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RCCG Sunday School Teacher’s Manual Is used in Sunday School Classes in the RCCG. The Sunday School manual is designed to provide you with practice lessons and topics of study. It also covers the issues that you should be familiar with in order to be a well-rounded participant in the RCCG Sunday School classes.
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- Bible Passage/Scripture References for RCCG Sunday School Teacher’s Manual 25th August 2024.
- Lesson Outlines, Questions RCCG Sunday School Teacher’s Manual 25th August 2024.
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Topic: Quarterly Review/Summary
Sunday School Manual Lesson No: 52
SUMMARY OF LESSONS 40-51
LESSON FORTY (40)
TOPIC: NATURAL DISASTERS
BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 24:6-8.
MEMORY VERSE: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. Matthew 24:7.
INTRODUCTION: Natural disasters challenge the Christian belief that God is good. The enormous loss of lives and properties resulting from pandemics, earthquakes, floods, etc, is terrible and tragic. Our grief and even our anger are human, but no one grieves more than the Lord Himself (Hebrews 4:15). Christ is moved by the afflictions we suffer and even weeps over our pains (John. 11:35). Could the God who loves us also be the one to destroy us? How do we reconcile the mercy of God in Christ with His permission for natural disasters?
OUTLINES:
1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION
2. WHY GOD ALLOWS IT
1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The teacher should first ask each question indicated below and, allow the students to respond before providing the answers as indicated below:
Question 1: What do you understand by natural disasters?
Answers:
i. Natural disasters are catastrophic events with atmospheric, geological, or hydrological origins.
ii. It is a major adverse event resulting from the natural processes of the Earth
Question 2: Mention some forms of natural disasters you are aware of.
Answers: firestorms, dust storms, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, storms, and other geological processes.
Question 3: What are the effects of natural disasters?
Answers:
i. Loss of lives or damaged properties.
ii. Economic damages- the severity of which depends on the affected population’s resilience or the infrastructure available (Luke 21:11).
Question 4: How do natural disasters occur?
Answer:
i. God created the whole universe and the laws of nature (Genesis 1:1). Most natural disasters are a result of these laws at work. For instance, hurricanes, typhoons, and tornados are the results of divergent weather patterns colliding.
ii. Earthquakes are the result of the earth’s plate structure shifting. A tsunami is caused by an underwater earthquake.
Question 5a: Are there differences between natural disasters and God’s use of natural force to prove His supremacy?
Answer: Yes. Natural disasters differ from God’s use of natural forces.
Question 5b: What are the differences?
Answers:
i. As recorded in the Bible. Natural disasters kill and maim indiscriminately. God’s acts of judgement recorded in the Bible were selective (Genesis 19:29-30).
ii. Natural disasters usually strike with little or no warning. On the other hand, God gave warnings to the wicked before using natural forces against them (Genesis 6:13; Matthew 24:38-39).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should recall instances of natural disasters they are aware of.
2. WHY GOD ALLOWS IT
It is distressing that natural disasters are often termed “acts of God” while no “credit” is given to God for years, decades, or even centuries of peace and stability.
However, generally, God allows natural disasters so as:
i. To serve as a warning for unbelievers. Disasters are warnings, and unbelievers often turn to God for the first time when they face a tornado or an earthquake (Revelation 11:13).
ii. To remind us that even nature was affected by sin. Natural disasters remind us that nature, while beautiful, is broken and cursed (Genesis 3:17-18).
iii. To establish God’s supremacy over man. Some disasters give no warning even with all the science and technology a country can afford to put in place (Psalm 115:3).
iv. To indicate the beginning of the last days. They are signs of the end times (Matthew 24:3, 7).
v. To allow cause and effect to operate independently. Some natural disasters are a result of man’s abuse and damage to the natural environment (Ecclesiastes 7:29).
vi. To allow believers to demonstrate God’s love to humanity by helping, ministering, counselling, praying, and leading people to the saving faith in Christ (Acts 11:28-30; Galatians 6:10).
vii. To establish God’s judgement upon the wicked (Genesis 18:20; 19:24-25).
CONCLUSION: God can, and does, bring great good out of terrible tragedies (Romans 8:28).
LESSON: FORTY ONE (41)
TOPIC: CULTURAL CHRISTIANITY
BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 7:21-23.
MEMORY VERSE: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. Acts 11:26.
INTRODUCTION : The Christian faith is the experience of daily living in a dynamic and new personal relationship with God (Romans 10:9-10; John 1:11-13). The very term “Christian” was coined in the city of Antioch as a way to identify the first followers of Christ (Acts 11:26). The first disciples were so much like Jesus that they were called little Christs by their detractors. It is unfortunate that nowadays,some people have made Christianity represent an ideology or a social class rather than a lifestyle of obedience to God. Today, there are two shades of Christianity: Cultural Christianity and Biblical Christianity.
