Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heavens: (Monday, October 15, 2018) – Learn To Trust God

1.Sovereign and merciful God, I worship You; thank You for Your mercies that endureth forever, over my life and family.

2.Thank You, Jesus, for Your intercessions for me, daily, before the Father, with groaning that cannot be uttered.

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

4.Father, I put my trust in You. Some trust in their strength, others trust in their skills, but I trust in the glorious name of Jesus. Open Heaven 16 October 2018

5.Father, have mercy upon me, according to Your loving kindness, according unto the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions, in Jesus’ name.

6.Father, give me victory over sin, sickness, failure, poverty and everything that is working against my peace, in Jesus’ name.

7.Father, cast me not away from Your presence, in Jesus’ name.

8.Father, please, create in me a clean heart to trust, in Jesus’ name.

9.Father, by Your mercy, make me to hear joy and gladness, that the bones which You have broken, may rejoice, in Jesus’ name.

10.Father, I believe in You and everything about You. I believe you’ll be coming soon to take what belongs to You and I believe in Your mercies eternal rock of ages.

11.Father, let Your goodness and mercy follow Pastor E.A. Adeboye, all the days of his life, 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 16 October 2018 Memorize: For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9

Open Heaven 16 October 2018 Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 2:3-6

1 Timothy 2:3-6 King James Version (KJV)

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Open Heaven 16 October 2018 Bible in one year: Jeremiah 1-2, Luke 7:18-35 (Open Heavens Tuesday, October 16, 2018)

In ancient times, a ransom was a price paid to secure the freedom of a slave, captive or prisoner. It had to be paid in full in order to cancel a debt or obligation, set one free from liabilities and charges, or secure an exemption from punishment.

A ransom is associated with redemption, atonement, deliverance, and salvation. In every situation requiring the payment of a ransom, victims are helpless because they cannot effect the payment of their own ransom.

In the same sense, humanity was in a hopeless and helpless situation because we lacked what was required to pay the price for our liberation from the penalty of sin. Thank God that Jesus Christ stepped in as a substitute for all humanity, paying our ransom in full. Open Heaven 15 October 2018

The ransom He paid is effective for anyone on the face of the earth who by faith in the word of God receives salvation as a gift of God through Jesus Christ. In Matthew 20:28, Jesus said:

“Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Through his suffering, painful death on the cross and glorious resurrection on the third day, He paid in full every price demanded for the redemption, atonement, deliverance and salvation of humanity.

Open Heaven 16 October 2018

Therefore, if you are still under any form of bondage, receive your freedom now in the mighty Name of Jesus.
Now that Jesus Christ has paid our ransom in full and completely wiped away everything contrary to our destiny in God, what next?  The answer is found in Romans 6:22:

“But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.’’

God expects that having freed you from the shackles of sin, you will not return to its bondage again. You ought to remain free by walking in holiness, exercising the power to live above sin that God has deposited in you (Romans 6:14). The end result of staying true to this is everlasting life. 1 Peter 1:15-16 says,

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy.’’
We are called out of sin to live a holy life. Jesus paid your ransom in full; now, show appreciation and reciprocates His love by living holy as from today.

Open Heaven 16 October 2018 Action Point: Thank the Lord for the ransom He paid in full on your behalf. Think over any area of life where you are in bondage and prayerfully

Open Heaven 16 October 2018 Hymn 7

WONDERFUL STORY OF LOVE

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

Chorus:

Wonderful! Wonderful!
Wonderful, Wonderful story of love.

Wonderful story of love;
Through you are far away;
Wonderful story of love;
Still He doth call today;
Calling from Calvary’s
Mountain,
Down from the crystal-bright
fountain,
E’en from the dawn of creation,
Wonderful story of love.

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

Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heavens: (Sunday, October 14, 2018) – Mercy Prevails Over Judgement

1.Thank You, Father, for all the battles, seen and unseen, that You have fought and won on my behalf, from the day of my conception and birth, till now.

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

3.Father, frustrate all the evil plans and agenda of the devil over my life, children and wife/husband, in Jesus’ name.

4.Father, let every attempt of Satan to steal, to kill and to destroy, in my life and destiny, be disappointed and thwarted by the hosts of heaven, in Jesus’ name.

5.Father, frustrate the tokens of liars in my life and family, and make diviners, against my peace, prosperity and progress, mad, in Jesus’ name.

6.father, please let your mercy prevail over every unfavorable judgment against my life, in Jesus’ name.

7.Father, frustrate every activity of false prophets in Your church and purge and deliver all their victims from their false doctrines and teachings, in Jesus’ name.

8.Father, order my steps in Your word, and let not any iniquity take dominion over me, in Jesus’ name.

9.Father, empower me to meditate day and night in Your word, and, as I do, please, let me flourish like a tree planted by the river, in Jesus’ name. Open Heaven 15 October 2018

10.Father, inspite of all the activities of Satan, please, uphold me by Your right hand of righteousness, till the end, and let me be numbered among the saints in heaven, in Jesus’ name.

11.Thank You Father, for all the victories You have given Your son, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, over ministerial challenges, let them be permanent, 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 SEVEN SUNDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2018 – CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP

*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?

MEMORY VERSE: “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” – 1Corinthians 11:1

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 5:1-11

Luke:5.1
So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret,

Luke:5.2
and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing [their] nets.

Luke:5.3
Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.

Luke:5.4
When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”

Luke:5.5
But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”

Luke:5.6
And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.

Luke:5.7
So they signaled to [their] partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.

Luke:5.8
When Simon Peter saw [it,] he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”

Luke:5.9
For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken;

Luke:5.10
and so also [were] James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.”

Luke:5.11
So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

INTRODUCTION:
A true Christian (not one by name only) is expected to be a disciple of Christ. However, not all Christians are willing or ready to make the commitments of a disciple (John 6:66; Matthew 19:21-22). We, therefore, need to examine who a Christian disciple should be and how to become one.

LESSON OUTLINES
1. Who is a disciple?
2. How to become a Christian disciple

WHO IS A DISCIPLE

The Greek term for ‘’disciple’’ in the New Testament is mathetes, which means more than just ‘’student’’ or ‘’learner’’. A disciple is a ‘’close follower’’, someone who adheres completely to the teachings of another, making them his rule of life and conduct. Open Heaven 15 October 2018

One who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another. Christian discipleship begins with the new birth and it requires one to exercise his will to follow Jesus (Matthew 9:9; Luke 5:10-11).

Christian discipleship is the process by which disciples grow in Christ and are equipped by the Holy Spirit, who resides in our hearts, to overcome the pressures and trials of this present life and become more and more like Christ (Mark 8:34; Philippians 3:10-12). Open Heaven 14 October 2018

HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN DISCIPLE
According to Scriptures, being a Christian disciple involves personal growth characterised by the following:

1. Personal decision to follow Christ (Luke 9:23; 14:26-27).

2. Putting Jesus first in all things (Mark 8:34-38). The disciple of Christ needs to be set apart from the world. We must put off self-centeredness and put on Christ-centeredness.

3. Following the teachings of Jesus (John 8:31-32). We must be obedient children and doers of the word (John 14:15; 15:14).

4. Total commitment and sacrificial living (Luke 14:33; Philippians 3:6-8; Matthew 16:24).

5. Abiding in Christ in order to produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) which makes one Christ-like.

6. We are to share our faith and tell non-believers about the wonderful changes Jesus Christ has made in our lives (Matthew 28:18-20). Irrespective of our level of maturity in the Christian faith, we have something to offer.

CONCLUSION
Do not follow Jesus from afar, strive to be a close follower.

QUESTIONS
1. Who is a Christian disciple?
2. How can you become one?

Open Heaven 15 October 2018 Memorise:
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Open Heaven 15 October 2018 Bible Reading – Psalms 37:4-6

⁵ Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Open Heaven 15 October 2018 Bible in one year – Isaiah 65-66, Luke  6:46-7:17

Trusting God is one of the best thing a child of God can ever learn to do. The moment you learn to trust God, life will become beautiful because you will begin to experience a kind of peace you never knew existed.

Initially, it can be quite hard for us to trust God due to the fact that His ways are higher than our ways, and until we get to know Him well, His instructions and commands might seem strange.

Nevertheless, as a child of God, it is important that you learn to trust God blindly. Even if you cannot see around the bend, you should always trust him enough to know that He will always lead you aright.

No matter how unconventional God’s ways are, one thing is sure: He has your best interest at heart. Jeremiah 29:11 says:

“For I know the thought I think towards you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Trusting God involves taking the backseat and letting God handle the major decisions and situations in your life. It involves letting your will be so lost in His will until you start to see things from His perspective and feel things through His heart.

It takes a lot of trust in another individual to be able to let go of your own will and let the person’s will prevail in your life. You can only trust someone that you love; so if you don’t love God genuinely, you cannot trust Him. Click to read – Open Heaven 14 October 2018

There was a day I was driving down from Ilorin to Lagos and my fuel tank was almost empty. Unknown to me, a fuel scarcity was on, and so all the filling stations I saw along the way had no fuel.

I cried to God and He asked me to take my eyes off the fuel gauge and continue driving to Lagos. Although my fuel tank was already on reserve at the time He told me to do this, I said to Him “Yes Lord”, and I kept on driving till I got to my house in Lagos.

Open Heaven 15 October 2018

After I parked the car, I looked at the fuel gauge and it read  empty! If I did not trust God completely, I would have parked my car in a safe place along the way and gone through the stress of finding an alternative means of getting home, instead of taking the risk of getting stranded along the way.

The devil specialises in sowing seeds of doubt in our hearts so that out faith in God will diminish, because he knows that the moment you start doubting God, you will not be able to receive anything from Him (James 1:6-7).

For this reason it is very important to remind yourself of the good things God had done for you and others in the past. Encourage yourself with these testimonies in order to rekindle your faith. Learn to trust God, because it shows your love for Him!

Open Heaven 15 October 2018 Key Point
If you don’t learn to trust God, then don’t expect anything from Him

Open Heaven 15 October 2018 Hymn 11

O GOD, OUR HELP IN AGES PAST

O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.

Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defence is sure

Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth receive her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.

A thousand ages in Thy sight
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the
night
Before the rising sun.

Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away
They fly forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.

O God. Our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while life
Shall last,
And our external home.