL EVANGELISM
MEMORY VERSE: “For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him”. – 2Samuel 14:14
BIBLE PASSAGE: HEBREWS 10:21-24
INTRODUCTION
As at January 2020, total world population stood at 7.75 billion, smart mobile phone users are about 5.1 million, internet users 4.54 billion and active social media users 3.80 million. Statistics also shows that every minutes, about 1 million people log unto Facebook 3.8 million searches are made on Google, 4.5 million videos are viewed on YouTube and 347 thousand users scroll on Instagram.
The Bible is clear that everyone who has a personal encounter with Jesus is called to be his witness (Mark 16: 14-15, acts 1:8). With the emergence of New digital technologies and internet/social media platforms, digital evangelism is an effective means of reaching the world with the gospel.
LESSON OUTLINES
- BIBLICAL VIEW OF DIGITAL EVANGELISM
- OPTIMISING THE DIGITAL WORLD FOR EVANGELISM AND DISCIPLESHIP
BIBLICAL VIEW OF DIGITAL EVANGELISM
Question: what is digital evangelism?
i. It is the strategic and deliberate use the internet and social media platforms to preach the gospel.
ii. Students should mention some communication gadgets available to envangelize for Christ.
iii. The Bible described various means adopted by the Lord Christ and the apostle to reach their audience. Identify them in the following Bible passages (Luke 5:1-3; Matt. 5:1-2).
iv. Apostle Paul used his hand writing (a form of text message) to write the Colossians. (Col. 4:18).
A. Activity: students should identify those who used text messages in the bible.
B. Activity: students should mention three conditions he subjected himself into to win others for Christ according to 1Corinthains 9:21-23.
C. Activity: to conclude this outline, teachers should emphasise the need for students to plan and use all available communication device at their disposal to win souls to Christ in fulfillment of divine mandate in Matthew 28:19-20.
D. Activity: student should share their experiences using the digital devices to spread the Gospel of our lord Jesus Christ.
OPTIMISING THE DIGITAL WORLD FOR EVANGELISM AND DISCIPLESHIP
i. Hostile communities can be reached Through social media sites and platform.
ii. Old friends can be reconnected through media groups e.g WhatsApp groups and broadcast.
iii. The whole world can be reached through creative visual contents. We can all be content- Creators and publishers.
iv. On-line Sunday service, revival, programs, teaching and seminars are now in vogue. They are veritable means of preaching the gospel to near and far.
SUMMARY
Digital evangelism is cost efficient and effective.
CONCLUSION
Digital evangelism should be Incorporated with traditional forms of evangelism. It does not replace traditional methods such as one-on-one, mass, tracts, evangelism etc. (Matthew 28:19-20).
LESSON: FORTY-TWO
TOPIC: DEGREES OF RESTITUTION
MEMORY VERSE: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”. – Micah 6:8
BIBLE PASSAGE: GENESIS 33:1-11
INTRODUCTION
Simply put, restitution is the act of making right the wrong done against someone or an institution. God is a just God and He expects Justice from everyone (Micah 6:8; Jeremiah 22:3). This is such a universal law of human relationships that even the world’s court’s know that it is just and right to required that corrections
be made for wrong action of the past.
LESSON OUTLINES
- KINDS OF RESTITUTION
- SATISFACTORY COMPENSATION
KINDS OF RESTITUTION
i. Question:
What is restitution?
Answers:
Act of making right the wrong done against someone or an institution.
ii. Question:
What are the kinds of restitution?
Answers:
There are two kinds of restitution. These are:
a. Restitution for material loss
b. Restitution for personal loss.
iii. Question:
What are the differences between the two?
Answers:
A. Material loss: This has to do with compensation or reparation or reimbursement or repayment of money or its equivalent to the victim(s).
a. Question:
Under what conditions could material loss occur?
Answers:
i. Items/Money forcefully taken.
ii. Items/Money taken by false pretense/deception.
iii. Deliberate or accidental damages.
iv. Deliberate or accidental injuries/action.
b. Question:
What do 1Samuel 12:3 and Luke 19:8 say about restitution?
