LESSON: FORTY (40)
TOPIC: NATURAL DISASTERS

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me
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 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: Matthew 24:6-8
[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.

MEMORY VERSE:
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. Matthew 24:7.

INTRODUCTION: Natural disasters challenge the Christian belief that God is good. The enormous loss of lives and properties resulting from pandemics, earthquakes, floods, etc, is terrible and tragic. Our grief and even our anger are human, but no one grieves more than the Lord Himself (Hebrews 4:15). Christ is moved by the afflictions we suffer and even weeps over our pains (John. 11:35). Could the God who loves us also be the one to destroy us? How do we reconcile the mercy of God in Christ with His permission for natural disasters?

OUTLINES:
1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION
2. WHY GOD ALLOWS IT

1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Natural disasters are catastrophic events with atmospheric, geological, or hydrological origins. It is a major adverse event resulting from natural processes of the Earth; examples include firestorms, dust storms, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, storms, and other geological processes. A natural disaster can cause loss of lives or damage properties and typically leaves some economic damages in its wake, the severity of which depends on the affected population’s resilience or the infrastructure available (Luke 21:11).
God created the whole universe and the laws of nature (Genesis 1:1). Most natural disasters are a result of these laws at work. For instance, hurricanes, typhoons, and tornados are the results of divergent weather patterns colliding. Earthquakes are the result of the earth’s plate structure shifting. A tsunami is caused by an underwater earthquake.
Natural disasters differ from God’s use of natural forces, as recorded in the Bible. Natural disasters kill and maim indiscriminately. God’s acts of judgement recorded in the Bible were selective (Genesis 19:29-30). On one hand, natural disasters usually strike with little or no warning. On the other hand, God gave warnings to the wicked before using natural forces against them (Genesis 6:13; Matthew 24:38-39).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should recall instances of natural disasters they are aware of.

2. WHY GOD ALLOWS IT
It is distressing that natural disasters are often termed “acts of God” while no “credit” is given to God for years, decades, or even centuries of peace and stability.
However, generally, God allows natural disasters so as:
i. To serve as a warning for unbelievers. Disasters are warnings, and unbelievers often turn to God for the first time when they face a tornado or an earthquake (Revelation 11:13).
ii. To remind us that even nature was affected by sin. Natural disasters remind us that nature, while beautiful, is broken and cursed (Genesis 3:17-18).
iii. To establish God’s supremacy over man. Some disasters give no warning even with all the science and technology a country can afford to put in place (Psalms 115:3).
iv. To indicate the beginning of the last days. They are signs of the end times (Matthew 24:3, 7).
v. To allow cause and effect to operate independently. Some natural disasters are a result of man’s abuse and damage to the natural environment (Ecclesiastes 7:29).
vi. To allow believers to demonstrate God’s love to humanity by helping, ministering, counselling, praying, and leading people to the saving faith in Christ (Acts 11:28-30; Galatians 6:10).
vii. To establish God’s judgement upon the wicked (Genesis 18:20; 19:24-25).

CONCLUSION: God can, and does, bring great good out of terrible tragedies (Romans 8:28).

QUESTIONS:
* Describe the term ‘natural disaster’
* Why does God allow ‘natural disasters’?

ASSIGNMENT: Identify five ways the church can help those affected by natural disasters. (2×5=10 marks)

LESSON: FORTY (40)
TOPIC: GOD’S CHASTENING

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me
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 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: Almighty Father, please heal all cases of depression today in the name of Jesus.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Hebrews 12:5-12.
[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.
[9]Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
[10]For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
[11]Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
[12]Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

MEMORY VERSE: “You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the LORD your God chastens you.” Deuteronomy 8:5 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: To chasten is to correct or discipline someone, often with the use of some pretty sharp punishment for the purpose of moral improvement (Proverbs 19:18; 23:13). We need to consider God’s chastening and what He (God) as our Father expects from us in response to the chastisement we receive from Him. Note that chastisement is not meant for destruction. A parent chastises the child he or she loves (Proverbs 3:12; 13:24).

