OPEN HEAVEN 21 SEPTEMBER 2024 MEMORISE: For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: 1 Peter 3:5

OPEN HEAVEN 21 September 2024 READ: Ephesians 5:22-33

[22]Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

[23]For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

[24]Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

[25]Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

[26]That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

[27]That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

[28]So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

[29]For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

[30]For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

[31]For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

[32]This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

[33]Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

OPEN HEAVEN 21 SEPTEMBER 2024 21 SEPTEMBER 2024 MESSAGE

Marriage is a beautiful gift from God; it is designed to bring joy and fulfilment to both partners.

Like every other gift from God, it comes with a manual – the word of God.

In today’s Bible reading, there is a detailed description of how a husband and wife should relate with each other.

Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the church, while wives are to submit to their husbands.

Many women don’t understand what submission really means.

They say they are submissive, whereas they are only cooperative.

Cooperation is agreeing with your husband because you want the same things.

Submission, however, is complying with his wish even when you don’t agree.

Many women find it difficult to submit to their husbands because the society talks about gender equality. 

However, this is not what the Bible says about marriage.

Submission does not mean slavery or servitude, rather, it is a voluntary act of respect and obedience from a wife to her husband as the head of the home.

When you obey your boss in the office, it is not because you are a slave, it is because there is a hierarchy that must be followed for things to go smoothly in the office.

An English proverb says that two captains cannot sail a ship.

As a wife, your husband is the captain of your marriage-ship; submitting to him is a key ingredient in ensuring that you have a blissful marriage.

Years ago, I used to preach regularly at a university, and a woman would usually come to me complaining about her husband’s stubbornness and asking me to pray the stubbornness away.

After a while, I decided I wasn’t going to pray anymore. I told her, “When you get home, place his food on the dining table, call him your head, and ask him to come and eat.

When he sits at the table, give him a bowl of water, kneel and let him wash his hands in it.” She said, “No way! He is a professor just like I am. We are the same.”

I replied that if she wanted my help, she should take my advice. She decided to do it, and at first, her husband wondered if she had poisoned the food.

She told him that her pastor taught her what she was doing, and suddenly, the stubborn husband became very soft.

He followed her to the next service and became born again. Their marriage blossomed thereafter.

OPEN HEAVEN 21 SEPTEMBER 2024 KEY POINT

Submission is not slavery; it is a sign of wisdom for a successful marriage.

 

OPEN HEAVEN 21 SEPTEMBER 2024 HYMN 30

WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD

1. When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

2. But we never can prove
the delights of his love
until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor he shows,
for the joy he bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey. [Refrain]

3. Then in fellowship sweet
we will sit at his feet,
or we’ll walk by his side in the way;
what he says we will do,
where he sends we will go;
never fear, only trust and obey. [Refrain]

OPEN HEAVEN 21 SEPTEMBER 2024 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Micah 1-4

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 20 SEPTEMBER 2024 MEMORISE: Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jeremiah 33:3

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 20 SEPTEMBER 2024 READ: 2 Chronicles 14:1-6

1. So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years.

2. And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God:

3. For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves:

4. And commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment.

5. Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him.

6. And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 20 SEPTEMBER 2024 MESSAGE

King Asa experienced peace throughout his reign because he built fortified cities in Judah, and God gave him peace.

However, after ten years of peace, the Ethiopians came out against him with a strong army.

The battle seemed impossible to win, so Asa cried out to God: “O LORD, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, you are our God; let not man prevail against you. So the Lord defeated the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah, and the Ethiopians fled.”*
*”2 Chronicles 14:11-12 (ESV)”

Who do you cry to when you’re in trouble? If a teacher threatens to fail you or a bully makes life difficult for you, do you know you can report such a fellow to God and ask Him to deal with him or her? Now, go ahead and call on God to intervene in your case.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 20 SEPTEMBER 2024 KEY POINT

Report your problems to God, and He’ll fight for you.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 20 SEPTEMBER 2024 HYMN 15

PASS ME NOT O GENTLE SAVIOUR

1. Pass me not, O gentle savior
Hear my humble cry
While on others Thou art calling
Do not pass me by.

CHORUS
Saviour, Saviour
Hear my humble cry
While on others Thou art calling
Do not pass me by.

2. Let me at thy throne of mercy
Find a sweet relief;
Kneeling there in deep contribution
Help my unbelief.

3.Trusting only in the Thy merit
would i seek thy face
Heal my wounded, broken spirit,
save me by thy grace.

4.Thou, the spring of all my comfort
More than life to me
Whom have I on earth beside Thee
Whom in Heav’n but Thee?

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Isaiah 33:10-36:22 Galatians 5:13-26

OPEN HEAVEN 20 SEPTEMBER 2024 MEMORISE: Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine. Song of Solomon 1:2

OPEN HEAVEN 20 SEPTEMBER 2024 READ: SONGS OF SOLOMON 2:1-4

1. I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.

2. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.

3. As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.

4. He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.

OPEN HEAVEN 20 SEPTEMBER 2024 MESSAGE

The fact that you are a Christian does not in any way take romance out of your marriage.

Marriage is the only institution where romance and intimacy is allowed between a man and a woman.

Some pastors hardly go on dates with their spouses because they consider such a romantic activity as a distraction from their focus on spiritual matters.

Some of them don’t even play with their spouses anymore. Beloved, the anointing does not reduce the need for romance in marriage.

Isaac was an anointed man of God and a successful businessman, yet in Genesis 26:8, the Bible says he was being romantic with his wife: “And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife.”

Don’t become too rigid in your marriage; don’t have more fun elsewhere without your spouse.

Make the times that you and your spouse spend together so much fun that you are always looking forward to seeing each other again.

If you are married, remember how you used to talk for long hours with your spouse before you got married and had children; revive that relationship again.

Your spouse is still the same fellow you were very fond of, and the things you loved in him or her are still there.

Don’t let all the cares of this life distract you from the gems in your spouse.

Once in a while, compose a poem for your spouse and read it to him or her in a romantic setting.

Spice things up with pleasant surprises every now and then.

Write a note and put it in his or her bag so that when they get to the office and open their bag, they will see the note and smile.

Have a pet name that you call each other behind closed doors.

Up until today, there is a pet name my wife calls me when we are alone.

I equally have a pet name that I call her, and every time I call her by that name, she cannot but smile at me lovingly.

When we are alone, we are lovers, not Daddy G.O and Mummy G.O.

Your marriage can be like heaven on earth if you and your spouse are deliberate about remaining the lovebirds that you were when you first got married. Don’t let the romance die.

OPEN HEAVEN 20 SEPTEMBER 2024 KEY POINT

One of the ways to ensure that your marriage remains like heaven on earth is to keep the romance alive.

OPEN HEAVEN 20 SEPTEMBER 2024 HYMN 6

I AM SO GLAD THAT OUR FATHER IN HEAV’N

1. I am so glad that our Father in Heaven
Tells of His love in the Book He has given;
Wonderful things in the Bible I see,
This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.

Refrain
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me.
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves even me.

2.Jesus loves me and I know I love Him;
Love brought Him down my lost soul to redeem;
Yes, it was love made Him die on the tree:
Oh, I am certain that Jesus loves me.

3.In this assurance I find sweetest rest,
Trusting in Jesus, I know I am blessed;
Satan, dismayed, from my soul now doth flee,
When I just tell him that Jesus loves me.

4.Oh, if there’s only one song I can sing,
When in His beauty I see the great King,
This shall my song through eternity be,
“Oh, what a wonder that Jesus loves me!”

5.If one should ask of me, how can I tell?
Glory to Jesus, I know very well!
God’s Holy Spirit with mine doth agree,
Constantly witnessing Jesus loves me.

OPEN HEAVEN 20 SEPTEMBER 2024 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Jonah 1-4

LESSON FOUR (04)
TOPIC: THE FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH

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, You are the Truth, teach me Your truth in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Timothy 3:13-17 NKJV
[13] But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
[14] But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
[15] and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
[16] All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
[17] that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

MEMORY VERSE: “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” John 17:17 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: The Greek word for truth is aletheia, which means to un-hide or hide nothing. It conveys the thought that truth is always there, always open and available for all to see, with nothing being hidden or obscured. The Hebrew word for truth is emeth, which means firmness, constancy, and duration. Such a definition implies an everlasting substance and something that can be relied upon. Truth must originate from somewhere. Ignoring the truth always leads to undesired consequences.

LESSON AIM: To teach the church about the foundational truth.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through this study, students are expected to:
a. Understand the root words translated truth. b. Know what constitutes the truth.
c. Recognise false doctrines and their constituents.
d. Distinguish between the true and false doctrines.

TEXT REVIEW: 2 Timothy 3:13-17.
The Apostle Paul in this passage exemplifies his life as a product of exposure to the openness and consistency of the truth (The word of God).
i. He declares that evil people and pretenders will go from bad to worse being fooled and fooling others but that Timothy his protégé, should stay with the truth he has learned, knowing the integrity of whom he has learned it. Vs 13 & 14.
ii. And that from childhood …………………….V15.
iii. He further highlighted the impactful, transformative and enduring nature of the word of God, (which is the truth):
a. It is ……………………………………………………..V16a.
b. And it is profitable for: i.……………………………..
ii.…………………………….
iii…………………………….
iv. ……………………………… in righteousness, V16b.
iv. So that the man of God …………………….V17.

OUTLINES:
1. THE WORD IS THE TRUTH
2. BEWARE OF FALSE DOCTRINES

1. THE WORD IS THE TRUTH
1. Jesus made the simple statement I am the truth (John 14:6) John 1:1, 14 tells us that Jesus is the Word.
2. Mathematically, it means:
a. If Jesus=The Truth …………………..equation 1.
b. And Jesus =The Word ……………. equation 2.
c. Therefore, the Word=the Truth (John 17:17).
3. The Truth is not relative; rather it is absolute, accurate, and unchangeable (2 Corinthians 13:8).
4. The truth of God’s word is divinely inspired and therefore profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16; Psalms 119:9).
5. The word gives wisdom and direction (Colossians 3:16; Psalm 119:105).
6. God’s word is sharp and powerful (Hebrews 4:12).
7. If we know the word of God, we know the truth that will deliver and make us free (Psalm 107:20; John 8:32).
8. The word of God is incorruptible: It gives us a solid spiritual foundation in the faith and an inheritance among the saints of God (1 Peter 1:23; Acts 20:32).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should share experiences that convinced them that the scripture is the truth.

2. BEWARE OF FALSE DOCTRINES
Almost speedily as the word is running with sound doctrines, the devil is also making efforts, as a busybody, to counter the effort of God through his diverse and varying false doctrines such as:
i. Jesus is not the Son of God (1 John 4:1-3).
ii. There is no resurrection of the dead (1 Corinthians 15:13-19).
iii. The days of miracles are over (Hebrews 13:8).
iv. The days of tithing are over (Malachi 3:10-13).
v. Holiness is impossible (Philippians 4:13; Luke 1:37).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What other lies or half-truths you have come across in your Christian life that others must beware of?

CONCLUSION: Time spent in ensuring that the original truth is well known is not a wasted one, after all, we know that Satan is more organised in these last days in the spread of his doctrines.

EVALUATION: The teacher should ask the students to explain what they understand by the Truth.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, let me live by Your truth every day of my life (Matthew 4:4).

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) truths revealed by Jesus contrary to popular opinion during His earthly ministry (2X5=10 Marks).

LESSON FOUR (4)
TOPIC: NEW DAWN

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, in this season, don’t pass me and family by.

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The leader should remind members on what trying times is and the ways out of trying times or difficult times

MEMORY VERSE: Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

BIBLE TEXT: Isaiah 43:18-19
[18]Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.
[19]Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: What is new dawn? It means forgetting old happenings, the troubles, the setbacks, business failures, career lopsidedness and down journey of life and getting access to new beginning. Many in life have witnessed down journey in life, inability to secure comfort for their family members, defeat and derogatory statements being faced at work which may have caused untold hardship, don’t be perplexed, there is provision for new beginning!

LESSON AIM: To have understanding of new dawn and what it takes to keep new dawn permanent.

LEADER’S OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, members should be able to:
a. Know what new dawn is.
b. Know how new dawn can be kept permanently from being lost.

TEXT REVIEW: Isaiah 43:18-19
– Never dwell on previous setbacks.
– Always hold on to God’s precious promises.
– God has unwavering capacity to do beyond one’s ability.
– In God, there is fresh start.

Lesson Outline One:
WHAT IS THE NEW DAWN?
New dawn means;
i. A fresh start. Exodus 3:1-10
ii. An end to difficult era, the beginning of new era with the releasing of good helpers.
iii. Transformation of darkness to light. Genesis 1:3
iv. Bringing realization to divine promises. 2 Corinthians 1:20.
v. A new beginning to arise, shine. Isaiah 60:1
vi. Awakening form slumbering and sleeping.
Proverbs 24:33-34.
vii. Revitalization of God’s given ability. Phil 4:13.
viii. Recovering of lost virtues, ground or opportunity. Joel 2:25-27
ix. Getting encounter with God of divine repositioning. Mark 5:25-34.
x. Sudden divine intervention to sorrowful situation. Luke 7:11-15, Jeremiah 32:29.

Lesson Outline Two:
HOW CAN NEW DAWN BE KEPT PERMANENTLY?
These are the things to do to have permanent new dawn:
a) Show gratitude to God of Wonders.2 kings 5:25
b) Always see yourself as light over darkness, having Godly thought. John 9:5
c) Be obedient to divine instructions. 2 kings 5: 10,15, John 9:7
d) Testify of your new era. John 9:11, Matthew 9:29-31
e) Abstain from contamination that may terminate your new beginning. 1 Thess.5:22.
f) Always believe in divine presence and His influence. Isaiah 41:10, Hebrews 11:5.

SUMMARY: In Matthew 20:28, Jesus has made the provision for any challenging situation that we maybe going through, new dawn comes with making request to the MOST HIGH GOD, there is nothing hard for Him to do. Jeremiah 32:29.

CONCLUSION: To access your new dawn, you must follow the TRUE DOOR. John 10:9, getting fresh start begins with personal transformation in thought and in character of one that desires it, act of gratitude to God and affirmation of one status as light. Matthew 5:13-16 will sustain one’s new dawn and open more doors.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, please give me fresh start.
2. Father, permanently end difficult era in my life and release good helpers to me.
3. Father, terminate every form of darkness out my life’s journey.
4. My new beginning start manifesting now.

GOLDEN DIET FOR THE WEEK.
MONDAY: Always see yourself as light over darkness
TUESDAY: Put yourself in active kingdom work, night will soon come. John 9:4
WEDNESDAY: Be obedient to divine instructions. 2 Kings 5:10, 15
THURSDAY: Testify to people of positive changes in your life. John 9:11.
FRIDAY: Abstain from contamination that may terminate your new beginning. 1 Thess. 5:22.
SATURDAY: Always believe in divine presence and His influence. Hebrews 11:5.
SUNDAY: Bear ye one another’s burdens. Galatians 6:2

LESSON FOUR (04)
TOPIC: THE FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH

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: 2 Timothy 3:13-17 NKJV
[13] But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
[14] But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
[15] and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
[16] All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
[17] that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

MEMORY VERSE: “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” John 17:17 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: The Greek word for truth is aletheia, which means to un-hide or hide nothing. It conveys the thought that truth is always there, always open and available for all to see, with nothing being hidden or obscured. The Hebrew word for truth is emeth, which means firmness, constancy, and duration. Such a definition implies an everlasting substance and something that can be relied upon. Truth must originate from somewhere. Ignoring the truth always leads to undesired consequences.

OUTLINES:
1. THE WORD IS THE TRUTH
2. BEWARE OF FALSE DOCTRINES

1. THE WORD IS THE TRUTH
Jesus made the simple statement I am the truth (John 14:6) and John 1:1, 14 tells us that Jesus is the Word. Mathematically, it means:
If Jesus=The Truth ………………..equation 1
And Jesus=The Word ………………..equation 2
Therefore, the Word = the Truth (John 17:17).
The Truth is not relative; rather it is absolute, accurate, and unchangeable (2 Corinthians 13:8). The truth of God’s word is divinely inspired and therefore profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16; Psalm 119:9). The word gives wisdom and direction (Colossians 3:16; Psalm 119:105). God’s word is sharp and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). If we know the word of God, we know the truth that will deliver and make us free (Psalm 107:20; John 8:32). The word of God is incorruptible: it gives us a solid spiritual foundation in the faith and an inheritance among the saints of God (1 Peter 1:23; Acts 20:32).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should share experiences that convinced them that the scripture is the truth.

2. BEWARE OF FALSE DOCTRINES
Almost speedily as the word is running with sound doctrines, the devil is also making efforts, as a busybody, to counter the effort of God through his diverse and varying false doctrines such as:
1. Jesus is not the Son of God (1 John 4:1-3).
2. There is no resurrection of the dead (1 Corinthians 15:13-19).
3. The days of miracles are over (Hebrews 13:8).
4. The days of tithing are over (Malachi 3:10-13).
5. Holiness is impossible (Philippians 4:13; Luke 1:37).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What other lies or half-truths you have come across in your Christian life that others must beware of?

CONCLUSION: Time spent in ensuring that the original truth is well known is not a wasted one, after all, we know that Satan is more organised in these last days in the spread of his doctrines.

QUESTIONS:
* How is the word the truth?
* Mention some false doctrines and scriptures that counter them.

FURTHER READING: SUN: Num.23:19; MON: 2Cor.1:20; TUE: 1Pet.2:9; WED: 1Pet.2:9; THUR: Ps.107:20; FRI: 1Pet.5:8; SAT: 2John 7.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) truths revealed by Jesus contrary to popular opinion during His earthly ministry (2X5=10 Marks).

LESSON FOUR (04)
TOPIC: THE CREATURE CALLED MAN

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: Ezekiel 18:4-9.
[4]Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
[5]But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,
[6]And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour’s wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman,
[7]And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;
[8]He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,
[9]Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD.

MEMORY VERSE:.“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” Genesis 2:7.

INTRODUCTION: God created the intangible being (soul), fashioned in the similitude of the godhead with the divine nature and ability (Genesis 1:26-27). However, the soul, on its own, could not handle or use the things in the physical world because he was intangible. This situation, therefore, requires that provision be made for a container (physical body) through which the soul can operate and relate with the physical world. Hence, the forming of man from the dust of the ground (Genesis 2:7a). The man; now body and soul, was inactive until God breathed life into his nostrils, and man became a living soul (Genesis 2:7; Job 33:4).

OUTLINES:
1..GOD’S IMAGE
2. THE TRIPARTITE MAN

1. GOD’S IMAGE
God’s image upon man before the fall consists of these three things:
1. In his nature and constitution. (Not those of his body, for God has no physical body). The soul bears God’s image. The soul is an intelligent, immortal, intangible being. Man resembles God in creativity and willpower.
2. In his place and authority. Man is God’s representative on earth in authority and dominion.
3. In his purity and integrity. God’s image upon man consists in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness (Colossians 3:10). Man was made upright (Ecclesiastes 7:29). He understood divine things clearly and there was no error in his knowledge (Genesis 2:19). His will complied readily and universally with the will of God, without resistance. He had no inordinate appetite or passion. His thoughts had no vanity.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Mention other aspects of God’s image upon man before the fall.

2. THE TRIPARTITE MAN
The scripture suggests that man is a tripartite being – spirit, soul, and body (1Thessalonians 5:23). These three dimensions of man are all important. The spirit of man is that breath that God released into the man he formed to make him alive (Genesis 2:7). This is why that spirit (breath) returns to God the giver when man dies (Ecclesiastes 12:7).
The soul of man is an intangible being. It gives a man personality, self-awareness, consciousness, rationality, and natural feeling. It is with the soul that man receives salvation (Mark 8:36; Psalm 19:7a). The saved/regenerated soul of man will be guided by the spirit to worship God acceptably (John 4:24). It is the soul that will stand in judgement (Hebrews 9:27; 2Corinthians 5:10). There are two possible destinations for the soul; Heaven or Hell. When a true believer in Christ dies, the soul goes to Heaven while the soul of an unrepentant sinner goes to Hell (Daniel 12:2; Ezekiel 18:4c).
The human body is a physical being made from clay (Genesis 3:19). It is temporal and becomes lifeless when the spirit (breath) is no longer active. It helps the soul to relate physically with the world. It is the body that gets tired and sleepy. When a man dies, the body (with time) decays in the ground (Genesis 3:19; Ecclesiastes 3:20). We move around with the body to propagate God’s kingdom here on earth.
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Do you have any other view as regards the tripartite nature of man? If yes, share with the class.

CONCLUSION: The three dimensions of man are all important. However, it must be noted that it is the soul that will stand in judgement.

QUESTIONS:
*Identify the three ways we resemble God.
* Explain the tripartite man.

ASSIGNMENT: Search the scriptures and draw out five figurative expressions and their references used to describe the person of God that speaks more about man’s physical attributes. (2×5=10 Marks).

LESSON FOUR (04)
TOPIC: THE CREATURE CALLED MAN

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, help me to understand the nature of man.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Ezekiel 18:4-9.
[4]Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
[5]But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,
[6]And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour’s wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman,
[7]And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;
[8]He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,
[9]Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD.

MEMORY VERSE:.“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” Genesis 2:7.

INTRODUCTION: God created the intangible being (soul), fashioned in the similitude of the godhead with the divine nature and ability (Genesis 1:26-27). However, the soul, on its own, could not handle or use the things in the physical world because he was intangible. This situation, therefore, requires that provision be made for a container (physical body) through which the soul can operate and relate with the physical world. Hence, the forming of man from the dust of the ground (Genesis 2:7a). The man; now body and soul, was inactive until God breathed life into his nostrils, and man became a living soul (Genesis 2:7; Job 33:4).

LESSON AIM: To teach the church about human nature.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through this lesson, the students should be able to:
• Know the intricacies of the creature called man.
• Understand the importance of the dimensions of man.

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

TEXT REVIEW: Ezekiel 18:4-9.
A. God speaking through the prophet Ezekiel reproves the parable of the sour grape and puts in perspective His intentions concerning man from then.
i. Behold all souls ………………………….V4.
ii. But if a man is just and does that which is lawful and right, V5.
iii. And has not eaten …………………………V6.
iv. And has not oppressed ………………V7.
v. He has not given forth …………………….V8.
vi. He has ………………………………………………V9.

OUTLINES:
1.GOD’S IMAGE

2. THE TRIPARTITE MAN

1. GOD’S IMAGE
God’s image upon man, before the fall, consists of these three things:
1. His nature and constitution. (Not those of his body, for God has no physical body).
i. The soul bears God’s image.
ii. The soul is an intelligent immortal intangible being.
iii. Man resembles God in creativity and willpower.
2. His place and authority. Man is God’s representative on earth in authority and dominion.
3. His purity and integrity.
i. God’s image upon man consists of knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness (Colossians 3:10).
ii. Man was made upright (Ecclesiastes 7:29).
iii. Man understood divine things clearly and there was no error in his knowledge (Genesis 2:19).
iv. His will complied readily and universally with the will of God, without resistance.
v. He had no inordinate appetite or passion.
vi. His thoughts had no vanity.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Mention other aspects of God’s image upon man before the fall.

2. THE TRIPARTITE MAN
The scripture suggests that man is a tripartite being – spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). These three dimensions of man are all important.
A. The spirit of man is that breath God released into the man He formed to make him alive. This is why that spirit (breath) returns to God the giver when man dies (Ecclesiastes 12:7).

B. The soul of man is an intangible being.
i. It gives a man personality, self-awareness, consciousness, rationality, and natural feeling.
ii. It is with the soul that man receives salvation (Mark 8:36; Psalm 19:7a).
iii. The saved/regenerated soul of man will be guided by the spirit to worship God acceptably (John 4:24).
iv. It is the soul that will stand in judgement (Hebrews 9:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
v. There are two possible destinations for the soul; Heaven or Hell. When a true believer in Christ dies, the soul goes to Heaven while the soul of an unrepentant sinner goes to Hell (Daniel 12:2; Ezekiel 18:4c).

C. The human body is a physical (material) being made from clay.
i. It is temporal and becomes lifeless when the spirit (breath) is no longer active (Ecclesiastes 12:7).
ii. It helps the soul to relate physically with the world.
iii. It is the body that gets tired and sleepy. When a man dies, the body (with time) decays in the ground (Genesis 3:19; Ecclesiastes 3:20).
iv. We move around with the body to propagate God’s kingdom here on earth.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Do you have any other view as regards the tripartite nature of man? If yes, share with the class.

CONCLUSION: The three dimensions of man are all important. However, it must be noted that it is the soul that will stand in judgement.

QUESTIONS
* Identify the three ways we resemble God.
* Explain the tripartite man.

EVALUATION: Students should mention three ways in which man resembles God before the fall

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, as my soul stands before You in judgement on the last day, let me not be found guilty of what I did in my body and with Your spirit in Jesus’ name.

ASSIGNMENT: Search the scriptures and draw out five figurative expressions and their references used to describe the person of God that speaks more about man’s physical attributes. (2×5=10 Marks).

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 19 SEPTEMBER 2024 MEMORISE: The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. Exodus 14:14

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 19 SEPTEMBER 2024

READ: 1 Kings 15:1-6

[1]Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam the son of Nebat reigned Abijam over Judah.

[2]Three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom.

[3]And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father.

[4]Nevertheless for David’s sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem:

[5]Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.

[6]And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of his life.

2 Chronicles 13:12
[12]And, behold, God himself is with us for our captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the LORD God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 19 SEPTEMBER 2024 MESSAGE

King Abijah’s reign was filled with war because he tried to reclaim Israel’s northern ten tribes as part of his kingdom.

One of the things that gave him victory in the battle against his enemy was that he upheld God’s covenant with Israel while the other tribes got rid of the Levites and gave the people freedom of worship – to become priests of false gods if they wanted to.

God was proud of King Abijah, who truly honoured Him by standing up for righteousness.

He said: *”Behold, God is with us at our head, and his priests with their battle trumpets to sound the call to battle against you. O sons of Israel, do not fight against the LORD, the God of your fathers, for you cannot succeed”*. 2 Chronicles 13:12, ESV

My dear child, don’t get involved in unnecessary fights when satan attacks you; just honour God by living a holy life, and you will realise that you won’t need to lift a finger because God Himself will fight for you.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 19 SEPTEMBER 2024 CONFESSION:

I receive the grace to stand for righteousness all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 19 SEPTEMBER 2024 HYMN 21

STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF CHRIST MY KING

1. Standing on the promises of Christ, my King,
Through eternal ages let his praises ring;
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Refrain:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God, my Savior;
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. [Refrain]

3. 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. [Refrain]

4. Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List’ning ev’ry moment to the Spirit’s call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 19 SEPTEMBER 2024 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Isaiah 30:12-33:9 Galatians 5:1-12