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DAILY LIFT UP

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DAILY LIFT UP – Saturday, 5th October 2024

Pray for Yourself First

1. Lord, ignite my passion for Your presence and purpose.
2. Grant me wisdom to navigate life’s challenges with faith.
3. Fill my heart with Your love and compassion.
4. Raise in me the importance of your righteousness over money.

Scripture Meditation:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Rom. 15:13 (NIV)

Prayer Together

Dear Heavenly Father,

You are our Rock and Redeemer. We surrender to Your guidance.

– Shape us into vessels of Your love:
– Purify our hearts and minds
– Empower us to serve others
– Use us to spread Your Gospel
– Help us to always emphasize the positive in our neighbours

– Bless those around us:
– Pour out Your Spirit on our families and friends
– Bring hope to the hurting and lost
– Unite Your people in love and purpose

May Your kingdom reign in my life and community.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

You Can Also:

– Consider ways to share God’s love with others
– Journal Your gratitude and prayers
– Ponder God’s faithfulness and sovereignty

Weekend Blessings – Benediction

– May this weekend be a time of spiritual renewal
– May you experience God’s peace and joy
– May your heart be filled with hope and love

P/S: Should you have:
– What to commit to God in prayer
– Seemingly difficult Scripture(s)
Feel free to share with me. Justice will done to them according to God’s grace with me.

From:
READ AND REAP BIBLE ENTERPRISES
www.readandreap.org

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF QUEEN ESTHER

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– THE LIFE AND TIMES OF QUEEN ESTHER – (Children/Teenagers’ Category)
1. What was the Jewish version of the Persian name “Esther”? (ANS. Hadassah – 2:7)

2. The book of Esther is one of the —–books of the Bible. (a) Poetical (b) Prophetic (c) Historical (d) Law ANS. C

3. —- was the grandfather of Mordecai. (a) Kish (b) Shemei (c) Abigail (d) All above ANS. B
4. Mordecai was the —— of Esther. (2:7) (a) Cousin (b) Uncle (c) Father (d) Nephew. ANS. A
5. What was the name of the annual feast instituted by the Jews during Queen Esther’s reign? ANS. Purim
6. Who particularly instituted the feast that helped to remind the Hebrews of their deliverance from Haman’s annihilated plot? ANS. Mordecai
7. “Pharaohs” were the kings of Egypt. Who were the kings of Persia? (ANS. Ahasuerus)
8. What was the capital of the kingdom of Persia? (ANS. Shushan or Susa)
9. The king of Persia was —— years on his throne when he arranged a banquet. (1:3) (a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 fd) 5 (ANS. B)
10. The king’s exhibition lasted for how many days? (1:4) (a) 280 (b) 380 (c) 80 (d) 180. ANS. D
11. At the palace of the king, the banquet lasted for how many days? (1:5) ANS. 7 days
12. These were all the Eunuchs under the king except — (1:10)(a) Memucan (b) Biztha (c) Mehuman (d) Zethar. ANS. A
13. Historical books of the Bible among which Esther belongs are —— (a) 12 (b) 22 (c) 2 (d) 32. ANS. B
14. Eunuchs were – (a) Nazirites (b) Nephilims (c) Castrates (d) Zealots. ANS. C
15. “Herodias” was to “Herod” as ——, Esther’s predecessor, was to “Ahasuerus”. (ANS. Vashti)
16. How many were the princes of Persia and Media next to the king? (1:14) ANS. 7
17. Queen Vashti’s mistake brought about the exaltation of Esther, Mordecai and the Jews in Persia and Media. What was the mistake? (ANS. Vashti’s refusal to appear before the King at the king’s order)
18. He suggested that Queen Vashti be removed and was accordingly implemented. Who was that? (ANS. Memucan 1:20-21)
19. As Abuja is to Tinubu, so was —-to Ahasuerus. (ANS. Shushan or Susa)
20. Originally, Esther was a —— (a) Queen (b) Orphan (c) Princess (d) Proselyte (2:7) ANS. B
21. Who was Esther’s foster father? (ANS. Mordecai) – 2:7).
22. Where was Mordecai’s office? (ANS. Palace of king Ahasuerus – 2:11)
23. Who was the Eunuch prefect over the maidens among whom Esther was? (ANS. Hegai – 2:8)
24. “The king of Persia MUST know the origins of any proposed Queen.” (True or False (False – 2:10)
25. In Shushan, as a tradition, potential queens must be prepared for —— year(s). (a) 2 (b) 3 (C) 1 (d) 4 ANS. C (2:12)
26. He was the head of the king’s concubines. (a) Hegai (b) Shaasgaz (c) Carcas (d) Admatha ANS. B
27. The king’s concubines had the right to visit the king —– time(s). (a) 3 (b) 4 (c) 2 (d) Once (2:13-14) ANS. D
28. “Esther was the most admired because of her choiced make up things.” (True or false- 2:15) ANS. False
29. King Ahasuerus had been on the throne as king for- –years before marrying Esther. (a) 5 (b) 6 (c) 7 (d) 8. ANS. C
30. It was the —-month when Esther appeared before king Ahasuerus. (a) 9th (b) 10th (c) 11th (d) 8th (2:16). ANS. B
31. Who were the two Chamberlains that sought to kill Ahasuerus if not for Mordecai’s intervention? (a) Bigthan and Carcas (b) Teresh and Harbona (c) Biztha and Zethar (d) Bigthan and Teresh (2:21). ANS. D
32. “Queen Esther could not be as obedient to Mordecai anymore because of her engagements as the king’s wife.” (a) False (b) Sometimes False (c) True (d) Sometimes True (2:20). ANS. A
33. He was Esther’s attendant. (a) Haman (b) Hatach (c) Mordecai (d) Kish. ANS. B
35. Before reversing the death decree to kill all Jews by Haman, Queen Esther had arranged —— banquets. (a) One (b) Two (c) Three (d) Four (5:8; 7:2). ANS. B
36. There were —- provinces under king Ahasuerus.(a) 127 (b) 227 (c) 137 (d) 237 (8:9). ANS. A
37. The Jews were empowered by law to defend themselves on ——- (a) 13th November (b) 13th December (c) 13th October (d) 13th January (8:12) ANS. B
38. There were Jewish —– for fear of the Jews in Persia in general and Shushan in particular. (a) Nazirites (b) Medians (c) Apostles (d) Proselytes. ANS. D (8:17)
39. Mordecai was from the tribe of —- in Israel. (a) Dan (b) Reuben (c) Levites (d) Benjamin. ANS. D
40. As “caesars” were for Rome, —– were for Amalek nicknamed for wickedness. (a) Pharaohs (b) Herods (c) Agags (d) Emirs. ANS. C
41. The ancient Persia from 1935 is the present day —-(a) USA (b) Iran (c) Germany (d) Yemen. ANS. B
42. —– was a monarch in Persia under whom the captivity of Babylon ended. (a) Caesar (b) Cyrus the Great (c) Nebuchadnezzar (d) None above. ANS. B
43. The Media of the Book of Esther is the present day region of —– (a) Zurich (b) Denmark (c) Azerbaijan (d) Turkey. ANS. C
44. As “Ahasuerus” is Hebrew. the Greek version is —- (a) Cyrus (b) Xerxes (c) Satrap (d) Agag. ANS. B
45. The King during Queen Esther’s reign ruled from (a) India to Egypt (b) India to Ethiopia (c) India to Media (d) Babylon to Ethiopia. ANS. B
46. What are States in Nigeria were — in Esther’s time. (a) Colonies (b) Monarchies (c) Regions (d) Provinces. ANS. D
47. “When the women in your kingdom hear about this new law, they will respect their husbands no matter if they are rich or poor.” (Est. 1:3 CEV) Who made the statement and at what occasion? (ANS. Memucan at Vashti’s refusal to appear before the king) 47b. “Est. 1:22” says letters were written and sent to the people in their languages. One of such languages was —- (a) Iran (b) English (c) French (d) Hausa. ANS. A
48. Queen Esther was the only wife the ruler of Persia had. (a) Yes (b) No (c) Sometimes ‘Yes’ (d) Sometimes ‘No’. ANS. B
49. The Hebrew name, “Mordecai” means —– (a) Slave (b) Warrior (c) Centurion (d) Bond. ANS. B
50. Other Bible’s account as in “Neh.7:7 say Mordecai returned to Judah with —— (a) Zerubbabel (b) Jeconiah (c) Moses (d) Saul. ANS. A
51. The phrase, “at the King’s gate.” was true of all these except (a) A place for beggars (b) A place for workers in the King’s court (c) A sensitive place for governmental affairs (d) A place for public servants. ANS A
52. Whose King captured Judah and took Mordecai to Babylon? (Esther 2:6) ANS. Nebuchadnezzar
53. Who was the King in Judah when Nabuchadnezzar conquered it? (ANS. Jeconiah – Esther 2:6)
54. “In the governance of Persia, anyone that disobeyed the King as Queen Vashti did was likely sentenced to death. (a) True (b) False (c) Seldom True (d) All above. ANS. A
55. He was the biological father of Queen Esther. (a) Mordecai (b) Abihail (c) Hadassah (d) Kish (ANS. B – Esther 9:29)
56. Who was the predecessor of Esther? (a) Hegai (b) Vashti (c) Memucan (d) Mehuman. ANS. B
57. Who was the successor of Vashti? (a) Esther (b) Hegai (c) Memucan (d) Mehuman. ANS. A
58. Queen Esther was probably born in (a) Shushan (b) Persia (c) Iran (d) All above. ANS. D
59. In the Hebrew calendar, “Tebesh” was which month of the year? (Esther 2:15-16) (ANS. 10th)
60. Why was the Jewish feast of victory over their enemies called “PURIM”? (Esther 9:20-26) ANS. taken from the word ‘pur’ meaning ‘Lottery’).
61. What does the word “PUR” mean? (ANS. ‘Lot’ – Esther 9:24)
62. How many female children had Haman, the Jewish arch enemy? (a) 5 (b) 4 (c) 6 (d) None above. ANS. D (Esther 9:10)
63. Who was the father of Haman? (ANS. Hammedatha – Esther 9:24)
64. The month of “Adar” was —- (a) March (b) September c) December (d) November (ANS. C -Esther 9:1 )
65. Haman schemed that all Jews be killed on —- (a) 13th August (b) 13th July (c) 13th June (d) 13th December. ANS. D
66. Why did the rulers of the Provinces take side with the Jews? ANS. ‘Fear of Mordecai’ – (Esther 9:3,4)
67. How many of Jewish enemies did they kill in the nation’s capital? (a)) 800 (b) 300 (c) 500 (d) 600. ANS. A – (Esther 9:6,15)
68. What was Queen Esther’s second request to the King after the first day of their self defense? (Esther 9:13)(ANS. Hanging of Haman’s dead Children)
69. Haman’s ten children were among the —– killed. (a) 300 (b) 75,000 (c) 500 (d) Two of above ANS. C
70. How many of the Jewish enemies were killed on the 14th December in the capital city? (a) 300 (b) 500 (c) 800 (d) 5o (Esther 9:15). ANS. A
71. “Jews were exceedingly enriched through the spoils of their enemies they had killed.” (a) True (b) False (c) Sometimes True (d) Sometimes False (Esther 9:15,16) ANS. B
72. How many people did the Jews kill in Persia excluding those in the capital city? (ANS. 75,000 – Esther 9:16)
73. Why was PURIM celebrated in two days? (ANS. Because one day was set aside for those in villages and one day for those in the capital city.
74. PURIM of the Jews that lived in the capital city took place on —– (a) 13th December (b) 14th December (c) 15th December (d) 16th December (Esther 9:18)(ANS. 15th December)
75. PURIM of the Jews that lived in the villages took place on —– (a) 13th December (b) 14th December (c) 15th December (d) 16th December. ANS. B
76. What was one important feature in PURIM that today is significant in Christianity? (ANS. Charity/Humanitarian Services – Esther 9:19,22))
77. All these are the sons of Haman except (a) Dalphon (b) Adalia (c) Hegai (d) Aridatha. ANS. C
78. What is one significant lesson in the episode that the gallows Haman prepared for the servant of the Most High (Mordecai) turned to be for hanging him and his children? (ANS. Never underestimate anyone due to your present position.)
79. Two people ensured that it became an edict – the celebration of PURIM. Who were they? (ANS. Mordecai & Esther – Est. 9:29)
80. Beside Mordecai being next to the King, what other quality did he possess that made his people to love him according to “Est. 10:3”? (ANS. He was generous)
81. When did Queen Esther reveal her biological relationship with Mordecai to the King? (Est. 8:1)(ANS. After Mordecai had triumphed over Haman by his God’s grace)
82. Not only was Haman and all his children killed because of his evil plan against Mordecai and all the Jews. What else happened to Haman that benefited Mordecai? (Est. 8:2) (ANS. His possessions were given to Mordecai.)
83. A decree written to reverse Haman’s decree against the Jews was written in the —– month (a) 4th (b) 5th (c) 3rd (d) 6th (ANS. 3rd – Est. 8:9)
84. Both the King’s decree and that of Haman against the Jews were to be effected on the same day and month. Which day and month did that take place? (Est. 8:12) (ANS. 13th December)
85. “If I perish, I perish.” (Est. 4:16) To whom was the statement made? (ANS. Mordecai)
86. “…And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Est. 4:14- AMP). To whom was the statement made and by whom? (ANS. To Esther by Mordecai)
87. The leader of Queen Esther’s team to Mordecai while still on sackcloth was —– a) Vaisatha (b) Hathach (c) Parotha (d) Hammedatha. ANS. B
88. King Xerxes was King for —– years when Haman initiated the plot to kill all the Jews. (a) 7(b) 8 (c) 10 (d) 12 (Est. 3:7). ANS. D
89. What reason did Mordecai give to his colleagues for not bowing down before Haman? (ANS. Being a Jew – Est. 3:4)
90. In which month did Haman start the plot to wipe out all the Jews? (a) Adar (b) Nisan (C) Susa (d) Tebesh (ANS. B – Est. 3:7)
91. Haman paid money to the King’s account for Jews in the empire to be killed. How much? (ANS. 10,000 talents of silver – Est. 3:9)
92. On —-, Haman’s decree was documented. (a) 12th January (b) 13th January (c) 14th January (d) 15th January (ANS. B – Est. 3:12)
93. “Queen Esther ordered that Mordecai send notice of a fast to all the Jews in Persia.” (a) True (b) False (c) Sometimes True (d) All above. (ANS. B – Est. 4:16) between Mordecai and Esther judging from the
94. What one lesson do we see between Mordecai and Esther judging from the success at last that “Mordecai went away and did all that Esther had commanded him.”? (Est, 4:17 – AMP) (ANS. Agreement and/or cooperation in the spirit)
95. What was the sign of welcome the King gave to Queen Esther? (ANS. Pointing his sceptre towards her – Est. 5:1,2)
96. The King was wiling to grant Queen Esther’s request even to what? (ANS. Conceding half of his kingdom – Est. 5:3,7)
97. If Haman knew Mordecai was related to the King’s wife, He would have not looked down on him. What other lesson does this teach those on positions of authority? (ANS. Pride leads to a fall.)
98. How many cubits or feet high was Haman’s gallows he had prepared for hanging his enemy, Mordecai? (ANS. 50 cubits or 75 feet – Est. 5:14-50)
99. By the time Haman came to ask for the King’s permission to hang Mordecai, the King was asking what should be done to honour him. What does that teach us about God’s will and human will? (ANS. Always opposite – Est. 6:3-6)
100. “… But Haman hastened to his house, mourning and having his head covered.” (Est. 6:12b AMP)
Why did the character in the Scripture above do so? (ANS. Because of honouring the very person he went to receive permission to hang.)
101. The word, ‘God’ appears ——— time(s) in the ‘Book of Esther’. (a) 5 (b) 10 (c) None (d) 13 (ANS. C)
102. “Esther” is ——– language. (a) Coptic (b) Hebrew (c) Persian (d) Latin (ANS. C)
103. “Memucan” quoted in the ‘Law of Media and Persia’ what should be done to Queen Vashti for her refusal to be available at the King’s request – True or False. (ANS. False)
104. The name, “Esther” means (a) Myrtle (b) Star (c) Queen (d) Hostess (ANS. B)
105. “Mordecai belonged to the least tribe in Israel.” – True or False. (ANS. True)C

