LESSON FIFTY (50)
TOPIC: MARITAL BLISS AND MARITAL BLOWS

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, please let there be joy and peace in our marriages in Jesus name

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: Leaders should remind members that God has made believers fishers of men but there is a price to pay.

MEMORY VERSE: “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord. “Proverbs 18:22

BIBLE TEXT: Ephesians 5:25-30
[25]Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
[26]That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
[27]That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
[28]So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
[29]For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
[30]For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Marriage is a sacred institution set up by God when He created the earth and placed man on it to live and dominate it. It is an agreement (Amos 3:3) with a divine seal between a man and woman to talk together as one flesh (Gen.2:24-25) which must be nurtured continuously by both the husband and wife with love. Such love which engineers the required ingredients of submission, tolerance, forgiveness, etc. When the required ingredients are in place, there will be marital bliss. But where these ingredients are lacking, there will be marital blows.

LESSON AIM: To discuss marital bliss and marital blows.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, members should be able to:
* know the marital bliss.
* know the marital blows.

TEXT REVIEW: Ephesians 5:22-30
a. Apostle Paul, under divine inspiration, admonished women and men in the Ephesian Church that submission and love are the main lubricants that fire and maintain the engine of marriage.
b. Women are to submit to the authority of their own husbands.
c. Husband and wife are also to submit to one another in the fear of God.
d. Love is very powerful, capable of producing ingredients of submission and tolerance.
e. The husband should therefore shower love on his wife in the same proportion in order to enjoy marital bliss thereby preventing marital
blows.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE
WHAT IS MARITALBLISS?
Marital bliss simply means marital happiness, where both husband and wife are at peace and are full of joy. For there to be marital bliss, the twon lubricants of submission and love must be applied daily by both. These lubricants are produced by the following ingredients:
i Seeking God’s wisdom daily-James 1:5; I Cor. 2:14.
ii. Forgiveness – Matthew 7:12; 17:34; Ephesians 4:32.
iii. Resolution of disagreements – Romans 12:17-21; John 7:24. iv. Relationship with third parties (in laws, friends, etc.) Gen. 2:24; Mark 10:7.
v. Trust and effective communication – Prov. 31:10-11; 15:1; Col. 4:6.
vi. Honouring marital vows.
vii. Prayer and fellowship with one another – Acts 2:42; Matt. 18:19.
viii. Contentment – I Timothy 6:6.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO
WHAT ABOUT MARITAL BLOWS?
When the ingredients that produce marital bliss lubricants (submission and love) are absent, the couple will experience marital blows which
manifest in disagreements, hurts, bitterness, anger, divorce, etc.
Causes of marital blows are as follows:
1. Wrong foundation. Foundation of marriage is key to bliss or blow – Psa. 11:3.
2. Unfaithfulness – Hebrews 13:4; Eccl. 9:9.
3. Third Party involvement.
4. Criticism – I Peter 3:7; Prov. 12:4; 31:28.
5. Prayerlessness – I Peter 5:8; Deut. 32:20. When the couple fails to pray, the devil will throw javelins that will cause marital blows.
6. Lack of contentment. When either party begins to compare their spouse with another man or woman-Prov. 5:18, Mal. 2:14, 1 Tim. 6.6

ACTIVITY: Discuss some benefits received through godly marital breakthrough?

SUMMARY: Marriage is an agreement and covenant you commit yourself to. As Christians, we know that God hates putting away.

CONCLUSION: Marriage is to be enjoyed and not to be endured. When there is marital bliss, the couple enjoys marriage but when there are
marital blows, the couple endures marriage. Before making marital vows, we need to ask the Lord and follow Him in our choice of marital partner – Matthew 7:7.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, thank You for instituting the partnership between man and woman in Holy matrimony.
2. Father, thank You for every marriage in RCCG.
3. Father, please let every marriage in RCCG be blissful.
4. Father, please refill every marriage in RCCG with the required lubricants of love and submission and let there be marital bliss..
5. Father, please refresh every marriage experiencing marital blows with Your oil of love and let them begin to experience marital bliss.
6. Father break every stronghold of the devil in our marriages in RCCG.
7. Father, please let our marriages give glory to You in Jesus name.

ASSIGNMENT: Let couples identify things that can bring more lubricants to their marriage aside submission and love.