OUTLINES:
1. CULTURAL CHRISTIANITY DESCRIBED
2. IDENTIFICATION MARKS
1. CULTURAL CHRISTIANITY DESCRIBED
Cultural Christians are nominal believers who superficially identify themselves as “Christians” but do not truly adhere to the tenets of the Christian faith (Matthew 15:8). ii. They wear the label “Christian” without personal conviction that Jesus is Lord (2 Timothy 3:5).
iii. Cultural Christianity is more social than spiritual (1 Corinthians 2:14-15).
iv. A cultural Christian identifies with certain aspects of Christianity, such as the good works of Jesus (John 6:26-27), but rejects the spiritual aspects required to be a biblically defined Christian (Romans 8:5).
v. Some people consider themselves Christians because of family background, charity giving, place of residence, Christian name or title, churchgoing or social environment.
vi. Others identify as Christians as a way of declaring a religious affiliation.
vii. Cultural Christianity is not true Christianity.
There was no such thing as cultural Christianity in the days of the early church.
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should differentiate between true Christians and cultural Christians.
2. IDENTIFICATION MARKS
The following are some identifying marks of cultural Christians:
1. They deny the inspiration of Scripture or parts of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).
2. They ignore or downplay true repentance as the first step toward knowing God (Matthew 4:17; Acts 2:38).
3. They focus on Jesus’ love and acceptance to the exclusion of His teaching on hell, obedience, and self-sacrifice (Mark 9:43; Luke 12:5).
4. They tolerate or even celebrate ongoing sin while claiming to know God (1 Corinthians 5:1-2).
5. They redefine scriptural truths to accommodate culture (Numbers 23:19).
6. Claiming God’s promises while ignoring the requirements included with them (Psalm 50:16).
7. They deny or minimise Jesus’ claim that He is the only way to God (John 14:6).
8. They perform enough religious activity to gain a sense of well-being without a true devotion to Jesus (Romans 8:9).
9. They see protection and blessing as goals to be achieved, rather than by-products of a love relationship with God (Mark 12:30).
10. They are lukewarm and choose the church to attend based on any or all of the above (Revelation 3:15-17).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Mention what true Christians can do to help cultural Christians.
CONCLUSION: Jesus’ warning in Matthew 7:21-23 should be a wake-up call to cultural Christians.
LESSON: FORTY TWO (42)
TOPIC: DESTINY DESTROYERS
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Kings 11:1-6.
MEMORY VERSE: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11.
INTRODUCTION: Destiny is God’s purpose for a man’s life. It is a divinely pre-planned destination. It is the totality of God’s counsel for a person and what He has decided concerning a person even before conception (Jeremiah 1:5). As good as it is, at several points in life, it still depends on one’s attitude and agreement with God. God has a prepared destination for us and we must surrender totally to Him to avoid destiny destroyers that may want to scuttle God’s plan for our lives.
OUTLINES:
1. DESTINY DESTROYERS
2. BIBLICAL INSTANCES
1. DESTINY DESTROYERS
Some destiny destroyers are mentioned below.
1. Ignorance: This is a destiny destroyer (Hosea 4:6). If we are aware of our destiny, we shall be free, focused, and fulfilled. Failure to do so may lead to destruction (John 8:32).
2. Pursuit Of Vanity: Solomon pursued so much vanity until he became a complete backslider. The privileges of wealth and lack of self-control ruined his destiny (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11).
3. Lack Of Faith: This is also a destiny destroyer (1 Timothy 1:19).
4. Pride: Pride is excessive self-esteem. It is when you are filled with an exciting sense of credit due to yourself. Pride is a sin and it leads to loss and destruction (James 4:6).
5. Sinful Lifestyles: Sins not confessed and forsaken are dangerous because they provoke God to anger. A man who is living in sin cannot fulfil his destiny or attain the eternal destination which God has promised (1 John 3:4; Romans 3:23).
6. Anger: Uncontrolled emotional outburst has led many people out of God’s purpose for their lives (Ecclesiastes 7:9; Proverbs 29:22).
7. Laziness: This will make an idle person perpetually under the industrious person. (Proverbs 12:24).
8. Prayerlessness: It can cause the enemy to take advantage of a man’s destiny (Matthew 13:25).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention some of the things people are engaged in that are capable of destroying their destinies.
2. BIBLICAL INSTANCES
There are cases of people who, by one means or the other, had their destinies destroyed. They include:
i. Solomon (1Kings 11:1-11).
ii. Samson (Judges 16:6-18).
iii. Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:3-5).
iv. Demas (2Timothy 4:10).
v. Gehazi (2 Kings 5:20-27).
vi. Reuben (Genesis 49:3-4).
vii. Achan (Joshua 7:24-25).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Mention why you think some people are bent on destroying their own destinies e.g smokers.
