OPEN HEAVENS 28 MARCH 2018: THE BELATED OFFERING

Memorise: As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

Read: Mark 16:1-7 (KJV)
1 And when the sabbath was past,
Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

2 And very early in the morning the
first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

3 And they said among themselves,
Who shall roll us away the stone from
the door of the sepulchre?

4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

5 And entering into the sepulchre, they
saw a young man sitting on the right
side, clothed in a long white garment;
and they were affrighted.

6 And he saith unto them, Be not
affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth,
which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they
laid him.

7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into
Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he
said unto you.

Bible in one year: Deuteronomy 21:22,
Ephesians 5

A belated offering is a worthy present that is offered a little too late. A perfect example of
this is found in Mark 16:1 :
“And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had brought sweet
spices, that they might come and
anoint him.”

These women had real love for Jesus. They followed Him everywhere He went as part of His disciples, and they catered to His needs. They were there at His crucifixion and even
stayed behind to see where He was buried (Luke 23:55-56) . After observing His burial
place, they combined resources to invest in
preparing sweet spices for the purpose of
anointing His body in the grave. Sadly
enough, it turned out to be a belated offering: a wasted effort that didn’t serve the intended
purpose and a colossal disappointment.

Indeed, it was the news of the resurrected Lord that served as their consolation. As
children of God, we must avoid coming late to the presence of God or delaying our praise, worship and service to God beyond the
appointed time; neither should we offer our vows, first fruits, tithes or special offerings
belatedly.

Many years ago, at the inception of the
Redeemed Camp building project, I told one of my sons of the need to urgently carry out
an assignment that God would want Him to handle. He responded that He would go and pray about it over the weekend and then feed me back. As soon as he walked out of my office, God brought someone else who
accepted the responsibly and immediately went to work, finishing the assignment in
record time.

My son came in early the following week to announce his readiness to do the work. He was dazed when I told him that the project
had been completed by someone else, and he saw the evidence of this.

Open Heavens For Teens 28 March 2018

He learnt his lesson that day and was never allowed such
opportunities slip through his hands since then. I pray that you and your offerings will be acceptable to God in Jesus’ Name. The
terrible thing about a belated offering is that it is always an opportunity lost that may never be regained. Esau carelessly lost the
opportunity of a lifetime, and although he later sought it carefully with tears, it was
impossible to reverse the situation. Hebrews
12:17 says,

“For ye know how that afterward, when
he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it
carefully with tears.”

Please don’t let this be your story. God bless you.

Prayer Point –
Father, restore to me every missed
opportunity of giving that will provoke the release of a breakthrough blessing from You
in Jesus’ Name.

SING HYMN 12 – TAKE MY LIFE,
AND LET IT BE
Take my life, and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be Filled with messages from Thee, Filled with messages from Thee.

Take my sliver and my gold; Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use Every power as Thou shalt choose Every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart; it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for thee

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TEENS TUESDAY 27TH MARCH 2018: FINISHING THE RACE

MEMORISE: I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 2
Timothy 4:7

Please read: 2 Timothy 4:7-8

MESSAGE:
God has called us into an uncommon race. But unlike an earthly race, the strength for you to run this race can only be supplied by the Holy Spirit.
If you read 2 Corinthians 11:23-33 and 2
Corinthians 4:7-9, you will see some of the difficulties and the challenges that Paul encountered during his race, yet he kept going by the power of the Holy Spirit.

When you are filled
with the Holy Spirit, it becomes easy to finish strong. In a football game, 22 people would have
kicked the ball up and down for the better part of 90 minutes or more; although the men become tired, the ball remains strong.

Are you battered,
beaten and kicked about like the ball? Hold on to the Holy Spirit! He will ensure nothing deflates
you. As long as He has filled you, you will be able to fly and weather every negative situation that comes your way.

It is also important to know that in the lives of many believers today, there are so many pending issues: pending repentance, pending restitutions
and unfinished assignment from the Master.

Check your life and find out where you owe God. Immediately put your life in order. If Paul can finish the race strong, you too can.