GOLDEN DIET FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY: Fervently pray for your spouse in your closet.
TUESDAY: Fervently pray for your home.
WEDNESDAY: Ephesians 4:26-27.
THURSDAY: Proverbs 21:1 – God can change him or her.
FRIDAY: James 4:7 – Do not stop resisting the devil into your home.
SATURDAY: Nehemiah 8:10b.
SUNDAY: Proverbs 5:3-5 – Beware of the strange man/woman.

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me
To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

BIBLE PASSAGE: Revelation 20:1-10
[1]And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
[2]And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
[3]And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
[4]And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
[5]But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
[6]Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
[7]And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
[8]And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
[9]And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
[10]And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

MEMORY VERSE: ‘‘Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.’’ Revelation 20:6 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: The Millennial Reign of Christ is a period of a thousand years of a glorious Kingdom of Christ on earth after His return from Armageddon – the place in which God will gather His enemies for destruction (Revelation 16:16).

OUTLINES:
1. THE NATURE OF THE MILLENIUM
2. THE BLESSINGS OF THE MILLENNIUM

1. THE NATURE OF THE MILLENIUM
The millennial reign will begin at the end of the tribulation period and elapse before the emergence of the new earth and the new Heaven (Revelation 21:1-2). During the one thousand years of Christ’s reign on earth, Satan will be bound with chains and kept in the bottomless pit (Revelation 20:1-3). Some of the tribulation saints (no unbeliever) will survive to live on (with their terrestrial bodies) into the millennial kingdom. The Saints coming with Christ (with glorified bodies) will reign over cities and the people on earth.
The Millennium is described in Matthew 19:28 as the regeneration – when Christ will rule in the new world. It is the time of restitution of all things (Acts 3:21), that is the restoration to the original state, as spoken by the prophets (2 Samuel 7:16). During this period, Christ will be manifested in His kingdom. He will, from Heaven, descend with the raptured saints and angels upon Mount Olives, which is before Jerusalem (Revelation 19:11-17). Canaan will be taken for everlasting possession by Christ, according to God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:8; Galatians 3:16).
Christ will be manifested to take possession of David’s kingdom according to God’s covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:8-16; Acts.2:29-32). Christ will manifest as king of righteousness (Isaiah 32:1), King of Israel (John.12:13), King of kings (Revelation 19:16), and King over all the earth (Zechariah 14:9). He will reveal Himself as the great God (Revelation 19:17).
At the second coming of Christ, these covenants will be fulfilled as Israel is re-gathered from the nations, converted, and restored to the land under the rule of the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:31; Zechariah 12:10-14).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What will happen during the millennial reign?

2. THE BLESSINGS OF THE MILLENNIUM
The blessings are numerous and they include:
1. A theocratic government where God is the ruler through Jesus Christ. The Apostles and the Saints from Adam to the millennium shall reign with Him (Isaiah 2:2-4; Matthew 25:31-33).
2. There will be a perfect environment – physically and spiritually.
3. It will be a time of peace in the entire kingdom because the Prince of peace is reigning (Micah 4:3; Isaiah 11:6-9).
4. Society will be free of crimes (Jeremiah 31:33-34). A time of obedience, holiness, and truth (Isaiah 65:16).
5. There will be abundant joy and great comfort (Isaiah 61:7, 10).
6. The knowledge of the Lord in the hearts of men will spread, ‘as the waters cover the sea’ (Isaiah 11:9; Jeremiah 31:33-34).
7. All lands shall flourish and blossom – No more desert (Isaiah 35:1-2).
8. Everyone will enjoy divine health (Isaiah 33:24).
9. Increased life span – People will live long (Isaiah 65:20).
10. There will be a noticeable change in the wildlife or animal kingdom (Isaiah 65:25).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Mention what believers should do to reign with Christ.

CONCLUSION: Thine kingdom come and thine will be done on earth as in heaven is included in the Lord’s Prayer. As true Christians, this should equally be our utmost aspiration.

QUESTIONS:
* What is the nature of the millennial reign?
* Mention some blessings of the millennial reign.

FURTHER READING: SUN: Matt.24:44. MON: 1Cor.1:7. TUES: Rev.7:14. WED: Rev.2:4. THURS: Isa.35:1-2. FRI: Jer. 31:33-34. SAT: Matt.25:31-33.

ASSIGNMENT: Using Revelation 20:7-10, identify five (5) things that will happen during the end of the Millennial reign (2×5=10 Marks).

