LESSON EIGHT (08)
TOPIC: SONSHIP (PART 1)

*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: Galatians 4:4-7

[4]But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

[5]to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

[6]And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

[7]Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Fears for the Church

MEMORY VERSE: “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” John 1:12 (KJV).

INTRODUCTION: In the family of God, gender does not define sonship (Genesis 1:27). Anyone who is under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, adopted through grace is a son of God (Ephesians 1:5). Sonship in our context refers to a relationship with the Almighty God through Jesus Christ which makes Him Father to all believers (Romans 8:15). Sonship is a very important source of authority and dominion which distinguishes sons from others (John 1:12; Galatians 4:7). Beginning from Jesus, the Father always deliberately robes His sons with power (John 5:27; Acts 1:8). This is to empower them to operate fully as His representatives on earth. This lesson focuses on Jesus as the son of God as well as the believers.

OUTLINES:
1. JESUS, THE SON OF GOD
2. BELIEVERS AS SONS

1. JESUS, THE SON OF GOD
The Holy Scripture acknowledges the sonship of Jesus severally because the Scripture itself is about Him (John 5:39; Luke 24:44). Jesus’ sonship was acknowledged by God, the Father (Matthew 3:16-17); Himself (John 10:36); devils (Luke 4:41); His disciples (John 6:67-69); His accusers (Matthew 27:54); a Jew (John 1:49) and the angelic host (Luke. 1:35). Also, Jesus’ miracles distinguished Him as the only begotten of the father (John 11:4). His outstanding teaching ministry confirmed Him as the Son of the Most High God (Matthew 7:29; Luke 4:31-32). The prophetic declaration of His birth established the truth about His Sonship (Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:32).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should discuss how to explain the Sonship of Jesus to non-believers.

2. BELIEVERS AS SONS
Having established Jesus’ Sonship, the Bible indicates that all believers regardless of gender are “sons” of God (Galatians 3:26-29) in the same degree as Jesus. This truth resonates throughout the New Testament and is at the very heart of the gospel (1John 3:1-2). The Holy Scripture has several proofs for our sonship, some of which include:
1.Our adoption as sons (Romans 8:15).

2. The fact that we were given the same Spirit as Jesus (Galatians 4:6).

3.Being divinely led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14).

4.Prophetic support (2 Corinthians 6:18).

5.Jesus’ assertion (John 20:17).

6.Expectation of God’s creatures (Romans 8:19).
7.The fatherhood of God in Jesus’ prayer model (Matthew 6:9).
In addition, just like Jesus, the Scriptures establish the fact that we too as sons have power and authority (Luke 10:19). We have essentially the same mandate (John 14:12). We are in this world as Jesus is (1 John 4:17). We have the same fate (John 15:20). The disciples of Jesus, down the ages, have demonstrated same power and authority (Acts 3:6-8).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Having realised our sonship and authority in Christ, students should discuss how they have harnessed this privilege.

CONCLUSION: You must be born again to attain the “sonship status.” (John 1:12).

QUESTIONS:
*.How was the sonship of Jesus acknowledged?
* Mention three proofs of believers’ sonship from the scriptures.

FURTHER READING: SUN: James 1:5. MON: Rom.8:15. TUES: Deut.14:2. WED: Deut.21:6. THURS: Jn.15:15. FRI: Lk.10:17. SAT: Mat.21:21.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention some of your privileges as a child of God on earth and pray to enjoy them. (No marks).

LESSON EIGHT (08)
TOPIC: UNDERSTANDING REPENTANCE

*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: 2 Corinthians 7:9-10

[9]Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

[10]For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

MEMORY VERSE: Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19.

INTRODUCTION: Technically, repentance is a change of mind, not just a turning from sin. The Greek word translated as repentance is metanoia, and the meaning is simply a change of mind. In common usage, however, we often speak of repentance as “a turning from sin.” In this lesson, we will discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in repentance and its outcome.

