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

Open Heaven 22 March 2018 – NECESSITY OF HOLY LIVING

Open Heaven 22 March 2018 Memorise:But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 1st Peter 1:15

Read: Hebrews 12:13-17(KJV) Open Heaven 22 March 2018

13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

Open Heaven 22 March 2018 Bible in one year: Deuteronomy 7-8, Galatians 4:21-5:15

Hymnal: Sing hymn 15

OPEN HEAVEN 22 MARCH 2018 THURSDAY DAILY DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE

Today, we will be reflecting on the necessity of holy living to the success of our Christian journey. Looking at this topic through the eyes of the book of Leviticus helps us to better understand God’s mind-set concerning it.

The book of Leviticus reveals the holiness of God and His love for His people in a way found nowhere else in the Bible. Today, this book is still calling on God’s people of all ages to embrace holiness as a way of life. Discover your spiritual gifting

In reality, holiness is the only kind of life approved by God. The purpose of Leviticus was to show the Israelites how to live in ritual and moral purity. Whenever they met God’s standard of purity, He approved of them, so much so that He came to live amongst them.

However, whenever they forsook the lifestyle of holiness, He would in turn abandon them to the hands of their enemies. From the example of the children of Israel, it is obvious that holy living is necessary for a continuous, unbroken fellowship with the Almighty God. Open Heaven 21 March 2018

To understand the necessity for holy living as a Christian, we have much to learn from the instructions on holy living in the book of Leviticus. First, we must understand something about God’s holiness. Leviticus 11:44 and 1st Peter 1:16 both contain the same message from God on holiness: “You have to be holy because I am holy.” Holiness is the nature of God, and because He cannot change, He remains holy forever.

OPEN HEAVEN 22 MARCH 2018

Since He cannot behold sin, it is therefore necessary that anyone who will come to Him must live holy (Habakkuk 1:13).Secondly, holy living becomes necessary when we consider the great price paid for our redemption from sin (1st Peter 1:18-19).

As a true Christian, when you think about the agony, pain, deep sorrow and emotional trauma of the passion of Christ, you will not want to do anything that would amount to crucifying Him the second time. Marriage Tips 2018

Thirdly, all Christians have the honourable duty of presenting only their best to God in every situation they find themselves. In light of this, Romans 12:1 tells us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.

You need to understand that the view of some that the salvation received when we become born again cannot be lost under any circumstance is at variance with the true message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:26 says:

“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.”

Hence, a holy lifestyle is not an option, but rather a necessary condition for a successful Christian life.

Prayer Point – Open Heaven 22 March 2018

Father, help me walk in holiness as a lifestyle for the rest of my life in Jesus’ Name.

OPEN HEAVEN 22 MARCH 2018 THURSDAY HYMN

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 21 March 2018 Wednesday – LIKE MASTER, LIKE DISCIPLE

Open Heaven 21 March 2018 Memorise:Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. John 14:12

Read: Acts 4:8-14 (KJV) Open Heaven 21 March 2018

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;

10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

Open Heaven 21 March 2018 Bible in one year: Deuteronomy 5-6, Galatians 4:1-20 Hymnal: Sing hymn 5

OPEN HEAVENS 21 MARCH 2018 DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE

Today’s memory verse focuses on one of the farewell statements of the Lord Jesus Christ that I consider to be of utmost importance to the Body of Christ today. This statement was addressed to anyone who believes in Jesus as the Messiah.

Note that the mandate contained in this statement is not directed at the 12 disciples or any special group. It was directed at bishops, pastors, prophets, evangelists or other “highly spiritual” Christians. Open Heaven 20 March 2018

Jesus was speaking to anyone who believes in Him, which means all Christians. Although all Christians claim to believe in Jesus, a vast majority are not even aware of this important mandate of the Master, while some others, due to unbelief, argue that it is impossible to walk in the reality of it. Open Heaven 18 March 2018

The word “works” in this mandate comprises of everything Jesus did during His whole earthly ministry. These include teaching, preaching, discipleship, miracles, signs and wonders.

The question then is: are we Christians doing the works that Jesus did? The answer is obvious. May the Lord ignite His fire in His Church and wake us up to our responsibilities in Jesus Name.

OPEN HEAVENS 21 MARCH 2018

Discipleship is the process of following Jesus Christ, serving Him and obeying Him in all things. Jesus encouraged His disciples to strive to become like Him so that they can represent Him in His absence (Mark 9:17-19, Matthew 10:25b).

The template of discipleship instituted by the Lord demands that anyone who wants to be a true disciple must first deny himself (Matthew 16:24). Self-denial is all about sacrificing personal interest and preferences to focus on the will of the Master only.

The Christian race becomes very easy for anyone who is able to take this very important step. Soon after I gave my life to Christ, the Lord helped me to give up my personal ambition of becoming the youngest occupant of the highest office in the academic world on the African continent.

This decision helped me to commit the whole of my time, attention, money, and all other resources at my disposal to the service of God. It paid off, as the Lord took me from my humble beginnings to where I am today.

The Lord says no one can serve two masters; every disciple is therefore expected to be totally committed to God and His kingdom business (Matthew 6:24). Doing the works of Jesus entails going out to proclaim the message of the gospel, and demonstrating acts of mercy, love and compassion around the world.

We must live in holiness as good examples to the world. Our message must be backed up with the manifestation of the power of the Holy Spirit in signs, wonders and miracles. We must win souls and disciples them to maturity. Nothing short of these is acceptable as the works of Jesus.

Prayer Point – Open Heaven 21 March 2018

Father, please grant me the grace to do greater works as mandated by Your Son, in Jesus’ Name.

OPEN HEAVEN 21 MARCH 2018 WEDNESDAY HYMN

SING HYMN 5 – I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS

I have decide to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

The world behind me, the cross
Before me;
The world behind me, the cross
before me;
The world behind me, the cross
Before me;
No turning back, no turning back.
Through none go with me, still I
Will follow;
Through none go with me, still I
Will follow;
Through none go with me, still I
Will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

My cross 1’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross 1’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross 1’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
Will you decide now to follow
Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow
Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow
Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.