PRAYER POINT:
Holy Spirit, like never before, please fill me up till I overflow.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Joshua 19-20
Luke 5:17-39

Hymn 7.
1. I am Thine 0 Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee.

Chorus
Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord
To the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.

2. Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the pow’r of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.

3. Oh, the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God
I commune as friend with friend!

4. There are depths of love that I cannot know
Till I cross the narrow sea;
There are heights of joy that I may not reach
Till I rest in peace with Thee

Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heavens: (Tuesday, March 27, 2018) – THE TIMELY OFFERING

Open Heaven 27 March 2018

1.Lord, I worship and adore you because, there is nothing that I can lay claim to in life, that has not been given to me from above, by You.

2.Thank you, Father, for the gift of life and for the grace to be counted among the living, today.

3.Thank you, Father, for giving your only begotten son, Jesus, as a sacrifice, for the redemption of my soul.

4.Father, in anyway, l have fallen short of your glory, please, have mercy and forgive me, in Jesus’ name.

5.Father, let every spirit of stinginess, in my life, preventing me from giving back to you and your work, be consumed by your fire, in Jesus’ name.

6.Father, release upon my life, the grace for prompt and timely obedience, in all things, that you have commanded, in Jesus’ name.

7.Father, give me a big, generous and sacrificial heart of giving; to give to you and your work, rather than use my mouth to discourage those, that you have blessed with such heart, in Jesus’ name.

8.Father, help me to give my offerings to you, from now on, promptly, timely, willingly, cheerfully and sacrificially, even, when it is not convenient for me to do so, in Jesus’ name.

9.Father, let nothing be too big or too precious for me to surrender for your use, in Jesus’ name.

10.Father, bless and meet Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the author of the open heavens daily devotional and general overseer of RCCG, at the points of his needs today, in Jesus’ name.

11.Father, grant me grace to yield to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to give timely offerings that will release a reward from heaven, in Jesus’ Name.

12.Your Personal petitions.
( Philippians 4:6)
13.In Jesus’ name I pray.
(John 14:13-14; 15:16)
14.Thank you Father for answered prayers.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Open Heavens 27 March 2018 –THE TIMELY OFFERING

Memorise: Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors. Exodus
22:29a

Read: Matthew 26:6-13 (KJV)
6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

7 There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and
poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.

8 But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?

9 For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.

10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.

11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.

12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.

13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.

Bible in one year: Deuteronomy 18-20,
Ephesians 4,

What is a timely offering? It is a worthy gift that is offered to God at the right time. People who offer timely offerings are usually inspired or
motivated to do so by unseen divine powers. Such people usually tell stories of a strong inner influence encouraging them to do a worthy deed, particularly in the house of God, in
support of His work.

Today’s Bible reading gives us a perfect example of a timely offering. A few days to the very weekend that Jesus was arrested and
crucified, a woman was motivated by the Holy Spirit to anoint Him with a very precious
ointment. In the presence of the disciples and a few guests, she poured an alabaster box of very precious ointment on His head. The disciples
responded with anger because they could not
understand the reason for her action, but Jesus
explained it to them in Matthew 26:12:
“For in that she hath poured this ointment on my
body, she did it for my burial.”

Just as Jesus said, this woman’s precious ointment was the only perfume that He had on His body throughout His three-day sojourn in the grave. After His death, by the time some women arrived in the morning of the third day to anoint His body, it was too late because Jesus
had already risen from the grave (Luke 23:55-24:3). The woman who did this good work
received her due reward, stated in Matthew 26:13. You will receive your due reward for
obedience in Jesus’ Name.

Open Heavens 27 March 2018

God is not only interested in your obedience; He is also interested in your timely obedience, according to today’s memory verse. God wants you to render to Him on time the first portion of your produce which has been set aside for Him. He wants you to honour Him with one tenth of your income and bring all your offerings without delay. Delayed offerings are not acceptable to God.

Open Heavens 26 March 2018

In our service to God, He demands our
punctuality. Be faithful in attending the teaching and preaching sessions in your church. Arrive on time, appropriately dressed and ready to make meaningful contributions toward the effectiveness of all that is going on. Be faithful in the giving of your time, talents and in rendering other services to God.