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me
To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

BIBLE PASSAGE: Revelation 20:1-10 (NKJV).
[1] Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
[2] He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years;
[3] and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.
[4] And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
[5] But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
[6] Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
[7] Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison
[8] and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea.
[9] They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.
[10] The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

MEMORY VERSE: ‘‘Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.’’ Revelation 20:6 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: The Millennial Reign of Christ is a period of a thousand years of a glorious Kingdom of Christ on earth after His return from Armageddon – the place in which God will gather His enemies for destruction (Revelation 16:16).

OUTLINES:
1. THE NATURE OF THE MILLENIUM
2. THE BLESSINGS OF THE MILLENNIUM

1. THE NATURE OF THE MILLENIUM
The millennial reign will begin at the end of the tribulation period and elapse before the emergence of the new earth and the new Heaven (Revelation 21:1-2). During the one thousand years of Christ’s reign on earth, Satan will be bound with chains and kept in the bottomless pit (Revelation 20:1-3). Some of the tribulation saints (no unbeliever) will survive to live on (with their terrestrial bodies) into the millennial kingdom. The Saints coming with Christ (with glorified bodies) will reign over cities and the people on earth.
The Millennium is described in Matthew 19:28 as the regeneration – when Christ will rule in the new world. It is the time of restitution of all things (Acts 3:21), that is the restoration to the original state, as spoken by the prophets (2 Samuel 7:16). During this period, Christ will be manifested in His kingdom. He will, from Heaven, descend with the raptured saints and angels upon Mount Olives, which is before Jerusalem (Revelation 19:11-17). Canaan will be taken for everlasting possession by Christ, according to God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:8; Galatians 3:16).
Christ will be manifested to take possession of David’s kingdom according to God’s covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:8-16; Acts.2:29-32). Christ will manifest as king of righteousness (Isaiah 32:1), King of Israel (John.12:13), King of kings (Revelation 19:16), and King over all the earth (Zechariah 14:9). He will reveal Himself as the great God (Revelation 19:17).
At the second coming of Christ, these covenants will be fulfilled as Israel is re-gathered from the nations, converted, and restored to the land under the rule of the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:31; Zechariah 12:10-14).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What will happen during the millennial reign?

2. THE BLESSINGS OF THE MILLENNIUM
The blessings are numerous and they include:
1. A theocratic government where God is the ruler through Jesus Christ. The Apostles and the Saints from Adam to the millennium shall reign with Him (Isaiah 2:2-4; Matthew 25:31-33).
2. There will be a perfect environment – physically and spiritually.
3. It will be a time of peace in the entire kingdom because the Prince of peace is reigning (Micah 4:3; Isaiah 11:6-9).
4. Society will be free of crimes (Jeremiah 31:33-34). A time of obedience, holiness, and truth (Isaiah 65:16).
5. There will be abundant joy and great comfort (Isaiah 61:7, 10).
6. The knowledge of the Lord in the hearts of men will spread, ‘as the waters cover the sea’ (Isaiah 11:9; Jeremiah 31:33-34).
7. All lands shall flourish and blossom – No more desert (Isaiah 35:1-2).
8. Everyone will enjoy divine health (Isaiah 33:24).
9. Increased life span – People will live long (Isaiah 65:20).
10. There will be a noticeable change in the wildlife or animal kingdom (Isaiah 65:25).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Mention what believers should do to reign with Christ.

CONCLUSION: Thine kingdom come and thine will be done on earth as in heaven is included in the Lord’s Prayer. As true Christians, this should equally be our utmost aspiration.

QUESTIONS:
* What is the nature of the millennial reign?
* Mention some blessings of the millennial reign.

FURTHER READING: SUN: Matt.24:44. MON: 1Cor.1:7. TUES: Rev.7:14. WED: Rev.2:4. THURS: Isa.35:1-2. FRI: Jer. 31:33-34. SAT: Matt.25:31-33.

ASSIGNMENT: Using Revelation 20:7-10, identify five (5) things that will happen during the end of the Millennial reign (2×5=10 Marks).

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me
To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

OPENING PRAYER: Father, let me partake in the first resurrection and reign with Christ.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Revelation 20:1-10 NKJV
[1] Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
[2] He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years;
[3] and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.
[4] And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
[5] But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
[6] Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
[7] Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison
[8] and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea.
[9] They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.
[10] The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

MEMORY VERSE: ‘‘Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.’’ Revelation 20:6 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: The Millennial Reign of Christ is a period of a thousand years of a glorious Kingdom of Christ on earth after His return from Armageddon – the place in which God will gather His enemies for destruction (Revelation 16:16).

LESSON AIM: To study the nature and blessings of the millennial reign.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: To attain the above-stated objectives, the teacher should:
a. Explain the meaning and nature of the millennium using the lecture method.
b. Guide the discussions on the blessings of the millennium.
c. Summarize, conclude, evaluate, and give an assignment after the closing prayer.
d. The Assistant teacher should review the previous week’s lesson paying attention to the Bible passage and the outline, conduct the class and mark the assignments.

TEXT REVIEW: Revelation 20:1-10.
The teacher should mention the joy that would be associated with the millennial reign of Christ from the Bible passage.
………………………………….……………………
……………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………….

OUTLINES:
1. THE NATURE OF THE MILLENIUM
2. THE BLESSINGS OF THE MILLENNIUM

1. THE NATURE OF THE MILLENIUM
i. The millennial reign will begin at the end of the tribulation period and elapse before the emergence of the new earth and the new Heaven (Revelation 21:1-2).
ii. During the one thousand years of Christ’s reign on earth, Satan will be bound with chains and kept in the bottomless pit (Revelation 20:1-3).
iii. Some of the tribulation saints (no unbeliever) will survive to live on (with their terrestrial bodies) into the millennial kingdom. The Saints coming with Christ (with glorified bodies) will reign over cities and the people on earth.
iv. The Millennium is described in Matthew 19:28 as the regeneration – when Christ will rule in the new world.
v. It is the time of restitution of all things (Acts 3:21), that is the restoration to the original state, as spoken by the prophets (2 Samuel 7:16).
vi. During this period, Christ will be manifested in His kingdom. He will, from Heaven, descend with the raptured saints and angels upon Mount Olives, which is before Jerusalem (Revelation 19:11-17). Canaan will be taken for everlasting possession by Christ, according to God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:8; Galatians 3:16).
vii. Christ will be manifested to take possession of David’s kingdom according to God’s covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:8-16; Acts.2:29-32).
viii. Christ will manifest as king of righteousness (Isaiah 32:1),King of Israel (John.12:13), King of kings (Revelation 19:16), and King over all the earth (Zechariah 14:9). He will reveal Himself as the great God (Revelation 19:17).
ix. At the second coming of Christ, these covenants will be fulfilled as Israel is re-gathered from the nations, converted, and restored to the land under the rule of the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:31; Zechariah 12:10-14).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What will happen during the millennial reign?

2. THE BLESSINGS OF THE MILLENNIUM
The blessings are numerous and they include:
1. A theocratic government where God is the ruler through Jesus Christ. The Apostles and the Saints from Adam to the millennium shall reign with Him (Isaiah 2:2-4; Matthew 25:31-33).
2. There will be a perfect environment – physically and spiritually.
3. It will be a time of peace in the entire kingdom because the Prince of peace is reigning (Micah 4:3; Isaiah 11:6-9).
4. Society will be free of crimes (Jeremiah 31:33-34). A time of obedience, holiness, and truth (Isaiah 65:16).
5. There will be abundant joy and great comfort (Isaiah 61:7, 10).
6. The knowledge of the Lord in the hearts of men will spread, “as the waters cover the sea’ (Isaiah 11:9; Jeremiah 31:33-34).
7. All lands shall flourish and blossom – No more desert (Isaiah 35:1-2).
8. Everyone will enjoy divine health (Isaiah 33:24).
9. Increased life span – People will live long (Isaiah 65:20).
10. There will be a noticeable change in the wildlife or animal kingdom (Isaiah 65:25).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Mention what believers should do to reign with Christ.

CONCLUSION: Thine kingdom come and thine will be done on earth as in heaven is included in the Lord’s Prayer. As true Christians, this should equally be our utmost aspiration.

EVALUATION: What are the blessings of the millennium?

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, count me worthy to reign with You forever.

ASSIGNMENT: Using Revelation 20:7-10, identify five (5) things that will happen during the end of the Millennial reign (2×5=10 Marks).

LESSON: FIFTY (50)
TOPIC: THE MILLENNIAL REIGN

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me
To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

OPENING PRAYER: Father, let me partake in the first resurrection and reign with Christ.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Revelation 20:1-10
[1]And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
[2]And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
[3]And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
[4]And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
[5]But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
[6]Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
[7]And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
[8]And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
[9]And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
[10]And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

MEMORY VERSE: ‘‘Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.’’ Revelation 20:6 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: The Millennial Reign of Christ is a period of a thousand years of a glorious Kingdom of Christ on earth after His return from Armageddon – the place in which God will gather His enemies for destruction (Revelation 16:16).

LESSON AIM: To study the nature and blessings of the millennial reign.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: To attain the above-stated objectives, the teacher should:
a. Explain the meaning and nature of the millennium using the lecture method.
b. Guide the discussions on the blessings of the millennium.
c. Summarize, conclude, evaluate, and give an assignment after the closing prayer.
d. The Assistant teacher should review the previous week’s lesson paying attention to the Bible passage and the outline, conduct the class and mark the assignments.

TEXT REVIEW: Revelation 20:1-10.
The teacher should mention the joy that would be associated with the millennial reign of Christ from the Bible passage.
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OUTLINES:
1. THE NATURE OF THE MILLENIUM
2. THE BLESSINGS OF THE MILLENNIUM

1. THE NATURE OF THE MILLENIUM
i. The millennial reign will begin at the end of the tribulation period and elapse before the emergence of the new earth and the new Heaven (Revelation 21:1-2).
ii. During the one thousand years of Christ’s reign on earth, Satan will be bound with chains and kept in the bottomless pit (Revelation 20:1-3).
iii. Some of the tribulation saints (no unbeliever) will survive to live on (with their terrestrial bodies) into the millennial kingdom. The Saints coming with Christ (with glorified bodies) will reign over cities and the people on earth.
iv. The Millennium is described in Matthew 19:28 as the regeneration – when Christ will rule in the new world.
v. It is the time of restitution of all things (Acts 3:21), that is the restoration to the original state, as spoken by the prophets (2 Samuel 7:16).
vi. During this period, Christ will be manifested in His kingdom. He will, from Heaven, descend with the raptured saints and angels upon Mount Olives, which is before Jerusalem (Revelation 19:11-17). Canaan will be taken for everlasting possession by Christ, according to God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:8; Galatians 3:16).
vii. Christ will be manifested to take possession of David’s kingdom according to God’s covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:8-16; Acts.2:29-32).
viii. Christ will manifest as king of righteousness (Isaiah 32:1),King of Israel (John.12:13), King of kings (Revelation 19:16), and King over all the earth (Zechariah 14:9). He will reveal Himself as the great God (Revelation 19:17).
ix. At the second coming of Christ, these covenants will be fulfilled as Israel is re-gathered from the nations, converted, and restored to the land under the rule of the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:31; Zechariah 12:10-14).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What will happen during the millennial reign?

2. THE BLESSINGS OF THE MILLENNIUM
The blessings are numerous and they include:
1. A theocratic government where God is the ruler through Jesus Christ. The Apostles and the Saints from Adam to the millennium shall reign with Him (Isaiah 2:2-4; Matthew 25:31-33).
2. There will be a perfect environment – physically and spiritually.
3. It will be a time of peace in the entire kingdom because the Prince of peace is reigning (Micah 4:3; Isaiah 11:6-9).
4. Society will be free of crimes (Jeremiah 31:33-34). A time of obedience, holiness, and truth (Isaiah 65:16).
5. There will be abundant joy and great comfort (Isaiah 61:7, 10).
6. The knowledge of the Lord in the hearts of men will spread, “as the waters cover the sea’ (Isaiah 11:9; Jeremiah 31:33-34).
7. All lands shall flourish and blossom – No more desert (Isaiah 35:1-2).
8. Everyone will enjoy divine health (Isaiah 33:24).
9. Increased life span – People will live long (Isaiah 65:20).
10. There will be a noticeable change in the wildlife or animal kingdom (Isaiah 65:25).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Mention what believers should do to reign with Christ.

CONCLUSION: Thine kingdom come and thine will be done on earth as in heaven is included in the Lord’s Prayer. As true Christians, this should equally be our utmost aspiration.

EVALUATION: What are the blessings of the millennium?

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, count me worthy to reign with You forever.

ASSIGNMENT: Using Revelation 20:7-10, identify five (5) things that will happen during the end of the Millennial reign (2×5=10 Marks).

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 9 AUGUST 2024 MEMORISE: And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it Isaiah 30:21

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 9 AUGUST 2024 READ: John 5:14-16

[14]Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

[15]The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.

[16]And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 9 AUGUST 2024 MESSAGE:

One of the benefits i enjoyed since I gave my life to Christ in 1973 is the ability to hear my Daddy speak to me personally.

Initially, it started with the Holy Spirit dropping Bible passages in my heart in the place of prayers.

Whenever I prayed over a matter, a Scripture would suddenly come into my heart.

When I study that particular Scripture, it would address the issue I prayed about.

This continued for a while until I started hearing the still, small voice in the form of an inward witness in my spirit.

Some people call it intuition, but the fact is, intuition may not always be correct.

However, an impression of the Holy Spirit is always accurate.

Now, I can hear God’s audible voice even in a crowded room.

Your life will be a lot more amazing if God tells you everything you should do and eat, the places you should go to or not, et cetera.

However, the only condition is that you abide in Him constantly by studying His word, praying in the Spirit, and living a holy life.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 9 AUGUST 2024 PRAYER POINT

Father, please help me to abide in You so that I can hear You at all times, in Jesus’ name.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 9 AUGUST 2024 HYMN 41, JESUS, MY LORD, MY GOD, MY ALL

1. Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All,
Hear Me, Blest Saviour, When I Call;
Hear Me, And From Thy Dwelling Place
Pour Down The Riches Of Thy Grace;
Refrain:
Jesus, My Lord, I Thee Adore;
Oh Make Me Love Thee More And More.

2. Jesus, Too Late I Thee Have Sought;
How Can I Love Thee As I Ought?
And How Extol Thy Matchless Fame,
The Glorious Beauty Of Thy Name? [Refrain]

3. Jesus, What Didst Thou Find In Me,
That Thou Hast Dealt So Lovingly?
How Great The Joy That Thou Hast Brought
So Far Exceeding Hope Or Thought! [Refrain]

4. Jesus, Of Thee Shall Be My Song,
To Thee My Heart And Soul Belong;
All That I Have Or Am Is Thine,
And Thou, Blest Saviour, Thou Art Mine. [Refrain]

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 9 AUGUST 2024 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ezra 8:15; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 8 AUGUST 2024 MEMORISE: And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? Genesis 3:9

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 8 AUGUST 2024 READ: GENESIS 3:4-9

4. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

5. For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

6. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

7. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

8. And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

9. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 8 AUGUST 2024 MESSAGE

Humility refers to being free from pride or arrogance. Proverbs 3:34 says that God’s grace will be extended to those who are humble before Him.

In other words, God gives the humble the ability to achieve great feats.

James 4:6 also says that God resists the proud. Have you ever read the story of the Pharaoh who refused to allow the Israelites to leave Egypt?

If you have, you will know that it is a terrible thing to be resisted by God.

Such a fellow can never prosper, and I’m sure that you want to prosper.

In the name that is above every other name, you will prosper.

Beloved, the more humble you are, the more you will rise.

You will become God’s favourite when you humble yourself and fear Him enough to obey all that He says.

Once you have the fear of God in you, He will bless you with all that you need to get to the top.

Arrogance brings destruction, and it is an attribute of the devil.

By the mercies of God, you will not be destroyed, in Jesus’ name. However, you must be humble.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 8 AUGUST 2024 REFLECTION

Can God give you a pat on the back for a job well done in your present responsibility?

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 8 AUGUST 2024 HYMN 56

NEARER, MY GOD TO THEE

1. Nearer, My God, To Thee,
Nearer To Thee;
E’en Though It Be A Cross
That Raiseth Me,
Still All My Song Shall Be,
Nearer, My God, To Thee,
Nearer, My God, To Thee,
Nearer To Thee!

2. Though Like The Wanderer,
The Sun Gone Down,
Darkness Be Over Me,
My Rest A Stone,
Yet In My Dreams I’d Be
Nearer, My God, To Thee,
Nearer, My God, To Thee,
Nearer To Thee!

3. There Let The Way Appear
Steps Unto Heaven;
All That Thou Send’st To Me
In Mercy Given;
Angels To Beckon Me
Nearer, My God, To Thee,
Nearer To Thee!

4. Then With My Waking Thoughts
Bright With Thy Praise,
Out Of My Stony Griefs
Bethel I’ll Raise;
So By My Woes To Be
Nearer, My God, To Thee,
Nearer To Thee!

5. Or If On Joyful Wing
Cleaving The Sky,
Sun, Moon, And Stars Forgot,
Upward I Fly,
Still All My Song Shall Be,
Nearer, My God, To Thee;
Nearer To Thee!

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 8 AUGUST 2024 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: EZRA 7:1-8:20; 1 CORINTHIANS 4:1-21

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 7 AUGUST 2024 MEMORISE: A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet. Proverbs 29:5

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 7 AUGUST 2024 READ: Mark 10:18

18. And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 7 AUGUST 2024 MESSAGE:

Appreciation has to with speaking well of someone or letting them know how good they are.

Flattery, on the other hand, is exaggerated appreciation. For example, when someone says that a lady is beautiful, that is a simple compliment.

However, when such a person goes further to say that she is the most beautiful girl in the whole world and that she is his ride or die because, without her, he would not be able to breathe, that is flattery.

Likewise, if a girl says that a man is the most powerful man in the world and that he has the strength of a thousand men, just know that she is lying.

Jesus, who is all in all, did not encourage flattery. When a disciple called Him good, He said, “Why callest thou me good?

There is none good but one, that is, God.” He didn’t draw unnecessary attention to Himself; rather, He redirected the attention of the fellow who called Him good to God.

As much as possible, avoid people who exaggerate or who are quick to shower accolades on you so that you don’t get easily distracted.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 7 AUGUST 2024 KEY POINT

Flatterers are deceptive; run from them.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 7 AUGUST 2024 HYMN 45

O GOD OUR HELP IN AGES PAST

1. O God, Our Help In Ages Past
Our Hope For Years To Come
Our Shelter From The Stormy Blast
And Our Eternal Home

2. Under The Shadow Of Thy Throne
Thy Saints Have Dwelt Secure
Sufficient Is Thine Arm Alone
And Our Defence Is Sure

3. Before The Hills In Order Stood
Or Earth Received Her Frame
From Everlasting Thou Art God
To Endless Years The Same

4. A Thousand Ages In Thy Sight
Are Like An Evening Gone
Short As The Watch That Ends The Night
Before The Rising Sun

5. Time, Like An Ever-Rolling Stream
Bears All Its Sons Away
They Fly Forgotten, As A Dream
Dies At The Opening Day

6. O God, Our Help In Ages Past
Our Hope For Years To Come
Be Thou Our Guard While Trouble Last
And Our Eternal Home

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 7 AUGUST 2024 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ezra 4:22; 1 Corinthians 3:5-23

OPEN HEAVEN 11 AUGUST 2024 MEMORISE: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

OPEN HEAVEN 11 AUGUST 2024 READ: John 1:19-29

19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?

20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.

21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?

23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.

25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?

26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;

27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

OPEN HEAVEN 11 AUGUST 2024 MESSAGE

I am quite sure that you are aware that over two thousand being like you and me. However, are you deeply aware of the exact reason for which He came to the earth in human form? John 1:14 says:

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

What was Jesus’ purpose for coming to the world as a man? Let us examine some of the answers that the bible gives us concerning this:

1. He came to call sinners to repentance. Matthew 9:13 says, “But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

2. He came to give eternal life. John 10:10 says, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

3. He came to heal, deliver and set the captives free. Luke 4:18 says, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,”

4. To destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 says, “… For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”

Considering these scriptural references about Jesus’ purpose for coming into this world, has His coming had any impact on your life? If you cannot answer this question clearly, then you need to invite Jesus into your life, even if you have done so before.

Surrender your life completely to Him today and make a commitment to live holy going forward.

This way, the purpose of Jesus coming to the earth as a man will be fulfilled in your life, and you will live above sicknesses, diseases, captivity, and the works of the devil. You will enjoy abundant and eternal life in Christ Jesus.

OPEN HEAVEN 11 AUGUST 2024 KEY POINT

Jesus came to the earth so that you may have eternal life.

OPEN HEAVEN 11 AUGUST 2024 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Jeremiah 28-30

OPEN HEAVEN 11 AUGUST 2024 HYMN 14

O What A Wonderful, Wonderful Day