LESSON AIM: To enlighten students about God’s chastening.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
a. Understand the Purpose of divine chastening.
b. Learn from biblical examples.

TEXT REVIEW: Hebrews 12:5-12.
A. The writer of the book of Hebrews reminds believers of God’s word. He encourages believers not to be discouraged and ignore…………………………………………..v5.
B. The writer also made believers to understand that:
i. The Lord disciplines those He loves and accept as children.-v6.
ii.——————————————–v7.
iii.——————————————-v8.
iv.——————————————-vs 9-10.
v.——————————————–v11.
vi.——————————————-v12.

OUTLINES:
1..PURPOSE OF DIVINE CHASTENING
2. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES

1. PURPOSE OF DIVINE CHASTENING
The teacher should emphasis the following:
A. God’s chastening is an expression of His love which He uses to check us and to ensure that as His children, we live right (Deuteronomy 8:5).
B. Though painful, it eventually yields the fruit of righteousness (Hebrews 12:11).
i. It is a test of true love: a corrective measure (2 Samuel 7:14-15; Psalm 118:18).
ii. It is also to help us grow and bring about revival in the church (Hebrews 12:10).
iii. Divine chastening brings about restoration for us to continually have fellowship with God and ultimately reign with Him (Deuteronomy 8:5-6).
iv. It is to prepare us as vessels unto honour for God’s use (2 Timothy 2:21).
C. We must not despise God’s chastening so that we will not be condemned with the world (Proverbs 3:11; 1 Corinthians 11:32).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should discuss other benefits of divine chastening.

2. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES
A. We need to consider some characters in the Bible who endured God’s chastening and became better for it. They include:
i. David- God chastised him for committing adultery with Bathsheba and killing Uriah, her husband (2 Samuel 11:4, 16-17; 12:9-10, 18-20).
ii. Nebuchadnezzar- God dealt with him for ascribing the glory due to God to himself. He was later restored after he acknowledged God as the almighty (Daniel 4:29-36).
iii. Moses- Moses was chastised for not fully believing God with regard to his calling and failing to observe the token of God’s covenant with Abraham (Exodus 4:14, 24-27; Genesis 17:11).
iv. Paul- God chastised Saul for persecuting the church, but he was restored as a chosen vessel (Acts 9:1-16).
v. Jonah- For attempting to run from his responsibility towards the salvation of the city of Nineveh, God made a fish to swallow him for three days until he repented (Jonah 1:1-4, 17; 2:10; 3:1-2).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Student should share their own experience or of anybody around them who received divine chastisement.

CONCLUSION: If we fail to yield to God’s chastening, the consequence can be grievous. Let us learn from the examples of Eli (1Samuel 2:30; 3:12-13; 4:17) and King Saul (1 Samuel 15:26; 16:1).

EVALUATION: Mention 3 purpose of divine chastisement.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father help me to endure divine chastening.

ASSIGNMENT: Write five (5) things God has been warning you against and make up your mind to desist from them (No marks).

LESSON: FORTY (40)
TOPIC: GOD’S CHASTENING

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me
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 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: Hebrews 12:5-12.
[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.
[9]Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
[10]For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
[11]Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
[12]Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

MEMORY VERSE: “You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the LORD your God chastens you.” Deuteronomy 8:5 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: To chasten is to correct or discipline someone, often with the use of some pretty sharp punishment for the purpose of moral improvement (Proverbs 19:18; 23:13). We need to consider God’s chastening and what He (God) as our Father expects from us in response to the chastisement we receive from Him. Note that chastisement is not meant for destruction. A parent chastises the child he or she loves (Proverbs 3:12; 13:24).