PARTNERSHIP WITH BELIEVING COMMUNITIES

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In partnership with the local believing assembly, we:

a) Promote Bible reading/studying culture.

b) Evaluate through contests and encourage the best through awards of certificates and prizes.

c) Cultivate early leadership zeal among the youths and teens’ population.

d) Discourage teens’ engagements in “subcultures” and “flapper groups” as well as in bettings.

e) Encourage self esteem spirit and motivation as well as time management
consciousness.

f) Help teenagers appreciate individual differences and focus on their areas of
specialties.

g) Move our teens’ learning beyond cognitive (knowledge/reasoning) domain to the interactive; affective (attitude) domain and even to the psychomotor (skills acquiring) domain of learning.

h) Help to give a professional phase to Bible studies with inherent traditional hints to hermeneutics.

i) Assist with techniques to enhance memorization of Biblical facts.

j) Help to separate Bible “teaching” from “talking” through submission to homiletical principles.

k) Encourage the use of “powwow” (pedagogy) instead of “didactics” promoting participation and interaction during Bible studies.

l) Make learning effective through contents’ plan (scope), making it also lively,
engaging, varied, active and developmental through appropriate pacing.

m) Help to separate “Bible quiz” meant for “minors” from “Christian quiz” that bothers on behavioural patterns.

THE PERSON GOD SAVES AND WORKS WITH

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Human head looking inward

Lesson: THE PERSON GOD SAVES AND WORKS WITH
TEXT: 2Cor. 4:15-18
MEMORY VERSE:
2Cor. 4:16 NKJV
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

OBJECTIVE: At the end of the lesson, we should learn and clearly see who God’s word is having in mind to serve God between the outward and inward persons of which every human being is made up in accordance with our memory verse and their various fruits.

INTRODUCTION:
All divine directives are not aimless, lest, they be ignored without punishment. Even at obeying them, if not by the inward person, can still be worthless before God amounting to no good reward. cf. 1Cor. 13:1-3. However, the various fruits borne by both persons will always be a determining factor for God’s good rewards. What are all such fruits?

PRESENTATION
Step I: SOME FRUITS OF THE INWARD PERSON
1. Washed with spiritual water – Baptism in the Holy Spirit – Heb. 10:22,23; Col. 2:11,12; Acts 1:4,5
i. The effect of the washing is on the conscience. See Heb. 9:14
2. Enters spiritual temple and worships with Christ. cf. Heb. 9:24
3. Dressed with spiritual materials
i. Christ as garment – cf. Rom. 13:14.
ii. Fruit of the spirit as the designs – cf. Gal. 5:22,23.
4. Eats spiritual foods
i. Christ’s teachings as food not for flesh and blood – cf. 1Pet. 2:2; John 4:31-34; 6:35.
5. Grows in the knowledge of Christ – cf. 2Pet. 3:18.
6. Takes pride in self offering first – cf. Rom. 12:1,2; 2Cor. 12:14; Rev. 3:20; Acts 8:20-23.
7. Desires a spiritual Jesus made manifest in His righteousness – cf. 2Cor. 5:16,17; Matt. 6:33.
8. Watches and compares self with Christ – cf. 2Cor. 10:12; Heb. 12:1,2; Rom. 8:28,29.
9. Lives by faith (not by sight) pursuing the spirit of the word – cf. 1John 3:17-20; John 6:63
10. Measures God’s favour in spiritual terms – cf. The Beatitudes – Matt. 5:3-12.
11. Making no emphasis on sex disparity in God’s service – cf. Gal. 3:26-28; Matt. 22:29,30.
12. Sees self and other believers as God’s temple and dwelling place – cf. 1Cor.3:9,16,17; Heb. 3:4,6.
13. Sees the presence of God everywhere (day and night) to worship – cf. Ps. 139:7; Acts 10:33; John 4:23,24.
14. Believes in personal salvation – cf. Prov. 16:5; Gal. 6:5; 2Cor. 5:10; Phil. 2:12.
15. Is found in the Church permanently – cf. Heb. 3:4,6; 1Cor. 3:9.

Step II: SOME FRUITS OF THE OUTWARD PERSON – FLESH AND BLOOD
1. Washed with physical water
i. This is ceremonial water baptism of the Jewish tradition that cannot revive the conscience – cf. 1Pet. 3:21.
2. Needs and enters physical temple and worships with men – cf. Acts 17:16,24,25; Heb. 9:1,8.
3. Dressed with physical materials – rings, necklaces, make-ups, etc. cf. 1Pet. 3:1-3; Col. 3:1-3.
4. Eats physical foods – cf. Rom. 14:17.
5. Grows in knowledge of the law and world system – Heb. 10:1-4
6. Takes pride in material offerings first – expressed in money, tithes, first fruits, vows, etc. cf. Eccle. 10:19; Deut. 16:16,17.
7. Desires a physical Jesus made credible in signs and wonders – cf. John 20:29; Matt. 16:4.
8. Watches and compares self with other humans – cf. 1Cor. 1:10-13; 3:6,7; 4:6,7.
9. Has an academic faith pursuing the letters of the word – cf. 2Cor. 3:6.
10. Measures God’s favour in material terms – cf. Luke 16:13-15; 2Tim. 3:1-5.
11. Making women believers inferior through gender variance – cf. 1Tim. 2:11-15; 1Cor. 14:34,35.
12. Sees a material house (Church shelter) as God’s temple and dwelling place – cf. 2Chron. 6:18; 7:11,12; Acts 17:24,25.
13. Confines God’s worship and presence to one place and day – cf. Ps. 139:7; Acts 10:33; Gal. 4:9-11.
14. Believes in group salvation – cf. Gal. 6:3,4; Phil. 2:12.
15. Believes in going to ‘Church’ (instead of ‘Church assembly’) and coming back from it – cf. Heb. 3:4,6; 1Cor. 3:9.

CONCLUSION:
Whether in corporate or individual worship, it is the ‘inward person’ who is made righteous by the blood of Jesus that God expects to undertake. The ‘outward person’ also called ‘flesh and blood’ is not accepted by God for any service unless being led by the ‘inward person’ enabled by the Spirit of Christ. By Christ’s grace, the battle of supremacy between the outward and inward persons will always be won by the ‘inward person’. cf. Gal. 5:16,17.

EVALUATION:
1. If our worship to God or failure to do so neither adds assistance to Him nor harm Him, why does He bother to correct us?
2. If the ‘inward person’ is cleansed by Christ and functional, the ‘outward person’ is cleansed automatically. (Yes or No) Why?
3. ‘Gal. 5:17’ speaks of natural conflict between the ‘outward person’ and the ‘inward person’. For what purpose?
4. Before salvation through Christ, the ‘inward person’ was dominated by the ‘outward person’. (True or False). Why?
5. What is the difference between ‘Church’ and ‘Church Cathedral’?
6. Between ‘Church’ and ‘Church Cathedral’, which between them is God permanently present?

PRAYER:
With thanksgiving to God for the lesson, let us ask Him for knowledge of what His intent was creating the ‘Church’ in Christ and what her worship was to achieve and/or influence in the world for Him.

We welcome your partnership with us as you fill our online form to that effect here.

EVANGELIZING, THE CHRISTIAN CHARGE

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Lesson: EVANGELIZING, THE CHRISTIAN CHARGE
TEXT: Matt. 28:18-20
MEMORY VERSE: Acts 1:8: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria and to the ends of the earth.

A. INTRODUCTION:
The word for ‘good news’ is ‘evangel’ and the herald is an ‘evangelist’ doing the art of evangelizing. The Gospels’ writers, (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) were ‘evangelists’ and their message is the ‘evangel’ because it is based on faith or dependence upon the success of someone else, (in our case, Jesus) for the believers. (Jehovah) God ties everything good from Him for mankind to the preaching of Jesus Christ and His blood sacrifice. (cf. Heb.9:12-14,27; 10:3-7).

B. BODY OF THE LESSON:
1. How is the Gospel of Christ good news? (cf. John 3:16-17; 13:34-35)
2. The Gospel of Christ is carried out in the spirit of ‘what would be good for me, I do for you.’ Discuss. (cf.Matt.7:12; Rom.13:8-10).
3. How can the word of God become flesh again in our generation?
(cf. John 1:14; 17:18)
4. Why is God and heaven interested in Jesus’ self sacrifice? (cf. Heb.9:12-14; 10:3-7).

C. CONCLUSION:
Evangelizing has one goal: removing the barrier between man and God, His maker, called ‘sin’. This can only be possible in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ resulting in peace with God and fellow persons. (cf. Eph. 2:14) Parents with sincere love for their children tell them what to do before leaving them at death. Similarly, Christ, our beloved elder Brother and Saviour also told us what to do before He left us for heaven – EVANGELIZING.

For more on the subject of ‘Evangelizing’, click here and here.

EVANGELIZING,THE CURE FOR DEMONIC INFLUENCE

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Lesson: EVANGELIZING, THE CURE FOR DEMONIC INFLUENCE
TEXT: Acts 19:23-27
MEMORY VERSE: Acts 19:27 NKJV
So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship.

A. INTRODUCTION:
How will demons have no more altar through which to operate in our land? Images of the goddess Diana who was worshiped by the Ephesians were made by silversmiths as a business for both family and public devotees to the goddess. As elect angels ascend to give God report of our service to Him and descend to bring us support, (cf. John 1:50,51; Heb. 1:13f) that is how fallen angels or demons ministered to idols’ worshipers of the goddess Diana and the makers’ industry at the introduction of the Gospel of Christ in that continent. (vv.25-27). Its effect remains the same in every generation. (cf. Matt. 23:35) Amen?

B. BODY OF THE LESSON:
1. When is the Gospel of Christ deprived of its inherent power? (2Cor. 2:14, 17; 4:17-18)
2, How can our behavioral Pattern hinder or promote the influence of demons? (cf. Rom.2:21-24; 1John 4:4; 5:4)
3. What is the influence of personal, family and communal altar on the inhabitants therein? (Acts 19:27; 2Tim. 1:4-6)
4. How is the Gospel of Christ nicknamed in “Acts 19:23”? Okay, let us make it so.
5. Like Demetrius who made business out of building silver shrines (halls, auditoria), how will those who take church cathedrals for church (human believers) treat preachers serving with them and members under their watch today? (v.24,25; 2Timothy 3:12-13; Heb. 3:6, 1Cor. 3:9; Matt. 24:1)

C. CONCLUSION:
When we leverage on the inherent power of the Christian Gospel, to save us; care for us; deliver us from all temptations, no space will be left in our heart for any atom of fear of demonic attacks. No doubt, the demons shall surely gather. But “the begotten of God keeps himself, and that wicked one touched him not.” (1John 5:18b)

PRAYER: With thanksgiving to God for the lesson, let us together ask for His grace to shine more light of Christ’s Gospel to checkmate the activities of demons in communities in keeping the Gospel’s hope, love, faith and obedience alive. Amen!

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EVANGELIZING

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Theme: EVANGELIZING
Lesson: FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM
TEXT: 1Sam. 30:10-18
MEMORY VERSE: 1Sam 30:12 (NIV)
‘part of a cake of pressed figs and two cakes of raisins. He ate and was revived, for he had not eaten any food or drunk any water for three days and three nights.’

A. INTRODUCTION:
‘Friendship evangelism’ can also be seen as the most practically ‘informative evangelism approach”. It succeeds to win or recover lost souls not through crusades, outreaches or open air services, but through friendly dispositions, one to another. In our text, David was annoyed and even in disarray caused him by his enemies. But he brought under control in his mission to recover ALL for himself and his people after meeting one of those enemies. This lesson is to be taught using a ‘powwow’ approach. A Lesson is ‘powwow’ because both teachers and learners are considered as a ‘panel of discussants’, thus, taking away the spirit of lecturing while the teacher plays the role of a moderator. All such do not have ‘evaluation questions’ in the end.

B. BODY OF THE LESSON:
1. In evangelizing, who is the first beneficiary to look out for? (cf. Gen 1:26-28; Matt.25:40).
2. The Evangelist is, no doubt, a courier of life.
(a) What is that life called? (cf. Eph. 4:17-21)
(b) By what means is the life accessed? (cf. John 6:63,68)
3. What is the nature of blessing the Evangelist bears first and why? (cf. Eph. 1:3; Luke 10:19-20; Matt. 6:33)
4. What is an outstanding evidence that the evangelist has done his work well? (cf. 2 Cor.3:1-4; Eph 4:20-21; Matt.7:15-20).

C. CONCLUSION:
The number of persons we meet in this life and how we relate with them will surely determine the much and less blessing and recommendation for punishment we receive from God. Whether or not we are being seen and praised by men does not matter in this respect. We must be quick to receive one another. (See Rom. 12:9, 10,16)

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THE PRINCIPAL PREACHING POINT OF THE CHRIST’S ORIGINAL APOSTLES

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Lesson: THE PRINCIPAL PREACHING POINT OF CHRIST’S ORIGINAL APOSTLES
TEXT: Heb. 2:5-9
MEMORY VERSE: 2Cor. 4:18
‘So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.’ (NIV)

INTRODUCTION:
The Apostles and Prophets are revealed to us as the foundation of our Christian profession because they (the Apostles) first preached the fulfillment of the salvation of mankind predicted by holy men of old, the Prophets. (cf. Eph. 2:20-22). In our text and memory verse, they let us know on where God’s emphasis was when He (God) was speaking to us (Christians) through them that they and us are PARTAKERS IN THE WORLD TO COME; NOT THE PRESENT ONE. That is the world before sin entered or the new earth (world) after sin and its consequences are destroyed forever. (cf. 2Pet. 3:13).

OBJECTIVE: To remind believers in Christ of Jehovah’s original intent in sending Jesus; their expected divine and worthy priority and the benefits attached thereto.

PRESENTATION:
Step I: JESUS BROUGHT US ETERNAL AND SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS
(a) God’s charge is that we join Jesus outside the world system (cf. Heb. 13:11-14).
i. This means looking up to or focusing on Him, the invisible and eternal reality (Heb. 12:1-2; Col. 3:1-4).
(b) The gift of God and the window through which God passes the gift is spiritual. (cf. Rom. 6:23; 2Cor. 5:16).
(c) Living this way is the power pathfinder for winning our enemy (who’s also God’s enemy – Satan) just as Jesus won. (John 1:11-13; 7:16,17; 10:17).
(d) Material blessings follow this lifestyle (which is the life of God (Eph. 4:17,18) in an attaching manner. (cf. Matt. 6:33).

Step II: OUR DIVINE AND/OR ACCEPTABLE PRIORITY AS CHRISTIANS: These are:
(a) The dream to be like our Father in heaven ultimately. (cf. Matt. 5:48; Rom.8:28-30).
(b) Walking in the spirit as our Father in heaven Who is Spirit. (cf. Gal.5:16, 24-26).
(c) Being aware that no flesh and blood shares in His government. (cf. 1Cor. 15:50).

Step III: THE BELIEVER IN CHRIST IS A BENEFIT TO THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
(a) In expecting to access the future world, services in loyalty to the giver must exchange hand. (cf. Luke 16:10-12)
(b) The visible representation of an invisible owner of this world Who is God is man through whom we serve God. (cf. 1John 3:16-19; 4:20-21).
i. So, serving man for God’s sake is serving God. (cf. 1John 4:20-21).

CONCLUSION:
Although the original Apostles burdened themselves preaching to register in the believers in Christ the singular hope of resting in God’s Paradise after the present life (cf. Eph. 4:4-5), they also never forgot God’s Holy One, Jesus, through Whom alone such access is created as the ‘Messiah’ of the Jews and the ‘Christ’ of the Gentiles and, of course, the Saviour of the whole mankind. (Acts 4:12; 2Cor. 5:18-20) Our efforts as Christians must be geared towards familiarizing our thoughts more with the realities of our eternal and blissful heavenly home than with the mundane, material, corporeal and terminal things of this world.

EVALUATION:
1. Mention some of the demerits or deficiencies in preachers of Christ pointing people to the present world.
2. According to “Eph. 2:20-22”, explain how the Apostles and Prophets are our foundation.
3. What is a divine way of seeking material possessions?
4. ‘We will surely be what God predestined us to be ultimately.’ What is that?
5. ‘Services in loyalty to the giver of our hope must
exchange hand.’ Explain.

PRAYER: Thank God for His Word and pray for grace to focus on the world that is to come in which righteousness only will reign.

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THE NATURE OF CHRIST’S REAPPEARANCE ON EARTH

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Lesson: THE NATURE OF CHRIST’S REAPPEARANCE ON EARTH
TEXT: 2Thess. 1:3-10
MEMORY VERSE: 1Cor. 15:50
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. (NKJV)

OBJECTIVE: At the end of the lesson, the audience should be able to appreciate why Jesus ascended into heaven with the resurrected body; evidence of His unfailing return and the nature of the subjects of His Kingdom.

INTRODUCTION: When someone says, ‘it is not in my nature to kill’, he is simply telling why it is not possible for him to do so because of what with which he is made – his kind, character and quality he is made of originally. In other words, his chemical, biology and physical states cannot support a killing ambition. All such characteristics are called innate tendencies. That is so true because nature never lies. To reappear is to appear again. The way Christ will appear again on earth will influence everything on earth – the momentum will be felt by everything and everybody – those who admire or hate Him. His nature will both attract people to Himself and repel others away from Him.

PRESENTATION:
Step I: WITH THE SAME MEANS OF MOBILITY AS AT FIRST APPEARANCE
(a) He will reappear with the corruption-free body with which He ascended into heaven. (cf. Acts 1:9-11)
(b) All eyes will see Him reappear and all will be influenced accordingly – to attract to Himself or repel away from Him. (cf. Eph. 3:9)
 i. All eyes (of the heart – illumination – 2Cor. 4:6) of His believers who had seen Him before through faith in His life-transforming teachings will be attracted to Him. (cf. 1Thess. 4:17)

Step II: HE WILL REAPPEAR WITH ‘FLESH AND BONE’
(a) Flesh and blood cannot be a part of Christ’s Kingdom. (Our Memory Verse)
(b) The trace of humanity or human identity is by the blood.
i. The weakness of every human leading to spiritual corruption is by the blood.
ii. Every spiritual (unseen) power in the heavenly places can be sure everything is vulnerable for them to enslave and destroy if there is blood in it.
(c) Resurrected bodies are termed incorruptible because of lack of blood in them. (cf. Our Memory Verse)
i. Resurrected bodies are made up of ‘flesh and bones’ like those of angels and other celestial beings.
(d) Even technological advancements and occultism thrive when blood is involved.

Step III: HIS SUBJECTS ARE EXPECTED TO LIVE ABOVE THE DICTATES OF FLESH AND BLOOD
(a) Christ’s subjects (believers in Him) in Scripture are called ‘Church’ and/or ‘body’ and the only one of its kind. (See Col. 1:24; 4:4)
(b) Metaphorically, they are so called for human understanding because it is built with spiritual materials and located in the unseen realm. (See Eph. 2:6,20-22; 3:8-10)
i. The nature of the Church that will be attracted to Christ’s glorious reappearance is expected to be like that of Christ Himself. (See 1John 3:2)
(b) They have a renewed consciousness different from that of the present world system:
i. That Christ didn’t call them to give them material inheritance primarily. (See 1Cor. 15:19; 1Tim. 6:6-10)
ii. They cannot leave the Church, their life support system, at any point in time because Jesus as the Head cannot be severed from the body just as in the physical body. (ibid)
iii. They only can attend Church edification services and return to their homes.
– They are constantly in the Church which is not built with hands and money but by Christ’s teachings. (cf. Jam. 1:18; Luke 8:11)
iv. Witches and evildoers can neither enter nor be a part of the Christian Church since Christ, the Owner of the spiritual private enterprise, cannot be accessed physically. (See 2Cor. 5:16,17) And Christ cannot add them to His fold. (cf. Acts 2:47)
v. Any place Church is seen as a physical entity risks the domineering influence of demons as such is reckoned as a shrine in the heavenly (spirit’s) places from where Jesus, the Head, operates. (cf. Acts 17:16,24,25; 1Cor. 10:19,20)

CONCLUSION:
Have you seen an individual or a people who believe they can come into the presence of God and depart from same? Mark them as worshippers of idols without knowing. The unbeatable reason is the fact that any god that is localized is automatically idolized. Amidst such people, you hear talks about worship limited to emotionalism without a clear-cut separation between corporate and individual worship. In rightly dividing the truth according to Christ’s expectation, (2Tim. 2:15) it should be clearly shown that it is on the basis of individual worship that God accepts corporate worship the same way corporate services are rewarded individually. You hear them say, ‘let’s be in the mode of worship.’ In their understanding, worship didn’t take place until now. In essence, they are saying, ‘whatsoever you said and did before now is not rewardable by God.’ But such is a demonstration of the highest ignorance possible because God cannot positively reward anything we do that didn’t worship Him. (cf. Matt. 15:9) We have a rewardable duty to glorify God through Christ in doing all things – whether corporately and individually – cf. Col. 3:17.

EVALUATION:
1. If without money to build a meeting hall, we share the love and teachings of Christ by any other means available, Christ will accept us during His reappearance on earth. (True or False) Why?
2. Why is the Christian Church built in the invisible place and with what material?
3. Can a Christian go to Church and come back from same? (Yes or No) Why?
4. What is the difference between ‘Church’ and ‘Church Cathedral’?
5. What did Jesus call us to receive from Him that is in the world?

PRAYER:
Give God thanks for the lesson and pray for a corresponding understanding of the nature of Christ’s Church that will catalyze the true running of her as a model living example for all those yet to come to the knowledge of the truth Christ teaches. Amen!

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IMITATING A GIVING GOD

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Lesson: IMITATING A GIVING GOD
TEXT: Eph. 5:1,2
MEMORY VERSE: Acts 17:25
And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. (NIV).

INTRODUCTION:
Even if it is possible for an enemy to give to his target as a bait to harm, it is impossible to love without giving. So, no wonder that God so loved the world (humanity) that He GAVE His only begotten Son (Golden Text). ‘God so loved’ suggests the degree of that love. The love is so enormous that it facilitated the release of His only and begotten Son given the name, Jesus, because of His assignment. I show my wife and children (my closest partners) my love for them not only when I give services to meet their needs, but also in thinking of what to do as a testimony that I love them. This, I do so that I may not miss any anticipated opportunity to show that love in any circumstance that life may present.

OBJECTIVE: In this lesson, we want to see how Jehovah demonstrates His love for us and the characteristics of that love.

PRESENTATION
Step I: DEMONSTRATION OF GOD’S LOVE FOR US
(a) The gift of the other creatures for our corporeal (material) well-being.
i. This is truly love-inherent as we never prayed for it. (cf. Eph. 1:3-4)
(b) The gift of Jesus for our spiritual well-being. (cf. Rom. 5:8).
I. Again, we never asked God for Him (ibid).

Step II: CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD’S GIFT OUT OF LOVE
(a) It is good and pleasing (cf. Gen. 1:4, 10, 12, 18,21, 25; Rom. 8:32; Eph. 5:2).
(b) It is indescribable (See 2Cor. 9:15).
(c) It is need-oriented or need-meeting (cf. Gal. 4:4-5).
(d) It is priceless (cf. 1Pet. 1:18-19).
(e) It is inventive- the first of its kind (cf. Rom. 5:7-8; John 15:13; 1Cor. 2:7-9).
(f) It is an expression of love, not forced (cf. Eph.1:4; 5:1,2).

CONCLUSION:
A giving God is a reigning God. He that is God-like perpetually arms himself in giving to meet the needs of the needy in the society for His sake. By so doing, he unarguably reigns with God (cf. 1Cor. 3:9). Let us please apply His grace into our hearts to willingly subject ourselves to identify with God in such hospitable traits as outlined above.

EVALUATION:
1. If a materially rich fellow only keeps friends who are rich like himself, has he any opportunity to demonstrate
God’s love? How?
2. How does God’s gift of the Bible demonstrate His love for us?
3. If at the place one lives in this world, he will be alone all his life without seeing a fellow person, the preaching of Jesus is not for him. (True or False). Why?

PRAYER: Thank God for His Word and pray for His grace to show forth His marvelous light in a dark world in which we live.

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