Answers:
B. Personal Loss:
i. This has to do with others.
I. The persons in the relationship deliberately or inadvertently injured the other person or inflict pains on the other person.
ii. The pain could be emotional or other non-material loss.
iii. It could be sinful act or hurtful actions.
iv. It could emanate from choice (s) or preferences, priority, circumstances.
A. What do the scriptures say about restitution of personal loss?
i. Genesis 33:1-11.
ii. Psalm 26:2.
iii. Psalm 139:23-24.
SATISFACTORY COMPENSATION
a. Satisfactory compensation can be given as restitution to the person who suffered loss instead of the actual thing.
b. This has to do with estimated value as agreed by both parties.
c. Actual value may not be replaced but the person who suffered the loss should be satisfied with the value to be compensated.
d. Desire on the part of the one who suffer loss to be over compensated is greed and covetousness.
e. Some guidelines/advice tithe borrowers and lenders:
I. Do not give out something on loan if you know you may not get exact back in the event of loss.
ii. Be careful to give out loan things you consider priceless to you.
iii. Be careful not to borrow what you know you cannot replace in the event of loss.
f. Significance of restitution:
I. Clear conscience before God and man.
ii. Peace of mind.
iii. It can endanger forgiveness from the one who has offended.
SUMMARY
Restitution is desirable.
CONCLUSION
Restitution clears guilty conscience.
LESSON: FORTY-THREE
TOPIC: PROCESSING RESTITUTION
MEMORY VERSE: “If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct”. – Ecclesiastes 10:10
BIBLE PASSAGE: GENESIS 20:1-18
INTRODUCTION
Sometimes moving forward will be difficult until we have made the past right. This is important for those who realise that their sin has wounded others and has genuinely sorry as they are eager to obey and please God.
LESSON OUTLINES
- CAUTION AGAINST RUSHING INTO RESTITUTION
- HOW TO PROCESS RESTITUTION
CAUTION AGAINST RUSHING INTO RESTITUTION
i. A person may want to restitute in perfect obedience to the word of God. (Gen. 20:7).
ii. Another person may wish to restitute to free his/her mind from guilt of sin. (Luke 19:8).
iii. Whichever reason, caution must be applied to avoid guilt and regret. (Proverbs 26:12; Proverbs 29:20).
iv. Class to discuss with hypothetical or real life illustration of how to make Restitution without appropriate guidance by the people of God who are vast in the knowledge of the subject matter.
HOW TO PROCESS RESTITUTION
Teacher should explain steps to consider to avoid costly mistakes in restitution:
- Counsel: it is best to seek advice before proceeding with restitution, so that an adviser can guide us through the correction there maybe legality that needs to be considered and sometimes restitution does not need to be made (Proverbs 11:14 Proverbs 19:20).
- Scope: The general rule is that restitution can be as broad as the offence. A private offence is settled in private and a public one needs to be settled in public eg. social media (Luke 19:8; Act 16:37). Outside of getting some counsel, those who are not part of the problem or solution should not be involved in the process. If a thing is between you and God, keep it there except maybe with a trusted partner (1John 1:9; James 5:16). If the thing that needs to be made right include a legality, a Christian legal experts may need to be involved (luke 12:58; 1Corinthians 6:1).
Sometimes, when civil laws have been broken, it require a more severe punishment in the form of corrective measures or even imprisonment. This ensures the payments has the form of correction measure or even imprisonment this ensures the payment has been sufficient, especially when what was taken or damage cannot be replaced because no financial/material price is sufficient.
Note that peculiar cases should be handled with the help of a mature and trusted Christian counselor/pastor. - Wait: Restitution is often best made after time is given a chance to work a deeper healing, allowing your heart to soften. Patient and self-control are two of the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and when dealing with a long-standing hurt it is usually best to pray our hearts into a better state before proceeding with the restitution (James 1:4).
- Substitution: If it is not possible to make restitution to the offended person, you find a relative or give it to the Lord. Council will help you decide what is appropriate.
