HOUSE FELLOWSHIP MANUAL

RCCG House Fellowship Leader Manual (Lesson 39) Sunday 30th Of May, 2021

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TOPIC: END OF THIRD QUARTER / INTERACTIVE SESSION

Also See: OPEN HEAVEN 30 MAY 2021 – BUT FOR THE MERCY OF GOD

SUMMARY OF LESSONS TAUGHT IN THE END OF THIRD QUARTER / INTERACTIVE SESSION (LESSON 27 -38)

LESSON: 27

TOPIC: DO NOT RETURN TO YOUR VOMIT.

TEXT: 2 PETER 2:20-22

TEXT REVIEW: 2 PETER 2:20-22
i. We are enjoined by the bible text not to return to our sin after being redeemed by the blood of Jesus .
ii. The bible calls such people ‘DOGS’
iii. It is possible that there may not be another chance for repentance.

MEMORY VERSE: “As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.” – Proverbs 26:11

LESSON INTRODUCTION:
In this teaching we shall explain the following three terms:
a. “Do Not” – as used here is a command of a prohibition. Do not do such thing.
b. “Return” – means to go back; to come/take back to old place or to old thing.
c. “Vomit” – is any stomach content disgorged through the mouth.

So literally returning to ones vomit is simple going back or taking back that which was once rejected, abandoned and forsaken openly and willingly. Spiritually, vomit in all forms of ungodliness, sins, all ungodly behaviour or activities.
Do not return to your vomit to a Christian means: do not go back to your old sinful life.

LESSON OUTLINES: There are two outlines:

A. WHAT SHOULD A BELIEVER DO IN ORDER NOT TO RETURN TO HIS/HER VOMIT?
– True repentance is required.
– Living a new life in Christ will prevent you. 2 Corinthians 5:17
– Emptying the old man in you.
– Encourage oneself to be steadfast in the Lord
– Embrace Christ fully
– Pray without ceasing
– Then resist the devil
– Flee every appearance of evil (flee bad company, corrupt company etc.)

B. CONSEQUENCES OF RETURNING TO YOUR VOMIT:
– You will be cut off from the presence of the Holy Spirit
– Shame and disgrace. – Isaiah 30:3
– Sin takes over
– Death
– Rejection. – 1 Samuel 16:1
– Demotion
– Total fall from grace

ACTIVITY:

SUMMARY:
Don’t go back to the world !!

CONCLUSION
Please encourage yourself in the Lord and remain steadfast in Christ in the face of Strom, persecution, temptation etc. – Galatians 5:1


LESSON: 28

TOPIC: DON’T COMPROMISE YOUR LOVED ONE’S SALVATION IN SICKNESS OR AFFLICTION.

TEXT: LUKE 5:17-26

TEXT REVIEW: LUKE 5:17-26
i. This man was gravely sick and could not do anything for himself.
ii. His friends to him to Jesus for healing but because of the multitude,they could not meet Jesus directly.
iii. They did not look for an alternative healing center of the devil, but persisted on the right source of healing (Jesus) for their friend and got it at the end.

MEMORY VERSE: “And, behold, they brought to Him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” – Matthew 9:2

LESSON INTRODUCTION
Romans 8:35-39 discourages us from trading our love for Christ (salvation) because of sickness, affliction, problems etc.. Christianity does not oppose seeking medical treatment in time of sickness. However, not all cases can be tested by hospitals especially those bordering on spiritual matters. In Luke 13:11, a woman was bent by a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years and she could not straighten up herself until she was healed by Jesus.
Mark 5:25-26; a woman suffered from hemorrhage for twelve years without cure until she met Jesus.

LESSON OUTLINES: There are two outlines:

A. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE CASE IS BEYOND THE HOSPITAL?
Some patients are prematurely discharged by hospitals while some are out-rightly rejected when their cases are beyond the medial knowledge.
Should such patients be to weak or unconscious to take decisions, the family members usually decide where else to take them to.
In today’s main text, (Luke 5:18-20) the four friends of the paralytic man took Him to Jesus.
Where will you take your sick one for the healing? Is it to the power of darkness or to Jesus Christ?

