UMCA Sanctuary of Hope, Omu-Aran

20/02/2021

*UMCA Adult Sunday School Lesson Eight*
*21/2/2021*
*Topic:* Proclaiming Christ
*Text:* Philip 1:12-16
*Main Lesson:* We are called to bear witness to Christ in the world

*Memory Verse:* John 1:29. "The next day, John saw Jesus coming towards him and said, 'Look, the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" .

*Lesson Outline*
1. Preaching the gospel - Philip 1:12-13
2. Boldness Philip 1:14
3. Testimony John 1:32

*Introduction*
The last commandment that Jesus gave to His disciples was to go into the world and make disciples of all nations. This is today I known as the great commission. We are each expected to play our part in carrying out this commission through personal, group and many other means of evangelism. In this study, we shall consider some of the means.

*1. Preaching The Gospel - Philip 1:12-13*
The only way to advance to kingdom of God here on earth, the only way to make Christ known to the whole wide world is through preaching of the Gospel. It must be noted that this Gospel of Christ, for Christ, by Christ and in Christ; the spiritually acceptable means of reaching out to the people is preaching of the Gospel. So, it must be preached.

*2. Boldness - Philip 1:14*
Let us consider two words from Apostle Paul's statement; courage and fearless. Paul was conveying that, as a result of his imprisonment, other believers associated with him picked up courage to speak the word of God, and they spoke it fearlessly. This simply means they spoke with boldness. In proclaiming Christ, we need spiritual boldness. By displaying boldness, we are encouraging others to follow suit and make known the Gospel of Christ to the nations. In this engagement, we must not fear anybody but the God of heaven, the owner of the work of the Gospel who sent us out to take the Gospel to people. Let us be bold in this assignment. We need the help of the Holy Spirit to be spiritually bold.

*3. Testimony John 1:32*
A testimony is the real or a concrete evidence of the Gospel we are preaching, and about the Christ we are proclaiming, including that of the faith we profess. Our testimony is the content of the Gospel we are preaching about Christ we are proclaiming. Testimony crowns every effort put in place in proclaiming Christ. Our testimony is the climax and ultimate manifestation of the word we are proclaiming about Christ. In every aspect of the believers life, testimony is very important. Our character, our victory, our joy and our prosperity are all testimonies to the Gospel of our salvation in Christ that we preach.

*Application*
1. We must not make man the basis of our messages, Christ is the center of the message. He alone must be preached.
2. As John did, our individual testimony about Christ is very important.

*Conclusion:*
1. Whose responsibility is the proclamation about Christ?
2. Can we give what we did not have? (John's example is very important here).

*Prayer:*
Lord Jesus, give me the power to share my testimony about you to the world in Jesus' name.

13/02/2021

*UMCA Adult Sunday School* *Lesson Seven 14/2/2021*
*Topic:* Alive in the light of Christ
*Text:* John 1:1-5 Ephesians 5:1-2, 6-14

*Main Lesson:* The life of the Christian is a light that should shine in a dark world.

*Memory Verse:* "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden" Mathew 5:14

*Lesson Outline*
1. Christ is life
2. Christ is light
3. The life and light of Christ give salvation

*Introduction*
In Genesis chapter 1:1-3. The Bible declares that the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the water. And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light, and the light was good. In a similar way, Jesus the Word of God came to bring light into the formlessness of a sinful world, and we Christians are the fuel with which the light of Christ burns in the world today.

*1. Christ is life*
Through the pages of the Old Testament, the coming of Christ had been prophesied in shadows, typo, rituals and sacrifices. In the New Testament we encounter Christ in the flesh, in the form of a living, breathing human being. He is the One who satisfied and fulfilled all the symbols and prophecies of Genesis through Malachi. The life of Jesus, His life, His character and ministry are the evidences that He is the life. Prophesied and symbolized in the Old Testament (John 14:6).

*2. Christ is light John 1:5*
It is written in Genesis chapter 1 that in the beginning, darkness covered the surface of the earth. That is to say that the universe was dark, meaningless and without a purpose. The person of Christ appeared on the scene of life and brought a light that is greater and brighter than electricity. He gave meaning, with a purposeful and targeted focus to the world and mankind. He brought redemption from slavery to sin.

