Heaven or Hell? Which one do you choose

She was a pretty girl who heard the gospel preached about the return of Jesus Christ to take His redeemed home (Rapture) and the "Great tribulation" that follows in which there would be the manifestation of the wicked anti-christ and his deadly mark "666" that would be given to sinners on earth. But her beauty and material acquisition so staggered her mentality that she felt unconcerned to the word of God preached to her. 

Then it happened, one night, she saw herself in a usual so-called lifestyle, all of a sudden it was heard that the rapture had taken place, before she could realize what was happening, the atmosphere changed, media started giving out their report on missing personalities in the world. Thus, she started running down to the church. On getting there, she could only see confused and abandoned people like herself without solution to the plight they were in. She ran out of the church tirelessly until her strength got exhausted, yet no place to hide. At that point, she saw strange persons whose appearance she could not discern, but who, seizing her hands, said in a voice accustomed to command:
"You must go with us" "And who are you - where are you taking me - where am I going?" She exclaimed in despair. "That you will see by-and-by" replied those voices. "Why didn't you join the raptured saints?" 

They angrily questioned. At that point she started crying bitterly in regrets as she recalled those great privileges of receiving Christ that had come her way but were despised. Then she struggled to disengage her hands from the intruder's grasp, suddenly she woke up with a shout "NO-O-O!" As soon as she realized that it was a dream, she resolved totally and forever to serve Jesus Christ. 

My friend, although this is but a dream, it is nevertheless a well- authenticated fact. And God, who spoke by it to the young girl, now speaks to you. The dream is terrible yet not half so terrible as the reality. No dream can picture the full, long misery of missing the "rapture", nor the woe of receiving the mark of the beast, "666" and the danger of being in the eternal HELL of torment.

Do you think that God is joking when He says "The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and is stress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers. And I will
bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD".
(Zephaniah 1:14-17). Dear reader, how many times have you had such a great opportunity of blatantly refused?

Remember a day is coming when you will feel like bringing back those wasted and neglected moments of Grace as this, but then, it must have been too late. Thus, "How shall we escape if we neglect and refuse to pay attention to such a great salvation that was declared by the Lord Jesus himself" (Heb 2:3a)AMP. Why must you be left out to be tormented by the wicked anti-christ when you should have joined the raptured Saints in sharing the joy of eternity with Christ. Be aware of this. Jesus Christ paid the price of your salvation with his own blood just to reconcile you back to God, no matter how sinful and wretched you have been! For this great reason, you are not supposed to miss the GREAT RAPTURE of God's redeemed; only to be left tormented by the anti-Christ afterward face the eternal damnation in HELL FIRE. 

Friend, why not received this FREE OFFER of God's salvation given to you today even on your doorstep. The Bible says "Today, if you hear his voice (Jesus' voice calling you) do harden not your heart..." (Heb 3:15) 

Are you ready to receive him (Jesus Christ) into your life right at this minute of the day? You'd better do it now LEST it be too late when tears will flow. "HAD I KNOWN...." If you are ready, say this simple prayer of faith: Lord Jesus! I come unto you today, I am a sinner, I know you died for me, forgive my sins, Come into my life as from this day I confess you Jesus Christ as my Lord, I believe on you with my whole heart. thank you for saving me! 

How to pray

TEXT: LUKE 18:1-8

INTRODUCTION:

Prayer is the responsibility of every Christian. God’s word tells us to pray. But we don’t pray just because we have to; we pray because talking to God is a privilege. Prayer is entering into relationship with God so we can determine His will in any matter and call His will into existence upon the earth. Prayers and references to prayer appear in sixty-two of sixty-six books of the Bible, all except the Song of Solomon, Obadiah, Haggai, and 2 John. Generally speaking the Old Testament contains more information about prayer, and the New Testament stresses the importance of prayer. We can divide prayers into two groups, those in which we ask God for something and those in which we tell Him something.

