LESSON TWENTY ONE(21)
TOPIC: FAITH COMETH BY HEARING

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, thank You for the gift of faith and hearing ability, equip us to grow in faith and make our faith count in the journey of life.

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: Leader should ask members if they could identify in their lives some of the signs of leaving their first love learned last week and what intentional effort they have made to return to their first love.

MEMORY VERSE: “So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17

BIBLE TEXT: Matthew 17:27
[27]Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: When we talk about faith, we talk of believing God, shunning all manner of impossibility, distractions that can hinder the fulfilment of your belief in God’s acts. There are many ways faith can be enhanced such as through testimonies of others, ceaseless prayers, being surrounded by people full of passion for God and His works, remembering past interventions from God, holding unto God’s promises and studying biblical characters who won the battles of life.

LESSON AIM: To reveal to everyone that faith comes through hearing God’s word, testimonies of others and keeping off distractions.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, members should be able to know:
– how to develop their word capacity and grow their faith level.
– know the reasons why they have to avoid distractions.

TEXT REVIEW: Matthew 17:27
a. Faith in God makes the impossible possible.
b. It silences enemy’s plans and devices.
C. Faith in God delivers one from shame.
d. It secures your provision during scarcity.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE
BE WORD POSSESSED
To be word possessed means to be word driven, activating declaration of biblical promises detailed in the scripture – Joshua 1:8 Why do you need to be word possessed? This is because the Word of God;
i. terminates darkness (pains, sorrow), gives light (satisfaction) – Ps. 119:130.
ii. ends anxiety and terminates fruitless efforts – Luke 5:4-6.
iii. draws God’s favour to one’s side-Acts 27:22-23
iv. brings fulfilment of dreams and visions – Rev. 5:10; Luke 1:37, 59 & 63.
v. secures your tomorrow from being hijacked.
vi. keeps one from being obsessed with the issues of life.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO
AVOID DISTRACTIONS
Distraction means anything that prevents the realisation of dreams and aspiration, initiates unproductive and meaningless agitations of the mind. What can cause distractions?
1. Unanswered prayers – Luke 1:13-18.
2. Previous setbacks-Luke 5:5.
3. Unfulfilling family history – Luke 1:61.
4. Ceaseless temptations – Luke 4:1-2.
5. Unmet needs- I Kings 17:12.
6. Uncelebrated achievements. When one’s success does not receive desired recognition – I Kings 19:1-4.

ACTIVITY: Discuss about biblical characters who were distracted on their journey to the top.

SUMMARY: When faith is enhanced through hearing, your gains will ensue without flexing (without trouble or difficulties).

CONCLUSION: Have you suffered setbacks or delay before and it seems your dreams may not be achieved or attained, plug in your faith and your testimonies will be heard in Jesus name.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, deliver any member of this House Fellowship Centre from a faithless life.
2. Father, give our lives freedom from every satanic embargo.
3. Lord, deliver Your church from all manner of distractions.
4. Father, help our faith in You to ever be on the increase in Jesus name.
5. Father, let Your revival be continuous in the life of Daddy and Mummy G.O.
6. Your personal request. Assignment: What caused distraction in the life of Lot’s wife?

GOLDEN DIET FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY: The hearing ear and the seeing eye, has the Lord made-Prov. 20:12.
TUESDAY: Introspection time-do you truly have total faith in God?
WEDNESDAY: For we walk by faith and not by sight – II Cor. 5:7.
THURSDAY: Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith – II Cor. 13:5.
FRIDAY: The just shall live by faith – Galatians 3:13.
SATURDAY: If you have faith then you will command that mountain before you to be removed.
SUNDAY: Encourage someone you know is losing faith because of a situation.

LESSON TWENTY ONE (21)
TOPIC: LAUNCH OUT

*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?

OPENING PRAYER: Father, give me a heart of understanding as I learn more about business strategies in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 26:12-14 (NKJV)
[12]Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him.
[13]The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous;
[14]for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him.

MEMORY VERSE:.“When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Luke 5:4 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: To launch out means to make a start on a new and challenging enterprise. It means to venture into a business, career, academics, ministry, etc. It also connotes taking new risks to create something as an entrepreneur that would meet the need of people. The Earth was “formless and void” and out of that emptiness, God created the world. As believers, we have the characteristics of God – the Creator – in us. When we create; launch new businesses, write new books, compose new songs, build new things, create new art, etc. we are not doing something “secular” rather, we are imitating the work of God – the first Creator.

TEXT REVIEW: Genesis 26:12-14.
Isaac understood how to launch out.
i. He sowed in the land and reaped ……….. v12.
ii. …………………………………………v13.
iii.…………………………………………v14.

OUTLINES:
1. THE MINDSET NEEDED
2. STEPS TO BE TAKEN

1. THE MINDSET NEEDED
Teachers should ask for the views of the students on the needed mindset to launch out and later guide them with the under-listed.
Before launching out into any business we need to have the mindset:
i. To primarily solve a problem or a set of problems (Genesis 41:56; Romans 8:19). So, seek God for direction and wisdom (Isaiah 30:21).
ii. That a business is a profession like other professions like banking, law, engineering, medicine, architecture, etc. therefore, it must be handled professionally (Proverbs 22:29).
iii. That a business is different from a hustle. Hustle is what you do to survive but business is what you continuously do to solve other people’s problems by creating value that people will be happy to pay for (Psalm 107:23).
iv. That business is for the long term and should glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
v. That integrity, diligence, and creativity are necessary for any business to grow. (Proverbs 11:1; 12:24; Exodus 31:2-5).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The class should identify areas they would like to launch out.

2. STEPS TO BE TAKEN
Teachers should ask the students how they can launch out before guiding them with the following:
i. Start your business with a vision to provide a solution to a challenge that you see around you. You may be the one going through the challenge and it may be someone else or a group of individuals (Habakkuk 2:1-2; Genesis 41:32-36).
ii. Commence your business where you are and with what you have (Genesis 26:12; Exodus 4:2). Think very big, plan ahead but start small (Luke 14:28).
iii. Start your business as a brand with special unique attributes (Acts 4:13). You must incorporate your business as a corporate entity by registering with the appropriate regulatory body.
iv. Begin your business with an unfair advantage or a unique selling point. (Genesis 30:40-43).
v. Start your business with functional strategy, systems, and structures (Isaiah 28:10).
vi. Equip yourself to do business as a professional (Hosea 4:6).
vii. You must engage a mentor or a coach to guide you to launch out well (2 Timothy 2:2).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should mention the steps they are taking to launch out.

CONCLUSION: God expects His children to launch out to do business and prosper in accordance with His words. Therefore, your business can only flourish if you begin with God and apply kingdom principles combined with strong business processes.

EVALUATION: Mention three ways to launch a new venture.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, I receive the grace to launch out my visions rightly in Jesus’ name.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) mindsets needed before launching out into business (2×5=10 Marks).

LESSON TWENTY ONE (21)
TOPIC: LAUNCH OUT

*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?

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 26:12-14 (NKJV)
[12]Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him.
[13]The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous;
[14]for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him.

MEMORY VERSE:
“When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Luke 5:4 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION
To launch out means to make a start on a new and challenging enterprise. It means to venture into a business, career, academics, ministry, etc. It also connotes taking new risks to create something as an entrepreneur that would meet the need of people. The Earth was “formless and void” and out of that emptiness, God created the world. As believers, we have the characteristics of God – the Creator – in us. When we create; launch new businesses, write new books, compose new songs, build new things, create new art, etc. we are not doing something “secular” rather, we are imitating the work of God – the first Creator.

OUTLINES:
1. THE MINDSET NEEDED
2. STEPS TO BE TAKEN

1. THE MINDSET NEEDED
Before launching out into any business we need to have the mindset:
1. To primarily solve a problem or a set of problems (Genesis 41:56; Romans 8:19). So, seek God for direction and wisdom (Isaiah 30:21).
2. That a business is a profession like other professions like banking, law, engineering, medicine, architecture, etc. therefore, it must be handled professionally (Proverbs 22:29).
3. That a business is different from a hustle. Hustle is what you do to survive but business is what you continuously do to solve other people’s problems by creating value that people will be happy to pay for (Psalm 107:23).
4. That business is for the long term and should glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
5. That integrity, diligence, and creativity are necessary for any business to grow. (Proverbs 11:1; 12:24; Exodus 31:2-5).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The class should identify areas they would like to launch out.

2. STEPS TO BE TAKEN
1. Start your business with a vision to provide a solution to a challenge that you see around you. You may be the one going through the challenge and it may be someone else or a group of individuals (Habakkuk 2:1-2; Genesis 41:32-36).
2. Commence your business where you are and with what you have (Genesis 26:12; Exodus 4:2). Think very big, plan ahead but start small (Luke 14:28).
3. Start your business as a brand with special unique attributes (Acts 4:13). You must incorporate your business as a corporate entity by registering with the appropriate regulatory body.
4. Begin your business with an unfair advantage or a unique selling point. (Genesis 30:40-43).
5. Start your business with functional strategy, systems, and structures (Isaiah 28:10).
6. Equip yourself to do business as a professional (Hosea 4:6).
7. You must engage a mentor or a coach to guide you to launch out well (2 Timothy 2:2).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should mention the steps they are taking to launch out.