CONCLUSION: Run away from destiny destroyers and make up your mind to live a life that will enhance the fulfilment of your destiny.
LESSON: FORTY THREE (43)
TOPIC: FULFILLING PURPOSE
BIBLE PASSAGE: Philippians 3:12-14
MEMORY VERSE: Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. John 18:37.
INTRODUCTION: God does not waste resources. Hence, everything He created is for a purpose. The sun gives light and never ceases to shine (Psalms 136:7-9), the cloud gives rain in due season and trees provide food and shade accordingly (Leviticus 26:4). Other animals play their parts without hesitation. Amazingly, man struggles to understand and fulfil his purpose for living. The discovery, as well as fulfilment of divine purpose, is the focus of today’s lesson.
OUTLINES:
1. DISCOVER YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE
2..LIVE TO FULFIL IT
1. DISCOVER YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE
Like Apostle Paul, once you become a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), you must begin to crave for the understanding of your purpose for living on earth (Philippians 3:12). That purpose has been predetermined by God before you were born (Jeremiah 1:5; Galatians 1:15). It is your duty to discover and fulfil it.
Here are some practical pointers to your purpose for living:
A. POTENTIAL
i. You need to identify your in-built ability, your talents, and God-given gifts (Ephesians 4:7).
ii. Find out the things you do with less stress e.g., singing, drawing, talking to a crowd, helping others, etc.
iii. The knowledge or skills you acquire in life should be to shape and sharpen your potential (Acts 7:22).
B. PASSION
i. What are those things you exceptionally have flare or zeal for, and do often?
ii. Build your vocation or career on such things.
iii. The things that get you excited, give you joy and satisfaction can lead you to the fulfilment of your purpose in life (Psalm 69:9; Colossians 4:12-13).
C. PRAYER
After you have identified your potential and the things you are passionate about, you need to pray for divine guidance, so that the world and the enemy will not hijack your purpose in life (Acts 9:1-2).
2. LIVE TO FULFIL IT
These seven things will help every child of God fulfil his/her purpose in life.
1. Ask God to reveal His plan for your life to you (Jeremiah 1:4-5). Then, draw a vision and mission statement (Proverbs 29:18; Habakkuk 2:2).
2. Set achievable goals and pursue them (Acts 20:24). Take a step at a time and do not be mediocre (Psalm 37:23).
3. Identify and relate with people of like passion: learn from their mistakes and build on their success (2 Kings 2:1-2, 14).
4. Submit yourself for mentoring and counselling: do not claim to know it all (Acts 18:24-26; Prov. 11:14).
5. Live as if you have just one more day on earth: do not procrastinate (Luke 9:61).
6. Focus your attention on God (Hebrews 12:2). Make sure all that you do is to His pleasing (Colossians 1:10).
7. Always return all the glory to God: do not ascribe anything to yourself (Isaiah 42:8).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2:.Mention the ways in which so many people live without fulfilling purpose.
CONCLUSION: So many people live and die without leaving any positive mark. Be different. You are not a nonentity.
LESSON: FORTY FOUR (44)
TOPIC: RAHAB: AN UNLIKELY ALLY
BIBLE PASSAGE: Joshua 2:1-6, 12-13.
MEMORY VERSE: By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. Hebrews 11:31.
INTRODUCTION: The story of Rahab is one of the thought-provoking accounts in the Bible. The occasion that projected her into the hall of faith is that of a great faith in the God of Israel whom she knew almost nothing about. She rose from being a harlot to a joint-heir in the Abrahamic covenant and eventually got a space in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). Her life gives us a deeper insight into what God can do with the lives of every sinner who comes to Him.
OUTLINES:
1. HER CHARACTER
2. ACHIEVEMENTS AND LESSONS FROM HER LIFE
1. HER CHARACTER
i. Rahab, in Hebrew, means “wide.’’
ii. She lived in the 12th century B.C. She was a Canaanite harlot who lived in Jericho City (Joshua 2:5).
iii. She rented rooms to travellers and visitors who came into the city. This explains why the two spies sent by Joshua found lodging in her house.
iv. She was a selfless woman who saved her household with high negotiation skills (Joshua 2:12-13).
v. She knew what to do with the information at her disposal. Rahab asked the two Israeli spies to swear by the Lord thereby showing her faith in the only true God.
vi. She was smart enough to know that her city would be overthrown. Vii. In her wisdom, she joined herself to the winning side (Joshua 2:9-10).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The Class should discuss what they would do to bring their family members to the knowledge of Christ.
2. ACHIEVEMENTS AND LESSONS FROM HER LIFE
A. ACHIEVEMENTS
i. She skilfully hid the spies to prevent the king of Jericho from capturing and executing them (Joshua 2:6).
ii. This act of kindness earned her salvation from destruction (Joshua 6:25).
iii. She believed all the stories about the God of Israel even without seeing them (Joshua 2:10).
iv. Rahab was a skilful negotiator who selflessly made the spies swear to spare her and her household (Joshua 2:13).
v. The book of Hebrews named her among faith heroes in the Old Testament (Hebrews 11:31).
vi. James records her as being justified by works (James 2:25).
vii. Matthew lists her in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Mathew 1:5).
B. LESSONS FROM HER LIFE
i. Rahab stepped out of her harlotry into faith in God. So, anyone can change from bad to good (Isaiah 1:18).
ii. We should show kindness to people, just as Rahab did to the spies (Galatians 6:10).
iii. She walked by faith and not by sight (Joshua 2:9-12). We also are expected to walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7).
iv. Just as she ensured the safety of her household (Joshua 2:18-21), every child of God should ensure the salvation of his/her family (Acts 16:31).
v. She was diligent enough to follow instructions (Joshua 2:18; 6:22-23). Likewise, believers must carefully follow the right instruction (Proverbs 4:13).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Can God use the wicked to help the righteous? Discuss.
CONCLUSION: Rahab is a typical example of God’s transformative power. Do not write yourself or anyone off.
LESSON: FORTY FIVE (45)
TOPIC: EVANGELISM ON-THE-GO
BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 10:13-15.
MEMORY VERSE: Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:2.
INTRODUCTION: One business that every believer has been called to do is Evangelism (or witnessing (2Corinthians 5:17-18). It is the act of preaching the gospel to share the message and teachings of Jesus Christ. In simple terms, evangelism on the go is to be busy, active, and innovative with the preaching of the gospel of Jesus. Different channels must be employed to reach the lost with the gospel of salvation. The preaching of the gospel is a serious business assigned to us by the Master. It must be consciously, consistently, and conscientiously done by all believers.
OUTLINES:
1. THE FATHER’S BUSINESS
2. OUR BUSINESS TOO
1. THE FATHER’S BUSINESS
i. The preaching of the gospel to the lost is so important that Jesus said He was specifically anointed by His Father for it (Luke 4:18).
ii. He also reiterated this point in Luke 4:43 when he said preaching the kingdom of God is a must for Him because that was why He was sent.
iii. God is so particular about the lost that Jesus said it is not His will that they perish (Matthew 18:14).
iv. Jesus also said He came to the world to save the lost (Matthew 18:11).
v. Jesus, in the parable of the lost sheep, depicts the importance of a soul when the shepherd left 99 sheep to go after one lost sheep – soul (Matthew 18:12).
vi. Speaking of how he must preach the gospel, Apostle Paul placed a curse on himself, if he failed to preach the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:16).
vii. He also boldly declared that he was sent to preach the gospel (1 Corinthians 1:17a).
viii. The value of a soul is so much that there is rejoicing in Heaven when one soul repents (Luke 15:7).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Every soul is precious to God. Explain.
2. OUR BUSINESS TOO
The teacher should explain the significance of evangelism assignment to believers as indicated below:
IMPORTANCE
i. Preaching the gospel to the lost is a serious occupation Jesus handed to His followers when He gave the command to go in Mark 16:15.
ii. This kingdom business must be done with zeal and divine wisdom (John 4:34; Ecclesiastes 10:10).
iii. It is an all-time trade (Luke 9:60). There is no room for giving up in this occupation of witnessing Jesus (Acts 5:42).
STRATEGY
iv. As a good businessman, you must be strategic, creative and seize every opportunity to talk to people about Jesus (Acts 26:27-29; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23).
v. This business must be done sacrificially. It may not be convenient at times, but you must still go ahead and witness Jesus (2 Timothy 4:2).
vi. As a business is driven by focus, the goal of evangelism is to make Jesus known, and win souls for Him (1 Corinthians 2:2; Romans 1:14-15).
vii. Business owners attract people to themselves; so must you live in such a way that everything you do preaches Jesus to others; live evangelism (Galatians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 11:1).
viii. This business must flourish in your hand as you continue to witness Christ to lost souls (Acts 8:5-6; Daniel 12:3).
ix. A successful business goes beyond a generation. In the same vein, the witness of Christ must go to the next generation (2 Timothy 1:5; 2:2).
x. The God factor is key for a successful business; therefore, intensive prayer is needed for evangelism.
FOCUS
xi. The trademark of this business is Jesus; who is the sole message (Colossians 1:27-28).
URGENCY
xii. Time is of the essence in business, do not delay to preach Jesus to the lost (John 4:35).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Why should the following elements/tools be considered very necessary in preaching the gospel?
a. Prayer.
b. Jesus Christ.
c. Time (urgency).
CONCLUSION: Evangelism is a serious kingdom business. Be actively involved.
LESSON: FORTY SIX (46)
TOPIC: CHRISTIAN VIRTUES
BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Peter 1:3-7.
MEMORY VERSE: According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue. 2 Peter 1:3.
INTRODUCTION: There are two root words in Greek translated virtue. The first is dunamis as in Luke 6:19; 8:46 meaning miraculous power. The second is arête meaning ‘moral excellence’ or ‘goodness.’ In the context of the later, “virtue” is a right inner disposition. A disposition is a tendency to act in certain ways. It is not an impulse but a settled habit of mind. Virtues are general character traits that provide inner sanctions on our particular motives, intentions, and outward conduct.
OUTLINES:
1. ATTAINING VIRTUE
2. THE DESIRE TO EXCEL
1. ATTAINING VIRTUE
i. Our God is excellent in all ways (Psalm 76:4). He expects His children to be like Him (1 Peter 1:15-16).
ii. Hence, the main aim of a Christian should be to walk to please God.
iii. Virtue is attainable only if we follow the divine guidelines (Philippians 4:8).
iv. 2 Peter 1:5-7 tells us how to attain virtue.
v. It is like a ladder; the attaining of one leads to the next, and so on. The sequence begins with faith and ends with love.
vi. Without faith, nobody can have virtue. Faith supplies moral excellence as taught in the Bible (Hebrews 11:6).
vii. After we have attained some knowledge, we add self-control, or self-discipline (1 Corinthians 9:27).
viii. This is the opposite of the excess of the world. Perseverance means to view the unfolding of time with God’s eyes (Hebrews 12:2).
ix. Godliness means that we have a very practical awareness of God in every aspect of our life (1 Timothy 6:6; 2 Peter 1:3).
x. Kindness is described here as “Philadelphia,” the kind of love that we have for brothers and sisters. The most magnificent virtue of all: is Christian love. This love is “agape” and results in self-sacrificing action for another (1 Corinthians 13; 1 John. 3:16).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The Class should discuss some factors that can prevent believers from growing in virtues.
2..THE DESIRE TO EXCEL
i. The desire to excel comes with the recognition of excellence and a consciousness of falling short of it.
ii. The goal is to be like Jesus Christ because He is the glory of God revealed (Hebrews 1:3).
iii. This desire to excel also involves a willingness to give up lesser things to achieve a greater goal (Matthew 19:16-26) and preparedness to work hard towards perfection (Matthew 17:15-21).
iv. There must also be a readiness to be taught, not only by those who are in a higher position but anyone regardless of position or age (1 Corinthians 1:19-29).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Why do we have a higher percentage of the world population below the excellent level?
CONCLUSION: Now we see that if we indeed have these virtues as an integral part of our being, and if they continue to increase as we apply them, then we lead a useful, fruitful life for Christ.
LESSON: FORTY SEVEN (47)
TOPIC: PERILOUS TIMES
BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
MEMORY VERSE: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2Timothy 3:1.
INTRODUCTION: The translated word for “perilous” in 2Timothy 3:1 is ‘chalepos’, which means troublesome, dangerous, fierce, dreadful, etc. The term, last days, refers to the period between Christ’s ascension into Heaven and His second coming. Perilous times constitute part of the last days. The ‘last days’is not just a prophecy. It started from the days of the Bible (1John.2:18-19). The importance of the prophecy and warning against the perilous times cannot be over-emphasised because we are living in the fulfilment of these perilous times. The purpose of this study is to carefully consider the writing of Paul to Timothy in 2Timothy 3:1-5 on the things that characterise the Perilous Times and the position every believer in Christ should take.
OUTLINES:
1. CHARACTERISTICS OF PERILOUS TIMES
2. CAUTION FOR BELIEVERS
1. CHARACTERISTICS OF PERILOUS TIMES
According to Paul, the conduct of the people will reveal perilous times. These characteristics are indicated below:
i. Some people will be lovers of their selves (2 Timothy 3:2) i.e. they will be self-centred (Philippians 2:21).
ii. Covetous – having lust of the eyes, craziness for wealth and materialism (Luke 12:15).
iii. Boasters – expressing vain glory (Psalm 10:3).
iv. Proud – valuing themselves above all others (Proverbs 21:4).
v. Blasphemers – those who speak immorally of God and sacred things (Mark 3:29).
vi. Disobedient to parents- disrespecting and dishonouring parents both physically and spiritually (Romans 1:30).
vii. Unthankful – not appreciating God and others for good deeds (Romans 1:21).
viii. Unholy – not pleasing God (Jude 18).
ix. Lack of natural affection – no family affection and lack of tender love (2 Timothy 3:3, Romans 1:31).
x. Trucebreakers – treacherous and betraying true friendship.
xi. False Accusers – character assassination (Proverbs 10:18).
xii. Incontinent – without self-control (2 Peter 2:14).
xiii. Fierce – wild or violent, having or displaying an intense, ferocious aggressiveness (Psalm 11:5).
xiv. Despisers of those that are good – All forms of lies, evil speaking against true believers and godliness (Nehemiah 2:19).
xv. Traitors – a betrayer of trust (2 Timothy 3:4; Acts 7:52).
xvi. Heady – reckless or headstrong (Proverbs 21:29a).
xvii. Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God- All forms of immorality and ungodliness that satisfy the flesh (Philippians 3:19).
xviii. ‘Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof’ (2 Timothy 3:5)- Being religious but not victorious above sin, outwardly looking good but inwardly rotten in unrighteousness (Matthew 23:27).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Each student should mention one characteristic of the perilous times.
2. CAUTION FOR BELIEVERS
Scriptures admonish believers living in this ‘last days’ to
i. Turn away from all ungodly practices in order not to be caught in the web of the perilous times (2 Timothy 3:5).
ii. Receive the prophecies/warning and be conscious of it at all times.
iii. Separate from the company and fellowship of people with the characters above (2 Corinthians 6:14-17).
iv. Avoid all forms of carnality and false doctrines (Romans 8:6-7; Ephesians 4:14).
v. Be watchful and be prayerful to guard against deception and temptation to sin (Matthew 26:41; 2 Corinthians 2:11).
vi. Release ourselves to the Holy Spirit and be sensitive to His leading (James 4:7; Romans 8:14).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What roles can believers play to ensure they remain in the faith in this period.
CONCLUSION: This is a perilous time; every believer that wants to get to heaven must heed the warning, and be careful to live a separate life from the world and false brethren to please God.
LESSON: FORTY EIGHT (48)
TOPIC: THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
MEMORY VERSE: And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:3.
INTRODUCTION: Acts 1:10-11 describes the ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ as being personal, bodily and visible with power. The second coming of our Lord will be in like manner. However, it will be in two phases. The first phase, regarded as the rapture (1Thessalonians 4:15-17), will be the coming of the Lord for His saints. While the second phase will be the coming of the Lord with His saints, to set up the millennium (1Thessalonians 3:13). Between the first phase and the second phase of the second coming of Christ is the period of the great tribulation.
OUTLINES:
1. PROPHECIES AND PURPOSE OF HIS SECOND COMING
2. THE MANNER OF HIS COMING
1..PROPHECIES AND PURPOSE OF HIS SECOND COMING
A. PROPHECIES
i. The first coming of our Lord Jesus Christ was prophesied and those prophecies came to pass, literally (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6).This gives us great confidence that the prophecies of the Second Advent will also be fulfilled literally.
ii. His second coming was foretold in Daniel 7:13-14.
iii. Jesus, Himself said it (Matthew 25:31).
B. PURPOSE OF HIS SECOND COMING
He is coming to fulfil the following purposes:
i. At the first phase (rapture), there will be the completion of the salvation of the saints (Hebrews 9:28).
ii. Christ will bring to light the hidden things of darkness (1 Corinthians 4:5) and receive us to be with Him (John 14:3).
iii. At the second phase (the revelation), He will be glorified in His saints (2Thessalonicians 1:7-10), execute judgement, as a conquering king (2 Timothy 4:1).
iv. He will reign majestically (Revelation 11:15) and destroy death (1 Corinthians 15:25-26)
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Why do you think some people still do not believe that Christ is coming again despite all available prophecies?
2. THE MANNER OF HIS COMING
The following should be noted about the manner of His second coming:
At the first phase (the rapture).
i. He will descend from Heaven with a shout and voice of the archangel (1Thessalonians 4:16),
ii. Suddenly (1Corinthians 15:52),
iii. In the glory of His Father (Matthew 16:27),
iv. The saints will meet Him in the air and be with Him forever (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
At the second phase (the revelation),
i. He will come in the clouds to the earth with power and great glory (Matthew 24:30),
ii. He will come in His glory accompanied by His angels (Matthew 25:31) with His saints (1 Thessalonians 3:13),
iii. In flaming fire (2 Thessalonians 1:8) and
iv. Bodily, as He ascended (Acts 1:9-11).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What are some of the signs you can see around you which indicate that Christ’s coming is imminent?
CONCLUSION: Do not be deceived, Christ’s coming is certain (2 Peter 3: 9-10). While we ought to plan and work as if He will not be coming for another century, we must live a holy and pure life all the time as if He will return today. Watch and Pray.
LESSON: FORTY NINE (49)
TOPIC: THE GREAT TRIBULATION
BIBLE PASSAGE: Mark 13:19-26 NKJV
MEMORY VERSE: “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be”. Matthew 24:21 (NKJV).
INTRODUCTION: The word, tribulation, means trouble. There are different kinds of tribulations mentioned in the Bible. These include tribulation because of obedience to God’s word (Matthew 13:21); the tribulation on the way to God’s kingdom (Acts 14:22); earthly tribulation that is common to all (Job 5:6-7); tribulation on evil doers (Romans 2:9) and the great tribulation. The focus of the lesson is the Great Tribulation. The hardship, distress, and perplexity that would be experienced in the days of the great tribulation are unprecedented. What is the great tribulation all about? When will it be? What are the events in the days of tribulation?
OUTLINES:
1. UNDERSTANDING THE GREAT TRIBULATION
2. EVENTS IN DAYS OF GREAT TRIBULATION
1. UNDERSTANDING THE GREAT TRIBULATION
i. The Great Tribulation is also called the time of Jacob’s (the nation-Israel) trouble (Jeremiah 30:7).
ii. The unbelieving Jews, the unsaved or backslidden Gentiles will be the candidates of the great tribulation.
iii. It will begin after the rapture of the Church and the revelation of the antichrist, the man of sin (2 Thessalonians 2:3-7).
iv. The time of the great tribulation is the “seventieth week” that is, the last week of the seventy weeks of Daniel.
v. The seventy weeks have three sections: the first seven weeks, the next sixty-two weeks, and the last week.
vi. There are seven days in one week. A day in the week represents one year. So the duration is seven years (Daniel 9:20-27).
vii. The first half of the last week (the first three and a half years) will be for the full physical manifestation of the antichrist, during which he shall make a covenant with Israel (Daniel 9:27).
viii. The second half of the last week (the last three and half years) will be a time of unprecedented trouble. “During the week” the antichrist shall break the covenant with Israel and practice the “abomination of desolation” in the temple (Daniel 11:36; Matthew 24:15-16).
ix. The last three and half years of the great tribulation will culminate in the second coming of Christ to reign on earth (Mark.13:24-26; 2 Thessalonians 2:8).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention the key points about the great tribulation according to the first outline.
2. EVENTS IN DAYS OF GREAT TRIBULATION
The Great Tribulation will witness a series of significant but terrifying events.
These include:
1. Unprecedented religious persecution of those who missed the rapture (Matthew 24:21-22).
2. Unparalleled global religious deception (Matthew 24:24-28).
3. There shall be an untold global economic problem, in which only those who receive the mark of the Beast can buy or sell (Revelation 13:17-18).
4. Series of unrighteous and abominable religious practices (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4,10).
5. Intense temptation all over the world (Revelation 3:10).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Mention the identities of the great tribulation according to lesson outline two.
CONCLUSION: Those who have received Christ as their Lord and personal Saviour and keep themselves holy till He comes at rapture shall be delivered (through rapture) from the days of the Great Tribulation. However, sinners and backsliders are faced with the danger of the Great tribulation. Beloved, are you truly saved from sins? Examine yourself today and be sure!
LESSON: FIFTY (50)
TOPIC: THE MILLENNIAL REIGN
BIBLE PASSAGE: Revelation 20:1-10
MEMORY VERSE: ‘‘Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.’’ Revelation 20:6 (NKJV).
INTRODUCTION: The Millennial Reign of Christ is a period of a thousand years of a glorious Kingdom of Christ on earth after His return from Armageddon – the place in which God will gather His enemies for destruction (Revelation 16:16).
OUTLINES:
1. THE NATURE OF THE MILLENIUM
2. THE BLESSINGS OF THE MILLENNIUM
1. THE NATURE OF THE MILLENIUM
i. The millennial reign will begin at the end of the tribulation period and elapse before the emergence of the new earth and the new Heaven (Revelation 21:1-2).
ii. During the one thousand years of Christ’s reign on earth, Satan will be bound with chains and kept in the bottomless pit (Revelation 20:1-3).
iii. Some of the tribulation saints (no unbeliever) will survive to live on (with their terrestrial bodies) into the millennial kingdom. The Saints coming with Christ (with glorified bodies) will reign over cities and the people on earth.
iv. The Millennium is described in Matthew 19:28 as the regeneration – when Christ will rule in the new world.
v. It is the time of restitution of all things (Acts 3:21), that is the restoration to the original state, as spoken by the prophets (2 Samuel 7:16).
vi. During this period, Christ will be manifested in His kingdom. He will, from Heaven, descend with the raptured saints and angels upon Mount Olives, which is before Jerusalem (Revelation 19:11-17). Canaan will be taken for everlasting possession by Christ, according to God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:8; Galatians 3:16).
vii. Christ will be manifested to take possession of David’s kingdom according to God’s covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:8-16; Acts.2:29-32).
viii. Christ will manifest as king of righteousness (Isaiah 32:1),King of Israel (John.12:13), King of kings (Revelation 19:16), and King over all the earth (Zechariah 14:9). He will reveal Himself as the great God (Revelation 19:17).
ix. At the second coming of Christ, these covenants will be fulfilled as Israel is re-gathered from the nations, converted, and restored to the land under the rule of the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:31; Zechariah 12:10-14).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What will happen during the millennial reign?
2. THE BLESSINGS OF THE MILLENNIUM
The blessings are numerous and they include:
1. A theocratic government where God is the ruler through Jesus Christ. The Apostles and the Saints from Adam to the millennium shall reign with Him (Isaiah 2:2-4; Matthew 25:31-33).
2. There will be a perfect environment – physically and spiritually.
3. It will be a time of peace in the entire kingdom because the Prince of peace is reigning (Micah 4:3; Isaiah 11:6-9).
4. Society will be free of crimes (Jeremiah 31:33-34). A time of obedience, holiness, and truth (Isaiah 65:16).
5. There will be abundant joy and great comfort (Isaiah 61:7, 10).
6. The knowledge of the Lord in the hearts of men will spread, “as the waters cover the sea’ (Isaiah 11:9; Jeremiah 31:33-34).
7. All lands shall flourish and blossom – No more desert (Isaiah 35:1-2).
8. Everyone will enjoy divine health (Isaiah 33:24).
9. Increased life span – People will live long (Isaiah 65:20).
10. There will be a noticeable change in the wildlife or animal kingdom (Isaiah 65:25).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Mention what believers should do to reign with Christ.
CONCLUSION: Thine kingdom come and thine will be done on earth as in heaven is included in the Lord’s Prayer. As true Christians, this should equally be our utmost aspiration.
LESSON: FIFTY ONE (51)
TOPIC: NEW HEAVEN, NEW EARTH
BIBLE PASSAGE: Revelation 21:1-5.
MEMORY VERSE: But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 2 Peter 3:10.
INTRODUCTION: In the days of Noah, the world was destroyed with water, but God has promised that He would no more destroy the world with a flood (Genesis 9:11). The end of the world, described in 2Peter 3:10 as the day of the Lord will occur after the final judgement by God (Revelation 20:7-10). This scripture reveals that the universe will be destroyed by fire. Therefore, believers should bear in mind that this present world will not last forever (Matthew 5:18).
OUTLINES:
1. THE PASSING AWAY OF THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH
2. EMERGENCE OF THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH
1. THE PASSING AWAY OF THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH
i. The prophet Isaiah foretold the passing away of Heaven and Earth (Isaiah 34:4; 51:6).
ii. This refers to the physical Heaven and earth – the material world and all it contains – but not to the inhabitants of heaven and earth. To “pass away” is to disappear or be no more.
iii. The “heavens” in 2 Peter 3:10 refers to the physical universe – the stars, planets, and galaxies – which will be consumed by some kind of tremendous explosion, possibly a nuclear or atomic reaction that will consume and wipe out all matter as we know it.
iv. All the elements that make up the universe will be melted in the “fervent heat” (2 Peter 3:12).
v. This will also be a noisy event, described in different Bible versions as a “roar” (NIV), a “great noise” (KJV), a “loud noise” (CEV), and a “thunderous crash” (AMP). There will be no doubt as to what is happening.
vi. Everyone will see and hear it because we are also told that “the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.”
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: How should believers prepare for the day when the world and elements would melt in fire?
2. EMERGENCE OF THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH
i. In Revelation 21:1, John writes of a new heaven and a new earth in the eternal state, having seen that “the first heaven and the first earth had passed away” (Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3:13).
ii. God will create a “new heaven and a new earth” which will include the “New Jerusalem” (Revelation 21:2), the capital city of Heaven, a place of perfect holiness, which will come down from heaven to the new earth.
iii. This is the city where the saints-those whose names were written in the “Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 13:8) – will live forever. Peter refers to this new creation as “the home of righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13).
PERSPECTIVE
Knowing that Heaven and earth will pass away gives us perspective in life.
i. This world is not our home. “We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).
ii. Jesus tells us to have the proper priorities (Matthew 6:19-20).
iii. Also Peter, after reminding us of the temporary nature of this world, says, “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” (2 Peter 3:14).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: The class members should identify common spots or stains which could tarnish a believer’s life of holiness.
CONCLUSION: Believers should remain faithful to the end because there is the hope of eternal life with God beyond this present world.
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