RCCG YAYA Sunday School Manual 25 May 2025– Quarterly Review/Summary

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LESSON TWENTY SIX (39)
TOPIC: QUARTERLY REVIEW
SUMMARY OF LESSONS 27-38

LESSON TWENTY-SEVEN (27)

TOPIC: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND CHRISTIANITY

BIBLE PASSAGE: Daniel 12:1-4.

MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: Technology has existed since the Bible days (Genesis 11:3, 5-6). However, what appears new to people is the advancement and how it expands opportunities for humans. One of the latest innovations in technology in recent times is Artificial Intelligence (AI). There are varying views as to whether Christians should use AI or not. Some believers tag it as an end-time tool of the devil and the antichrist; others hold that it is a result of being created in God’s likeness with a creative mind (Genesis 1:26-27). This lesson will bridge the information gap on AI and how it can be purposefully embraced in Christendom.

LESSON OUTLINES:

AI EXPLAINED
BENEFITS AND CAUTIONS

1. AI EXPLAINED

The teacher should ask the students what they know about artificial intelligence.
The teacher should explain the subject matter to the students.

Question 1: What is Artificial intelligence?
Answer: Artificial intelligence refers to the imitation of human intelligence in machines, enabling them to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.

Question 2: What are the other things to note about AI?
Answer: Other things to note include the fact that:
i. AI can learn and make decisions from available options, just like humans.
ii. Like cars, aeroplanes, and social media (meant to improve life), AI is a tool created by scientists and engineers whom God has given creative ability to improve lives (Exodus 31:2-4).
iii. AI can become the controller and caretaker of man. This can degenerate into humanity worshipping the works of their hands-idolatry (Deuteronomy 5:8-9).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should share their knowledge of AI with the class.

2. BENEFITS AND CAUTIONS

Question 1: What are the benefits of AI?
Answer: The teacher should mention the benefits below in addition to answers given by the students.
Artificial Intelligence has several benefits for Christians.
i. It can quickly aid access to a wealth of scriptures and other Christian texts when needed (John 5:39).
ii. It can break down the language barrier in sharing the gospel by translating texts and teachings to a broader global audience.
iii. It can be used to build online communities where Christians can pray, fellowship, and offer brotherly support (Hebrews 10:24-25).
iv. It can make online worship as real as physical gatherings. It can automatically give support by responding to common spiritual questions and guidance (1 Peter 3:15).
v. It can be used to develop personalised training to execute kingdom projects. AI can be used to advance God’s kingdom if aligned with Christian values and principles.
Question 2: What are the cautions to be exercised in the use of AI?
Answer: The teacher should mention the cautions below to better enlighten the students. Christians should watch out for areas of caution (1 Corinthians 10:23; Ephesians 5:15).
i. There are risks and privacy issues in using AI which should not be abused (1Corinthians 7:31).
ii. We must understand our limits that we are God’s creation (Genesis 1:27), and we cannot outdo His creative power (Isaiah 55:8-9).
iii. Christians should be wary of some scientists who are determined to make a new religion out of AI (Exodus 23:2a; Leviticus 26:1).
iv. AI should not be used in a way that conflicts with Christian beliefs (Romans 14:21-22).
v. In providing support for one another, Christians should ensure that human relationships are not replaced by technology (Hebrews 10:25).
vi. AI should not replace the place of waiting upon the Lord for fresh words or inspiration (2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 20:32).
vii. Christians should beware lest they devote their entire lives to AI or other technological innovations and forget God (Deuteronomy 6:12).
viii. Technological addiction should be avoided so as not to kill mental and spiritual growth (1 Corinthians 6:12).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: The class should discuss their level of interaction with modern technology.

CONCLUSION: Artificial intelligence is one of the technological tools borne from the creative ability God gave to man. Christians should cautiously use it to the glory of God.

LESSON TWENTY-EIGHT (28)

TOPIC: COMMITMENT

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 10:25-28.

MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: Commitment is the state or an instance of being obligated or emotionally driven to a cause. It means that decisions to follow through are made in advance, irrespective of the circumstances. Commitment involves dedicating ourselves to something like a person or a cause (Psalm 34:1). Our Father in Heaven requires our total allegiance, not just a contribution. The Bible also teaches that the complete devotion of our lives should be to God, loving and serving Him (Matthew 22:37-38). This means that we must hold nothing back from Him because God holds nothing back from us (John 3:16).

