2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

OPEN HEAVEN 16 APRIL 2018 – ABBA FATHER

Memorise: For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Romans 8:15

OPEN HEAVEN 16 APRIL 2018 Read: Romans 8:14-17

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit
of God, they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit
of bondage again to fear; but ye have
received the Spirit of adoption,
whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness
with our spirit, that we are the children
of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of
God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Bible in one year: Judges 3-4, 1st Timothy 5

There are many names used to describe God in the Holy Scriptures.
While all His names
are important in many ways, the name “Abba” is one of the most significant names of God in understanding how He relates with
mankind. The word Abba is an Aramaic word that means “Daddy” in common parlance. It is a loving name that young children use to address their father. This name shows the intimate relationship that exists between
father and child, and it conveys the absolute trust children have in their fathers.

It is important to recognise that although all those who believe in the Almighty can call Him God, not all of them can call Him Abba. Who then can refer to the Almighty as Abba?

Only those who have the boldness to call Him “Daddy”. These are people who believe in
Jesus, the Son of the Living God, and in the work of atonement He has accomplished for
all mankind (John 1:12-13) . Galatians 4:6 says,

“And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”

Furthermore, only those who honour God as a child honours his or her daddy can call the
Almighty Abba. Malachi 1:6a says,

“A son honoureth his father, and a
servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour?”

Your attitude towards God as a Father will determine whether you can call Him Abba, because Abba is an appellation that confirms your intimate relationship with the Almighty. You may want to ask: How can I honour God
as Abba? You honour Him by keeping His
commandments.

Some so-called children of God erroneously believe that grace means
lawlessness. They couldn’t be further from the truth (Romans 6:1-2) ! There are many
blessings we receive when we are true children of the Great Abba. In Genesis 17:1 , Abba Father declared Himself as the Almighty God. Because He is almighty, He grants His children their requests and daily loads them with blessings ( Psalm 3:4, Psalm 68:19 ).

Beloved, do you belong to this loving Daddy? I congratulate you if your attitude towards Him is that of total disregard for His person or
blatant disobedience to His commandments,
then you need to change your ways today.

You stand to lose a whole lot if you don’t have God as your Father.

Prayer point –
Abba, Father, transform my attitude towards
You and draw me close to You in Jesus’ Name.

SING HYMN 15 – NEARER MY GOD
TO THEE
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.

Though, like a wanderer
The sun gone down,
Darkness comes 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.

There let me see the sight,
An open heaven;
All that thou sendest me,
In mercy given;
Angles to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer to Thee

Then, with my walking 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, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee

Open Heaven 15 April 2018 Sunday – TOUCH NOT MY ANOINTED

Open Heaven 15 April 2018 Memorize: But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. Matthew 12:36

Read: Numbers 12:1-15 Open Heaven 15 April 2018

1 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.

2 And they said, Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it.

3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

4 And the Lord spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.

5 And the Lord came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.

6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.

7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.

8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

9 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them; and he departed.

10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.

11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.

12 Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb.

13 And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.

14 And the Lord said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.

15 And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.

Open Heaven 15 April 2018

Bible in one year: Judges 1-2, 1 Timothy 4

Hymnal: Sing Hymn 16

OPEN HEAVEN 15 APRIL 2018 SUNDAY 2018 DAILY DEVOTIONAL

It is confounding that most children of God see it as an obligation to speak out against different forms of abuse in the society, but do not deem it necessary to raise their voices against anyone blaspheming the Lord of the universe or His anointed representatives on earth.

RCCG Sunday School TEACHER Manual 15th April 2018 Lesson 33 – Conflict Management In The Family

The Lord did not mince words in 1 Chronicles 16:22 when he commanded “Touch not My anointed!” As it is today, so it was in the time of the Lord Jesus Christ. Several people spoke out against Him, and some even accused Him of casting out demons by Beelzebub, the prince of demons! See the Lord’s response to this outagrous allegations in Matthew 12:36:

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”

Speaking against the Lord’s ministers and their spirit-motivated deeds is a typical way of touching the Lord’s anointed. Beloved, it is idle talk when you attribute an act of the Holy Spirit in a man of God to the power of familiar spirits or charms and rituals of the occult, and this is punishable on the Day of Judgement.

RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual April 15th, 2018 Lesson 33 — Conflict Management In The Family

Can you imagine the sin of idle talk waylaying you on the Day of Judgement? If you are guilty of this, you repent and restitute your ways before it is too late. Never join a multitude to say terrible things against a minister of a God when you are not very sure that what they are saying about him or her is true. Take heed to these instructions of God in Exodus 23:2:

“Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:”

OPEN HEAVEN 15 APRIL 2018 SUNDAY

Today’s Bible reading narrates how Moses’ two siblings Miriam and Aaron, spoke against him because of the Ethiopian woman he had married. Even though Moses actually married an Ethiopian woman, what did that have to do with the assignment or role God asked him to play? The truth of the matter is that Miriam and Aaron were just being jealous and mischievous. God saw through their motives, and he decided to put them in their place and punish them.

Open Heaven 14 April 2018 Saturday – THE LORD NEEDS IT!

Miriam became leprous! Beloved, it is not until you cast a man of God into prison before you touch him or her in an evil way. Watch your tongue and stop any move that is detrimental to the assignment given to an anointed man or woman of God.

Prayer Point – Open Heaven 15 April 2018

Father, please forgive me in any way I have touched Your anointed with my words, actions and inactions.

RCCG Sunday School TEACHER Manual 15th April 2018 Lesson 33 – Conflict Management In The Family

OPENING PRAYER: Father, uproot every
instrument of conflict in our families in Jesus’
name. Let your power restore peace in our families

Bible Passage: Genesis 13:7-9
7 And there was a strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdsmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.

8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and
between my herdsmen and thy herdsmen; for we
be brethren.

9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if
thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

MEMORY VERSE: “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men,” Romans 12:17

LESSON INTRODUCTION:
A family is defined as a group of people
related by blood, marriage, law (e.g. adoption) or custom. Generally, conflict can be defined as strong disagreement between people,
groups, etc., that results in often angry argument.

Conflict management is the
practice of being able to identify and handle conflicts sensibly, fairly, and efficiently. Conflict is inevitable. No relationship is perfect or conflict free, but conflict when managed
biblically can serve as a catalyst for change and opportunity for a good family growth.

TEXT REVIEW: GENESIS 13:7-9
One may be surprised to discover that both
riches and poverty cause conflict. Solomon knew that wherever poverty bites hard, there
will be conflict. )Proverbs 30:8-9). In today’s Bible passage, it was riches or wealth that
originated strife between Lot and his uncle, Abraham.

Genesis 13:6-11 mentioned a few
things which can lead to conflict.
i. Material factor of riches can cause conflict. Gen.13:6

ii. Land or space can be another cause of conflict. Gen. 13:6

iii. The original human factor behind the conflict between Abraham and his nephew
were their servants (herdsmen). This calls for proper management of staff, house help,
labourers. Gen. 13:7

iv. Abraham demonstrated maturity in
resolving the crises in the following ways. (Gen. 13:8):
a. Abraham called his nephew to a round table
discussion. He charged him not to allow strife.
Gen. 13:8

b. Abraham identified the sources of the
conflict was strife among the herdsmen. Gen.
13:7

c. Abraham understood the fact that the unbelievers were watching and it was unacceptable for them to strife when the
Canaaniteses and Perizzites were watching. Gen. 13:7

d. Abraham accepted to forgo the right of “first choice” Being an elder to Lot, he should choose first, but he allowed his brother to make the first choice for the sake of peace.
Gen. 13:9, 11.

e. Abraham considered the land as nothing worth dying for “is not the whole land before
you” Gen. 13:9

There comes the question, where is our maturity in conflict.? Some leaders or followers could fight in public for a few provisions, some may extend their fists to the
church or even vestry. Some people are ready to die for what is not worth dying for, etc. We
do not need to be DEAD RIGHT for a right we can allow. We can tow the path of peace instead.

LESSON OUTLINES:
Lesson Outline 1: CONFLICT IN THE FAMILY AND ITS CAUSES
i. Misunderstanding among members of
immediate or extended family.

ii. Contradictory interest among family members.

iii. Incompatibility (Amos 3:3).

iv. Unresolved disagreement. Eph.4:26-27.

v. Lack of trust. Prov. 31:11.

vi.Unforgiveness. 2Cor. 2:10-11.

vii. Communication gap. Heb.13:16.

viii. Unfaithfulness. Gen 39:7-12.

ix. Financial challenges. 1Tim 6:8-10.

x. Lack of genuine love. Col.3:19; 1Pet.1:22.

Class Activity 1: How can we control the role of selfish interest in family conflicts?

Lesson Outline 2: BIBLICAL WAYS OF
MANAGING CONFLICT WITHIN THE FAMILY.
i. Examine yourselves. Ps. 26:2; 2Cor.13:5.

ii. Love God and put Him at the centre of your family. Deut. 6:4-5.

iii. Forgive one another. Lk. 17:3; Eph. 4:26.

iv. Communicate effectively and resolve all conflicts as fast as possible. Rom.12:17-18.

v. Maintain openness and sincerity with one
another. Gen.2:25.

vi. Live a life of humility. Prov.29:23;
Jer.13:18.

vii. Love one another. I Pet. 1:22.

viii. Revenge not yourself for wrongs done against you. Rom. 12:19.

ix. Commit your ways to the Lord. Ps. 37:5.

x. Take every matter to God in prayers. James. 5:16.

Class Activity 2: What role can love for brethren play in resolving family conflict?

SUMMARY: Let there be no strife among us.
Gen. 13:8a

CONCLUSION: According to the word of God, all old conflicts must be resolved while there
should not be occasion for a new one for God to accept our worship. Matt. 5:23-25 5.

EVALUATION: How can we avoid conflict in the family?

CLOSING PRAYER: O God, let peace reign in our families.

ASSIGNMENT: Give five counsels at a family meeting to resolve material conflict e.g. Heritage.

RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual April 15th, 2018 Lesson 33 — Conflict Management In The Family

MEMORY VERSE: ‘’ Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men” – Romans 12:17

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 13:7-9
7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdmen of Lot’s
cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.

8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and
between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we
be brethren.

9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if
thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

INTRODUCTION:
A family is defined as a group of people
related by blood, marriage, law (e.g adoption) or custom. Generally, conflict can be defined as strong disagreement between people,
groups, etc, that results in often angry argument.

Conflict management is the
practice of being able to identify and handle conflicts sensibly, fairly and efficiently.

Conflict is inevitable. No relationship is perfect or conflict free, but conflict when managed
biblically can serve as a catalyst for change and opportunity for a good family growth.

LESSON OUTLINES
1. Conflict in the family and its causes

2. Biblical ways of managing conflicts within the family.

CONFLICT IN THE FAMILY AND ITS CAUSES
Conflict in the family may arise from misunderstandings among members of the family that is parent-children, spouse-in-law,
etc. Contradictory interest among members of the family can also be another factor. Other causes of conflict in the family may include:
1. Incompatibility (Amos 3:3)

2. Unresolved disagreement (Ephesians
4:26-27)

3. Lack of trust (Proverbs 31:11)

4. Unforgiveness (2Corinthians 2:10-11).

5. Communication gap (Hebrews 13:16)

6. Unfaithfulness (Genesis 39:7-12).

7. Financial challenges (1 Timothy 6:8-10)

8. Lack of genuine love (Colossians 3:19; 1Peter 1:22).

BIBLICAL WAYS OF MANAGING CONFLICTS
WITHIN THE FAMILY
1. Examine yourselves (Psalm 26:2; 2 Corinthians 13:5).

2. Love God and put Him at the centre of your family (Deuteronomy 6:4-5).

3. Forgive one another (Luke 17:3; Ephesians 4:26).

4. Communicate effectively and resolve all
conflicts as fast as possible (Romans
12:17-18).

5. Maintain openness and sincerity with one
another (Genesis 2:25).

6. Live a life of humility (Proverbs 29:23; Jeremiah 13:18).

7. Love one another (1Peter 1:22).

8. Revenge not yourself for wrongs done against you (Romans 12:19).

9. Commit your ways to the Lord (Psalm 37:5).

10. Take every matter to God in prayers (James 5:16).

CONCLUSION:
Conflict is inevitable in the family. However, every conflict should be resolved in the fear
and love of God.

QUESTIONS:
1. Mention 5 causes of conflicts in the family?

2. What are the biblical ways of managing
conflicts within the family?

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?