OUTLINES:
1. PURPOSE OF DIVINE CHASTENING
2. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES

1. PURPOSE OF DIVINE CHASTENING
God’s chastening is an expression of His love which He uses to check us and to ensure that as His children, we live right (Deuteronomy 8:5). Though painful, it eventually yields the fruit of righteousness (Hebrews 12:11). It is a test of true love: a corrective measure (2 Samuel 7:14-15; Psalm 118:18). It is also to help us grow and bring about revival in the church (Hebrews 12:10). Divine chastening brings about restoration for us to continually have fellowship with God and ultimately reign with Him (Deuteronomy 8:5-6). It is to prepare us as vessels unto honour for God’s use (2 Timothy 2:21). We must not despise God’s chastening so that we will not be condemned with the world (Proverbs 3:11; 1 Corinthians 11:32).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should discuss other benefits of divine chastening.

2. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES
We need to consider some characters in the Bible who endured God’s chastening and became better for it. They include:
1. David- God chastised him for committing adultery with Bathsheba and killing Uriah, her husband (2 Samuel 11:4, 16-17; 12:9-10, 18-20).
2. Nebuchadnezzar- God dealt with him for ascribing the glory due to God to himself. He was later restored after he acknowledged God as the almighty (Daniel 4:29-36).
3. Moses- Moses was chastised for not fully believing God with regard to his calling and failing to observe the token of God’s covenant with Abraham (Exodus 4:14, 24-27; Genesis 17:11).
4. Paul- God chastised Saul for persecuting the church, but he was restored as a chosen vessel (Acts 9:1-16).
5. Jonah- For attempting to run from his responsibility towards the salvation of the city of Nineveh, God made a fish to swallow him for three days until he repented (Jonah 1:1-4, 17; 2:10; 3:1-2).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Student should share their own experience or of anybody around them who received divine chastisement.

CONCLUSION: If we fail to yield to God’s chastening, the consequence can be grievous. Let us learn from the examples of Eli (1Samuel 2:30; 3:12-13; 4:17) and King Saul (1Samuel 15:26; 16:1).

QUESTIONS:
* Why did God chastise His children?
* Mention five biblical examples of people chastised by God.

FURTHER READING: SUN: Heb.12:7. MON: 1John 2:15-17; TUE: Matt.5:48; WED: John 16:33; THURS: 1Cor. 15:58; FRI: 1 Sam. 15:22; SAT: 2Cor.13:5.

ASSIGNMENT: Write five (5) things God has been warning you against and make up your mind to desist from them (No marks).

LESSON FORTY (40)
TOPIC: WAYS OF RESTORATION

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.

MEMORY VERSE: “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.” Joel 2:25

BIBLE TEXT: Joel 2:12-26
[12]Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
[13]And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
[14]Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?
[15]Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:
[16]Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.
[17]Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?
[18]Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.
[19]Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen:
[20]But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things.
[21]Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.
[22]Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength.
[23]Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.
[24]And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil.
[25]And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
[26]And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Restoration means the process of bringing someone or something back to their God ordained state or previous condition. When something is restored, it is always better than how it was a better way, a better life, and a better future. God will take that which is broken and put it together again and make it better than it was before.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE
TURN YOUR HEART TO GOD
Before one can be restored, their hearts must be turned to God for cleansing and purification. A polluted heart cannot be restored. Other conditions for restoration are:
• Genuine repentance – Lamentations 5:21; I Kings 8:47.
• Divine gratification of mercy – Romans 9:15.
• Quitting all access to sinful lives.
• Never cover up your sins – Proverbs 28:13.
• Get new friends and build godly relationships.
• Being crucified with Christ – Galatians 2:20.

We are going to be using the 4 Rs of restoration to drive;
a. Replace: God has replaced stony heart with the heart of flesh – Eze. 36:26.
b. Renew: By focusing on the Bible, the mind is renewed continually – Rom. 12:2.
c. Revive: Through the resurrection power of God, we are given a new and everlasting life – Romans 6:4.
d. Return: This new and everlasting life is forever in the possession of the Owner of our lives – Romans 5:10.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO
BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO WERE RESTORED
• The Prodigal son – Luke 5:20-21.
• King David – II Samuel 24:10-25.
• Peter-John 21:3; Matthew 26:33.
• The Woman with the issue of blood-Mark 5:25-34.
• The Widow of Nain-Luke 7:11-15
• Blind Bartimaeus – Mark 10:46-52.

Other references are Genesis 37:27-28; 41:40-44 (the story of Joseph), Joel 3:3; Amos 2:6-7.

ACTIVITY: What are other benefits of turning one’s hearts to God aside from restoration?

SUMMARY: Repentance or firm resolution comes before restoration.

CONCLUSION: “And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth of the evil.” – Joel 2:13.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, please restore to us all lost virtues and glory by Your mercy.
2. Oh Lord, by Your mercy, restore the glory of our nation.
3. Father, help Daddy G.O and his family to recover all lost grounds.
4. Father, revive all pastors in RCCG to recover all lost grounds.
5. Personal prayer request

ASSIGNMENT: Study the life of the prodigal son and his journey to full restoration.

GOLDEN DIET FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY: Pray for the restoration of backsliders Psalms 51:12.
TUESDAY: Pray for the restoration of health for the sick – Joel 2:25.
WEDNESDAY: Psalms 23:3.
THURSDAY: Ruth 4:15.
FRIDAY: Joel 2:25.
SATURDAY: Isaiah 62:3-4.
SUNDAY: Pray for the restoration of lost glories.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 31 MAY 2024 FRIDAY: HEARING FROM GOD

MEMORISE: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: John 10:27

READ: 1 Samuel 3:1-21
[1]And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
[2]And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;
[3]And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;
[4]That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.
[5]And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.
[6]And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.
[7]Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.
[8]And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.
[9]Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
[10]And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
[11]And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.
[12]In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.
[13]For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.
[14]And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.
[15]And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.
[16]Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I.
[17]And he said, What is the thing that the LORD hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide any thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.
[18]And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.
[19]And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.
[20]And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD.
[21]And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

MESSAGE
God communicates with His children diverse ways. He in can talk to you while you are in the church or while you are playing or reading. He can speak through dreams, visions, Scriptures, or with an audible voice. All you need to do is listen, so you can hear Him clearly.
When God speaks, it can be to warn you or give you an instruction like He did with Jonah in Jonah 1:1-2. Unfortunately, Jonah tried to play smart with God and paid for it dearly. God’s instructions are not to be joked with; therefore, I implore you to promptly obey whenever He speaks to you.
When God speaks to me during services and I say, “My Daddy says…. many people wonder how I am able to hear Him easily. One thing I can tell you is that God looks at your heart. If you want to hear from Him clearly, you must have a heart that is right before Him. By this, I mean that you must be holy and you must be a carrier of His presence. Be like Samuel whose heart was right with God and who dwelt in His temple.

KEY POINT
A right heart is what you need to hear from God.

HYMN 21: NEARER, MY GOD TO THEE
1. 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,(2ce)
Nearer to Thee!

2. Though, like the wanderer,
The sun gone down,
Darkness be over me,
My rest a stone,
Yet in my dreams I’d be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,(2ce)
Nearer to Thee

3. There let the way appear
Steps unto heaven;
All that Thou send’st to me
In mercy given;
Angels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee,(2ce)
Nearer to Thee

4. Then with my waking thoughts
Bright with thy praise,
Out of my stony grief
Bethel I’ll raise;
So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God to thee,(2ce)
Nearer to Thee!

5. Or if on joyful wing
Cleaving thy sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot,
Upwards I fly
Still all my songs shall be,
Nearer my God to thee,(2ce)
Nearer to Thee!

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Samuel 17:1-29 John 19:23-42
AUTHORS: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 30 MAY 2024 MEMORISE: Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. Romans 14:19

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 30 MAY 2024 READ: ROMANS 14:17-19

17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 30 MAY 2024 MESSAGE

When there is a dispute going on in a place, you can either mind your business, take sides, or seek to make peace between the opposing parties.

God expects His children to ensure that peace reigns wherever they are.

However, there are situations you just cannot handle as a teenager.

Instead, it will be wise of you to call the attention of elderly people or someone with authority to it.

Some people have mediated in violent situations in the past and gotten killed in the process.

May you not die an untimely death, in Jesus’ name.

If you’re involved in an argument with anyone, I implore you to choose peace.

Always look for a way that you and the other fellow can settle the matter peacefully.

However, if one party proves difficult or starts to behave violently, you should report it to an elderly person immediately.

While it is good to stand for your rights, it is better to conduct yourself properly so that you can win souls for Christ through your demeanor.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 30 MAY 2024 ACTION POINT

Always seek to make peace.

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 30 MAY 2024 HYMN 11 – O LORD MY GOD, WHEN AM IN AWESOME WONDER,

1. O lord my God!
When am in awesome wonder,
consider all
The worlds thy hands hath made
I see the stars,
I heard the rolling thunder
Thy pow’r thro’ out
The universe displayed

CHORUS
Then sing my soul,
My savior God to thee;
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sing my soul,
My savior God to thee;
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!

2. Then through the woods
And forest glads I wander,
And hear the birds
Sing sweetly in the tress;
When I look down
From lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook
And feel the gentle breeze;

3. And when I think
That God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die
I scare can take it in;
That on the cross,
My burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died
To take away my sin.

4. When Christ shall come
With shout of acclamation
And take me home,
What joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow
In humble adoration
And there proclaim,
My God how great Thou art!

OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS 30 MAY 2024 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 SAMUEL 15:23-16:23 JOHN 18:25-19:22

AUTHORS: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYEPASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVEN 3 June 2024 MEMORIZE: What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? Romans 6:1

Open Heaven, 3 June, 2024, Bible Reading John 5:8-14

8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.

11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.

12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?

13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.

14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

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OPEN HEAVEN 3 JUNE 2024 MESSAGE

God is Love (1 John 4:8), but He is also a consuming fire (Hebrew 12:29). Many people are on His consuming side, but they think they are on His loving side.

Don’t be deceived by those who tell you that once you are a child of God, you can behave anyhow.

They usually say so because the Bible says that grace came through Jesus (John 1:17).

However, the Bible did not say that Jesus is grace, because Jesus is far more than grace.

He brought grace, but you will never find anywhere in the Bible that says that Jesus is grace.

If Jesus was full of grace alone, John 1:14 would have said ‘full of grace’ and stopped there, but it went further to add ‘truth’. In John 14:6, Jesus said:

“I am the way, the truth and life…”. He never said I am grace.

When many of my children want to be funny, they will draw a caricature of me wearing a bow tie and holding a tambourine.

No matter how funny the drawing looks, when people see the bowtie and tambourine, they will know that the drawing was made in reference to me.

I am usually seen with a tambourine, but I am not the tambourine.

Let us assume that the tambourine makes me smile at you.

If I have the tambourine in my hand as I am relating with you and you do something wrong, I can decide to put down the tambourine, stop smiling, and scold you.

In Titus 2:11-12, the Bible says that grace brought salvation to us, teaching us to deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts.

When someone is ungodly and embraces worldly lusts in the name of grace, that fellow has rejected the salvation that came by grace and, as such, will see the consuming side of God.

Beloved, I advise you to be wise; enjoy the grace of God, but don’t take it for granted.

Even though Jesus Christ is full of grace, if a person takes that grace for granted, He will show the fellow His consuming side.

Make up your mind never to frustrate God’s grace upon your life (Galatians 2:21). God’s grace is meant to help you overcome sin; it is not a licence to dwell in sin.