B. THOSE IN THE BIBLE WHO WAITED UPON THE LORD FOR HEALING AND DELIVERANCE:

JOB:
He went through all manners of sicknesses and afflictions. Even his wife told him to deny God and die but he refused and waited on the Lord. At the end God healed and blessed him. – Job 42:10-17

LAZARUS:
When he was sick, his sisters sent for Jesus, but when Jesus delayed in coming, it did not make Mary and Martha to Lok for alternative. Eventually Lazarus died. At last Jesus Christ came there and brought him back to life. – John 11:39-44

ACTIVITY:
If your sick person is being rejected by both the hospital and your local pastor where else can you take him/her for healing? Please be truthful.

SUMMARY:
Please don’t compromise the salvation of your loved ones.

CONCLUSION
Brethren, regardless of the gravity of the sickness and affliction, please don’t compromise the salvation of your loved ones. Never take your loved ones to the forces of darkness for healing or deliverance. If you do, you will be giving their souls to the devil.


LESSON: 29

TOPIC: BE HOLY, FOR YOU ARE THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

TEXT: 1 PETER 1:15-19

TEXT REVIEW: 1 Peter 1:15-19
i. Holy living is a command from God to all of His children.
ii. Therefore, we must as a matter of necessity live Holy.
iii. With all awareness that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit.

MEMORY VERSE: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” – 1 Corinthians 6:19

LESSON INTRODUCTION
For us to fully understand today’s topic, we shall through light on some fundamental terms like ‘be holy’, ‘temple’, Holy Spirit ‘ and ‘the temple of the Holy Spirit ‘.

What is holiness?
This is the state of being sacred, sanctified, pure etc..

What is a temple?
Simply put, this is a house of worship. So, the temple of the Holy Spirit means, the house in which the Holy Spirit lives.

Who then is the Holy Spirit?
This is the Spirit of the Living God. He is the third in Trinity. The Holy Spirit is known by other names such as the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of truth, the teacher etc.
In the current dispensation, believers are the mobile carriers of the Holy Spirit and not the church buildings. God demands holiness from us because we are the house that the Holy Spirit lives in. “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” – 1 Corinthians 6:19

LESSON OUTLINES: There are two outlines:

A ATTRIBUTES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT’S HOUSE:
1. God does not tolerate sin. – Habakkuk 1:13
2. Such a person must live by the word of God. – Joshua 1:8
3. The person must live a consecrated life. – Exodus 32:29
4. Such a fellow must live a sacrificial lief for God. – Romans 12:1-2
5. Be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect. – Matthew 5:48, Hebrews 12:14, 1 Kings 8:61

B BENEFITS OF HOUSING THE HOLY SPIRIT:
1. You will live in divine health. – Exodus 15:26
2. You will be a carrier and channel of God’s power and blessings. – Psalm 1:1-3
3. The Trinity will dwell in you and love you. – John 14:23
4. You will become a carrier of spiritual gifts. – 1 Corinthians 12:1-7

ACTIVITY:
State at least five attributes of the Holy Spirit.

SUMMARY:
The Holy Spirit dwells in holy vessels. Are you one of them?

CONCLUSION
Anyone who still commits sin cannot be a dwelling place or a house of the Holy Spirit, because as His name implies ‘Holy’, He cannot live in a filthy house or place.


LESSON: 30

TOPIC: LORD, SANCTIFY YOUR GREAT NAME.

TEXT: EZEKIEL 36:17-36

TEXT REVIEW: EZEKIEL 36:17-36
i. God will not want His name to be profaned.
ii. Therefore, as a child of God whatever you do, make sure you sanctify God’s name.

MEMORY VERSE: “And I will sanctify My great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.” – Ezekiel 36:23

LESSON INTRODUCTION
To sanctify means to make holy, set apart or consecrated or hallowed. Our God is a great God and His name is great. Our God is holy and all He does is holy. Even when we profane or desecrate God’s name, God keeps His reputation as Holy.

LESSON OUTLINES: There are three outlines:

A. WAYS BY WHICH GOD’S NAME IS PROFANED OR DEFILED:
1. By our behaviour. – Ezekiel 36:17
2. By what we do in the land. – Ezekiel 36:17
3. By the worship of idols. – Ezekiel 36:18
4. By the shedding of innocent blood. – Ezekiel 36:18
5. When the heathen mock us and mock our God. – Ezekiel 36:20

B. WHY GOD WILL SANCTIFY HIS NAME – EZEKIEL 36:21-23:
1. To protect the reputation of His name.
2. To make the heathen to know that He is the Lord.