There is something about rising early to praise and worship God as exemplified by the life of David (Psalm 57:8-9, Psalm 63:1). Whatever you have decided to do for God, do it on time. He is interested in the timing of your actions.

Proverbs 8:17 says,
“I love them that love me; and those that seek
me early shall find me.”

Abraham, David, Solomon, and other God lovers in the Bible always rendered anything they had to offer to God promptly and without delay, because only a timely offering is acceptable to God.

Prayer Point 
Father, grant me grace to yield to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to give timely offerings that
will release a reward from heaven in Jesus’ Name.

Sing hymn 12
TAKE MY LIFE, AND LET IT BE
Take my life, and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be Filled with messages from Thee, Filled with messages from Thee.

Take my sliver and my gold; Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use Every power as Thou shalt choose Every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine, Take my heart; it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heavens: (Monday, March 26, 2018) – Signs Of The End Times 2

Open Heaven 26 March 2018

1.Thank you, Father, for your revelations and warnings, concerning the signs of the end time, to watch out for.

2.Thank you, Father, for preparing our minds ahead, of the events that will herald the 2nd coming of our Lord Jesus, that we may not be caught unawares.

3.Father, in anyway, l have fallen short of your glory, please, have mercy and forgive me, in Jesus’ name.

4.Father, let every agent of darkness, masquerading as children of light, in your church, be exposed and disgraced, in Jesus’ name.

5.Father, let every false doctrine in circulation in your church, die a natural death, by the power in the blood of Jesus.

6.Father, raise genuine, faithful and committed men and women, that will preach the unadulterated word of the gospel, in this end time, in Jesus’ name.

7.Father, uphold and strengthen your true servants and disciples, that they may remain undefiled, till the end, in Jesus’ name.

8.Father, set me on fire for you and keep me spiritually alert and awake, that I may not miss the coming rapture of the saints, in Jesus’ name.

9.Father, make me a compulsive, and an addictive soul winner, in this end time, in Jesus’ name.

10.I decree that I will not be a mere conductor of men to heaven, I shall also be spiritually prepared and ready to go with Him, when He shall come to take me home, in Jesus’ name.

11.Father, let all the labours of Pastor E.A. Adeboye, in your vineyard be highly rewarded, here on earth and in heaven, in Jesus’ name.

12.Your Personal petitions.
( Philippians 4:6)
13.In Jesus’ name I pray.
(John 14:13-14; 15:16)
14.Thank you Father for answered prayers.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18).

OPEN HEAVEN 26 MARCH
2018 SIGNS OF THE END TIMES II

Memorise: But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that day
should overtake you as a thief. 1st
Thessalonians 5:4

Read: 2nd Peter 3:10-14 (KJV)

10 But the day of the Lord will come
as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of
persons ought ye to be in all holy
conversation and godliness,

12 Looking for and hasting unto the
coming of the day of God, wherein the
heavens being on fire shall be
dissolved, and the elements shall melt
with fervent heat?

13 Nevertheless we, according to his
promise, look for new heavens and a
new earth, wherein dwelleth
righteousness.

14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Bible in one year: Deuteronomy 16-17,
Ephesians 3

MESSAGE

Although the events that will herald the
second coming of Christ are disturbing and could even be frightening, our Lord did not forewarn of these events in order to frighten or terrify us. His purpose was to prepare and
empower us with the right attitude and mind- set.

Based on yesterday’s study, since it is obvious that we are now in end times, we will
be considering the instructions that the Lord gave to us on how we ought to live in these last days.

The Lord instructed us to watch out so that we are not deceived by anyone (Matthew 24:4) . This warning should be taken seriously
as it is increasingly becoming difficult to focus on the message of the gospel.

Some false prophets, hiding under the cloak of
possessing special revelations, are padding new doctrines that have no foundation in the
Bible. Many issues they are clearly stated in the Bible, such as those relating to salvation,
sexual orientation, abortion, divorce and remarriage, termination of life on request, tithing and the giving of first fruits are now
being presented in ways that are contrary to the word of God. Do not be deceived, but rather hold on to the true word of God in all
situations.