LESSON OUTLINES:

Biblical Instances
Indications Of Commitment

1. BIBLICAL INSTANCES

A. There are several passages in the Bible where people showed commitment. For instance,
i. Abraham was so committed to God that he agreed to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac (Genesis 22:2-3).
ii. David’s followers were committed to him (2 Samuel 23:15-17): loyalty to a God-fearing leader is a commitment to God (Hebrews 13:17).
iii. Esther was committed to Mordecai and her people (Esther 4:15-16). We are not in a position to amass wealth for ourselves; rather, we must be duty-bound to serve our people (Proverbs 22:9).
iv. Elkanah was committed to Hannah, his wife, despite her barrenness (1 Samuel 1:4-5).
v. David was obligated to praise God (Psalm 108:1).
vi. The Apostles were devoted to witnessing (Acts 4:18-20; 1 Corinthians 9:16).
vii. Paul was ready to spend and be spent (2 Corinthians 12:15).
B. The commitment of God’s people will not be in vain. For instance:
i. God rewarded Elijah for his devotion, he became the first man ever to raise the dead (1 Kings 17:17-22).
ii. The loyalty of Elisha to Elijah earned him the double portion of anointing (2 Kings 2:9-14).
iii. Ruth, through her bond with her mother-in-law, was numbered in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Ruth 1:14-18; Matthew 1:1-5).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention at least one thing that is most important to them that they cannot do without.

2. INDICATIONS OF COMMITMENT

Willingness to give sacrificially. God was well pleased when Abraham, after receiving the instruction to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, did as he was instructed, without questioning or wavering (Genesis 22:2-3).
Readiness to surrender all. Jesus, our perfect example of commitment willingly surrendered His life for all (1 John 3:16; John 10:17-18).
Enthusiasm to please God: The apostle Paul said he would please only God at all costs (Galatians 1:10; 2 Timothy 2:4).
Preparedness to suffer: Paul admonished Timothy and believers to be willing to endure hardship (2 Timothy 2:3, Romans 8:35-37).
Willingness to take a risk: David was willing to risk his life when he went against Goliath because of his commitment to his nation (1 Samuel 17:45).
Keenness to pay the ultimate price: Esther was willing to pay the ultimate price for her people – if rejected by the King (Esther 4:15-16). Paul was ready to be bound and also die for the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 21:10-13).
Note that partial commitment is no commitment at all (Revelation 3:15-16).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should mention what they are regularly doing to succeed in life.

CONCLUSION: Our commitment should be shown in our behaviour, personal integrity, loyalty to family, community, and ultimately to God.

LESSON TWENTY-NINE (29)

TOPIC: DILIGENCE

BIBLE PASSAGE: Hebrews 6:10-12 (NKJV)

MEMORY VERSE: “He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.” Proverbs 10:4 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: Diligence is a steady perseverance in one’s effort. Diligent people get the job done. They do not quit until they have given it their all. The Bible uses the word diligence in several ways, and it is always in a positive sense. Those who work diligently will most likely reap a good result, while those who refuse to work with persistence suffer the consequences.

LESSON OUTLINES:

Attributes Of The Diligent
Dangers Of Laziness

1. ATTRIBUTES OF THE DILIGENT

A. Diligent people possess the following attributes:
i. They plan, save, and work to meet needs (Proverbs 13:4).
ii. They identify opportunities and make good use of time (Proverbs 12:27).
iii. Through their effective performance, they attain leadership roles and prosper (Proverbs 12:24).
iv. They discover their talents/gifts and make profitable use of them (1 Corinthians 12:7).
B. In the light of the above attributes,
i. Believers are to be diligent in identifying false teachers (1Timothy 4:1-5).
ii. Avoid myths and fruitless discussions (1 Timothy 4:7).
iii. Guard their hearts against falsehood, evil thoughts, and lustful desires, so that their enemy (Satan) will not take advantage of them (Proverbs 4:23; 2 Corinthians 2:10-11).
iv. Set an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and purity (1 Timothy 4:12).
v. Devote themselves to the reading, preaching and teaching of the Scriptures (1 Timothy 4:13).
C. Being a follower of Christ is also to be pursued with diligence (2 Peter 1:10).
i. The lackadaisical way some professing believers approach their relationship with God is worrisome (Luke 9:61-62).
ii. The ultimate goal is to diligently love the Lord (Mark 12:28-31).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What are you currently doing to become a positive role model?

