Open Heavens 27 March 2018 –THE TIMELY OFFERING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Open Heavens 27 March 2018

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

Open Heavens 26 March 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Open Heaven 26 March 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OPEN HEAVEN 26 MARCH
2018 SIGNS OF THE END TIMES II

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MESSAGE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Open Heaven 25 March 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN*

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1Corinthians 7:1-15

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

Open Heaven 25 March 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN*

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1Corinthians 7:1-15

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

OPEN HEAVEN 25 MARCH 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ii. Holy relationship

– Avoid sin (1Corinthians 8:9).

-Avoid petting and caressing

– Purity(2Samuel 13:15)

-Avoid mistake

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

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

v. Scripture-based orderliness.

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

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

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

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

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

CLASS ACTIVITY 2
Mention causes of conflicts in marriage.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

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

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

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

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

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

Open Heaven 25 March 2018

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

Hymnal: Sing hymn 9

MESSAGE – OPEN HEAVEN 25 MARCH 2018 SUNDAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL

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

SIGNS OF THE END TIMES  I

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

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

Prayer Point For 23 March 2018 Open Heavens Daily Devotional

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

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

Prayer Point – Open Heaven 25 March 2018

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

OPEN HEAVEN 25 MARCH 2018 SUNDAY HYMN

SING HYMN 9 – THE OLD RUGGED CROSS

On a hill far away stood an old

rugged cross,

The emblem of suffering and

Shame;

And I love that old cross where

the dearest and best

For a world of lost sinners was

Slain.

Chorus:

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,

Till my trophies at last l lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it someday for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so

despised by the world,

Has a wondrous attraction for me;

For dear Lamb of God left his

Glory above

To bear it to dark Calvary.

In that old rugged cross, stained

with blood so divine,

A wondrous beauty I see,

For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus

suffered and died

To pardon and sanctify me.

To that old rugged cross I will ever

be true,

Its shame and reproach gladly

bear;

Then he’ll call me some day to my

home far away,

Where his glory forever I’ll share

Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heavens: (Saturday, March 24, 2018) – Lessons From The Ten Virgins

Open Heaven 24 March 2018

1.Thank you, Father, for creating me in your image and likeness.

2.Thank you, Jesus, for leaving your glory in heaven, to come into the world, in human flesh, to show us the way of eternal life.

3.Thank you, Jesus, for your promise to come back to take me home, to the place you have gone ahead to prepare for me.

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

5.Lord Jesus, when you shall come, let me be prepared and ready to go with you.

6.Father, while I wait for your coming, please, keep me awake and occupied, with only, things of eternal values, in Jesus’ name.

7.Father, let every weight of sin that could keep me earth bound, when the trumpet shall sound, be destroyed, by the blood of Jesus.

Open Heaven 25 March 2018

8.Father, wake up, every sleeping giant, in your church, in Jesus’ name.

9.Father, help me never to lose sight of your second coming; please, empower me to watch and pray, in Jesus’ name.

10.Father, preserve me pure, undefiled, blameless and without blemish or wrinkle, till the end, in Jesus’ name.

11.Father, when the saints are being counted in heaven, let Pastor E.A. Adeboye and I, be counted among them, in Jesus’ name.

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

Open Heaven 24 March 2018 Saturday –Lesson From the Ten virgins

Memorise: Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the Son of man cometh. Matthew 25:13

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

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Open Heaven 24 March 2018 Bible in one year: Deuteronomy 11-12, Ephesians 1, Hymnal: Sing hymn 9

Open Heaven 24 March 2018 Message

In the Jewish culture and tradition, wedding festivities are usually held in the evening and run into the night. Typically, the bridegroom would go to meet his bride in her father’s house with lamps, and the bridal train would proceed from the bride’s father’s house to the groom’s house, where a feast would be provided from the invited guests.

It was against this backdrop that the Lord Jesus Christ gave the parable of the ten virgins. In general, the parable speaks of the second coming of our Lord and the judgement that will accompany His return. In this parable, the Lord classified the people His message was targeted at into two groups: the wise and the foolish.

There are various lessons to be learnt from this parable of the ten virgins, especially because it contains a lot of symbolism with deep spiritual meanings. The virgins, lamps, oil, the absence of the bridegroom, slumbering and sleeping, the midnight, the cry, the trimming of lamps, having no oil, asking for oil, the refusal to give oil, entering into the feast, and several other aspects of the story represent different aspects of our Christian race to heaven.

OPEN HEAVENS 24 MARCH 2018

However, we will be considering just a few lessons behind some of these metaphors. The virgins represent the Church, while Jesus is the Bridegroom. The message of the parable is therefore for the Church and not for the world. We are warned in this parable that our Bridegroom may delay His coming. Open Heaven 22 March 2018

He may not come at the time we expect, but He will surely come at midnight, meaning that He will come suddenly and unexpectedly. Note that all the virgins who set out to meet the bridegroom dozed off and slept. The only thing that separated the wise virgins from the foolish ones was the level of their preparedness. Open Heaven 23 March 2018

The wise virgins took extra oil with them in anticipation of a delay in the bridegroom’s arrival, while the foolish ones failed in this regard. They obviously did not anticipate that the coming of the bridegroom’s arrival, while the foolish ones failed in this regard.