*3. The life and the light of Christ gives Salvation John 1:4*
The Bible says of Jesus; "In him was life and that life was the light of men. "Life and light combined together give salvation. This salvation is the ultimate and final fate of mankind. The One who works it out is Jesus, who brought life eternal, a light over - shadowing the darkness of the world. To live is Christ and to die is gain. To be alive in the light of Christ is to have His life.

*Application:* A slogan of teachers is, "No teacher, no nation." In our context, our application is "No Christ, no life." Life without Christ is doomed.

*Questions*
1. Can anyone have life without light? Which type of light do we need?
2. How can we have life and light together as humans?

*Prayer:* Oh Lord, give me the grace to have you in totality. Please teach me your ways all the time. Amen

30/01/2021

*UMCA Adult Sunday School* *Lesson Five 31/1/2021*

*Topic:* Paul testifies before King Agrippa
*Text:* Acts 26:19-32
*Main Lesson:* God can turn situations around.

*Memory Verse:* "Jesus looked at them and said with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" Mathew 19:26

*Lesson Outline*
1. Before Saul became Paul Acts 26:9-11
2. The encounter of Saul with Christ Acts 26:12-18
3. The testimony of Paul Acts 26:19-22

*Introduction*
All power in heaven and on earth belongs to God, and there is nothing that is difficult for Him. God is seated above and He is watching everything happening in the world. He can change all things in His own appointed times. Saul was the greatest enemy of Christians, but when Christ encountered him on his way to Damascus to arrest Christians, he became the friend of God and one of the greatest gospel proclaimers of all time. He became a useful instrument in the hands of God. Paul wrote many letters before his imprisonment, and wrote others in prison. Following are a breakdown of the letters Paul wrote, and the possible times in which he wrote them:
Galatians (AD 47), 1&2 Thessalonians (AD 49:51) 1&2 Corinthians and Romans (AD 52:56). Ephesians, Philemon, Colossians and Philippians (AD 62), during Paul's first Roman imprisonment, and 1Timothy Tight (AD 62); 2 Timothy (AD 63-64 during Paul's second Roman imprisonment). All the letters were written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. (see 2 Peter 1:20-2;8:15-16 and Act 26:16-18). God is still turning situations around, and divine encounter is still possible.

*1. Before Saul became Paul Acts 26:9-11*
So many of us, before we got born again, before we accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, lived a life that did not bring glory to God. We practiced ungodly things before we encountered Christ. This was the case and position of Saul. His Joy, interest and conviction, according to Acts 26:9-11, was to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth, he operated under the authority of the chief priests and put many saints in prison. He went from one Synagogue to another to have them punished and also forced them to blaspheme Christ. He was going all about persecuting Christians. In what areas are we experiencing persecution today?

*2. The encounter of Saul with Christ Acts 26:12-18*
Saul was on a journey to Damascus to destroy Christians in the Synagogues, having been commissioned and authorized by the chief priests. Suddenly he saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around him and his companions, and they all fell to the ground and he heard a voice saying, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? And when he asked, "Who are you, Lord, "he heard a response, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting" (Acts 9:3-8). Then the Lord him to get up, and commissioned him to be a witness of what he saw, and he became a new person (a great evangelist). Perhaps you are in that position, working against the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, knowingly or unknowingly, the Lord will bring a great turn around through His divine encounter, in Jesus name. Amen. We should also pray for those who are persecuting the church today, that the Lord may encounter them and turn them around to work for the Gospel.

*3. The testimony of Paul Acts 26:19-22*
Later, Paul was arrested in Jerusalem by the Jews, rescued by Roman soldiers and taken to Caeserea Philippi, where he was brought before King Agrippa. In his testimony to King Agrippa, he boldly preached the gospel and referred them to the message of the prophets and what Moses said about Jesus. The testimony of Paul is a great lesson to us Christians. After we confessed Christ and claimed to have abandoned our sinful and ungodly lifestyle, we should not go back to it again. We should remain for Christ permanently and totally. Sharing our experiences of the past and the present is a method of spreading the gospel. Paul did the same in Acts 26:26-28. May God help us to put off the old man (the sinful nature) and help us to put on the man (Christ). Paul used his wealth of knowledge to defend the gospel. What are we using our knowledge and resources for today?

*Application:* Be ready to be used by God

*Questions*
1. In what ways does God encounter people today?
2. Is it possible for God to encounter today's persecutors of Christians, such as terrorists?

*Prayer:* Lord, please encounter those who persecute us and turn them to you in Jesus name. Amen.

23/01/2021

*UMCA Adult Sunday School Lesson Four (4) 24/1/2021*

*Topic:* Philip Baptizes a man from Ethiopia
*Text:* Act 8:26-39

*Main Lesson:* Obedience to God's commandment

*Memory Verse:* "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" Mathew 28:19.

*Lesson Outline:*
1. Philips second missionary journey Acts 8:26-27
2. Philip and the Spirit of God Acts 8:29-31
3. Philip baptizes an Ethiopia eu**ch with water Acts 8:38

*Introduction*
Obedience is better than sacrifice. When Jesus says that we should go and make disciples and have them baptized, He wants us to respond positively. He also wants us to depend on Him totally for power, wisdom, skills and understanding on how to go about it, to enable us to conquer.ore lands and win more souls for Christ. Philip was in tune with God and he was led by the Spirit of God. This helped the work of God in his hand to enjoy fruitfulness. Philip did not procrastinate when he heard the voice of the Lord; he acted immediately. That was why he experienced spectacular results.

*1. Philips second missionary journey Acts 8:26-27*
A missionary journey is not an easy task. It involves a lot of sacrifice, commitment and total dedication. Mathew 19:29. Says "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life". In this kind of assignment, one needs to totally depend on God for help and guidance. Philip was always on the go, and after the missionary experience in Samaria, the angel of the Lord told him to go to the desert road that went down from Jerusalem to Gaza, and he obeyed without delay; he put God first. The bible says in vs. 27 that, "on his way he met an Ethiopia eu**ch, an important official in charge of all the treasure of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. When Philip met the eu**ch, he was in confusion about what he was reading, and the timely arrival of Philip turned out to be a light in the eu**chs darkness.

*2. Philip and the Spirit of God Acts 8:29-31*
Every one needs the Spirit of God in their day to day activities in order to succeed. The Spirit of God helps us to know the mind of God; He leads us to the presence of God; He guides us in the fulfilment of God's mandate. He helps us to actualize the impossible. He helps our conversation and actions, and makes people to see God in us. The bible says those that are led by the Spirit of God are called the sons of God (Romans 8:14). In other words, it makes us godly. The Spirit of God helps us in the journey of our lives. Acts 8:29 says, "The Spirit of God told Philip, 'Go to that chariot and stay near it, and he obeyed. That gave him the key to the heart of the Ethiopian Eu**ch. The Spirit of God gave him the power to share the good news of Jesus. (Acts 8:30-31). We all need the Spirit of God at all points to discharge our duties correctly and successfully as Christians.

*3. Philip baptizes an Ethiopia eu**ch with water Acts 8:38.*
There are several kinds of baptism in the world today, as it relates to denominations and their doctrines. But United Missionary Church of Africa (UMCA) believes in two kinds of baptism: (I). Water Baptism and (ii). Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The kind of baptism that Philip did for the Ethiopian Eu**ch was water baptism. Before baptism in our denomination, one must undergo baptism class (Acts 8:35). One must teach and preach the good news, which is Jesus the way to salvation. After one is properly led to Christ and has received discipleship, then baptism follows. The lessons are contained in the UMCA Baptism Manual. It is after going through the class based on the manual that water baptism will take place. The kind of water baptism done in UMCA is by emersion (Acts 8:38-39), and not by sprinkling of water, or by washing of some parts of the body, as it is the custom of some other churches.

*Application;*
Doing the will of God is very rewarding both on earth and in eternity.

*Questions:*
1. Why are laborers few in mission work today?
2. Why do we find it difficult to allow the Spirit of God to lead us?

*Prayer:* Lord, make me a vessel of honor and an obedient child to you. Amen!

12/09/2020

UMCA Yoruba Sunday School

*UMCA Adult Sunday School*
*EKo Keta-Din-Logoji (37)*
*Ojo Ketala, Osu Kesan, Odun 2020 (13/09/2020)*

*Akole Oro :* Ijagun Ti Emi
*Bibeli Kika:* Korinti Kini 10:3-6; Efesu 6:10-18

*Eko Pataki:* E tujuka, mo ti segun aye.

*Akosori:* Efesu 6:13a "Nitori naa e gbe gbogbo ihamora olorun wo...."

*Awon Ilana Eko*
1. Iduro ati Iran Onigbagbo
2. Irisi ati Ija Onigbagbo (Efesu 6:12)
3. Irisi Ota (Tessalonika Kini 2:2-12)
4. Ohun Ija ati Ona Ijagun Onigbagbo (Efesu 6:13-18)

*Ifaara*
Jije gaba ati kikoni leru lo je idi Pataki ti ija ati ogun fi n sele. Ogun ti Onigbagbo n dojuko da Lori tani yoo se akoso tabi ni okan eniyan -se Olorun ni tabi satani (luku 22:31; Jobu 1:2). Olorun lo da eniyan ni aworan ara re lati le ni idapo mimo pelu re ki eniyan si maa sin Eleda re (Gen 1:26; 3:9; Johanu kinni 1:3) sugbon satani nfe lati je ki eda Olorun daradara yii sote si Olorun, o si n lo ete, idanwo, iya abbl lati ri wipe ete yi wa si imuse. Lati igba dida eniyan (matiu 4:1; 24:24; 2 kor 11:3,14; Ifihan 12:9-10). Ile aye di ibudo ogun, okan eniyan si ni ibi ija.

*1. Iduro Ati Iran Onigbagbo*
Olorun da eniyan fun idapo mimo pelu re ati fun ogo re, sugbon eniyan subu ko si lagbara mo lati tako satani- ota Olorun ati omo alade aye yii (Johanu 12:30, 14:30). Satani n wa gbogbo ona lati ja eniyan gba kuro lodo Olorun nipa lilo etan, idanwo, Ife aye ati ise ara(Johanu kinni 2:15,16; Gal 5:19-21) sugbon Olorun ti fun eniyan ni agbara lati le doju ija ko satani pelu isegun ti Kristi ti fun wa nipa aye, iku ati ajinde re( Johanu 16:33; Romu 8:3-4).

*2. Irisi ati Ija Onigbagbo- Efesu 6:12*
Bi o tile je pe okan eniyan ni iredi ija naa (ti emi) sugbon idojuko satani je nipa ti ara ni awon ona meta; Akoko Ife aye, lati mu ki Onigbagbo maa lepa awon ohun oso aye, nkan ti ara. Nnkan keji ni lilepa iyi, eye ati owo inu aye. Nnkan keta ni itura ati irorun inu aye (Gen 3:6; Luku 4:1-12; Johanu kinni 2:16). Onigbagbo gbodo kiyesara, ki o sora nipa arekereke satani (Gen 3:1; Korinti keji 2:11; Peteru kinni 5:8). A ko gbodo beru (Num.23:23-24; Jakobu.2:19) bikose ki a koju ija si (Jakobu.4:7).

*3. Irisi Ota- Tessalonika Kini 2:2-12*
Bibeli se apejuwe satani ni: eke, opuro (Johanu 8:44), eletan, (Gen. 3:1; Ifihan 12:9), abanije, olufisun (Ifihan.12:10; Zek.3:1), Oludanwo (Matiu.4:1-11), aninilara (IAA 10:38), adina (Tessalonika Kini. 2:18), Kinniun ti n ke ramuramu (Peteru kinni.1:8), ole ni, apaniyan ati aba nnkan je (John.10:10), a si maa fi ara han bi Angeli imole (Korinti keji.11:14). A maa je gaba, a ma dilu (IAA.26:18; Luku.1:74). O n di okan ni igbekun (Korinti keji.4:4). A maa fi iponju, inira ati arun je eniyan niya (Job.2:7). A maa mu eniyan dese (John.13:27). Ise kan soso ti o ni ni lati se ibi ati iwa buburu pelu isote si Olorun. A ko gbodo fi aaye gba a.

*4. Ohun Ija Ati Ona Ijagun Onigbagbo- Efesu 6:13-18*
Ki i se eje ati eran ara ni Onigbagbo ba ja, nitori naa ohun Ija wa ko gbodo je ninu ara, nitori nkan ti ara ko le segun satani ni Ile re (aye yi). Sugbon eni ti o n gbe inu wa (Kristi) ti pese ohun ija ti emi fun isegun wa (Efesu 6:14-18). Awa naa gbodo gbekele ki a si lo awon ohun Ija alagbara yii (Heb.4:12) ninu gbogbo idojuko wa pelu satani. Oro Olorun pelu adura (Efesu.6:18) igbagbo ninu etutu ti Kristi se yoo je idaniloju isegun wa. Gbogbo arekereke ati etan satani la o si fi han ni gbangba ti a o si dojuti (Korinti keji. 10:4; Kolose.2:15). Ominira yoo si wa lati ri i ki a si di mo Jesus Kristi.

*Ifisi Ise*
Onigbagbo gbodo ni igbagbo ninu Olorun ati agbara ninu ohun ija ti o fun wa nitori ti emi ni ogun naa. A ko gbodo gba eru ati iyemeji laaye lati so wa di alailagbara ti ko ni le koju ija si esu, olori ota ati alarekereke iwa ibi gbogbo. Isegun Kristi Lori re ni Kalfari ni isegun wa naa.

*Ibeere*
1. Nigba wo ati nibo ni Onigbagbo gbodo ti mura lati doju ija ko satani?
2. Kini ori-oro ti Bibeli fun Onigbagbo lati doju ija ko satani? (Isora, adura, iso) kini redi?
3. Aye, eran ara, ese ati satani. Ki lo so won oo?
4. Idanwo wo lo n doju ko Onigbagbo nipa yiyan ohun Ija ti o yato si eyi ti o wa ninu Bibeli?

*Adura:.* Oluwa, ranmi lowo lati je asegun nigba gbogbo ninu ijakadi lodi si eran ara, ese ati satani loruko jesu. Amin.

12/09/2020

*UMCA Adult Sunday School* *Lesson Thirty-Seven (37)* *13/09/2020*

*Topic:* Christian Warfare
*Text:* 2Corinthians 10:3-6; Ephesians 6:10-18

*Main Lesson:* "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world"

*Memory Verse:* "Wherefore, take unto you the whole armour of God" - Ephesians 6:13a

*Lesson Outline:*
1. The Christians pedigree and posture
2. The nature of the warfare and combat - Ephesians 6:12
3. The nature of the Antagonist/Antagonism 1Thessalonians 2:2-12
4. The Christians Weapon and Method of War Ephesians 6:13-18

*Introduction*
The ultimate bone of contention in any battle or war is possession and domination. The Christian warfare is about possession of his soul, by either God or Satan (Luke 22:31; Job 1:2) God made man, in His own image to fellowship with and worship Him (Genesis 1:26; 3:9; 1John 1:3) but Satan wants this precious creation of God to take his rebellious side against God, using deceit, temptations, sufferings etc. Since the creation of man (Mathew 4:1; 24:24; 2Cor. 11:3; 14; Rev. 12:9, 10). The world is the battle field and man's soul is the battle ground.

*1. The Christians pedigree and posture*
God created man for fellowship with Him and for His glory, but man fell and the fallen man, is no match for Satan, God's enemy and the prince of this world (John 12:30; 14:30). He seeks to sn**ch man from God through temptations of the desires of the world and of man's flesh (1John 2:15, 16; Gal 5:19-21). But God has re-empowered man for the combat and the victory which Christ has secured and passed on to us by His life, death and resurrection (John 16:33; Romans 8:3,4).

*2. The nature of the warfare and combat - Ephesians 6:12*
Although the battle is for man's soul (i.e. spiritual) the devil's attacks are fleshly (carnality) on three spheres: first, desire of the world; to make the Christian crave for material blessings. Next is honor and recognition of this world and thirdly, comfort and ease in life (Gen. 3:6; Luke 4:1-12; 1John 2:16). The Christian must therefore be sensitive and alert to be aware and recognize the devil's cunningness (Gen. 3:1; 2Cor. 2:11; 1Peter 5:8). We must not fear him (Num. 23:23; 24; James 2:19) but rather resist him (James 4:7).

*3. The nature of the Antagonist - 1Thessalonians 2:2-12*
The bible describes and portrays the devil as being a liar (John 8:44), a deceiver (Gen. 3:1; Rev. 12:9), a slanderer, an accuser (Rev 12:10; Zech. 3:1). He is described as a tempter (Mathew 4:1-11), an oppressor (Acts 10:38), a hinderer (1Thes. 2:18), a roaring lion (1Peter 1:8). He is a thief, murderer and destroyer (John 10:10) and able to appear as an angel of light (2Cor. 11:14). He dominates and binds (Acts 26:18; Luke 1:74), he blinds hearts (2Cor. 4:4). He inflicts sufferings, pains and diseases (Job 2:7) and instigates men to sin (John 13:27). His main and only business is to do evil continually in rebellion against God, and we must NOT negotiate with him.

*4. The Christians Weapon and Method of warfare Ephesians 6:13-18*
The warfare is not carnal so the Christian's weapons must not be carnal: he cannot win the battle on the devil's turf. However, He who is in us, Christ, has made provision for a spiritual armour for the Christian's victory (Eph. 6:14-18). We also must trust and use these powerful weapons (Hebrew 4:12) in all our encounters with the devil. The word of God, accompanied by Prayer, (Ephesians 6:18) faith in Christ's atonement, will always guarantee our victory. Satan's corrupt philosophies will be exposed and shamed (2Cor. 10:4; Col. 2:15) and there will be liberty to see and embrace Christ.

*Application*
The Christian must have FAITH in God and the potency of His armour and weapons to fight, because the warfare is spiritual. He must not allow doubt or fear to discourage him or weaken his resolve to confront Satan, the arch-enemy and schemer of all evil. Christ's victory over him at Calvary is always our victory too (Luke 10:18, 19; John 16:33; 1John 4:4; 5:4).

*Questions (?)*
1. When and how does the Christian prepare for confrontations with Satan?
2. What watchwords does the bible give for the Christian for battle with the devil? (Watch, Pray, Be alert)? Why?
3. The world, the flesh, sin, the devil: How are these connected?
4. What temptation does the Christian face in picking weapons of warfare other than those prescribed in God's word?

*Prayer:* Dear father, help me that I may always be victorious in my battles with self, sin and Satan, in Jesus name. Amen.

30/08/2020

22/08/2020

*UMCA Adult Sunday School Lesson Thirty-four (34)* *23/08/2020*

*Topic:* Touch no unclean things
*Text:* 2Corinthians 6:14-18; Deuteronomy 7:2-3

*Main lesson:* Christ's yoke is easy (don't be unequally yoked)

*Memory verse* : "Therefore, go out from their midst, and be separated from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing..." 2Corinthians 6:17

*Lesson Outline:*
1. Old yoke (Oppressive/Unequal) - 2Corinthians 6:14-16
2. Touch no unclean thing - 2Corinthians 6:17
3. New yoke (Easy yet unequal) - 2Corinthians 6:18

*Introduction*
The Christian's new birth ought to mark a clean break between him and the devil, the world and the Adamic nature of man (and all they offer: unrighteousness, worldliness and selfishness). The believer must turn totally to embrace and submit to Christ and His ways of holiness and godliness, becoming a new creature (2Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:4; Eph 4:24)

*1. Old yoke (Oppressive/unequal) 2Cor. 6:14-16*
A yoke causes stress and strain (even injury) on the bearers, especially the bigger of two unequal partners. The Christian, now on a higher pedestal with Christ (Eph. 2:6; Col. 3:1-3), should not be yoked with the unbeliever who is still steeped and deep in sin. As God's temple, he should have nothing to do or in common with idolatry (1Cor. 3:16-17; 6:17-20). He should be separated from and be unconformable with the ways of the world (Romans12:2), just as righteousness and lawlessness are opposite, and light and darkness can't co-exist Christ and His followers cannot have anything to do with Baal, the devil.

*2. Touch no unclean thing - 2Cor. 6:17*
"Unclean thing" does not apply only to the physical: it includes deeds, words and even thoughts of the carnal and the worldly which unbelievers indulge in. Examine and discuss these texts: Matt 9:17; 2Cor. 5:17; Ephesians 4:22; Col. 3:9; Ephesians 4:25-31; Col. 3:5; Gal. 5:19-21.
God is Holy and He demands that His people, who He has chosen to possess and to bless, should be holy (Lev. 20:26; Deut. 7:6) to be separated from and have nothing with idolatry and sin and their practitioners: (Gen. 39:13; James 4:7; 2Tim 2:22; Eph 5:8, 11; Rom 13:12).

*3. New yoke (easy yet unequal) - 2Cor. 6:18*
Union with Christ, the believers New yoke partner, is bliss because His yoke is easy, and His burden is light (Matt. 11:28-30; 1John 5:3). He infact becomes our burden bearer (Isaiah 53:4, 11, 12) having broken and removed the devil's yoke on us (Isaiah 9:4). Believers, a chosen race, God's special people and set apart (Deut. 6:12-15; Isaiah 52:11, 12), should now enjoy the Almighty's protection, Providence and sustenance (Deut. 7:12-16; Isaiah 43:3, 4). Total obedience and submission is the key (Isaiah 1:19).

*Questions (?)*
1. Why and how does Satan entice a man? Can man see the 'tricks' and dodge them?
2. List some of the consequences of the old yoke
3. List some of the advantages of the new yoke
4. Is it possible to do without a yoke?
5. Relate "don't be unequally yoked with unbelievers" with 1Cor. 9:24-27

*Prayer:* Lord, let your yoke and Commandments give me fulfilment, even as I resist Satan's trapping and temptations.

15/08/2020

*UMCA Adult Sunday School Lesson Thirty-Three (33)* *16/8/2020*

*Topic:* Christ's Ambassador
*Text:* 2Corinthians 5:11-21

*Main Lesson:* Every Christian is Christ's Ambassador

*Memory Verse:* "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God". 2Corinthians 5:20

*Lesson Outline:*
1. Every believer, Christ's Ambassador - 2Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 6:20
2. Every believer, called apart, taught and commissioned - Mark 3:13-15; John 15:15, 16; 20:21
3. Christ empowers His ambassadors for the work - Mathew 16:19; Luke 10:19

*Introduction*
An ambassador is the chief representative and spokes-person of his home country in another country. His knowledge of and commitment to his home country's interest are paramount qualifications. His integrity and loyalty to his home country's Head of state must never be in doubt. These criteria and qualifications also apply to Christ's ambassadors. Which is your home country? (John 14:2; Hebrew 13:14)

*1. Every believer, Christ's ambassador - 2Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 6:20*
The love of Christ should compel all believers to live for Him (2Cor. 5:14; 1Peter 1:18, 19) and broadcast Him and His ministry. Their elevation to the levels of Christ's "Friends" (John 15:14) and "joint heirs" (Rom 8:14-17; Gal. 4:4-7) obliges and situates them to represent and speak up loyalty for Him everywhere (John 15:27). Each convert should also become an ambassador, even as Paul instructs Timothy (2Timothy 2:2)

*2. Every believer, called apart, taught & commissioned - Mark 3:13-15; John 15:15, 16; 20:21*
Christ chooses only those who respond appropriately to His invitation (Mathew 22:14; Rom 8:30; Mark 3:13-15). Then, He teaches them by various means (Mark 3:14; 2Timothy 3:14, 15; John 14:26; 2Timothy 1:5). The ultimate purpose of making disciples is to send them out to proclaim Christ and the primacy, urgency and imminence of men and women being reconciled to God's Kingdom (Mathew 4:19; 2Cor. 5:18, 19). Reconciliation is the heart of the Gospel: we are commanded and commissioned even compelled to preach the gospel (1Cor. 9:16). The converts are to be led to become an ambassadors (Mathew 28:19-20). Examine yourself as to why you are not eager-even reluctant - to represent and speak for Him.

*3. Christ empowers His ambassadors for the work. Matt. 16:19; Luke 10:19
Christ's ambassadors are empowered by Christ just as nations' ambassadors receive authority and power (of attorney, as it were), to speak and act on the behalf of the Head of State (Mathew 10:8-9, 17-19). They deploy miracles, signs and wonders, when appropriate, just as their Head, Jesus Christ, did (Acts 3:12, 13; 5:12). Also, as ambassadors, they enjoy some immunity from some of the laws and customs of their host country: they need not to fear Satan because he has no power over them (Acts 4:13; 14:3; 19:8). How much authority do you wield and exercise in this "foreign country"?

*Application*
The Christian has a duty to consciously conduct himself or herself in a way that reflects Christ as King, and to be obedient to the Kingdom's law and customs. "What would Jesus have me do?" Should operate in all situations and conditions.

*Questions (?)*
1. What does a "believer in Jesus Christ" mean and imply?
2. Why do some people not respond appropriately to Christ?
3. What are the impediments to being a true representative of Christ?
4. Does every Christ's ambassador receive instruction, approval and help from the "home country" in every situation? Why?

*Prayer:* Lord, engage me at all times to broadcast and represent you in all circumstances that many may accept your salvation and Lordship. Amen.