2. DANGERS OF LAZINESS

Laziness is the opposite of diligence and the Bible warns against being lazy (Romans 12:11). These are some of the dangers of being lazy:

Lazy people increase in poverty due to a lack of understanding (Proverbs 24:30-34).
They are wasters of time, talent and opportunities (Proverbs 18:9).
They live in the bondage of fear (Proverbs 22:13) which is contrary to the plan of God for His people (Romans 8:15; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:18).
They will become slaves to the diligent (Proverbs 12:24). Since lazy people are not ready to take initiative, they will continue to run errands for the diligent.
They are likely to lose their positions in God’s kingdom (Matthew 25:26-28).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: How do you handle laziness?

CONCLUSION: When we make diligence a common ingredient in everything we do, we set a standard that will propel us toward godliness and a life of excellence.

LESSON THIRTY (30)

TOPIC: DEALING WITH FEAR

BIBLE PASSAGE: Isaiah 41:10-14 NKJV

MEMORY VERSE: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love” 1 John 4:18 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: The Bible mentions two specific types of fear. First is the ‘fear of the Lord’ which is beneficial and is to be encouraged (Joshua 24:14; Psalm 111:10). It is a reverential awe of God, a respect for His power and glory. It is also a proper respect for His wrath and anger. The second type is harmful and is to be overcome . (1 John 4:18). It is to be afraid of something or someone. The focus of this lesson is to learn how to deal with the detrimental type of fear.

LESSON OUTLINES:

Constituents Of Detrimental Fear
Consequences Of Fear And How To Overcome

1. CONSTITUENTS OF DETRIMENTAL FEAR

Usually, the devil capitalises on our limited knowledge of the word of God and what the future holds for us (Jeremiah 29:10-11).
A. The constituents of fear vary but usually include wild or negative imaginations (Joshua 1:9); remembrance of a painful past event (Genesis 50:15-18); and a threat of harm (Genesis 20:9-11).
B. Fear is common among humans. The fear of;
(i) criticism (Matthew 26:69-73); (ii) losses (Job 3:25); (iii) old age (Psalm 71:9); (iv) ill health/death (1Kings 19:2-3); (v) loneliness, rejection (Genesis 32:3-8); (vi) failure/success (Proverbs 30:7-9) and (vii) defeat (1 Samuel 17:4, 10-11).
C. The Bible also reveals the close associates of fear:
(i) Discouragement (Deuteronomy 1:21); (ii) Anxiety (Philippians 4:6);
(iii) Worry (Matthew 6:25-34); (iv) Panic (Deuteronomy 20:3-4); etc.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: How do you feel when you are afraid?

2. CONSEQUENCES OF FEAR AND HOW TO OVERCOME

When people live in constant fear, whether from physical danger in their environment or perceived threats, they can become incapacitated.
i. Fear can cause emotional shock which is injurious to our health and can lead to death (Genesis 32:7; 1 Samuel 4:13-18).
ii. Medically, fear can weaken our immune system and can also cause cardiovascular damage. It can cause gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and decreased fertility. It can lead to accelerated ageing and premature death.
iii. Spiritually, fear stifles our thinking and actions (Matthew 25:25).
iv. It creates indecisiveness that results in stagnation (Exodus 14:10-13).
v. It puts its victims in perpetual bondage and torment (Romans 8:15; 1 John 4:18).
vi. Fear may lead to failure, pain and destruction of destiny (Genesis 3:6-10; Numbers 14:1-4).
vii. Fear creates doubt, blocks blessings and hinders prayer (James 1:6-8).
To overcome harmful fear,
i. You must be sure of your salvation and stand firm in the faith (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:1).
ii. Put your trust in the Lord and rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit always (Psalm 125:1-3; Proverbs 3:5-6).
iii. You need to confront your fears and refuse to be intimidated by the enemy, unfavourable situations or negative circumstances. (Psalm 27:1, 3; 56:11).
iv. Above all, constantly apply the word of God, engage in spiritual exercises and visualise the way out of any problem through the lens of the word of God (John 5:39; Colossians 3:16).
v. Finally, strive to resist fear and break its hold over your heart (James 4:7; Revelation 12:11).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Have you ever conquered fear? Kindly share your experience.

