Beloved, we are glad you could join in today again, we look forward to your engagement everyday as always. Please, say these declarations in faith and believe God for a performance.

Note: These prayers are spiritual and can only be understood and fully enjoyed by God’s children. If you want to be blessed from these prayers, you must first, surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, by saying this prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I come before You today with a broken and contrite heart full of repentance. Please, forgive me all my sins. Today, I surrender my life to You, I believe that Jesus is Lord and I confess it with my mouth. Jesus, come into my life and save my soul from eternal destruction in hellfire. In Jesus’ name I pray.”

If you joined in that life-changing prayer! Kindly reach us today: [email protected] for guidance on how to grow in Christ.

Join today’s Devotion here: Open Heavens 15 October 2022

Today’s Prayer Points: Prayers points for Open Heavens 15 October 2022

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today I’m saved by grace through Faith. The finished works of Jesus and my belief in Him makes me a child of God, saved and redeemed from darkness and evil in Jesus’ name, Amen. Hallelujah!

DAILY DECLARATION

Thank You Jesus for today. Spirit of God, help me today day and always to live a life that pleases my father in heaven, in Jesus’ name

I decree and declare, today that my day is fruitful and filled with productive moments, in the mighty name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that I and everyone around me awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that I cast off the works of darkness, and I put on the armor of light in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that I and my household walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that I do no despise the Word of God in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that none of the diseases that fall on the Egyptians (unbelievers) will come to me and my family In Jesus name!

I decree and declare that I am healed of every disease and sickness by Jesus stripes in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that as I study, meditate, and act on the word of God, it is sharp and quick and works for me in the mighty name of Jesus.

I decree and declare, the favour of God surrounds all that concerns me and my household beyond measures, in the mighty name of Jesus.

Thank You Father for your son Pastor E. A Adeboye, I decree and declare may the wisdom and inspiration of the Almighty upon him never cease and the grace of God will continually dwell with him and his entire household in the mighty name of Jesus.

I decree and declare heaven responds to these prayers and declaration as I say them and I receive answers in Jesus name.

Holy Spirit thank You for the intercessory team, thank You for Your power and presence in their midst, please continue to inspire the intercessory team for more prophetic declarations. Help them to continue to communicate Your heart even through these declarations, please continue to inspire them for more prophetic declarations in Jesus’ name.

Thank You Lord for everyone working on this platform (RCCGONLINE.ORG). Please Lord, perfect everything that concerns them and make them great in Jesus name.

Thank You Holy Spirit for all the testimonies and miracles coming through these prayers. May they be permanent in Jesus name.

Father, let everybody joining in to say this declarations all over the world experience great miracles throughout this month. May we have numerous testimonies in Jesus name.

Somebody shout Hallelujah!

See you tomorrow.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 15 OCTOBER 2022 MEMORIZE: For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 2 Corinthians 1:20

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 15 OCTOBER 2022 BIBLE READING 2 CORINTHIANS 1:20-22

20. For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

21. Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;

22. Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 15 OCTOBER 2022 MESSAGE

When a person makes a promise to you, he/she can fail or change his/her mind but our Heavenly Father does not. He will always keep His promises as written in our memory verse for today.

Abraham and Sarah were promised a child and it took many years before the promise was fulfilled. God also promised to take the Israelites to the Promised Land after 400 years of slavery and He fulfilled it. He promised to send a Messiah that would reconcile the world to Him; He fulfilled it through Jesus Christ. God never fails in keeping His word.

However, for God to fulfil His promise in your life, you have a role to play. Stay with Him, never turn back from following after Him because that would only prolong your days of waiting for the fulfilment of His promise. Also, keep confessing His word. In His time, He will fulfil the promise He made to you.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 15 OCTOBER 2022 KEY POINT

God never fails in keeping His promises.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 15 OCTOBER 2022 HYMN

STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF GOD

1. Standing on the promises of Christ, our King,
Thro’ eternal ages let His praises ring;
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

CHORUS:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God, my Saviour;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

2. Standing on the promises that cannot fail.
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

3. Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.

4. Standing on the promises of Christ, the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 15 OCTOBER 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: 1 THESSALONIANS 3:1-13, ISAIAH 56-58

Beloved, we are glad you could join in today again, we look forward to your engagement everyday as always. Please, say these declarations in faith and believe God for a performance.