C HOW GOD PROMISED TO SANCTIFY HIS GREAT NAME:
1. He will take His people always from the heathen. – Ezekiel 36:24
2. He will bring them to their own land (destiny). – Ezekiel 36:24
3. He will sprinkle clean water (now: the blood of Jesus) for cleanliness. – Ezekiel 36:25
4. He will give a new heart and take away the stony heart. – Ezekiel 36:26
5. He will give a new spirit and put the spirit within you to keep you from falling into sin again. – Ezekiel 36:27
6. He shall bring you to dwell in the land that He had promised you (your destiny). – Ezekiel 36:28

ACTIVITY:
What does it mean to defile God’s name?

SUMMARY:
God is holy, so please don’t defile His name.

CONCLUSION
Can we examine ourselves individually and identify ways by which we have debased the name of the Lord among the heathen. The bible says that God will not allow His name to be polluted again. – Ezekiel 39:7


LESSON: 31

TOPIC: GROWING TO THE FULL STATURE OF JESUS CHRIST.

TEXT: EPHESIANS 4:1-15

TEXT REVIEW: EPHESIANS 4:1-15
i. God, who is our father, expect us, His children, to grow daily to maturity.
ii. In so doing, we will not be tossed to and fro by any wave of doctrine of this world.
iii. Maturity comes when you always study the word of God.

MEMORY VERSE: “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” – Ephesians 4:13

LESSON INTRODUCTION
Jesus Christ, our saviour and redeemer remains the unchangable head of the church. – Colossians 1:8, Hebrews 8:13

Ephesians 4.7
But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

Ephesians 4.11
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

LESSON OUTLINES: There are two outlines:

A. WHY THE GIFTS?
1.- Perfecting of the saints. – Ephesians 4:12
2.- For the work of the ministry. – Ephesians 4:12
3.- For the edifying of the body of Christ. – Ephesians 4:12
4.- For maturing into the full stature of Jesus Christ. – Ephesians 4:13
5.- For deep knowledge of Christ which cannot be tossed around by false doctrines. – Ephesians 4:14

B. HOW TO GROW TO THE FULL STATURE OF JESUS CHRIST:
1. Become a prisoner of Jesus Christ and surrender all to Him so that you can recover all from Him. – Ephesians 4:1
2. Discover, understand and walk worthy of your vocation or calling. – Ephesians 4:1
3. Endeavour to work with others through
(i) lowliness (humility)
(ii) meekness (gentleness)l

ACTIVITY:
How can a believer grow to the full stature of Christ?

SUMMARY:
Jesus Christ is our perfect example. So, grow and be like Him.

CONCLUSION
Jesus is the head and He has given each of us a measure of gift according to our grace. We are all expected to grow to the full stature of Jesus Christ as we obey Him completely, live holy and be in unity with other Christians. We are to grow into spiritual maturity like Jesus such that no heresy or false doctrine will deceive us.


LESSON: 32

TOPIC: ARE YOU PREPARED FOR HIS SECOND COMING.

TEXT: MATTHEW 24:3-44

TEXT REVIEW: MATTHEW 24:3-44
i. Jesus is coming again whether some people believe it or not.
ii. Jesus took time to explain from the text, those things that will take place before His second coming.
iii. Please take heed so that ‘if I had known’ will not be our last statement.

MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” – Matthew 24:44

LESSON INTRODUCTION
To prepare is to make ready for a particular purpose, it also means to put things in readiness. Brethren, from today’s bible text Jesus gave us a lengthy description of many signs that would precede His second coming. It is now over two thousand years after the death, resurrection and ascension of Christ. Therefore it is pertinent for any heaven minded person to address the state of his/her preparedness for the second coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

LESSON OUTLINES: There are three outlines:

A. THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST AS RECORDED IN THE BIBLE:
1.- It was revealed to Daniel and recorded. – Daniel 7:13-14
2.- It was revealed by Jesus in Matthew 24:30-31
3.- Jesus hold His disciples of His second coming again. – John 14:1-3

B. WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF HIS SECOND COMING?
1.- No one knows the exact time except the father in heaven. – Matthew 24:36
2.- It will be immediately after the tribulation. – Matthew 24:29
3.- Many will not believe or care about it like in the days of Noah. – Matthew 24:37-39

C. HOW CAN I PREPARE MYSELF FOR HIS SECOND COMING?
The Lord is coming only for His saints. These are Christians who are faithful and are genuinely born again. Are you one of them? – 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17

Therefore as Christians we must:
1. watch for His coming. – Matthew 24:42-44, Philippians 3:20
2. don’t be carried away by the cares of the world. – Matthew 24:38
3. live a life of holiness. – 1 Peter 1:16, Hebrews 12:14

ACTIVITY:
Is there any possibility that Jesus Christ will come back?