- Restitution not reconciliation: Occasionally, reconciliation is not the goal. The relationship may never go back to where it was before the disagreement or wound. We cannot control how people respond and we must not Express disapproval if our efforts are rejected. Reconciliation is certainly desirable in most cases, but there are some situation where, even though we have apologized, it will be unhealthy or unwise for us and maybe for them to resurrect the previous relationship (Genesis 33:12-17)
SUMMARY
Restitute wisely.
CONCLUSION
Restitution give peace of mind to those who will honestly do it
LESSON: FORTY-FOUR
TOPIC: APOLOGISING CORRECTLY
MEMORY VERSE: “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another”. –Romans 14:19
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1SAMUEL 15:12-26
INTRODUCTION
Originally, the word ‘apology’
(apologia in Greek) means a defence, excuse, or justification in speech or writing, as for a cause or doctrine. However, towards the end of the 16th century there was a twist in the use of the word ‘apology’ to mean a written or spoken expression of one’s regret, remorse, or sorrow for having insulted, failed, injured, or wronged another.
As, Christian, we know we are meant to be kind, loving, humble and respectful (Ephesians 4:32). One true test of this is how we handle situations when we have been wronged or wrong others. A lot of people find it hard to admit when confronted with the wrongs they have committed. Some may even find it harder to ask someone for forgiveness especially when they feel the other person shares in the blame.
LESSON OUTLINES
- WHY ‘I AM SORRY’ IS NOT ENOUGH
- THE CORRECT APPROACH
WHY ‘I AM SORRY’ IS NOT ENOUGH
i. Some people find it difficult to say “sorry” to spouse, friends, colleagues, family and God’s servants.(1Samuel 15:15; 1Samuel 15:21).
ii. Some people find it difficult to even say am “sorry” to the Almighty God. It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good”. (1Samuel 3:18; 1Samuel 2:31-36).
iii. Some people however only say “sorry” to ease tension without accepting their wrongs or mistakes. This is called “fauxpology” i.e false apology. (Genesis 50:15-18).
iv. False apology is unacceptable to God because it is wrong. (1Samuel 15:24-26).
v. Saying “sorry” in most of the times is like following protocol, a Band-Aid to cover the pain inflicted on others without actually making things right.
vi. It is wrong to shift or dismiss responsibility with “I am sorry”.
vii. Saying “sorry” may only temporarily cover pains which may soon exhume if such “sorry” is a mere lip decoration. (Isaiah 29:13-14).
THE CORRECT APPROACH
A. Wrong approaches:
The following statements are wrong approaches to apologising:
i. “I was wrong, but you were wrong too.” This is incorrect because you are not taking full responsibility for your offence.
ii. “If I have been wrong, please forgive me.” To use “If” before your apology means that you are saying, “I am not really convinced that I was wrong.” Therefore, it is not a real apology.
iii. ” I am sorry I know I lost my temper, but you made me do it.” This is wrong because you are not taking responsibility for your wrong-doing but putting the blame on the other person.
iv. “I said I was sorry. What more do you want from me?” This apology is not correct because the tone is aggressive, not remorseful and may not give the offended enough time to heal.
B. Correct Approaches
i. Apologise with full responsibility. (Luke 15:18-19).
ii. Ask for forgiveness and reconcile. (Matthew 5:23-24).
iii. Make restitution where necessary.
C. Significance Of Correct Approach to Apologising
i. It is the symbol of humility (James 4:10).
ii. It should accorded priority (Matthew 5:23-24).
D. Biblical Example Of Right Apology
i. The prodigal son’s apology to his father (Luke 15:17-20)
ii. Jacob’s apology to Esau (Genesis 32,33).
E. Example to correct statement of apology “I was wrong in losing my temper and for talking to you the way I did”.
NOTE: You do not own anybody apology for accepting the Lord Jesus as your personal Saviour or for living a holy life. (1John 3:21).
SUMMARY
Apologise correctly and genuinely to the offenders.
CONCLUSION
We should learn to say a “responsible sorry” to those we offend.
LESSON: FORTY-FIVE
TOPIC: UNDERSTANDING OF THE TIMES
MEMORY VERSE: “And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment”. – 1Chronicles 12:32.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
INTRODUCTION
Orderliness is one of the characteristics of our God. There is time for everything and he has made everything beautiful in his time. Like the son of Issachar, christians must constantly pray for the wisdom and grace to understand the time and how to act accordingly In life (1Chronicles 12:32).
LESSON OUTLINES
- UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES
- IT IS NOT YET TIME TO REST
UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES
i. Teacher should mention the twenty eight (28) times enumerated in Eccl. 3:2-8.
ii. Teacher should explain the seven (7) other times to discern as indicated below.
a. The seed (sowing) time and harvest time (Gen. 8:22; Gal. 6:7-9).
b. The time of God’s favour (Psalm 102:13; Isaiah 40:2).
c. The time to praise and trust God (Psalm 34:1; Ps. 62:8; Job 14:14).
d. The time to awake out of spiritual sleep or slumber (Romans 13:11; Ephesians 5:14; 1Corinthians 15:34).
e. The time to serve God diligently (Eccl. 12:1; John 9:4).
f. The perilous time (2Timothy 3:1-7; 1Timothy 4:1; 2Peter 3:3).
g. The time of judgement (2Peter 2:9; 2Peter 3:7).
IT IS NOT YET TIME TO REST
i. Believers are sojourners on earth. (Hebrews 11:13; 1Peter 2:11).
ii. Believers would give account of their pilgrimage on earth when we get to heaven. (Matt. 20:8).
iii. Believers should realise that this is not the time to rest but to work for Christ. (John 9:4).
iv. Believer should remember that the king is coming soon and his work and assignment demand haste. (1Sam. 21:8).
v. They should realise that the time to work is now. (Ps. 119:60; Eccl. 12:1).
vi. They should understand that it is dangerous to give up or rest in the battle before the enemies. (1Peter 5:8; Matt. 13:25).
vii. They should however understand that the Almighty God is the master of times and situations. (Ps. 48:1-2; Eccl. 3:11).
Note: The “rest or sleep” in this outline should not misconstrued for sleeplessness or restlessness after daily labour. (Mark 6:31; Eccl. 5:21).
SUMMARY
Believers should understand the appropriate times to work and rest.
CONCLUSION
Serve God now! Act appropriately.
LESSON: FORTY-SIX
TOPIC: SUICIDE FORBIDDEN
MEMORY VERSE: “Casting all your cares upon Him, for He careth for you”. –1Peter 5:7
BIBLE PASSAGE: ROMANS 5:1-8
INTRODUCTION
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death or deliberately killing one’s self. Research shows that approximately 90% of people who have died by suicide were suffering from a mental illness at the time. The most common mental illness reported is depression. Also, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship break-up or chronic pain and illness. In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence,abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, verbal and so on), discrimination or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behaviour. Intense sadness and/or hopelessness; not caring about activities that used to matter; withdrawal from, family, friends, sports and social activities; substance (drug, alcohol) abuse are some of the common signs of suicidal thoughts.
LESSON OUTLINES
- BIBLICAL VIEW OF SUICIDE
- ANTIDOTES TO SUICIDAL THOUGHTS/ATTEMPTS
BIBLICAL VIEW OF SUICIDE
i. The Bible views suicide as the same as murder, i.e. self-murder which is contrary to God commandment. (Exodus 20:13).
ii. God gives and he takes away life. No one has the right to do this. (Job 1:21).
iii. The Bible mentioned six examples of people who committed suicide. They were:
a. Abimelech (Judges 9:54).
b. Saul (1Samuel 31:4).
c. Saul armor-bearer (1Samuel 31:4-6).
d. Ahithophel (2Samuel 17:23).
e. Zimri (1King 16:18).
f. Judas (Matthew 27:5).
iv. The action of these six people were in the contravention of the word of God which says “thou shall not kill”. (Exodus 20:13).
v. Some circumstances had led people in the past to the point of almost taking their lives. For instance,
a. Solomon’s endless pursuit of vanities led him to the point where he hated life. (Ecclesiastes 2:17).
b. Elijah was pressurized by Jezebel to the point that he prayed that God would take his life. (1Kings 19:4).
c. Prophet Jonah was very angry when the sun scourged his head he fainted and wished in himself to die (Jonah 4:8).
d. Apostle Paul was pressed out of measure and was despaired of life. (2Corinthians 1:8-10).
vi. These four people did not commit suicide despite their prevailing circumstances because:
a. Solomon feared and kept the commandments of God (not to take life). (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
b. Elijah was comforted by an angel of the Lord. (1Kings 19:5,15).
c. Jonah received admonition from the Lord (Jonah 4:1-3; Jonah 8:11).
d. Paul depended on God who was able to sustain him. (2Corinthians 1:9-10).
ANTIDOTES TO SUICIDAL THOUGHTS/ATTEMPTS
i. Allow God to prove His love to you. (Romans 5:5)
ii. Remember that Jesus identifies with you in your time of trouble and humiliation. (Isaiah 53:2-6)
iii. Recall that Jesus suffered and died to remove guilt and weight of sin. (Romans 5:7-8; Romans 8:32).
iv. Believe and be assured that Jesus will forgive and repair your brokenness and restore your joy. (Isaiah 1:18; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
v. Review your hope that Jesus will definitely rescue you if you trust Him and call on Him to help you. (Psalm 61:1-2; Jeremiah 33:3)
vi. Learn to say my “times are in your hand” whether tough or easy (Psalm 31:15).
SUMMARY
Do not kill yourself.
CONCLUSION
Trust that God will restore you again.
LESSON: FORTY-SEVEN
TOPIC: THE SPOTLESS BRIDE
MEMORY VERSE: “That he might present it it himself a glorious church, not having spot, or winkle,or such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish”. –Ephesians 5:27
BIBLE PASSAGE: Ephesians 5:17-30
INTRODUCTION
The church, that is the congregation of all born again believers, is referred to as the bride if Jesus Christ in Ephesians 5:25-27. Almost invariably, when a man chooses a bride,he chooses someone who is closest to him in manners, attributes, aspirations, ways of doing things, and the like, because only birds of the same feathers flock together (Amos 3:3). The Lord Jesus Christ is holy, spotless and without blemish; hence his bride must be without spot or wrinkle too.
LESSON OUTLINES
- THE ESSENCE AND PROCESS OF BEING SPOTLESS
- AREAS OF SPOTLESSNESS
THE ESSENCE AND PROCESS OF BEING SPOTLESS
This outline will address two questions:
i. Why should I be spotless? And
ii. How could I be spotless?
A. Why should I be spotless?
i. You are a child of God. (Jn. 1:12).
ii. Your heavenly father is spotless (Matthew 5:48).
iii. You are a bride of Christ and therefore you must be spotless (Ephesians 5:29-30).
iv. The bride of Christ will be married to holy Christ in heaven that is holy. (Isaiah 35:8).
v. You are required by the Almighty God to be spotless and be without wrinkle. (Eph. 5:27).
B. How could I be spotless?
i. Purge yourself from all sinful habits and excesses. (Job 11:14-15; 2Tim. 2:21).
ii. Run away from all worldly affairs that can contaminate your holiness (James 1:27; 1John 2:15-17).
iii. Live daily for God as if each day is the last day. (Romans 12:1-2; 2Cor. 13:5).
iv. Rely on the Lord Jesus Christ to help you determination. (John 15:5; Phil. 4:13).
AREAS OF SPOTLESSNESS
Believers must be spotless in the following areas:
A. Spotless in words
How? (James 3:2; Col. 4:6;1Peter 4:15; Rev. 21:27; Mark 7:20).
a. By bridling your tongue.
b. By carefully selecting their words before speaking.
c. By avoid gossip, lying, backbiting, rumour-mongering.
d. By avoiding speech that defile.
B. Spotless in thoughts
Believers thoughts and speeches must glorify God. (Ps. 19:14).
How can I attain this?
a. Your heart must be pure at all time (Matthew 12:34-35).
b. Guide your thoughts.
c. Meditate upon the word of God
d. Think that is true, just; honest, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).
C. Spotless In deed: Our deed must glorify our heavenly father. (Matt. 5:14-16).
How?
a. In our actions.
b. As light.
c. At home/office/market.
d. Everywhere.
e. In everything.
SUMMARY
Be pure and holy.
CONCLUSION
All the brides of Christ are required to be spotless.
LESSON: FORTY-EIGHT
TOPIC: THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB
MEMORY VERSE: “And he saith unto me, write, blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true saying of God”. –Revelation 19:9
BIBLE PASSAGE: REVELATION 19:1-9
INTRODUCTION
Marriage, in the context, symbolizes the union between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:22-32). It is, however, important to note that the marriage supper of the Lamb is the next event after the first phase of the second coming of Christ (the rapture).
LESSON OUTLINES
- DESCRIPTION OF THE MARRIAGE
- IMPORTANCE AND QUALIFICATION
DESCRIPTION OF THE MARRIAGE
Teacher should give vivid description of the marriage supper of the Lamb as follows:
i. THE MEANING: The marriage supper of the Lamb is the consummation of the union between Christ (The Bridegroom) and the Church (the bride-without spot or wrinkles) – Ephesians 5:27; Revelation 19:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14.
ii. TIME OF THE EVENT: The marriage will take place after the rapture of the saints but before the second phase of the second coming of the Lord with His saints. (Judges 1:14-15) i.e. between the first phase and the second phase of the Lord’s coming. (1Thessalonians 4:16-17 and Judges 1:14-15)
iii. PERSONALITIES IN THE MARRIAGE:
a. The bride and the Bridegroom: The bride/wife is the redeemed or saints of all ages who had part in the New Jerusalem. (Revelation 21:2)
b. The Husband/Bridegroom. The Lord Himself. (Revelation 19:7).
iv. VENUE OF THE MARRIAGE: It is believed that the marriage will take place in Heaven. i.e. heavenly realms. ( Revelation 19:9, 1Thessalonians 4:16-17).
IMPORTANCE AND QUALIFICATION
The teacher should explain the significance/importance of the marriage as follows:
i. To assemble the saints of all ages and present them to God, the Father (Matthew 25:32-35),
ii. To wipe away tears from the faces of all saints (Revelation 7:17).
iii. To remove all the saints from the earth before the advent of the great tribulation (Isaiah 57:1; Matthew 24:21).
iv. To reward the faithful. (Revelation 22:12)
B. QUALIFICATION
Teacher should explain the qualifications for the marriage Supper as stated below
i. Faithful saints of God. (Revelation 21:27)
ii. Garments of righteousness and holiness (Revelation 19:8; Hebrews 12:14).
SUMMARY
The marriage of the Lamb will surely come and the saints of all ages will partake in the event. To be qualified, you must be Holy and faithful.
CONCLUSION
The biggest Holy matrimony is the marriage supper of the Lamb. It is universal and all generations’ event.
LESSON: FORTY-NINE
TOPIC: THE DAYS OF TRIBULATION
MEMORY VERSE: “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no nor ever shall be”. – Matthew 24:21
BIBLE PASSAGE: MARK 13:19-26
INTRODUCTION
The word, tribulation, means trouble or suffering. There are different kinds of tribulation mentioned in the Bible. These include: the tribulation of the disciples in the world (John 16:33); tribulation because of acceptance or obedience to the word of God (Matthew 13:21); the tribulation on the way to the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22; Matthew 7:14); earthly tribulation that is common to all (Job 5:6,7); tribulation on evildoer (Romans 2:9) and the great tribulation (Matthew 24:21).
The focus of the lesson is the Great Tribulation. The Bible says it is”the mother” of all tribulations. The hardship, turmoil, distress and perplexity that would be experienced in the days of the great tribulation are unprecedented. What is the great tribulation all about? When will it be? What are the events in the days of tribulation?