Note: These prayers are spiritual and can only be understood and fully enjoyed by God’s children. If you want to be blessed from these prayers, you must first, surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, by saying this prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I come before You today with a broken and contrite heart full of repentance. Please, forgive me all my sins. Today, I surrender my life to You, I believe that Jesus is Lord and I confess it with my mouth. Jesus, come into my life and save my soul from eternal destruction in hellfire. In Jesus’ name I pray.”

If you joined in that life-changing prayer! Kindly reach us today: [email protected] for guidance on how to grow in Christ.

Join today’s Devotion here: Open Heavens 14 October 2022

Today’s Prayer Points: Prayers points for Open Heavens 14 October 2022

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today I am fueled by faith and not fear or uncertainty. I may not know the way but I know the One who does therefore I am full of strength and faith to forge on. As I act in faith, doors and gates open up to me in Jesus’ name, Amen. Hallelujah!

DAILY DECLARATION

I decree and declare; I am deeply rooted in God, therefore nothing can move me in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that I am a man/woman of faith and I act by faith in the name of Jesus.

I declare that my faith is strengthened and move on without fear in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that my faith reaches out to God today and my prayers are answered in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that I have the faith and boldness required to step out boldly in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that my faith works for my family, health, career, business, finances and life in general in Jesus name.

I decree and declare; God is my strength and my portion forever in Jesus name.

I decree and I declare, I am about to walk into the best chapters of my life in the name of Jesus.

Thank You Father for your son Pastor E. A Adeboye, I decree and declare may the wisdom and inspiration of the Almighty upon him never cease and the grace of God will continually dwell with him and his entire household in the mighty name of Jesus.

I decree and declare heaven responds to these prayers and declaration as I say them and I receive answers in Jesus name.

Holy Spirit thank You for the intercessory team, thank You for Your power and presence in their midst, please continue to inspire the intercessory team for more prophetic declarations. Help them to continue to communicate Your heart even through these declarations, please continue to inspire them for more prophetic declarations in Jesus’ name.

Thank You Lord for everyone working on this platform (RCCGONLINE.ORG). Please Lord, perfect everything that concerns them and make them great in Jesus name.

Thank You Holy Spirit for all the testimonies and miracles coming through these prayers. May they be permanent in Jesus name.

Father, let everybody joining in to say this declarations all over the world experience great miracles throughout this month. May we have numerous testimonies in Jesus name.

Somebody shout Hallelujah!

See you tomorrow.

Beloved, we are glad you could join in today again, we look forward to your engagement everyday as always. Please, say these prayers in faith and believe God for a performance.

Note: These prayers are spiritual, this can only be understood and fully accessed by God’s children. If you want to be blessed from these prayers, you must first, surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, by saying this prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I come before You today with a broken and contrite heart full of repentance. Please, forgive me all my sins. Today, I surrender my life to You, I believe that Jesus is Lord and I confess it with my mouth. Jesus, come into my life and save my soul from eternal destruction in hellfire. In Jesus’ name, I pray.”

If you joined in that life-changing prayer, congratulations! Welcome to the family of God. Kindly reach us today via this email: [email protected]

Today’s Devotional: Open Heavens 14 October 2022

Powerful Declarations: Powerful Declarations For Today 14 October 2022

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today I am fueled by faith and not fear or uncertainty. I may not know the way but I know the One who does therefore I am full of strength and faith to forge on. As I act in faith, doors and gates open up to me in Jesus’ name, Amen. Hallelujah!

PRAYER POINTS

Lord I bless Your name and I give You all the glory for the beautiful things You are doing in my life. Father I pray that Your faithfulness will forever remain in my life in Jesus name.

Father I acknowledge my sins and iniquity, I confess my sins to You and I pray for Your forgiveness in Jesus name.

Father I commit my work and my business to and I pray that You will prosper the works of my hands in Jesus name.

Father, please help my unbelief and strengthen my faith in the name of Jesus.

Lord, Grant me the grace to act by faith daily in Jesus name.

Lord, as I have faith and act by it, let my miracles begin to pour in in the name of Jesus.

Father put in me the love for Your works and help me build a passionate love for You in Jesus name.

Lord give me the character and the grace to maintain good relationships with people in the name of Jesus.

Thank You for the benefactors and beneficiaries of Your great work on this platform (RCCGONLINE.ORG). Father I ask that fresh fire fall upon them, that they will be set ablaze for You.

Oh Lord, bless your son Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye for all his years of continual service, remember him, guide him on the path, help him remain focused, bless his entire household, and fulfill all Your promises for their liberation, ministry and family, in Jesus’ name.

Thank You Father for the intercessory team and the online platform (RCCGONLINE.ORG) and that which You have put in their hearts, I pray that You make them as flaming swords to bring men to Your kingdom and shut down the works of darkness in the name of Jesus.

Father, bless everyone dedicating their time to pray through these prayers & declarations at the point of their needs. Give them the grace to share/rebroadcast, in Jesus’ name.

Father, please uphold Your children working everyday on this platform (rccgonline.org) to prepare these prayers and declarations with Your right hand of righteousness and all those who have been rebroadcasting them, give them the grace to keep up with this good work of Faith, in the name of Jesus.

By faith, appreciate God for answered prayers. Your testimonies are undeniable in Jesus’ name.

Father, let every challenge, hindrance and obstacle of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus’ name.

Submit yourself and your personal petitions to God. Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.

( Philippians 4:6)

In Jesus’ name I pray.

(John 14:13-14; 15:16)

Thank you Father for answered prayers.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18).

#GodBlessOurNation

These prayers have no expiry date! Please, pray them, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus’ name.

See you here tomorrow.

OPEN HEAVEN 14 OCTOBER 2022 MEMORIZE: Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. Matthew 9:29

OPEN HEAVEN 14 OCTOBER 2022 BIBLE READING ROMANS 4:16-20

16. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

17. (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

18. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

19. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb:

20. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

OPEN HEAVEN 14 OCTOBER 2022 MESSAGE

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarded of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

Many people do not receive from God because they do not have faith. In one of our Holy Ghost Services at the Redemption Camp in Nigeria, God said He wanted to heal people with back pains, so He told me to call them out.

When they came out, God told me to dance round them. Ridiculous as it seemed, I obeyed. I danced round them and at some point, God told me to stop. Then He said, Ask them to bend their backs now. I did so, and they could touch their toes; the back pains were gone.

You need faith to get miracles. You need to believe Him even when what He is saying seems ridiculous. In Matthew 14:25-31, Jesus told Peter to come and walk on water and Peter jumped into the sea immediately.

As long as he wasn’t considering the storm, he was walking on the water. The moment he considered the storm, however, he began to sink. If we want to enjoy miracles from God, we must shut our eyes and ears to the reasons why it may not happen.

We must just believe God for what He has said and ignore everything else. If Abraham had considered his age, he would not have fathered a child, but Romans 4:19 says: “And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb:”

In Mark 3:1-5, Jesus told the man with the withered hand to stretch it forth. If the man had refused to stretch his hand, he would have missed his miracle.

Imagine if Peter had questioned the Lord when Jesus told him to cast his net into the water even though he had fished all night and caught nothing (Luke 5:4-6). You don’t need to bother your head about how God will do it; just obey and you will see the miracle, otherwise, you would lose it.

OPEN HEAVEN 14 OCTOBER 2022 KEY POINT

Are you acting by faith?

OPEN HEAVEN 14 OCTOBER 2022 HYMN

MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE

1. My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Saviour divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away;
O let me from this day
Be wholly Thine.

2. May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire;
As Thou hast died for me,
O may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be,
A living fire.

3. While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.

4. When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll, Blest Saviour, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
O bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul.

OPEN HEAVEN 14 OCTOBER 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: MATTHEW 18:1-35, MATTHEW 19:1-30, MATTHEW 20:1-34

OPEN HEAVEN 15 OCTOBER 2022 MEMORIZE: But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:13

OPEN HEAVEN 15 OCTOBER 2022 BIBLE READING ROMANS 13:11-13

11. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

12. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

13. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

OPEN HEAVEN 15 OCTOBER 2022 MESSAGE

My beloved, if man makes a threat, circumstances can go against him so that he would not be able to carry it out. However, when God warns of impending doom and provides a way of escape, we had better pay attention to it because He is more than able to bring it to pass.

Many people have scoffed at the warning of the impending eternal damnation that awaits sinners by ignoring the message of salvation. Such people are thinking that just because the return of Christ is yet to come, the message doesn’t matter. If man says a thing, it may not come to pass; however, when God speaks, thousands of years may pass by, but that word will still be fulfilled.

“But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” “Matthew 24:37-39”

God threatened to wipe out the whole world with a flood and then instructed Noah to build an ark to save himself, his family and two of every other sort of living thing. For over a century, the flood did not happen, but Noah ensured he constructed the ark. When the flood eventually started, those who despised the word of God were doomed.

There were many prophecies about Jesus Christ in the Old Testament but the fulfilment of His birth came thousands of years after. No matter how long it may seem to take, the word of God will surely come to pass. Those who scoff at the word of God now will eventually have themselves to blame.

You may have been delaying your salvation to a later date, 2 Corinthians 6:2 says: “For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

What makes you think that you will have another opportunity to repent before you are called home? This moment is the only one you are sure of; use it to get yourself right with God before it is too late.

OPEN HEAVEN 15 OCTOBER 2022 KEY POINT

Surrender your life to Christ today; not tomorrow – TODAY.

OPEN HEAVEN 15 OCTOBER 2022 HYMN

ALL TO JESUS I SURRENDER

1. All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

CHORUS:
I surrender all,
I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Saviour,
I surrender all.

2. All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow;
Worldly pleasures all forsaken,
Take me, Jesus, take me now.

3. All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.

4. All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame;
O the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory to His name!

OPEN HEAVEN 15 OCTOBER 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: MATTHEW 21:1-46, MATTHEW 22:1-46

OPEN HEAVEN 16 OCTOBER 2022 MEMORIZE: And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. Job 28:28

OPEN HEAVEN 16 OCTOBER 2022 BIBLE READING PSALMS 25:14

The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

OPEN HEAVEN 16 OCTOBER 2022 MESSAGE

I have heard some funny theories concerning the fear of God. Some people believe that when the Bible says, Fear God, it doesn’t really mean that you should fear Him; it actually means that you should just reverence Him. I don’t know which Bible they are reading, but my Bible says, Fear God, period.

Hebrews 12:29 says that He is a consuming fire. Who is not afraid of fire? Even a mad dog, when he sees fire, will run. The Bible says in Proverbs 1:7 that: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Proverbs 1:7 The Bible verse above is saying that if there is any iota of wisdom in you at all, you will fear this God. Thus, if you see someone who doesn’t fear God yet claims to be wise, he is only deceiving himself. Now, my question to you is: do you fear God? I want you to think about that question very well before you answer.

Do you really fear Him? If you truly fear Him, you will not be disobeying His commandments. “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:7.

The moment you dip your hands into sin, you are telling God that you don’t fear Him, that you are wise in your own eyes. It may look as if God is powerless now because you committed sin and He did nothing, but I advise you to stop it because His wrath is coming for all sinners.

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;” Romans 1:18 Don’t be among fools who have chosen not to fear God.

You want to be wise? You want God to share secrets with you? You want to avoid Gods wrath? Fear Him and show this in your complete and prompt obedience to His word.

OPEN HEAVEN 16 OCTOBER 2022 KEY POINT

If you have any iota of wisdom at all, you will fear God and stay away from sin henceforth.

OPEN HEAVEN 16 OCTOBER 2022 HYMN

OPEN HEAVEN 16 OCTOBER 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: MATTHEW 23:1-39, MATTHEW 24:1-51

OPEN HEAVEN 17 OCTOBER 2022 MEMORIZE: And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. John 17:3

OPEN HEAVEN 17 OCTOBER 2022 BIBLE READING ISAIAH 43:10-11

10. Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

11. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.

OPEN HEAVEN 17 OCTOBER 2022 MESSAGE

You can never know God enough. Paul said: “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 That is Paul – the great Apostle who God revealed so much of Himself to and this is evident in his writings which make up a significant part of the New Testament.

Despite this, Apostle Paul still said he wished to know God more. You can never know enough of God because 1 Corinthians 13:9. says that we only know in part. Anyone who says he or she already knows all there is to know about God is a liar.

Every believer must strive always to know more and more of God; it should be our daily yearning. There are many benefits to knowing God. Firstly, it is only those who know God that can do exploits. The latter part of Daniel 11:32 says: “but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”

The more of God you know, the more the exploits you can do and vice versa. Seek to know Him more so that you can do more and more exploits.Secondly, eternal life is in knowing God.In John 17:3, Jesus defined eternal life as being about knowing God and His Son Jesus Christ.

If you know God, then you will begin to enjoy Gods Kingdom right from here. When a believer goes to be with the Lord, it is wrong to say that they have died because they crossed from death to life long ago. They are only sleeping (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14).

If you want to know God, you will spend time studying His word daily and you will gladly attend Bible Study. You will also pray very often. When I just became born again, I was always the first to arrive at Bible Study meetings because I just wanted to know more about God daily.

Up until now, I ensure that I pay attention and take notes anytime someone is talking about Jesus Christ. I just want to know Him more and more. What about you?

OPEN HEAVEN 17 OCTOBER 2022 PRAYER POINT

Heavenly Father, please reveal more of Yourself to me. I want to know You more.

OPEN HEAVEN 17 OCTOBER 2022 HYMN

OPEN HEAVEN 17 OCTOBER 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: MATTHEW 25:1-46, MATTHEW 26:1-75

LESSON SEVEN (07)
TOPIC: GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

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 endow me with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: Leader should ask members to mention fruit of the Spirit learnt in previous lesson.

MEMORY VERSE: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning”. James 1:17

BIBLE TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-21

1. Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

2. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

3. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

4. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

6. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

7. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

8. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

9. To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10. To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

11. But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

12. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

14. For the body is not one member, but many.

15. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

16. And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

17. If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

18. But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

19. And if they were all one member, where were the body?

20. But now are they many members, yet but one body.

21. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: There is a lot of difference between natural talents and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are special gifts given by the Spirit to believers to equip them for the work of the ministry and build up the body of Christ and God’s Kingdoms. There are many of these gifts and they are all available today as in the time of the Apostles.

LESSON AIM: To have deeper understanding of the gifts of Holy Spirit.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, members should be able to:
i. Know what the gifts of the Holy Spirit entails.
ii. Know new abilities receive when we deplore the gifts into use.

TEXT REVIEW: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-21.
i. The manifestation of the Spirit is to help the Church to progress.

ii. The distribution of those gifts is done by the Holy Spirit.

iii. Holy Spirit decides which gift each person should have.

iv. God works in our lives in different ways and different time.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE:
HOW MANY KINDS OF GIFTS ARE THERE?

There are various kinds of gifts of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 lists some of them as the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. This list consists of nine gifts. According to Ephesians 4:11, ministerial gifts were mentioned, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers, all these are to be used to equip the body of Christ and for the perfection of the saints. Ephesians 4:12.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO:
SHOULD WE DESIRE THE GIFTS?
The answer is given in 1 Corinthians 12:31. We are not just to desire them; we are to covet them. This is only covetousness that have divine blessing. Do not be satisfied with just one or two gifts. Seek and pray for others that will help you in the particular position He has given you in the body. In the parable of the talents, the man who was originally given five gained five more and the unused one was given to him as extra. He ended up with eleven talents. Initially, you may have one or two gifts. Try and identify them and then keep on seeking for more to use for His glory.

LESSON OUTLINE THREE:
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE WITH THE GIFTS?

We are to use any gift given to us, 1 Timothy 4:14, some people hide their gifts because they consider them inferior to others. This can be very dangerous as the parable of talents shows. Not only, are we to use the gifts, we are also to improve on them, 2 Timothy 1:6. The gifts need constant usage to be advantageous to the Kingdom of God.

ACTIVITY: What do you understand by gifts of words of knowledge and wisdom.

CONCLUSION: Have you any gift? Have you been using them? Are they lost or you want to regain them? Or you want more? Why not talk to God about it.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, thank You because all good gifts are from You.

2. Father, I need the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Please, pour them into my life.

3. O Lord, help us in RCCG and the entire body of Christ to utilise our gifts appropriately.

4. Pray for the growth of RCCG numerically, spiritually and materially.

5. Father, I shall not loose my gifts.

GOLDEN DIET FOR THE WEEK:

MONDAY: Let us thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit, Act 10:44-45.