SUMMARY:
Please stay focused. Don’t be double minded for the second coming of Jesus Christ is at hand.

CONCLUSION
God has said it and it was also foretold by His prophets while Jesus Himself had declared that His second coming is certain. Now, the question remains: “Are you prepared?”


LESSON: 33

TOPIC: JESUS CHRIST, THE GREATEST MISSIONARY.

TEXT: ISAIAH 42:5-8

TEXT REVIEW: ISAIAH 42:5-8
i. Our text talks about how He (the Lord) will hold our hands and lead us.
ii. He also makes us to know that He has made us the light to the gentiles (unbelievers).
iii. These and others are the works of a missionary.

MEMORY VERSE: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” – Luke 4:18

LESSON INTRODUCTION
The word missionary is derived from the latin word “mitto” which means “to send”. There is a greek equivalent called “apostello”. They both mean “to send”. Therefore a missionary may be defined or described as someone who is commissioned by a superior authority to bring a message or to carry out a work instructed by the sending authority. The missionary is sent to relate God’s salvation message to the world. Thus Jesus Christ is God’s missionary per excellence.

LESSON OUTLINES: There is one outline:

A. WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES OF A TRUE MISSIONARY?
1. Divine call for the mission. – Isaiah 42:6
2. Must be spiritually sound. – 1 Corinthians 2:14
3. Must be filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 10:38
4. Must have received signs to confirm the call. – 1 Timothy 1:12, Romans 1:1-4
5. Must be ready to adapt to a new culture. – 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, Philippians 4:12-13
6. Must be ready to improve his/her knowledge. – 2 Timothy 2:15-16
7. Must have or develop some ability to work with others. – 1 Peter 3:8, Romans 12:18
8. A missionary must be able to raise or to give birth to other missionaries until Jesus comes. – John 20:2

ACTIVITY:
Is it every believer that is called to missionary work?

SUMMARY:
Be like Christ as a missionary.

CONCLUSION
God is a missionary. His son, Jesus Christ, is the greatest missionary ever seen on earth. God has commanded us too to take the gospel (the Good News) to the whole world. – Matthew 28:18-20
Begin to fulfill that divine mandate now!


LESSON: 34

TOPIC: HOSPITAL AND PRISON (CORRECTIONAL CENTRE) EVANGELISM

TEXT: MATTHEW 25:31-46

TEXT REVIEW: MATTHEW 25:31-46
i. It is pertinent to note the wording of this text; two groups of people will stand before the king.
ii. The first group of people are known for Christian Social Responsibility (CSR) as part of evangelism while the second group of people sees this as a burden. It should not be done at all.
iii. The first group is given a place in heaven but the second group is sent to hell fire.

MEMORY VERSE: “Naked, and ye clothed Me: I was sick, and ye visited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto Me.” – Matthew 25:36

LESSON INTRODUCTION
Prisons in Nigeria have now be rebranded as Correctional Centres. Hospitals and prisons are unpleasant places to be admitted into. The two places are for people that are going through storms of life, afflictions, suffering or trials occasioned by sins, miscarriage of justice or in some cases it may be a test of their faith like Job etc.. – Job 2:7, Genesis 3:11, 4:8
Many of the people in the hospitals and prisons are desperately in need of divine intervention and are therefore ready to receive anyone with solution to their problems.
Churches need to encourage / create the hospital and prison evangelism units and strengthen its house fellowship centres to reach out to such souls in our hospitals and prisons sometimes called “the affliction zone” as all these souls are important to God. Christ ministry, when He was here on earth, was heavenly places on this zone. – Luke 4:18, 1 Peter 2:21-24

LESSON OUTLINES: There is one outline:

A. WHY DO WE EVANGELISE THE AFFLICTED PEOPLE?
1.- Sin can cause a long term internal suffering or curse. – Genesis 4:6-7, Romans 8:18-21, hence they need salvation.
2.- To encourage the afflicted to trust God through suffering. – Job 16:16, Hebrews 3:17-19
3.- Sometimes the suffering or affliction can be honour in disguise. – Acts 16:28-30
4.- To preach to true believers that suffering for Christ’s sake is a privileg. – Philippians 1:29, 1 Peter 2:21-24
5.- To offer helping hands and bear their burden. – Matthew 25:40

ACTIVITY:
Is it proper to evangelise prison inmates? Why?

SUMMARY:
We are mandated to evangelise all nations of the world. This means everywhere, even prisons and hospitals. Please start now if you are yet to.

CONCLUSION
Current research and studies show that more and more people are getting into affliction zones, mainly because of increase in incidence of diseases and injustices in many countries / goverments. But this gives us an opportunity to reach out to such souls for salvation, because in their affliction they are waiting for solution and would readily accept any divine intervention. Our house fellowship centers and churches should begin to set aside days for hospital and prison evangelism.


LESSON: 35

TOPIC: DON’T BE LEFT BEHIND – PART 1.

TEXT: 1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-18

TEXT REVIEW: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
i. We are encouraged by the text not to mourn like the worldly people when a Christian died.
ii. That this world is not our final destination.
iii. Also, that there will be an event that will take place which all Christians would be taken so that they will meet with the Lord.

MEMORY VERSE: “Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.” – Acts 1:11

LESSON INTRODUCTION
All Christians know that the Lord Jesus Christ is coming again. Most of them know that His second coming will be in two stages:
(i) like a thief in the night to take the spotless bride away before the tribulation starts and
(ii) to return with the bride seven years later to reign in earth for thousand years. Without doubt, some people will be here on earth during those seven terrible years. Anyone who did not go with Him at His first appearing will pass through the tribulation. Be warnend brethren, do not be left behind.

LESSON OUTLINES: There are two outlines:

A. AFTER THE RAPTURE, THERE WILL BE A WORLD CHURCH:
After the rapture, Satan will endeavour to establish a worldwide kingdom with a king at its head. This satanic king has several titles among which are:
(i) the Anti-Christ, – 1 John 2:18-22
(ii) the will king, – Daniel 11:36
(iii) the lawless one
(iv) the son of perdition. – 2 Thessalonians 2:3
He will become the head of a revived form of the Roman Empire, gain control of the western world and form an alliance with the world church. Don’t be left behind if you don’t want to join the world church.

B. THE ANTI-CHRIST WILL HAVE SPECIAL DEALINGS WITH ISRAEL:
The Anti-Christ will make a covenant with Israel who will rebuild the temple in Jerusalem and start sacrifices again. The only opposition to the Anti-Christ at this moment will be Russia who will instigate Syria and Egypt to invade Israel. The Anti-Christ will defeat Syria and Egypt but meanwhile Russia would have invaded Israel and be supernaturally defeated. Thus the power of the Anti-Christ would grow to the extent that he would declare that he is God and demand worship that everyone should worship him. Don’t be left behind if you don’t want to worship the Anti-Christ. – Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15, Revelations 13:8

ACTIVITY:
State vividly the events that will take place after rapture. Will you be there?

SUMMARY:
Don’t plan to stay behind after the rapture.

CONCLUSION
Please don’t take God for granted, heed to His warning and instruction all the time, so that we will not perish like Noah’s generation.


LESSON: 36

TOPIC: DON’T BE LEFT BEHIND – PART 2

TEXT: REVELATIONS 13:11-18

TEXT REVIEW: REVELATIONS 13:11-18
i. We are told by the text, the event that will take place after the rapture.
ii. That everyone left after rapture would be forced to acquire a mark before he or she can buy or well anything.
iii. And the number of the mark is 666.

MEMORY VERSE: “And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” – Revelations 19:20

LESSON INTRODUCTION
In the first part of this series, we learnt that after the rapture Satan will endeavour to establish a worldwide kingdom headed by the Anti-Christ who will form an alliance with the world church. The Anti-Christ will also make a covenant with Israel who will rebuild the temple in Jerusalem and start sacrifices again. Syria and Egypt will invade Israel at the instigation of Russia but the Anti-Christ will defeat them. Russia will suffer a supernatural defeat and the power of the Anti-Christ will grow so that he will break his covenant with Israel and declare that he is God and demand that everyone should worship him. In this study, we shall consider what follows next.

LESSON OUTLINES: There are two outlines:

A. INSPITE OF ALL ACTIVITIES OF SATAN, THERE WILL STILL BE WITNESS FOR CHRIST:
As soon as the Anti-Christ declares himself as God, another man will arise to become the high priest of the Anti-Christ cult. The bible calls him the false prophet. He will develop a highly organised religious system on behalf of the Anti-Christ. But inspite of all these devilish activities, there will be active witnesses for God and Christ. Many of them will be those who were lukewarm Christians; now, who will become red-hot for God after they have missed the rapture? They will be sorely persecuted. Israel will also rebel against the Anti-Christ and their persecution will be so severe that the bible calls it “the time of Jacob’s trouble”. – Daniel 7:25, Revelations 20:4, Jeremiah 30:4-7, Zechariah 14:1-2, Jeremiah 30:7

B. THE INTENSE SUFFERINGS OF THIS PERIOD WILL CAUSE ISRAEL TO REPENT AND THEN CHRIST WILL COME AGAIN
Knowing that his time was short, the Anti-Christ will gather the armies of the world to Armageddon for a final battle. Meanwhile, the intense sufferings of the time of Jacob’s trouble will cause Israel to repent genuinely and God will cleanse them. Then Christ will return again riding on a white horse and the saints will return with Him to reign for a thousand years. Will you return with Him or will you be among those who are left behind?
Revelations 16:12-16, Psalm 2:1-12, Zephaniah 3:8, Revelations 20:4-6

ACTIVITY:
Who are the believers that will be winning souls for Christ after the rapture?

SUMMARY:
Please run away from sin, no matter how fascinating it may look like.

CONCLUSION
It is a terrible thing to fall into the wrath of the Lord. Now, there is still enough room for you to repent before it will be too late.


LESSON: 37

TOPIC: DON’T BE LEFT BEHIND – PART 3.

TEXT: LUKE 14:15-27

TEXT REVIEW: LUKE 14:15-27
i. God has prepared the mal ready for us.
ii. All that were invited gave one excuse or the other.
iii. God was not disappointed, rather He sent for other people.

MEMORY VERSE: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” – Hebrews 12:14

LESSON INTRODUCTION
In the second part of this series we learnt that as soon as the Anti-Christ declares himself as God, a new man will arise to help him organise his religion. This new man is called the false prophet and through him and the world church, Christians who are left behind as well as the jews will be sorely persecuted. The sufferings of this period will be so much that Israel will finally repent and Jesus will return with His saints to wipe out the army of the Anti-Christ at Armageddon. Then the reign of Christ for thousand years will start. Satan will be out of the way and the Kingdom of God on earth will be wonderful.

LESSON OUTLINES: There are two outlines:

A: THERE ARE CONDITIONS FOR ENTRY INTO THE KINGDOM AND HINDRANCES TOO:
To be part of those who will reign with Christ, the following are some of the conditions you must satisfy:
(i) you must be born again
(ii) you must have a child-like spirit
(iii) you must have a forgiving spirit
(iv) you must be holy and
(v) you must witness all the time.

The things that could prevent you from entering the Kingdom include:
a. Love of money
b. Lack of clear-cut decision
c. You may refuse the invitation to enter
d. You may lose the opportunity to enter
e. The privilege to enter may be taken away from you
f. You may refuse to do the will of God. –
John 3:3, 5, Matthew 18:1-4, Hebrews 12:14, John 15:2, 6, Luke 19:15-19, Luke 9:61-62, Luke 14:15-24

B. TO ENTER THE KINGDOM IS WORTH ANY SACRIFICE:
The Kingdom belongs to the poor in spirit and whoever wants to enter must submit to God’s wisdom, power and mercy. Men are advised to seek the Kingdom desperately and be willing to pay any price or make any sacrifice to enter. It is surely better to be in the Kingdom than to be left behind. Please, do not be left behind. –
Matthew 5:3, 1 Corinthians 1:25-28, Psalm 73:22-24, Matthew 6:33, Matthew 11:12, Mark 9:43-48

ACTIVITY:
Mention some conditions for entering into the Kingdom of God.

SUMMARY:
Please give it all that it takes to enter into the Kingdom of God.

CONCLUSION
Beloved, ‘for what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?’ – Mark 8:36.
Please meditate on this.


LESSON: 38

TOPIC: WHO SAYS THAT LYING CANNOT KILL? LEARN FROM ANANIAS & SAPPHIRA

TEXT: ACTS 5:1-11

TEXT REVIEW: ACTS 5:1-11
i. Ananias conspired with His wife Sapphira to lie to Apostle Peter.
ii. They did not know that it was not Peter they lied to but the Holy Spirit.
iii. And the consequence of sin (lie) is dead. That was what they got.

MEMORY VERSE: “Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are His delight.” – Proverbs 12:22

LESSON INTRODUCTION
Do you know that little foxes can spoil the vine? (Song of Solomon 2:15). Though in most cases little sin, such as lying is trivialise. Do you know, this little sin, when consistently committed, becomes a perpetual lifestyle overtime and God is not pleased. Do you even know that all liars would end up in the lake of fire? – Revelations 21:8

In today’s bible text in Acts 5:1-11, we learnt a painful lesson of how lying caused the untimely death of a couple during the early church. Then, all Christians had all things in common. Those who had assets voluntarily sold them and brought the entire price of their assets to the apostles “and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” (Acts 4:32-37). However, a couple – Ananias and Sapphira conspired not to disclose the actual price they sold their asset, but retained a part. (lying). First it was the husband, Ananias, that died (Acts 5:5) and there hours later the wife, Sapphira, came in and lied too. She also died instantly (Acts 5:10).

LESSON OUTLINES: There is one outline:

A: WHY GOD HATES LYING:

1. It is not in God’s nature and He doesn’t want His children to exhibit it. – Numbers 23:19, Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:18
2. Lying reveals a lack of godly nature and it is a mark of unfaithfulness. – Proverbs 14:5, 12:17, 13:5
3. Lying is often motivated by fear which is contrary to love and faith in God. – Genesis 20:9-11, 1 John 4:18

  1. Lying accompanies other sins and liars will perish in hell fire Hosea 4:1-2, Psalm 5:6, Proverbs 19:9, Revelations 21:8
  2. Lying is a major cause of separation and unanswered prayers Isaiah 59:2-3.
  3. Jesus called Satan “a liar and the father of lies.” Acts 5:3, John 8:44.

ACTIVITY:
State reasons why people lie. Will liars make heaven?

SUMMARY:
Please stop lying because it will land you in hell.

CONCLUSION
Ananias and Sapphira paid dearly for their lying prowess, which reveals how much God detests lying. Though lies may prevail but for a moment, you can be assured, that the truth will prevail. – Proverbs 12:19


GOLDEN DIET FOR THE WEEK (print or write it out so that you can participate daily):

MONDAY:
Luke 5:18-20 – The four friends of the paralytic man took Him to Jesus. Where will you take your sick one to for healing? Is it to the power of darkness or to Jesus Christ?

TUESDAY:
1 Corinthians 6:19, John 14:23 – Your body may not only be the residence of the Holy Spirit but may also house God the Father and God the Son.

WEDNESDAY:
Ezekiel 36:17-36 – Lord, sanctify Your name in my life, my family, in Your church and in my country.

THURSDAY:
Ephesians 4:1-15 – Study the bible passage and make notes of the ingredients of spiritual growth.

FRIDAY:
Matthew 24:3-44 – Are you prepared for the second coming of Jesus Christ?

SATURDAY:
Matthew 28:18-20 – God has commanded us to take the gospel (Good News) to the whole world. Begin to fulfil that divine mandate now.

SUNDAY:
Acts 5:1-11, Revelations 21:8 – Lying leads to destruction and the lake of fire.

HOUSE FELLOWSHIP ANTHEM

  1. I Love This Family Of God,
    So Closely Knitted Into One,
    They Have Taken Me Into Their Arms
    And `am So Glad To Be
    A Part Of This Great Family
  2. I Bless This Family Of God,
    So Greatly Prospered By The Lord,
    They Have Taken Me Into Their Arms
    And ´am So Glad To Be
    A Part Of This Great Family
  3. I Know This Family Of God,
    So Deeply Rooted In The Word,
    They Have Taken Me Into Their Arms
    And ´am So Glad To Be
    A Part Of This Great Family
  4. I See This Family Of God,
    So Highly Lifted Above All,
    They Have Taken Me Into Their Arms
    And ´am So Glad To Be
    A Part Of This Great Family
  5. Come, Join This Family Of God,
    So Highly Favoured By The Lord,
    They Have Taken Me Into Their Arms
    And ´am So Glad To Be
    A Part Of This Great Family

RCCG House Fellowship Leader Manual 30 May 2021 – End Of Third Quarter/Interactive Session