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RCCG Fruitful Vine Abuja, No. 2 Etang O. Obuli Crescent, Jabi (2026)

02/05/2026

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: SUNDAY 3RD MAY 2026

TOPIC: WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM GOD TODAY?

MEMORIZE:
"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:" Deuteronomy 30:19 (KJV)

BIBLE READING: JOHN 5:1-14
1. After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

2. Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

3. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

4. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.

5. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

6. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

7. The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

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.

MESSAGE:
Some people are so comfortable with their problems that they reject every form of help that comes their way. For example, one would have thought that Jesus would have immediately commanded the man who had been sick for 38 years in today's Bible reading to rise from his sickbed. However, the first thing Jesus asked him was, "Do you want to be made whole?" Jesus didn't assume that the man wanted to be healed; He first asked him if he wanted to be healed before healing him.

And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. - (Luke 18:40-41)

In the Scripture above, Jesus heard a blind man crying out to Him for help. When He asked that the man be brought before Him, He didn't assume that he needed healing, even though he was obviously blind. He proceeded to ask him, "What do you want me to do for you?"

There was once a woman who was sick, and we prayed earnestly for her to get well. When she didn't get any better, we were surprised because we know that our God is the Great Physician. Therefore, we turned to Him and asked, "Father, what's wrong? Is there anything we should be doing that we are not?" Then, He replied, "You are praying for healing for this woman, but have you asked her if she wants to be healed?" I thought to myself, "Of course, every sick fellow wants to be well," but the Lord insisted that I ask her if she truly wanted to be healed. I did, and she responded, "No!" Surprised, I asked her why, and she replied, "When I was well, my husband always returned late from work. He would go from his workplace to a club. Since I became sick, he comes straight home to me as soon as he leaves his workplace. So, I don't want to be well!"

Beloved, God has set before you life and death, blessing and curses, prosperity and poverty, freedom and bo***ge; however, He will not force His gift of healing, life, or salvation on anyone. If you are dealing with sickness, poverty, or any other negative situation in your life, cry out to God today if you indeed want a miracle from Him. He will heed your cry and meet you at the point of your needs.

ACTION POINT:
Call on God today in the name of Jesus, and be specific about what you want Him to do for you.

BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR:
1 CHRONICLES 13 - 16

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMNAL 25 - THE GREAT PHYSICIAN NOW IS NEAR
1. The great Physician now is near, the sympathizing Jesus; He speaks the drooping heart to cheer, Oh, hear the voice of Jesus.

CHORUS:
Sweetest note in seraph song
Sweetest name on mortal
tongue Sweetest carol ever sung Jesus, Blessed Jesus.

2. Your many sins are all forgiven, Oh, hear the voice of Jesus; Go on your way in peace to heaven, And wear a crown with Jesus.

3. All glory to the dying Lamb! I now believe in Jesus; I love the blessed Saviour's name, I love the name of Jesus.

4. His name dispels my guilt and fear, No other name but Jesus Oh! how my soul delights to hear the precious name of Jesus.

01/05/2026

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: SATURDAY 2ND MAY 2026

TOPIC: THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD, PART 2

MEMORIZE:
"And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:" Deuteronomy 26:8 (KJV)

BIBLE READING: JOSHUA 4:1-3, 21-24
JOSHUA 4:1-3
1. And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the Lord spake unto Joshua, saying,

2. Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man,

3. And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night.

JOSHUA 4:21-24
21. And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones?

22. Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.

23. For the Lord your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over:

24. That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the Lord your God for ever.

MESSAGE:
When God's mighty hand works in favour of a fellow, family, or nation, it always leads to great blessings and favour. His mighty hand also brings total deliverance to captives and freedom to the oppressed. In Exodus 3:19, God told Moses that Pharaoh would not release the Israelites unless a mighty hand forces him. So, when God's mighty hand was revealed, the children of Israel experienced preservation, protection, light, and provision. Egypt, on the other hand, became a shadow of itself. This shows that while God's mighty hand works for His people, it works against any force that dares to position itself against the Lord or His people.
..Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and smote the dust of the earth, and it became lice...And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not... Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God... - (Exodus 8:17-19)

In the Scripture above, the magicians in Egypt, who had earlier replicated the same wonders as Moses, acknowledged that the finger of God was truly at work in his life because they could no longer perform the wonders that God was doing through him. Despite this, Pharaoh stubbornly refused to back down from his decision to not let the Israelites go. That was until God's mighty hand descended upon him and his people. I pray that anyone who stubbornly opposes you will be visited by the mighty hand of God, in Jesus' name.

In today's Bible reading, when the Israelites crossed River Jordan, God's mighty hand was at work. After they had crossed over, Joshua declared that indeed, God made a way through River Jordan and brought them to the other side on dry land to show all the people of the earth that His hand is mighty (Joshua 4:24). God's mighty hand makes a way for people where there seems to be no way. If you are indeed a child of God, rejoice because His mighty hand will ensure that all things work together for your good (Romans 8:28). However, if you are not a child of God or if you profess to be a Christian but are still living in sin, I beseech you to repent today so that you will not face the fury of the mighty hand of God. May God's mighty hand bring you victory upon victory and shield you from the enemy's attacks, in Jesus' name.

KEY POINT:
God's mighty hand works for the good of those who love Him and against those who oppose Him.

BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR:
1 CHRONICLES 10 - 12

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMNAL 6 - CONQUERORS AND OVERCOMERS NOW ARE WE

1. Conquerors and overcomes
now are we, Thro' the precious blood of Christ we've victory If the Lord be for us, we can never fail, Nothing 'gainst His mighty pow'r can e'er prevail.

CHORUS:
Conquerors are we, through the blood of Jesus,
God will give us victory, through the blood of Jesus,
Thro' the Lamb for sinners slain, Yet who lives and reigns again, More than conquerors are we, More than conquerors are we.

2. In the name of Israel's God we'll onward press, Overcoming sin and all unrighteousness; Not to us, but unto Him the praise shall be, For Salvation and for blood bought victory.

3. Unto him that overcometh shall be given, Here to eat of hidden manna sent from heav'n, Over yonder he the victors palm shall bear, And a robe of white, and golden crown shall wear.

30/04/2026

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: FRIDAY 1ST MAY 2026

TOPIC: THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD, PART 1

MEMORIZE:
"And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel." 1 Kings 18:46 (KJV)

BIBLE READING: NEHEMIAH 2:1-18
1. And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.

2. Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,

3. And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?

4. Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.

5. And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it.

6. And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.

7. Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;

8. And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

9. Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.

10. When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

11. So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.

12. And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon.

13. And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.

14. Then I went on to the gate of the fountain, and to the king's pool: but there was no place for the beast that was under me to pass.

15. Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall, and turned back, and entered by the gate of the valley, and so returned.

16. And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work.

17. Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

18. Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.

MESSAGE:
Years ago, I sat for a mathematics examination, and when I was handed the question sheet, I discovered that I could not understand any of the questions. Even though I was really good at mathematics, my mind had become totally blank. By then, I was sweating profusely. I looked around me, and I saw my coursemates writing earnestly. Since I knew that any student who failed an examination would be allowed to retake it the following year, I decided to leave the examination hall after a while. As I was about to stand up, I felt a mighty, though invisible, hand pin me to my seat. After another 15 minutes of wondering what to do, I decided to go through the questions again. Suddenly, I realised that my understanding had returned to me and I could now answer all of them. I started answering the questions, and I was able to finish answering them within the stipulated time. By the grace of God, I passed the examination with flying colours. Several years after the incident, I realised that it was God's mighty hand that kept me on my seat during the examination, restored my understanding, and gave me supernatural speed. Even though I started slowly, His hand made me catch up with and even overtake some of my coursemates who had started writing before me.

In today's memory verse, the mighty hand of the Lord rested on Elijah, and he outran the king's chariot, which must have been pulled by the fastest horses in Israel at the time. God's mighty hand gave him supernatural speed. Likewise, in today's Bible reading, when Nehemiah wanted to return to Jerusalem to rebuild it, the mighty hand of God gave him great favour before the heathen king he worked for and also before the leaders in Jerusalem. He experienced supernatural speed in rebuilding the walls and gates of Jerusalem because of God's mighty hand upon him.

Beloved, if you are a child of God, you can also experience the mighty hand of God upon you by spending quality time in prayer and studying His word daily. You must also humble yourself before Him and commit all your ways to Him so that you can receive His grace that births supernatural speed (James 4:6). I pray for you today that the mighty hand of God will rest upon you and give you supernatural clarity and speed in all areas of your life, in Jesus' name.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, please let Your mighty hand rest upon me and grant me supernatural understanding, speed, and favour, in Jesus' name.

AUTHOR: Pastor E. A. Adeboye

BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR:
1 CHRONICLES 7 - 9

HYMNAL 1 - ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS' NAME
1. All hail the pow'r of Jesus name! Let angels prostrate fall; bring forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all

2. Crown Him, ye martyrs of our God, who from His altar call; Extol the stem of Jesse's rod, and crown Him Lord of all.

3. Ye chosen seed of Israe's race A remnant weak and small Hail him who saves you by His grace And crown Him Lord of all.

4. Ye Gentile sinners, ne'er forget the wormwood and the gall; Go spread your trophies at His feet, and Crown Him Lord of all.

5. Let every kindred, every tribe on this terrestrial ball,
To Him all majesty ascribe, and crown Him Lord of all

6. O that with yonder sacred throng we at His feet may fall. Join in the everlasting song, and crown Him Lord of all.

30/04/2026

_RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL_
_*Y.AY.A EDITION*_
_LESSON: THIRTY FIVE_
_DATE: SUNDAY 3RD MAY, 2026_

_TOPIC: PARENTING STYLES (PART 1)_

*SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN*

*1.* O Sunday School, on the Lord's day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.

*2.* O Sunday School, on the Lord's day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

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

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

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

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

MEMORY VERSE: “And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood.”
Luke 15:12 (NKJV).

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 SAMUEL 2:22-25, 29

[22]Now Eli was very old; and he heard everything his sons did to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting.

[23]So he said to them, “Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all the people.

[24]No, my sons! For it is not a good report that I hear. You make the Lord’s people transgress.

[25]If one man sins against another, God will judge him. But if a man sins against the Lord, who will intercede for him?” Nevertheless they did not heed the voice of their father, because the Lord desired to kill them.

[29]Why do you kick at My sacrifice and My offering which I have commanded in My dwelling place, and honor your sons more than Me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel My people?’

INTRODUCTION
A parent is a person who is responsible for the care, upbringing and well-being of a child. He/she can be biological, legal or custodian. Some parents are firm, while others are indulgent. Some are attentive, while others are absent-minded. As a Christian parent, raising your children to please God and thrive in life is a big responsibility. Understanding various parenting styles through the degrees of “responsiveness” (the extent to which parents are warm and sensitive to their children) and “demandingness” (the extent of control parents put on their children) is crucial.

LESSON OUTLINES
1. PERMISSIVE AND UNINVOLVED
2. AUTHORITARIAN AND AUTHORITATIVE

PERMISSIVE AND UNINVOLVED
Permissive parents are high in “responsiveness/love” but low in “demandingness/discipline.” They communicate openly and usually let their children decide for themselves, rather than give direction (1 Samuel 2:22-24). Rules and expectations are either not set or rarely enforced (1 Samuel 3:13). They give in to their children’s demands to make them happy and avoid conflicts, even at their own expense (Luke 15:12). Delinquent behaviours and the inability to make the right decisions are traits common under permissive parenting. However, it has the potential to increase self-esteem and creativity in children.

Neglectful/Uninvolved parents are low in “responsiveness/love” and low in “demandingness/discipline.” They usually let their children fend for themselves, perhaps because they are indifferent to their needs. They offer zero guidance and correction (1 Kings 1:5-6). They find it difficult to form close relationships as a result of personal experience, stress, etc. (1 Samuel 16:10-11; 2 Samuel 14:28). They are also cold (but not always intentional) as they often struggle with their issues. Children from neglectful parents tend to be self-dependent while they exhibit truancy, emotional withdrawal and the fear of becoming dependent on others (Proverbs 29:15).

AUTHORITARIAN AND AUTHORITATIVE
Authoritarian parents are high in “demandingness/discipline” but low in “responsiveness/love.” They enforce strict rules with little consideration of their children’s socio-emotional needs. In an attempt to be in control, authoritarian parents often talk to their children without expecting feedback. Their rigid parenting style uses harsh discipline, justified as “tough love” (1 Samuel 20:30). Low self-esteem, depression, aggression and poor social skills are common traits in these children although they may show signs of discipline and respect for authority.
Authoritative parents are high in “responsiveness/love” and high in “demandingness/discipline.” They let clear rules and expectations for their children while they practice flexibility and understanding. They communicate frequently; they listen to and take into consideration their children’s thoughts, feelings and opinions (Genesis 22:7-8). They allow natural consequences to occur, especially for wrong-doings but use those opportunities to help their children reflect and learn. Authoritative parents nurture, support and are in tune with their children’s needs (Ephesians 6:4). They guide them through open and honest discussions to teach values and reasoning (Proverbs 22:6). Children who have authoritative parents tend to be self-disciplined, socially competent and can think for themselves (e.g., Mordecai and Esther, Naomi and Ruth). Their chances of displaying negative traits common in children trained by authoritarian, permissive or uninvolved parents are usually very low.

CONCLUSION
Understand that your parenting style will greatly affect your children’s lives.

QUESTIONS
1. Identify one weakness of each of the permissive and uninvolved parents.
2. State three strengths of authoritative parents.

30/04/2026

_RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER'S MANUAL_
_*Y.AY.A EDITION*_
_LESSON: THIRTY FIVE_
_DATE: SUNDAY 3RD MAY, 2026_

_TOPIC: PARENTING STYLES (PART 1)_

*SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN*

*1.* O Sunday School, on the Lord's day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.

*2.* O Sunday School, on the Lord's day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

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

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

*5.* O Sunday School, on the Lord's day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds 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
Dear Lord, help me to know how to parent correctly.

MEMORY VERSE: “And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood.”
Luke 15:12 (NKJV).

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 SAMUEL 2:22-25, 29

[22]Now Eli was very old; and he heard everything his sons did to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting.

[23]So he said to them, “Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all the people.

[24]No, my sons! For it is not a good report that I hear. You make the Lord’s people transgress.

[25]If one man sins against another, God will judge him. But if a man sins against the Lord, who will intercede for him?” Nevertheless they did not heed the voice of their father, because the Lord desired to kill them.

[29]Why do you kick at My sacrifice and My offering which I have commanded in My dwelling place, and honor your sons more than Me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel My people?’

INTRODUCTION
A parent is a person who is responsible for the care, upbringing and well-being of a child. He/she can be biological, legal or custodian. Some parents are firm, while others are indulgent. Some are attentive, while others are absent-minded. As a Christian parent, raising your children to please God and thrive in life is a big responsibility. Understanding various parenting styles through the degrees of “responsiveness” (the extent to which parents are warm and sensitive to their children) and “demandingness” (the extent of control parents put on their children) is crucial.

TEXT REVIEW: 1 SAMUEL 2:22-25, 29
This passage suggests Eli's style of parenting and his manner of handling his children's misbehaviours. Describe Eli's method of parenting and the consequences of his style under three points.

i. ..................................................
ii. .................................................
iii. ................................................

LESSON OUTLINES
1. PERMISSIVE AND UNINVOLVED
2. AUTHORITARIAN AND AUTHORITATIVE

PERMISSIVE AND UNINVOLVED

A. Permissive parents are high in “responsiveness/love” but low in “demandingness/discipline.”

i. They communicate openly and usually let their children decide for themselves, rather than give direction (1 Samuel 2:22-24).

ii. Rules and expectations are either not set or rarely enforced (1 Samuel 3:13).

iii. They give in to their children’s demands to make them happy and avoid conflicts, even at their own expense (Luke 15:12).

RESULT: Delinquent behaviours and the inability to make the right decisions are traits common under permissive parenting. However, it has the potential to increase self-esteem and creativity in children.

B. Neglectful/Uninvolved parents are low in “responsiveness/love” and low in “demandingness/discipline.”

i. They usually let their children fend for themselves, perhaps because they are indifferent to their needs.

ii. They offer zero guidance and correction (1 Kings 1:5-6).

iii. They find it difficult to form close relationships as a result of personal experience, stress, etc. (1 Samuel 16:10-11; 2 Samuel 14:28).

iv. They are also cold (but not always intentional) as they often struggle with their issues.

RESULT: Children from neglectful parents tend to be self-dependent while they exhibit truancy, emotional withdrawal and the fear of becoming dependent on others (Proverbs 29:15).

CLASS ACTIVITY
What is your parenting style? How effective has it been?

AUTHORITARIAN AND AUTHORITATIVE
A. Authoritarian parents are high in “demandingness/discipline” but low in “responsiveness/love.”

i. They enforce strict rules with little consideration of their children’s socio-emotional needs.

ii. In an attempt to be in control, authoritarian parents often talk to their children without expecting feedback.

iii. Their rigid parenting style uses harsh discipline, justified as “tough love” (1 Samuel 20:30).

RESULT: Low self-esteem, depression, aggression and poor social skills are common traits in these children although they may show signs of discipline and respect for authority.

B. Authoritative parents are high in “responsiveness/love” and high in “demandingness/discipline.”

i. They let clear rules and expectations for their children while they practice flexibility and understanding.

ii. They communicate frequently; they listen to and take into consideration their children’s thoughts, feelings and opinions (Genesis 22:7-8).

iii. They allow natural consequences to occur, especially for wrong-doings but use those opportunities to help their children reflect and learn.

iv. Authoritative parents nurture, support and are in tune with their children’s needs (Ephesians 6:4).

v. They guide them through open and honest discussions to teach values and reasoning (Proverbs 22:6).

RESULTS
i. Children who have authoritative parents tend to be self-disciplined, socially competent and can think for themselves (e.g., Mordecai and Esther, Naomi and Ruth).

ii. Their chances of displaying negative traits common in children trained by authoritarian, permissive or uninvolved parents are usually very low.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2
This authoritative parenting seems to be the best and should be adopted at all times. Do you agree

CONCLUSION
Understand that your parenting style will greatly affect your children’s lives.

CLOSING PRAYER
Almighty Father, guide me to parent my children under your guidance and leadership in Jesus' name.

ASSIGNMENT
Mention five possible defects in children of authoritarian parents' (2×5=10 Marks)

30/04/2026

_RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL_
_LESSON: THIRTY FIVE_
_DATE: SUNDAY 3RD MAY, 2026_

_TOPIC: PARENTING STYLES (PART 1)_

*SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN*

*1.* O Sunday School, on the Lord's day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.

*2.* O Sunday School, on the Lord's day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

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

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

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

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

MEMORY VERSE: “And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood.”–Luke 15:12.

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 SAMUEL 2:22-25, 29

[22]Now Eli was very old; and he heard everything his sons did to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting.

[23]So he said to them, “Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all the people.

[24]No, my sons! For it is not a good report that I hear. You make the Lord’s people transgress.

[25]If one man sins against another, God will judge him. But if a man sins against the Lord, who will intercede for him?” Nevertheless they did not heed the voice of their father, because the Lord desired to kill them.

[29]Why do you kick at My sacrifice and My offering which I have commanded in My dwelling place, and honor your sons more than Me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel My people?’

INTRODUCTION
A parent is a person who is responsible for the care, upbringing and well-being of a child. He/she can be biological, legal or custodian. Some parents are firm, while others are indulgent. Some are attentive, while others are absent-minded. As a Christian parent, raising your children to please God and thrive in life is a big responsibility. Understanding various parenting styles through the degrees of “responsiveness” (the extent to which parents are warm and sensitive to their children) and “demandingness” (the extent of control parents put on their children) is crucial.

LESSON OUTLINES
1. PERMISSIVE AND UNINVOLVED
2. AUTHORITARIAN AND AUTHORITATIVE

PERMISSIVE AND UNINVOLVED
Permissive parents are high in “responsiveness/love” but low in “demandingness/discipline.” They communicate openly and usually let their children decide for themselves, rather than give direction (1 Samuel 2:22-24). Rules and expectations are either not set or rarely enforced (1 Samuel 3:13). They give in to their children’s demands to make them happy and avoid conflicts, even at their own expense (Luke 15:12). Delinquent behaviours and the inability to make the right decisions are traits common under permissive parenting. However, it has the potential to increase self-esteem and creativity in children.

Neglectful/Uninvolved parents are low in “responsiveness/love” and low in “demandingness/discipline.” They usually let their children fend for themselves, perhaps because they are indifferent to their needs. They offer zero guidance and correction (1 Kings 1:5-6). They find it difficult to form close relationships as a result of personal experience, stress, etc. (1 Samuel 16:10-11; 2 Samuel 14:28). They are also cold (but not always intentional) as they often struggle with their issues. Children from neglectful parents tend to be self-dependent while they exhibit truancy, emotional withdrawal and the fear of becoming dependent on others (Proverbs 29:15).

AUTHORITARIAN AND AUTHORITATIVE
Authoritarian parents are high in “demandingness/discipline” but low in “responsiveness/love.” They enforce strict rules with little consideration of their children’s socio-emotional needs. In an attempt to be in control, authoritarian parents often talk to their children without expecting feedback. Their rigid parenting style uses harsh discipline, justified as “tough love” (1 Samuel 20:30). Low self-esteem, depression, aggression and poor social skills are common traits in these children although they may show signs of discipline and respect for authority.
Authoritative parents are high in “responsiveness/love” and high in “demandingness/discipline.” They let clear rules and expectations for their children while they practice flexibility and understanding. They communicate frequently; they listen to and take into consideration their children’s thoughts, feelings and opinions (Genesis 22:7-8). They allow natural consequences to occur, especially for wrong-doings but use those opportunities to help their children reflect and learn. Authoritative parents nurture, support and are in tune with their children’s needs (Ephesians 6:4). They guide them through open and honest discussions to teach values and reasoning (Proverbs 22:6). Children who have authoritative parents tend to be self-disciplined, socially competent and can think for themselves (e.g., Mordecai and Esther, Naomi and Ruth). Their chances of displaying negative traits common in children trained by authoritarian, permissive or uninvolved parents are usually very low.

CONCLUSION
Understand that your parenting style will greatly affect your children’s lives.

QUESTIONS
1. Identify one weakness of each of the permissive and uninvolved parents.
2. State three strengths of authoritative parents.

RCCG Fruitful Vine Abuja

02/05/2026

01/05/2026

30/04/2026

30/04/2026

30/04/2026

30/04/2026

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