Do exploits for the kingdom with the grace that God has made available to you through Jesus Christ.

Be like Apostle Paul, who said that the grace of God was what made him do all that he did for God (1 Corinthians 15:10).

OPEN HEAVEN 3 JUNE 2024 KEY POINTS

God’s grace is not an excuse to sin.

OPEN HEAVEN 3 JUNE 2024 HYMN

HYMN 1: ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME

OPEN HEAVEN 3 JUNE BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: Job 35-3

PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVEN 2 June 2024 MEMORIZE: Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 6:1-18

Open Heaven, 2 June, 2024, Bible Reading Matthew 6:1-18

2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

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OPEN HEAVEN 2 JUNE 2024 MESSAGE

In over 50 years that I have been serving God, I have observed that He always rewards those who give to Him and work for Him.

As long as you live a holy life as His child, He will thank you for whatever you do for Him.

Some years ago, I was going to Port-Harcourt, a city in Southern Nigeria for a crusade.

God told me about a man that I met at the Full Gospel Business Men Fellowship International Conference and said that I should stay in his house.

I had only met this man once.

I called him and told him what God said, and he shouted and cried in joy. I stayed at his house and grew very fond of his firstborn, who was a very small boy.

One day, I was getting ready to go for the crusade when the children arrived from school.

I didn’t see my little friend, so I asked his father about him, and he told me that he was at the hospital battling for his life.

He had ingested some poison while at school. Immediately, I heard God say, “That was why I asked you to stay here.”

God had seen in advance that danger was coming to this man’s house and that was why He told me to stay there.

I later discovered that this man had told all his colleagues in The Full Gospel Business Men Fellowship that he would pay for all their outreaches for one year.

With such a sacrifice, it was not surprising that God decided to protect his home from danger. I went to pray for the boy in the hospital on my way to the crusade that evening.

When I got there, the Doctor signaled to me that there was no hope, but I prayed, and by the time I returned, I met him at home because he had been discharged.

The boy’s father had pledged to give to God, and in turn, God rewarded him by saving his son from death.

God rewards us bountifully whenever we give Him anything from the depth of our hearts.

In our Bible reading for today, you will understand that God sees all you do for Him in secret and will reward you in the open.

He will never forget anything that you do for Him.

Have you done things for God that will make Him determined to give you a great reward?

OPEN HEAVEN 2 JUNE 2024 PRAYER POINTS

Never hesitate to do anything for God because He will surely reward you for it.

OPEN HEAVEN 2 JUNE 2024 HYMN

HYMN 26: THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS

OPEN HEAVEN 2 JUNE BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: Job 31-34

PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVEN 1 June 2024 MEMORIZE: This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. Psalms 34:6

Open Heaven, 1 June, 2024, Bible Reading 2 Kings 6:1-7

And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us.

2 Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye.

3 And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go.

4 So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood.

5 But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed.

6 And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.

7 Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.

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Open Heaven 31 May 2024

Open Heaven 29 May 2024

OPEN HEAVEN 1 JUNE 2024 MESSAGE

In our Bible reading for today, Elisha would not have known about the axe head that fell if the man who lost it did not cry out for help.

Many times, we need to cry to God until He answers us.

There are people who will say that you don’t need to open your mouth when you pray.

While it is true that God knows everything, even before you cry, if you go through the Bible, you will see many instances where people cried to God.

In Psalms 120:1, David said: “In my distress I cried unto the Lord and He heard me.”

In Psalms 77:1, the psalmist said, “I cried with my voice,” not “with my heart” as many might suggest, saying that you can close your mouth and cry with your heart.

David said, “I cried with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill” (Psalms 3:4).

I pray for you; whenever you cry unto God, He will hear you, in Jesus’ name. There is, however, one thing that can prevent God from hearing you, and that is sin.

The Bible says that if we regard iniquity in our hearts, God will not hear us (Psalms 66:18).

However, if a sinner repents and cries to God for mercy, He will hear.

In Psalms 34:17, David said: “The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles”.

If you are ready to cry to God today, He will deliver you from all your troubles.

I remember when I came to Lagos to work as a lecturer at the University of Lagos way back in 1969, somebody came to me and said, “This is what people do in Lagos – they give money to a prophet so that he will be fasting and praying for them.

So, you have to do the same.” I thought to myself, “Ignorant people, the prophet will just take your money and do nothing.”

Thank God that we can call on God directly and He will answer us.

Isaiah 59:1-2 says:

Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

You don’t have to pay anyone to pray for you.

All you need is to have faith in God and live holy; whenever you cry unto Him, He will answer you.

OPEN HEAVEN 1 JUNE 2024 PRAYER POINTS

Take that matter that has been bothering you to God in prayers now. Cry to Him, and He will answer you.

OPEN HEAVEN 1 JUNE 2024 HYMN

HYMN 15 PASS ME NOT O GENTLE SAVIOUR

OPEN HEAVEN 1 JUNE BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: Job 25-30

PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVEN 31 MAY 2024 MEMORIZE: And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. Job 28:28

Open Heaven, May 31, 2024, Bible Reading Job 28:28

And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

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Open Heaven 31 May 2024

Open Heaven 29 May 2024

OPEN HEAVEN 31 MAY 2024 MESSAGE

Wisdom is the correct application of knowledge Acquiring knowledge and applying it are two different things.

For example, if a man is driving on a road and sees a road sign that says, ‘Narrow bridge ahead,’ as soon as he sees that sign, he has acquired knowledge.

However, what that man decides to do with that knowledge will tell if he is wise or foolish.

If the man is wise, he will slow down because the bridge ahead is narrow, and there might be an oncoming vehicle.

On the other hand, if he is foolish, he will keep driving at the same speed or even increase the speed of the vehicle.

God said in Proverbs 4:7 that wisdom is the principal thing. Principal refers to the most important thing.

This means that to God, getting wisdom is of utmost importance. The Bible tells us that there are two types of wisdom. The first one comes from fearing God.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom:

Psalms 111:10 Wisdom begins when the fear of God is established in your life.

When you fear God, you won’t do anything to annoy Him because you know that He determines your beginning and end.

The Bible calls Him a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29); therefore, He is the last person you should offend.

Also, if the Consuming Fire is on your side, you have nothing to fear because the word of God says that if God is for you, nobody can be against you (Romans 8:31).

Wisdom teaches you to fear God, thus fear Him wherever you go and at all times.

The second type of wisdom is the wisdom of this world (1 Corinthians 1:20). This wisdom is not from God and is actually foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18-25).

The world does not recognize God, and as such, worldly wisdom is based on human logic and things that the human mind can grasp.

With worldly wisdom, some things can be deemed impossible.

However, the Bible tells us that with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

Do not go with the world’s wisdom, as it is foolishness before God.

Choose to fear God, obey His word, and He will give you wisdom, which is the principal thing that you need to succeed in life.

When you embrace godly wisdom, you will be honoured and crowned with God’s glory in everything that you do.

OPEN HEAVEN 31 MAY 2024 PRAYER POINTS

Lord, help me to fear You daily and obey Your word, even if it sounds foolish to my human understanding, in Jesus’ name.

OPEN HEAVEN 31 MAY 2024 HYMN

HYMN 30: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD

1. When we walk with the Lord,
In the light of His word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain:
Trust and obey!
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.

2. But we never can prove
The delights of His love,
Until all on the altar we lay,
For the favour He shows
And the joy He bestows
Are for them who will trust and obey. [Refrain]

3. Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way,
What He says we will do,
Where He sends we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey. [Refrain]

OPEN HEAVEN 31 MAY BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: Job 21-24

PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE