Obadiah 1:17
But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.

(Exodus 6:6)
Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:

The need for deliverance signifies the reality of a system of bondage that subjects its victim to danger and oppression.

(Colossians 1:13) Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness…

Deliverance is a system for experentially establishing the victory and authority of Jesus Christ over Satan, demons and all the powers of darkness concerning our lives.

Deliverance for the believer has to do with establishing and manifesting sustained victory and authority over darkness rather than fighting for it continually over a lifetime.

Receive these prayers of deliverance from Apostle Joshua Selman with faith in your heart and say Amen.

Pray: Lord, let that which was apportioned for my destiny be delivered unto me tonight.

Apostle Joshua Selman’s Prophetic Declarations For Deliverance

Every limitation that has come with lack, be delivered from it now!

Let the hand of God bring you deliverance, in the name of Jesus!

In the name of Jesus, anyone who is a victim of curses and any curse sitting down on your life and destiny, curses that bring delay and failure; as you shout Jesus, let the fire of the Holy Spirit consume it and bring you deliverance now!

Every curse standing to destroy you, I curse by the God of heaven.

Every evil altar in your life powering negative patterns, may that fire engulf that altar now!

Everyone’s destiny here that has been exchanged in the realm of the spirit; by the power that raised Christ from the dead, be delivered now!

Whatever is being used as a token of manipulation, be delivered now!

Every spirit of poverty, lack and hardship, Father let fire from heaven fall on every altar powering poverty and lack, be destroyed now in the name of Jesus!

Anyone who has been appointed unto death in partnership with men and Satan, may death leave you alone now!

Any altar stopping every first-born from moving forward in life, may fire come upon that altar now!

Everything that has been tied in the realm of the spirit, whether it’s your favour, your job, your lifting, your children or your relationships, I declare a release and deliverance now in the name of Jesus!

I pray over you, every spirit that has stolen your glory, in the name of Jesus, let the fire and judgement of God come upon it now!

As you lay your hands on top of your head and by the blood of the eternal covenant, you will never go down again.

Every family under demonic siege, by the mention of the name of Jesus, I declare, be set free now!

Every mark of disfavour, by the power of the Holy Ghost, I clear it from your life in the name of Jesus.

Be delivered from the spirit of rejection, in the name of Jesus!

Wicked spirits causing business failure in your life, I decree, be delivered now, in the Name of Jesus!

Every occultic initiation, I declare be delivered now!

Any altar, that will not let you go, in the Name of Jesus, I command the earth to swallow them up in the Name of Jesus!

Every spirit that causes you to start and never finish, right now be delivered in the Name of Jesus.

I release every family from witchcraft, curse and yoke
Be delivered now in the Name of Jesus

Every spirit manifesting in your dreams and taking you backwards, I declare that you are delivered now in the Name of Jesus!

I decree and declare, any victim of tormenting spirits as afflictions or infirmities be delivered now, in the Name of Jesus!

In the Name of Jesus, everyone who is a victim of seeing good things but never taking possession of it, I decree and declare, be delivered now!

I curse every spirit of anger from your life and I release anyone under the yoke of anger. Be delivered now in the Name of Jesus!

I declare, be free and delivered from every demonic covenants and ordinances. Let that covenant be broken now, in the Name of Jesus!

Everything following you that is not of God I command it to leave you now!

By the power that raised Christ, every ordinance that holds you bound, I decree fire upon it.

If there’s any covenant you have with bloodline, be delivered in Jesus’ name.

Any family here appointed to death, in the Name of Jesus no matter where you are, I decree and declare be delivered now!

I decree and declare, any family under the siege of disfavour and bad luck, be delivered now, in the name of Jesus!

You will not need to be delivered from the same things you were delivered from twice, open doors shall remain open, broken chains shall remain broken, receive the grace to experience the full benefits of the victory of Christ now.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 19 OCTOBER 2023 MEMORIZE: Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Isaiah 3:10

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 19 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING ISAIAH 3:10-11

[10]Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

[11]Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 19 OCTOBER 2023 MESSAGE

The importance of any statement depends on the person making it.

