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LOGO CON

THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA (Anglican Communion)

2013 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

THEME:

DWELLING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

FOREWORD

We have been considering the grace of God for at least two years now. One thing that the grace of God does is bringing us to an intimate and rewarding relationship and communion with God. This is the goal of every Christian – to be with the Lord, both in this earthly pilgrimage and eternally. We are therefore considering this year, the theme, Dwelling in His (God’s) Presence. Dwelling in God’s presence means being with the Lord; knowing him more deeply; relating with him personally and partaking in his blessings and glory. It is a life of communion and fellowship with God. Dwelling in God’s presence is one thing we should always yearn for as the Psalmist says: “One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of may life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple” (Psalm 27:4). Entering the presence of God could be dreadful. But by the works of Christ, we can now draw near to God with confidence (Heb. 10:22). However, the presence of God is not entered and dwelt anyhow. Heaven is a prepared place for prepared people. The bible study of the year will provide us the opportunity of finding for ourselves what it means to dwell in the presence of God, how to do it, its demands/implication and benefits. It is my prayer that we all avail ourselves of the rich spiritual resource of this study guide. We remain grateful to the Liturgy and Spirituality Committee ably led by Bishop Henry Ndukuba for the work well done. To God be the Glory! Most Revd Nicholas D. Okoh Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)

PREFACE

We give thanks and praise to the Almighty God, who alone dwells in the unapproachable light, for His mercies and favour that carried us up till this New Year 2013. On behalf of the Writing Team, Co-ordinators, and Editors and Consultants, we express our appreciation to all who have expressed their views and shared testimonies of how God has blessed them through this Bible Study series. We are grateful to our Father in God, The Most Rev. Nicholas D. Okoh, The Primate of All Nigeria for the opportunity to serve. Each year God unfolds great treasurers in His Word, so that we may be rooted and be built up in Christ Jesus. Every walk with God had been and will always be rooted in “Dwelling in the Presence of God.” One realizes that the greatest gift of God to His Children is not in material blessings but the very gift of Himself and His Presence. Moses realized this and so pleaded with God that if he (Moses) and the Israelites have found grace with God let God show forth Himself, teach them His ways and let them find favour with God. But more importantly, “If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence” (Ex. 33:13-15). God’s presence is the only thing that can distinguish God’s children and servants from all other people. It is God’s presence that assures our security and victory. It is the demonstration of God’s grace and mercy upon His own. The 2013 Bible Study seeks to draw us to know God deeper and more intimately, love and serve Him. It brings out our privileges and eternal inheritance in Christ Jesus. The main theme is subdivided into sub-themes and topics that deal with God, His Nature and Attributes, The Necessity for Dwelling in God’s Presence, the Benefits and Consequences of Dwelling or not Dwelling in God’s Presence. The whole study ends with “Dwelling Forever with God” and the glory that the saints shall share in God’s Eternal Kingdom as we live and reign with Him forever. Dwelling in God’s Presence is not just for this present life but it will be in eternity in God’s glorious Kingdom. Therefore, no matter whatever violence, trials, persecution and death we may face in this present time in Nigeria what we need is God’s Presence. We urge everyone who uses this study to strive to enter and remain in God’s presence, for there is joy, peace, victory and eternal hope in Christ Jesus. God bless you richly and May His Presence go with you all through the year 2013. Peace to you! Bishop Henry Ndukuba Chairman, Liturgy & Spirituality Committee CON

BIBLE STUDY TEAM

APPRECIATION

We appreciate the writing-team for their labour of love and contribution. God has blessed us

through your personal time with God and the inspiration you received. Thank you ever so much

and may the LORD renew and replenish your strength.

These are the Team leaders:

1. Rt. Revd James Oladunjoye

2. Rt. Revd Aloysius Agbo

3. Ven. Charles Fakiyesi

4. Mr. Kiki Briggs

The Consultants

1. The Most Revd Emmanuel S. Egbunu

2. Rt. Revd James Oladunjoye

3. Rt. Revd Emmanuel Ugwu

4. Rt. Revd Sosthenes Eze

5. Rt. Revd Samuel Chukuka

6. Rt. Revd Michael O. Fape

7. Rt. Revd Prof. John Akao

8. Rt. Revd Henry C. Ndukuba

9. Ven. Dr. Princewill Ireoba

10. Revd Canon Oliver Okeke

GUIDELINES TO ORGANISING/

LEADING BIBLE STUDIES These are actually guidelines as indicated above. We trust the Holy Spirit to use them to enrich your time together.

Leaders should spend much time in prayer and preparatory before any study.

Emphasis should be on small and effective groups of between 10 and 20 persons depending

on the size of the congregation and spaces available to teachers.

Where possible, separate youths from adults so lessons can be more appropriately applied.

All leaders should meet a day or more to the study to preview. Individual leaders are encouraged thereafter, to still go through the studies on their own.

Good time management can be done by assigning time to each section of the study and limiting the number of persons that contribute to each section.

If you begin the study by reading the text, then only make passing reference to it in the study when it occurs again. Do not read it again.

The memory verse and conclusions as well as “food for thought” are important since they capture the essence of a study. Therefore, endeavour to go through them.

The introduction is to be briefly handled. Do not use it as a medium for lengthy teaching.

Work out ways of stimulating peoples’ interest for Bible Studies. Adopt the time most suitable for your congregation and change when so desired, but with the approval of the Church leadership.

Leaders must be sensitive to contributions and ensure they address the questions or issues raised. Find out polite and effective ways of bringing contributions to focus on the study.

Find out from your vicar seasons of the Church year and explain them in two three sentences to your class at the beginning of the study.

Leaders of small group should know their members very well, visit and encourage them to bring others to their groups. Appoint assistant leaders for each group who should become the leader when the group splits with growth.

TABLE OF CONTENT

FOREWORD

PREFACE

BIBLE STUDY TEAM/APPRECIATION

GUIDELINES TO ORGANISING/LEADING STUDIES

TABLE OF CONTENT

STUDY 1: Understanding Our Theme

STUDY 2: God is Spirit

STUDY 3: God is Omnipotent (All Powerful)

STUDY 4: God is Omnipresent

STUDY 5: God is Omniscient (All Knowing)

STUDY 6: God is Love

STUDY 7: God is Good

STUDY 8: God is Eternal

STUDY 9: God is Holy

STUDY 10: God is Righteous

STUDY 11: God is Immutable

STUDY 12: God is Light

STUDY 13: Heaven

STUDY 14: The Place of Comfort - No more Death

STUDY 15: The Place of Comfort-No more Hunger/No more Thirst

STUDY 16: The Place of Comfort-No More Heat

STUDY 17: The Place of Comfort - No more Weeping or Sorrow/No more Curse

STUDY 18: The Place of Comfort - No more Shadows

STUDY 19: The Place of Perfect Worship

STUDY 20: The Place of Peace

STUDY 21: The Place of Absolute Surrender

STUDY 22: Righteous Living

STUDY 23: Pure Heart

STUDY 24: Heavenly Focused

STUDY 25: Truthfulness

STUDY 26: The New Birth

STUDY 27: A Just Life.

STUDY 28: Constant Meditation.

STUDY 29: Prayerful Life

STUDY 30: God’s Power

STUDY 31: Answered Prayer

STUDY 32: Heavenly Revelations

STUDY 33: Living a Righteous Life

STUDY 34: Overcoming Tribulations

STUDY 35: God’s Favour

STUDY 36: Excellent Life

STUDY 37: Godly Knowledge

STUDY 38: Godly Victory

STUDY 39: God’s Blessings

STUDY 40: Godly Perfection

STUDY 41: A Life of Disobedience

STUDY 42: A Life Full of Fear

STUDY 43: An Accursed Life

STUDY 44: Worldly and Eternal Regret

STUDY 45: Fruitless Life

STUDY 46: Eternal Shame

STUDY 47: Absence of Peace

STUDY 48: Eternal Darkness

STUDY 49: Eternal Destruction

STUDY 50: Living for Christ

STUDY 51: Reigning with God

STUDY 52: The Glory of His Majesty

STUDY ONE

THE EPIPHANY JANUARY 6, 2013

THEME: DWELLING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

TOPIC: Understanding our Theme

TEXT: Psalms 90:1; 91:1-2.

AIM: To get the direction of our studies this year and to help us make a

commitment to dwell in God’s presence all through the year.

INTRODUCTION: To dwell means to abide, to lodge quietly and securely. Dwelling or abiding in

the context of this study denotes a constant and continuous stay of the just in the presence of none

other, but the Lord Himself. In practical terms it means remaining constantly in the favour,

presence and confidence of the Almighty. It means not allowing business, work, or anything which

normally interfere with spending quality time with God, come between you and Him this year.

STUDY GUIDE

1. What do you understand “Dwelling in His presence” to mean? Ex. 24:12; Ps 90:1; 91:1.

2. Explain the difference between ‘coming into His presence’, and ‘dwelling in His presence’.

Consider Ex. 24: 12; Ps.24:3; Gal.5:16.

3. What benefits do we get when we abide in the presence of God? Ps 91:1; Gal.5:16.

4. How can we enjoy and strengthen our dwelling in the presence of God? Ps 119: 105; Ps 1:1-3;

Joshua 1:7–8; Mk. 6:30-32.

CONCLUSION: In prayer and meditation, we come into God’s presence. But beyond this, we

need life in the spirit of holiness to remain in that presence. Many indeed come into God’s

presence, but only few remain. May the Lord Himself help to keep us in His presence as we employ

the relevant means of prayer, meditation that is centered on God’s Word, and occasional retreats!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Do not only come into His presence, remain there!

MEMORY VERSE: Ps. 91:1

STUDY TWO

THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST. JANUARY 13, 2013

SUB-THEME: ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

TOPIC: God is Spirit

TEXT: John 4:19-26

AIM: To teach us that God is spirit and so not subject to temporal limitation; so we

can enter His presence anytime, anywhere.

INTRODUCTION: God is spirit. Jesus made this clear when He told the Samaritan woman:

“God is spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). If

God is spirit, He is incorporeal, invisible, without material substance, without physical parts or

passions and therefore free from all temporal limitations. At the same time, He is a person!

STUDY GUIDE

1. What do you understand by “God is spirit”? Please discuss. See also John 3:8; 2Cor. 3:17;

John 5:21.

2. Discuss how we should relate with God since He is Spirit. Jn. 4:24; 14:6; Col. 1:16-18; Gal.

5:16-18.

3. Since God is Spirit, how does He speak and relate to man today? Heb. 1:1-3; 2Tim. 3:15-17; 1

Jn. 4:13.

4. How do these affect our dwelling in His presence? Ps. 139:1-12.

CONCLUSION: The emphasis is on Spirit as God’s essence. He is free from the limitations of

time and space. No idols and no images can help us in worshiping Him. True worshippers worship

in spirit and truth.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Because God is spirit, we can meet and fellowship with Him anytime,

anywhere.

MEMORY VERSE: 1 John 4:13.

STUDY THREE

3RD SUNDAY IN EPIPHANY. JANUARY 20, 2013


TOPIC: God is Omnipotent (All Powerful)

TEXT: Daniel 10:10-14.