CONCLUSION: Fear complicates situations. Reject fear and receive the spirit of courage and boldness (Proverbs 28:1).

LESSON THIRTY-ONE (31)

TOPIC: MANAGING REJECTION

BIBLE PASSAGE: Judges 11:1-7 (NKJV)

MEMORY VERSE: “When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the LORD will take care of me.” Psalm 27:10 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: Rejection is the dismissing or refusing of a person, proposal, idea, etc. In this context, it is to refuse to accept, use, or believe someone. This could be by individuals, groups or God (Genesis 21:10; John 1:11; Hosea 4:6b). This rejection may be social, religious, political, etc. Various reasons could be responsible for rejection such as ill feelings, hatred, bitterness, envy, rebellion, disobedience, etc. Rejection must be well managed so that it does not degenerate into low self-esteem and ultimately depression. It is therefore expedient to examine biblical examples of those rejected and learn from the ways they handled it

LESSON OUTLINES:

Biblical Examples
Handling Rejection

1. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES

Going through the scriptures, there are several cases of rejection. For instance;
i. God rejected King Saul because he failed to carry out His directive to destroy the Amalekites (1Samuel 15:2-3, 26).
ii. Cain was rejected by God because he did not offer an acceptable offering (Genesis 4:5-7).
iii. The children of Israel rejected God from reigning over them as their King and requested for a human king just like the nations around them (1 Samuel 8:5-7).
iv. Joseph was rebuffed by his brothers because he dreamed of a glorious future and was sold as a slave to Egypt (Genesis 37:5-10, 28).
v. Jephthah, though a mighty man, was rejected by his brothers because he was the son of a harlot whom his brethren considered a strange woman (Judges 11:1-2).
vi. Jesus Christ spoke about His rejection by the human race (Luke 9:22; 17:24-25; Matthew 21:42).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Have you ever been rejected before? What was the experience like?

2. HANDLING REJECTION

A. Being rejected by an individual or a group does not necessarily mean you are the problem. Therefore,
i. Never write yourself off but keep improving on yourself like Jephthah for opportunities that may change your narrative (Judges 11:3-6). Remember, it is a phase; it will pass away (Judges 11:7-8).
ii. Have a forgiving spirit like Joseph, free your mind from bitterness and ask God to let you know the lessons He wants you to learn or the reason He allowed you to go through that experience (Genesis 45:5; 50:16-20).
iii. If you are wrong, accept responsibility for it, make corrections and move on (Psalm 139:23-24).
iv. Unlike Cain, rejection must be well managed so that it does not degenerate into anger or jealousy (Genesis 4:5, 8; Hebrews 12:15).
B. Some other ways to handle rejection may be to:
i. Make peace as much as possible (Hebrews 12:14).
ii. Turn to God and ask Him for help (Psalm 121:1).
iii. Trust God and do not be afraid (Psalm 56:4).
iv. Address the issue on the ground and never sweep it under the carpet.
v. Consulting a counsellor or therapist may also be of great help.
C. To avoid being rejected by God, believers must obey His instructions promptly and completely.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: The class should discuss if rejection can lead to withdrawal or pulling out from activities.

CONCLUSION: Do not write yourself off, God can use rejection to open a bigger door as long as you are not rejected by God.

LESSON THIRTY-TWO (32)

TOPIC: FAILING FORWARD

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 26:18-22 NKJV

MEMORY VERSE: “For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity.” Proverbs 24:16 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: Failure is simply an act or instance of failing or proving unsuccessful; or lack of success. Failed attempts should not be viewed as an end; you become a failure when you stop trying. You must see failure as a learning opportunity and a stepping stone to future success. This is what failing forward is: the determination to apply the key lessons you learned from your failed attempts to future efforts.

LESSON OUTLINES:

Failure In Perspective
Leverage On The Experience

1. FAILURE IN PERSPECTIVE

A. Many people get grounded in the journey of life due to one experience of failure or the other. However,
i. Failure should be a springboard to fulfilling destiny.
ii. Properly defining failure beyond your ego and personal feelings helps in achieving great success in life.
B. Below are some things to know about failure:
i. It does not make the person who fails a failure (Proverbs 24:16; Micah 7:8).
ii. It is not final for an individual who knows that he or she has an eternal destiny to fulfil (1Samuel 30:6-9).
iii. It is not always a result of a satanic attack. (Joshua 7:1-5).
iv. It helps you to do a personal reality check. (Judges 6:13-14).
v. Failure, if properly understood, imbues you with a stronger determination to take on greater but calculated risks to succeed more (Luke 5:5-6).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: How will you counsel someone who just experienced a failure?