 A. THE KINGDOM PARTNERSHIP OF PRAYER    
Prayer makes a way for God to act sovereignly on earth. Jesus said to pray, “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt.6:10). God has chosen to work through people, not around them. Therefore, He also says, “Truly I say to you, whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven” (Matt. 18:18). The obvious inference is that God has limited some of HIS activities on the earth and will respond only to the prayers of His children. Heaven waits for those of us on earth to pray for things to happen. (see Isa. 43:26; Jer. 1:12).

Question: What do you understand by the Sovereignty of God? Discuss Hebrew 4:14-16

B. THE MINISRY OF PRAYER

Ministry to God must come before ministry to people. First Peter 2:9 says that you are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellences of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvellous light”. The role of the priest is to minister first to God; then to the people. The way that we minister to God is by praising, worshiping and communing with Him in prayer and meditation. The way that we minister to the people is by allowing the overflow of what we have received in our time alone with Him to pour out into the lives of others (Prov.15:8; 1 pet.2:5; Eph. 1:4-5; 2Cor.5:21; Heb. 4:16)

C. THE PRIORITY OF PRAYER
Prayer was a priority in Jesus’ life. He considered it more important than physical rest, and He was commonly pictured praying all night (see Luke 6:12). Talking with the Father took priority over His social activity. Scripture often refers to Jesus going off alone to be with the Father (see Matt.14:23; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; 6:12). And finally, Jesus made prayer a priority over His physical appetite. He fasted for long periods of time, withdrawing from physical food to spiritual power (Luke 4:2; Matt.6:18,25-31; Heb. 7:25). Prayer was the primary communication link between Himself and the Father. Every major event and every minor decision in Jesus’ life was shrouded with prayer. If we are to be Christlike, or like Christ, we must follow His example. Jesus did not pray because He had to; Jesus prayed because He wanted to be obedient to, united with and empowered by the Father. Prayer is to be our priority for those same reasons. Prayer is the way that we, His branches, draw the nutrients we need from God the Vine to produce the fruit of His Spirit in our lives. And we do this because, as believers, prayer has to be our primary ministry.

Pray without ceasing.

                                                 PRIORITY OF PRAYER

1. Without prayer you receive nothing from God.
2. Without prayer you have no fellowship with God.
3. Without prayer sins cannot be forgiven.
4. Without prayer there will be no revelation for direction from God
5. Without prayer you easily fall in times of temptation Matt.6:13
6. Without prayer you are disobeying God
7. Without praying for others you are sinning against God
8. Pray because it is a command.
9. Pray because it leads away from sin
10. Pray because it is a lifestyle
11. Pray because prayer cancels calamity
12. Pray in all the seven areas of life
13. Pray in all steps of prayer-Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication.

MEMORY VERSE: Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you…….. (1Samuel 12:23b).

Church of Eternal Life Jos Plateau State. 

Dealing conflict situations

TEXT: JOSHUA 22:7-34

INTRODUCTION:

Conflict is serious disagreement and argument about something important. If two people or groups are in conflict, they have had a serious disagreement or argument and have not yet reached agreement. Sometimes these quarrels result from evil desires battling within us-we want more possessions, more money, higher status, more recognition. When we want badly enough to fulfil these desires, we fight in other to do so (James 4:1-3). Instead of aggressively grabbing what we want, we should submit ourselves to God, ask God to help us get rid of our selfish desires, and trust Him to give us what we really need.  According to the Bible there is nothing inherently wrong with conflict.  Disagreements happen.  But the manner in which we are to resolve our conflicts is extremely important. Conflict can become the catalyst to greater understanding, intimacy, and depth of relationship; or it can bring anger, bitterness, and broken relationships.

HOW CAN CONFLICTS BE AVOIDED?
 CONFLICTS CAN BE AVOIDED THROUGH NEGOTIATION.