CONCLUSION: God expects His children to launch out to do business and prosper in accordance with His words. Therefore, your business can only flourish if you begin with God and apply kingdom principles combined with strong business processes.

QUESTIONS:
* What does it mean to launch out?
* Mention three steps believers can take when launching out.

FURTHER READING: SUN: Isaiah 8:1. MON: Titus 1:9. TUES: Isaiah 5:19. WED: Eccl. 9:23.THURS: Neh. 9:30. FRI: Prov. 24:7.SAT: Prov. 4:18.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) mindsets needed before launching out into business (2×5=10 Marks).

LESSON TWENTY ONE (21)
TOPIC: ALTERNATIVE SPIRITUALITY

*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?

BIBLE PASSAGE: Isaiah 47:13-14
[13]Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.
[14]Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it.

MEMORY VERSE: Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 19:31.

INTRODUCTION: Alternative spirituality is a loosely defined term generally used to describe spiritual practices that do not conform to true Christianity. It is largely characterised by some spiritual practices and rituals that are often chosen by the participants to fit their individual needs. In this lesson, we shall attempt to highlight some of them and scripturally view what our perspectives should be as believers.

OUTLINES:
1. ALTERNATIVE SPIRITUALITY PRACTICES
2. SCRIPTURAL PERSPECTIVES

1.ALTERNATIVE SPIRITUALITY PRACTICES
Astrology and the Zodiac is the “interpretation” of an assumed influence the starry hosts (and planets) exert on human destiny (Isaiah 47:13; Daniel 2:27). According to astrology, the sign you were born under, like Aquarius, Pisces, etc. impacts your destiny. Crystal sphere is the belief that a precious stone has an inherent power that can be used to man’s benefit like attracting wealth, rekindling romance, and warding off evil spirits or bad energy thus bringing good luck. Necromancy is the conjuring of the spirits of the dead to magically reveal the future or influence the course of events. In the Bible, necromancy is also called “divination,” “sorcery” and “spiritism” (Exodus 7:11; 2 Kings 17:17).
Others include practices like palm reading, spiritual bathing, playing some seemingly harmless games designed to initiate people into divination, visiting websites that promise to guide and reveal destiny to unsuspecting victims, perfumes and cosmetics capable of bringing good luck or warding off bad luck, visiting false prophets, using charms, amulets, or talismans, etc. (Leviticus 19:26).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention other ungodly spiritual practices prevalent in their community.

2. SCRIPTURAL PERSPECTIVES
Astrology, crystal sphere as well as necromancy are forms of divination expressly detestable and forbidden in Scripture (Deuteronomy 18:10-14). Stars, along with the sun and moon, were given for “signs” and “seasons” (Genesis 1:14). To “worship the starry host” is a clear violation of God’s law (Deuteronomy 4:19). The royal astrologers of the Babylonian court were put to shame by God’s prophet, Daniel (Daniel 1:20; 2:27).
Our wisdom comes from God, not the dead (James 1:5). Also those who are dead, either go to Heaven to rest or to hell for condemnation. Anything outside this is the conjuring of demonic spirits. Likewise, anything that seeks to manipulate the spirit world can be categorised as witchcraft. Witchcraft is named along with idolatry as ungodly behaviour (Galatians 5:19-21). All the aforementioned practices involve demonic manipulations and open the one who practices them to demonic attacks. It is worshipping created things rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25).
The word of God is and must remain our guide through life (Psalms 119:105).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should share any alternative spirituality they engaged in previously and its implication on their lives.

CONCLUSION: Every spirituality outside the will of Christ is false and demonic. It should not be embraced by true Christians.

QUESTIONS:
* Mention three reasons believers should avoid any spirituality outside Christ.
* Give two examples of alternative spiritual practices that people get involved in.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five reasons Christians seek after other forms of spirituality outside Christ. (2×5=10 marks).

LESSON TWENTY ONE (21)
TOPIC: ALTERNATIVE SPIRITUALITY

*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?

OPENING PRAYER: Father, help me not to be ignorant of the tricks and gimmicks of the devil in Jesus name.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Isaiah 47:13-14
[13]Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.
[14]Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it.

MEMORY VERSE: Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 19:31.

INTRODUCTION: Alternative spirituality is a loosely defined term generally used to describe spiritual practices that do not conform to true Christianity. It is largely characterised by some spiritual practices and rituals that are often chosen by the participants to fit their individual needs. In this lesson, we shall attempt to highlight some of them and scripturally view what our perspectives should be as believers.

LESSON AIM: To teach the students about other forms of spirituality prevalent in the world and the scriptural stand on them.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
a. Explain what it means to engage in alternative spirituality.
b. Distinguish between biblically acceptable and unacceptable spirituality.
c. Name some of the alternative spirituality.

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, do class activities and assignment.
b. Allow the Assistant Teacher to see to the well-being of the class, mark attendance and assignment.
c. Teach the lesson outline, summarise, conclude, evaluate the lesson, and give an assignment to the students.

TEXT REVIEW: Isaiah 47:13-14.
Concerning God’s judgement on the Babylonians (by extension everyone that put trust in wisdom, sorceries, magic, etc. instead of the Holy One of Israel), the prophet Isaiah declares:
i. Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.V13.
ii. Behold, they shall …………………………………………V14a.
iii. The fire ………………….……………………V14b.
iv. They shall ……………………………..V14c.
v. There shall ……………………………………V14d.

OUTLINES:
1. ALTERNATIVE SPIRITUALITY PRACTICES
2. SCRIPTURAL PERSPECTIVES

1. ALTERNATIVE SPIRITUALITY PRACTICES
The teacher should explain some of the alternative power people seek after today:
A. Astrology and the Zodiac is the “interpretation” of an assumed influence the starry hosts (and planets) exert on human destiny (Isaiah 47:13; Daniel 2:27). According to astrology, the sign you were born under, like Aquarius, Pisces, etc. impacts your destiny.
B. Crystal sphere is the belief that a precious stone has an inherent power that can be used to man’s benefit like attracting wealth, rekindling romance, and warding off evil spirits or bad energy thus bringing good luck.
C. Necromancy is the conjuring of the spirits of the dead to magically reveal the future or influence the course of events. In the Bible, necromancy is also called “divination,” “sorcery” and “spiritism” (Exodus 7:11; 2 Kings 17:17).
D. Others include practices like:
i. Palm reading, visiting false Prophets, spiritual bathing, etc.
ii. Playing some seemingly harmless games designed to initiate people into divination
iii. Visiting websites that promise to guide and reveal destiny to unsuspecting victims
iv. Perfumes and cosmetics capable of bringing good luck or warding off bad luck
v. Using charms, amulets, or talismans, etc. (Leviticus 19:26).

2. SCRIPTURAL PERSPECTIVES
A. Astrology, crystal sphere as well as necromancy are forms of divination expressly detestable and forbidden in Scripture (Deuteronomy 18:10-14).
i. Stars, along with the sun and moon, were given for “signs” and “seasons” (Genesis 1:14).
ii. To “worship the starry host” is a clear violation of God’s law (Deuteronomy 4:19).
iii. The royal astrologers of the Babylonian court were put to shame by God’s prophet, Daniel (Daniel 1:20; 2:27).
B. Our wisdom comes from God, not the dead (James 1:5).
i. Those who are dead, either go to Heaven to rest or to hell for condemnation. Anything outside this is the conjuring of demonic spirits.
ii. Anything that seeks to manipulate the spirit world can be categorised as witchcraft.
iii. Witchcraft is named along with idolatry as ungodly behaviour (Galatians 5:19-21).
C. All the aforementioned practices involve demonic manipulations.
i. They open the one who practices them to demonic attacks.
ii. It is worshipping created things rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25).
D. The word of God is and must remain our guide through life (Psalm 119:105).

QUESTIONS:
* Mention three reasons believers should avoid any spirituality outside Christ.
* Give two examples of alternative spiritual practices that people get involved in.

EVALUATION: The teacher should ask the student to mention three alternative spirituality they know and state what the scriptures say about them.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, I come out of every ungodly and satanic spiritual practice in Jesus’name.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five reasons Christians seek after other forms of spirituality outside Christ. (2×5=10 marks).

Open Heaven 20 January 2024

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 19 JANUARY 2024 FRIDAY: WHAT TREND?

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 19 JANUARY 2024 MEMORIZE: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 19 JANUARY 2024 BIBLE READING MATTHEW 24:12-14

[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.

[14]And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 19 JANUARY 2024 MESSAGE

One of my sons once suggested that, as a church, we should be fully active on social media.

I am glad that I didn’t discourage him and other youths from setting up social media accounts for the Redeemed Christian Church of God because the platforms have become very useful, especially during the global lockdown in 2020.

By the grace of God, hundreds of thousands of people were reached through those platforms.

Today, the physical Church is being supported by the digital Church because Christian content is still posted online to reach many people who are not yet saved.

We live in the communication age where everyone is allowed to express their opinions without fear.

The problem, however, is that some Christians are very sceptical about posting Christian content so that they won’t be termed fanatics by their friends; they would rather share jokes and entertainment news from bloggers.

If you truly belong to Jesus, you will make Him trend on your Facebook, WhatsApp, X, Instagram, and other social media platforms.

Beloved, I urge you to use your social media platforms to tell the world about Jesus today.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 19 JANUARY 2024 ACTION POINT

For the next one week, make Jesus trend on your social media platforms.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 19 JANUARY 2024 HYMN

HYMN 7 – WONDERFUL STORY OF LOVE

1. Wonderful story of love!
Tell it to me again;
Wonderful story of love!
Wake the immortal strain.
Angels with rapture announce it,
Shepherds with wonder receive it;
Sinner, O won’t you believe it?
Wonderful story of love!

REFRAIN:
Wonderful! Wonderful!
Wonderful story, Wonderful story of love!

2. Wonderful story of love!
Though you are far away;
Wonderful story of love!
Still he doth call today.
Calling from Calvary’s mountain,
Down from the crystal bright fountain,
E’en from the dawn of creation;
Wonderful story of love!

3. Wonderful story of love!
Jesus provides a rest;
Wonderful story of love!
For all the pure and blest;
Rest in those mansions above us,
With those who’ve gone on before us,
Singing the rapturous chorus;
Wonderful story of love!

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 19 JANUARY 2024 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: GENESIS 31:17-32:12; MATTHEW 10:24-11:6

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVEN 19 JANUARY 2024 FRIDAY: GOD’S BEST FRIENDS 1

OPEN HEAVEN 19 JANUARY 2024 MEMORIZE: And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. James 2:23

OPEN HEAVEN 19 JANUARY 2024 BIBLE READING GENESIS 18:17-33

17 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;

18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?

19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;

21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.

22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.

23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?

25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

26 And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.

27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:

28 Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.

29 And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty’s sake.

30 And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there.

31 And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty’s sake.

32 And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake.

33 And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.

OPEN HEAVEN 19 JANUARY 2024 MESSAGE

It may surprise you to know that God has best friends. God’s best friends are so close to Him that they know things about Him that no one else knows.

They are people with an experiential knowledge of Him that most people don’t have.

Such people don’t like to talk deeply about how much of God they know because those who haven’t gotten that close to Him will misunderstand them.

Abraham was one of God’s best friends. He was so close to God that God said He could not do anything significant on earth without first informing him (Genesis 18:17).

Moses was also one of God’s best friends. He was so close to God that God Himself testified in Numbers 12:8 that He spoke to Moses mouth to mouth and that he beholds His similitude which is translated as ‘form’ in modern English.

John the Beloved was another man who was clearly one of God’s best friends.

Of all the people on earth, Jesus decided to tell him all the things that will happen in the end time (Revelation 1:1).

All these people had such a close relationship with God that they saw sides of Him that others never saw.

They heard things from Him that they never told others and made Him change His mind on several occasions (Genesis 18:24-32, Exodus 32:9-14).

Probably the most obvious example is reflected in Jesus’ relationship with Peter, James and John while He was on earth.

Because they were with the Lord Jesus Christ on the mount of transfiguration, they saw His glory (Matthew 17:1-2).

When He went to raise Jairus’ daughter, He allowed only the three of them to follow Him, and so they saw His resurrection power (Mark 5:35-37).

They were so close to Him that they saw Him in His time of distress at the garden of Gethsemane when He was crying for God to take away the cup from Him (Matthew 26:36-39).

Jesus invited them specially to watch with Him. These three experienced special moments with Jesus Christ that no one else did.

It indeed is a special honour and privilege to be one of God’s best friends.

I believe every sincere believer should desire to be in God’s special inner circle of friends, and so I will be discussing what it takes to become one of God’s best friends in the next couple of days.

OPEN HEAVEN 19 JANUARY 2024 REFLECTION

How close are you to God?

OPEN HEAVEN 19 JANUARY 2024 HYMN

HYMN: 11 – I’VE FOUND A FRIEND IN JESUS

1 I’ve found a friend in Jesus, He’s everything to me,
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul;
The Apple-tree of trees, in Him alone I see
All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.
In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay,
He tells me every care on Him to roll:
He’s the Apple-tree of trees, the Bright and Morning Star,
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.

2 He all my griefs has taken, and all my sorrows borne;
In temptation He’s my strong and mighty tower;
I’ve all for Him forsaken, and all my idols torn
From my heart, and now He keeps me by His power.
Though all the world forsake me, and Satan tempt me sore,
Through Jesus I shall safely reach the goal:
He’s the Apple-tree of trees, the Bright and Morning Star,
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.

3 He’ll never, never leave me, nor yet forsake me here,
While I live by faith and do His blessed will;
A wall of fire about me, I’ve nothing now to fear,
With His manna He my hungry soul shall fill.
Then sweeping up to glory to see His blessed face,
Where rivers of delight shall ever roll:
He’s the Apple-tree of trees, the Bright and Morning Star,
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.

OPEN HEAVEN 19 JANUARY 2024 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 11-13

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVEN 18 JANUARY 2024 MEMORIZE: Thus saith the Lord of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. 1 Samuel 15:2

OPEN HEAVEN 18 JANUARY 2024 BIBLE READING Psalm 103:1-5

¹ Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

² Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

³ Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

⁴ Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

⁵ Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Daily Confession: Today, I choose to walk in God’s light, guided by His Word, and surrender every area of my life to His will, in the mighty name of Jesus.

Prayer Points For Open Heavens 17 January 2024

Powerful Declarations For Today 17 January 2024

Rccg 50 Days Prayers And Fasting Guide 17 January 2024

Open Heaven For Teens 17 January 2024

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Open Heaven 15 January 2024

OPEN HEAVEN 18 JANUARY 2024 MESSAGE

Today, I will be discussing how needful it is for men to also open a book of remembrance of God’s goodness so that they can give Him praise like the psalmist in our Bible reading today.

Over the years, I have come to realise that many people easily forget the goodness of God to them.

For example, when things are going fine, it is easy for a fellow to be full of praise for his or her Maker.

However, when things are not going well, the same fellow may momentarily forget all that the Lord has done for him or her and immediately begin to complain.

David also realised this tendency in men to forget what God has done for them quickly, hence the reminder he set for himself in the memory verse of today.

After setting the reminder in Psalm 103:2 for himself, David went on to open the book of remembrance of God’s blessings upon his life and began to praise Him (Psalm 103:3-5).

He praised God for forgiving his sins, for healing him, and for saving him from destruction.

He went further to praise God for crowning him with loving kindness and tender mercies.

David also praised God for satisfying him with good things and for renewing his strength like the eagle’s.

Beloved, it is very important that you always remember the goodness of the Lord upon your life.

You were created in His image, and this is enough reason for you to thank Him at all times.

The sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary for your sins and indeed the sins of the entire world is another major reason to be thankful to God at all times.

You should thank Him always for saving you from the consequences of sin and all sorts of evil in the world today.

Like David, you must give thanks to God for His lovingkindness and tender mercies.

The Bible says that you would have been consumed if not for His tender mercies (Lamentations 3:22), so you owe your continued existence to Him.

I am sure that I can go on and on, and I still will not be able to exhaust the list of reasons you should praise God at all times.

Beloved, open a book of remembrance of the Lord’s goodness over your life today and begin to praise Him.

OPEN HEAVEN 18 JANUARY 2024 ACTION POINT

Praise God throughout today, and make this a habit going forward.

OPEN HEAVEN 18 JANUARY 2024 HYMN

RCCG HYMN 17: PRAISE MY SOUL THE KING OF HEAVEN

¹ Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
to his feet your tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
evermore his praises sing.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King!

² Praise him for his grace and favor
to his people in distress.
Praise him, still the same as ever,
slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Glorious in his faithfulness!

³ Fatherlike he tends and spares us;
well our feeble frame he knows.
In his hand he gently bears us,
rescues us from all our foes.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Widely yet his mercy flows!

⁴ Angels, help us to adore him;
you behold him face to face.
Sun and moon, bow down before him,
dwellers all in time and space.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise with us the God of grace! 

OPEN HEAVEN 18 JANUARY 2024 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 8-10

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

BIBLE TEXT(S): Deut. 28:12, Dan. 12:4, Job 5:12, Prov. 18:9, Eccl.5:18