Sunday School

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 sayings of God.” Revelation 19:9.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Revelation 19:6-9.

INTRODUCTION

Marriage, in this context, symbolises the union between Christ and the Church Ephesians 5:24-27, 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).

OUTLINE

1. THE LAMB’S MARRIAGE SUPPER
2.  WILL YOU BE ELIGIBLE?

1. THE LAMB’S MARRIAGE SUPPER

The concept of the marriage supper is better understood considering the wedding customs in the time of Christ. These wedding customs had three major parts. First, the signing of a marriage contract by the parents of the bride and bridegroom with the payment of a dowry to the bride or her parents. This began what Was called the betrothal period- what We would today call the engagement Matthew 1:18; Luke 2:5. The second step is the coming of the bridegroom in the night to take his bride Matthew 25:1-13. The third phase was the marriage supper itself, which might go on for days, as illustrated by the wedding at Cana in John 2:1-2.
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, 32; Revelation 19:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14. The marriage will take place before the second phase of the second coming of Christ to the earth. Christ is the bridegroom. The bride is the redeemed or saints of all ages who will have part in the first resurrection and who will live in the New Jerusalem forever Revelation 21:2. It is believed that the marriage supper will take place in Heaven Revelation 19:9.

2.      WILL YOU BE ELIGIBLE?

The marriage supper of the Lamb is meant to assemble the saints of all ages and present them to God, the Father Matthew 25:32-34, who will wipe away tears from their faces Revelation 7:17. It is also to take away the saints from the earth before the activities of the anti- Christ and the period of the tribulation Isaiah 57:1. It will also be the period to reward faithful and diligent saints.
Those who will qualify for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb are the faithful saints of God, whose garments of righteousness have not been stained Revelation 21:27; Hebrews 12:14.

CONCLUSION

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb, like all biblical prophecies, will be fulfilled. You cannot afford to miss it. Pray to God to keep you standing in Him and count you worthy of this great and unique event.

FURTHER READINGS:

SUN: Revelation 21:8.
MON: Revelation 22:14-15.
TUE: Ephesians 2:14-16.
WED: Matthew 7:21- 23.
THUR: Revelation 22:11-12.
FRI: Isaiah 40:10.
SAT: Romans 14:12.

MEMORY VERSE: “ If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come”. Job 14:14.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Jonah 4:1-6.

INTRODUCTION

Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death or deliberately killing oneself. Some of the common signs of suicidal thoughts are 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.

OUTLINE

1. THE BIBLICAL VIEW OF SUCIDE
2.  DEALING WITH SUICIDAL THOUGHTS

1. THE BIBLICAL VIEW OF SUCIDE

God is the giver of life: He gives, and He takes away Job 1:21. God is the only one who should decide when a person dies. Therefore, suicide is ungodly and equal to murder (self-murder): it rejects God’s gift of life. No one should presume to take God’s authority upon themselves to end their own life Ezekiel 18:4.
In the Scripture, some people committed suicide: Abimelech Judges 9:54, Saul 1 Samuel 31:4, Saul’s armour bearer 1 Samuel 31:4-6, Ahithophel 2 Samuel 17:23, Zimri 1 Kings 16:18 and Judas Matthew 27:5.
Some others felt deep despair in life. Solomon, in his pursuit of pleasure, reached the point where he “hated life” Ecclesiastes 2:17. Elijah was fearful and depressed and yearned for death 1 Kings 19:4 Jonah was so angry at God that he wished to die Jonah 4:8. The apostle Paul and his missionary companions at one point were under great pressure that resulted in despair 2 Corinthians 1:8. However, none of these men committed suicide. Solomon learned to fear God and keep His commandment Ecclesiastes 12:13. Elijah was comforted by an angel, allowed to rest, and given a new commission 1 Kings 19:5, 15-16. Jonah received admonition and rebuke from God Jonah 4:1-3, 8-11. Paul learned that, although the pressure he faced was beyond his ability to endure, the lord can help us to bear all things 2 Corinthians 1:9.

2.    DEALING WITH SUICIDAL THOUGHTS

The most common cause of suicide is depression resulting from mental illness. 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.
According to the Bible, suicide is a sin Exodus 20:13. Therefore, if you or anyone around you who expresses suicidal thoughts or exhibits self- harming behaviours, seek pastoral and professional help. In addition, the following may help to rescue anyone having suicidal thoughts.
Develop coping strategies to deal with stressors (people and situations) – Proverbs 24:19.
Seek professional counselling to guide you out of any crisis (debt, loss, etc.)- Proverbs 11:14
In marital related crisis, know that your life should be more valued and protected than material or any other investment that has been put in. Make up your mind not to die before your appointed time Exodus 23:26b.
Be hopeful. Always remember that no condition is permanent Job 14:7.
Be assured that Jesus identifies with you in your time of rejection and humiliation Isaiah 53:2-5 and will always come to your rescue, repair your brokenness, and restore your joy if only you call upon Him Psalm 61:1-2; 50:15.

CONCLUSION

No matter how bad things are presently, like Job, wait on God till your change comes Job 14:14.

FURTHER READINGS:

MON: Matthew 27:5.
TUE: Psalm 125:1-2.
WED: Proverbs 3:5-6.
THUR: Isaiah 12:2-6.
FRI: Isaiah 26:3-4.
SAT: Matthew 6:25-34.
SUN: Matthew 21:21-22.

MEMORY VERSE: “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalm 9:17

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 16:19-24

INTRODUCTION

Hell is a reality, an awful fact that would be realised by those who reject the rule of the true God or chose not to obey His commandments fully. The Bible makes it clear that those who reject Christ are condemned already and the wicked will have their portion in hell John 3:18.

OUTLINE

1. WHAT IS HELL LIKE?
2. HOW TO AVOID HELL

1. WHAT IS HELL LIKE?

Hell is banishment from the presence of God 2 Thessalonians 1: 8-9. It is a place of torment and punishment, a sort of prison where the wicked are punished forever Matthew 25:46; Luke 16:23. Some people ask,“Where is the hell “ located? The Bible says it is *down “ Isaiah 14:9, 15; Proverbs 15:24. Hell was originally prepared for the devil and his wicked angels Matthew 25:41. Hell is that place prepared for the condemned i.e. those who reject the Saviour, Jesus Christ John 3:18. The original size of hell is not known but scriptures confirm that it had enlarged itself Isaiah 5:14. It is a place of unquenchable thirst, of suffering and agony at its worst Luke 16:23-24. Hell is a place of supernatural worms that never die and unquenchable fire Mark 9:44; Revelation 20:15. Those in hell will recognise other people whether in heaven or hell Luke 16:23. They will even be able to pray but their prayers will never be answered Luke 16:27 The Bible repeatedly says both Heaven and hell are doorways to eternity Matthew 25:46.

2.     HOW TO AVOID HELL

1. The first requirement is to turn from your wicked ways and accept the saving grace in Jesus Isaiah 55:7; John 3:16.
2. Have a personal relationship with God Jude 20-21
3. Live a holy and righteous life Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16.
4. Seek first the kingdom of God Matthew 6:33.
5. Be watchful and prayerful Matthew 26:41; Mark 13:33.
6. Guard your salvation jealously Philippians 2:12.
7. Live daily with the consciousness of the reality of heaven and hell Hebrews 9:27; Matthew 25:46.

CONCLUSION

Rejecting the salvation purchased by the Blood of Jesus makes one a candidate of hell John 3:18. To avoid hell, believe and receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour and grow in Him John 3:16, Matthew 24:13.

FURTHER READINGS:

SUN: Matthew 5:29.
MON: Matthew 8:12.
TUES: 2 Thessalonians 1:9.
WED: Psalms 9:17.
THURS: Psalms 86:13.
FRI: Proverbs 15:24.
SAT: Isaiah 28:15.

MEMORY VERSE: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men.” Galatians 6:10a

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 5:27-32

INTRODUCTION

Evangelism refers to the art of preaching of the Gospel. The Greek word for gospel (euangelion) which literally means “gospeling” IS the same root word for evangelism. Therefore, evangelism is about sharing/ spreading the Gospel (message) of Jesus Christ and encouraging others to accept Him as their Saviour and Lord. It is one Great assignment that Jesus left for the disciples then and the believers now, The sharing of the Gospel can take different forms. One of these is welfare evangelism.

OUTLINE

1. WHAT IS WELFARE EVANGELISM?
2. BENEFITS OF WELFARE EVANGELISM

WHAT IS WELFARE EVANGELISM?

Welfare evangelism is one of the ways of spreading the gospel to the sinners and the less privileged by providing relief materials, gifts and everything that can enhance their wellbeing. Welfare could mean financial, health, food, care, and other provisions rendered to those who need it. It comprises orphanage evangelism, hospital evangelism, prison evangelism, and Christian social responsibility. It is a simple mission with great and lasting impact on the lives of people and the Society at large.

It can be expressed in simple ways such as giving out free bottled water on a hot day, sharing packs of food to needy people on the street, etc. One of the motivations behind this type of evangelism is that the Bible tells us that God’s kindness leads people to repentance Romans 2:4. That is God showing kindness to the needy through His Ambassadors, His children, the believers.

One of the main reasons Jesus’ earthly ministries was so effective was because it was rooted in compassion for those who were marginalised, forgotten,needy and hurting Matthew 14:14. In Luke 5:29, Levi made a great feast after meeting with Jesus. Jesus was also at the feast and therefore was able to minister to all the people who attended the feast, most of whom were sinners. This is a form of welfare evangelism.

BENEFITS OF WELFARE EVANGELISM

This method is very easy to bring and retain people when you show love and kindness or give gifts John 6:23-27.

1. Welfare evangelism gets to the people where they are and through it, God’s love is presented in a unique and indirect ways. People are excited when they receive free services with no strings attached. In fact, it usually arouses curiosity as to why someone would show such kindness Hebrews 13:16.
2. It has the potential to soften the hearts of the receivers, while the platform serves as opportunity to present the gospel of Jesus Christ Proverbs 18:16.
3. It is a good way to ‘water’ the ‘seeds’ previously sown 1 Corinthians 3:6; Matthew 15:32.
4. Engaging in welfare evangelism is a subtle way of fulfilling the great mandate for those who lack confidence and helping them to break free from fear and timidity Romans 12:10.
5. Through welfare evangelism, the church can show people outside the church that God cares and give them a reason to want to come inside Acts 2:44-47.

CONCLUSION

Your act of kindness to anyone can be a platform to extend the love of Christ to them Hebrews 13:1.

FURTHER READINGS:

SUN: Matthew 25:34-40.
MON: Hebrews 13:2.
TUE: John 3:16.
WED: Matthew 15:32
THUR: Luke 15:31.
FRI: John 15:16.
SAT: John 15:17.

MEMORY VERSE: “ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, i am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” Matthew 28:20.

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

INTRODUCTION

Cross-cultural missions involve connecting with people whose culture is totally different from our own. Thus, we need to make efforts to remove the barrier between the gospel and the people we are ministering to, without changing the gospel message or changing who we are. The gospel should be communicated in a manner that is clearly understood in the culture and worldview of those who are intended to hear it. Today we shall look at the challenges and strategies of cross-cultural missions

OUTLINE

1. CHALLENGES OF CROSS- CULTURAL MISSIONS
2. STRATEGIES FOR CROSS-CULTURAL MISSIONS

1. CHALLENGES OF CROSS- CULTURAL MISSIONS

In 2 Corinthians 11:23-30, Apostle Paul mentions some of the challenges he faced as a cross-cultural missionary. They include persecution, hunger, shipwreck, hostility, racism, rejection, and suffering from harsh weather condition, infirmity and so on 2 Corinthians 4:8-10. Missionaries are often faced with all these challenges and even more. Having to leave one’s family, friends, vocational identity, familiar environment, and, in some cases, modern conveniences to cross geographic, cultural, and/or linguistic barriers can be extremely challenging Acts 22:2-3; Philippians 3:8. Many missionaries battle with serious health issues which impact their work in a negative way 2 Corinthians 12:9. Language and culture learning takes time and practice, and this can be challenging as well.

2.  STRATEGIES FOR CROSS-CULTURAL MISSIONS

Anyone who intends to engage in effective cross-cultural missions must be ready to learn new ideology, culture, norms, values, language, etc. 1 Corinthians 9:19-22. He should not stick to a single style of communication but should learn how to adapt to the culture of the people he is sent to. Yet, he must not shift ground on his conviction of faith, despite his respect for the foreign culture Galatians 6:1. He should develop a friendship atmosphere among the people Proverbs 18:24. He should always have a target of how many souls he wants to reach and win for Christ within a particular period and do a periodic evaluation of the target Daniel 12:3. Above all, he should always be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit Romans 8:4; Galatians 5:16.

Paul’s goal as a cross-cultural missionary, was to bring as many people as possible to faith in Jesus 1 Corinthians 9:22. He adapted his method and his language with the culture of the place where he was 1 Corinthians 9:20. He learnt how to connect with different people so that he could be an effective witness for Christ Philippians 3:5. In Athens, Paul spoke to the philosophers using their own poetry to make his point Acts 17:16- 34. When he found himself among the Jews, he spoke to them using the Jewish Scriptures and history Acts 13:13-42, but when he was among Gentiles, he used language and references that they would understand Ephesians 3:6-8.

CONCLUSION

The missionary should be always assured of God’s presence and therefore be encouraged Matthew 28:19-20.

FURTHER READINGS:

SUN: Romans 8:35-39;
MON: Romans 1:1-32;
TUE: 1 Corinthians 9:20-23;
WED: Matthew 28:19- 20;
THUR: Romans 2:14-15;
FRI: 2 Corinthians 4:1;
SAT: Acts 20:24

MEMORY VERSE: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”Mark 16:15 (NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 28:18-20.

INTRODUCTION

Cross-cultural mission means reaching out to people of other cultures with the gospel of Jesus Christ Acts 13:1-4. The practice of cross-cultural missions is the secret behind the civilization and developments as we have it today. This is because cross-cultural missions go with enlightenment and education. Therefore, cross cultural missionaries are those who go to an area or cultural environment different from their own to propagate the gospel. It should be noted that cross-cultural missionaries are not those going abroad to plant churches meant to reach their country/tribesmen living overseas. This is international church planting venture which is not cross-cultural. A cross-cultural missionary’s main target is the indigenous population in the foreign land 1 Corinthians 9:20-23.

OUTLINE

1. THE CALL TO CROSS- CULTURAL MISSIONS
2. THE HEART OF A CROSS-CULTURAL MISSIONARY                                                                                                                                                                            THE CALL TO CROSS- CULTURAL MISSIONS                                                                                                                                                        The calling to cross-cultural missions is in various forms and God can use anyone who makes themself available,irrespective of “age”, economic, academic, professional, or social status. The calling could take different forms:

1. Apostolic calling: here, an itinerant missionary ministers to a particular people group in a particular location per time e. g Apostle Paul Romans 1;1.
2. Full-time Missionary: a person who has accepted God’s call to leave their comfort zone, go across the border to live, learn, and influence a community for a long time with the gospel of Christ.
3. Tent-making or Bi-vocational Missionary: a person who has passion for missions uses their job as a tool to enter a community with the purpose of financing missions with the salary from their work and winning souls for Christ.
4. Social Ministry Missionary: someone with the heart of missions rises to the pressing needs of a people group (the aged, children, prostitutes, uneducated, women, leaders, youths, etc.) with a physical relief aid to solve their physiological needs with the purpose of reaching and winning them to Christ Hebrews 6:10.
5. Modern Media Missionary: the person uses modern medium of technology to break barriers of entering restricted and free access nations with the Gospel of Christ through internet opportunities, social network, technological devices, visuals and audio clips, and graphical resources
Cross-cultural mission is important because people of all races must hear the gospel before they believe Romans 10:14; Jesus commanded it Mark 16:15. We are called to be actively engaged in this task Matthew 24:14. It helps to reach the Unreached People Groups (UPGs) in the world Matthew 9:36

THE HEART OF A CROSS-CULTURAL MISSIONARY

A cross-cultural missionary must have a passion for the lost Romans 9:1-3; an open mind which is always ready to accept people from a different cultural orientation Acts 11:9-12; have the willingness to go Isaiah 6:8; ability to endure hardship Romans 8:35 and should be a person of faith with absolute trust in God’s power Proverbs 3:5; 2 Corinthians 12:9.

CONCLUSION

God is waiting for men and women whom He will use to break barriers and make disciples among the remaining unreached people groups Matthew 9:37. Are you available?

FURTHER READINGS:

SUN: Mark 16:15- 16.
MON: Romans 10: 14.
TUE: Acts 26:15-20.
WED: Colossians 4:2-4.
THUR: John 20:22-23.
FRI: John 14:26-27.
SAT: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3.

MEMORY VERSE: “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10: 14.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 10: 1-9.

INTRODUCTION

Every believer has a call to missions 2 Corinthians 5:18. Missions is the sending out of believers to proclaim the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ to the unreached people group (UPG) as well as the unchurched and un- accessible people group (UUPG). A people group can be considered unreached if evangelical Christians are less than 2% of the entire population. Mission is at the heart of what the church stands for Acts 2:41. It is what Jesus commissioned us to do Mark 16:15. Everyone has a role to play in missions Acts 4:34-35.

OUTLINE

1. THE MISSIONARY GOD
2. A MANDATE FOR ALL BELIEVERS

1. THE MISSIONARY GOD

God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are all involved in missions. God the Father initiated the process by sending the Son, Jesus Christ to the world to save humanity John 3:17. Jesus came in obedience to the Father’s instruction to redeem the world from eternal damnation John 10:10. Jesus has now commissioned every believer to continue with the task Matthew 28:19-20; John 20:21. The Holy Spirit is always with us to lead and empower us Acts 1:8; 8:29, guide us Acts 16:6-7, strengthen us Acts 4: 8,13 and help us to finish the task 2 Timothy 4:7

2.   A MANDATE FOR ALL BELIEVERS

Every believer has been commissioned to do ‘missions’ Matthew 28:19-20; John 20:21. You have no choice if you are born again John 15:16.The question is not Whether you are called to do missions, rather the question is whether you obey the call. Paul was not disobedient to the call Act 26:19-20. One can get involved in any of these areas:
Preaching: Some are called and set apart to go to different lands to preach the gospel Acts 13:1-2. The work of missions demands that some people should go to those who have not heard the gospel. Jesus, our perfect example was going from place to place preaching the gospel Matthew 4:23; Luke 19:10. Jesus commanded us to go to the entire world Acts 1:8. Unless there are people who will go and preach there is no way missions can be done: we need men and women of all ages and background who will traverse lands to proclaim the gospel Isaiah 6:8.
Praying: Mission work thrives on prayer and without much prayer, mission’s work will suffer. Paul enjoined the Ephesians church partner with him in prayers Ephesians 6:18-20. Regular prayers must be offered to God for missionaries and mission’s work Colossians 4:2-4. We ought to remember missionaries in family altars and personal private prayers 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2.
Paying: Missions is a very expensive venture. This is why God has blessed His children so they can finance His project 2 Corinthians 12:15. Paul commended the Philippians for being exceptional in financing missions work Philippians 4:14-19 Individuals, families, group of people, organisations, churches. companies etc can pay for the missionary’s salary, children’s school fees, or help missionaries on training. You can adopt a mission field and finance their work.

CONCLUSION

Missions is one vital assignment that God has given to every believer. Be involved.

FURTHER READINGS:

SUN: Mark 16:15-16.
MON: Romans 10 14.
TUE: Acts 26:15-20.
WED: Colossians 4:2-4.
THUR: John 20:22-23.
FRI: John 14:26-27
SAT: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3.

MEMORY VERSE: “ And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:27.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 2:9-16.

INTRODUCTION

Praying in the Spirit is a privilege that God grants to those in whom the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of Christ) dwells. At the creation of mankind, God deposited His Spirit into all human beings which provided the platform for us to be intimate with God. Following our regeneration experience, God provides His Spirit as a deposit in our heart guaranteeing his inheritance. Hence praying in the Spirit is, praying in accordance with the mind of God – being in constant communion with the Spirit of God such that our prayers simply reflect what is on God’s heart.
It is however very important to note that praying in tongues is not synonymous with praying in the Spirit.
Our Lord Jesus Christ was in constant communion with His Father John 11:42, He knew what was in the Father’s heart and was indeed always praying in the Spirit. To pray in the Spirit is to be led by the Spirit to pray the mind of God Romans 8:14. Praying in the Spirit brings about the establishment of God’s kingdom in the hearts of men and on earth.

OUTLINE

1. UNDERSTANDING THE SPIRIT’S INTENTIONS
2. PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT

1. UNDERSTANDING THE SPIRIT’S INTENTIONS

The Holy Spirit is God’s seal of promise, the guarantee of our inheritance. He is a part of the Trinity, symbolised as the oil which sets alight the candlestick of man’s spirit and causes the man’s life to be ablaze with the life of Christ Proverbs 20:27. The Spirit facilitates the utmost desires of God in us in the following ways:
1. God reveals things to man who love and are committed to spiritual maturity by His Spirit 1 Corinthians 2: 9-10 God reveals Hls heart by His word which the spirit expands in a man’s heart.
2. The Spirit “searches… the deep things of God” 1 Corinthians 2:10. The spirit searches specific deep thoughts of God out for the life of every person in Christ John 15:26; 16:14.
3. The Spirit is not the spirit of the world John 14:17 God’s Spirit does not admire, desire, or have any affection or allegiance to the things of the world. The Spirit does not measure a man’s spirituality by the physical assets that the world values.
4. The Spirit knows the thoughts of God 1 Corinthians 2:11.By His Spirit, God can share His thoughts from His Word with each one of us.
5. We can receive from the Holy Spirit, what God has freely given us 1 Corinthians 2:12. We have freely received salvation through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross of Calvary and this is strengthened in us as we pursue our discipleship.
6. The Spirit explains spiritual realities with words conceived by the Spirit Himself 1 Corinthians 2:14. These words are meaningless and unacceptable to the person who does not have the Holy Spirit, they can only be discerned by the Spirit as He communes with our spirit.
7. The Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us through groans that cannot be uttered Romans 8:26-27. The Spirit intercedes for God’s people to birth the will of God in the lives of His people.

2. PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT

The intentions of the Holy Spirit are always focused on the glorification of Jesus Christ and the execution of God’s will in His Kingdom. Praying in the Spirit., in essence simply means praying in alignment with the will of God to bring about God’s purpose on the face of the earth.
God’s intentions are clear and are found in the Scriptures; the glorification of Jesus Christ John 17:5, the establishment and expansion of His kingdom, and execution of His will Isaiah 9:7; Matthew 6:10, the salvation of all men 1 Timothy 2:4 and conforming them to the image of Jesus Christ Romans 8:29. Jesus Christ was filled with the Holy Spirit throughout His earthly passage and was always praying in the Spirit Matthew 6:9-13, John 17:1-26. In these two prayers, you will note how the focus of Jesus’ prayers is the establishment and expansion of God’s kingdom and the glorification of God.
Praying in the Spirit is an avenue for building yourself up in our most holy faith Jude 1:20. Hence, as you pursue your discipleship and your growth in Christ, the Spirit will increasingly reveal the deep things in the heart of God as you pray continually in the Holy Ghost.

CONCLUSION

Praying in the Spirit is not about praying in tongues. It is about understanding that the Spirit reveals the thoughts and the burdens of God’s heart. Praying in the Spirit is about praying the heart of God. He wants a two-way communication with us that enables us to know His heart and pray the execution of His will on the face of the earth and that is what His Spirit makes possible.

FURTHER READINGS:

MON: Genesis 2:7.
TUE: 1 Corinthians 2:11.
WED: John 15:16.
THURS: 1 Thessalonians 5:19.
FRI: John 16:14.
SAT: 1 Corinthians 2:12.
SUN: Jude 1: 20.

MEMORY VERSE: “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.” Jude 1:20.

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Samuel 22:1-2.

INTRODUCTION

Capacity is defined as an individual’s mental, physical ability or to produce, perform, or deploy. It simply means the maximum amount something can contain or produce. Capacity-building is the process of developing and strengthening the skills, instincts, abilities, processes, and resources that organizations and communities need to survive, adapt, and thrive in a fast-changing world. Ilt can also be personal development, which means to up-skill and improve on oneself. It is a conscious and deliberate improvement of one’s abilities. The Bible admonishes us to grow our capacity spiritually 1 Peter 2:2 mentally Hebrews 5:13-14 and in all spheres of life.

OUTLINE

1. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES
2.  SOME AREAS TO BUILD CAPACITY

1. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES

David built his capacity from being the little shepherd boy in the desert to a giant slayer and built great warriors 2 Samuel 23:8-12. Jephthah had a very discouraging beginning being an outcast. He developed himself to become a warrior and the ruler of his people Judges 11:1-11. Stephen distinguished himself from every other qualified individual in his days to serve in a leadership capacity Acts 6:1-8. Deborah, in her days, became a mother in Israel, a prophetess, judge and went with Barak to war Judges 4:4, 8-9. Peter was initially timid but became bold and leader of the Apostles Acts 4:13. Also, he moved from being a fisherman to becoming an effective fisher of men Luke 5:1-11

2.  SOME AREAS TO BUILD CAPACITY

Knowledge base: Knowledge is a vital key to success in any field. Learning is a productive way to build capacity in your field. Study the word of God 2 Timothy 2:15 and learn from people who have developed capacity. Start by reading one book concerning your desired destination every month.
Mind: The mind is popularly known as the nation of images. You can only go as far as your mind can see. Numbers 13:30-33. Invest in capacity development with your time, money, and other resources. You can use the internet to your good advantage.
Character: Your attitude is a very potent weapon that can disarm the enemy, and at the same time, your character can be the weapon formed against you Proverbs 11:3. We must be teachable if we will build capacity. No man is an Island James 1:19.
Time Management: Time is a fragment of destiny, which must be handled with all seriousness, and all productivity. Learn how to utilize productively for your advancement in career and ministry Ecclesiastes 3:1; 8:5b.
Finance: The mandate to reach the world has been given to all believers, you need to be intentional about wealth creation. You may never accomplish much if you neglect the potency of financial capacity Zechariah 1:17.
Prayers: Your prayer capacity must be built. The power of prayer is in its consistency Luke 18:1. Be regular in your prayers, because the more unswerving you are, the more capacity you receive to pray. Be intentional with your Prayer life and fast at least once in a week Mark 9:29.
Gift: Every man has a deposit of God’s grace which must be increased Matthew 25:14-27. Joseph started by dreaming then expanded his capacity to interpreting dream and then implementing the interpretation.
Association: Surround yourself with like minds and people who have interest in your growth Proverbs 13:20, Proverbs 20:18. Map out an action plan and create an accountability system.

CONCLUSION

Capacity development brings you out of your comfort zone and stretches you. It however prepares you for opportunities and lead to promotion. Pursue capacity development Proverbs 14:4.

FURTHER READINGS:

SUN: 2 Corinthians 3:5.
MON: Matthew 25:15.
TUES: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10.
WED: Mark 9:29.
THURS: Zechariah 1:17.
FRl: Proverbs 13:20.
SAT: Numbers 13:30-33.

MEMORY VERSE: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak, and he will shew you things to come” John 16:13.

BIBLE PASSAGE: John 16:12-14.

INTRODUCTION

Jesus, before His ascension, told His disciples that His Father would send the Comforter – The Holy Spirit – who would teach and guide all those who believe in Him John 14:26; 16:7. This promise of Jesus was fulfilled when the Holy Spirit came with power on the believers at Pentecost Acts 2:1-4. Now, when a person believes in Christ, the Holy Spirit immediately becomes a part of his life Romans 8:14; 1 Corinthians 12:13.

OUTLINE

1. OPERATIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
2. DISCERNING THE HOLY SPIRIT’S LEADING

1. OPERATIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit has many roles. Not only does He distribute spiritual gifts according to His will 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, but He also reproves or corrects us John 16:8, comforts John 14:16, teaches and reminds John 14:26 and remains in us as a seal of promise upon our hearts until the day of Jesus’ return Ephesians 1:13; 4:30. The Holy Spirit also takes on the role of a Guide and Counsellor, leading us in the way we should go and revealing God’s truth Luke 12:12; 1 Corinthians 2:6-10.

2. DISCERNING THE HOLY SPIRIT’S LEADING

Some believers today are still confused in discerning between their thoughts and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Some of the things to note about our thoughts include the fact that our desires and feelings may affect or dictate our thought pattern. Thoughts can be unstable and sometimes misleading. It wanders from one end to another. Our thoughts may be sensual Romans 8:5. It can lead astray and eventually bring harm. Fear is a product of uncontrolled thoughts. It is important to check with the Holy Spirit even when your thoughts seem positive,

However, the Holy Spirit can dominate our thoughts (when we have fully surrendered it to Him) and use it to establish the will of God. The Holy Spirit sometimes guides us through our own conscience Romans 9:1.The word of God is one of the most important ways to recognise the Holy Spirit’s guidance 2 Timothy 3:16; 2:15. The Spirit will use it to reveal God’s will to us in times of need John 16:12-14; 14:26. Knowledge of God’s Word can help us to discern whether our desires come from the Holy Spirit Psalm 119:11. It is also necessary for us to be in constant prayer (in the Spirit) to keep our hearts and minds open to the Holy Spirit’s leading 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Romans 8:26-27. The leading of the Holy Spirit also brings peace Romans 15:13.

When we know the will of God but do not follow it, we are resisting the Spirit’s work in our lives Acts 7:51; 1 Thessalonians 5:19. When we follow our own ways, it grieves Him Ephesians 4:30. The Holy Spirit will never lead us into sin. Habitual sin will cause us to miss what the Holy Spirit wants to say to us through the word.

CONCLUSION

Be constantly in tune with the Holy Spirit.

FURTHER READINGS:

SUN: Isaiah 7:13;
MON: Exodus 32:29;
TUES: Colossians 4:2;
WED: Luke 18:1;
THUR: John 14:26;
FRI: Galatians 1:20;
SAT: Acts 10:38