AIM: To show that nothing is impossible with God, as long as it does not contradict

His nature, even our dwelling in His presence.

INTRODUCTION: God is omnipotent. This means that God can do everything He wants done

because He has the power to perform it. It also means there is nothing He cannot do as long as it

does not contradict His nature. For instance, God cannot lie, or steal, for these things would

contradict His nature. Dwelling in His presence enables us to tap into His omnipotence (I Kings

17:1). At the same time, because of His all surpassing power, He can reach out to us anytime He

wishes, without being hindered (Dan 10:10-14).

STUDY GUIDE

1. Read Ps.135:5, 6 and Dan.4:30-37, and define God’s omnipotence in your own word.

2. (a) From the following passages, explain what God did: Gen. 1:1-5, 6-8, 9-13; Isa.40:12-15.

(b) What do these acts of God demonstrate?

3. Discuss how the omnipotence of God serves as encouragement to all children of God.

Gen.18:14; Jer.32:27; Lk.1:37; Dan. 10:12, 14.

4. What is the meeting point between God’s omnipotence and our dwelling in His presence?

John 15:4, 7; I Kings 17:1; Dan 10:10-14.

CONCLUSION: God is Omnipotent – God is supreme in power in the universe. How He

exercises that power is revealed in the Scriptures. This All Powerful nature of God should

encourage believers’ faith that He is able to handle everything that concerns us and make us enjoy

His presence.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The God who is omnipotent is able to handle everything about our

little lives!

MEMORY VERSE: Psalms 135:5.

STUDY FOUR

SEPTUAGESIMA JANUARY 27, 2013


TOPIC: God is Omnipresent

TEXT: Psalm 139:7-12; Matt. 18:20.

AIM: To see how His being present everywhere enhances our dwelling in His

presence and having continual fellowship with Him.

INTRODUCTION: The great theologian A.H. Strong defines this attribute as follows: “God, in

the totality of His essence, without diffusion or expansion, multiplication or division, penetrates

and fills the universe in all its parts. The Omnipresence of God thus means He is present

everywhere with His whole being at the same time. This does not mean that there is more than one

God or that the creation is God.” This means that God is fully and totally present with us

everywhere and anytime, seeing, hearing and engaging with all we do and all that is happening

with us. Yet He cannot contradict His nature and standards (Isa. 59:1-2).

STUDY GUIDE

1. Read: Jer. 23:23, 24; Psalms 139:7-12 and Matt. 18:20, and explain what it means that God

is Omnipresent.

2. (a) According to Psalms 139:9-12, is there any place, distance or time that can remove us

from God’s scrutiny and presence? Discuss.

b) What then would you regard as Jonah’s folly or problem? Jonah 1:1-3.

3. Explain different ways and manners we act today, both at individual and Church levels that

seem to show that we do not actually believe in God’s omnipresence. Ezek.8:5-16.

4. How does God being present everywhere enhance our fellowship with Him and fellow

believers? I John 1:6, 7.

CONCLUSION: You can enjoy God’s presence everywhere you are.

MEMORY VERSE: Psalms 139:7.

STUDY FIVE

SEXAGESIMA FEBRUARY 3, 2013


TOPIC: God is Omniscient (All Knowing)

TEXT: Psalm 147:5; Heb. 4:13.

AIM: To see how the omniscience of God makes our communion with Him easy

and readily ushers us into His presence.

INTRODUCTION: God is Omniscient (all knowing). He possesses (without prior discovery of

facts) complete and universal knowledge of all things past, present and future. This includes not

only the actual, but also the possible. This total and immediate knowledge is based on His eternal

essence which is, He has always and will always exist (Heb. 11:6).

STUDY GUIDE

1. What do Psalms 147:5; Isa. 40:13-14 and Heb.4:13 say about the scope of God’s knowledge

and understanding?

2. Based on the above, discuss the extent or how much God knows our lives as believers or

even those who are not Christians. Read also Ps. 139:1-6; Rev. 2:2, 9, 13, 19.

3. Does the infinite wisdom of God include knowledge of our own problems and trials? Exod.

3:7-10, Matt. 6:31-34; 2Chron. 16:7-9.

4. How should this affect our prayer attitude? Matt. 6:8; Rom. 8:26, 27.

CONCLUSION: There is nothing God does not know. He knows the eternal story of every grain

of sand in this limitless and grand universe. And remember that He also knows the number of

hairs on your head. This should have a sobering effect on us and strengthen our trust and

confidence when we face challenges.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: God knows us to the minutest detail of our lives!

MEMORY VERSE: Heb. 4:13.

STUDY SIX

QUINQUAGESIMA SUNDAY FEBRUARY 10, 2013


TOPIC: God is Love

TEXT: 1John 4:7-13

AIM: To show us how God’s love draws mankind to Him and encourages them to

dwell with Him.

INTRODUCTION: God is love. This is the most universally known yet greatly misunderstood

attribute of God. Many people have simply equated love with God, thus weakening or totally

denying His other perfections. But God’s love cannot be separated or isolated from His Holiness

and hatred for sin. Or what do you think? Let’s find out!

STUDY GUIDE

1. (a) What does God’s love mean to you?

(b) What does the Bible say about it in Eph. 2:4-7; 1Jn. 4:7-13?

2. Explain the essential nature of God’s love from Jn. 3:16 and Rom. 5:8.

3. How does God demonstrate His love to those He loves? Lk. 11:13; Rom. 5:8; 8:32; Heb. 12:6-

11.

4. (a) How does God’s nature of love draw man to dwell with Him? John 12:1-3.

(b) How does our fellowship with Him make Him love us more? Lk. 10:38-42.

CONCLUSION: God’s love is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. God’s love gives. He

demonstrated it in sending His only Son to die for the sin of all. He still demonstrates it today by

saving the sinful, filling him/her with the Spirit, and preparing him/her for eternal life, even if He

has to use discipline in the process.

MEMORY VERSE: 1 John 4:8

STUDY SEVEN

1ST SUNDAY IN LENT FEBRUARY 17, 2013


TOPIC: God is Good

TEXT: Psalm 107:8-14; 119:65-68.

AIM: To teach that goodness is an essential nature of God, and hence a major

mark of His true children.

INTRODUCTION: God is “summum bonum” - the ‘chiefest’ good. The original Saxon meaning of

our English word “God” is “The Good”. God is not only the greatest of all beings, but the best. All

the goodness there is in any creature has been imparted from the Creator, but God’s goodness is

undivided. It is the essence of His eternal nature. All that emanates from God – His decrees, His

creation, His laws, His providence – cannot be otherwise than good.

STUDY GUIDE

1. (a) Explore the goodness of God from these texts: Ps. 107:1-9, 15-16, 21-30; 119:68.

(b) Name the aspects of God’s goodness you can identify.

2. (a) What was the hallmark of Christ’s ministry while on earth? Acts 10:38.

(b) Is this also your testimony? Is it the testimony of your church?

3. From Rom. 2:4; Eph. 2:4-7; 2 Pet. 3:9, 15 discuss how God’s goodness promotes access to

and relationship with Him.

4. What goodness does dwelling in God’s presence bring? Ex. 33:14, 16; I Chron. 16:27; Psa.

16:11; 31:20.

CONCLUSION: Goodness is an eternal principle of God’s nature. All who are His children will be

like Him. What is your testimony like? It is the birthright of His children.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The God who is good in His very essence cannot give birth to children

who are corrupt and evil!

MEMORY VERSE: Psalm 119:68.

STUDY EIGHT

2ND SUNDAY IN LENT FEBRUARY 24, 2013


TOPIC: God is Eternal

TEXT: Psalm 145:13; John 1:1-2; 8:58.

AIM: To understand that God has neither beginning nor end, and has also

promised man future eternity with Him.

INTRODUCTION: Eternity simply means endless duration in time both past and future. There

was never a time in the past when God did not or a time in the future when He will not exist. He is

not bound by human time and that is why He is best described as “I Am” (Ex 3:14).

His dwelling place too is forever (Heb 1:8). Man has beginning but with a wonderful promise of

inheriting future eternity with God in His kingdom. This truth provides a sure anchor for our faith

today.

STUDY GUIDE

1. How else can you explain the word “eternal” with respect to the attributes of God as we have

in our texts?

2. In what other ways has this divine attribute been manifested? Gen 1:1-2, 27; Ps 145:13; Matt

25: 45-46.

3. How can we benefit from God’s eternal nature and His promised future eternity with Him?

Jn. 3:16; Jn. 11:25-26, Gal 6:8.

4. In what way can our belief in God’s eternity and our future dwelling with Him forever be

reflected in our lives? Ps 27:4, Heb 11:9, 10; 1 Pet.1:13-17.

CONCLUSION: God is eternal, and His Kingdom and dominion are everlasting. Man can access

this eternal attribute only through His Son Jesus Christ. And even in our mortal body, we can

reflect this truth in the way we live.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: We have an eternal God with an unspeakable free gift of eternal life in

His kingdom.

MEMORY VERSE: Ps. 145:13.

STUDY NINE

3RD SUNDAY IN LENT MARCH 3, 2013


TOPIC: God is Holy

TEXT: Leviticus 11:43-45; I Samuel 2:2.

AIM: To appreciate the need to trust God, whose holiness assures He will fulfil His

promises.

INTRODUCTION: The word Holy as applied to God means completely without sin or capability

to commit sin. Adam and Eve were created without sin, but with capability of sinning. God’s

holiness also includes His dedication to carrying out His purpose and plan.

Holiness also means to be set-apart for love, service and worship toward God. This is the goal and

purpose of our election in Christ (Eph 1:4). This is accomplished by the Spirit of God who cleanses

our soul and spirit from sin, renews us in the image of Christ and enables us by the gift of grace

and power to obey God according to His word.

STUDY GUIDE:

1. Discuss the meaning of the sentence “ye shall be Holy, for I am Holy” as in Lev. 11:44; 1Pet.

1:15-17.

2. How can we practice holy living today? Gal. 5:16, 22-26; I Pet. 2:9-12

3. Can one be in the presence of God without being holy? Discuss. Ex. 3:4-5; Ps. 24:3-4; Hab.

1:12 - 13.

4. What are the consequences of not being holy for God’s people? Discuss Judge 6: 1-10; 1Sam.

4:19-22; 1Cor. 5:1-2, 9-13.

CONCLUSION: God is Holy; what is true of God must be true of His people also. This

guarantees His presence with them, and their dwelling in His holy presence.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Holy Father, holy children.

MEMORY VERSE: 2Timothy 2:19.

STUDY TEN

4TH SUNDAY IN LENT (MOTHERING SUNDAY) MARCH 10, 2013


TOPIC: God is Righteous

TEXT: John 17:11, 25; Psalm 103:6.

AIM: To teach us that God is righteous and He will reward both the righteous and

unrighteous.

INTRODUCTION: The word ‘righteous’ means being morally right or justifiable. In other words,

when we say God is righteous, we are saying that He is just, fair, and always right. That is the

sense conveyed in Heb.6:10, implying that His righteousness will not permit Him to forget our

labour of love. Conversely, the righteous God will also ensure that all evil is ultimately judged (2

Pet.2:4-9).

STUDY GUIDE

1. Jesus called God “Holy Father” and “Righteous Father” in Jn.17:11, 25. Explain the difference

between ‘Righteousness’ and ‘Holiness’.

2. What is God’s attitude to unrighteousness? Rom. 1:18; Rom. 6:23.

3. How can the righteousness of God reflect in our lives as Christians? Prov.31:8-9; Matt.5:20;

23:23.

4. What hope awaits the just (righteous) and unjust (unrighteous)? Ps.72:2-4; 98:9; Prov.11:21;

Matt 25:37-46.

5. (a) What is the promise of the Righteous God? John 14:1-3.

(b) How can we be certain of this? 2Cor. 1:20; Heb. 6:18.

CONCLUSION: God is righteous and fair in His judgment. All Christians will one day get redress

for every injustice suffered and indeed the whole world will be judged. But all of us must be careful

not to suffer for acts of unrighteousness as God is never pleased with that.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Sow to yourself righteousness; reap everlasting life in His presence.


STUDY ELEVEN

5TH SUNDAY IN LENT MARCH 17, 2013


TOPIC: God is Immutable

TEXT: Mal. 3:6; Num. 23:19; Lam. 3:22-24; Jas. 1:17

AIM: To understand the unchangeable nature of God and what it would mean to

us as Christians.

INTRODUCTION: Immutability means not changing. God does not and cannot change both His

original basic nature and His eternal plan and purpose for creation, though He can change and

does change some ways and means of fulfilling those plans.

Such special opportunity of change offers one privileges of catching a glimpse of God in ways that

one may never have seen before; it thereby helps us grow in intimacy with Him.

STUDY GUIDE:

1. How do our texts make it clear that God does not change?

2. How would the knowledge of this truth strengthen our confidence and guide our relationship

with Him as His children? Num. 23:19; Ps. 33:11; Heb. 10:23; Lam. 3:22-24.

3. Discuss the situations that can lead to God changing His plan. Ex. 32:11-14; 1 Sam. 13:13-14;

Jonah 3:6-10.

4. Using true life examples, how are we supposed to handle life’s negative changes knowing that

God’s Word does not change? 2Kings 2:14; Isa. 28:16; Mal. 3:6; Job 19:25.

CONCLUSION: God is immutable, and so are His values and principles. Methods may change,

but these will never. Holding unto His unchanging covenant is the only anchor to changes in life.

Hold forth, for He does not change!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: God does not change, but meets His people in the midst of all life’s

changes.

MEMORY VERSE: Mal. 3:6.

STUDY TWELVE

PALM SUNDAY MARCH 24, 2013


TOPIC: God is Light

TEXT: 1John 1: 5-7; Rev. 21:22-27.

AIM: To make known to us that God is light and only by walking in the light of the

Lord can He reveal to us His glory and beauty.

INTRODUCTION: God dwells in a light that no man can approach (I Tim 6:16). The phrase

“God is light” tells us that His radiance illuminates (Rev. 21:22-27).

What light is to the natural eye is what God is to the spiritual eye. As “the father of light” (James

1:17), He is all that beauty and perfection can be. An essential quality about light is that it drives

away darkness. We shall learn more in this study.

STUDY GUIDE:

1. (a) Discuss the importance of natural light to the world.

(b) Relate this to God and man in our spiritual life. Ps 36:9; Jn. 8:12.

2. From Eph 5:8-14; I Thess. 5: 4-8; and 1 Jn.2:9, what practical evidence will show us that:

a. Believers are walking in the light;

b. Church is walking in the light?

c. Are these true of you and your local church today?

3. All our work will finally be brought to light (Rev 3:8). What lesson does this have for us and

our works in our family and local church?

4. Read Rev. 21:22-27. Use it to discuss today’s topic in relation to dwelling in the presence of

God.

CONCLUSION: God is the source of light whether physical, moral or spiritual. He is the

Enlightener of the universe and the souls of men!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His word, what a glory

He sheds on our way!

MEMORY VERSE: 1John 2:9.

STUDY THIRTEEN

EASTER SUNDAY MARCH 31, 2013

SUB-THEME: THE PRESENCE OF GOD

TOPIC: Heaven

TEXT: Phil.3:17-21

AIM: To teach us that heaven, the dwelling place of God is real; there the redeemed

will dwell in His presence forever.

INTRODUCTION: God has a home in heaven with sufficient reservation for all His people

(Jn.14:1-3). The “household of God” now on earth (Eph 2:19) - those who have obtained their

pardon and purity through the blood of the Lamb, will be transferred there for eternal rest.

This fact is very clear in Scripture, and we do not need to doubt it as some do. We have no

continuing city here (Heb 13:14). The ultimate dwelling for all faithful Christians is heaven, a place

built by God Himself (Heb 11:10). All victorious Christians have this living hope (Rev. 21:7).

STUDY GUIDE

1. What is the basis for the Christian hope of eternity in Heaven? Jn. 14:2-3; Phil.3:20-21;

Nu.23:19; Ps.119:89.

2. How can one be qualified for heaven? Jn.3:3, 16; Eph.2:8-9; Rev.21:27.

3. What does it mean to have eternity in a soul? Rev. 3:20; John 14:23; Psa. 11:4; 1Cor. 6:19.

4. Why then do we have such high level of unfaithfulness, even among Christians today? Matt.

24:12; Lk. 12:16-21; 1Jn. 2: 15-17

CONCLUSION: Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. You can gain entry into it

today by coming to Jesus for the cleansing power in His blood, and leaning on His grace to the

end. Heaven in a soul is an experience and hope beyond description.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. Are you one?

MEMORY VERSE: Rev. 21:27.

STUDY FOURTEEN

1ST SUNDAY AFTER EASTER APRIL 7, 2013


TOPIC: The Place of Comfort – No more Death

TEXT: Rev.21:1 – 8.

AIM: To teach us that with persevering faith in the Lord, we shall one day wake up

in His everlasting arms, where there is eternal comfort, and no more death.

INTRODUCTION: The pain of sickness, the sad news of death of a dear one, the heart break of

the lowering of the coffin to the grave and the grief and sorrow are real to us. This is not the enable

of life and living. The Scriptures tell us that there shall be resurrection of the dead – some to

everlasting life, others to everlasting condemnation (Jn.5:25, 28-29). In this future glory, no one

shall die again. Death would have completed its work of transporting us into God’s full presence

where we shall have only comfort and eternal joy, as we shall see in this study.

STUDY GUIDE

1. How would you describe the presence of God from our text? Rev. 21:1-4.

2. How should Christians face earthly sorrows and pain especially death? Ps 42:5; I Cor. 10:13;

Jam.1:12; 1Thess. 4:13-18.

3. How should the Church respond to their members who go through earthly sorrows and pain

today? Rom.12:15; Gal.6:2; Jas. 1:27.

4. What perspective of death would bring us needed comfort? Rom. 14:7, 8; Phil. 1:22 – 23;

Rev. 14:13.

CONCLUSION: There is no alternative to the presence of God, be it in joy or in pain. Are we

happy? Let us rejoice in the Lord. Are we in pains? Let us wait patiently on the Lord as well. He

that said He has overcome the world is true. Let’s believe Him and be of good cheer!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning.

MEMORY VERSE: 1 Cor. 15:54.

STUDY FIFTEEN

2ND SUNDAY AFTER EASTER APRIL 14, 2013


TOPIC: The Place of Comfort – No more Hunger and No more Thirst

TEXT: Rev. 7:13-17; John 6:35

AIM: To encourage us to bear hunger and thirst on earth until we get to where

there will be no more hunger or thirst.

INTRODUCTION: Hunger or thirst is not necessarily evil. They are helpful warning signals that

help to keep us healthy. The trouble is evident when they cannot be satisfied, usually as a result of

poverty or lack, in which case severe suffering could result. In God’s presence, there will be none of

these. Don’t make them your god (Phil. 3:19), neither let them determine your life. Be assured that

God is our Great Provider and satisfaction.

STUDY GUIDE

1. (a) Explain the ‘hunger no more’, and ‘thirst no more’ within the context of Rev. 7:16-17.

(b) Compare this with the experience of Paul the Apostle in 1 Cor. 4:11 and 2Cor. 11: 27.

(c) Read and discuss Deut. 8:3 in relation to our experience today.

2. (a) How has God responded to the challenge of hunger and thirst, be it spiritual or physical?

Mat.14:14-21; Jn.6:32 - 35; Rev. 7:16-17.

(b) How should we respond to such persons around us today? Cf. 1Cor.16:1-4; 2Cor.11:9?

3. (a) Discuss how heaven would be like in the absence of hunger, thirst and unfulfilled desires.

Rev. 7:15.

(b) What manner of men then must we be on earth where such abound if we have Heaven in

view? 1Tim. 6:5-9; Job 1:20-22; 1Cor. 7:29-31; 2Pet. 3:11-14.

CONCLUSION: We are strangers on earth, pilgrims who are passing through. The earth is not a

permanent dwelling place for us. God uses many ways, including even hunger, to remind us of this

as believers. However, while we are still here on earth, love and sharing are basic for all who are in

Him. But ultimately, it is only God who can permanently solve the challenge of hunger.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: We shall hunger no more some day.


STUDY SIXTEEN

3RD SUNDAY AFTER EASTER APRIL 21, 2013


TOPIC: The Place of Comfort – No more Heat

TEXT: Rev. 7:13 - 16; Isa. 49:10; Gen. 3:8.

AIM: To stir a longing and hunger for Heaven, the place which God has prepared

for us, where we shall have all the comfort we need, with no more heat.

INTRODUCTION: Heat is experienced as a result of the concentration of the rays of the Sun in a

particular place. We hear news of many people dying in Europe and America because of heat

wave. The effect of global warming is seen in drought and in some parts of Africa, a hot weather

which has adverse effects on man, animal and plants such as heat stroke (Isa. 49:10) or

dehydration. Let us be encouraged that God has prepared a place for us that would be like Eden

(Gen. 3:8), where there will be no more heat.

STUDY GUIDE

1. (a) Have you ever experienced extreme heat? How did it affect you?

(b) What are the effects of extended exposure to extreme heat on man, animal or plant?

(c) What useful purpose does heat serve in human, animal or plant life?

2. (a) Are there experiences or circumstances that we pass through in life which can be likened

to heat. Discuss with some practical examples. John 16:23; James 1:2, 3; I Pet. 4:12, 13?

(b) Does the usefulness of heat teach us anything about these experiences? Consider 1 Pet 1:

6-7; Heb. 12:5-11; 2Cor. 1:8-10.

3. Heat has some useful purposes here on earth as seen above. Why then do you think God

promises a place where there will be no heat? Rev. 7:13-16.

4. What do all these tell us about the fire of Hell? Mark 9:43-44; Luke 16:22-26; Matt. 24:50-51.

CONCLUSION: Any person who misses the eternal presence of God, will invariably not escape

the eternal burning fire of Hell with its incomparable heat. Therefore, do not allow the heat that

tough situations of life produce lead you into the heat in Hell! You have been warned.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace.

Behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face.

MEMORY VERSE: Isa. 49: 10.

STUDY SEVENTEEN

4TH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER APRIL 28, 2013


TOPIC: The Place of Comfort–No more weeping or sorrow/No more curse.