2. LEVERAGE ON THE EXPERIENCE

Life is full of experiences of both success and failure. Having the right attitude to failure cannot be overemphasised in achieving future goals. Therefore believers must,
i. See failure as an opportunity to learn from previous mistakes (Luke 15:13-14, 17-20).
ii. Find out what you need to do to please God and fulfil destiny (Daniel 4:33-37).
iii. Do not quit: your first attempt may show that your orientation and knowledge might have limitations. (Exodus 14:13-15; 2 Chronicles 15:7).
iv. Avoid acting on assumptions alone because it is the lowest level of knowledge (Joshua 7:3).
v. Hold fast to your vision after a failed attempt (Habakkuk 2:2-3).
vi. Be confident to go beyond the consequences of your past attempts (Genesis 26:20-22).
vii. Eschew pride (James 4:6) and design a system to mitigate future failure.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Have you ever failed in any endeavour? How did you handle the experience?

CONCLUSION: Learn from your mistakes and failures so that you can chart a new cause to success.

LESSON THIRTY-THREE (33)

TOPIC: MANAGING SUCCESS

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 45:1-5 NKJV

MEMORY VERSE: “But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the LORD his God by entering the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.” 2 Chronicles 26:16 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: Some people live moderately when they have “no money.” They possess an enviable status until success comes but find it difficult to manage it. Hence, it is necessary to prepare for how to manage the success you so desire even before it comes. Success is the accomplishment of a goal. To manage success is to maximise and maintain your accomplishment such that it does not overwhelm you, or disrupt your relationship with God and people. Only God makes an individual have good success. Joseph’s life is an illustration that success is best handled when it is used for the benefit of people.

LESSON OUTLINES:

Attitude For Sustainable Success
Tips To Managing Success

1. ATTITUDE FOR SUSTAINABLE SUCCESS

Some people allow success to dictate their lives. However, when success is well-managed, it breeds another success. Here are some approaches to managing success:
Humility in the face of success is required (Proverbs 11:2; 27:2). Do not be like King Uzziah who lifted his heart to his destruction after God made him strong (2 Chronicles 26:16).
Gratitude is a fundamental attitude to maintaining success (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Recognise that your success is not solely your doing but also a result of God’s blessings and the support of your team. Show gratitude to God and your teammates (James 1:17; Romans 16:3-4).
Bless people around you with your resources and advance God’s kingdom (Luke 12:16-20; Proverbs 22:9).
Avoid greed if you want to manage your God-given wealth (1 Timothy 6:10).
Live righteously to avoid distraction from your relationship with God and your commitment to a God-honouring life (Matthew 6:33).
Recognize that you are accountable to God for how you use your success and resources (Matthew 25:14-30).
Maintain Integrity and Ethical Conduct (Proverbs 10:9). Success should not be achieved through dishonest or unethical means. Maintaining your integrity is crucial.
Become an expert in your chosen field, prayerfully get a good mentor for yourself and set new goals.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Have you ever regretted mismanaging your resources? Share your experience

2. TIPS TO MANAGING SUCCESS

Success is beautiful. It has many friends but has to be controlled. There are certain tips every successful person must understand. These include:

Success is relative to who defines it. Your success should be relative to how it benefits other people (Acts 9:36-39, 10:38).
Understand that there is good and bad success (Joshua 1:8; Exodus 5:2).
Your success is the outcome of the collaborative efforts of God, you and several people, known and unknown to you (1 Samuel 30:20-24). There is no self-made man (1 Corinthians 4:7).
Your ultimate success may be the beginning of another person’s journey to success (1 Samuel 16:1, 13-14).
There is no permanent success. You need to maintain your relationship with God (2 Chronicles 26:16; 35:21-23), work hard (Philippians 3:13-14) and have a productive team (Nehemiah 3:13-15).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: How do you view some people who show off their wealth?

CONCLUSION: The Bible teaches that success is a gift from God and should be managed with humility and gratitude.

LESSON THIRTY-FOUR (34)

TOPIC: MISSIONS MINDEDNESS

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 10:1-9 NKJV

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

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

LESSON OUTLINES:
1.The Missionary God
2.A Mandate For All Believers

1. THE MISSIONARY GOD

God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are all involved in missions.
A. God the Father initiated the process by sending His Son, Jesus Christ to the world to save humanity (John 3:17).
B. Jesus came in obedience to the Father’s instruction to redeem the world from eternal damnation (John 10:10). Jesus has now commissioned every believer to continue with the task (Matthew 28:19-20; John 20:21).
C. The Holy Spirit is always with us to lead us (Acts 8:29), guide us (Acts 16:6-7), strengthen us (Acts 4: 8, 13), and help us to finish the task (2 Timothy 4:7).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Although believers have been commissioned for missions, some are yet to be involved. Why?

2. A MANDATE FOR ALL BELIEVERS

A. Every believer has been commissioned to do ‘missions’ (Matthew 28:19-20; John 20:21).
i. You have no choice if you are born again (John 15:16).
ii. The question is not whether or not you are called to do missions, but rather the question is whether or not you obey the call.
iii. Paul was not disobedient to the call (Acts 26:19-20).
B. However, one can get involved in any of these areas:

Preaching: Some are called and set apart to go to different lands to preach the gospel (Acts 13:1-2). The work of missions demands that some people should go to those who have not heard the gospel. Jesus, our perfect example was going from place to place preaching the gospel (Matthew 4:23). Jesus commanded us to go to the entire world (Acts 1:8). Unless there are people who will go and preach there is no way missions can be done: we need men and women who will traverse lands to proclaim the gospel (Isaiah 6:8).
Praying: Missions work thrives on prayer; the work will suffer without it. Paul enjoined the brethren in Ephesus to partner with him in prayers (Ephesians 6:18-20). Regular prayers must be offered to God for missionaries and missions’ work (Colossians 4:2-4). We ought to remember missionaries in our family altars and personal prayers (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2).
Paying: Missions is a very expensive venture. This is why God has blessed His children so they can finance His project (2 Corinthians 12:15). Paul commended the Philippians for being exceptional in financing missions work (Philippians 4:14-19). As an individual you can pay a missionary’s salary, children’s school fees, or help missionaries on training. You can adopt a mission field and finance their work.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: How do you want to be involved in missions?

CONCLUSION: Missions is a vital assignment that God has given to every believer. Be involved.

LESSON THIRTY-FIVE (35)

TOPIC: CROSS-CULTURAL MISSIONS (PART 1)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 20:18-20 NKJV

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

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

LESSON OUTLINES:

The Call To Cross-Cultural Missions
The Heart Of A Cross-Cultural Missionary

1. THE CALL TO CROSS-CULTURAL MISSIONS

A. The call to cross-cultural missions is in various forms and God can use anyone who makes him/herself available, irrespective of “age,” economic, academic, professional, or social status.
B. The call could take different forms:
i. Apostolic calling: Here, an itinerant missionary ministers to a particular people group in a particular location per time e.g. Apostle Paul (Romans 1:1).
ii. Full-time Missionary: A person who has accepted God’s call leaves his/her comfort zone to live, learn, and influence a community for a long time with the gospel of Christ.
iii. Tent-making or Bi-vocational Missionary: A person who has a passion for missions uses his job as a tool to enter a community to finance missions with his/her work and win souls for Christ.
iv. Social Ministry Missionary: Someone with the heart of missions rises to the pressing needs of a people group (the aged, children, prostitutes, uneducated, women, leaders, youths, etc.) with a physical relief aid to solve their physiological needs with the purpose of reaching and winning them to Christ (Hebrews 6:10).
v. Modern Media Missionary: The person uses the modern medium of technology to break barriers by entering restricted and free access nations with the Gospel of Christ through internet opportunities, social networks, technological devices, visuals and audio clips, and graphical resources.
C. Cross-cultural missions is important because people of all races have to hear the gospel before they believe (Romans 10:14).
i. Jesus commanded it (Mark 16:15).
ii. We are called to be actively engaged in it (Matthew 24:14).
iii. It helps to reach the Unreached People Groups (UPGs) in the world (Matthew 9:36).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Which of the missionary approaches will you engage in this week?

2. THE HEART OF A CROSS-CULTURAL MISSIONARY

The teacher should use the following points to explain the type of heart expected from a cross-cultural missionary:

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

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What is your burden for the lost souls and how do you hope to achieve it?

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

LESSON THIRTY-SIX (36)

TOPIC: CROSS-CULTURAL MISSIONS (PART 2)

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NKJV)

MEMORY VERSE: “Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” Matthew 28:20 (NKJV).

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

LESSON OUTLINES:

Challenges Of Cross-Cultural Missions
Strategies For Cross-Cultural Missions

1. CHALLENGES OF CROSS-CULTURAL MISSIONS

A. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-30, Apostle Paul mentions some of the challenges he faced as a cross-cultural missionary. They include:
i. Persecution,
ii. Hunger,
iii. Shipwreck,
iv. Rejection,
v. Suffering from harsh weather conditions,
vi. Infirmity, and so on (2 Corinthians 4:8-10).
B. Missionaries are often faced with all these challenges and even more:
i. Having to leave one’s family, friends, vocational identity, familiar environment, and, in some cases, modern conveniences to cross geographic, cultural, and/or linguistic barriers can be extremely challenging (Acts 22:2-3; Philippians 3:8).
ii. Many missionaries battle with serious health issues which affect their work in a negative way (2Corinthians 12:9).
iii. Language and culture learning takes time and practice and this can be challenging as well.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What are you willing to sacrifice for the gospel?

2. STRATEGIES FOR CROSS-CULTURAL MISSIONS

A. Anyone who intends to engage in effective cross-cultural missions must:

Be ready to learn new ideologies, cultures, norms, values, language, etc. (1 Corinthians 9:19-22).
Not stick to a single style of communication but learn how to adapt to the culture of the people you are sent to.
Never shift ground on your conviction of faith, despite the respect for the foreign culture (Galatians 6:1).
Develop a friendship atmosphere among the people (Proverbs 18:24).
Have a target of how many souls you want to reach and win for Christ within a particular period and do a periodic evaluation of the target (Daniel 12:3).
Be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:4; Galatians 5:16).
B. As a cross-cultural missionary:
i. Paul’s goal was to bring as many people as possible to faith in Jesus (1 Corinthians 9:22).
ii. He adapted his method and his language to the culture of the place where he was (1Corinthians 9:20).
iii. He learned how to connect with different people so that he could be an effective witness for Christ (Philippians 3:5).
iv. In Athens, Paul spoke to the philosophers using their poetry to make his point (Acts 17:16-34).
v. When he found himself among the Jews, he spoke to them using the Jewish Scriptures and history (Acts 13:13-42), but when he was among the Gentiles, he used the language and references they understood (Ephesians 3:6-8).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Are you willing to learn new languages for the sake of the gospel?

CONCLUSION: The missionary should be assured of God’s presence at all times and therefore be encouraged (Matthew 28:19-20).

LESSON THIRTY-SEVEN (37)

TOPIC: CHURCH SHIFT

BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 8:26-31 NKJV

MEMORY VERSE: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: The word “church” is a translation of the Greek word ‘’ekklesia,’’ which is defined as “an assembly” or “called-out ones.” The root meaning of church is not that of a building, but of people (Romans 16:5a; Acts 14:27). The church is the body of Christ, of which He is the head (Ephesians 1:22-23). The body of Christ is made up of all believers in Jesus Christ from the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) until Christ’s return. In the course of history, the Church has evolved drastically and an understanding of the dynamic approach of doing church is termed “Church-Shift.’’ These are the transformations the Church must go through without distorting its purpose.

LESSON OUTLINES:

The Purpose Of The Church
Doing Church Differently

1. THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH

A. Every church is driven by something: tradition, finances, programmes, personalities, events, seekers and even buildings.
B. Regardless of the model of the Church, the original purpose must be understood. These are:
(i) Worship (Acts 2:46-47), (ii) Fellowship (Acts 2:42), (iii) Discipleship (Acts 6:1a), (iv) Ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12), (v) and Mission (Acts 15:22).
C. These are derived from the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-40) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Do you think the church is fulfilling her purpose?

2. DOING CHURCH DIFFERENTLY

A. Our mandate as the Body of Christ is not just to gather to worship and fellowship, it is to move strongly into every sphere of society: Academics, Politics, Civil/Public service, Entrepreneurship, Sports, etc (John 17:18).
B. Church indeed is the training ground for people who will influence the world around them (2Timothy 2:2) but the Church must be missional. Being missional is to reach people who may not be able to join our conventional churches, with the message of the gospel (Romans 10:13-14).
C. While we gather in our church buildings, there are souls existing virtually on the internet – the Social Media platforms and physically on the Streets, marketplaces, Motor/Relaxation parks, Correctional Centres, Sports Centres, Hospitals, ghettos/slums, etc. waiting for the Church to come to them.
D. Therefore, all Christians should be involved in the Great Commission of Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20) reaching the unchurched, the poor and the vulnerable (Acts 2:45, Matthew 25:37-40).
E. Reconciling people to God is the focus of being God’s agent in the world (2 Corinthians 5:20); and as believers, we should carry the mission of God into every sphere of human lives. We are all missionaries sent into the world as ‘salt and light’ (Matthew 5:13-16). If we will concentrate on building people, God will build the church.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: How can you help in doing church differently?

CONCLUSION: While gathering for worship and fellowship is paramount, we need to take the Church to the people who may not be able to gather with us. The Church must shift.

LESSON THIRTY-EIGHT (38)

TOPIC: PROCRASTINATION

BIBLE PASSAGE: John 9:4-5 NKJV

MEMORY VERSE: “He who observes the wind will not sow, And he who regards the clouds will not reap.” Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: To procrastinate simply means to put off till some future time. It is to postpone or needlessly delay what should be done immediately. Experts define procrastination as a self-defeating behavioural pattern marked by short-term benefits and long-term costs. In one of Jesus’ teachings, He taught His disciples not to delay what should be done immediately (John 4:35-36). It is said that “procrastination is a thief of time.” Procrastination and laziness appear to be “brothers” because sometimes procrastination is the result of laziness (Proverbs 18:9).

LESSON OUTLINES:

Ills Of Procrastination
Defeating Procrastination

1. ILLS OF PROCRASTINATION

A. i. Procrastination births redundancy and lack of productivity (Proverbs 12:27).
ii. It steals time through idleness and renders one ineffective (Proverbs 26:13-15).
iii. It oils the wheels of putting off important decisions or actions till some future time which may be disastrous by producing a negative outcome (Proverbs 15:19).
B. The attitude of pushing tasks and necessary appointments which should be attended to promptly till later has resulted in a loss of integrity for some people (Matthew 21:28-30).
C. Putting off important tasks causes stress and this additional stress contributes to negative psycho-physiological impacts (Any physical illness caused by a psychological illness).
D. Procrastination replaces self-esteem with self-defeat when the procrastinator asks and is fixed on, ‘‘What is wrong with me?’’ “Why can’t I just do it?” ‘‘Was I born to fail?”
E. Procrastination is so bad that it can lead to poverty (Proverbs 10:4) and it becomes a sin when we know how to do good but defers by refusing to do it (James 4:17).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: How often do you procrastinate?

2 DEFEATING PROCRASTINATION

The under-listed will help us to deal with Procrastination.
i. Proactiveness: We must always be actively engaged with our minds and hands on the task we need to do without giving any leeway to push it to a later date (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
ii. Record-Keeping And Accountability Partnership: Get a chat book to record accomplished daily tasks or get an evaluation partner to report to on the achievement of important jobs and appointments (Proverbs 13:20).
iii. Consciousness Of Time: Always sound to yourself that ‘delay is dangerous’ and never push what you can do now till later (John 4:34; 5:17). Setting a realistic time frame for assignments will help to attend to matters without pushing them to a later date (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
iv. Intentionality: Dealing with procrastination requires a great level of intentionality. We must be calculated and purposeful all the time to attend to tasks and schedules appropriately (1Corinthians 9:26; Ephesians 5:15-16).
v. Promptness: We must be quick to deal with issues as they come to us and never give any room for delay. (Ecclesiastes 11:4).
vi. Goal-Setting: It is important to set achievable goals divided into bits so we can measure progress. We must organize our tasks, appointments, etc. so we know what to do and at what time to do them so we are not overwhelmed (Proverbs 21:5).
vii. Divine Help: We need to ask God to help us as we put our hands to work on the projects before us (Psalm 22:19).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: How have you been fighting procrastination?

CONCLUSION: Procrastination must be consciously kicked out of our lives.

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN

O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friend friendship suits me well,
Both young and will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

RCCG YAYA Sunday School Manual 25 May 2025