As we read about the signs and observe their
fulfilment, we should not be alarmed, because
they must happen. Having foreknowledge of
their occurrence should remove the element of surprise that may affect those who are
uninformed. We are to use our knowledge to our advantage by standing firm to the very end. Our knowledge should also motivate us to continue preaching the gospel throughout the world. Warning all men about the reality of the second coming of the Lord and the impending danger of ignoring this warning.

We must be well prepared for the persecution that may come in the form of government
laws and regulations, or as conditions to be met in order to have access to certain
benefits. Our duty is to watch continually for our Lord’s second coming. He repeatedly stressed that His coming, though certain, would happen when people least expect it to.

As His bride, we are to continually stir
ourselves up to be ready for His coming at any time. Frequently reflections on Christ’s beauty, love, mercy, glory and honour, in addition to a lifestyle of praise and worship
will help to cultivate a readiness to meet
Jesus in the air. Aggressive evangelism in our
families and communities will also help to increase our readiness for Christ’s coming.
We must actively strive against worldliness because a worldly mind-set is contrary to a
watchful spirit.

Finally, we must pray for the coming of the Lord according to Revelation 22:17 :

“And the Spirit and bride say, Come.
And let him that heareth say, Come.
And let him that is athirst come. And
whosoever will, let him take the water
of life freely.

Action Point – Open Heavens 26 March 2018
Access your readiness for the coming persecution of believers, and for the return of the Lord.

SING HYMN 9 – THE OLD RUGGED
CROSS
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, The emblem of suffering and
Shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was Slain.

Chorus:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last l lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For dear Lamb of God left his Glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

In that old rugged cross, stained
with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus
suffered and died
To pardon and sanctify me.

To that old rugged cross I will everbe true,Its shame and reproach gladlybear;Then he’ll call me some day to myhome far away,Where his glory forever I’ll share.

Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heavens: (Sunday, March 25, 2018) – SIGNS OF THE END TIMES 1

Open Heaven 25 March 2018

1.I worship and adore you, the creator of the universe; the author and the finisher of my faith.

2.Thank you, Father, for the abundance of your grace, that has kept me still standing in faith, till now.

3.Father, in anyway, l have fallen short of your glory, please, have mercy and forgive me, in Jesus’ name.

4.Father, give me the spirit of discernment, to enable me identify false prophets, that, I may not fall victim of their deceit, in Jesus’ name.

5.Father, expose and disgrace every false prophet, in your church, in Jesus’ name.

6.Father, no matter the storms that may be raging around me, please, help me never to shift my focus from you and the assignment, entrusted into my hands, in Jesus’ name.

7.Father, please, preserve and uphold me, by your right hand of righteousness, till the end, in Jesus’ name.

8.Father, help me to overcome persecution and empower me to obey, and walk in your counsel for the rest of my life, in Jesus’ name.

9.Father, let me never be destroyed, along with those that have been destined for destruction, in Jesus’ name.

10.Father, making heaven, is my goal, please, help me to actualise this, in Jesus’ name.

11.Father, multiply your grace and anointing upon Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the author of the open heavens daily devotional and general overseer of RCCG, in Jesus’ name.

12.Your Personal petitions.
( Philippians 4:6)
13.In Jesus’ name I pray.
(John 14:13-14; 15:16)
14.Thank you Father for answered prayers.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18).

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL LESSON THIRTY SUNDAY, 25TH MARCH 2018: A HAPPY MARRIAGE

*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 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?

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL LESSON THIRTY SUNDAY, 25TH MARCH 2018: A HAPPY MARRIAGE

MEMORY VERSE: ‘’Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD” – Proverbs 18:22

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1Corinthians 7:1-15

1 Corinthians:7.1
Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: [It is] good for a man not to touch a woman.
1 Corinthians:7.2
Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.
1 Corinthians:7.3
Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.
1 Corinthians:7.4
The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband [does.] And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife [does.]
1 Corinthians:7.5
Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
1 Corinthians:7.6
But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment.
1 Corinthians:7.7
For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.
1 Corinthians:7.8
But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am;
1 Corinthians:7.9
but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn [with passion.]
1 Corinthians:7.10
Now to the married I command, [yet] not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from [her] husband.
1 Corinthians:7.11
But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to [her] husband. And a husband is not to divorce [his] wife.
1 Corinthians:7.12
But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her.
1 Corinthians:7.13
And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him.
1 Corinthians:7.14
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.
1 Corinthians:7.15
But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such [cases.] But God has called us to peace.

Open Heaven 25 March 2018

INTRODUCTION:
There are seasons and times for everything and every purpose in life (Ecclestiastes 3:1). Like in every other facet of human endeavour, doing the right thing at the right time, in marital issues, is crucial to success. Many people have entered the institution of marriage at the wrong time and for the wrong reasons. Believers in Christ should be different and get it right from the onset. When should a Christian marry? What makes a happy marriage? These questions will be addressed in this lesson.

LESSON OUTLINES
1. When should a Christian marry?
2. What makes a happy marriage?

WHEN SHOULD A CHRISTIAN MARRY?
1. Wait until you are old enough to marry. Marriage is for adults and not for children, for it carries heavy responsibilities requiring maturity and experience (1Corinthians 7:36; Hebrews 5:14).

2. Let God guide you into marriage after much prayer and seeking His will (Romans 12:2; Philippians 2:13).

3. Do not rush into marriage even after you know whom God wants you to marry. It is always advisable to know your partner sufficiently well to know his or her dislikes (Isaiah 28:16). Open Heaven 24 March 2018

4. Never marry a man or a woman with the hope of reforming or transforming him or her. Instead of reforming they may drag you to hell. Therefore, wait until any moral problems are settled (1Corinthians 10:12).

5. Wait for health. Marriage requires strong bodies. If your partner is unwell, jointly pray for healing from above (Jeremiah 30:17).

6. Wait for the approval of the girl’s parent. This is very important. A Christian should not “steal” a wife (Isaiah 28:16; Colossians 3:20).

7. Wait for a measure of financial stability. Not wealth as such but at least some security (1Timothy 5:8).

WHAT MAKES A HAPPY MARRIAGE?
To the couple planning to get married, courtship should be handled carefully. It is a time of getting better acquainted and ascertaining whether or not they are prepared for marriage. It is very important to note that they must not take liberties one with another at this time, for they are not yet married (1Corinthians 8:9). Avoid petting and caressing lest passion override reason and you ruin everything. Keep yourself pure or you may discover how easily love can turn to hate (2Samuel 13:15). Any mistake made during courtship can stamp a regrettable mark on the marriage, if it eventually holds.
A happy and successful marriage is based on genuine heart agreement of the couple (Amos 3:3). They must be willing to establish a Christian home with Christ as the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20), the husband as head of the home (Ephesians 5:23-24), the wife a pleasant helpmate (Genesis 2:18) and with the family altar (Matthew 18:19). They must not defraud one another, rather they should render full benevolence to each other (1Corinthians 7:3-5). Genuine love is essential to a happy marriage (1Corinthians 13:4-8; Ephesians 5:25; Titus 2:4).

CONCLUSION:
Marriage is not an experiment for a short time. It is permanent. It must be based on lifetime anticipation, “till death do us part” – Matthew 19:6-9.

QUESTIONS
1. When should a Christian marry?
2. What makes a happy marriage?

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL LESSON THIRTY SUNDAY, 25TH MARCH 2018: A HAPPY MARRIAGE

*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 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, let our youth find their own wives. Let the marry find good things and favor.

MEMORY VERSE: ‘’Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD” – Proverbs 18:22

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT MANUAL LESSON THIRTY SUNDAY, 25TH MARCH 2018: A HAPPY MARRIAGE

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1Corinthians 7:1-15

1 Corinthians:7.1
Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: [It is] good for a man not to touch a woman.
1 Corinthians:7.2
Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.
1 Corinthians:7.3
Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.
1 Corinthians:7.4
The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband [does.] And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife [does.]
1 Corinthians:7.5
Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
1 Corinthians:7.6
But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment.
1 Corinthians:7.7
For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.
1 Corinthians:7.8
But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am;
1 Corinthians:7.9
but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn [with passion.]
1 Corinthians:7.10
Now to the married I command, [yet] not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from [her] husband.
1 Corinthians:7.11
But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to [her] husband. And a husband is not to divorce [his] wife.
1 Corinthians:7.12
But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her.
1 Corinthians:7.13
And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him.
1 Corinthians:7.14
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.
1 Corinthians:7.15
But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such [cases.] But God has called us to peace.

OPEN HEAVEN 25 MARCH 2018

INTRODUCTION:
There are seasons and times for everything and every purpose in life (Ecclestiastes 3:1). Like in every other facet of human endeavour, doing the right thing at the right time, in marital issues, is crucial to success. Many people have entered the institution of marriage at the wrong time and for the wrong reasons. Believers in Christ should be different and get it right from the onset. When should a Christian marry? What makes a happy marriage? These questions will be addressed in this lesson. Open Heaven 24 March 2018

TEXT REVIEW: 1COR. 7:1-15
Apostle Paul, through the leading of the Holy Spirit, gave some guild lines to man and wife with regards to married through his writing:

A. MAN
i. Do not cohabit or have sexual relation wiy a woman you are not marriy to. 1Cor.7:1
ii. Go and marry rather than committing formication. 1Cor. 7:2
iii. Married man should give conjugal right ( goodwill, kindness and entitlement) to her wife. 1Cor. 7:3

B. WOMAN
i. Woman should marry. 1Cor 7:2
ii. Wife should give conjugal right to the husband. 1Cor 7:3
iii. Wife should not divorce the husband. 1Cor 7:10, 13

C. THE MAN AND THE WIFE
i. Both should surrender their powers for each other. 1Cor 7:4
ii. Both should not defraud. 1Cor7:5
iii. Both should mutually give themselves to fasting and prayer. 1Cor 7:5
iv. Both should live in peace. 1Cor 7:15.

LESSON OUTLINES
1. When should a Christian marry?
2. What makes a happy marriage?

WHEN SHOULD A CHRISTIAN MARRY?
i. Wait until you are old enough to marry. Marriage is for adults and not for children, for it carries heavy responsibilities requiring maturity and experience (1Corinthians 7:36; Hebrews 5:14).

ii. Let God guide you into marriage after much prayer and seeking His will (Romans 12:2; Philippians 2:13).

iii. Do not rush into marriage even after you know whom God wants you to marry. It is always advisable to know your partner sufficiently well to know his or her dislikes (Isaiah 28:16).

iv. Never marry a man or a woman with the hope of reforming or transforming him or her. Instead of reforming they may drag you to hell. Therefore, wait until any moral problems are settled (1Corinthians 10:12).

v. Wait for health. Marriage requires strong bodies. If your partner is unwell, jointly pray for healing from above (Jeremiah 30:17).

vi. Wait for the approval of the girl’s parent. This is very important. A Christian should not “steal” a wife (Isaiah 28:16; Colossians 3:20).

vii. Wait for a measure of financial stability. Not wealth as such but at least some security (1Timothy 5:8).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1
“Wait” is a crucial word in the outline 1 Explain why majority do not want to wait to marry

WHAT MAKES A HAPPY MARRIAGE?
i. A careful courtship.
– A time to get acquitted to each other.

ii. Holy relationship

– Avoid sin (1Corinthians 8:9).

-Avoid petting and caressing

– Purity(2Samuel 13:15)

-Avoid mistake

iii. Genuine heart agreement of the couple (Amos 3:3).

iv. Home established on Christ’s faith (Ephesians 2:20)

v. Scripture-based orderliness.

-Husband as head (Ephesians 5:23-24),

-Wife as pleasant help mate ( suitable and complementary.
(Genesis 2:18)

-Family alter for daily devotion. (Matthew 18:19).

-Dutiful, and without fraudulent intention to cheat. (1Corinthians 7:3-5).

-Genuine love and acceptance (1Corinthians 13:4-8; Ephesians 5:25; Titus 2:4).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2
Mention causes of conflicts in marriage.

