OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 7 OCTOBER 2024 MEMORISE: The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. Psalm 28:7

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 7 OCTOBER 2024 READ Psalm 121:1-8

1. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

3. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

6. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

7. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

8. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Open Heaven 7 October 2024

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 7 OCTOBER 2024 MESSAGE

One of my sons likes today’s Bible reading passage so much that anytime he is preaching, he would say, “Your help is not from abroad but from above.”

He once shared his story with me: he was one of the poorest in his lineage; he was so poor that he once got a waistcoat and a pair of trousers as a gift, and he wore them for ten years as it was the only corporate attire he had.

One day, he cried to God for help, and God gave him a song, “Remember me Oh Lord, remember me Oh Lord, remember me Oh Lord today…” This song has remained on the lips of many Christians in serious need.

To the glory of God, this son has built churches for God, sponsored many children’s education, and is still marching on in his journey to eternity with God.

My dear child, the ‘soft life’ that you seek can be found in God alone.

If you seek help through other means, your enjoyment will be short-lived, but if you allow God to help you, He will bless you, and there will be no sorrow added to you (Proverbs 10:22).

Please ask Him for the grace to remain steadfast until He comes through for you.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 7 OCTOBER 2024 ACTION POINT

Call on God today, and ask Him to help you.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 7 OCTOBER 2024 HYMN 45

O GOD OUR HELP IN AGES PAST

1. O God, Our Help In Ages Past
Our Hope For Years To Come
Our Shelter From The Stormy Blast
And Our Eternal Home

2. Under The Shadow Of Thy Throne
Thy Saints Have Dwelt Secure
Sufficient Is Thine Arm Alone
And Our Defence Is Sure

3. Before The Hills In Order Stood
Or Earth Received Her Frame
From Everlasting Thou Art God
To Endless Years The Same

4. A Thousand Ages In Thy Sight
Are Like An Evening Gone
Short As The Watch That Ends The Night
Before The Rising Sun

5. Time, Like An Ever-Rolling Stream
Bears All Its Sons Away
They Fly Forgotten, As A Dream
Dies At The Opening Day

6. O God, Our Help In Ages Past
Our Hope For Years To Come
Be Thou Our Guard While Trouble Last
And Our Eternal Home

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 7 OCTOBER 2024 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Jeremiah 8:8-9:26 Colossians 3:1-17

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 6 OCTOBER 2024 MEMORISE: The foolishness of a man twists his way, And his heart frets against the Lord. Proverbs 19:3

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 6 OCTOBER 2024 READ: Habakkuk 1:13

Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?

Open Heaven 6 October 2024

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 6 OCTOBER 2024 MESSAGE:

When some people go through difficult times, they ask God questions such as: “God, why didn’t you stop me from making that decision? Why did you allow my mom to die?

Why did you put me in a world with so much wickedness? Why didn’t you protect me?”

My dear child, regardless of whatever happens to you, God is still God, and His ways are not our ways.

Remember the story of Job; despite the pressure from his friends and wife to curse God for allowing great tribulation to come upon him, he still judged God faithful.

No wonder the Bible says that Job was an upright and righteous man.

Don’t blame God when bad things happen; He has promised that even though we live in this wicked world and encounter many challenges, He will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5-6).

My dear child, let every challenge that you face draw you closer to God and make you worship Him.

I implore you to trust Him more because He is Omnipotent; He has the power to control all situations and make all things work together for your good

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 6 OCTOBER 2024 KEY POINT

Never blame God when things don’t go your way. Instead, trust Him because He’s working everything for your good.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 6 OCTOBER 2024 HYMN 53

‘TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS

1. ’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise;
Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord.”

Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

2. O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
Just in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

3. Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

4. I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Saviour, Friend,
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 6 OCTOBER 2024 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Jeremiah 6:7 Colossians 2:8-23

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 5 OCTOBER 2024 MEMORISE: But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee. 1 Samuel 13:14

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 5 OCTOBER 2024 READ: 1 Samuel 16:1-23

[1]And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.

[2]And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD.

[3]And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.

[4]And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?

[5]And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.

[6]And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD’S anointed is before him.

[7]But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

[8]Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.

[9]Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.

[10]Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these.

[11]And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.

[12]And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.

[13]Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

[14]But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.

[15]And Saul’s servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.

[16]Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.

[17]And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.

[18]Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.

[19]Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep.

[20]And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul.

[21]And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.

[22]And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight.

