LESSON THIRTY-SIX (36)
TOPIC: CHRISTIANITY AND WEALTH

*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 friend friendship suits me well,
Both young and will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

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

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

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

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

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 12:15-21

[15]And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

[16]Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully.

[17]And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’

[18]So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods.

[19]And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” ’

[20]But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’

[21]“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Do Not Worry.

MEMORY VERSE: “Both riches and honour come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all.” 1Chronicles 29:12 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: As stated in the previous lesson, ‘wealth’ is the abundance of valuable possessions or money. When we have wealth, we have more than we need to sustain a normal life. The Bible contains several examples of people blessed by God with great wealth; Abraham (Gen.13:2), Jacob (Gen.30:43), Solomon (1Kgs. 10:23), Joanna (Lk.8:3), and Joseph of Arimathea (Matt.27:57) among others. We shall consider what the Bible says about wealth and what should be believers’ disposition towards it.

OUTLINES:
1. BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES
2. BELIEVERS’ DISPOSITION

1. BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES
Christians’ view of wealth should be derived from the Scriptures. This is because wealth and honour come from God (1Chr.29:12). God often blesses His children with wealth when they please Him (Deut.28:1-5). The Bible establishes the fact that wealth and riches shall be in the house of the man that fears God (Ps.112:1-3); Money answers all things (Eccl.10:19); To enjoy one’s wealth is a gift from God (Eccl.5:19); Money is a defence (Eccl.7:12) and it makes many friends (Prov.19:4).

However, the Bible also contains several warnings about wealth, among which is the fact that the love of money is the root of all evil (1Tim.6:10); riches should not be trusted (Prov.23:5; Lk.12:15); wealth gotten through the wrong means shall diminish (Prov.13:11); all men will die and leave their wealth to others (Ps.49:10); those who pursue wealth at the expense of other core values of life will never be satisfied (Eccl.5:10a).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: How should believers see or handle wealth?

2. BELIEVERS’ DISPOSITION
Christians should note that wealth has never been an accurate barometer of a person’s standing with God. Some righteous people are poor (Lk.16:20-23) while some wicked people are rich (Ps.73:3,12). How then should believers handle wealth? While it is not a sin for wealthy believers to enjoy their riches (Eccl.5:19; 3Jn.2), they should also see wealth as an investment entrusted to them by God (1Chr.29:12). This wealth must be used to enhance good and pursue God’s purposes.

Wealthy believers can initiate charities and scholarship programmes, promote care for orphans, widows, and the less privileged (1Jn.3:17-18; Jam.1:27), and be instrumental in advancing God’s kingdom (Lk.8:3; Rom.16:3). It is very important that believers prove themselves as faithful stewards by channelling their wealth to godly legacies (1 Cor.4:2; Matt.6:19-20).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What are the wrong ways of handling wealth?

CONCLUSION: In a bid to be wealthy, believers should always note that their first care should be for God’s kingdom and His righteousness (Matt.6:33).

QUESTIONS:
*.Mention three things the Bible says about wealth.
* How should believers handle wealth?

FURTHER READING: MON: Mk.8:36. TUE: Matt.6:19-24. WED: Lk.12:31. THUR: Rom.4:4. FRI: Isa.1:16-17. SAT: 1Jn.5:18; SUN: Matt.16:26.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five ways that would guide a believer’s outlook on wealth? (2×5=10 Marks).

LESSON THIRTY-SIX (36)
TOPIC: CHRISTIANITY AND WEALTH

*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 friend friendship suits me well,
Both young and will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

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

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

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

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

OPENING PRAYER: Father, please send to me, riches and honour from your treasuries. Let your hand make me great and give me strength.

MEMORY VERSE: “Both riches and honour come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all.” 1Chronicles 29:12 (NKJV).

BIBLE PASSAGE: LUKE 12:15-21

[15]And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

[16]Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully.

[17]And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’

[18]So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods.

[19]And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” ’

[20]But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’

[21]“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Do Not Worry.

INTRODUCTION: As stated in the previous lesson, ‘wealth’ is the abundance of valuable possessions or money. When we have wealth, we have more than we need to sustain a normal life. The Bible contains several examples of people blessed by God with great wealth; Abraham (Gen.13:2), Jacob (Gen.30:43), Solomon (1Kgs. 10:23), Joanna (Lk.8:3), and Joseph of Arimathea (Matt.27:57) among others. We shall consider what the Bible says about wealth and what should be believers’ disposition towards it.

