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Apostolic Faith Church - Sunday School, Chegutu (2026)

30/08/2024

Lesson 1 SEARCH
In the Beginning
TEXT: Genesis 1:1-25
SUPPLEMENTAL SCRIPTURES: Nehemiah 9:6; Hebrews 11:3
KEY VERSE: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and
invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by
him, and for him. — Colossians 1:16
RESOURCE MATERIAL: Tract No. 58 — God the Creator — First, Last, and Always
The Bible is not only a book of beginnings, but also a book of eternities. The very supreme revelation of
the Bible is the revelation of God. If one starts to think of the beginning, using his own reasoning, he will
have trouble and will possibly supply a humanistic assumption for the real beginning. He would therefore
substitute the creature’s point of view for the Creator’s point of view. Among many scientists there are
basic differences of opinion as to the origin of the universe. Evolutionists hold that all living things developed
from non-living materials. Creationists believe that all basic categories of nature were brought into
being by a supernatural force. It takes as much faith to subscribe to the theory that our complex universe
is a mere chance happening as to accept the first verse of the inspired Word which declares, “In the beginning
God created the heaven and the earth.”
1. Make a list of what God created on each of the six days.
2. Many say that the days mentioned in the Creation account are actually long periods of time. What does
Scripture teach about the length of these days?
3. Can man create something from nothing? Explain. See Ecclesiastes 1:9-10.
4
4. What scientific principle is illustrated by each of these verses?
Job 26:7
Job 26:8
Job 26:10
Ecclesiastes 1:6
Ecclesiastes 1:7
Isaiah 40:22
Jeremiah 33:22
5. What is meant by the statement, “after his kind,” in the creation of the plants, water creatures, fowls,
and animals?
6. Make a list of ways in which we benefit from the “lights” God made for us.
7. In studying the entire first chapter of Genesis, how is the existence of the Holy Trinity demonstrated in
the account of the Creation?
Though no declaration which God makes needs to be substantiated by evidence or argument, the portions
of His wonderful Book that touch upon the subject of Creation still serve greatly to strengthen our
faith. For example, the Psalmist proclaims, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament
sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There
is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard” (Psalm 19:1-3). The heavens, and the earth
also, are declaring to man by innumerable evidences—by the stars, by the seas, by the mountains, by
the trees—that God is the Creator of all that is.

10/11/2023

Lesson 167
Deliverance
TEXT: Acts 12:1-11; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Peter 2:9
SUPPLEMENTAL SCRIPTURES: Psalm 91; Acts 5:17-23; Romans 8:37-39
KEY VERSE: For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
— Psalm 116:8
RESOURCE MATERIAL: Tract No. A6 — Family Su***de Plans Foiled
Pentecost empowered the New Testament church to act on their belief and witness for Christ as they faced
beatings, scourgings, separation of families, dislocation of homes, and even death itself. God provided
miraculous deliverances, some of which are recorded in the first ten chapters of Acts. For example, in Acts
5, we read that the angel of the Lord provided deliverance from prison for two of the Apostles. Most importantly, however, God delivered, protected and preserved His followers from evil contamination by the sin all
around them. As we study this lesson, we become acutely aware that God wants to provide the same deliverance from spiritual perils for us today.
1. Webster defines deliverance as “the state of being freed; a release or rescue.” However, deliverance to
the Christian does not necessarily mean immunity from suffering, persecution, or earthly troubles. Read 1
Corinthians 10:13 and note what you think this word means for Christians.
2. Read Psalm 24:3-5 and summarize the condition of the one who shall “ascend into the hill of the LORD,”
or “stand in his holy place.” Does attaining this condition have any bearing on our right to expect deliverance? Explain.
3. On what condition does God “deliver” one who has been disobedient? See Psalm 51.
22
4. God has promised us spiritual deliverance in every aspect of our Christian lives. Next to each Scripture
below write what the deliverance is from.
Psalm 18:48
Psalm 34:4
Psalm 54:7
Matthew 6:13
2 Peter 2:9
5. Referring to our text in Acts, Peter undoubtedly knew that Herod had killed James. When he was seized
and imprisoned by the same ruler, one might expect Peter to be afraid for his life and concerned about being
imprisoned. If this was so, he demonstrated a great calmness in spite of it, for verse 6 tells us that Peter
was asleep. How can you account for this? How might a heartfelt belief in the promise given in Romans 8:28
bring about a parallel attitude in our lives?
6. What important event was continuing uninterrupted while the angel was awakening Peter in the prison
and telling him to arise and follow him? What might we learn from this regarding situations where deliverance is needed?
7. Comment on why you feel God sometimes sends an immediate deliverance in answer to a sudden short
prayer, and sometimes delays His deliverance until much prevailing prayer has been offered.
8. In reference to our key verse, the Psalmist is giving praise to God for deliverance. He mentions three
ways God has given deliverance. Explain these in your own words, giving specific examples of what might
be meant by each in our day.

10/11/2023

[COL:1:9-29]; [COL:2:8-19].
Lesson 410 - Senior

Memory Verse
"In him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9).

Cross References
I Loving Concern for the Colossians

1. The brethren in Rome are grateful for the good beginning of the Church at Colosse, [COL:1:3-4].

2. They pray for continued spiritual growth, [COL:1:9-11]; [JHN:17:9], [JHN:17:15-23]; [EPH:1:16-17].

3. Paul reminds the Colossians that redemption and deliverance is through Christ's Atonement, [COL:1:13-14]; [ROM:3:24-25]; [TIT:2:14]; [HEB:9:12]; [REV:5:9].

II Christ's Divine Pre-eminence

1. Christ is the image of God, [COL:1:15];[COL:2:9];; [JHN:14:9]; [HEB:1:3].

2. Christ is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, visible and invisible, [COL:1:16-17]; [JHN:1:3-4]; [HEB:1:2-3].

3. Christ is the Head of the Church, and the first-born from the dead, [COL:1:18-19]; [1CO:15:20]; [EPH:1:22].

III Christ, the Author of Redemption for Mankind

1. Peace and reconciliation is made through the Atonement, [COL:1:20-22]; [ISA:57:21]; [ROM:5:10-1].

2. The holy and unblameable spiritual state is conditional on steadfastness in the faith, [COL:1:22-25]; [JHN:8:31].

3. The great mystery is Christ within the Christian, presenting him perfect, [COL:1:26-29].

IV Perfection in Christ

1. A Christian is complete in Christ; sanctification brings Christian perfection, [COL:2:8-11]; [JHN:17:17]; [1CO:1:30]; [EPH:5:26]; [2TM:2:21]; [HEB:10:10]; [HEB:13:12].

2. Christ's death, burial, and resurrection are wrought out spiritually in the Christian, [COL:2:12-13]; [ROM:6:3-5].

3. The Children of God enjoy freedom in Christ, [COL:2:14-19]; [JHN:8:36]; [EPH:4:16].

Notes
The Colossian Church

The City of Colosse was located approximately 100 miles inland from the City of Ephesus. Though Paul had journeyed over much of this territory, never in his writings does he mention directly that he was in the City of Colosse. In reading [COL:2:1], it would appear that he had not been there, for he wrote of his concern for as many as had not seen his face in the flesh. No doubt, as a result of Paul's ministry in Ephesus the Gospel was spreading into the surrounding cities, as in this Epistle he makes mention of the churches at Laodicea and Hierapolis which were neighbouring cities to Colosse.

Philemon was one of the faithful leaders at Colosse, and the church possibly was in his house [PHM:1:2], [PHM:1:7]). During Paul's imprisonment, Onesimus, a native of Colosse, was won to Christ. This man was a runaway servant of Philemon's and Paul sent him back with the heart-touching letter known as the Epistle to Philemon. (Read [COL:4:9]; [PHM:1:10-12].)

Another leader at the church of Colosse seems to have been Epaphras, who was a faithful minister of Christ [COL:1:7]), and who faithfully carried the Colossians on his heart in fervent prayer [COL:4:12-13]). Perhaps Epaphras was converted during Paul's ministry at Ephesus. In any case Epaphras not only loved his people, but he also loved Paul and journeyed all the way to Rome to be with him, to minister unto him, and to share his imprisonment. When this man gave the good report of the faith, love, and hope of the church at Colosse, Paul's heart rejoiced with thanksgiving [COL:1:3-5]). Inasmuch as Paul was the Apostle to the Gentiles, he proceeds to write this Epistle to the church at Colosse, though he had never seen their faces.