TUESDAY: The gift is available for all who have been baptized, Acts 2:38.

WEDNESDAY: The gift is received in faith, Galatians 3:14

THURSDAY: His promises cannot fail, 2 Corinthians 1:22

FRIDAY: His gift is a reward for obedience, Acts 5:32

SATURDAY: These gifts are in abundance, Acts 15:8

SUNDAY: The gift and calling of God are without repentance.

LESSON SEVEN (07)
TOPIC: POLITICAL DOMINION

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 friend friendship suits me well,
Both young and 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?

MEMORY VERSE: “Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.” Daniel 6:3 (NKJV).

BIBLE PASSAGE: GENESIS 1:26-28.

[26]And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

[27]So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

[28]And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

INTRODUCTION: The word dominion means “rule or power over.” God has sovereign power over His creation and has also delegated the authority to mankind to have dominion over the works of His hands (Gen.1:26; Ps. 8:6). However, some Christians are passive and do not see that God wants the Church to take charge of and revamp their societies. Instead, they only see the command for believers to preach the gospel as in Matthew 28:19-20 and wait for God to implement social reforms Himself.

LESSON OUTLINE:
1. DOMINION THEOLOGY
2. CHRISTIANS’ DISPOSITION TO POLITICAL DOMINION

1. DOMINION THEOLOGY

Dominion theology refers to a line of thought with regard to the role of the church in contemporary society; it holds that biblical Christians should rule all areas of society, personal and corporate by the Law of God. This belief is based on Genesis 1:28, which says, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion …” This verse is a divine mandate to claim dominion over the earth, physically, spiritually, economically, politically, etc. (Lk.19:13).

This theological idea about Christians having political dominion has its root in the nature of God and reality, the importance of justice, the value of freedom, and a rich understanding of the human person as created in the image of God (Ps.82:6; Jn.10:34), made for flourishing (Ps.92:12-13), and called to an eternal destiny (Rom.8:30).

ACTIVITY 1: Student should discuss why some believers do not take the lead.

2. CHRISTIANS’ DISPOSITION TO POLITICAL DOMINION

The political docility of Christians of the early church could be traced to the fact that Israel and some gentile nations were under the colonial rule of the Roman Empire and Christians were taught to be in subjection to the authorities that be (Rom. 13:1): at best, they were to pray for those in power and could not participate in the politics of their time (1Tim. 2:1-2). This might have been responsible for Christians’ hesitance to be actively involved in the politics of our days whereas, the God we believe and serve is interested in the way the world is governed (Gen.1:28).

Satan stole the “keys of dominion” when he deceived Adam and Eve. Then, when Christ gave the “keys of the kingdom” to Peter in Matthew 16:19, it was a sign that dominion had been returned to man. Now it is our job to “take back” what is rightfully ours. Political dominion is a must for Christians, not an option because the earth is our place of dominion, not heaven (Ps.115:16). Christians have to occupy strategic political positions in order to be at the helms of affairs for positive influence.

While it is true that we belong to a heavenly kingdom that is not of this world, we are still numbered among the people in this world and are subjected to the rules and systems of its government (Jn.17:15-16). It is true that we are seeking another home, a city “with foundations” (Heb.11:10, 14; 13:14) but that should not be an excuse to be nonchalant about our present abode and refuse to take responsibility for its governance (Ps.115:16). It is also true that the world is passing away (1Cor. 7:31) but we should not forget that we will also give an account of how it is managed before it passes away (1Jn.2:17).

Therefore, it should be of concern to Christians to be a part of ‘high level’ decision-making processes to ensure that justice is done, biblical principles are upheld and the Christian faith survives and is preserved (Ps.33:5; Mic. 6:8). As the salt and light of the world (Matt.5:13-16), when we engage ourselves in politics and government, we speak out for those who cannot speak and defend the rights of the poor and needy (Prov.31:8-9).

ACTIVITY 2: Students should identify areas where they want to make changes if they had the privilege of being in power.

CONCLUSION: All Christians are political, whether we realise it or not. If we choose not to engage in politics, it is a vote for the status quo – the way things are.

QUESTIONS:
* Explain dominion theology.
* Mention three dispositions of Christians to political dominion.

ASSIGNMENT: Students should list five reasons Christians are afraid of being involved in politics. (2×5=10 marks).