TEXT: Rev. 21:1-4; 22: 1-5.

AIM: To remind us that though facing the challenges of the world, a place of rest

awaits us, where there will be no more weeping, neither sorrows nor curse.

INTRODUCTION: The Bible clearly states that the righteous will have many afflictions (Ps.

34:19). Jesus told His disciples what their experience on earth would be (John 16:33). Note the

assurance and comfort of that scripture. In heaven, none of such will be there. It’s going to be a

place to compensate all our troubles especially those tears shed for His sake.

STUDY GUIDE

1. Have you ever experienced time of weeping and sorrow? What was your response at such

times?

2. Why does God allow his Children to pass through times of weeping and sorrow? Job 23:10;

Zech. 13:9; Mal.3:3-4; Acts 14:21-22.

3. How applicable is the choice God placed before the Israelites in Deut 11: 26- 28; 28: 1-3, 15, 45

to us today?

4. Read also Gal 3:10, 13 and point out what Jesus accomplished for mankind in this regard.

5. How essential is our freedom from curses to our being in His presence? Rom. 8:2-4; II Cor.

5:17; Gal. 3:13, 14; Rev. 22:3, 4.

CONCLUSION

Sing this song in conclusion or read it together.

No more sorrow, No more weeping,

When we gather at the Saviour’s side.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Weeping, sorrow, and curses shall cease when we are with the Lord.

But for now, they are real!

MEMORY VERSE: Job 23:10

STUDY EIGHTEEN

5TH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER MAY 5, 2013


TOPIC: The Place of Comfort – No more Shadows

TEXT: 1Cor. 13:9-13; Heb.8:3-5

AIM: To create a desire in us to let go of shadows and pursue reality which is

found in the light of God’s presence.

INTRODUCTION: A shadow is usually the reverse projection of the object blocking the light. Life

on earth is a shadow. In God’s presence, we shall see our real persons – it will not be shadows any

more. We shall know as we are known. The word of God reveals to us that several things that

happened before Christ came were shadows, whereas the reality and the real substance is Christ

(Col.2:17). In the absence of shadows, we shall see and experience God in fuller reality. Our senses

will no longer limit our knowledge of Him.

STUDY GUIDE

1. How would you describe shadows – physical and spiritual shadows? 1Cor. 13:9-13; Matt. 4:16,

Ps. 23:4.

2. What lessons can we learn from how the Scripture describes the life of man on earth? 1

Chron. 29:15; Job 8:9; 14: 1-2; Ps 144:4.

3. (a) Certain things in the Old Testament were described as shadows of things to come. Col

2:10, 16-17, Heb 8:3-5.

(b) Identify some of these shadows and what the realities are.

4. (a) Point out some shadows we still cling to today even though the reality has already come in

Christ. Col. 2:16, 17; Heb. 8:3-5; 10:1; I Cor. 13:12.

(b) Can we still hold on to them now and what shall we do? 1John 2:15-17.

CONCLUSION: The world and all in it are a shadow and are passing away. The only real

substance is Christ and the life we live in Him. Only these will not pass away. That is why we

should cling only to Christ and nothing else.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The substance is Christ!

MEMORY VERSE: 1 Cor.13:12

STUDY NINETEEN

6TH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER/SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION DAY MAY 12, 2013


TOPIC: The Place of Perfect Worship

TEXT: Rev. 4:1-11; 5:8-14.

AIM: To show us that it is only God who deserves our true worship and that we can worship

Him perfectly only when we see Him as He is in heaven.

INTRODUCTION: Responding to the Samaritan woman, our Lord Jesus Christ declared that

they worship what they do not know… ‘God is spirit and they who worship Him must worship Him

in Spirit and in truth’ (Jn.4:24). Man has always had the CRAVING to worship other men or things

that we think are exceptional in one way or the other. People revere things, people, money etc

almost to the status of God in their lives. Our study today seeks to set things in proper perspective.

STUDY GUIDE

1. (a) What do you understand by ‘worship’? Isa. 6:1-8.

(b) What are the forms and ingredients of worship in our churches today?

2. From our texts, what are the elements and requirements of worship that God accepts? Rev.

4:1-11; 5:8-14.

3. How well can we worship God in the light of Jn. 4:24?

4. Read the texts again and discuss the following:

(a) What should be the spiritual state of those who worship God?

(b) With what purpose should we worship God?

(c) How did these creatures worship God?

(d) What will keep us expecting to join this heavenly team of worshippers?

CONCLUSION: God had in the past commanded the Israelites to worship Him in specified

places (e.g. the tabernacle, Temple at Jerusalem) as these signified the places of His presence.

They had to go to those places as the only places where they could find the presence of God to

worship. Our Lord Jesus came and broke down that barrier and enabled us to know God as Spirit

and be able to worship Him in the Spirit as we carry His presence wherever we are. When we see

God face to face, our worship of Him shall assume a higher dimension; and it shall be endless.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Worship God from a pure heart with the ultimate worship in view.

MEMORY VERSE: 1Chron. 16:29.

STUDY TWENTY

PENTECOST/WHIT SUNDAY MAY 19, 2013


TOPIC: The Place of Peace

TEXT: Psalm 46: 1-11

AIM: To make us realise that we can find absolute peace only in God’s presence.

INTRODUCTION: In a world full of confusion, hardship, hatred and great wickedness, what

great relief to find a place of peace - in the presence of God (Jn. 16:33)! This peace is obtainable in

Christ (John 14:27). It begins in our heart through salvation and remains as long as we remain

consistent in Him. As we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, God desires to bring us into the

place of His peace by the Holy Spirit, who gives us peace.

STUDY GUIDE:

1. (a) What are our present experiences in the world? Ps. 46:1-11; Jn. 15:18-20; 16:1-2.

(b) What is this “Place of Peace”? Eph. 2:14; Psa. 46:1-11; Jn. 16:33.

2. Where and how can we find this “Place of Peace”? Isa. 9:6; Matt. 11:28-30; John 14:6, 27;

16:33; Rom. 5:1.

3. How can we enjoy and remain in peace? Is. 26:3; 32:17; Col. 3:12-17; Jn. 14:26-27.

4. What are the benefits of dwelling in God’s Peace? Jn.14:27; 16:33

CONCLUSION: In Christ, God has taken our sorrows away and given us His peace. We are

expected to take hold of this peace through prayer and study of His word. In this way, we can daily

appropriate this peace and also show it forth to the world around us.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Your peace is attached to your obedience to God’s word and trust in Him.

MEMORY VERSE: Isa. 26:3.

STUDY TWENTY-ONE

TRINITY SUNDAY MAY 26, 2013


TOPIC: The Place of Absolute Surrender

TEXT: Romans 12:1-12

AIM: To make us understand that in God’s Presence we are not to hold anything

back.

INTRODUCTION: In warfare, the defeated soldiers accept their defeat by handing over their

weapons and lines to their conquerors. It is called “Surrender” or “Total submission.” Anything

less is rebellion and punishable by death. Jesus defeated the Devil and disarmed principalities and

powers on His cross and set us free. No more rebellion. The Christian life is that of practical

outworking of a transformation that has already occurred within (Phil. 2:12). In our passage

today, we have practical ways of allowing God take over everything so that we can give Him true

worship with our lives in total surrender, the very essence of this study.

STUDY GUIDE

1. (a) Explain in your own words the meaning of absolute surrender.

(b) Why should we present our bodies to God as demanded in Rom. 12:1-2; Rom. 13:14; 1Cor.

9:27?

2. What can you learn from the yielding of the persons in these passages: Isa. 6:1-8; John 1:43-

49?

3. Discuss how you can demonstrate absolute surrender to God in your own field of endeavour.

Matt. 26:39; Phil. 2:3-8; 3:7, 8.

4. What do we stand to achieve when we surrender absolutely to God according to Rom. 12:1-2;

2Chron. 7:14; Matt. 11:28?

CONCLUSION: We can only live a triumphant Christian life and equally enjoy communion with

the Holy Spirit as we daily surrender all to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Perfect surrender makes us a living sacrifice unto the Lord

MEMORY VERSE: Romans 12:1.

STUDY TWENTY-TWO

1ST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY JUNE 2, 2013

SUB-THEME: ASCENDING AND REMAINING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

TOPIC: Righteous living

TEXT: Psalm 15:1-5

AIM: To remind us that a righteous life is a necessity for anyone who is seeking

God’s presence.

INTRODUCTION: Jesus’ statement in Matt. 5:20 is quite challenging. It actually raises a

question: how much of our righteousness can take us into God’s Kingdom? However, we must

learn that even our righteousness is of the Lord (Isa.54:17d) and outside of him, we can do nothing

(Jn. 15:4).

STUDY GUIDE

1. What does God desire of His children? Matt. 5:20; Rom. 1:16-17; 4:13?

2. Read the following and point out God’s provisions for righteous living: John 17:8; 16:7-8; 1

Jn. 1:3; Rom. 3:21-26; Matt. 5:6.

3. How can righteous living help us Ascend and Remain in the presence of God?Ps.15:1-2; 1

Jn.3: 20-21; Heb. 12:14?

4. In what ways can our righteous life affect the church and society? Prov. 14:34; Is. 3:10; Matt.

5:13-14.

CONCLUSION: Knowing that we cannot have a righteousness of our own except we receive

God’s righteousness in Christ, we should ensure we remain steadfast in Him, shine forth on earth,

and in the end see God.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: To grow in righteous living is an essential that can only be ignored at

the expense of one’s soul.

MEMORY VERSE: Heb.12:14.

STUDY TWENTY-THREE

2ND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY JUNE 9, 2013


TOPIC: Pure Heart

TEXT: Matt. 5:8; Psalm 24:3-6

AIM: To teach us that it takes a pure and sincere heart to enter and remain in

God’s presence – God’s holy hill.

INTRODUCTION:

A pure heart is a heart devoid of self, deceit or any form of sin (Ps. 15; Matt. 15:18, 19). There is a

thinking in some circles that purity of heart is scarce in the church today among both members

and leaders. God requires it of anyone who comes to Him. Therefore, to reach and maintain this

exalted position, we need to regularly check our hearts with the word of God through the Holy

Spirit. That is one way of ensuring our anchor remains in Him.

STUDY GUIDE:

1. (a) What does “pure heart” mean? Matt. 15:18-19; 1Tim. 1:5; 5:22.

b) Why did Jesus say only the “Pure in Heart” shall see God? Matt. 5:8; Hab.1:13; 1Sam

6:20; Rev. 15:4.

2. How can one keep his/her heart pure before God? Dan. 1:8; Ps. 119:9-11; John 15:1-3; 1Cor.

6:10-11; Rev. 7:14.

3. How do we tackle the challenge of purity of heart among God’s people? 2 Tim. 2:22; 4:2;

3:1ff; Matt. 24:12.

4. Why should those who dwell in His presence guard their hearts against sin and defilement?

Acts 24:15-16; 23:1; 2 Tim. 2:4; Hab. 1:13.

5. Point out and discuss the privilege reserved for the pure in heart in Ps. 24:3-4; 1Pet. 3:9-15.

CONCLUSION: It is re-assuring to know that as we daily open our hearts to the purifying power

of the Holy Spirit, we shall continue to see God in all things here on earth and afterwards in glory.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Purity of heart is best demonstrated in the motives behind all we do

MEMORY VERSE: Matt. 5:8.

