CGMi HPC

09/11/2024

09/11/2024

05/08/2024

A blissful Monday evening to you all. Please 🙏 lovers of God and CGMi family follow me @ Kingsley Itota and as we do the God of possibilities will make everything possible for you.

03/08/2024

The best place to be on a Sunday Morning is the 🏠 of the Lord, Cos that's where we get our strength, Wisdom to leave an effective life, our resources from. I urge everyone reading this now to plan to attend Church Service tomorrow.
All Christian gather here by saying I will attend.
See you in church.

06/07/2024

CGMI ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL

CENTRAL THOUGHT:
Regardless of obstacles, Jesus expects His church to seek the lost sheep

SUNDAY 7th, JULY 2024.

HYMN: S.S & S 757 "Sowing in the morning"

TOPIC: THE LOST SHEEP

TEXT: LUKE 15:1-7
INTRODUCTION:
We may have experienced the pain of loosing something and the joy derived when found. In Luke 15:1-7, Jesus draws on this common human experience when he tells a parable about a shepherd searching for and finding his lost sheep. We may never have been shepherds, yet we can all identify with the crisis of loss, the shift in priorities it brings, the impassioned activity it provokes, and the celebration that comes when we recover something we cherish. So, it is easy for us to understand the basic message of this parable. Jesus is using the common experience of loss and recovery to challenge our attitudes and actions to people who are far from God.
The mandate of Christ coming to the world is explicitly stated in the scripture: Matthew 18:11 "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost". This is because, it is not the will of God that anyone should perish (Matt 18:14)
The self-righteous Pharisees and Scribes did not know this, consequently, they murmured when Jesus received the publicans and sinners, and dinned with them. Jesus then told them the parable of the lost sheep toake them understand that God is more concerned about one sinner that is lost than many righteous people that do not need repentance.
In this study, we shall examine the parable of the lost sheep, identify our responsibilities as believers towards them and draw up other lessons we are expected to learn from the parable.
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of this study are to:
1. Identify the lost sheep
2. Explain the characteristics of the lost sheep
3. Highlights some causes of straying away from the sheepfolds
4. Identify the responsibilities of the church towards the lost sheep
5. Describe how the sheep can remain in the sheepfold and much more

BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1A. WHO IS THE LOST SHEEP ?
It is the sheep that wanders away from his shepherd. Its represent a person who wanders from Jesus by choosing to lead an evil or sinful life according to worldly pleasures. Jesus doesn't stop that person from wandering because God loves us so much that He gave us free will toake our own choices in life. But He never gives up on the person who walks away from Him, no matter howwny others He has by His side. He still loves, misses and wants the lost one to return. Having that one person return back home to Jesus is s the cause for greater celebration.
In a broader sense, anyone who is yet to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour can be regarded as a lost sheep
QUESTION 1B. WHY THE SUPPOSEDLY LESS COMCERN FOR THE NINETY-NINE SHEEP LEFT IN THE OPEN COUNTRY ? (Vs 3-7)
The good shepherd cares for all his sheep, so does God care for all His children (Jn 3:16). We see clearly from scriptures that the ninety nine sheep have already found rest, comfort and safety with the good shepherd. They are already being nurtured in His blossom.
Therefore, the good shepherd goes after the one missing sheep with every resources at his disposal because His desire is that none should perish. The one lost sheep is just as precious to the shepherd as the ninety nine that are safe with Him.
The ninety nine sheep are not lost and hence do not need to be searched for, they are not sick and have no need for a physician.
QUESTION 1C. HIGHLIGHTS OTHER SILENT POINTS IN THIS PARABLE. LK 15:3-7
A few silent points in this parable are outlined below
I. The love of God for sinners is beyond measure. Jesus came to save all mankind (Jn 3:16; Rom 5:8). The soul of a man is very precious to God
II. God is compassionate and merciful. It is His desire that all should be saved. 2Pt 3:9
III. He goes to any length after the soul of a man to save him
IV. There is joy in heaven over one sinner that is saved

QUESTION 2. EXPLAIN BRIEFLY THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES OF THE LOST SHEEP
A. UNBELIEVERS. (Isa 53:6; Gal 5:19-21)
According to the Bible, an unbeliever is simply a person who has not accepted Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Saviour.
They live a life of sin, they find sin pleasurable and enjoyable, cannot please God because they do not have the life of Christ in them, do not have faith in God or His word and manifest the works of the flesh.
B. BACKSLIDDERS (Matt 18:11-12; 26:58; Prov 14:14)
The Bible says that one of the signs of the end times will be a great apostasy (falling away from the faith) 2Thess 2:3
The lost sheep is a picture of a born again believer who backslide. He went astray because he lacked fellowship, perhaps he was alone, not having a strong enough relationship with the Lord and was dragged down by his surrounding.
Some of the characteristics of a backslider include his having a hardened heart towards God and His word, and exhibiting the works of the flesh.
C. CHRISTIAN WORKERS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR SPIRITUAL FERVENCY. Hos 7:8-9; Rom 12:8,10-11
The Bible is full of stories that show how passion stirred to action, purpose, and calling in God's people. When a Christian worker loses his/her spiritual fervency, no longer exhibit particular enthusiasm, zeal, conviction, persistence in the things of God, places lessemphasis on holiness, become less intimate with God and His word, he is lost except he repents.

QUESTION 3. HIGHLIGHTS THE CAUSES OF STRAYING FROM THE SHEEPFOLD TODAY.
Sheep are dependent on their shepherd for direction and protection. They are not independent creatures, they are not strong, nor are they survivors. They quickly wander away and can easily be led astray, without their shepherd's care. Also, the sheep stray if they hear the voice of a stranger and follow. When one no longer depends on God, he/she may stray away from the sheepfold.
Others include but not exhaustive, ineffective leadership by a hireling (Jn 10:12), the love of the world (2Tim 4:10, 2Jn 2:15-16), disobedience to the word of God, and to the voice and leading of the Holy Spirit (2Sam 15:22-23) and careless living.

QUESTION 4. EXPLAIN THE FOLLOWING RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHURCH AND HER MEMBERS TOWARDS THE LOST SHEEP.
A few of the responsibilities of the church and her members towards the lost sheep is outlined below:
A. PREACHING THE UNDILUTED WORD OF GOD (Matt 10:6-7). It is the duty of the church and all believers to bring the good news of the word of God to all mankind and particularly the unsaved. God's desire is that no one should perish (2Pt 3:9). He loves man so much that He gave up His beloved Son to die in order to redeem us from sin and reconcile us to God. He has now committed to us this ministry of reconciliation (2Cor 5:18-19)
B. PRAYERS, COUNSELING AND FOLLOW UP. The church must continue to pray that the power of darkness will loose it's hold over the lost souls (2Cor 4:4). Prayers should be offered to God to add to the church daily such as should be saved (Acts 2:27). The lost sheep also needs counselling and effective follow up to get them saved, restored and established in God.
C. Other responsibilities of the church and her members towards the lost sheep is showing them the love of Christ. (1Jn 4:20)

QUESTION 5A. EXPLAIN HOW A SHEEP CAN REMAIN IN THE SHEEPFOLD.
A believer can remain in the fold by committing to the study of God's word (Psa 119:105). The sheep must stay connected to the good shepherd. He prays always and learn to hear and follow the voice of the good shepherd (Jn 10:27). He stays in the company of other sheep so that he does not stray (Heb 10:25). The Holy Spirit in the life of the believer guides him into all truth (Jn 16:13). He flees from all appearance of evil (1Thess 5:22) and is involved in the ministry of reconciliation (Matt 28:19-20; Mk 16:15; 2Cor 5:18)
QUESTION 5B. WHAT ARE THE BLESSINGS/REWARDS OF FINDING A LOST SHEEP ?
When a lost sheep is found heaven rejoices (Lk 15:7). God is pleased and pour His blessings upon us. When we engage in soul winning, we become a people that are wise (Prov 11:30), laying up treasures in heaven (Matt 6:19-21). The church of God increases and society is better off. God honours us here on earth and in eternity.

DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
It is clear that the parable compares tax collectors and sinners to lost sheep who Jesus has come to seek and save. However, the parable does not end when the shepherd finds the lost sheep. The shepherd carries the sheep home on his shoulder and bring it to a place of safety, restoration, provision and celebration. Thus, the parable of the lost sheep is not just about getting sinners saved for heaven. It is about caring for the hurting, healing the sick, empowering the poor and transforming the lives of people everywhere. All believers must be involved in this business of seeking the lost sheep.

MEMORY VERSE:
Matthew 28:19 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost"

15/06/2024

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL

DATE: SUNDAY, JUNE 16TH 2024

TOPIC: CHRIST'S LETTER TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES: THE CHURCH IN LAODICEA

*TEXT:* REV 3:14-22

*CENTRAL THOUGHT:* It is God desire that every believer becomes disciplined, and committed follower of Christ.

*HYMN:* S, S & S 607, "I am Thine, O Lord....."

INTRODUCTION:
Laodicea was an old city in Asia Minor which the Syrian King Antiochus II
enlarged, beautified and renamed after his wife Laodice. It grew to
become a great commercial center. A
Christian church was established here probably from Ephesus, It was
wealthy but painfully lukewarm. Christ's
message to the Laodician church appears to contain the most serious rebuke to any church as they were neither here nor there. It is clear that Christ loved this church all the same hence, He rebuked them sharply.
Believers in Christ must learn to take their stand for God both in good and
bad times and serve Him committedly.

LESSON OBJECTIVES
By the end of this lesson, believers should be able to:
1. explain how Christ introduced himself to the church:
2. compare how Christ rated the church with how they assessed themselves:
3. identify some things that can distract believers from being hot Christians; and
4.appreciate Christ's counsel to the church.

BIBLE TRUTH:
Q1: HOW DID CHRIST INTRODUCE HIMSELF TO THE CHURCH (REV
3:14)?
In this text, the Lord called/Himself "the Amen, the/faithful and true witness".
"Amen'" means "so be it" but when used at the beginning of a sentence, it is translated verily'". Qualifying the
*Amen" the article the" presupposes that Christ is the supreme authority whose
message to the church is genuine, incontrovertible and not subject to any disputation. Further to the introduction, He describes Himself as the faithful and true witness and the beginning of the creation of the world. This claim was
substantiated by St John's gospel implication of these is that
Jesus is the author of creation, the supreme authority and. sovereign Lord. Believers should whole heartedly
receive every word of God and obey Him. We should not harden our hearts to divine instruction.

Q2: COMPARE HOW CHRIST RATED THE
CHURCH WITH HOW THEY ASSESSED
THEMSELVES (Vs. 15-17)
The Lord Jesus saw the Laodicean church as Lukewarm. They were neither
cold nor hot. This implies that in spite of their claim to being Christians, they were
indifferent to spiritual matters.
There was that lack of serious spiritual fervency. Their knowledge of Christ remained shallow and superficial. There
was no clear-cut demarcation between them and their unbelieving neighbors. The zeal for God was absent.
Secondly, Christ saw them as poor and wretched in matters of spiritual values
[righteousness, prayer, gifts and fruit of the Spirit, etc].
They were also adjudged to be blind, meaning that they were insensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. They were
said to be miserable because their hope was only on the material things of this world. Above all they were assessed
as being naked because they lacked the divine covering of God. Believers should be clothed with the garment of righteousness always. The Laodicean brethren, however, evaluated
themselves differently. They allowed their huge wealth emanating from their
flourishing commercial activities to becloud their sense of spiritual judgment. They were materially rich but
spiritually wretched. Believers should be careful not to arrogant think their wealth is as a result of God's acceptance of their faith even when they are not living right with God.

Q3: READ THE FOLLOWING
SCRIPTURES AND IDENTIFY SOME OF THE THINGS THAT CAN DISTRACT SOMEONE FROM BEING A 'HOT' CHRISTIAN (Rev. 3:17; 1 Tim 6:9-10; 2
Tim 4:10; Matt. 6:19-21)

While it is the will of God for His people to prosper [3 Jn 2],. unbridled quest for riches can quench one's spiritual fervour
[T Tim6:9], thereby making one become irrelevant, unproductive and
unconscious spiritually. The Lord Jesus categorically stated that "... ye cannot serve God and mammon “. Some
believers have made a shipwreck of their faith by indulging in many sinful means such as bribery, forgery, lying, fraud (419
yahoo yahoo), just because of
money and wealth. Worldliness is another factor that can reduce a believer to a lukewarm status. The quest for wealth, money, fame or popularity and power, can dampen the zeal of some for
God. A scriptural example was Demas who so loved this present world that he forsook Apostle Paul [2 Tim.4:10]. No
wonder God admonished the believers not to love the world and its trappings [1 Jn. 2:15-17]. While riches, moncy and
fame are not sins in themselves, we must follow God's divine recipe for
attaining them (Matt. 6:3 1-33; Lk. 6:38; Gen. 26:1-14)

Q4: WHAT IS THE DANGER OF BEING
NEITHER COLD NOR HOT (Rev3: 16, Matt. 7:21-
23)
It is dangerous to live an uncommitted Christian life. This is because such a believer is unprofitable to God and is
irrelevant to the body of Christ. Christ warned that if such a person remains in that state, He will drop such a one
[Jn. 15:2b]. This mean outright loss of salvation and the grace of God, what a
Tragedy? This is what is meant
by.. I will spew thee out of my mouth". As human beings, We spit out any substance in Our mouth that is not sweet or palatable, This relates to
a outright rejection. Such
person may still remain in church perhaps paying tithes and offerings, doing philanthropic works, etc. but
on the judgment day, they will receive the rejection by Jesus Christ, the faithful and impartial Judge (Matt. 7:21-23). May worldly pursuits not/take us away from our place in the kingdom of God.

Q4b. WHAT WAS CHRIST's COUNSEL TO
THE CHURCH [Rev 3:18-20)
Jesus' admonition to seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness remains an eternal principle for the
believer. The Laodicean church placed premium on earthly riches at the expense of their salvation. They are
counseled here to seek for their soul salvation which is certainly more precious than gold. It cost God His only
begotten Son to secure our salvation. Having been saved, we are clothed with the garment of righteousness as
now have received the power to maintain a right standing with God. It is only believers that can perceive spiritual realities. The counsel to the church therefore is for them to retrace their steps and come back to Christ in true
repentance. The universal call to salvation is still on-going. Anyone that repents will enjoy true fellowship with
God.

DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
The Laodicean church found themselves losing touch with the God of their salvation due to uncontrollable pursuit of
material wealth. In God's estimation, they were in a precarious situation as they
could be spewed out of God's mouth. Any believer who finds himself feeling
indifferent to God, His word and church activities, has begun to shut God out of his life. He is at the verge of outright backsliding. The solution is to repent from where ever he has fallen. He
should leave the door of his heart open to Christ and let Him in.

MEMEORY VERSE: Rev 3:20

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup
with him and he with me"

01/02/2024

Happy new month CGMI family

10/01/2024

Welcome to 2024... Operate in the Supernatural

24/09/2023

CGMI ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL

DATE: SUNDAY 24th SEPTEMBER, 2023.

HYMN: S.S & S 642 "When We Walk With The Lord"

CENTRAL THOUGHT:
Our safety is in the Lord

TOPIC:
THE BELIEVER IN TIMES OF INSECURITY

TEXT:
Judges 6:1-10
Psa 191:1-16

INTRODUCTION:
We are living in a time when insecurity has become a major issue and a global phenomenon with increasing terrorism. Indeed, insecurity has led to the loss of many lives, personal, public and church buildings, farmlands and other sources of livelihood have been destroyed. Worse still, many people have been displaced from their homes/communities. All these have led to untold hardship, misery and excruciating poverty in the land. The causes of insecurity and how a Christian should respond to it is the focus of this study

LESSON OBJECTIVES
This topic is intended to accomplish the underlisted objectives:
1. Explain the meaning of insecurity
2. Compare the present state of insecurity and that of the Israelites in the hands of the Midianites
3. Identify some causes of insecurity and
4. Discuss the expected attitude of the believers in times of insecurity

BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1a. WHAT IS INSECURITY ?
Insecurity can be seen in many ways such as not being confident on oneself, fear of the safety of one's life, properties, jobs, etc.
It is that heightened sense of fear or anxiety about one's survival in a particular socio-political and economic environment
QUESTION 1b. IS THERE ANY RESEMBLANCE BETWEEN THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ISRAELITES IN THE HANDS OF THE MIDIANITES AND WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW ? (Judges 6:1-10) The children of Israel sinned against God in the days of the Judges. As a punishment, He instigated Midians to oppress them. Their homes, farmlands and herds were mercilessly plunder by the Midianites. In search of safety, the Israelites relocated to caves, mountains and strongholds for security. Our society has witnessed so much untold hardship and frustration for several years in the hands of various invaders called herdsmen, bandits and now terrorists.
These invaders, like the Midianites, invade whole communities, kill and kidnapp indigens, rustle their cattle, and carry away material properties of their choice. They displace the original owners of the lands who ends up in refugee camps, thereby losing their entire source of livelihood. Thus, the situation now is comparative to the experiences of the Israelites in the hand of the Midianites. Like them therefore, the church should rise in unison to cry to God in repentance, acknowledging the sin of the nation and plead for His mercy

QUESTION 2. WHAT ARE THE SOURCES OF INSECURITY ?
A lot of factors have been identic reasons for the state of insecurity in our society. The most obvious ones are:
(A) RELIGIOUS FANATICISM: Religions the world over tend to preach peace and tolerance among men. However, there are some with limited and unguided knowledge of their belief. They go violently against adherents of other faith.
(B) LAND GRABBING: Some people with limited land space or unfertile areas are sometimes, ushed into expansionist tendencies. They fight to dispossessed others of their rightful lands, and this lead to violence and anarchy.
(C) INSENSITIVE LEADERSHIP: Failure by leadership to act speedily to stop all forms of communal crisis and criminal tendencies tend to strengthen the criminals resolve to continue their evil activities.
(D) UNGUARDED AND POROUS BORDERS: When national borders are not properly checked, it can result in huge influx of criminal elements and harmful materials into a country. These criminals usually have unhindered access to and the illegal use of arms for their activities
(E) CLASS SHOULD MENTION OTHERS

QUESTION 3. WHAT SHOULD BE THE ATTITUDE OF THE BELIEVER IN TIMES OF INSECURITY ?
The persistent rate of insecurity in our world is bound to evoke some measure of apprehension in everyone including believers. However, the Christian should realize that one of his/her sonship rights in Christ is security. He should therefore believe and appropriate the promises of God in the situation. To make these promises of divine protection effective in his life, he must dwell in the secret place of the Most High (Psa 91:1). Then, he must trust and depend on God for his safety (Prov 3:5-6). Hence, like David, we can boldly declare "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil..." (Psa 23:4). He must also be watchful and prayerful. Prayer in times like this is show of absolute dependence on the Almighty God who will never fail.
The believer should not leave his life to chance. He should be security conscious. Above all, we should be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. As we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He will surely direct our paths (Prov 3:6).
(CLASS SHOULD DISCUSS MORE)

DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
We are indeed in perilous times. Evils of unimaginable proportions happens every day. Agents of darkness have become more brutish and sinister. However, the child of God should be unwavering in his faith in the Almighty who is able to keep, protect and deliver us from every form of danger. We should trust Him and hide in His secret place for the preservation of our lives and properties.

MEMORY VERSE
Psalms 91:1
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

16/09/2023

*ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL*

*DATE:* SUNDAY, 17TH SEPT, 2023

*TOPIC:* CALMING THE STORM

*TEXT:* MARK 4:35-41

*CENTRAL THOUGHT:* The best way for a believer to handle any storm of life is to handover it to Jesus Christ

*HYMN:* S, S & S 642, "Master the Tempest is raging"

INTRODUCTION:
Storms typify different problems/challenges that people face in life. Nobody, believers inclusive, is spared the storms because they are part of human
existence. These challenges may bring different form: of discouragement, hopelessness or even pose as threats to life. These threats may confuse our
minds and produce negative thoughts and perceptions of impossibilities. From our text, the Lord Jesus and His disciples were crossing the sea of Galilee in a ship
when the tempestuous storm arose suddenly. Violent waves rose from the sea, crashing into the ship and threatening to capsize it. The disciples out of fear and despair quickly woke the
Lord Jesus up,“And He arose and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea
Peace be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." Verse 39.
In this lesson, we will be looking at what this miracle teaches us about who the
Lord Jesus is and how to trust Him in the middle of life's trials.

LESSON OBJECTIVES:
This topic is intended to explain:
1. what constitutes storms in the lives of believers;

2. how some believers react to storms of life; and

3. the lessons to learn from the episode.

BIBLETRUTH:
Q1. WHAT EVENTS LED TO THE LORD
JESUS CALMING THE STORM? MARK4:35?
Jesus said to his disciples “let us pass over unto the other side". While on this journey the storm came. Being a believer does not exempt one from experiencing storms. However, we are assured of
His divine presence and the manifestation of His power. When the disciples saw that the tempest was raging and the billows were tossing high,
they flew into frenzy, scared for their lives, thinking they were going to perish. They cried out, woke Jesus up and
said to Him, “Master, carest thou not that we perish"? vs 38
Our Lord Jesus Christ is never perturbed by any form of storm in the lives of the
believers; He promised to be with us in whatever situation we find ourselves. (Heb. 4:15). In Isaiah 43:2 the scripture says, «When thou passeth through the waters, I will be with thee; ... when
thou walkest through the fire, thou shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." He is ready to respond when we call upon Him...and He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace be still.
And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." vs 39.

Q2. WHAT CONSTITUTES STORMS
IN THE LIVES OF BELIEVERS TODAY?
Many storms abound in the world; believers are not excluded., They can be part of life's encounter, or self inflicted or as a result of satanic attack. We have the
example of Job, whose affliction was satanic in origin but allowed by God,
the experience of the disciples on the sea of Galilee, and the example of
Jonah who was disobedient to God's instruction. Also, believer who may be living in obedience to God, like Paul in
Acts 27 on the trip to Rome but encountered a storm. In Luke 13:16, the Lord Jesus healed the woman who had a
spirit of infirmity for eighteen years as a result of satanic affliction. Some of the storm may also include marital challenges, joblessness, unemployment,
poverty, sicknesses and diseases etc.
The class should mention others

Q3. HIGHLIGHT SOME NEGATIVE
RESPONSE TO STORMS OF LIFE?
It is normal for a natural man to react negatively to challenges of life. Like the
disciples, some believers, when threatened with diverse kinds of storms, become fearful, apprehensive, and
may get defeated. Some seek ungodly means of calming their storms, and may even abandon their fellowship with God and eventually backslide.

Q4. HOW SHOULD THE BELIEVER
RESPOND TO THE STORMS OF LIFE?
God is our constant helper, our Anchor during the raging storms of life, and so we are not moved or swayed by negative happenings around us. Helpful measures include:

a. Faith in God. (Heb. 11:6,
Gal. 3:11, Isa. 43:2, Ps. 46: 10)
Faith is an important weapon to overcome any storm. Heb. 11:6 says that "without faith it is impossible to please God; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is the rewarder of those that diligently seek
Him, "

b. Meditating on God's Word and Promises (Josh 1:8) The word of God is a very strong weapon (2 Cor. 10:4). It
goes beyond human devices and weapons. The Lord Jesus calmed the storm by His word. (Mark 4:39).... Josh. 1:8 admonishes us to meditate therein day and night". Then can we have good success.

c. Prayers. (I Thess. 5:17)
It is in prayers that we demonstrate that indeed we believe in God to handle
every issue concerning us. Consistent prayers and faith in the word of God
guarantees victory over the storms of life.

d. Fellowship (Ps. 133): Genuine fellowship with other brethren produces
strength and confidence in God's ability to fight our battles; (Prov. 27:17) for
there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life evermore. "

DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
Storms/challenges are inevitable in life. Through faith in the name of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ, they are all surmountable. From our text, the disciples went directly to Jesus their master. It is only in prayers (by
recognizing His presence in our situations of life) that we can overcome. Therefore, we should pray, exercise faith, rebuke the devil in the name of
Jesus and he will flee. We should also make sure we are not suffering from our own error; if so we should sincerely repent and return to God for He will abundantly pardon.

MEMORY VERSE: Mark 4:39
And he arose and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, peace be still. And the
wind ceased and there was a great calm.'"

09/09/2023

*ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL*

*DATE:* SUNDAY, 9TH SEPT, 2023

*TOPIC:* FOCUS ON CHRIST TO WALK IN THE LIGHT

*TEXT:* 1 JOHN 1:1-7; EPH 5:8

*CENTRAL THOUGHT:* Believers Should walk Continuously in the Light of Christ

*HYMN:* S, S & S 642, "When We Walk With The Lord"

INTRODUCTION:
"Light illuminates, makes evidently
manifest and dispels darkness, it gives
direction and awaken the other senses. God is light ( John 1:5) and anyone
walking in light walks with God. "Walking"
equally suggests that it is a continuous process. To walk in light therefore
means to continuously walk in and with God- a call to fellowship with
the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a call to deliberately choose light over darkness - Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness..." (Eph. 5:10). The focus of this study is
to help the believer walk. in the path of God's light continuously by focusing
on Christ.

LESSON OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of this study are to:
1. know what it means to walk in the light;
2. appreciate the characteristics of those walking in the light:
3. know the requirements for walking in the light:
4. understand how focusing on Christ can help the believer walk in light;
5. understand consequences of not walking in the light; and appreciate benefits of walking in the light.

BIBLE TRUTH
Q1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WALK IN THE LIGHT? (Eph. 5:8; Acts 26:18)
To walk in light means to deliberately turn away from darkness (ignorance and lack of divine knowledge that holds men in bo***ge) and all that it represents and
choose to walk in illumination. Satan is
identified as the God of this world which lies in darkness (Isaiah 60:1), It is to be
delivered from the power of Satan and the hold of sin. It also means to receive pardon and forgiveness from sin and
book a place with the company of Saints sanctified by faith in the finished work
of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. In simple term it means to be born again, and live for and by Christ on a daily basis. It represents a situation where the believer's life and reality are governed
by the illumination and truth that is found in God and that God represents.
To walk in light is a daily step -in- step walk with Christ - I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me, will not
walk in darkness but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). The death and resurrection of Jesus broke through the
spiritual darkness that engulfed the heart of men through alienation from
divine Truth- "Those who sit in darkness have seen a great light" (Matt. 4: 1 6; Isa. 9:2).

Q2. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THOSE WHO WALK IN THE LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY? Eph. 4:17-31

A major characteristic of those who walk in the light is that their reality and consciousness is anchored on the eternal truth of God's own reality which is expressed in His word. They do not deny the existence of a contrary
notion or narrative, but they choose to deliberately say I follow Jesus" and actually do so. They take no part in the
unfruitful work of darkness, but instead expose them. (Eph. 5.11-13). By the way
we live our lives, those who Iive contrary should see and be ashamed. It means not joining the multitude to commit sin. Unfruitful works of darkness represent those that stand in contrast to the
will of God for the believer. The believer who walks in light adds value to the general body of believers by acting
and living right. They live out what is "good and right and true" (Eph. 5:9... for this light within you produces only what
is good and right and true, NLT). The believer who walks in light is careful how he or she lives... the ultimate goal and
desire is living to please God.

Q3. HOW CAN ONE BEGIN TO WALK IN AND CONTINUE TO WALK IN THE LIGHT?
To begin to walk in the light, one must be born again. To be born again means to Come to the saving knowledge of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and accept Him as Lord and Savior. It is a personal
decision that cannot be made
on behalf of another. Accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior gives entrance into this
pathway of life and light in the Father. Jesus is and remains the exclusive Light of the world. (John 9:5; John 8:12),
Walking is an activity that requires effort and the expending of energy to reach a
desired goal or destination. It implies a purposeful activity to accomplish something regardless. True, salvation is
free, but to continue to walk in and enjoy the light that is in Christ requires deliberate effort to engage with the
word of God (...the Holy Scripture) and doing what it expects of us (James 1:22
24). For as we keep looking into the Scriptures, we are transformed. We need the energizing power of the Holy Spirit - for by strength shall no man
prevail, in order to continue the walk in the light. It is the Holy spirit that brings and interpret the mind of Christ to
us, and the mind of Christ is in agreement with the mind of God.
Acknowledging that we cannot walk this path on our own, the place of prayer helps the believer to draw the strength needed to continue to walk in Light.

Q4. HOW DOES FOCUSING ON CHRIST
HELP US TO WALK IN LIGHT?
To focus means to gaze continuously.
We are admonished to look and keep
looking on to Jesus as our perfect example of all that the Father expects of us to walk in light. "Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our
faith.."(Heb. 12:2). Jesus did not only walk in light; He was the very Light of men. He was manifested to destroy all the works of the devil, (1 John
3:8). Only Jesus has the remedy for the sin nature. This remedy was handed over to man at the cross of Calvary for
those who believe and have accepted him as Lord and Savior. To know how to apply this remedy on a continuous
basis, we must focus on Christ, learn of Him and walk in Him. We must choose to
walk the path that Jesus walked. To do that, our gaze must be on Him continuously without wavering.

Q5. WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF
NOT WALKING IN THE LIGHT?
Anyone who does not walk in light walks in darkness and in obscurity. Such is cut off from God and is destitute of the
blessings that comes from having fellowship with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and the body of Saints
-believers. The life of such a man is marked by ignorance of divine truth and devoid of the blessings that comes from
such relationship. He that has the Son has Life; He that has not the Son does not have life -1 John 5:12. Such is cut off
from the God kind of Life - Eternal Life. Not walking in light is death i.e. separation from God.

Q6. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WALKING IN THE LIGHT?
Unbroken fellowship with the Trinity and fellow Saints is part of the benefit of
continuously walking in the light. Even when such fall into sin, the need to confess and forsake is paramount and
the Holy Spirit plays His role for our restoration. Because of our unbroken relationship with the Trinity, there is
peace. Eternal life is guaranteed.

DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
The believer is encouraged to be deliberate and intentional. about walking in the light. He who walks in light will not
grope in darkness, and will. deny the unfruitful works of darkness represented by the world. Blessings attend to
those who walk in the light focusing on Christ, and leading ultimately to a place in heaven with the Father.

MEMORY VERSE: 1 JOHN 1:7
"But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus, his
Son purifies us from all sin."