SUMMARY
Commitment, responsibility and love will promote peace in marriage.

CONCLUSION:
Marry according to the word of God. Stay in marriage according to God’s word. Then peace will envelope the marriage according to the word of God.

CLOSING PRAYER
Father, let your peace, love and grace sustain our marriages.

ASSIGNMENT
Mention 10 factors which should not be neglected during preparation for marriage.

Open Heaven 25 March 2018 Sunday – SIGNS OF THE END TIMES  I

Open Heaven 25 March 2018 Memorise:For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Matthew 24:5

Read: Matthew 24:1-13 (KJV) Open Heaven 25 March 2018

1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.

2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.

10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Open Heaven 25 March 2018

Bible in one year: Deuteronomy 13-15, Ephesians 2

Hymnal: Sing hymn 9

MESSAGE – OPEN HEAVEN 25 MARCH 2018 SUNDAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL

While Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, His disciples came to Him privately to ask what has now become a recurring question: “What shall be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the world?” Even scientists today are interested in knowing if and how the world will end. In response to their questions, the Lord tool it upon Himself to outline to anyone who will care to listen, the signs and significant historical events that would herald His second coming and that will eventually lead us to the end of the world.

SIGNS OF THE END TIMES  I

A diligent study of Matthew 24:4-38 reveals about thirty signs of the end times, and the most prominent of these are the appearance of deceivers and impostors, wars and rumours of wars, famine, earthquakes and natural disasters, the hatred of Christians around the world leading to persecution and martyrdom, many renouncing their faith in Christ, the love of many waxing cold, the rise of many false prophets performing signs and wonders, the sun and moon getting darkened, and people living a carefree life just as it was in the days of Noah. Open Heaven 24 March 2018

In the last few decades, we have witnessed the appearance of deceivers and impostors of the Lord Jesus Christ in different parts of the world. Some famous ones have succeeded in leading people astray, even to the point of committing mass suicide. Civil unrest, rumours of war, terrorism and full-scale wars have been constant news items for years now.

Prayer Point For 23 March 2018 Open Heavens Daily Devotional

The occurrence of earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural disasters have been on the increase in the last few years. It is sad to hear of and witness the unbelievable level of persecution and martyrdom of Christians currently going on in several parts of the world. There has been leaked video footage of Christians being lined up and murdered in parts of Africa and the Middle East. Several governments, including those of the Western world, are now making laws that are hostile to the Christian faith. In some countries, Christians are being pressurized to perform activities that are contrary to their faith. Some Christians have even caved in under pressure to renounce their faith. False prophets in various forms are showing up everywhere on the surface of the earth. They all claim to be representing the Lord Jesus.

Some of them display the gift of revelation and prophecy, even performing convincing miracles. They usually give themselves off as false prophets because their works and lifestyle are not consistent with the image of the Lord Jesus Christ. Despite the abundant evidence that the time of the Lord’s coming is near, most people in the world are still living carefree lives, just as it was in the days of Noah. Unsurprisingly, everything is playing out according to the warning and prophesies of our Lord. Therefore be alert! The trumpet could sound any moment from now. Are you prepared to meet your creator?

Prayer Point – Open Heaven 25 March 2018

Father, making heaven at last is my goal. Please help me actualise this in Jesus’ Name.

OPEN HEAVEN 25 MARCH 2018 SUNDAY HYMN

SING HYMN 9 – THE OLD RUGGED CROSS

On a hill far away stood an old

rugged cross,

The emblem of suffering and

Shame;

And I love that old cross where

the dearest and best

For a world of lost sinners was

Slain.

Chorus:

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,

Till my trophies at last l lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it someday for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so

despised by the world,

Has a wondrous attraction for me;

For dear Lamb of God left his

Glory above

To bear it to dark Calvary.

In that old rugged cross, stained

with blood so divine,

A wondrous beauty I see,

For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus

suffered and died

To pardon and sanctify me.

To that old rugged cross I will ever

be true,

Its shame and reproach gladly

bear;

Then he’ll call me some day to my

home far away,

Where his glory forever I’ll share