STUDY TWENTY-FOUR

3RD SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY JUNE 16, 2013

SUB-THEME: ASCENDING AND REMAINING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD.

TOPIC: Heavenly Focused

TEXT: Heb. 11:13-16; 12:1-3

AIM: To help us see that unless we reject every earthly distraction, we may never

focus on heaven and so please God as He desires.

INTRODUCTION:

The men of old were people with unblinking focus on heaven (Heb. 11:16). For this purpose they

laid aside whatever (sin, personal ambitions, convenience, etc) to pursue this noble course. For us

who have the word of God and His Holy Spirit, we are well equipped for a better fight ahead. We

need to persevere, endure and press on in faith toward the upward call in Jesus Christ.

STUDY GUIDE:

1. What does it mean to be “heavenly focused”? Col.3:1-2

2. Jesus is our example Heb. 12:2. Discuss His life as it relates to being heavenly focused from

Jn.3:31; 8:23; 18:36.

3. How can Christians today refuse to be distracted from their focus on Heaven as can be seen

from these texts: Phil.3:7-14, 20-21; Heb. 11:13; 12:1?

4. Read Prov. 28:13; Matt. 6:19-21; I Tim 4:1-2; 2 Tim.4:10; Heb. 12:13, and point out some of

the things that can distract us from being Heavenly focused.

5. From the above, list the implications and purpose of being Heavenly focused.

CONCLUSION: To lose focus is to lose sight of Jesus and His promised reward. There are many

distractions, but we must lay them all aside so as to make the mark, which is the upward call of

God in heaven.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Demas got distracted. Don’t be!

MEMORY VERSE: Phil. 3:14.

STUDY TWENTY-FIVE

4TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY JUNE 23, 2013


TOPIC: Truthfulness

TEXT: Psalm 15:1-5; Prov. 12:22

AIM: To teach that God demands truth from our hearts (Ps. 51:6) as criterion for

dwelling in His presence.

INTRODUCTION: The issue of truthfulness or honesty in our society today is going extinct. It is

getting more difficult to find truthful men and women even in Church and other Christian circles.

In our text today, the Lord is drawing our attention to this all-important matter as criterion for

dwelling in His presence.

If we will ever please God or even positively affect the world around us, we must be truthful and

honest.

STUDY GUIDE:

1. (a) What does it mean to be truthful?

(b) What could have prompted the question in Ps. 15:11? John 8:32.

2. Read Ps. 15:2-5. Point out and discuss each of the issues raised there.

3. How can the points raised above be related to us today? John 8:31; Jas.1:22-23.

4. Why must Christians identify with the truth? Prov. 12:22; Zech. 8:16; John 8:32; 14:6; I Pet.

1:22; Ps. 15:1,2.

CONCLUSION: To live a life of truth in the times we live in may be difficult but not impossible.

We can make it as we daily dwell in God’s Presence and be guided by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of

Truth and the Word of God which is true.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Truth cannot die even if you suppress it, only the Truth can set people

free.

MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 12:22.

STUDY TWENTY-SIX

5TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY JUNE 30, 2013


TOPIC: The New Birth

TEXT: John 3:1-8, 14-18

AIM: To emphasize that we cannot have any access into the presence of God if we

have not experienced the new birth.

INTRODUCTION: Jesus told Nicodemus, an elderly teacher of the law who came to Him by

night, that except a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). This explains

that before anyone gains entrance into God’s presence, he or she must have been born from above.

This refers to the process of regeneration in an individual through the Holy Spirit. It is neither

hereditary nor attainable by much sacrifice and service in the house of God.

STUDY GUIDE

1. (a) Explain from the text what you understand by new birth.

(b) How do people experience it? John 1:12; Rom. 10:9-10; Rev. 3:20; Eph.2:8-9.

2. Why is it a necessity that we receive new birth? Rom. 3:23; 8:7; John 3:5-7; Rev.3:20.

3. Why and how does the new birth give us access to God? 1John 5:10-13; John 14:1-3, 23; Col.

1:27; 1:13-14.

4. What are the dangers of not accepting the new birth instead some people depend on their

Church membership or office in the church? John 3:18; Rev. 21:8.

CONCLUSION: Since all men are born sinners, we must all come to the Lord as individuals to

receive pardon for our sins and grace for eternal life. The new birth in Christ is the gate way into

God’s dwelling place.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: God has no grandchildren; all who come to Him must come directly

as sons and daughters.

MEMORY VERSE: John 3:16.

STUDY TWENTY-SEVEN

6TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY JULY 7, 2013


TOPIC:- A Just Life

TEXT: Acts 10:22; I John 1:9; Matt. 1:18-19.

AIM: To teach that one of the required characters to ascend and dwell in the

presence of God is living an upright life.

INTRODUCTION: A just life is a life that would be considered to be morally fair and reasonable

(Matt. 1:19); it is an upright, blameless and righteous life according to God’s word/standard (Isa.

26:7). In Gen. 6:8-22, Noah found favour (grace) in the sight of God for being a just man in his

generation (Gen.6:8-9). God had pronounced judgment on the ancient world because they were

corrupt and full of violence (Gen. 6:11-13). We should know that before we can ascend into the

Presence of God, we must live a just life (Psa. 24:3- 4).

STUDY GUIDE

1. What does it mean to live a just life? Isaiah 26:7; Phil.2.15.

2. Why and how can we live just lives in a corrupt society like ours? Gen. 6:9; Phil. 2:15; Prov.

4:18, 19; 10:6; 12:13, 21; 13:22.

3. How can a just life ensure our dwelling in God’s presence? Micah 6:6-8; Gen. 18:17-19.

4. What are the blessings of living a Just life before God? Gen. 6:8-9; Heb. 11:4-7; Eph. 5:27;

Col. 1:21-22.

CONCLUSION: Our God is a just God; He is blameless, righteous and perfect. So, we Christians

must aspire to live a just life in order for us to ascend the presence of God.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Only the justified can attain the height of the Just in God’s presence.

MEMORY VERSE: Prov. 20:7.

STUDY TWENTY-EIGHT



TOPIC: Constant Meditation

TEXT: Psalms 1:1-3; 119:14-16; Josh. 1:8.

AIM: To teach that consistent meditation on the word of God will always connect

us with God’s presence.

INTRODUCTION: Meditation means a deep reflection on God and His deeds (Ps. 143:5; Ps.

19:14). In our passage today, the Psalmist points to the fact that meditating on God’s word should

be the regular practice of godly people. He also emphasized on the degree, “day and night” which

shows dedication, commitment and consistence in doing it. He concluded that doing it earns great

reward (Ps.1:3). Ascending and dwelling in God’s presence demands that we build our relationship

with Him in reading and meditating on His word constantly.

STUDY GUIDE

1. Explain the term constant meditation with reference to Josh.1:8; Ps. 1:2, 4; 143:5.

2. What is the importance of constant meditation to a Christian? Josh.1:8; 1Tim.4:15; 2Tim.

3:14-17.

3. What is the relationship between meditation and

(a) Communion with God;

(b) Intimacy with God;

(c) Receiving from God;

(d) Knowing the mind of God? Acts 10:9-16; Prov. 2:1-5; 3:1-4; 7:1-5.

CONCLUSION: Constant meditation will always incline our hearts to God and his

Commandments. This in turn will grant us the grace of ascending the presence of God.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: It is better to think on God and his marvellous work than to think on

the earthly perishables.

MEMORY VERSE: Josh. 1:8.

STUDY TWENTY-NINE


SUB-THEME: ASCENDING AND REMAINING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD.

TOPIC: Prayerful Life

TEXT: Luke 3:21-22; 18:1-8.

AIM: To teach us that the attitude of praying without ceasing will lead us into the

presence of God.

INTRODUCTION: To be prayerful is to communicate with God all the time (1Thess. 5:17). Our

passage today gives instances of what happens when we pray (Lk.3:21-22). Jesus Christ gave us an

example in Lk.18:1-8, why we should pray persistently. We ought to follow His example (Luke

5:16).

STUDY GUIDE

1. What do you understand by Prayer? 1Chr.16:11; Hos.14:2; Matt.7:7. Phil.4:6.

2. What is God’s promise to a prayerful Christian? Jer.29:12-14; Mark11:24.

3. What is the significance of praying? Luke 3:21-23; Acts 4:31.

4. How do you look at the challenges that can lead us into God’s presence today? John 4:49;

Acts 12:5; James 5:13.

CONCLUSION: Praying always will definitely open the gate of heaven to all believers and that

will grant us the grace to receive from God always.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Prayer is both the master key that unlocks all closed doors and the

Master’s key into His Father’s presence.

MEMORY VERSE: Acts 4:31.

STUDY THIRTY


THEME: THE EVIDENCE AND BENEFITS OF BEING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

TOPIC: God’s Power


AIM: To teach that God’s power will manifest in the life and activities of anyone who

dwells in his presence.

INTRODUCTION: God’s power is a supernatural ability that subdues physical, spiritual and

natural powers. In our text today, we see how Daniel, despite the fact that he was commanded not

to pray and prayer was forbidden in the whole land, forged ahead to ascend the presence of God

through prayer (Dan. 6:10). He was consequently thrown into the lion’s den, but God

demonstrated his power by sending his angels to shut the lions’ mouths so they did not hurt

Daniel. The same lions devoured the men that were thrown into the den at the command of the

King (Dan. 6:24).

STUDY GUIDE

1. What does God’s power mean with reference to 1 Kings 18:36-38; Daniel 6:22; Acts 13:8-12?

2. Why did the power and glory of God manifest in these people’s lives – I Kings 18:41-46; Ex.

19:14-19; Acts 13:8-12?

3. Mention some of the ways God has been demonstrating his power among Christians in

Nigeria over the years. Acts 12:21-24; 16:25-26; 12:7-11.

4. What can we learn from Ps. 91:1-2; Isa. 49:2 about experiencing the power of God?

CONCLUSION: Even though there are lions living around us, attempting to devour us because of

our stands for God, we should not relent or withdraw from God’s presence, because it is then His

power will manifest over the physical powers of our persecutors/adversaries.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The power of our God will always prevail over those that are against us.


STUDY THIRTY-ONE

10TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY AUGUST 4, 2013

SUB-THEME: THE EVIDENCE AND BENEFITS OF BEING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

TOPIC: Answered Prayer

TEXT: 1Samuel 1:8-20.

AIM: To teach that God will bless anyone that constantly dwells in his presence by

answering their prayers.

INTRODUCTION: It is one thing to pray, it is another thing to receive answers to our prayers.

Hannah had been going to Shiloh every year, but she did not receive answer to her request. On this

particular year, Hannah decided to go alone into the presence of God (vs. 11) and tabled her

request before God. Her prayers were answered this time (1Sam. 1:20, 27).

STUDY GUIDE

1. Explain why and how God answered prayers in the following passages - 1Sam. 1:11, 17; 1Kings

17:20-24.

2. What are the hindrances to prayers being answered? Isaiah 59:1-2, 15; 64:7; Rom. 6:19;

James 1:6-8; 4:1-10.