OUTLINES:
1.THE CONVICTING WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
2. THE FINAL PRODUCTS

THE CONVICTING WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Repentance is often associated with salvation in the scripture, that is, what happens when the Holy Spirit begins His work to bring a person to salvation. The Spirit gives the sinner a personal understanding and infallible conviction that the facts concerning his spiritual state are true (John 16:8).

Those facts are his sin, the eternal punishment due him for his sin, the substitutionary nature of Jesus’ suffering for his sin as well as the need for faith in Jesus to save him from his sin (Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:21). From that convicting work of the Holy Spirit, the sinner repents; he changes his mind about sin, the Saviour and salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9).

When a repentant person changes his mind about sin, that change of mind naturally leads to a turning from sin. Sin is no longer desirable or fun because sin brings condemnation (Romans 5:17-18). The repentant sinner begins to dislike his past misdeeds and he starts seeking ways to amend his behaviour (Luke 19:8; Acts 2:37).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention other types of sin they have come across in the bible.

2. THE FINAL PRODUCTS
Ultimately, the result of the change of mind about sin is good deeds (Matthew 3:8; Titus 2:7, 14). The sinner turns away from sin towards faith in the Saviour, and that faith is shown in action (James 2:17).

Repentance concerningsalvation is a change of mind from an embrace of sin to rejection of sin and the rejection of Christ to faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-5). Such repentance is something only God can enable (John 6:44; 2 Timothy 2:25). Therefore, true biblical repentance will always result in a change of behaviour (2Corinthians 5:17)

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should share any experience of freedom they had from the claws of sin and the effect on their existence.

CONCLUSION: Your character must change from sinful to godly if you have repented. It is not just turning from sin but turning to God.

QUESTIONS:
* Explain repentance.
* Mention three final products of repentance.

ASSIGNMENT: Write five differences between repentance and remorsefulness. (2×5=10 marks).

LESSON EIGHT (08)
TOPIC: UNDERSTANDING REPENTANCE

*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: Dear God, help me to have a proper understanding of repentance.

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The teacher should allow one of the students to review the lesson for the previous week.

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 CORINTHIANS 7:9-10

[9]Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

[10]For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

MEMORY VERSE: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19
Acts 3:19

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Technically, repentance is a change of mind, not just a turning from sin. The Greek word translated as repentance is metanoia, and the meaning is simply a change of mind. In common usage, however, we often speak of repentance as “a turning from sin.” In this lesson, we will discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in repentance and its outcome.

LESSON AIM: To teach students the doctrine of repentance.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through this study, students are expected to:
i. Know the etymology of repentance.
ii. Understand the interactional work of the Holy Spirit that leads to repentance.
iii. Know the resultant effect of repentance in the life of a person.

TEXT REVIEW: 2 Corinthians 7:9-10
Apostle Paul while explaining to the brethren in Corinth, the reason for the joy he had, made a clear distinction between godly sorrow and the sorrow of the world saying:
Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry…….. V9a.
But that ye ……………. V9b
For ye were ……………. V9c.
For godly sorrow …….. V10.

LESSON OUTLINE
LESSON OUTLINE1: THE CONVICTING WORK
OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Repentance is often associated with salvation in scripture, that is, what happens when the Holy Spirit begins His work to bring a person to salvation.

A. The Spirit gives the sinner a personal understanding and infallible conviction that the facts concerning his spiritual state are true (John 16:8).
Those facts are his sin, the eternal punishment due him for his sin
The substitutionary nature of Jesus’ suffering for his sin as well as the need for faith in Jesus to save him from his sin (Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
From that convicting work of the Holy Spirit, the sinner repents; he changes his mind about sin, the Saviour and salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9).

B. When a repentant person changes his mind about sin:
That change of mind naturally leads to a turning from sin. Sin is no longer desirable or fun because sin brings condemnation (Romans 5:17-18).
The repentant sinner begins to dislike his past misdeeds and he starts seeking ways to amend his behaviour (Luke 19:8; Acts 2:37).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Why do you think some people change their ways and others do not though they are under the same atmosphere of the Holy Spirit and the word?

LESSON OUTLINE 2: THE FINAL PRODUCTS
Ultimately, the result of the change of mind
about sin is good deeds (Matthew 3:8; Titus 2:7, 14).
The sinner turns away from sin towards faith in the Saviour.
That faith is shown in action (James 2:17).
Repentance in relation to salvation is a change of mind from an embrace of sin to rejection of sin and from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-5).
Such repentance is something only God can enable (John 6:44:2 Timothy 2:25).
Therefore, true biblical repentance will al- ways result in a change of behaviour (2 Corinthians 5:17).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should share their experiences on something bad they repented from.

CONCLUSION: Your character must change from sinful to godly if you have repented. It is not just turning from sin but turning to God.

EVALUATION: What is repentance according to the scripture in a sentence?

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, help me to genuinely turn away from every ungodly practice in my life.

ASSIGNMENT: Write five differences between repentance and remorsefulness. (2×5=10 marks).

LESSON EIGHT (08)
TOPIC: DRESS CODE AND LIFESTYLE

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.

MEMORY VERSE: “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand ” Philippians 4:5

BIBLE TEXT: Exodus 2:16-25

[16]Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.

[17]And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.

[18]And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day?

[19]And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock.

[20]And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.

[21]And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter.

[22]And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.

[23]And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.

[24]And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

[25]And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: There are reasons why we, the Christians must dress as believers. We dress to cover our nakedness as seen in Genesis 3:10 and 21. We are not permitted as believers to wear transparent clothes which expose our nakedness. We also dress to keep our bodies protected. We are to dress beautifully and gloriously not to kill – Exodus 28:2,40.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE
DRESS CODE
Dress code means a set of rules specifying the required manner of dress at a particular office, place or event. It is very important to have dress code in schools, offices, events, church gatherings, etc. In order to:
– promote professionalism.
– enhance decency and stops immorality.
– promote employer’s rights and individual freedom.
– terminate ungodliness and sinful habits amongst men and women.
– uproot totally the old man – Ephesians 4:22.
– enhance modesty -I Timothy 2:9.
All sensitive parts in our bodies are not to be revealed. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 6:19 that we are the temple of the Holy Ghost, meaning our bodies are sacred to God and not to be defiled or used as an instrument of unrighteousness but for God’s use only.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO
LIFESTYLE

Lifestyle means a style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person. Simply put, it is the way or manner in which a person lives. There are different types of lifestyle; active or extroverted lifestyle, healthy lifestyle which is eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, getting plenty of rest but in our discussion we are emphasising on unhealthy lifestyle such as partying, clubbing and betting which supposed not to be part of believers.

Partying means a social gathering for unhealthy entertainment or fun which negates biblical principles. It always ends in shame, reproach, the entering of evil covenant and curse. For example Noah went on partying till it resulted to his being naked and placing a curse on his son – Genesis 9:21-25.

Clubbing means the activity of going to nightclubs, especially to dance to popular music, drink and socialize. This is not right for believers- I Corinthians 15:33.

Betting means the action of gambling money on the outcome of a race, game, or other unpredictable event. Many are enjoying gambling through betting but the end result is not glorious.

ACTIVITY: Dressing does not make a monk. Discuss.

SUMMARY: Though we don’t judge a book by its cover, but one’s dressing speaks volume about one’s personality.

CONCLUSION: Partying, clubbing and betting negate divine principles, can jeopardize godly relationship and truncate heavenly vision of making heaven at last.

PRAYER POINTS

1 Father, please deliver everyone suffering from this menace.

2. Lord. purify the hearts of those under the influence of these vices by Your fire.

3. Lord, touch the hearts of all our youths so that they can live for You.

4. Father, uphold all Your vessels in RCCG so that their moderation will be seen by all men.

5. We pray most especially for our daughters and sisters that they will glorify God in their dressing.

ASSIGNMENT: Counsel anyone you know is a victim of today’s lesson.

GOLDEN DIET FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY: Your lifestyle should be different – 2 Cor. 6:14-18.

TUESDAY: Do not stop counselling the youths – Psalms 119:9.

WEDNESDAY: Psalms 119:11

THURSDAY: 1 Peter 3:3-5, I Tim. 2:9.

FRIDAY: Your dressing determines the way you will be addressed.

SATURDAY: Everyone dresses like that, doesn’t meant it is right – 1 Corinthians 6:19.

SUNDAY: Pray that God will deliver this generation from betting (gambling).

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 21 OCTOBER 2023 MEMORIZE: And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Genesis 1:26

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 21 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING GENESIS 1:24-31

[24]And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.

[25]And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

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

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

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

[29]And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

[30]And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.

[31]And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 21 OCTOBER 2023 MESSAGE

It is unfortunate that the 21st century Church is guilty of exercising unlimited freedom, acting as though Jesus Christ has saved us into lawlessness and unguided freedom.

When God created the world, His assessment was, “And God saw everything that he had made, and. behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31).

My dear child, you must be careful not to be pressured into becoming what God didn’t make you.

Adding a few colours to your face, eyelashes, wearing dripping lipsticks, using artificial bums and breasts, et cetera, are parts of satan’s schemes to lure men and women into sexual perversion that will take them to hell.

Don’t be an agent, and don’t fall for his schemes.

The term transgender is becoming acceptable: boys want to look like girls, and girls want to become boys.

Many people are gradually falling short of God’s perfection by recreating themselves through artificial aesthetics that have brought about sexual perversions.

How do you explain a 70-year-old woman being recreated by a few brushes to look like a 25-year-old? I pray that the Lord will help you in Jesus’ name.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 21 OCTOBER 2023 KEY POINT

Even as the Church has become tolerant of some things, the standard of God remains unchanged. God created you beautifully, period!

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 21 OCTOBER 2023 HYMN

HYMN 19: JESUS LOVES ME! THIS I KNOW

1. Jesus loves me! this I know,
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak, but He is strong.

CHORUS
Yes, Jesus loves me,
Yes, Jesus loves me,
Yes, Jesus loves me,
The Bible tells me so.

2. Jesus loves me He who died,
Heaven’s gate to open wide,
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.

3. Jesus loves me, loves me still,
Tho’ I’m very weak and ill
From His shining throne on high
He will watch me where I lie.

4. Jesus loves me He will stay
Close beside me all the way,
If I love Him when I die
He will take me home on high.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 21 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: LUKE 1-2

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

LESSON EIGHT (08)
TOPIC: DRESS CODE AND LIFESTYLE

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: Lord, grant me the required grace to be modest in all my lifestyle and to dress to glorify God in Jesus name.

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: Leaders should ask members for last week assignment and how they feel afterwards. By this, previous lesson would be revised.

MEMORY VERSE: “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand ” Philippians 4:5

BIBLE TEXT: Exodus 2:16-25

[16]Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.

[17]And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.

[18]And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day?

[19]And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock.

[20]And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.

[21]And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter.

[22]And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.

[23]And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.

[24]And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

[25]And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: There are reasons why we, the Christians must dress as believers. We dress to cover our nakedness as seen in Genesis 3:10 and 21. We are not permitted as believers to wear transparent clothes which expose our nakedness. We also dress to keep our bodies protected. We are to dress beautifully and gloriously not to kill – Exodus 28:2,40.

LESSON AIM: To equip members with the mindset of living and dressing decently.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, members should be able to know:
– that believers are to dress decently.
– that believers’ lifestyle must be for God’s glory.

TEXT REVIEW: Exodus 2:16-25
– Your reflection outside starts from the culture of modesty at home.
– Moses was able to assist the daughters of Reul based on what he saw in them
– Moses dressing made the daughters of Jethro believe he was an Egyptian.
– Everything you do will always bring back rewards.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE
DRESS CODE
Dress code means a set of rules specifying the required manner of dress at a particular office, place or event. It is very important to have dress code in schools, offices, events, church gatherings, etc. In order to:
– promote professionalism.
– enhance decency and stops immorality.
– promote employer’s rights and individual freedom.
– terminate ungodliness and sinful habits amongst men and women.
– uproot totally the old man – Ephesians 4:22.
– enhance modesty -I Timothy 2:9.
All sensitive parts in our bodies are not to be revealed. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 6:19 that we are the temple of the Holy Ghost, meaning our bodies are sacred to God and not to be defiled or used as an instrument of unrighteousness but for God’s use only.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO
LIFESTYLE

Lifestyle means a style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person. Simply put, it is the way or manner in which a person lives. There are different types of lifestyle; active or extroverted lifestyle, healthy lifestyle which is eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, getting plenty of rest but in our discussion we are emphasising on unhealthy lifestyle such as partying, clubbing and betting which supposed not to be part of believers.

Partying means a social gathering for unhealthy entertainment or fun which negates biblical principles. It always ends in shame, reproach, the entering of evil covenant and curse. For example Noah went on partying till it resulted to his being naked and placing a curse on his son – Genesis 9:21-25.

Clubbing means the activity of going to nightclubs, especially to dance to popular music, drink and socialize. This is not right for believers- I Corinthians 15:33.

Betting means the action of gambling money on the outcome of a race, game, or other unpredictable event. Many are enjoying gambling through betting but the end result is not glorious.

ACTIVITY: Dressing does not make a monk. Discuss.

SUMMARY: Though we don’t judge a book by its cover, but one’s dressing speaks volume about one’s personality.

CONCLUSION: Partying, clubbing and betting negate divine principles, can jeopardize godly relationship and truncate heavenly vision of making heaven at last.

PRAYER POINTS

1 Father, please deliver everyone suffering from this menace.

2. Lord. purify the hearts of those under the influence of these vices by Your fire.

3. Lord, touch the hearts of all our youths so that they can live for You.

4. Father, uphold all Your vessels in RCCG so that their moderation will be seen by all men.

5. We pray most especially for our daughters and sisters that they will glorify God in their dressing.

ASSIGNMENT: Counsel anyone you know is a victim of today’s lesson.

GOLDEN DIET FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY: Your lifestyle should be different – 2 Cor. 6:14-18.

TUESDAY: Do not stop counselling the youths – Psalms 119:9.

WEDNESDAY: Psalms 119:11

THURSDAY: 1 Peter 3:3-5, I Tim. 2:9.

FRIDAY: Your dressing determines the way you will be addressed.

SATURDAY: Everyone dresses like that, doesn’t meant it is right – 1 Corinthians 6:19.

SUNDAY: Pray that God will deliver this generation from betting (gambling).

OPEN HEAVEN 22 OCTOBER 2023 MEMORIZE: When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Ecclesiastes 5:4

OPEN HEAVEN 22 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING ECCLESIASTES 5:4-7

4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

6 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?

7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God

OPEN HEAVEN 22 OCTOBER 2023 MESSAGE

Psalm 50:14-15 says that when you pay your vows, you can call on God in the day of trouble, and He will answer. In other words, if you make a vow and you fail to redeem it, do not be surprised if you call on God in the day of trouble and He does not answer you.

Today, many Christians just make vows casually. Many a time, even when making the vow, they have no intention of paying it.

Don’t postpone the payment of your vow when you can do it now. God sees those who do that as fools.

A vow is like a deal. When you make a deal with someone and you don’t fulfil your part of it, it is like stealing from that person.

It is foolish to try to steal from God because what you are keeping away was provided by Him in the first place.

If you made a deal with God, fulfil your part speedily. Worse still, some people make vows because they want the Pastor to pray for them at that moment, without any intention to fulfil it.

How can you lie to God to receive blessings from Him? Is that not the height of foolishness?

Once you make a vow to God and the devil sees that you want to pay that vow, he will start telling you to defer it to later, saying that you don’t have enough yet or that God understands.

Don’t listen to his lies so that God doesn’t see you as a fool.

One interesting thing about fulfilling a vow made to God is that the One you made it to has the ability to give you far more than you have promised to give Him.

If you fulfil your vow, He would pour His blessings on you, but if you refuse to, He would also withhold what He would have given you in return.

Hannah made a vow to God that she would give Him her son if He would bless her with one.

This was after many painful years of waiting, and she didn’t know if she would ever have another child again.

Imagine her holding her child in her hands at last and then giving the child over to God.

Going back home without her child must have been a great sacrifice. She did it because that was her vow, and God gave her five more children in return (1 Samuel 2:21).

Job 22:27-29 says it is those who pay their vows that can decree a thing, and it is established. It is foolishness not to pay your vows.

OPEN HEAVEN 22 OCTOBER 2023 ACTION POINT

Pay your vows today and ask for God’s mercy for those you made and never paid.

OPEN HEAVEN 22 OCTOBER 2023 HYMN

HYMNAL: 28 – WHAT CAN WASH AWAY MY STAIN?

1. What can wash away my stain?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

REFRAIN:
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow!
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

2. For my pardon this I see;
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea:
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

3. Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus:
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

4. This is all my hope and peace:
Nothing but the blood of Jesus:
This is all my righteousness
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

OPEN HEAVEN 22 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: Luke 3-4

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 20 OCTOBER 2023 MEMORIZE: And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? Genesis 3:9

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 20 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING 2 CORINTHIANS 13:5-8

[5]Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

[6]But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.

[7]Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

[8]For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 20 OCTOBER 2023 MESSAGE

I am convinced that the question God asked Adam long ago “Where art thou?” is as relevant today as it was then.

It is not a question that an individual should wait for God to ask him or her, rather, each person should ask himself or herself often as we prepare for the coming of Christ.

From the day a person is born, the fellow begins a return journey to where he/she is from (Ecclesiastes 12:1-7).

This is why people ask, “How old are you?” and not “How young are you?” My dear, no matter how young you are, you are growing older every day.

Hence, you should ask yourself this same question regularly. Ask yourself, how far have I gone in fulfilling the purpose of God for my life?

Your assessment of your past and present will tell whether you are really serving the purpose of your existence, and this is very important.

Discuss with God and ask for the grace to be in the right standing always.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS OCTOBER 2023 ACTION POINT

Do a self-evaluation and ask God for help based on your findings.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 20 OCTOBER 2023 HYMN

HYMN 9 – O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED

1. O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou for ever near me,
My Master and my Friend:
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my Guide.

2. O let me feel Thee near me;
The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.

3. O let me hear Thee speaking
In accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion,
The murmurs of self-will;
O speak to reassure me,
To hasten or control;
O speak and make me listen,
Thou Guardian of my soul.

4. O Jesus, Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee,
That where Thou art in Glory
There shall Thy servant be;
And, Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow
My Master and my Friend.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 20 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: MARK 15-16

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVEN 21 OCTOBER 2023 MEMORIZE: Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Matthew 10:8

OPEN HEAVEN 21 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING MARK 16:15-18

¹⁵ And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

¹⁶ He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

¹⁷ And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

¹⁸ They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Beloved, be a vessel of evangelism and share these life-changing messages, prayers, and declarations with the precious people around you. 

OPEN HEAVEN 21 OCTOBER 2023 MESSAGE

As a child matures, he or she will get to the point where the parents can hand over some of their duties to him or her.

In the same vein, as we mature in Christ, we are to start doing the works of Christ.

That is why Jesus said in John 14:12 that we are to do the works that He did and indeed, greater works.

Jesus was a teacher of the word.

Apostle Paul said in Hebrews 5:12: “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.”

There comes a time in the life of a Christian when he or she ought to have started teaching others the gospel of Christ.

Many believers don’t get to this level because they only read their Bibles rather than study deeply.

When you read, you read to be informed, but when you study, you study to be transformed.

It is after you are transformed by the word that you begin to long to see that same transformation in others and that longing pushes you to start teaching it.

There are those who have memorized the longest chapter in the Bible, but they cannot teach the simple doctrines of faith because the Word hasn’t transformed them.

Don’t just read the Bible, study it.

When you experience the transforming power of the Word, you will be eager to start teaching it too.

Another work that Jesus did which we are also expected to do, is the working of miracles.

Miracles are not the exclusive reserve of Pastors only; they are for all Christians.

Jesus said in Mark 16:17, “These signs shall follow them that believe”.

As long as you are a child of God, when someone is sick around you, you are to lay hands on them so that they can recover.

Many Christians don’t do this because while they have been in the faith for long, they have not been deliberate about their spiritual growth.

Such people don’t spend quality time in God’s presence, praying, studying His word, and seeking His anointing.

You must be deliberate about your spiritual growth because our Lord Jesus Christ expects you to grow in Him and perform greater works than He did during His earthly ministry.

OPEN HEAVEN 21 OCTOBER 2023 KEY POINT:

Jesus expects you to do the works He did, and greater works indeed.

OPEN HEAVEN 21 OCTOBER 2023 HYMN

OPEN HEAVEN 21 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: Luke 1-2

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVEN 20 OCTOBER 2023 MEMORIZE: For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. Hebrews 5:12

OPEN HEAVEN 20 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING HEBREWS 5:11-14

¹¹ Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.

¹² For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

¹³ For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

¹⁴ But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Beloved, be a vessel of evangelism and share these life-changing messages, prayers, and declarations with the precious people around you. 

OPEN HEAVEN 20 OCTOBER 2023 MESSAGE

When a child is born, everybody is at his or her beck and call.

The child is not expected to do any chores in the house.

However, as the child begins to mature, he or she may then be sent on one errand or another.

It is the same way in the Christian walk. When someone has just become born again, the fellow is being fed by mature Christians.

When he or she comes to Church, the workers would direct him or her on where to park the car, and where to sit and attend to whatever needs he or she may have.

As the fellow continues in the Church and becomes a mature Christian, he or she would no longer be comfortable with just being served, but would rather now want to serve in the house of God too.

A Christian that is growing spiritually becomes increasingly responsible.

Such a Christian will sacrifice his or her time because he or she is now living for God.

There are, however, those who have been attending Church for years, yet they don’t do anything else apart from attending Church services.

How can you be coming to Church without being a responsible part of the running of the house of your Father?

While others may be thinking of what God can do for them, a Christian who is growing spiritually will focus on what he or she can do for God.

Beyond working for God, a Christian who is growing spiritually is always willing to give to the things of the Kingdom.

Just like Paul, he or she does not mind spending and being spent for the progress of the Kingdom of God.

While others are arguing about whether to pay tithe or not, a Christian who is growing spiritually is willing to give 100% of his or her income to God.

A Christian who is growing spiritually will not complain when the Pastor says there is a need to be met in the Church; in fact, he or she would want to be the first person to meet that need.

Many years ago, there was a rich man who regularly gave towards Church projects and still helped supervise those who, unable to give financially, contributed their labour.

One day, we suddenly saw him removing his clothes and joining in the physical labour.

Surprised, we asked why and he said God had just told him, “Big man, well done; the people doing the work will get the reward that you will not”.

Cheerfully giving your money, time, and energy to serve God are some of the signs that you are growing spiritually as a Christian.

OPEN HEAVEN 20 OCTOBER 2023 KEY POINT: Prayer Points For Open Heavens 19 October 2023

Are you growing spiritually?

OPEN HEAVEN 20 OCTOBER 2023 HYMN

OPEN HEAVEN 20 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: MARK 14

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE