OPEN HEAVEN 4 FEBRUARY 2024 MEMORIZE: But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8

OPEN HEAVEN 4 FEBRUARY 2024 BIBLE READING Acts 3:1-8

¹ Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

² And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

³ Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

⁴ And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

⁵ And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

⁶ Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

⁷ And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

⁸ And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

Rccg Yaya Sunday School Teacher’S Manual 4 February 2024

Rccg Yaya Sunday School Student’S Manual 4 February 2024

Rccg Sunday School Student’S Manual 4 February 2024

Rccg Sunday School Teacher’S Manual 4 February 2024

Rccg House Fellowship Leaders’ Manual 4 February 2024

OPEN HEAVEN 4 FEBRUARY 2024 MESSAGE

Today’s Bible reading passage starts with ‘Now’.

This implies that after the incident that happened before, something new is happening.

Acts 2 tells us about the day of Pentecost and how everyone at the upper room was filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Now then refers to something that was about to happen in the lives of Peter and John as a result of that incident.

Clearly, that was the working of miracles.

When you get baptised in the Holy Ghost, you carry divine power within you.

You have the power to work miracles, heal the sick and raise the dead.

Unfortunately, many Christians become baptised and are satisfied with just speaking in tongues.

You received more than that when you were baptised in the Holy Spirit; you received the power to go out and do the work of God.

Many years ago, I prayed to God for many weeks for power to do His work, but He didn’t respond.

At last, one night, He told me to keep quiet and began to ask me some questions. “Have you been baptised in the Holy Ghost?” I said, “Yes”. He said,

“What is written in Acts 1:8?” I knew it offhand, so I quoted it to Him.

Then He said, “You received power after your baptism in the Holy Ghost.” I responded, “Lord, but I don’t feel powerful.”

He replied, “Did I say the just shall live by feelings?”

The next morning, a sick child was brought to me for prayers.

I was afraid, but then I remembered the conversation I had with God the previous night, so l laid my hands on the child and prayed.

Not long after, I felt the child go numb, and I thought to myself, “Has this child died?”

When I finished praying and opened my eyes, I realised that the child was sound asleep.

The mother said that the child had not slept in days, but now, she was sure that God had healed her child.

Go out and use the power that God has already given to you, if not, it will remain dormant.

When I realised that I had been empowered by God, I was hungry to keep laying hands on the sick.

That is how l’ve gotten to the stage where many great miracles happen through me today.

I have been using the power God gave me since I was baptised in the Holy Spirit and it has been growing since then.

OPEN HEAVEN 4 FEBRUARY 2024 PRAYER POINT

If you have received the Holy Ghost baptism with the evidence of speaking in tongues, begin to use the power God gave to you

OPEN HEAVEN 4 FEBRUARY 2024 HYMN

RCCG HYMN 1: ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME

¹ All hail the power of Jesus’ name!
Let angels prostrate fall.
Bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown him Lord of all.
Bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown him Lord of all!

² Let highborn seraphs tune the lyre,
and as they tune it, fall
Before His face Who tunes their choir,
and crown Him Lord of all.
Before His face Who tunes their choir,
and crown Him Lord of all.

³ Crown Him, ye morning stars of light,
Who fixed this floating ball;
Now hail the strength of Israel’s might,
and crown Him Lord of all.
Now hail the strength of Israel’s might,
and crown Him Lord of all.

⁴ Crown Him, ye martyrs of your God,
Who from His altar call;
Extol the stem of Jesse’s Rod,
and crown Him Lord of all.
Extol the stem of Jesse’s Rod,
and crown Him Lord of all.

⁵ Ye seed of Israel’s chosen race,
ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail Him who saves you by his grace,
and crown Him Lord of all.
Hail Him who saves you by his grace,
and crown Him Lord of all!

⁶ Hail Him, ye heirs of David’s line,
Whom David Lord did call,
The God incarnate, Man divine,
and crown Him Lord of all.
The God incarnate, Man divine,
and crown Him Lord of all.

⁷ Sinners, whose love can ne’er forget
the wormwood and the gall,
Go spread your trophies at His feet,
and crown Him Lord of all.
Go spread your trophies at His feet,
and crown Him Lord of all.

⁸ Let every tribe and every tongue
before Him prostrate fall,
And shout in universal song,
and crown him Lord of all.
And shout in universal song,
and crown him Lord of all.

OPEN HEAVEN 4 FEBRUARY 2024 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: Leviticus 22-23

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 3 FEBRUARY 2024 MEMORIZE: I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. John 10:14

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 3 FEBRUARY 2024 BIBLE READING MATTHEW 7:21-23

[21]Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

[22]Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

[23]And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 3 FEBRUARY 2024 MESSAGE

Many people know me all over the world, however, I do not know them personally.

If they get an opportunity to be in the same room with me and they say, “Daddy, we know you,” I will just smile and say, “God bless you.”

It is one thing to know God, but it is an entirely different thing to be known by God Himself.

Though Daniel 11:32 establishes that those who know their God will be strong and do exploits, it is far more glorious and beneficial to be known by God.

2 Timothy 2:19 gives the condition for attracting special recognition from God: “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

When you depart from sin and make holiness your lifestyle, you will gain God’s confidence and full backing as His representative on earth.

On the last day, He will not refer to you as a worker of iniquity whom He does not know.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 3 FEBRUARY 2024 REFLECTION

Does God truly know you?

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 3 FEBRUARY 2024 HYMN

HYMN 4 – CHRIST IS OUR CORNER-STONE

1. Christ is our Comer-stone;
On Him alone we build;
With His true Saints alone
The courts of Heaven are filled;
On His great Love
Our hopes we place
Of present grace,
And joys above.

2. Oh, then with hymns of praise
These hallow’d courts shall ring:
Our voices we will raise,
The Three in One to sing;
And thus proclaim
In joyful song,
Both loud and long,
That glorious Name.

3. Here, gracious God, do Thou
For evermore draw nigh;
Accept each faithful vow,
And mark each suppliant sigh;
In copious shower
On all who pray,
Each holy day,
Thy blessings pour.

4 Here may we gain from Heaven,
The grace which we implore,
And may that grace, once given
Be with us evermore;
Until that day,
When all the blest,
To endless rest
Are call’d away.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 3 FEBRUARY 2024 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: EXODUS 17:8-19:15; MATTHEW 22:34-23:12

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

LESSON TWENTY THREE (23)
TOPIC: SPIRITUAL MATURITY

*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, help me to grow spiritually and be like Christ always.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Hebrews 5:12-14
[12]For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
[13]For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
[14]But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

MEMORY VERSE: For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 1 Corinthians 3:3.

INTRODUCTION: Spiritual maturity is consciously leaving the longings for continuous “milk and baby steps” and growing to be like Christ. This involves feeding on “strong meats” and living for Christ alone. Every believer is expected to grow up to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13).

LESSON AIM: To teach the students about spiritual maturity in Christ.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES:
Through this study, students are expected to:
a. Understand the meaning of spiritual maturity.
b. Recognise signs of spiritual Immaturity.
c. Know how to attain spiritual maturity.
To achieve the above-stated objectives, the teacher should:
a. Allow the students to recite the memory verse, read the Bible passage, contribute to the discussion, do class activities and assignment.
b. Allow the Assistant Teacher to see to the well-being of the class, mark attendance and assignment.
c. Teach the lesson outlines, summarise, conclude, evaluate the lesson, and give an assignment to the students.

TEXT REVIEW: Hebrews 5:12-14.
Apostle Paul expresses his disappointment in some brethren who have refused to grow spiritually. He made the following remarks:
i. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. V12.
ii. For everyone that ……………………………………………….V13.
iii. But strong meat ……………………………………………..V14.

2. SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY
The following are some of the signs that a believer in Christ is not growing in the faith as expected by God:
1. Selfishness – Like babies, such a believer cares about him/herself alone (2 Timothy 3:2; Philippians 2:21).
2. Gifted but lacking the corresponding fruit of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7).
3. Quick to speak, slow to hear (Proverbs 12:18; James 1:19).
4. Given to complaining and murmuring at all times (1 Corinthians 10:10).
5. Quick at judging others and justifying him/herself (John 8:7; Matthew 7:1).
6. Inability to endure sound doctrines (2 Timothy 4:3): loves to be pampered and listens to only what is soothing.
7. Controlled by sights/emotions/feelings (2 Corinthians 4:18).
8. Engaging in envy, strife, heated arguments, and disagreements (James 3:14-16).
9. Gets upset over petty things (Proverbs 19:11).
10. Flowing with the world (1 John 2:15-17).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should discuss how they can know a believer is mature spiritually.

2. JOURNEY TO SPIRITUAL MATURITY
A. The journey to spiritual maturity begins with a deliberate walk with the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:4, 14).
i. It is about feeding intensely on the word of God (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15), and doing what the word says (James 1:25).
ii. Also, there must be visible manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24).
B. Spiritual maturity also entails:
i. Forgiving and growing to forget (Colossians 3:13).
ii. Taking to corrections and heeding instructions (Proverbs 1:8; 4:13).
iii. Managing our emotions and living beyond our feelings (Proverbs 16:32).
iv. Having integrity and not going with the ‘current’ of the world (Job 27:5; Proverbs 20:7).
v. Doing away with strife (Proverbs 20:3);
vi. Being humble (Proverbs 22:4; James 4:6);
vii. Putting on the righteousness of Christ to produce pure fruits always (Ephesians 4:24).
The journey to spiritual maturity begins with a deliberate walk with the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:4, 14). It is about feeding intensely on the word of God (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15), and doing what the word says (James 1:25). Also, there must be visible manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24).
Spiritual maturity also entails forgiving and growing to forget (Colossians 3:13); taking to corrections and heeding instructions (Proverbs 1:8; 4:13); managing our emotions and living beyond our feelings (Proverbs 16:32); having integrity and not going with the ‘current’ of the world (Job 27:5; Proverbs 20:7); doing away with strife (Proverbs 20:3); being humble (Proverbs 22:4; James 4:6); putting on the righteousness of Christ to produce pure fruits always (Ephesians 4:24).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should share how higher dimensions in their walk with God began.

QUESTIONS:
* Mention three signs of spiritual immaturity.
* How can believers become spiritually mature?

EVALUATION: Mention five signs of spiritual immaturity.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, I receive the grace to grow in my walk with you in Jesus’name.

ASSIGNMENT: Write out five names of Christians around you who exhibit spiritual maturity (No mark).

LESSON TWENTY THREE (23)
TOPIC: SPIRITUAL MATURITY

*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: Hebrews 5:12-14
[12]For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
[13]For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
[14]But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

MEMORY VERSE: For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 1 Corinthians 3:3.

INTRODUCTION: Spiritual maturity is consciously leaving the longings for continuous “milk and baby steps” and growing to be like Christ. This involves feeding on “strong meats” and living for Christ alone. Every believer is expected to grow up to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13).

OUTLINES:
1. SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY
2. JOURNEY TO SPIRITUAL MATURITY

1. SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY
The following are some of the signs that a believer in Christ is not growing in the faith as expected by God:
1. Selfishness – Like babies, such a believer cares about him/herself alone (2 Timothy 3:2; Philippians 2:21).
2. Gifted but lacking the corresponding fruit of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7).
3. Quick to speak, slow to hear (Proverbs 12:18; James 1:19).
4. Given to complaining and murmuring at all times (1 Corinthians 10:10).
5.Quick at judging others and justifying him/herself (John 8:7; Matthew 7:1).
6. Inability to endure sound doctrines (2 Timothy 4:3): loves to be pampered and listens to only what is soothing.
7. Controlled by sights/emotions/feelings (2 Corinthians 4:18).
8. Engaging in envy, strife, heated arguments, and disagreements (James 3:14-16).
9. Gets upset over petty things (Proverbs 19:11).
10. Flowing with the world (1 John 2:15-17).
Students should discuss how they can know a believer is mature spiritually.

2. JOURNEY TO SPIRITUAL MATURITY
The journey to spiritual maturity begins with a deliberate walk with the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:4, 14). It is about feeding intensely on the word of God (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15), and doing what the word says (James 1:25). Also, there must be visible manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24).
Spiritual maturity also entails forgiving and growing to forget (Colossians 3:13); taking to corrections and heeding instructions (Proverbs 1:8; 4:13); managing our emotions and living beyond our feelings (Proverbs 16:32); having integrity and not going with the ‘current’ of the world (Job 27:5; Proverbs 20:7); doing away with strife (Proverbs 20:3); being humble (Proverbs 22:4; James 4:6); putting on the righteousness of Christ to produce pure fruits always (Ephesians 4:24).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should share how higher dimensions in their walk with God began.

CONCLUSION: Although spiritual maturity is a journey, we must never remain on the same level; we must make noticeable progress in our Christian walk.

QUESTIONS:
* Mention three signs of spiritual immaturity.
* How can believers become spiritually mature?

ASSIGNMENT: Write out five names of Christians around you who exhibit spiritual maturity (No mark).

RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL 4 FEBRUARY 2024

LESSON TWENTY THREE (23)
TOPIC: EXCELLENCE

*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: Daniel 5:5-14
[5]In the same hour the fingers of a man’s hand appeared and wrote opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace; and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.
[6]Then the king’s countenance changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his hips were loosened and his knees knocked against each other.
[7]The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke, saying to the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing, and tells me its interpretation, shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around his neck; and he shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”
[8]Now all the king’s wise men came, but they could not read the writing, or make known to the king its interpretation.
[9]Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, his countenance was changed, and his lords were astonished.
[10]The queen, because of the words of the king and his lords, came to the banquet hall. The queen spoke, saying, “O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts trouble you, nor let your countenance change.
[11]There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God. And in the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and King Nebuchadnezzar your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers.
[12]Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation.” The Writing on the Wall Explained
[13]Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke, and said to Daniel, “Are you that Daniel who is one of the captives from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah?
[14]I have heard of you, that the Spirit of God is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you.

MEMORY VERSE:
“Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation.” Daniel 5:12 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: Every human behaves in a certain order. These behaviours are the product of personal perception or orientation developed over time. Orientation is simply defined as a perceived inclination toward something or someone which could be positive or negative based on the individual’s developmental factors. Excellence, on the other hand, means being distinct. God is excellent and He wants us to live an outstanding life just like Him (Psalm 8:9).

OUTLINES:
1. LIVING LIKE GOD
2. ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE

1. LIVING LIKE GOD
Our God is the source of everything good (Matthew. 19:17). He has an excellent name (Psalms 8:9; 148:13), He is excellent in power and judgement (Job 37:23), and His ways and deeds are excellent (Psalm 18:30). God wants us to live excellently like Him (Proverbs 8:6). Our affiliation to Him will inevitably open us up to the kind of reality that surrounds Him (Daniel 1:8-9; 2 Chronicles 26:3-5). Having an excellent orientation is simply thinking God’s thoughts and living God’s life (Philippians 2:5). This will, in turn, produce God’s kind of result (Daniel 5:11-12; John 5:19-20). Excellence is clearly seen and attainable in the person of Jesus Christ and only individuals who are in Him can access it (Philippians 4:13).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Search yourself; can you say you are excellent? If not ask God for the spirit of excellence and If yes, make efforts to get better.

2. ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE
Anyone can attain excellence and live perpetually in that realm. To attain such height, certain decisions, which include the following, must be taken:
You must be born again (John 3:3-6); consciously have and develop intimate fellowship with God through His word and His Spirit (Jeremiah 15:16; 1Corinthians 2:10-12); make up your mind to engage God in every area of your life (2Chronicles 26:3-5); surround yourself with people who are open-minded (1 Samuel 22:1-2); do not stop developing yourself (2 Timothy 2:15; Daniel 9:2); Do not give room to excuses (Proverbs 22:13); Believe you can be better (Philippians 3:12).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Apart from the ones listed above, students should mention other ways in which a man can attain excellence.

CONCLUSION: Having excellence through life is attainable and it is found in having the mind of Christ.

QUESTIONS:
* What is excellence?
* How can believers achieve excellence?

FURTHER READING: SUN: 1 Peter 2:1. MON: Prov.28:5. TUES: 1Thess.5:21. WED: 1 John 4:1. THUR: Jer. 29:8. FRI: Rev. 2:2. SAT: Acts 20:30.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) Bible characters that attained excellence (2×5=10 Marks).

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 3 JANUARY 2024 MEMORIZE: I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. John 10:14

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 3 JANUARY 2024 BIBLE READING MATTHEW 7:21-23

[21]Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

[22]Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

[23]And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 3 JANUARY 2024 MESSAGE

Many people know me all over the world, however, I do not know them personally.

If they get an opportunity to be in the same room with me and they say, “Daddy, we know you,” I will just smile and say, “God bless you.”

It is one thing to know God, but it is an entirely different thing to be known by God Himself.

Though Daniel 11:32 establishes that those who know their God will be strong and do exploits, it is far more glorious and beneficial to be known by God.

2 Timothy 2:19 gives the condition for attracting special recognition from God: “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

When you depart from sin and make holiness your lifestyle, you will gain God’s confidence and full backing as His representative on earth.

On the last day, He will not refer to you as a worker of iniquity whom He does not know.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 3 JANUARY 2024 REFLECTION

Does God truly know you?

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 3 JANUARY 2024 HYMN

HYMN 4 – CHRIST IS OUR CORNER-STONE

1. Christ is our Comer-stone;
On Him alone we build;
With His true Saints alone
The courts of Heaven are filled;
On His great Love
Our hopes we place
Of present grace,
And joys above.

2. Oh, then with hymns of praise
These hallow’d courts shall ring:
Our voices we will raise,
The Three in One to sing;
And thus proclaim
In joyful song,
Both loud and long,
That glorious Name.

3. Here, gracious God, do Thou
For evermore draw nigh;
Accept each faithful vow,
And mark each suppliant sigh;
In copious shower
On all who pray,
Each holy day,
Thy blessings pour.

4 Here may we gain from Heaven,
The grace which we implore,
And may that grace, once given
Be with us evermore;
Until that day,
When all the blest,
To endless rest
Are call’d away.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 3 JANUARY 2024 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: EXODUS 17:8-19:15; MATTHEW 22:34-23:12

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

DAY 24 – SATURDAY
TOPIC: LET YOUR WIND BLOW LIGHT IN AND DARKNESS OUT
BIBLE TEXT(S): Gen. 1:3, Ps. 4:6, 27:1

INTRODUCTION: Light is a source of spiritual or mental illumination. When light shines, darkness
disappears. Jesus is the light of the world. – John 1:4-5

Let us pray;

1. Father, we thank You for Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, in Jesus’ name. – John 8:12

2. Father, thank You for shining Your light of glory into my life in Jesus’ name.

3. The light of my glory arises and shines in Jesus’ name.

4. Light of God shine into my foundation in Jesus’ name.

5. Father let there be light in our homes, families, and nations, in Jesus’ name.

6. Darkness in the church of God expire, in the name of Jesus.

7. Father, let Your light drive away every darkness in my life and home in Jesus’
name.

8. Father, show to the world that You are my light and salvation in Jesus’ name. – Ps. 27:1

9. Father, lighten my life to shine for You in Jesus name. – Ps. 18:28

10. Oh Lord, terminate darkness globally in Jesus name.

11. Father, permanently disgrace the works of darkness against the gospel, in Jesus name.

12. Gates of darkness be lifted in my life in Jesus name.

13. Father, send the light of the gospel to deliver the world in Jesus name.

14. Father, make my life to shine Your light until I see You in Glory, in Jesus name.

15. Father, as Your wind blows, let there be light in my favour, my family, Your church and my nation.

LESSON TWENTY THREE (23)
TOPIC: EXCELLENCE

*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: Lord Jesus, give me the grace to always aim for excellence in all my
endeavours.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Daniel 5:5-14.
[5]In the same hour the fingers of a man’s hand appeared and wrote opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace; and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.
[6]Then the king’s countenance changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his hips were loosened and his knees knocked against each other.
[7]The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke, saying to the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing, and tells me its interpretation, shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around his neck; and he shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”
[8]Now all the king’s wise men came, but they could not read the writing, or make known to the king its interpretation.
[9]Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, his countenance was changed, and his lords were astonished.
[10]The queen, because of the words of the king and his lords, came to the banquet hall. The queen spoke, saying, “O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts trouble you, nor let your countenance change.
[11]There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God. And in the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and King Nebuchadnezzar your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers.
[12]Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation.” The Writing on the Wall Explained
[13]Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke, and said to Daniel, “Are you that Daniel who is one of the captives from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah?
[14]I have heard of you, that the Spirit of God is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you.

MEMORY VERSE: “Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation.” Daniel 5:12 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: Every human behaves in a certain order. These behaviours are the product of personal perception or orientation developed over time. Orientation is simply defined as a perceived inclination toward something or someone which could be positive or negative based on the individual’s developmental factors. Excellence, on the other hand, means being distinct. God is excellent and He wants us to live an outstanding life just like Him (Psalm 8:9).

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
a. Understand the concept of excellence.
b. Recognize that excellence is the nature of God.
c. Know how to achieve excellence.

TEXT REVIEW: Daniel 5:5-14.
The above scripture talks about the excellent spirit in Daniel.
i. A human finger appeared and wrote on the wall by the lamp stand; the king watched the hand as it wrote v5.
ii. The king’s countenance changed, he was troubled by his thoughts and ………..……….. v6.
iii. The king sent for those who tried to figure out things by magic and ………………………. v7.
iv. The king’s wise men could ………………. v8.
v. The king became troubled and his face …………… v9.
vi. The queen intervened and ……………….. v10.
vii. ………………………….………………… v11.
viii. .………………..………………………… v12.
ix.………………………………………………. v13.
x.………………………………………………… v14.
.
OUTLINES:
1. LIVING LIKE GOD
2. ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE

1. LIVING LIKE GOD
A. Our God is the source of everything good (Matthew 19:17).
i. He has an excellent name (Psalms 8:9; 148:13).
ii. He is excellent in power and judgement (Job 37:23).
iii. His ways and deeds are excellent (Psalm 18:30).

B. God wants us to live excellently like Him (Proverbs 8:6).
i. Our affiliation to Him will inevitably open us up to the kind of reality that surrounds Him (Daniel 1:8-9; 2Chronicles 26:3-5).
ii. Having an excellent orientation is simply thinking God’s thoughts and living God’s life (Philippians 2:5).
iii. This will, in turn, produce God’s kind of result (Daniel 5:11-12; John 5:19-20).
iv. Excellence is clearly seen and attainable in the person of Jesus Christ and only individuals who are in Him can access it (Philippians 4:13).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Search yourself; can you say you are excellent? If not ask God for the spirit of excellence and If yes, make efforts to get better.

2. ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE
A. Anyone can attain excellence and live perpetually in that realm.
B. To attain such height, certain decisions, which include the following, must be taken:
i. You must be born again (John 3:3-6).
ii. Consciously have and develop intimate fellowship with God through His word and His Spirit (Jeremiah 15:16; 1 Corinthians 2:10-12).
iii. Make up your mind to engage God in every area of your life (2 Chronicles 26:3-5).
iv. Surround yourself with people who are open-minded (1 Samuel 22:1-2).
v. Do not stop developing yourself (2 Timothy 2:15; Daniel 9:2).
vi. Do not give room to excuses (Proverbs 22:13); Believe you can be better (Philippians 3:12).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Apart from the ones listed above, students should mention other ways in which a man can attain excellence.

CONCLUSION: Having excellence through life is attainable and it is found in having the mind of Christ.

EVALUATION: Mention three ways a man can achieve excellence.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, I receive the spirit of excellence in Jesus’ name.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) Bible characters that attained excellence (2×5=10 Marks).

LESSON TWENTY THREE(23)
TOPIC: VISION AND SUCCESS

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 empower me to make all God-given vision I have received succeed in Jesus name.

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: Leader should ask any member who was part of last lesson to give a recap of the last lesson (The Mind of Christ).

MEMORY VERSE: “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. “Proverbs 29:18

BIBLE TEXT: Habakkuk 2:2-3
[2]And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
[3]For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Vision can be defined as divine guidance, a goal toward which one aspires, it is God’s expectation from believers. Every believer should have a driving force which motivates the fulfilment of their existence. A child of God cannot attain a desired end without having pursuit which gives authority to his sonship.

LESSON AIM: To establish to members that vision empowered with godly factors yields success. Teaching Objectives: At the end of the lesson, members should be able to know: what vision is. what success is.

TEXT REVIEW: Habakkuk 2:2-3
a. Vision is to be written in order to pursue it diligently and purposefully.
b. Place it where it can be read and followed.
c. Vision is for an appointed time.
d. Vision may tarry but it will come to pass.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE
WHAT IS VISION?
Vision is the ability to think or plan with wisdom. It is also an encounter with God where He imparts special revelation, often in dreams or in dark sayings. Vision serves as guide and can be used to provide sense of purpose. Benefits of Vision are;
i. It gives believers access to divine information which enables one to uncover demonic plots-II Kings 6:14-17.
ii. It makes you check your stand with God.
iii. It brings revelation of future occurrence-Daniel 10:14.
iv. It assures confidence of victory-Obadiah 1:1-2.
v. It allows believers to know their godly assignment.
vi. It cautions one of impending dangers-Daniel 2:29; I Sam. 3:13-14.
vii. It makes one receive divine approval and commendation – II Sam. 7:17.
viii. It brings divine guidance – Proverbs 29:18.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO
WHAT IS SUCCESS?
Success can be defined as achievement of one’s aim or goal. To achieve success in life, there must be a driving force ie, vision which propels us to get things done. Examples of those who succeeded through God-given visions are;
1. Moses: He had an encounter with God in Exodus 3:2-10 which brought him success in life – Deut. 34:10-12.
2. Daniel-Daniel 2:19; 7:2-15.
3. Ananias-Acts 9:10-18. He commissioned Paul first into knowing
4. Cornelius – Acts 10:1-7. That vision from God brought salvation to his family.
5. Paul-Acts 9:1-9

ACTIVITY: Assess the life of Joseph with his vision and the factors that helped him to succeed.

SUMMARY: No vision driven by God, no success desired by man.

CONCLUSION: There is no enviable height you can reach without vision, it makes your journey of life more directional, flawless and productive.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, please equip us with new visions for positive direction in life.
2. Father, please help RCCG to continuously run with her vision.
3. Father, grant House Fellowship Department more visions and success in Jesus name.
4. Let every evil power covering our vision and success be destroyed now.
5. Father, help Daddy and Mummy G.O. to pursue their vision to the end.
6. Your personal request.

GOLDEN DIET FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY: God will not forget to help me – Isaiah 44:21.
TUESDAY: I have authority over all the power of the enemy – Luke 10:19.
WEDNESDAY: Waiting on God has positive reward – Psalms 62:5.
THURSDAY: Do not let that vision die, fan it with what it takes.
FRIDAY: Pray that the church will wake up from any spiritual slumber.
SATURDAY: Give no place to the devil – Ephesians 4:27.
SUNDAY: Redeeming the time, because the days are evil – Eph. 5:16.