3. How do we understand our topic in the context of Ps. 16:11?

4. Answers to past prayers encourage us to believe and seek God all the more. Discuss. Ps.

37:25; I Sam. 17:34-37. Why? Heb. 13:8.

CONCLUSION: If we can constantly wait in God’s presence, He will constantly hear and answer

our prayers.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Remaining in God’s presence will result to receiving from God’s

presence.


STUDY THIRTY-TWO

11TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY AUGUST 11, 2013


TOPIC: Heavenly Revelations

TEXT: Daniel 9:20-27; Rev. 1:9-17.

AIM: To show us that the more we remain in God’s presence, the more God will

reveal his will and works to us.

INTRODUCTION: Daniel made conscious efforts to seek God’s will on a revelation he had from

a written prophecy concerning Israel. That prepared him to receive a heavenly revelation. Apostle

John was banished to an isolated island of Patmos where he had regular interaction with God. On

this particular Sunday, John was in the spirit and so was shown mysteries. We also can receive

heavenly revelations if we tarry long in His presence.

STUDY GUIDE

1. What do you understand by the term Heavenly revelation? Dan.9:21; Rev. 1:1, 10, 11.

2. How and in which circumstances did God reveal Himself to His people in Gen. 18:1-2; Exo.

3:1-2; Luke 1:10-13; Acts 26:13-19; 2Cor. 12:7-10?

3. (a) Explain in line with Gen. 18:10; Ex. 3:7-10; Daniel 9:24-27 the basic characteristics of

heavenly revelations?

(b) What is the difference between heavenly revelation and satanic revelation? 1Sam. 28:6-8;

Deut. 29:29; I John 4:1-6.

4. How does dwelling in God’s presence produce and assure our receiving heavenly revelations?

Rev. 1:10; Jer. 29:13; Acts 10:9, 10.

CONCLUSION: Whoever decides to constantly remain in God’s presence will always receive a

revelation from God and of things to come.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: As Daniel for Israel, Apostle John for the Church, so you also can

receive heavenly revelation about Nigeria.

MEMORY VERSE: Amos 3:7.

STUDY THIRTY-THREE

12TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY AUGUST 18, 2013.


TOPIC: Living a Righteous Life

TEXT: Genesis 39:9-23

AIM: To show how righteous living manifests in the life of a Christian who

constantly dwells in God’s presence.

INTRODUCTION: Living a righteous life is being morally right and good in our daily activities.

Joseph was not only talented, he was also godly. He shunned the unrighteous approach of

Potiphar’s wife because he lived daily in full consciousness of God’s presence. We can say that

Joseph practiced the presence of God daily. Thus he was not overtaken by Mrs. Potiphar’s

seductive moves.

STUDY GUIDE

1. What do you understand by living a righteous life? Dan.1:8; 1Pet. 1:22.

2. What is the secret to righteous living? Gal. 2:20; Gen. 39:9.

3. Enumerate the benefits and effects of righteous living. Ps.34:15; Matt.25:46; 1Pet. 2:12; Dan.

1:8, 15-20; Isa. 32:17.

4. What can we learn and apply about our topic and theme from Ps. 24:3-4; 1John 3:2-3.

CONCLUSION: To approach God makes us see the need to purify our lives. His presence radiates

light that reveals little foxes we otherwise might not see. His presence purifies too.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The cost of righteous living is far less than its benefits and glory.


STUDY THIRTY-FOUR

13TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY AUGUST 25, 2013.


TOPIC: Overcoming Tribulations.


AIM:- To remind us that the tribulations of Christians will end in earthly and

heavenly victory.

INTRODUCTION: To overcome is to succeed in dealing with or bringing under control a

problem that has been preventing us from achieving something. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego

were persecuted because they refused to worship the king’s golden image. Despite the sufferings

they encountered, they all had confidence that their God will save them (Daniel 3:24-29). The

grace of God enabled them to rejoice in their tribulation and God consequently gave them victory

at last.

STUDY GUIDE

1. What do you understand by tribulation? Matt. 24:9-13; Daniel 3:14-15.

2. How would you describe the attitude of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in time of

tribulation? Daniel 3:16-18.

3. What should be the attitude of Christians today when persecuted for the gospel’s sake? Ps. 27:1-

3; Luke 21:12-14; 1Pet. 2:13; Rev. 2:10.

4. (a) Dwelling in His presence affords us strength to bear tribulations. Luke 10:17-20.

(b) Suffering for His sake creates the urge to seek Him. Share your own experience Ps. 56:3-5.

How would you henceforth react to tribulations? 1Pet. 2:21-23; 5:12-16; 2Tim. 2:8-10, 12;

3:12.

CONCLUSION: Whoever faces troubles and trials as a Christian should be glad because our trials

today will lead us to future glorious victory.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Our trials today will lead us to divine promotions tomorrow.

MEMORY VERSE: Rom. 8:37.

STUDY THIRTY-FIVE

14TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY SEPTEMBER 1, 2013.


TOPIC: God’s Favour.

TEXT: Esther 2:5-18.

AIM: To realize how favour in our lives could increase as we dwell long enough

with Him.

INTRODUCTION: We know that it was in God’s plan to favour Esther for the preservation of the

Jews. Esther required nothing but her beauty which stands her out among other virgins, and the

King set the royal crown upon her head (Esther 2:17). Esther also received special favour from

Hegal who gave her all things for her purification. As Christians, we should always depend on God

who favours His own. This is because, when man fails, God never fail in his favour to us.

STUDY GUIDE

1. How would you explain the term favour? Esth. 2:17; Gen. 39:21-23.

2. What are the bases of God’s favour in the light of the following passages? Gen. 39:8-9; Ps. 24:3-

4; Matt.5:8; Prov. 16:7.

3. In what ways are favour and God’s presence related? I Sam. 2:26; Luke 2:52; Acts 2:47a; 7:9-

10.

4. (a) What is the result of God’s favour in Gen. 39:21-23; Ex. 2:9-10; Lk. 2:52?

(b) How can we experience God’s favour today?

CONCLUSION: God’s favour does not depend on human ability, but on our constant

relationship with God and dwelling in His presence. Let us at all times remain in God’s presence

and surely his favour will continuously locate us.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: What money can’t buy from man, the favour of God will get from man.

MEMORY VERSE: Luke 2:52.

STUDY THIRTY-SIX



TOPIC: Excellent Life


AIM: To illuminate our minds to the fact that constant dwelling in the presence of

God will grant us the grace to excel above our contemporaries.

INTRODUCTION: It was the tradition of the Babylonians to feed the wise men of the land with

the King’s meal and wine. Daniel rejected the King’s meal and wine. It will take only men who

dwell in the presence of God, and sold out to Him, to deny themselves of worldly delicacies (Ps.

141:4; Prov. 23:1-2). Because of these denials, God made Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and

Abednego to excel above all other wise men of the land. This shows how our fellowship with the

Lord will earn us an excellent life which will place us above our contemporaries.

STUDY GUIDE

1. What do you understand by excellent life? Dan. 1:20; 2:48.

2. What was the basis for the excellent life of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego? Dan. 1:8;

Dan. 2:17-19, 28a.

3. How can we excel in our day to day activities as Civil Servants, traders, students, pensioners

etc? Gen. 45:8; 1Sam. 2:7; Jer. 4:14; 2Tim.2:21; 1John 3:3.

4. How can godliness earn us excellence in our studies or careers? 1 Tim. 4:8; 6:5-6.

CONCLUSION: We should know that excellence comes from God; He alone gives to those who

constantly dwell in His presence and also abides by his teachings.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Whoever will live an excellent life will deny himself of earthly sins.


STUDY THIRTY-SEVEN



TOPIC: Godly Knowledge

TEXT: Acts 4:1-17.

AIM: To teach us that Godly knowledge will be evident in the life of any Christian

that dwells in God’s presence.

INTRODUCTION: Godly knowledge is knowledge that has or promotes the fear of God. Contrast

it with profane and secular knowledge to catch a glimpse of its basics. In our passage today, Peter

and John displayed such outstanding knowledge of the word of God before the priests and

Sadducees (vs.1). Their knowledge of the word of God and the conversion of the multitudes

became a disturbance to the Priests and Sadducees (vs. 2-3). They discovered that the only reason

for the knowledge of Peter and John was because they had been with the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts

4:13). This shows that the knowledge of God surpasses academic knowledge (Ps. 119:99).

STUDY GUIDE

1. How would you describe this knowledge of the early Apostles in Acts 4:13?

2. How can dwelling in the presence of God increase and improve this knowledge in a believer?

1Kings 3:5,9, 11-12; 2Chr. 1:8-10; Exo. 31:1-5.

3. Differentiate the knowledge of a person who had been in the presence of God with that of a

person who had never been? Dan. 2:12-19; Rom. 1:21-25; Job 19:25-27; James 3:13-18.

4. (a) Compare and contrast David’s knowledge in 1Sam. 17:37 with that of Saul in 1Sam 17:38,

39.

(b) How can we receive and live in godly knowledge today?

CONCLUSION: We should strive to always remain in the presence of God for his knowledge to

be more evident in our day to day activities. Those who have godly knowledge readily appreciate

and seek His presence.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Pure knowledge from God brings life, profane knowledge brings

death.

MEMORY VERSE: Acts 4:13.

STUDY THIRTY-EIGHT

17TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY SEPTEMBER 22, 2013


TOPIC: Godly Victory.

TEXT: Joshua 5:13 – 6:1-5

AIM: To teach us that God’s victory will always accompany those who remain in

His presence.

INTRODUCTION: Joshua was a man who sought God’s help in times of difficulties (Josh.7:6-

10). At the time they were about to enter Jericho, he was alone as one having a personal

meditation, and a captain of the host of the Lord visited him (Josh. 5:13-14). The captain assured

Joshua of victory over Jericho. When God fights for his people, he owns the strategy and the

victory. The way they were to fight the battle at Jericho was revealed to Joshua and the victory of

God was evident (Joshua 6:2-5, 20, 27). God will always give victory to whoever devotes time to

dwell in His presence.

STUDY GUIDE

1. How will you relate the attitude of Joshua in Joshua 5:13 with what the Psalmist said in

Psalm 121, Ps. 123:1-2?

2. Victory was through God’s word and plan. Discuss Josh. 6:2, 3-5. Compare Psalm 20:7, 8.

3. Differentiate between the victory by man and that by God with reference to 1Sam. 17:46-47.

Compare 1Sam. 17:37-39, Acts 12:5-8, 21-24.

4. Mention some of the “walls of Jericho” facing Nigerian Christians today and how remaining

in the presence of God will demolish them. Ref Ps. 27:1-3; Ps. 37:39; 1Sam.17:47; Isa. 12:2;

25:9.

CONCLUSION: When we are with God (Rom. 8:31), we are sure of victory. Therefore we should

always strive for God’s victory through constant dwelling in His presence.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: With God, victory is sure for all that abide in Him.


STUDY THIRTY-NINE

18TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY (ST. MICHAEL’S AND ALL ANGELS DAY)

SEPTEMBER 29, 2013.


TOPIC: God’s Blessings.

TEXT: Gen. 12:1-7; 13:1-2; 21:1-2.