TEXT REVIEW:
A. The Teacher should find out five phrases or clauses or sentences containing “I” or “MY” in the passage. For instance,
i. Verse 17b  what shall “I” do?
ii. ——————————————-
iii. ——————————————-
iv. ——————————————-
v. ——————————————-

B. What are the consequences of attributing wealth to one’s efforts according to Verse 20.
—————————————

OUTLINES:
1. BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES
2. BELIEVERS’ DISPOSITION

1.BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES
A. Christians’ view of wealth should be derived from the Scriptures. This is because:
i. Wealth and honour come from God (1 Chron.29:12).

ii. God often blesses His children with wealth when they please Him (Deut.28:1-5).

iii. The Bible establishes the fact that wealth and riches shall be in the house of the man that fears God (Ps.112:1-3).

iv. Money answers all things (Eccl.10:19).

v. To enjoy one’s wealth is a gift from God (Eccl.5:19).

vi. Money is a defence (Eccl.7:12) and it makes many friends (Prov.19:4).

B. However, the Bible also contains several warnings about wealth, among which is the fact that:
i. The love of money is the root of all evil (1Tim.6:10).

ii. Riches should not be trusted (Prov.23:5; Lk.12:15).

iii. Wealth gotten through the wrong means shall diminish (Prov.13:11).

iv. All men will die and leave their wealth to others (Ps.49:10).

v. Those who pursue wealth at the expense of other core values of life will never be satisfied (Eccl.5:10a).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: How should believers see or handle wealth?

2. BELIEVERS’ DISPOSITION
A. Christians should note that:
i. Wealth has never been an accurate barometer of a person’s standing with God.
ii. Some righteous people are poor (Lk.16:20-23) while some wicked people are rich (Ps.73:3, 12).

B. How then should believers handle wealth?
i. it is not a sin for wealthy believers to enjoy their riches (Eccl.5:19; 3Jn.2).

ii. Believers should see wealth as an investment entrusted to them by God (1Chr.29:12).

iii. This wealth must be used to enhance good and pursue God’s purposes.

iv. Wealthy believers can initiate:
(a) charities and scholarship programmes (b) promote care for orphans, widows, and the less privileged (1Jn.3:17-18; Jam.1:27) (c) be instrumental in advancing God’s kingdom (Lk.8:3; Rom.16:3).

v. It is very important that believers prove themselves as faithful stewards by channelling their wealth to godly legacies (1Cor.4:2; Matt.6:19-20).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What are the wrong ways of handling wealth?

CONCLUSION: In a bid to be wealthy, believers should always note that their first care should be for God’s kingdom and His righteousness (Matt.6:33).

EVALUATION: How should believers handle wealth?

CLOSING PRAYER: Almighty Father, help me to glorify you with the wealth you have given me.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five ways that would guide a believer’s outlook on wealth? (2×5=10 Marks).

DATE: SUNDAY
LESSON: THIRTY – SIX (36)
TOPIC: SWEARING AND CURSING FORBIDDEN I

HOUSE FELLOWSHIP ANTHEM
1. I love this family of God,
So closely knitted into one,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

2. I bless this family of God,
So greatly prospered by the Lord,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

3. I know this family of God,
So deeply rooted in the word,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

4. I see this family of God,
So highly lifted above all,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

5. Come, join this family of God,
So highly favoured by the Lord,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family.

OPENING PRAYER: Father, please help all believes to bridle their tongues

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The leader should remind members on important of financial Commitment to divine assignment

TODAY LESSON :
A. MEMORY VERSE: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: Matthew 5:34 (KJV)

B. BIBLE TEXT: MATTHEW 5:33-37 (KJV)

33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:

35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

LESSON INTRODUCTION : According to Matthew 5:34, the bible says make no oath at all, swearing is a dangerous issues that requires urgent attention because of the implications it brings to the people engaging in it. God warned the children of Israel in Leviticus 19:12 not to swear falsely by His name in other not to fall unto judgement. Swearing or Oath taking means solemn pledge or promise, an affirmed statement to attest to the truth of a contract or obligation.