The Almighty God, whose words can never fail, is the One who has said that we should say unto the righteous that it shall be well with them.

So, the question is, are you amongst the righteous? The first step towards becoming righteous is surrendering your life to Jesus Christ.

However, the statement “It shall be well with you” means different things to different people. To the sick, it means he or she will be healed (Matthew 12:15).

To the poor, it means his or her wealth is guaranteed (Deuteronomy 8:18). To the one who has been experiencing failure, it means success is near (Psalm 75:6-7).

Are you presently having struggles in your academics, and you are contemplating dropping out of school?

Please, hold on to God because there’s light at the end of the tunnel. I strongly believe that God will do something special for you this season.

Get a tutorial group that can help you with the areas you’re struggling with and put in extra hours of personal study. Then, hold on to God’s word in faith.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 19 OCTOBER 2023 PRAYER POINT

Father, please let it be well with me, my family and my future.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 19 OCTOBER 2023 HYMN

HYMN 1: HYMN 1 – BE GLAD IN THE LORD AND REJOICE

1. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice,
All ye that are upright in heart;
And ye that have made Him your choice,
Bid sadness and sorrow depart.

CHORUS
Rejoice! Rejoice!..
Be glad in the Lord and Rejoice!
Rejoice! Rejoice!.
Be glad in the Lord and Rejoice!

2. Be joyful for He is the Lord,
On earth and in heaven supreme;
He fashions and rules by His words;
The “Mighty” and “Strong” to redeem.

3. What tho’ in the conflict for right
Your enemies almost prevail!
God’s armies, just hid from your sight,
Are more than the foes which assail.

4. Thơ’ darkness Surround you by day,
Your sky by the night be o’er cast,
Let nothing your spirit dismay.
But trust till the danger is past.

5. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice,
His praises proclaiming in song:
With harp, and with organ, and voice,
The loud hallelujahs prolong!

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 19 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: MARK 14

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVEN 19 OCTOBER 2023 MEMORIZE: And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Luke 9:62

OPEN HEAVEN 19 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING ROMANS 8:35-39

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

OPEN HEAVEN 19 OCTOBER 2023 MESSAGE

After you have become born again for a while, the devil will try to test your faith. It is as you overcome these challenges and remain standing that you become mature in the things of God.

At this stage, you would no longer be satisfied with the milk of God’s word; now, you would desire strong meat.

A mature Christian wants to go deeper and not remain in the shallow waters of the word and ways of God.

Newly born again Christians, also referred to as ‘baby Christians’ must grow to the point where they can face trials and remain standing in Christ.

Every Christian has low moments when the flesh seems to be rising above the spirit-periods when he or she could fall into sin if care is not taken.

In such a period, someone who has been in Christ for a while but hasn’t been feeding on the word of God constantly is likely to fall.

Proverbs 24:10 says: “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.” The day of adversity will definitely come, but what will keep you standing is how much strength you gathered before that period.

How much of God’s word have you been consuming? How much praying have you been doing? How deeply rooted have you been in the things of God?

These are the things that will go a long way in determining whether you will remain standing in the day of adversity.

Know that the more mature you get, the bigger the adversity the devil is likely to bring your way, but we find solace in (1 Corinthians 10:13), which says: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

Thus, if a trial made you turn your back on God, it is not that trial really that brought you down, but rather your weakness in spiritual things.

Jesus Christ said in our memory verse that if any man lays his hand on the plough and turns back, then he is not fit for the Kingdom of God.

You have already laid your hands on the plough; build up your faith by engaging in spiritual activities like praying, Bible study, fellowshipping with other believers and so on.

All these are required to enable you stand when the day of adversity comes.

Beloved, if you keep your Christian walk on a shallow level, you are likely to look back eventually and not make it to the Kingdom of God at the end of the day.

OPEN HEAVEN 19 OCTOBER 2023 KEY POINT

If you do not grow spiritually, you will not stand in the day of adversity.

OPEN HEAVEN 19 OCTOBER 2023 HYMN

OPEN HEAVEN 19 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: MARK 14

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 18 OCTOBER 2023 MEMORIZE: Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:29

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 18 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING MATTHEW 11:28-29

[28]Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

[29]Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 18 OCTOBER 2023 MESSAGE

There are mainly two people involved in a call – the caller and the called. In today’s text, God gave a basic divine call to all men -a call unto salvation which is hinged on John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”.

It is, however, sad that some people who are considered wise because of their educational achievements prove to be the least wise when it comes to matters relating to God.

When I was a lecturer at the University of Lagos, I knew professors who sought powers and riches from herbalists who lived in bushes and houses in poor conditions.

Sadly, many people still choose to perish by not accepting God’s invitation to salvation and eternal life.

If you are reading this and you haven’t yet accepted God’s salvation, another invitation is extended to you today.

Accept God’s love through the sacrifice of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

Then, make conscious efforts to remain on the side of the Most High because you cannot love the world and God at the same time.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 18 OCTOBER 2023 PRAYER POINT

Lord Jesus, please save my soul, wash me with Your precious blood and help me to be on Your side forever.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 18 OCTOBER 2023 HYMN

HYMN 3 – ALL TO JESUS I SURRENDER

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

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

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

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

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

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 18 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: MARK 12-13

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVEN 18 OCTOBER 2023 MEMORIZE: I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1

OPEN HEAVEN 18 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING PSALM 34:1-11

1 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

2 My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.

3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.

4 I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.

6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

9 O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.

10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.

11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

OPEN HEAVEN 18 OCTOBER 2023 MESSAGE

Fresh Christians are always joyful in the house of God. When you see a fresh Christian during praise and worship, the fellow will be singing and dancing with joy, unlike some so called big men of God who have now become so familiar with the Lord that they can’t dance for Him anymore.

Many years ago, while waving my tambourine and dancing for my Maker during the praise and worship session at a Pastors’ meeting, a big man of God tapped me me and said, “Look at you, a whole General Overseer, dancing like that”.

I told him I would never stop dancing for the One who made me the General Overseer of RCCG. David, with all his majesty, never outgrew dancing for God.

In fact, (2 Samuel 6:14) says he danced with all his might. What was the result? God kept lifting him steadily.

He went from becoming king of Jerusalem to king of Israel and kept progressing until he became the father of the King of kings.

Even the Key of God that opens and none can shut is called the key of David. Fresh Christians never outgrow praising God even after several years of surrendering their lives to Christ.

However, people who see themselves as too big to dance for God because they think they are no longer new in the faith have allowed themselves to become stale Christians.

Fresh Christians submit to the authority God has placed over them. You will always hear them say, “My Pastor said…”, and the blessings of obedience always follow them (2 Chronicles 20:20).

Many years ago, my Father-in-the-Lord told all the workers that there was a need in the Church, so they should empty their bank accounts and bring the money to Church.

The next Sunday, when he was meeting with us again, he said the need had been met, then he asked, “How many of you actually obeyed the instruction? Only my wife and I raised our hands.

As far as we were concerned, it was God saying it, so we obeyed. The other people who had been in the Church long before us however did not obey.

In return, God raised us to become the leaders of the Church.

You must never become so familiar with men of God that you begin to disobey and disrespect them. That is not a sign of spiritual maturity, but rather, of spiritual staleness and death.

OPEN HEAVEN 18 OCTOBER 2023 KEY POINT

A fresh Christian never outgrows praising God and obeying Him at all times.

OPEN HEAVEN 18 OCTOBER 2023 HYMN

HYMNAL: 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 favour
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. Father-like 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 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: MARK 12-13

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 17 OCTOBER 2023 MEMORIZE: And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. Matthew 23:12

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 17 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING PSALMS 61:2

[2]From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 17 OCTOBER 2023 MESSAGE

In any aspect of life, everyone isat one level or the other. It doesn’t matter where you are, there is a higher level you can get to.

Moving from one level to the other involves three possibilities: One, you want to move to the next level unassisted. Two, you want to move to the next level with assistance.

Three, you are trying to move to the next level but are faced with difficulties. It is easier to move to the next level of your Iife when you have the Lord Jesus Christ as your Ally.

Similarly, there are also varying levels of victory, such as victory after a fight, victory without a fight and victory when the enemy miraculously disappears.

There is also a kind of victory recorded in Psalm 23:5: “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”

There is nothing as glorious as rejoicing in the presence of one’s enemies.

Beloved, there is no height you want to attain in life that God cannot make happen. God’s plans for you are great. Please stay on the path of righteousness.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 17 OCTOBER 2023 ACTION POINT

Think of the level you want to attain and then call on the name of Jesus for divine assistance.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 17 OCTOBER 2023 HYMN

HYMN 6: I’M PRESSING ON THE UPWARD WAY

1. I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining everyday;
Still praying as I onward bound
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

CHORUS
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s table-land;
Where love, and joy, and light abound,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

2. My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise, and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where these abound,
My constant aim is higher ground.

3. Beyond the mist I fain would rise,
To rest beneath unclouded skies,
Above earth’s turmoil peace is found
By those who dwell on higher ground.

4. I long to scale the utmost height,
Though rough the way, and hard the fight,
My song, while climbing, shall resound
Lord, lead me on to higher ground.

5. Lord, lead me up the mountain side
I dare not climb without my Guide;
And, heaven gained, I’ll gaze around,
With grateful heart from higher ground.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 17 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: MARK 10-11

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 16 OCTOBER 2023 MEMORIZE: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world, If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 16 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING 1 JOHN 2:15-17

[15]Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

[16]For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

[17]And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 16 OCTOBER 2023 MESSAGE

The major reason sinners are comfortable in Churches today is because worldliness has become the order of the day.

Young people get involved in fraud ritual killings, et cetera, just to get rich quickly, forgetting Apostle Paul’s counsel to be content with what they have (1 Timothy 6:6-11).

Today, people say, “the end justifies the means”, but this is contrary to the word of God that says everyone will give account for his/her actions (Romans 14:12).

Another reason for the growth of worldliness in the Church today is that some children of God are now living lives of deadly compromise.

Some young people now disregard their parents’ stance on integrity, calling it ‘old school’ because they want to become successful quickly.

If care is not taken, this may eventually lead to their untimely death.

Beloved, you must shine as a light to eliminate worldliness. This can be achieved through the knowledge of the Scriptures.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 16 OCTOBER 2023 PRAYER POINT

Father, please take the lust for worldliness away from my heart in Jesus’ name.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 16 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 16 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: MARK 8-9

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVEN 16 OCTOBER 2023 MONDAY: REAL GRACE

OPEN HEAVEN 16 OCTOBER 2023 MEMORIZE: For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 6:14

OPEN HEAVEN 16 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING TITUS 2:11-12

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

OPEN HEAVEN 16 OCTOBER 2023 MESSAGE

There are many preachers today who say that once a person is saved, he or she is forever saved, so the fellow would go to heaven even if he or she keeps committing sin. That is a big lie.

My own Bible says clearly in Romans 6:15: “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.”

Real grace enables you to live holy rather than permit you to commit sin. What the grace of God does is give you the ability to live above the dictates of your flesh.

It is by grace that you are saved (Ephesians 2:4-5). After that, the grace of God that brought you salvation will then teach you to live holy. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching

us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world”.

This is the true work of grace that the Bible talks about. Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. – (2 Timothy 1:9)

Please ignore anyone who tells you that the grace of God allows you to commit sin. That is a message from the devil, carefully put together to send many people to hell.

The devil knows that no sinner will enter into heaven, so he carefully crafted this message for Christians to ensure that they continue to sin even after responding to the altar call, but he will fail over you, in Jesus’ name.

I have had big men of God argue with me over this subject and each time, I tell them, “Let us assume that you are correct, and once I have given my life to Christ before, heaven is sure even if I keep committing sin.

That means if rapture takes place or we both die, we will both go to heaven. But if you are wrong, that means if rapture takes place now or we both die, I will go to heaven, and you will go to hell.

Either way, I am still correct. I would rather choose the safe path”. What about you?

OPEN HEAVEN 16 OCTOBER 2023 KEY POINT

Grace is the enablement to live above sin, not permission to commit it.

OPEN HEAVEN 16 OCTOBER 2023 HYMN

I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR

1 I need Thee ev’ry hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford.

Refrain:
I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
Ev’ry hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Saviour,
I come to Thee.

2 I need Thee ev’ry hour,
Stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their pow’r
When Thou art nigh.

3 I need Thee ev’ry hour,
In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide,
Or life is vain.

4 I need Thee ev’ry hour,
Teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises
In me fulfill.

5. I need Thee every hour
Most Holy One;
Oh, make me Thine indeed,
Thou blessed Son!

OPEN HEAVEN 16 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: MARK 8-9

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVEN 17 OCTOBER 2023 TUESDAY: ARE YOU A FRESH OR STALE CHRISTAIN? 1

OPEN HEAVEN 17 OCTOBER 2023 MEMORIZE: And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3

OPEN HEAVEN 17 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING MATTHEW 18:1-6

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

OPEN HEAVEN 17 OCTOBER 2023 MESSAGE

When there is an evangelistic outreach, the most beautiful part of the Scripture is usually preached so that unbelievers in attendance can be won for Jesus.

The preacher would typically tell the congregation that when they come to Jesus Christ, they would find healing, deliverance, freedom, promotion and so on, and indeed, all these are true.

Once they give their lives to Christ, they become fresh Christians. Fresh Christians are however, required to remain fresh at all times, just as we see in our Bible reading today.

Yes, new converts are baby Christians who should grow into spiritual maturity, but they must never lose their freshness in Christ as they constantly renew their minds (Romans 12:2).

There are many distinct characteristics of fresh Christians. The very first thing is an insatiable hunger to know the word of God (1 Peter 2:2).

People who just genuinely gave their lives to Christ don’t go late for fellowship.

They even usually sit in front where there would be no distractions because they just have this strong desire for the word of God.

Unfortunately, you see many people who have been born again for a long time forgetting this desire they once had.

When you mature, you are supposed to advance to strong meat, but many fail to do this and rather become stale though they usually claim they have become mature.

A Christian becomes stale when he or she stops feeding on the word of God daily.

Beloved, if you no longer spend quality time studying your Bible daily, you are becoming a stale Christian.

Unless that hunger returns and you begin to feed on the word of God daily again, you are a dying Christian.

Another distinct characteristic of fresh Christians is that they cannot stop talking about Jesus. They are not ashamed of Christ at all.

A Christian who has become stale however, will see himself or herself as too big to preach the gospel to everyone, forgetting Jesus’ command in Mark 16:15 and His warning in Matthew 10:33.

Freshness or staleness in Christ is not determined by how long you have been born again, but by your attitude towards the things of God.

OPEN HEAVEN 17 OCTOBER 2023 REFLECTION

When was the last time you won a soul for Christ?

OPEN HEAVEN 17 OCTOBER 2023 HYMN

HYMN 15 – ONWARD, CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS

1. Onward, Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
Looking unto Jesus,
Who is gone before;
Christ, the Royal Master,
Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
See His banners go.

CHORUS
Onward, Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
Looking unto Jesus,
Who is gone before.

2. At the name of Jesus
Satan’s host doth Ilee;
On then, Christian soldiers
On to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver
At the shout of praise:
Brothers, lift your voices,
Loud your anthems raise.

3. Like a mighty army
Moves the Church of God:
Brothers, we are treading
Where the saints have trod.
We are not divided,
All one body we
One in hope and doctrine,
One in charity.

4. Crowns and thrones may perish
Kingdoms rise and wane;
But the Church of Jesus
Constant will remain:
Gates of hell can never
‘Gainst that church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise-
And that cannot fail.

5. Onward then, ye people,
Join our happy throng;
Blend with ours your voices
In the triumph song:
“Glory, praise and honour,
Unto Christ the King”,
This, through countless ages,
Men and angels sing.

OPEN HEAVEN 17 OCTOBER 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: MARK 10-11

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL 15 OCTOBER 2023

LESSON SEVEN (07)

TOPIC: BIBLICAL DESCRIPTION OF SIN

*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 an understanding of what constitutes sin.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 5:12-15

[12]Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—

[13](For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

[14]Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.

[15]But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.

MEMORY VERSE: “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.” 1 John 3:4 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: Sin is described in the Bible as a transgression of the law of God (1John 3:4) and rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 9:7). Sin had its beginning with Lucifer who was not content with his position, as he desired to be higher than God, and that was his downfall (Isaiah 14:12-15). Since the time of Adam and Eve’s rebellion against God, sin has been passed down through all the generations of mankind and we (Adam’s descendants) have inherited sin from him (Romans 5:12).

LESSON AIM: To teach the students what sin is, as described in the Bible.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the study, students should be able to:

a. Describe sin biblically.

b. Mention the benefits of having a lifestyle of righteousness.

TEXT REVIEW: Romans 5:12-15

A. Apostle Paul while admonishing the Romans says:

i. Wherefore …………………………………V12.

ii. For until the law ……………..………V13.

iii. Nevertheless death ……….……..V14.

iv. But not as ………………..………………V15.

OUTLINES:

1. TYPES OF SIN

2. REDEMPTION FROM THE PENALTY OF SIN

1. TYPES OF SIN

1. Inherited Sin: Through Adam, the inherent inclination to sin entered the human race, and we became sinners by nature.

i. When Adam sinned, his inner nature was transformed by his sin of rebellion, bringing to him spiritual death and depravity which would be passed on to all who came after him (Romans 5:12).

ii. We are sinners not because we sin; rather, we sin because we are sinners (Romans 5:19a).

iii. This passed-on depravity is known as inherited sin.

iv. Just as we inherit physical characteristics from our parents, we inherit our sinful nature from Adam (Psalm 51:5).

2. Imputed sin: The Greek word “ellogeo’ translated as “imputed” means “lay to one’s charge or credit to one’s account.”

i. Before the Law of Moses was given, sin was not imputed to man, although men were still sinners because of inherited sin (Romans 5:13).

ii. After the law was given, sins committed in violation of the law were imputed (accounted) to them (Romans 5:20a).

iii. Even before transgressions of (disobedience against) the law were imputed to men, the ultimate penalty for sin (death) continued to reign (Romans 5:14).

iv. After Moses (from the dispensation of the law), humans were subject to death both because of inherited sin from Adam and imputed sin from violating the laws of God.

v. God used the principle of imputation to benefit mankind when He imputed the sin of all to the account of Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty for that sin – death – on the cross (1 John 2:2).

vi. It is important to understand that sin was imputed to Him, but He did not inherit it from Adam.

vii. He bore the penalty for sin, but He never became a sinner (2 Corinthians 5:21).

3. Personal sin: This refers to the sins committed every day by human beings.

i. We have inherited a sinful nature from Adam, we commit individual sins, everything from seemingly innocent untruths to murder (1 John 5:17a).

ii. Those who have not placed their faith in Jesus Christ must pay the penalty for these personal sins, as well as inherited and imputed sin (Romans 6:23).

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

2. REDEMPTION FROM THE PENALTY OF SIN

i. The only just penalty for sin (inherited, imputed, and personal) is death; physical and eternal (Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:11-15).

ii. Thankfully, all three types of sin have been crucified on the cross of Jesus, and now by faith in Jesus Christ as the Saviour we have redemption (Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 3:5).

iii. Once we confess our sins to God and ask for forgiveness for them, we are restored to perfect fellowship and communion with Him (1 John 1:9).

iv. Believers have been freed from the eternal penalty of sin and now have the power through Jesus to refuse to sin (1 John 3:9).

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

CONCLUSION: God imputed the righteousness of Christ to believers and credited our accounts with His righteousness, just as He had credited our sins to Christ’s account (2 Corinthians 5:21)

EVALUATION: Students should mention two types of sin

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, cleanse me from all sin and draw me close to You in Jesus’ name.

 

ASSIGNMENT: Identify five (5) Scriptures that declare believers victory over sin. (2×5=10 marks).