LESSON OUTLINES
- UNDERSTANDING THE GREAT TRIBULATION
- EVENTS IN THE DAYS OF GREAT TRIBULATION
UNDERSTANDING THE GREAT TRIBULATION
Teacher should explain the following identities which are the flagship of the great tribulation:
i. The Great Tribulation is also called the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jacob’s means the nation Israel) (Jeremiah 30:7).
ii The unbelieving Jews and Gentiles will partake in the great tribulation (but he i.e. Jacob, shall be saved out of it). (Jeremiah 30:7b).
iii. It will begin after the Church has been rapture and the “man of sin” i.e. the antichrist, has been revealed (2Thessalonians 2:3-7)
iv. The time of the great tribulation is the “seventieth week” of the seventy weeks of Daniel. (Daniel 9:24).
v. The seventy weeks are sectioned into three as follows:
a The first seven weeks (Daniel 9:25)
b. the next sixty two weeks. (Daniel 9:25)
c. The last one week. (Daniel 9:25)
vi. In the last “one week” . One day represent one year. Therefore, the duration of the tribulation is seven(7) years (Daniels 9:20-27).
vii. The first half of the last one week (three and a half years) will be in for full physical manifestation of the antichrist, (when antichrist will make covenant with Israel (Daniel 9:27).
viii. The last half of the week (three and a half years) is the period when the antichrist will break his covenant, cause great abominations and desolation in the temple of God (Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:36; Matthew 24:15-16).
ix. At the end of the second three and half years, Christ will come again (the second coming of Christ) to reign on earth (Mark 13:24-26; 2Thessalonians 2:8).
EVENTS IN THE DAYS OF GREAT TRIBULATION
The Great tribulation will witness series of significant but terrifying events.
These includes:
i. Unprecedented religious persecution of those who missed rapture (Matthew 24:21-22)
ii. Unparalleled global religion deception (Matthew 24:24-28)
iii. Untold global economic problem, in which only those who receive the mark of the beast can buy or sell (Revelation 13:17-18)
iv. Series of unrighteous and abominable religious practices (2Thessalonians 2:3-4)
v. Intense temptation all over the world (Revelation 3:10)
SUMMARY
There are troubles for the unbelievers
Also Read: Open Heaven 27 August 2022 Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye – YOU ARE SPECIAL
CONCLUSION
Those who have received Christ as their lord and personal saviour and keep themselves holy till He comes at rapture shall be delivered (through rapture) from the days of the Great Tribulation. However, the sinners and the backsliders are faced with the danger of the Great tribulation. Beloved, are you truly saved from sins? Examine yourself today and be sure!
LESSON: FIFTY
TOPIC: PARADISE
MEMORY VERSE: “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shall thou be with me in paradise”. – Luke 23:43
BIBLE PASSAGE: LUKE 16:19-26
INTRODUCTION
Paradise is a place of blessing where the righteous go after death. The word paradise, is usually used as a synonym for “heaven” (Revelation 2:7). Paradise is a place of rest for believers in Christ. It is a place where believers are United with Christ and His Father (Luke 23:43). Jesus used “paradise” as a synonym for ‘heaven’. The Apostle Paul wrote of someone (probably himself) who “was caught up to Paradise” (2Corinthians 12:4). In this context, paradise obviously refers to Heaven.
LESSON OUTLINES
- THE NATURE OF PARADISE
- THE BENEFITS OF BEING IN PARADISE
THE NATURE OF PARADISE
i. Teacher should ask students to mention what they understand by the word”paradise”.
ii. Teacher should explain the nature of paradise to the students as follows:
a. Paradise is the Father’s house (John 14:2).
b. Paradise is very beautiful and wonderful beyond description (2Corinthians 12:4).
c. Paradise is high and holy place where those contrite spirits dwell. (Isaiah 57:15)
d. There is no sin in paradise (Psalm 15:1-2; Revelation 21:27).
e. There is tree of Life for the healing of nations (Revelation 22:2).
f. Paradise is peaceful (Isaiah 65:25).
g. Paradise is a place for the faithful believers after death (Act 7:55-56).
h. Paradise is a place of blessing and happiness after death (Psalm 16:11).
i. Saints of God and believers in Christ will enter paradise.(Acts 4:12; Matthew 10:22;
Revelation 21:27)
THE BENEFITS OF BEING IN PARADISE
i. There is no sickness in paradise because there is tree of life leaves for healing (Revelations 22:2; Ezekiel 47:12).
ii. The throne of God and of the Lamb is in paradise therefore there is nothing accursed in the place. (Revelation 22:3).
iii. The Saints of the Lord will see face of the Lord and they will have His name written on their foreheads (Revelation 22:4; 1Corinthians 13:12; 1John 3:2).
iv. There is no darkness in paradise because God will be the light (Revelation 22:5).
v. There will be no death in paradise because the people will live forever with the Lord.(Revelation 22:5).
vi. There will be no sinner in paradise because there will be no more sin and sorrow. (Isaiah 25:8; 1Corinthians 15:54).
SUMMARY
Believers should strive to enter paradise.
CONCLUSION
Believers should not miss the joy of paradise.
LESSON: FIFTY-ONE
TOPIC: ETERNAL REWARDS
MEMORY VERSE: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”. –2Corinthians 4:17
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1CORINTHIANS 9:16-27
INTRODUCTION
It is generally believed that the rewards to be given at the judgement seat of Christ will consist of crowns and other glorious things. 2Corinthians 4:17 speaks of the momentary light affliction, which is descriptive of this world of sorrow, pain, tears and problems. However, the moments that will cross to the other side, this moment of affliction will be exchanged for an “exceeding and eternal weight of glory”. The believers falls asleep in Christ (John 11:11), suddenly awakes in the Lord’s presence and the glory begins (Philippians 1:23)
LESSON OUTLINES
- WHAT GLORIES ARE BELIEVERS TO EXPECT?
- WHAT CROWNS MAY BELIEVERS WIN?
WHAT GLORIES ARE BELIEVERS TO EXPECT?
Every born-again child of God, living a holy life and walking in the Spirit of God should expect:
i. To be with Christ on the last day (John 14:3). Everyone is happy to be in the presence of the king of kings
ii. To behold the glory of Christ (John 17:24). We shall not only behold His face but also His glory. The disciples saw a glimpse of this glory on the mount of Transfiguration. We shall see it in full when we get to heaven.
iii. To be glorified with Christ (Romans 8:17-18). We are not just to behold His glory but we are to be glorified too. We do not know what this actually means but it is surely going to be marvelously wonderful.
iv. To reign with Christ (Romans 8:17-18). We shall reign with the king of kings in Matthew 25:20-23, in the parable of the talents, the faithful ones were made rulers over many things. This is a challenge to us today.
v. To inherit all things (Revelation 21:7). Not some things but all things.
WHAT CROWNS MAY BELIEVERS WIN?
It is possible for believers to win several crowns. for example there is:
i. Crown for faithful ‘runners’ (1Corinthians 9:24-25). It is an incorruptible crown. An eternal one. It is for those who patiently run the race to Heaven and the temperate in all things (Hebrews 12:1).
ii. Crowns for soul winners (1Thessalonians 2:19).It is called the crown of rejoicing. Perhaps, each converts will be a jewel, a star on that crown.
iii. Crowns for anticipators, that is, those who are expecting the Lord’s return (2Timothy 4:8). This is called the crown of righteousness. Everyone ought to win this crown. Each one of us ought to be watching for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
iv. Crowns for the faithful ones (James 1:12). This is called the crown of life. There seems to be three conditions for winning this crowns:
a. Enduring temptation and overcoming evil
b. Loving the Lord
c. Being faithful unto death, enduring to the end, even if it means martyrdom (Revelation 2:10).
v. Crowns for true Pastors (1Peter 5:4). This is called the crown of Glory. This is the crown for the elders, the under shepherds, Pastors, Missionaries and Teachers who perform their duties so well that the Great Shepherd will say “Well done” to them.
vi. Crown of gold for the redeemed (Revelation 4:4). It is not only earthly kings and queens that have crowns. Redeemed men, born-again, holy living Christians shall have crowns too.
SUMMARY
There are rewards and crowns for believers who endure affliction for Christ.
CONCLUSION
Be faithful, even unto death.
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.
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