LEADER’S DIARY
LESSON AIM: To inform members that the almighty hates swearing and cursing

TEACHING OBJECTIVES:At the end of the lesson members should have.
1. The understanding on dangers accrued to swearing and cursing
2. The understanding on why people swear

TEXT REVIEW: Matthew 5: 33-37.
1. God detests swearing and it can lead to God’s wrath.
2. All communications from mouth of believers should be truthful and flawless.

TEACHING METHOD: Use interactive method.

TIME MANAGEMENT: Share the teaching time using the suggested time schedule.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE:
SWEARING AND ITS IMPORTANT
Swearing means promising things and wanting people to believe you are really telling the truth. When someone swear or take oath, he or she impose curses upon himself or herself.
Swearing or Oath taking has three parts.

1. Attesting, affirming to be correct true or genuine.
2. Calling for God to witness.
3. Invoking God’s punishment if the oath is violated of you say I swear to God what you are saying is that I am telling the truth, I want God to witness, I am telling the truth and I want God to punish of what am saying is lie.

WHY DO PEOPLE SWEAR?
1. Lack of trust 1 SAMUEL 24: 21-22

2. In ability to get things done properly. Genesis 24:37.

3. Lack of Faith Hebrew 11:1

4. Unbroken hearts having unregulated heart 1samuel 26:18.

5. Deceit of the devil, keeping them from knowing the danger of it. Judge 11: 31.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO:
IMPLICATIONS AND BIBLICAL EXAMPLE

1. Loss of trust Genesis 24:3-5

2. Destiny among the brethren.

3. Operation under demonic embargo

4. Lack of heaven’s support or assistant 1 Samuel 28: 6.

5. It comes with penalty. Leviticus 6:5.

6. Losing battles of life. I Samuel 28:. 5-10.

7. Untimely death and hell. Revelation 21: 8.

8. It bring siege to one’s life. Number 30:2, James 5:12.

9. It make you salve to destroy. Genesis 25:33, Matthew 26: 74, Mark 14:7.

LESSON OUTLINE THREE:
BIBLICAL EXAMPLES
1. Abraham to Abimelech. Genesis 21:23-24

2. Esau swore when he sold his birth right to Jacob his brother. Genesis 25: 33

3. Joshua’s spies to Rahab. Joshua

4. David to Jonathan 1 Samuel 20:17

5. Elders to Israel to inhabitants Gibeon. Joshua 9:2-15.

ACTIVITY: Discuss implications attached to swearing and cursing.

SUMMARY: When your communication with others lack truth, you invoke God’s curse upon yourself

CONCLUSION: Keep your word few, never allow your tongue to bring you to destruction.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, help me to abide with my tongue

2. Father, revive us all in RCCG again

3. Father, let your mercy restore all I have lost to swearing.

4. Father cause your favour to mine this week

5. Father, destroy any embargo working against Daddy G.O and Family.

GOLDEN DIET FOR WEEK

MONDAY: Matthew 5:37.

TUESDAY: James 1:19.

WEDNESDAY: Roman 12:14, Luke 6:28.

THURSDAY: James 3:9-12

FRIDAY: Proverbs 6:2

SATURDAY: Roman 9:1

SUNDAY: James 5:12, Numbers 23:8.

DATE: SUNDAY
LESSON: THIRTY – SIX (36)
TOPIC: SWEARING AND CURSING FORBIDDEN I

HOUSE FELLOWSHIP ANTHEM
1. I love this family of God,
So closely knitted into one,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

2. I bless this family of God,
So greatly prospered by the Lord,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

3. I know this family of God,
So deeply rooted in the word,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

4. I see this family of God,
So highly lifted above all,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

5. Come, join this family of God,
So highly favoured by the Lord,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family.

TODAY LESSON :
A. MEMORY VERSE: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: Matthew 5:34 (KJV)

B. BIBLE TEXT: MATTHEW 5:33-37 (KJV)

33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:

35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

LESSON INTRODUCTION : According to Matthew 5:34, the bible says make no oath at all, swearing is a dangerous issues that requires urgent attention because of the implications it brings to the people engaging in it. God warned the children of Israel in Leviticus 19:12 not to swear falsely by His name in other not to fall unto judgement. Swearing or Oath taking means solemn pledge or promise, an affirmed statement to attest to the truth of a contract or obligation.

SWEARING AND ITS IMPORTANT
Swearing means promising things and wanting people to believe you are really telling the truth. When someone swear or take oath, he or she impose curses upon himself or herself.
Swearing or Oath taking has three parts:

1. Attesting, affirming to be correct true or genuine.

2. Calling for God to witness.

3. Invoking God’s punishment if the oath is violated of you say I swear to God what you are saying is that I am telling the truth, I want God to witness, I am telling the truth and I want God to punish of what am saying is lie.

WHY DO PEOPLE SWEAR?
1. Lack of trust 1 SAMUEL 24: 21-22

2. In ability to get things done properly. Genesis 24:37.

3. Lack of Faith Hebrew 11:1

4. Unbroken hearts having unregulated heart 1samuel 26:18.

5. Deceit of the devil, keeping them from knowing the danger of it. Judge 11: 31.

IMPLICATIONS AND BIBLICAL EXAMPLE

1. Loss of trust Genesis 24:3-5

2. Destiny among the brethren.

3. Operation under demonic embargo

4. Lack of heaven’s support or assistant 1 Samuel 28: 6.

5. It comes with penalty. Leviticus 6:5.

6. Losing battles of life. I Samuel 28:. 5-10.

7. Untimely death and hell. Revelation 21: 8.

8. It bring siege to one’s life. Number 30:2, James 5:12.

9. It make you salve to destroy. Genesis 25:33, Matthew 26: 74, Mark 14:7.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES

1. Abraham to Abimelech. Genesis 21:23-24

2. Esau swore when he sold his birth right to Jacob his brother. Genesis 25: 33

3. Joshua’s spies to Rahab. Joshua

4. David to Jonathan 1 Samuel 20:17

5. Elders to Israel to inhabitants Gibeon. Joshua 9:2-15.

CONCLUSION: Keep your word few, never allow your tongue to bring you to destruction.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me to abide with my tongue

2. Father, revive us all in RCCG again

3. Father, let your mercy restore all I have lost to swearing.

4. Father cause your favour to mine this week

5. Father, destroy any embargo working against Daddy G.O and Family.

GOLDEN DIET FOR WEEK

MONDAY: Matthew 5:37.

TUESDAY: James 1:19.

WEDNESDAY: Roman 12:14, Luke 6:28.

THURSDAY: James 3:9-12

FRIDAY: Proverbs 6:2

SATURDAY: Roman 9:1

SUNDAY: James 5:12, Numbers 23:8.

OPEN HEAVEN 7 MAY 2023 MEMORIZE: And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. Acts 4:32

OPEN HEAVEN 7 MAY 2023 BIBLE READING 1 CORINTHIANS 11:18-22

18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper.

21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.

22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? what shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.

OPEN HEAVEN 7 MAY 2023 MESSAGE

One habit that seems to have crept into the Church recently, is that of showing off to other Church members. There are people who go to Church majorly to show off their new clothes or some other material possession. This is completely outside God’s plan for the Body of Christ.

God’s original plan for the Church is for everyone to be united and have everything in common. The Bible says in Acts 2:46-47: And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

The reason the Church is not growing as fast as it should is that there is no singleness of heart. When people prefer to outshine one another in showing off their material possessions than actually caring about each other and the gospel, the Church cannot grow. The reason we have not won the whole world to Christ is that the Church is not united.

The Holy Spirit does not move in the midst of divided people. When the Holy Spirit descended in the Upper Room, the people were in one accord (Acts 2:1). Until Christians love each other and are in one accord, the Church cannot experience the move of the Holy Spirit as it should.

Many Church leaders wonder why the Holy Spirit is not moving as much as they expect, not knowing that the problem is in the divisions within the Church. Some pastors give special attention to the rich in the Church.

Apostle James said in James 2:1-5 that you should not give the rich preferential treatment against those that are not so rich, or else you would become a judge with evil thoughts. It doesn’t matter how rich they are, they should not be praised for showing off in the Church, but rather, rebuked.

Believers should dress well and can own luxurious items. However, it is wrong to flaunt material possessions with the intent to oppress others. The Church must unite and cease to be a place where people compete to outshine one another over material possessions.

OPEN HEAVEN 7 MAY 2023 REFLECTION

When you go to Church, do you show off your material possessions? If yes, stop it henceforth.

OPEN HEAVEN 7 MAY 2023 HYMN

OPEN HEAVEN 7 MAY 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: 1 CHRONICLES 27-29

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

LESSON THIRTY-SIX (36)
TOPIC: MARRIAGE INFLUENCERS

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 will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

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

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

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

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

MEMORY VERSE: “Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:” Proverbs 24:3.

BIBLE PASSAGE: PROVERBS 5:3-4

[3]For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:

[4]But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.

INTRODUCTION: God invented marriage for companionship, sexual intimacy, procreation and invariably fulfilment (Gen.2:18, 21-24). However, what becomes of marriage depends primarily on the understanding of the couple on what marriage should be and the factors that positively or negatively influence such understanding (Prov.24:3-4). How a couple manages such influence(s) determines whether or not there will be happiness, peace, progress, etc. We shall, therefore, address some of these marriage influencers in this lesson.

OUTLINES:
1. NEGATIVE INFLUENCERS
2 POSITIVE INFLUENCERS

1. NEGATIVE INFLUENCERS
1. Friends in toxic relationships: Couples must protect their marriage from failure by avoiding destructive relationship patterns sponsored by third parties whose marriages seem not to be working (1Cor.15:33; Ps.1:1).

2. Inordinate pursuit of money/career: money is needed to run the affairs of the home but when it is being pursued at the expense of the marriage, it may affect the togetherness of the couple (1Tim.6:10).

3. Undue attention to social media: Communication becomes hampered when spouses pay more attention to social media activities than to each other (Matt.6:21). This has disrupted family intimacy.

4. Character defects: One of the factors that make marriage beautiful is change. However, when spouses refuse to admit the need for a change in a defective lifestyle, such marriage suffers needless tensions (Matt.7:3).

5. Close relationship with ex-lovers/opposite sex: Failure to redefine and detach fully from previous or present intimate relationships with the opposite sex can trigger unforeseen sexual immorality (Prov.5:3, 15, 20).

6. Excessive jealousy: This happens when a partner is over-possessive. This is dangerous and can lead to destructive behaviours (Prov.6:34).

7. Addictions: Habits like gambling, alcohol consumption, drug abuse, and the like, are some moral vices that can draw the heart of either of the partners away from the marriage.

2. POSITIVE INFLUENCERS
1. Trust and understanding (1Jn.4:18; 1Pet.3:7).

2. Selflessness and mutual support (Gal.6:2; Eccl.4:9-10).

3. Praying together and keeping Christ at the centre of the relationship (Matt.18:19; Psalm 127:1).

4. Building a new home and family culture together (Gen.2:24).

5. Spending quality time together (Prov.31:28).

6. Guarding and managing your thoughts (Prov.4:23; 23:7).

7. Finding work-family balance (Rom.12:11; Psalm 127:2).

8. Never go to bed angry (Eph.4:26).

9. Speaking kind and uplifting words to each other (Prov.15:1; Col.4:6). Do not nag (Prov.21:19).

10. Being reasonable with family finance and budgets (Prov.16:21).

CONCLUSION: Every marriage is a work in progress. Therefore, we must be intentional to make it work.

QUESTIONS:
* Mention some negative marriage influencers.
* Mention some positive marriage influencers.

FURTHER READINGS: MON: Prov.5:15, 18-20.
TUE: Prov. 18:22. WED: Eccl.9:9. THUR: Eccl.4:9, FRI: Hos. 2:19. SAT: Matt. 19:6. SUN:
Gen.2:18.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) categories of people (that represent third-party) capable of influencing a marriage (2×5=10 Marks).

OPEN HEAVEN 6 MAY 2023 MEMORIZE: Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Psalm 73:17

OPEN HEAVEN 6 MAY 2023 BIBLE READING PSALM 73:1-17

1 Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.

2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.

3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.

5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.

6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.

7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.

8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.

9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.

10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.

11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?

12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.

13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.

14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.

15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.

16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;

17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

OPEN HEAVEN MAY 2023 MESSAGE

As a younger Christian, I had many difficult questions for my pastors. For example, since Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth”, I asked where He was before He created Heaven, but none of them could answer. Since I could not get answers from my pastors, I turned to God and He answered me.

The reason we don’t understand certain things in the word of God is in Isaiah 55:8-9: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Some of the things that you are trying to explain with logic are far higher and deeper than what the ordinary human mind can process. In the Sciences, we say, “Prove it and I will believe you”. God however says, “Believe me and I will prove it”.

If you are not ready to believe God’s word because you don’t understand it, you may never experience the power in it and you would be the one on the losing end.

There was one particular question that I had from the story of Elisha and the Syrian army who had come to arrest him in (2 Kings 6:8-23). Elisha told them that they were in the wrong place then led them to Samaria where they were captured and then later released.

I wondered for a long time how God could have supported how Elisha deceived the soldiers, until the day He explained by asking, “My son, if death were to come knocking on your door asking for you, would you welcome it in? If sickness comes asking for you, will you hug it? If poverty comes looking for your address, will you say it is in the right place?”

When you have questions, turn to God for answers. He alone can open your eyes to behold the wonders in His word (Psalm 119:18).

OPEN HEAVEN 6 MAY 2023 REFLECTION

When you have questions, turn to God for answers.

OPEN HEAVEN 6 MAY 2023 HYMN

OPEN HEAVEN 6 MAY 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: 1 CHRONICLES 24-26

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

As you declare these declarations, may the Lord God Almighty surprise you and bring them to fruition, in Jesus’s name. Amen!

Click to Read: Open Heavens 5 May 2023

Click to Read: Prayer Points For Open Heavens 5 May 2023

Financial Breakthrough: 10 Powerful Financial Breakthrough Prayers With Bible References

Today’s Confession: I confess today that I am born great, and greatness is at work in me. I am known for greatness. For I am fashioned to do great things both in my world and the regions beyond. By the ability of the Spirit, I am launched into higher realms of prosperity, blessings, and glory. Everywhere I go, God’s glory is revealed and manifested through me. The anointing of God is working in my body, finances, family, and all that concerns me in Jesus’ name, Amen. Hallelujah!

MAY 5 DAILY DECLARATION

I decree and declare that I do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of the scornful in the name of Jesus

I decree and declare that my delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law I meditate day and night in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare that godly and upright friends begin to come my way. I gi through life with friends that inspire me to love Jesus more as I inspire them too in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare that I will prosper and continue to prosper until I am fully prosperous in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare that I show myself in all respects to be a pattern and a model of good deeds and works, teaching what is unadulterated, showing gravity [having the strictest regard for truth and purity of motive], with dignity and seriousness in the name of Jesus.

I declare that my instruction is sound and fit and wise and wholesome, vigorous and irrefutable in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that the children the Lord God has given me are for signs and wonders in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare by the power in the name of Jesus that every evil seed that has been planted in me by my parents and every evil seed I have planted in my children, let them be burned away by the fire of the Holy Ghost in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that the light of God shines through me and my family. I am a good example to my children and they are good examples to the world.

I declare that I have made the decision to follow Christ. May I never turn back in the name of Jesus.

I declare that I hold fast the profession of my faith without wavering in the name of Jesus.

Thank You Father for your son Pastor E. A Adeboye, and how You keep using him worldwide. Lord may Your grace be multiplied to him and may You cause an increase to every seed You have planted through him. Lord of peace, may You grant him and his family peace at all times and in every way (2 Thess. 3:16). May You equip him with everything good for doing Your will, and may You work in him what is pleasing to You, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. I ask You to deliver him from people who have wrong motives. I also pray that he will have joy in his ministry; and that he will always feel strong and refreshed in his spirit, soul, and body. I decree and declare may the wisdom and inspiration of the Almighty upon him never cease and the grace of God will continually dwell with him and his entire household, may they continue to enjoy Your faithfulness in the mighty name of Jesus.

I decree and declare heaven responds to these prayers and declarations as I say them and I receive answers in Jesus’ name.

Holy Spirit thank You for the intercessory team, thank You for Your power and presence in their midst, please continue to inspire the intercessory team for more prophetic declarations. Help them to continue to communicate Your heart even through these declarations, please continue to inspire them for more prophetic declarations in Jesus’ name.

Thank You, Lord, for everyone working on this platform (RCCGONLINE.ORG). Please Lord, perfect everything that concerns them, make them great, in this new year, expand, and move the platform forward for Your Kingdom. Grant the workers wisdom and inspiration on how to expand in Jesus’ name.

Thank You Holy Spirit for all the testimonies and miracles coming through these prayers. May they be permanent in Jesus’ name.

Father, let everybody joining in to say these declarations all over the world experience great miracles throughout this month. May we have numerous testimonies in Jesus’ name.

Somebody shout Hallelujah!

See you tomorrow!

Note: These prayers are spiritual and can only be understood and fully enjoyed by God’s children. If you want to be blessed by these prayers, you must first, surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, by saying this prayer:

To fully benefit from these prayers, you must first accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Lord Jesus, I come before You today with a broken and contrite heart full of repentance. Please, forgive me for all my sins. Today, I surrender my life to You, I believe that Jesus is Lord and I confess it with my mouth. Jesus, come into my life and save my soul from eternal destruction. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN!

If you participated in that 

life-changing prayer! Please contact us at [email protected] today.

Open Heavens For This Week:

Monday: Open Heavens 1 May 2023

Tuesday: Open Heavens 2 May 2023

Wednesday: Open Heavens 3 May 2023

Thursday: Open Heavens 4 May 2023

Friday: Open Heavens 5 May 2023

Saturday: Open Heavens 6 May 2023

Sunday: Open Heavens 7 May 2023

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 5 MAY 2023 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 FOR TEENS 5 MAY 2023 BIBLE READING 1 CHRONICLES 4:9-10

[9]And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.

[10]And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 5 MAY 2023 MESSAGE

Anything that is not a virtue is evil and unacceptable. Poverty falls into this category because it is the root of many iniquities and every child of God must pray against it. Jabez is an example of someone who did not see poverty as a virtue but rather as a vice, so he prayed it out of his life. He asked God to enlarge his coast so he could be kept from the evil that comes with poverty.

The power to make wealth lies with God, and His word says He will not withhold any good thing from His children. Thus, if your family is poor, you need to cry to Him for deliverance today and for power to make wealth. Today’s memory verse tells us that Jesus became poor so that we can be rich, therefore, living in poverty belittles the price that Jesus paid and is a waste of God’s grace.

Beloved, I have tasted both poverty and a little of God’s blessing, and I can tell you that the difference is clear. I concluded in my spirit that poverty is not a virtue but a vice that must not be found in the life of a believer.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 5 MAY 2023 PRAYER POINT

Father, grant my family all-round prosperity, in Jesus’ name.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 5 MAY 2023 HYMN

HYMN 17 – THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS

1. “There shall be showers of blessing”
This is the promise of love;
There shall be season refreshing
Send from a savior above

Chorus:
Showers of blessing
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy drops round us are falling
But for the showers we plead.

2. “There shall be showers of blessing”
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys;
Sound of abundance of rain.

3. “There shall be showers of blessing”
Send them upon us Oh Lord!
Grant to us now a refreshing;
Come now and honour Thy Word.

4. “There shall be showers of blessing”
Oh, that today thy might fall,
Now as to God we are Confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!

5. “There shall be showers of blessing”
If we but trust and obey;
There shall be season refreshing,
If we let God have his way.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 5 MAY 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: 1 CHRONICLES 20-23

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

As you pray these prayers, may the Lord God Almighty surprise you and bring them to fruition, in Jesus’s name. Amen!

Click to Read: Open Heavens 4 May 2023

Click to Read: Daily Declarations For today 4 May 2023

Financial Breakthrough: 10 Powerful Financial Breakthrough Prayers With Bible References

Today’s Confession: I confess today that l eat the meal that gives life. I eat the communion and enjoy the benefits thereof. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven, and gives life unto the world. I can access all the strength, good health and life I need in Jesus’ name, Amen. Hallelujah!

PRAY THESE PRAYER POINTS:

The Lord is my God, forever and ever. I bless Your name Lord. You are highly exalted.

Thank You Father for the Bible that is the unchangeable and living word of God.

I thank You for the air I breathe, the food I eat, the water I drink, the clothes I wear, the bed I put my head to sleep.

Lord I thank You for Your grace in the hard times, Your mercy in the down times, Your peace in the troubled times and Yourself all the time.

Father I cannot thank You enough for the gift of Your Son, I thank You for washing me white as snow even when I did not know I was dirty.

Father, wash my iniquity and make me white as snow in Jesus’ name.

Father, help me to overcome all seemingly insurmountable circumstances that look greater than my power. Bring them down by Your power in the name of Jesus.

Father, as I take the flesh and blood of Jesus, I receive life in You and it strengthens my mortal body in Jesus’ name.

Lord, as I eat the Holy Communion, let my strength be renewed; let weakness become a stranger to my body in Jesus’ name.

Oh Lord, every mountain hindering my progress, the progress of my family or my church members, let it be brought down in Jesus mighty name.

Father, as I’ve stepped into this month, please begin to make ways for me even in seemingly impossible situations in Jesus’ name.

Father, please give me victory over every kind of adversity in my life, in Jesus’ name.

Oh Lord, according to Your word that is Holy-Ghost inspired and also prophetic, let every prayer and declaration I make today manifest in my life in Jesus’ name.

Oh Lord, let every word from You, spoken over my life come to pass in the name of Jesus.

Father, help me to believe and act on Your word. And as I do so, let it work for my salvation, healing, deliverance, prosperity, and favor in Jesus’ name.

Lord, I gave faith in Your Word. Anywhere my faith fails, please, help my unbelief in Jesus’ name.

Lord, as I have faith in Your word, let me be established and experience all-round success in life in Jesus’ name.

My Father I ask that before this year runs out, testimonies will resound the the camp of Your children. In the name of Jesus

14. Lord, bless Your son Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye for all his years of continual service, remember him, guide him on the path, help him remain focused, bless his entire household, and fulfill all Your promises for their liberation and ministry, Lord of peace, may You grant him and his family peace at all times and in every way (2 Thess. 3:16). May You equip him with everything good for doing Your will, and may You work in him what is pleasing to You, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. I ask You to deliver him from people who have wrong motives, I also pray that he will have joy in his ministry; and that he will always feel strong and refreshed in his spirit, soul, and body. in Jesus’ name.

15. Father, bless everyone dedicating their time to pray through these prayers at the point of their needs. Give them the grace to share/rebroadcast, in Jesus’ name.

16. Thank You, Lord,  for everyone working on this platform (RCCGONLINE.ORG). Please, Lord, perfect everything that concerns them and makes them great, in this new month of May, expand and move the platform forward for Your Kingdom. Grant the workers wisdom and inspiration on how to expand in Jesus’ name. Jesus name.

17. Lord all those who have been rebroadcasting these prayers and declarations, give them the grace to keep up with this good work of Faith, in the name of Jesus.

18. By faith, appreciate God for answered prayers. Your testimonies are undeniable in Jesus’ name.

19. Father, let every challenge, hindrance, and obstacle of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on a daily basis be removed, in Jesus’ name.

20. Submit yourself and your personal petitions to God. Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.

( Philippians 4:6)

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

(John 14:13-14; 15:16)

Thank you Father for answered prayers.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18).

#GodBlessOurNation

These prayers have no expiry date! Please join us in prayer, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus’ name.

See you here tomorrow.

Note: These prayers are spiritual and can only be understood and fully enjoyed by God’s children. If you want to be blessed by these prayers, you must first, surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, by saying this prayer:

To fully benefit from these prayers, you must first accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Lord Jesus, I come before You today with a broken and contrite heart full of repentance. Please, forgive me for all my sins. Today, I surrender my life to You, I believe that Jesus is Lord and I confess it with my mouth. Jesus, come into my life and save my soul from eternal destruction. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN!

If you participated in that 

life-changing prayer! Please contact us at [email protected] today.

Open Heavens For This Week:

Monday: Open Heavens 1 May 2023

Tuesday: Open Heavens 2 May 2023

Wednesday: Open Heavens 3 May 2023

Thursday: Open Heavens 4 May 2023

Friday: Open Heavens 5 May 2023

Saturday: Open Heavens 6 May 2023

Sunday: Open Heavens 7 May 2023