AIM: To teach us that God’s blessings will be upon those who dwell in his presence.

INTRODUCTION: Godly blessing refers to the gifts of God’s grace we receive that change our

situation from being wretched to becoming rich. In our passage today, God called Abram and

ordered him to get out of his country to an unknown destination. He promised to make him great,

(Gen.12:2-3). Without delay, he obeyed God and departed with Lot, his nephew. God finally

established him in the land of Canaan; blessed him and even made him a blessing to other people.

God’s promise that He would bless those who abide in his will is sure for all Christians.

STUDY GUIDE

1. (a) Mention the blessings of God to His people in these passages: Mal. 3:10-12; Exod. 20:12;

Acts 14:17 and compare these with those in Deut. 28:1-14.

2. (b) Identify the spiritual and eternal blessings recorded in the following passages: Jn. 3:16; Acts

1:8; Rom. 8:30.

3. (a) Why was Abram tremendously blessed by God? Gen. 12:1-4.

(b) What were the conditions he met in order to be blessed?

4. What Biblical and personal assurances do we have today that God will bless His faithful

children? Ps. 37:25-28; 112:1-6; Deut. 28:1ff.

5. What is the difference between being blessed and being a blessing? Which is better? Acts 20:35.

CONCLUSION: God blesses those who walk according to His ordinances. Therefore, let us

endeavour to always dwell in His presence in order to receive His blessings.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: All our labours without God’s blessing are in vain.

MEMORY VERSE: Eph. 1:3.

STUDY FORTY

19TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY OCTOBER 6, 2013


TOPIC: Godly Perfection

TEXT: Psalm 138:8; Heb. 10:14; Matt. 5:48.

AIM: To teach us that godly perfection in God’s kingdom is the reward of all who

dwell in God’s presence and will.

INTRODUCTION: Godly perfection is completeness, maturity in the faith and fullness. It refers

to what God does for believers and what He enables us to become. The Psalmist established that

eternal peace is the portion of the righteous (Ps. 37:37). However, God will perfect everything

about the upright person (Ps. 138:8). We are made perfect by the atonement of our Lord and

Redeemer, Jesus Christ (Heb. 10:14). Christians are made perfect not by works but by living in

Jesus Christ, the Author and the Finisher of our faith.

STUDY GUIDE

1. (a) What do you understand by godly perfection? 1John 3:4-10; Col. 1:27-29.

(b) What are the benefits of attaining godly perfection? Ps.37:37; Eph.4:12-14.

2. Read Col. 2:9-15 and discuss the fullness/completeness of believers – its nature and basis.

3. (a) What are the nature and basis of the perfection in Matt. 5:48. See Phil. 3:15; I Cor. 14:20.

(b) How does staying with God enhance it?

4. Why should we strive towards perfection? Matt. 5:48; John 8:32; Heb.12: 22-23.

CONCLUSION: Christian’s intimate relationship with God will secure godly perfection for them

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Aim for perfection (2 Cor. 13:11).

MEMORY VERSE: 1Peter 5:10.

STUDY FORTY-ONE

20TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY OCTOBER 13, 2013

SUB-THEME: THE CONSEQUENCES OF MISSING THE PRESENCE OF GOD

TOPIC: A Life of Disobedience.

TEXT: 1Sam. 15:10-23.

AIM: To show us how disobedience can be a result of missing the presence of God.

INTRODUCTION: In our text today, we have the story of King Saul who was appointed by God.

But he lost his bearing in Jehovah. Consequently, he began to do his own things and went his own

way. He became more inclined to obeying men and wanting to please them rather than God, who

appointed him. Eventually, he was deposed from the throne as an example for us to learn from.

We must be ready to take responsibility for our disobedience when we refuse to tarry in the

presence of God for His guidance (Prov. 3:5-6).

STUDY GUIDE

1. (a) How often do we go for “burnt offerings and sacrifices” today rather than obeying God? I

Sam. 15:22.

(b) What does God want from us? Hos. 6:6; Micah 6:8.

(c) Why? John 8:51; 14:23.

2. Discuss some reasons why even believers don’t obey God perfectly and completely? Acts 5:27-

29; Prov. 29:25; Heb. 2:15.

3. Read I Kings 13:11-22. What do you think could have been the response of the young prophet

from Judah to the old prophet?

4. Where do you think the young prophet missed it and what are the lessons for us?

CONCLUSION: Disobedience often leads to destruction. No matter how good our reasons may

be, no one shall be justified when he disobeys God.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: It’s always better to follow God’s guidance in all we do.

MEMORY VERSE: Hosea 6:6.

STUDY FORTY-TWO

21ST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY OCTOBER 20, 2013.


TOPIC: A Life Full of Fear.

TEXT: Gen. 3:1-10

AIM: To show us how fear replaces faith and confidence when we allow the devil

to get us out of the presence of God.

INTRODUCTION: Fear is that force that inflicts insanity and undue restlessness in man’s

attitude to situations around him. God instructed Adam and Eve not to eat of the fruit of the tree of

the knowledge of good and evil (Gen.2:16-17). Adam and Eve disobeyed God which consequently

brought fear into their lives. When God called in the cool of the day as usual, Adam and Eve had

lost their identity and confidence to stand before God and thus their heart was filled with fear.

STUDY GUIDE

1. What do you think are the major reasons why Adam and Eve hid themselves? Gen. 3:8, 11;

Prov. 28:1; Isa. 33:14.

2. What are some causes of fear today in some of our churches and Christians? Acts 19:13-16;

1Sam. 15:24.

3. (a) Compare the fear in Adam (Gen.3:10) with that in Jehoshaphat in 2Chron. 20:1-3.

(b) Where do we run to when we are afraid? 2 Chron. 20:3; Ps. 56:3.

4. How can the fear of God eliminate fear that comes from sin? 2 Chron. 20:3; 17:3-6.

CONCLUSION: Immediately a believer deserts the presence of God, confidence, hope and faith

in life is lost and it is replaced with fear, and uncertainty.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: In God is hope; in Satan is despair.


STUDY FORTY-THREE

22ND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY OCTOBER 27, 2013.


TOPIC : An accursed life.

TEXT: Jer. 11:1-8; Deut. 28:15.

AIM: To teach us that the moment anyone leaves the presence of God, such a

person will be in danger of being accursed.

INTRODUCTION: An accursed life is a life that has a curse on it so it is devoid of God’s blessing.

It is a life full of sorrow, anguish and regret. In our text today, Jeremiah proclaimed God’s

Judgment upon Israel because of their disobedience which had led them out of God’s presence

(Jer. 11:3, 7-8). The Lord regarded their disobedience as conspiracy and therefore promised to

remove His blessings from their lives. We should know that whenever any person goes out of God’s

presence, he will definitely lose the blessings of God and inherit curses (Deut. 28:15ff).

STUDY GUIDE

1. (a) What do you understand by an accursed thing? Josh. 6:17; Rom. 9:3; Gal. 1:8,9.

(b) Give practical examples.

2. What are the reasons for the curses placed on the following people and things in the Bible?

(a) Cain – Gen. 4:10-12

(b) Adam and Eve – Gen. 3:16-19

(c) Serpent – Gen. 3:14-15

(d) Fig tree – Matt. 21:18-19

3. How can we escape being accursed persons from the above?

4. Accursed persons cannot enter God’s presence except there is restoration. How possible is

this? 1John 1:9; Rev. 2:5; Gal. 3:10, 13-14.

CONCLUSION: We invite curses into our lives when we disobey the commandments of God,

(Mal. 3:8, 9). It’s only by abiding in God that we can have a blessed sustenance for our life.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: When God’s favour is lost by man, it is replaced with curse.

MEMORY VERSE: Jer. 11:3.

STUDY FORTY-FOUR

23RD SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY NOVEMBER 3, 2013.


TOPIC: Worldly and eternal regret.

TEXT: Matt. 27:3-5

AIM: To teach us that departure from the presence of God will result in eternal

regret.

INTRODUCTION: Regret is a feeling of sadness or disappointment over a wrong in the past so

the heart condemns the individual. Regret will only come when one decides to depart from God’s

presence to satisfy his own evil desires. In our text today, Judas Iscariot regretted betraying and

selling Jesus Christ for thirty pieces of silver.

As the money became useless to Judas in Matt. 27:3 so also is the reward of sin useless to a sinner

who left the goodness of God for satanic deeds and bait. The eternal regret of the ungodly is

reiterated in Rev. 21:7-8.

STUDY GUIDE

1. In the light of Matt.27:3 what do you understand by worldly regret? Luke.15:21.

2. Read 1Sam. 15:24 and explain the reason for the action that made Saul regret. Compare with

that of the Egyptians in Ex. 14:24-25.

3. Contrast Peter’s action with that of Judas in Matt. 26:69-75; 27:1-5 and compare with 2Cor.

7:10.

4. How can we avoid and overcome regret while still living as Christians? 2 Chron. 7:14; Ezek.

18:31; Hos. 14:2; Heb. 12:2; Gal. 2:20; 6:14b.

CONCLUSION: A life of regret is a life of self condemnation for what one had done. Going back

to God for forgiveness will take us to his presence to live a new life of joy. Worldly sorrow, not

properly and promptly handled, leads to eternal regret in hell.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Remain in God’s path and regret will flee from you.

MEMORY VERSE: 2Cor. 7:10.

STUDY FORTY-FIVE

24TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY NOVEMBER 10, 2013


TOPIC: Fruitless Life.

TEXT: John 15:1-8,16.

AIM: To remind us that whoever refuses to remain in God’s presence will live a

fruitless life.

INTRODUCTION: A fruitless life is a life that is unprofitable in the sight of the Lord. It is a

meaningless life. The branch (in our text stands for a believer in Christ) that bears no fruit (v. 2), is

to be cut off. Jesus went on to mention that remaining in Him and His word in us as basis for

bearing fruit. Note what abiding means. It’s a means of getting nutrients for fruitfulness. Verse 6

shows danger. The same is confirmed in 2 Peter 1:5-9.

STUDY GUIDE:

1. What do you understand by the word fruitlessness? Matt 3:10; Luke 19:20; 2 Peter 1:5-8.

2. How does ungodliness lead to a spiritually unfruitful life? Deut 32:32; Hos 10:1, 13; Gal 5:19-

21.

3. How can we regain our stand in God’s presence even when we are found to be fruitless? 1

John 1:9; Matt 3:8; Rom 7:4; Phil 1:11.

CONCLUSION: Fruitlessness is a sign of a believer who is barren of the spiritual graces of God.

Connecting back to God’s presence will remove us from the band of fruitless believers.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: It is better not to live for God, than live a fruitless life for God.

Fruitless life is a clear sign of unfaithfulness and disobedience to God.

MEMORY VERSE: Matt. 3:10.

STUDY FORTY-SIX

25TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY NOVEMBER 17, 2013.


TOPIC: Eternal Shame.

TEXT: 1Sam. 28:6-25.

AIM: To open our eyes to the fact that shame awaits those who miss the presence

of God.

INTRODUCTION: The most shameful thing is for a leader to swallow back the authoritative

words he uttered. Such was the case of King Saul in our passage today. Saul had ordered that all

necromancers be put to death according to God’s commandments (Deut.18:19-12; 1Sam.28:9).

Note King Saul’s steps of shame - put off his royal robe and put on a servant’s robe, walked in the

night instead of walking in the day as God’s anointed (1Sam 28:8), went to a woman he once

condemned, begged a woman who once begged him for mercy, fell flat before her and finally ate

the witch’s food! What a shame!

STUDY GUIDE

1. (a) Explain the word ‘shame’ as you understand it.

(b). Mention the ways by which Saul put himself to shame in 1Sam. 28:7-8,10,12-13,19-20,23-

25.

2. Discuss how these honourable persons were brought down to the level of shame. Ex. 15:4;

2Chron. 32:21; Esth. 7:9; Dan. 4:33; Zeph. 2:15; Jude 6.

3. How can missing God’s presence and favour bring shame to a Christian? Rom.1:21-25?

4. Trace how these persons lost God’s favour and presence and the shame they suffered as a

result: Acts 5:1-10; Judges 16:20-21.

5. What personal lessons can you learn from our study today?

CONCLUSION: We are in the midst of a tough battle that is on going. We must be sensitive to

evils and avoid them so we do not give our enemy the chance to disgrace us and consequently

bring reproach to our Saviour.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Are we ashamed of what makes our Saviour ashamed?

MEMORY VERSE: Rom. 1:26.

STUDY FORTY-SEVEN

ADVENT SUNDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2013.


TOPIC: Absence of Peace.

TEXT: Eph. 2:14-22.

AIM: To examine the joys of having His peace and the challenges of missing

His presence.

INTRODUCTION: “Christ is our peace, He has reconciled us to God in One Body by the cross,” is

an Anglican confession during Holy Communion. Eph. 2:14 confirms this, “He Himself is our

peace.” We see then that absence of peace is due to the absence of His presence. Whoever He has

reconciled to God by faith has Peace with God. This calls for peace in His Body – the loving

relationship of Christians which must be extended to the world but as prescribed by the Scriptures.

STUDY GUIDE

1. (a) What is Peace and how can it be got, according to our text?

(b) Is peace the absence of crises? Ps. 46:1-5; John 6:33.

2. Highlight and discuss the elements of our peace in Christ under:

(a) peace with God: Rom. 5:1, 2; Col. 1:20;

(b) peace of God: John 14:27; 16:33;

(c) peace as a measure: Phil. 4:7; Col. 3:15;

(d) peaceful co-existence: 2Cor. 13:11; 1 Thess. 5:13.

3. Examine and discuss the challenges of Missing the Presence of God:

(a) absence of peace with God: Rom. 8:1, 4, 5;

(b) absence of the peace of God: John 14:1; Ps. 18:45;

(c) knowing God’s will: Rom. 8:12, 13; 13:14;

(d) relating with people: Gal. 5:13-15; 1Cor. 1:10-13.

4. From our text, how can this peace be restored?

CONCLUSION: When God’s presence is missing in a life, the person will not be at peace with

himself; fear and many negative traits will abound. When a church misses His presence, it would

be divided against itself.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: A life without Christ is crises; a church without God’s presence will be

in pieces.

MEMORY VERSE: 2 Cor. 13:11.

STUDY FORTY-EIGHT

1ST SUNDAY IN ADVENT DECEMBER 1, 2013


TOPIC:- Eternal Darkness

TEXT:- Matt. 22:1-13; Jude 13.

AIM: To encourage the children of God to always remain in Christ the light of the

world.

INTRODUCTION: Eternal darkness signifies the hopeless plight of those who are not found

worthy of the kingdom of God . Our God is a God of light (John 1:5) so missing His presence is

missing the light of His glory. That implies walking in darkness (John 1:4). In Matt. 22, our

wedding cloth is called the garment of righteousness. At the end of the world, whoever does not

have the garment of righteousness (Rev. 19:8) shall be thrown into eternal darkness. The sinners

who do not value the presence of God are likened to the ungodly in Jude 13. In 2Peter 2:17, they

are likened to “well without water” and they will end up in eternal darkness.

STUDY GUIDE

1. What is meant by eternal darkness? Matt. 22:13; 2Peter 2:17.

2. Despite the constant preaching and teaching of the word of God, a lot of people still prefer to

walk in darkness. What do you think is the cause? John 3:19-21, Rom. 1:28; 2Cor. 4:3-4; John

12:40.

3. What are the ways out of eternal darkness? Romans 13:12; Eph. 5:11; Col. 3:5-8.

4. Why must believers reach out with the love of God for sinners and rescue the perishing? Rom.

1:14; 10:14; Ezek. 3:20; Mark 16:15;

5. Do you have passion for the salvation of souls in your family, church and community? Matt.

16:15-18.

CONCLUSION: Nobody can appreciate light like the one who had been blind. In order not to

spend eternity in total darkness, we should do our best to strive for the path of righteousness

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: In heaven is light; in hell is darkness. The choice for eternity is made

here.

MEMORY VERSE: 2Peter 2:17.

STUDY FORTY-NINE

2ND SUNDAY IN ADVENT DECEMBER 8, 2013


TOPIC: Eternal Destruction

TEXT: Phil. 3:17-19.

AIM: To make us realize that eternal destruction awaits those who separate

themselves from God.

INTRODUCTION: Paul in his words of encouragement to the Philippian Church admonished

them to be heavenly minded and not to follow the examples of those who live according to the

worldly pattern. He reminded them that eternal destruction awaits those who separate themselves

from God in order to please their human nature. Jesus admonished us in John 15:5-6 that any

branch that separates itself from the vine withers, so also whoever separate themselves from Christ

will end up in destruction.

STUDY GUIDE

1. What do you understand by “eternal destruction”? 2Thess.1:9; 2:8.

2. Who are the people meant for eternal destruction? Matt. 25:41, 45-46; John 15:5-6; Phil.

3:18, 19; 2Thess. 1:6-9.

3. How can we draw closer to God after giving our lives to Christ? Josh. 1:8; Luke 19:13; John

15:1-8.

4. How and why must we avoid eternal destruction?

CONCLUSION: Those who lack the fear of God will certainly end in destruction. Take a step of

faith today and be delivered from eternal destruction. Escape for your life, “behold, now is the

accepted time, today is the day of salvation.”

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Shunning Christ, the only way to eternal life, will end one in eternal

destruction.

MEMORY VERSE: Micah 2:10

STUDY FIFTY

3RD SUNDAY IN ADVENT DECEMBER 15, 2013

SUB-THEME: DWELLING FOREVER WITH GOD

TOPIC: Living for Christ.

TEXT: Rom. 12:1-21.

AIM: To examine the totality of the believer’s life if we must reign with God in his

eternal kingdom.

INTRODUCTION: The totality of our Christian life calls for serious self-examination if we hope

to dwell with God forever. In our text today, Paul admonished all believers in Christ to present

themselves holy unto the Lord by offering themselves as sacrifice (vs.1-3). He implored the church

to be united if they must preserve the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ (vs.4-8). He finally

admonished all Christians to get on the right way of life if they must inherit God’s kingdom. To this

end, we must no more live according to the dictates of the flesh, but according to the leading of the

Holy Spirit by living only for Christ.

STUDY GUIDE

1. What do you understand by the phrase “living for Christ?” Rom. 6:6-11; Gal. 5:24; Phil. 1:21.

2. How should the Church live out their faith practically in living for Christ. Rom. 12:4-8; 1Cor.

1:10; 2Cor. 13:11; 1Pet. 3:8.

3. How can the unity of the church be strengthened that the world may know we are living for

Christ? Rom. 12:9-10; John 15:12-17; 13:13-17.

4. (a) List some of the selfless services of a Christian living for Christ. Rom.12:11-21.

(b) How can we do them in our local Church and Community – give examples?

CONCLUSION: Submitting our totality to God and counting ourselves as nothing in order to be

pure before the Lord will always keep us in tune with God.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: We must bury our selfish agenda to live for Christ daily.

MEMORY VERSE: Col. 3:1.

STUDY FIFTY-ONE

4TH SUNDAY IN ADVENT DECEMBER 22, 2013


TOPIC: Reigning with God.

TEXT: 2Tim. 2:1-12.

AIM: To teach us that the end result of our faithful stewardship in remaining in

God’s Presence is reigning with him eternally.

INTRODUCTION: To reign means to exercise sovereign power; or a controlling influence over

something, especially to rule a country as its king, queen, prince or princess. It is to be at the top of

a people. In our text today, Paul admonished Timothy to remain steadfast till the end. He should

never allow worldly attractions to take him off the path of salvation (2Tim. 2:3-5). Christians

should endure whatever hardship or persecution for the sake of Christ, so as to reign with Him

eternally in heaven (2Tim. 2:8-12).

STUDY GUIDE

1. (a) What does it mean to reign: socially, politically and spiritually? 1 Kings 15:9,10; Dan. 1:18-

20; 2Tim. 2:12; Rev. 5:10.

(b) Who are those to reign with God in heaven? Rev. 7:13-15; 5:10; Mark 8:34-38; 2Tim. 4:6-8.

2. What are the requirements for reigning with Christ? Dan. 1:8; 2 Tim. 2:11-13; Acts 14:22.

3. What is the bliss of reigning with God? Luke 19:16-19; 2Tim 2:11-12; Rev 7:13-17.

CONCLUSION: Let us continue in the faith we have received in Christ Jesus through our

constant fellowship with Him through His word, having the hope that our earthly labour in Christ

will be rewarded with eternal crown of life.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: As the medal is for the dedicated athlete, so the crown is for the

righteous Christian.

MEMORY VERSE: 2Tim 2:12.

STUDY FIFTY-TWO

1ST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 29, 2013


TOPIC: The Glory of His Majesty.

TEXT: Rev. 21:1-end.

AIM: To see the awesome picture of God’s majesty and glory to motivate and

encourage us to continue in our walk with Him.

INTRODUCTION: Who has granted us the opportunity to see the last Sunday of this year be all

the glory! We pray that the same Lord will see us through the next year in Jesus’ name, Amen.

People are usually attracted to personalities either because of their positions in life or the power

they wield. In today’s study, we hope to have a glimpse of the glory of God in His domain. It is

awesome and has the potential of encouraging us to forge ahead in our relationship with Him so

we can dwell with Him forever, Amen.

STUDY GUIDE

1. What constitute God’s glory in Rev. 21:1, 2, 5, 6, 9-21?

2. (a) Describe the majesty of the King of kings as in Rev. 21: 1-5; 19:11-16; 17:14, 22-27; Isa.

60:3.

(b) What does our God look like?

3. What is the glory of His saints who are with Him? Rev. 21:3, 4, 7.

4. (a) What manner of persons ought we therefore to be here on earth? Rev. 21:24; 2 Peter 3:10-

13; 1 Peter 1:13-16.

(b) Contrast this with Rev. 21:8, 27.

CONCLUSION: All we have seen of God in trances, dreams, revelations etc are nothing

compared with what we shall see when we are with Him. “Eyes have not seen; ears have not heard;

… what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1Cor. 2:9). Strive to be there to have a first

hand experience. Amen.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Song: “Hallelujah for the Lord our God the Almighty reigns” x 2ce.


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