[23]And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 5 OCTOBER 2024 MESSAGE

One of the notable bible characters whose name spanned through history was David.

He was a king, priest, and songwriter who wrote more than half of the book of Psalms.

David knew how to thank God and dance before Him, both in private and in public.

David impressed God so much that God referred to him as “a man after my heart” (Acts 13:22).

Anytime he made an error, he would not justify his sin, but he would run to God to ask for mercy, and he would not make that sin a habit.

This is one lesson to glean from David – he never committed a sin twice.

Have you been corrected many times over an offence? You need to repent today.

No parent will be happy with any child who keeps repeating the same offence.

Therefore, if you want your parents to be happy with you all the time, you should take to corrections.

Also, if you want God to love you specially, run away from sin.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 5 OCTOBER 2024 REFLECTION

What is your attitude towards correction?

 

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 5 OCTOBER 2024 HYMN 44

DEEPER, DEEPER IN THE LOVE OF JESUS

1. Deeper, Deeper In The Love Of Jesus
Daily Let Me Go;
Higher, Higher In The School Of Wisdom,
More Of Grace To Know.
Refrain:
Oh, Deeper Yet, I Pray,
And Higher Ev’ry Day,
And Wiser, Blessed, Lord,
In Thy Precious, Holy WorD.

2. Deeper, Deeper! Blessed Holy Spirit,
Take Me Deeper Still,
Till My Life Is Wholly Lost In Jesus,
And His Perfect Will. [Refrain]

3. Deeper, Deeper! Tho’ It Cost Hard Trials,
Deeper Let Me Go!
Rooted In The Holy Love Of Jesus,
Let Me Fruitful Grow. [Refrain]

4. Deeper, Higher, Ev’ry Day In Jesus,
Till All Conflict Past,
Finds Me Conqu’ror, And In His Own Image
Perfected At Last. [Refrain]

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 5 OCTOBER 2024 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Jeremiah 4:15, Colossians 1:18-2:7

OPEN HEAVEN 6 OCTOBER 2024 SUNDAY: DANGEROUS PRAYERS

OPEN HEAVEN 6 OCTOBER 2024 MEMORISE: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; Philippians 3:10

OPEN HEAVEN 6 OCTOBER 2024 READ: 2 Kings 2:9-12; 2 Kings 2:23-24

2 Kings 2:9-12:

⁹ And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.

¹⁰ And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.

¹¹ And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

¹² And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.

2 Kings 2:23-24:

²³ And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.

²⁴ And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.

OPEN HEAVEN 6 OCTOBER 2024 MESSAGE

In continuation of my teaching on the categories of prayer, I will focus on dangerous prayers today.

Some prayers are dangerous because what will follow if God answers them will be dangerous. This is because to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48).

The prayer for God to anoint you and give you spiritual gifts is a dangerous prayer.

The greater your anointing, the more visible you will be to the enemy. When you read Judges 15, you will see how powerful Samson was.

However, in Judges 16, you will see how dangerous that power was. This is why I spend quality time praying for my children who are evangelists.

I thank God for their lives and the miracles happening through them, but I also know that the anointing makes them very visible to the enemy, and they need to be protected.

The enemy is always after anointed people. In 2 Kings 1:7- 15, the king sent a total of 153 soldiers to arrest Elijah.

However, in Kings 6:8-16, when the king wanted to arrest Elisha, who had a double-portion anointing, he sent the entire army.

There is a level of wealth and influence that, if you ask God for and He gives it to you, will have dangerous results.

This is why sometimes, God holds some things back from some people, because He knows that they cannot handle them.

Like Elisha, if you ask God for a level of the anointing and He gives it to you, your tongue will not remain the same With it, you can bless, and you can also kill.

In 2 Kings 2:19-24, Elisha spoke, and the curse that had been on Jericho for generations vanished.

Also, he decreed a curse on 42 unruly children, and they all died immediately.

It is good to ask for great things, but when you do, remember Numbers 20:1-12. Moses had led the Israelites for 40 years, he made only one mistake, and God said that he wouldn’t go into the Promised Land because of it.

This is why it is important to always pray for your leaders especially your spiritual leaders. The power that they possess can both heal and kill.

In Acts 5:1-11, Ananias and Sapphira sold a land, brought less than the amount they received to Peter, and that deception cost them their lives.

Power can bless, kill, heal, and make sick; be sure you can handle it before you ask for it.

In 2 Kings 5:1-27, Naaman was cleansed by obeying an instruction from Elisha, and Gehazi became a leper by another word from the same mouth.

OPEN HEAVEN 6 OCTOBER 2024 KEY POINT

Make sure you are sanctified in Christ before you ask for great power from Him.

OPEN HEAVEN 6 OCTOBER 2024 HYMN 1

ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME

OPEN HEAVEN 6 OCTOBER 2024 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Matthew 14-17

LESSON SIX (06)
TOPIC: MEN-PLEASERS

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

BIBLE PASSAGE: Ephesians 6:5-8 (NKJV)
[5]Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;
[6]not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
[7]with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,
[8]knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.

MEMORY VERSE: “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.” Colossians 3:22 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: A “Men-Pleaser” is an individual who strives to please men or seeks to gain their favour with an ulterior motive. If the motive for your actions, speeches or attitudes is to always please men or the world rather than God, then you are in the category of men-pleasers (Acts 5:29).

OUTLINES:
1. Characteristics And Dangers Of Pleasing Men
2. Overcoming Men-Pleasing Attitudes

1. CHARACTERISTICS AND DANGERS OF PLEASING MEN
There are peculiar traits associated with men pleasers that tend to separate them from the rest of humanity. Some of these are:
1. LOVE FOR HUMAN PRAISE: They are known to love the praise of men and to receive special appellations from other people (John 12:43).
2. EMOTIONAL TOXICITY: They can do anything including to “murder” people, either physically, spiritually or emotionally. While Herod used physical weapons such as imprisonment or guns (Acts 12:1-3), some other people used their tongue, position etc.
3. MANIPULATION OF JUSTICE: Men pleasers usually have undue respect for men such that they tamper with justice and deliver injustice to the poor (Deuteronomy 1:17).
4. FEAR OF MEN: They exhibit fear of man as one of their peculiar traits, they always forget that the fear of man often brings a snare (Proverbs 29: 25).
5. However, the scripture warns against being men-pleasers because of the inherent dangers.
Anyone who has the habit of pleasing men will live in perpetual bondage (1 Samuel 15:24). Such a person will lose his or her freedom. Also, men-pleasers will become accomplices in sin (Proverbs 28:21). The person will not have a mind of his or her own and will be easily tossed (Ephesians 4:14). Men-pleasers will become the enemy of God (James 4:4b) because of the attention given to men other than God. Men-pleasers will eventually experience the wrath of God because such a person is working contrary to God (Isaiah 30:1-2; Jeremiah 17:5).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention the additional dangers of pleasing men.

2. OVERCOMING MEN-PLEASING ATTITUDES
Men-pleasing attitudes can be overcome through a high degree of seriousness and consistency. Rededicate and consecrate your heart to God by putting the Almighty in His true and deserving first position (Deuteronomy 6:5). God must always be your delight (Psalm 37:4) and love Him passionately (1 John 4:19). Follow people, as they follow Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). Stop putting your hope in men because vain is the help of man (Psalm 60:11). Pray more in the Spirit for courage (Joshua 1:6) to say no and you will prevail over men-pleasing attitudes.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Have you tried to please men before, what was the outcome?

CONCLUSION: God is supreme, worthy of our worship and does not like competition. Beware of men-pleasing attitudes.

QUESTIONS:
* What are the dangers of pleasing men?
* Mention three ways to overcome men-pleasing attitudes.

FURTHER READING: SUN: Rom.1:16; MON: 1Sam.15:24; TUE: Ps.20:7; WED: Acts 10:35; THUR: 2Sam.1:1-16; FRI: 1Thess.2:4; SAT: Eph.6:1-8.

ASSIGNMENT: State five (5) likely dangers of pleasing men above God. (2X5=10 Marks).

LESSON SIX (06)
TOPIC: MEN-PLEASERS

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

OPENING PRAYER: Father, deliver me from eye service in the name of Jesus.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Ephesians 6:5-8 (NKJV)
[5]Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;
[6]not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
[7]with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,
[8]knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.

MEMORY VERSE: “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.” Colossians 3:22 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: A “Men-Pleaser” is an individual who strives to please men or seeks to gain their favour with an ulterior motive. If the motive for your actions, speeches or attitudes is to always please men or the world rather than God, then you are in the category of men-pleasers (Acts 5:29).

TEACHER’S DIARY
LESSON AIM: To teach the church about men-pleasers and its attendant danger.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through this study, students should be able to:
a. Know what it means to be men-pleasers.
b. Identify the characteristics of men-pleasers.
c. Recognise the inherent danger of being a men-pleaser.
d. Understand how to overcome this attitude.

TEXT REVIEW: Ephesians 6:5-8.
The Apostle Paul speaks about our relationship with men.
a. For the servants he says obey your masters with fear and trembling, with a heart that is true as unto Christ, V5.
b. Not with:
i. ……………………………………….V6a.
ii. ………………………………………………V6b.
iii. ……………………………………………..V6c.
c. With good will doing service as unto God and not men, V7.
d. Having the understanding that whatsoever a man does, he shall receive despite his status, V8.

OUTLINES:
1. Characteristics And Dangers Of Pleasing Men
2. Overcoming Men-Pleasing Attitudes

1. CHARACTERISTIC AND DANGERS OF PLEASING MEN
A. There are peculiar traits associated with men-pleasers that tend to separate them from the rest of humanity. Some of these are:
1. LOVE FOR HUMAN PRAISE: They are known to love the praise of men and to receive special appellations from other people (John 12:43).
2. EMOTIONAL TOXICITY: They can do anything including to “murder” people, either physically, spiritually or emotionally. While Herod used physical weapons such as imprisonment or guns (Acts 12:1-3), some other people used their tongue, position etc.
3. MANIPULATION OF JUSTICE: Men pleasers usually have undue respect for men such that they tamper with justice and deliver injustice to the poor (Deuteronomy 1:17).
4. FEAR OF MEN: They exhibit fear of man as one of their peculiar traits; they always forget that the fear of man often brings a snare (Proverbs 29:25).

B. However, the scripture warns against being men-pleasers because of the inherent dangers.
1. Anyone who has the habit of pleasing men will live in perpetual bondage (1 Samuel 15:24). Such a person will lose his or her freedom.
2. Men-pleasers will become accomplices in sin (Proverbs 28:21). The person will not have a mind of his or her own and will be easily tossed (Ephesians 4:14).
3. Men-pleasers will become the enemy of God (James 4:4b) because of the attention given to men other than God.
4. Men-pleasers will eventually experience the wrath of God because such a person is working contrary to God (Isaiah 30:1-2; Jeremiah 17:5).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention the additional dangers of pleasing men.

2. OVERCOMING MEN-PLEASING ATTITUDES
Men-pleasing attitudes can be overcome through a high degree of seriousness and consistency: Therefore,
1. Rededicate and consecrate your heart to God by putting the Almighty in His true and deserving first position (Deuteronomy 6:5).
2. God must always be your delight (Psalm 37:4) and love Him passionately (1 John 4:19).
3. Follow people, as they follow Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). Stop putting your hope in men because vain is the help of man (Psalm 60:11).
4. Pray more in the Spirit for courage (Joshua 1:6) to say no and you will prevail over men-pleasing attitudes.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Have you tried to please men before, what was the outcome?

CONCLUSION: God is supreme, worthy of our worship and does not like competition. Beware of men-pleasing attitudes.

EVALUATION: Mention five things you can do to overcome men-pleasing attitudes.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, deliver me from men-pleasing attitudes in Jesus mighty name.

ASSIGNMENT: State five (5) likely dangers of pleasing men above God. (2X5=10 Marks).

LESSON SIX (06)
TOPIC: I KNOW WHO I AM

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 16:13-17.
[13]When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
[14]And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
[15]He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
[16]And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
[17]And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.’’ 2 Corinthians 5:17.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 4 OCTOBER 2024 MEMORISE: They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. Psalm 125:1

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 4 OCTOBER 2024 READ: Psalm 125:1-2

1. They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.

2. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.

Open Heaven 4 October 2024

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 4 OCTOBER 2024 MESSAGE

The magnitude of chaos in some parts of the world today is capable of destabilising the psychology of a young person.

In my days, the economy was better, perversions were not this prevalent, young people respected their elders, and love was evident.

I pray that God will turn things around and give us better days, in Jesus’ name.

Growing children need stability in order to flourish in their families and their academics.

This stability can reduce the impact of external difficulties or pressure that they have to endure.

It is very important that children and young people form positive relationships so that they can thrive, feel safe, and be equipped for success.

However, true stability can only come from God.
The Bible says, “The horse is prepared against the day of battle but safety is of the Lord” (Proverbs 21:31).

This means that it is only in Jesus that a fellow can find stability.

I encourage you to get closer to God from today; He knows how your tomorrow will be.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 4 OCTOBER 2024 KEY POINT

Only God can give you stability in an unstable world.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 4 OCTOBER 2024 HYMN 40

CHRIST IS OUR CORNER-STONE

1. Christ Is Our Corner-Stone;
On Him Alone We Build;
With His True Saints Alone
The Courts Of Heaven Are Filled;
On His Great Love
Our Hopes We Place
Of Present Grace,
And Joys Above.

2. Oh, Then, With Hymns Of Praise
These Hallow’d Courts Shall Ring:
Our Voices We Will Raise,
The Three In One To Sin;
And Thus Proclaim
In Joyful Song,
Both Loud And Long,
That Glorious Name.

3. Here, Gracious God, Do Thou
For Evermore Draw Nigh;
Accept Each Faithful Vow,
And Mark Each Suppliant Sigh;
In Copious Shower
On All Who Pray,
Each Holy Day,
Thy Blessings Pour.

4. Here May We Gain From Heaven
The Grace Which We Implore,
And May That Grace, Once Given
Be With Us Evermore;
Until That Day,
When All The Blest,
To Endless Rest
Are Called Away.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 4 OCTOBER 2024 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Jeremiah 2:18; Colossians 1:1-17

LESSON SIX (06)
TOPIC: I KNOW WHO I AM

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

OPENING PRAYER: Father, give me a deeper revelation of who I am through this lesson in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 16:13-17.
[13]When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
[14]And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
[15]He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
[16]And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
[17]And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.’’ 2 Corinthians 5:17.

INTRODUCTION: Every true child of God must be able to answer the question ‘Who are you?’ with confidence and full conviction. We must be clear about our identity because knowing who you are makes a difference in your life. Every child of God must be able to declare with boldness that ‘I am a child of God’ (Romans 8:16). Of course, the character of the person speaking must align with the declaration made.

TEACHER’S DIARY
LESSON AIM: To fuel believers’ conviction of their being in Christ.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through this study, students are expected to:
• Understand their state in Christ.
• Know where they stand.
• Be able to boldly declare who they are in God to the world.

TEACHING PLAN: To achieve the above-stated objectives, the teacher should:
i. Allow the students to recite the memory verse, read the Bible passage, contribute to the discussion, and do class activities and assignments.
ii. Allow the Assistant Teacher to see to the well-being of the class, and mark attendance and assignment.
iii. Teach the lesson outline, summarize, conclude, evaluate the lesson and give assignments.

TEXT REVIEW:.Matthew 16:13-17.
Jesus inquires about the conviction of His followers based on their past interactions and fellowship:
A. Coming into the coast of Philippi, He asked ……………………………………….? V13.
B. The Disciples replied: ………………V14.
C. Jesus asked them …………………? V15.
D. Simon Peter replied …………………V16.
E. Jesus answered ……………………………V17.

OUTLINES:
1. BEING BORN AGAIN
2. A CHANGED PERSON

1. BEING BORN AGAIN
1. A believer in Christ becomes a new creation by being born again (John 3:1-7).
i. The person becomes born again not by works of righteousness but by mercy. (Titus 3:5).
ii. The individual was dead in sin but now alive to God through the righteousness of Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5; Romans 6:11b).
iii. His sins are forgiven and the blood of Jesus has cleansed him (1 John 1:7; Romans 4:7-8).
iv. He is different from his old nature because he has been recreated in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
2. A believer in Christ is not of this world system (John 17:15-16).
i. The person is like a stranger and pilgrim (1 Peter 2:11; Hebrews 11:13).
ii. He lives in the world as one passing through but the world is not passing through him (1Corinthians 7:31).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What are your convictions that you are truly a child of God?

2. A CHANGED PERSON
Several things change when a person gives his/her life to Christ:
1. Being born again confers a new identity to such a believer (2 Corinthians 5:17).
2. He is changed from being a sinner to a saint (Philippians 4:21-22).
3. He used to focus and channel all his energy on earthly things but now has a new goal and that is to attain heaven at all cost (Colossians 3:1-2).
4. The lifestyle of a believer; his words, conducts and actions also change (Ephesians 4:22-32).
5. He is determined to please God in all things.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: How have you changed since you received Christ as your Lord and Saviour?

CONCLUSION: Be delighted and confident in declaring your identity in Christ.

QUESTIONS:
* What does it mean to be born again?
* Mention areas of change that are evident in a new birth.

EVALUATION: Mention three attributes of a changed person in Christ.

CLOSING PRAYER: I declare that I am a child of God, a new creature in Christ and as He is in heaven so am I on earth.

ASSIGNMENT: State five visible changes that have taken place in your life since you surrendered your life to Christ. (2×5=10 Marks).

LESSON FIVE (05)
TOPIC: JABEZ

HOUSE FELLOWSHIP ANTHEM
1. I love this family of God,
So closely knitted into one,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

2. I bless this family of God,
So greatly prospered by the Lord,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

3. I know this family of God,
So deeply rooted in the word,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

4. I see this family of God,
So highly lifted above all,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

5. Come, join this family of God,
So highly favoured by the Lord,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family.

OPENING PRAYER: Father please delete from my destiny evil program and handwriting of sorrow.

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: Leader should reflect carefully on last week lesson on “run it well” and benefits received when the race of destiny is ran well.

BIBLE TEXT: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
[9]And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.
[10]And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

MEMORY VERSE: And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren and his mother called his name Jabez saying, because I bare him with sorrow. 1 Chronicles 4:9

LESSON INTRODUCTION: There is no mountain, human obstacles, family evil pronouncement, Almighty God cannot pull down or address but the factor to get it done is recorded in Matthew. 11:12 i.e being violent. Jacob wrestled with God until his destiny which was plagued with curses was divinely visited and corrected. To become honourable, be ready to enforce your liberty.

LESSON AIM: To have the understanding of what it takes to obtain what is yours and correcting what is odd in yourpath to greatness.

LEADER’S OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson members should be able to have:
a. Full knowledge of who Jabez is

TEXT REVIEW: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
• He refused to accept defeat.
• Though parents may bring you to an unfavourable predicaments but Almighty God has the final say.
• The solution to one’s situation begins with positive reaction to change it.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE
WHO IS JABEZ?
– Jabez was from the tribe of Judah (praise) but was living in sorrow. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10.
– At the beginning of his life, his mother commissioned him to life of sorrow. 1 Chron. 4:9
– He rejected evil spoken to his destiny by his mother.
– Hard time, life of struggles, reproach continued in his life until he (Jabez) reacted.
– Jabez initiated the process of solution for himself by calling on Almighty God for intervention. Jeremiah 33:3.
– He told God what he wanted:
1) God to bless him.
2) God to enlarge his coast i.e prosper his work.
3) God to keep him from all evil and disasters.
4) God to delete from his life things that is causing him to grieved.
– He refused to accept defeat. Numbers 14:28
– He quit the sorry state and delivered his generation from unknown embargo.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO
YOUR INPUTS TO GREATNESS IS REQUIRED.
What are the inputs?
– Have perfect relationship with Almighty God.
– Be determined to succeed, never receive no for an answer.
– Go to the source of your problems and address it. 2 Kings 2:19-22.
– Be prayerful. Mark 9:29
– Obedience will sustain your greatness. 1 Samuel 15:18-22.
– Maintain your stand with God, keep on lane, and remain focused till the victory is won.
– Self-control and discipline is required. Genesis 49:5-7

SUMMARY: Christian should always be ready to reclaim everything belonging to them

CONCLUSION: Everyone created by God has mandate of walking in dominion, though there are adversaries to contend with, from immediate family to extended family members, neighbourhood, working place, e.t.c. This is the reason Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 16:9, that great and effectual doors are opened but there are adversaries to contend with. Fight for your destiny!

PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, destroy every power that commissioned my life sorrow.
2. I reject evil spoken word issued against my destiny.
3. Covenant that brought hard time, life of struggles, reproach to me is destroyed.
4. Father, initiate process of solution and intervention for my destiny.
5. Father, terminate programme of downward journey in my life.

GOLDEN DIET FOR THE WEEK.
MONDAY: Be determined to succeed, never receive no for an answer.
TUESDAY: Go to the source of your problems and address it. 2 Kings 2:19-22.
WEDNESDAY: Be prayerful. Mark 9:29
THURSDAY: Obedience will sustain your greatness. 1 Samuel 15:18-22.
FRIDAY: Maintain your stand with God, keep on lane.
SATURDAY: Self-control and discipline is required. Genesis 49:5-7.
SUNDAY:Have perfect relationship with Almighty God.