They obviously did not anticipate that the coming of the bridegroom could be so delayed. Their failure to take extra oil made the difference and determined their fate. The Lord will take only those who are ready at His coming into the marriage supper. The door will be shut against those who are not ready after the call has gone out, and it will not be opened to anyone who comes late.

The practical lesson of this parable therefore is the unexpected nature of the Lord’s Coming. We must be ever ready to meet the Lord. The lamps of our faith and Bible study must be kept burning all through the day and night. We must uphold and defend the truth in the word of God.

We must not allow modern thinking and liberal theology to water down or pollute our faith. We must keep our focus on the message of the gospel as we continue to follow the footsteps of our Master, Jesus Christ.

Prayer Point – Open Heaven 24 March 2018

Father, please help me never to lose sight of Your second coming in Jesus’ Name.

Open Heaven Hymn 24 March 2018 Sing hymn 9

THE OLD RUGGED CROSS

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

Chorus:

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

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

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

To that old rugged cross I will ever
be true,
Its shame and reproach gladly
bear;
Then he’ll call me some day to my
home far away,
Where his glory forever I’ll share.

Open Heaven 23 March 2018 Friday – THE TEMPLE OF GOD

Memorise:What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1st Corinthians 6:19

Read: 1st Corinthians 6:12-20 (KJV) Open Heavens 23 March 2018

12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.

14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.

15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.

16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.

17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Open Heaven 23 March 2018
Bible in one year: Deuteronomy 9-10, Galatians 5:16-6:18
Hymnal: Sing hymn 12

MESSAGE – OPEN HEAVENS 23 MARCH 2018 FRIDAY

From the beginning, God’s plan has always been to have continuous fellowship with mankind. Looking at God’s interactions with Adam and Eve in Genesis chapter 3, we see that He normally visited them at a certain time of the day to have fellowship with them. However, in the dispensation of the New Testament, because the Almighty has better things in store for us, He has chosen not to visit, but rather to dwell in us. How privilege and blessed we are! The Holy Spirit through Apostle Paul expounded on this truth in today’s Bible reading.

As a Christian, you need to recognise that your body is the sacred dwelling place of the Almighty. You also need to know that because you have been redeemed by the precious Blood of Jesus, you have been purchased by God at a very high price. You therefore do not have any claim over your body anymore, and consequently, you have no right to pervert, misuse or engage your body in anything that is contrary to the will of God. Open Heaven 22 March 2018

God expects us to exercise responsible stewardship over our bodies. He expects us to do everything necessary to glorify Him with our bodies and make them suitable for His worship. 1st Corinthians 3:17 says,

“If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”

This is an important statement with very serious implications. A lot of people in the world today, especially youths, view their body as theirs, and so they believe they can do anything they like with it. They have chosen to tread the path of defiling their bodies, which should be the temple of God, through ungodly lifestyles and association with evil companionship. Obviously, this is the reason why early death is trending upwards in the world today. Those who choose to abuse their bodies with unhealthy food, alcohol, sexual immorality, hard drugs and other dangerous substances usually fall sick and end up dying prematurely.

OPEN HEAVEN 23 MARCH 2018

Some develop emotional or psychological problems that eventually lead to instability, loss of sanity, depression and even suicide. Defiling your body has such terrible consequences. You need to trust God on His recommendations for the well-being of our body. Keep your body away from anything that can contaminate or pollute it. Don’t yield to any contrary peer group pressure. Those who keep their bodies pure are directly inviting the presence of God into their lives, and they will receive divine invitation from above. It is a great privilege and honour to embody the presence of the Almighty.

Action Point – Open Heaven 23 March 2018

Examine the people and things you have been granting access to your body: do they pass God’s purity test?

OPEN HEAVEN 23 MARCH 2018 FRIDAY

SING HYMN 12 – TAKE MY LIFE, AND LET IT BE

Take my life, and let it be

Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;

Take my moments and my days,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them

move

At the impulse of Thy love;

Take my feet and let them be

Swift and beautiful for Thee,

Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing

Always, only, for my King;

Take my lips, and let them be

Filled with messages from Thee,

Filled with messages from Thee.

Take my sliver and my gold;

Not a mite would I withhold;

Take my intellect, and use

Every power as Thou shalt choose

Every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine;

It shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart; it is Thine own;

It shall be Thy royal throne,

It shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour

At Thy feet its treasure-store.

Take myself, and I will be

Ever, only, all for Thee,

Ever, only, all for thee