When the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an altar at the Jordan River, the rest of Israel feared that these tribes were starting their own religion and rebelling against God. But before beginning an all-out war, Phinehas led a delegation to learn the truth, following the principle taught in Deuteronomy 13:12-19. He was prepared to negotiate rather than fight if a battle was not necessary. When he learned that the altar was for a memorial rather than for pagan sacrifice, war was averted and unity restored.  As brethren as individuals, and even as nations, we would benefit from a similar approach to resolving conflicts. Assuming the worst about the intentions of others only brings troubles. Israel averted the threat of civil war by asking before assaulting. Beware of reacting before you hear the whole story. When you face conflict, step back from the hostilities and consider whether you and your brother and/or sister have common goals that are bigger than your differences. Appeal to those interests as you work for a settlement.

-DISCUSS how mere assumptions and gossips cause and aggravate conflicts among brethren

-READ 2 Samuel 16:1-4 and compare it with 2 Samuel 19:24-30.

What do these passages teach us about hasty judgments or condemnation of our brethren?

-Read & Discuss 1 Cor. 6:1-7. Should brethren drag each other to court of law? Also read 2 Tim.2:24-25.

What offence may be so hurtful that a believer can never forgive another believer of it?

Conflict begins when good confronts evil. The two cannot peacefully coexist. One must triumph.

Proverbs 13:10 . . . Pride leads to arguments.

Proverbs 28:25 . . . Greed causes quarrels.

Proverbs 30:33 . . . Anger causes quarrels.

Pride, greed, anger-these are all aspect of our sinful human nature, and these are the things that bring us into conflict with other people.

MEMORY VERSE:

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tight to what is good (Romans 12:9 NLT).

 Church of Eternal Life Jos, Plateau State.

Preaching the gospel; elements of gospel

 TEXT:  1 COR. 15:1-22

INTRODUCTION: God gives a very solemn warning in Ezekiel 33:8 and 9. He says “if thou dost not warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thy hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.” If you profess to be a true Christian today, when was the last time you witnessed to an unsaved person? Have you ever told them what Christ has done for you and what He can likewise do for them? When was the last time you passed out a Gospel tract? It is easy for us to criticize the cultists (who erringly claim to be Christians) who knock on our doors from time to time, but could teach us something about zeal. We’re the ones who should be knocking on doors to tell the unsaved of their need of Christ as their own and personal Saviour.

ELEMENTS OF THE TRUE GOSPEL

When you preach, these are some of the most important message God expects you to communicate…..

A. CHRIST WAS CRUCIFIED FOR OUR SINS….

In love God offers His Son as a “propitiation” (sacrifice) for our sins! (1 Jn.4:9-10). This is fundamental to the gospel Paul preached (1 Cor.15:1-3). It was as foretold by the Old Testament scriptures (Isa.53:4-6). Why did Jesus die for our sins? Because we are all sinners! (ROM.3:23) and the wages of sin is death! (Rom.6:23).

B. CHRIST WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD….

Raising Jesus verifies the justification offered on the cross! (Rom.4:25). This also is fundamental to the gospel Paul preached (1 Cor.15:5-8). It was also proclaimed by Peter in the first gospel sermon (Acts 2:22-32). Christ was seen by many eyewitnesses (1 Cor. 15:5-8).

C. CHRIST IS EXALTED AS KING AND SAVIOR…..

God has made Jesus ruler over the kings of the earth! (Rev.1:5). He is now both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:33-36). He is head over all things (Eph. 1:20-23). All authorities and powers are now subject to Him (1Peter 3:22).

D. CHIST IS COMING AGAIN…..

His coming will cause many to mourn, while others rejoice (REV. 1:7; 22:20), as promised when He ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9-11). Christ is coming to offer both rest and tribulation (2Thess. 1:7-10); rest to those who responded to the call of the gospel (2Thess.2:13-14) and tribulation to those who obeyed not the gospel (2Thess.1:8-9).

YOUR FIRST LOVE…. What Happened?

In Matthew Chapter 10 and verses 32 and 33, Jesus said, “Whosoever, therefore, shall confess Me before men, him shall I confess also before My Father, which is in Heaven. But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in Heaven. “Perhaps the reader of these words is a professing Christian who was once noted for their spiritual boldness in witnessing for their professed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, but today you are silent. For various reasons, known but to you, God and Devil, you’re no longer a faithful testimony to God’s love, mercy and grace expressed in His dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember what the Lord said in Revelation 2:4, “Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” HAVE YOU LOST YOUR FIRST LOVE?

Discuss: Why many Christians do not evangelize. What are the practical ways out of this?

MEMORY VERSE: 1 Corinthians 9:16.

Church of Eternal Life Jos, Plateau State.

Husband and wife; oneness in marriage

TEXT: GENESIS 2:18-25

INTRODUCTION: The union of husband and wife merges two persons in such a way that little can affect one without also affecting the other. Oneness in marriage does not mean losing your personality in the personality of the other. Instead, it means caring for your spouse as you care for yourself, learning to anticipate his or her needs, helping the other person become all he or she can be. The creation story tells of God’s plan that husband and wife should be one (Genesis 2:24), and Jesus also referred to this plan (Matthew 19:4-6). A study of the Bible pattern for the home is important. How should husband and wife treat one another? What are the duties of the husband, wife? How important are love and commitment in marriage? For what cause may spouses divorce and remarry? Who should exercise authority as head in the home? Who should provide family income and who should care for the home? How diligent should parents be in teaching and training the children? Who should care for elderly parents? God’s word gives inspired instruction to guide us to happy homes. If we are to enjoy God’s blessings in our homes, we have to know what the Bible says about God’s purpose for husbands and wives. In order to   experience matrimonial happiness, we have to live according to his plan. What instructions does God’s word provide to help us have homes that please Him and accomplish His will?     

THE ROLES OF THE HUSBAND

1. He must NEVER take wife for granted, but will honour and respect her as his equal (Read 1Pet.3:7) God commands the husband to treat his wife as an equal and grant her the highest honour! If not God says he will not answer your prayers! Selfishness is a marriage killer. For many men they think they are better than their wife simply because they are men. These men have made a serious judgment error. Husbands, tell your wife how important and valuable she is to you. Watch for the loving smile on her face when you do! The Proverbs writer said “An excellent wife, who can find? (Read Prov.31:10-12). Notice how the wise husband trusts his wife’s judgments and realizes how fortunate he is to have her.

(A) DISCUSS why many men disrespect their wives. (b) How may this be corrected? (c) Let the men in attendance at this meeting freely say what they expect their wives to do or be, to gain their respect.

2. The husband’s highest allegiance, except God, shall be his wife, not his relatives or friends (Gen.2:24)

Many husbands honour their blood family over their own wife. Such is a recipe for disaster! In-law problems are often the result of a husband who allows his mother and father to interfere in his relationship with his wife.

DISCUSS the limits the in-laws should be allowed in husband-wife affairs

3. The Husband should frequently tell his wife how important &valuable she is to him (Phil.2:3; Prov.31:10-12).

Selfishness is a marriage killer. For many men they think they are better than their wife simply because they are men. God gave women the authority to make important decision too: They are workers in and managers of the home (1Tim.5:14; Tim. 2:5). A wife’s judgment can be better than her husband’s. For example, Nabal and Abigail: 1Sam.25. Men should learn to express their appreciation to their wives.

When someone’s saying  “I love you,” he always ought to give a lot of details: Why does he love you? How much does he love you? When and where did he first begin to love you? And even though he insists it would take forever to count the ways he loves you, let him start counting.                                

 MEMORY VERSE: …..rejoice in the wife of your youth (Prov.5:18c NLT)

Church of Eternal Life Jos, Plateau state.

Sin and its connections

What is sin? People call sin by various names. Some call it mistake , some call it failure, and some call it human weakness or error. Whatever name you may decide to give to sin, every Christian must know that the immediate or remote destination of act of sin is death.

Sin means disobeying God and anyone who disobeys the Almighty God is in great danger. Sin also means violations of the perfect holiness of God. Sin started with satan Isaiah 14:12-14. Sin entered the world through Adam and Eve. Sin results to spiritual death, Romans 6;23. Unrepentant sinners  will forever be separated from God. Not only will a sinner be separated from God, he  will be tormented forever in hell, - Matthew 25:46.

Sin is vain talk- Proverb 10:19; foolish thoughts - Proverbs 24:9; unbelief - Romans 14:23, all unrighteousness. 1st John 5:17. Sin against the Spirit of God is unpardonable, Isaiah 63: 10, Mark 3:29. Sin is bondage, Proverbs 5:22. Concealment of sin is vain. Genesis 3:8. The Bible enjoins us to confess all our sins to God. Leviticus 16:21.

Sickness is an agent of death. Sin leads to sickness because sin provides sickness with a very conducive atmosphere to operate in the life of the sinner. Demons are also agents of death. Any one who lives in sin is a slave of satan - Romans 6:16. Sin always connects the sinner with Satan. Poverty and hunger are agents of death. 2nd Kings 6:24-29.   Sin separates from God. Matthew 7:23. It is repugnant to God Genesis 6:6.

Conclusively, Sin facilitates sickness, demons, poverty, death and so on while holy living facilitates healthy living, freedom, long life e.t.c. Are you still connected with sin? Pray that the blood of Christ will cleanse all your sins and break every power of sin ruling in your life.

The RCCG Sunday School

Searching scriptures;diligent search

            

TEXT: 2 TIMOTHY 3:10-17

INTRODUCTION

There are many passages in God’s word that emphasize the importance of our studying the scriptures. Among them are these: “Search the scriptures.” John 5:39. “Study to show thyself approved unto God.”  2 Tim. 2:15. “Giving all diligence, add to your faith . . . knowledge.” 2 Peter 1:15. Why has God given us these commands to study? Since God never commands man   to do anything that is not for his own good, must be value in our studying the scripture or God would not have commanded it.

A. SCRIPTURES

“All scriptures is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). We see first that we should study the scriptures because they are inspired of God. The word scripture, or scriptures, is used in specific sense to refer to those books written by the direction of God. If the Bible were the work of mere mortals, it would not matter whether you studied it or not. It might help you, but studying it would be left to your own discretion. The Bible, however, is not the word of man but is inspired of God. (Carefully read 2 Peter 1:21). Since the Bible is the word and work of God, and since it contains commands from Him to study, we must give diligence to do so. If the God of heaven spoke to us directly would we not give heed? Why then should we fail to study His written word?

“All Scripture Is Profitable”. There is in the scripture something that is profitable to us. When we have an opportunity to make a profit in a business venture, we seldom, if ever let the opportunity pass by. In the scripture we have opportunity upon opportunity to profit spiritually, yet we let the opportunities slip by. Remember opportunity means responsibility. Someday we must give an account to God as to why we let the opportunity pass us by.  

The Scripture is Profitable for Doctrine Or Teaching. The person who is seeking can find the true doctrine of God. Instead of going to the Bible to prove a certain doctrine, we need to study the scripture to learn the doctrines that God would have us believe.

 The scriptures then become our only standard of faith and practice.  

“If any man speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.” 1 Peter 4:11. Discuss this scripture. How is it possible?

It is only then through Careful and Constant Bible Study that we can be assured of remaining in doctrine. If we are not to be “tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine,” we must search the scriptures. A knowledge of the Bible will protect us from false teachers. Any Christian or congregation that depends entirely on the preacher to “spoon feed” them the doctrine of Christ is liable to the deception of men and to false teachers who would make merchandise of them (Carefully read 2 Peter 2:1-3).

Scripture is Profitable for Reproof. We need to study that the mistakes and wrongs in our lives may be reproved. Regardless of how loud the cry may be for “positive” sermons, reproof is still a part of God’s way of making men fit for heaven. Timothy was told to “reprove, rebuke.” 2 Tim. 4:2. One cannot read many verses in God’s word without receiving a rebuke for his manner of living or thinking. Perhaps this is why some do not enjoy searching the scriptures.

DISCUSS why many believers do not diligently study the Scriptures today. What are the implications?

MEMORY VERSE: Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven (Psalm 119:89)