A Very Hopeful Beginning

How the heart of Paul the Apostle, the prisoner, must have thrilled when he heard the good report from the church at Colosse! But Paul, from years of Christian experience, knew that a good beginning was not enough. He knew there would be many trials, tests, and perils in the spiritual battles that were yet ahead for the young church. Paul desired and prayed that they might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that they might "walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness."

Paul's great heart went out for them that they might continue and increase in their spiritual graces and attainments. It was his desire that they continue in the faith, grounded and settled, and that they finally be presented before Christ "holy and unblameable and unreproveable."

Deeper in the Knowledge of Christ

The Colossians had a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, but there are heights and depths and lengths and breadths in Christian knowledge which cannot all be taken in at once. The greatest of saints never stop learning. All Christians need continually to add to their knowledge and to strive after deeper and clearer insights into the mysteries of God and His grace.

One of the profound mysteries of the Gospel is that Jesus could reside here on earth in a human body and still be part of the Godhead, the great Trinity. Philip said to Jesus, "Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us." Jesus said unto him, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father" [JHN:14:8-9]). Paul said that Jesus is the image of the invisible God. He bears all the attributes, power, and nature of God.

All creation is ascribed to Jesus as well as unto God. John said, "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." Paul the Apostle, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, states that all things in earth, yes, and in Heaven, visible and invisible, were created by divine command. We see nothing here of the modern man-made theory of evolution. The theory that this world gradually evolved through myriads of years is based on a whole series of completely missing links. This theory has been beset by the necessity of constantly being altered and changed because of later scientific discoveries, but the Word of God has remained unchanged down through the years of time. Scientific discoveries have not made it necessary to alter God's Word. Actually, these discoveries have rather confirmed the Bible and the fact that "holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" [2PE:1:21]).

The great Creator, Paul says, is the Head of the body -" the Church. This position is not left for an angel, certainly not for a mortal man -" His created beings -" but is for the Creator, not only because He is the Creator, but also because He is the Redeemer. He, the Creator, "took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" [PHL:2:6-8]). All this, that He might redeem lost souls and forgive fallen mankind's sins, making peace by reconciling all things unto Himself! This wonderful salvation is a great mystery, and Paul told the Colossians that this mystery is "Christ in you, the hope of glory."

Sanctification

Paul wrote to the Colossians: "Ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ." How thankful Paul must have been that he knew the Colossians had been taught sanctification, that there is a circumcision of the heart in which the very root and nature of sin is removed. Paul was not trying to bring them back under the Law when he was speaking of circumcision (which was a ceremony under the Law, and typified sanctification), but he meant that circumcision which was made without hands, circumcision of the heart performed by Christ. Christ had come and had fulfilled all the Law with its types and shadows.

Jesus had died for their sins, had been buried, and had risen again for their justification; and in testimony of this they had been baptised by immersion in water. (Read [ROM:6:3];[ROM:6:4].) The Colossians were warned not to be in bo***ge or to be judged by anyone in regard to meat or drink, or the keeping of holydays or Sabbaths or the feasts of new moons. Many of these ordinances, true enough, were given by God, but they were given for a specific period of time, known as the dispensation of the Law; and the Law was a schoolmaster to bring them to Christ. So Paul said that the Law was only a shadow of things to come, but the body (who casts the shadow) is Christ who fulfilled all the Law.

The Colossians were warned of the danger of the Judaizers who wanted to bring them under the bo***ge of the Law. Paul also warned of those who "through philosophy and vain deceit" were trying to bring them back into the things of the world. But having been born into the family of God, made a partaker of Christ, that great Creator and Redeemer, they became a vital part of the Body of Christ, knit together in the unity of the faith and the bond of peace. No power in earth or hell could break such an intimate bond as this; but the aged Apostle knew that it all depended upon each one whether he would continue in the faith. They, being free moral agents, could take themselves out of the Lord's hands and thereby lose all the benefits of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But if they kept true, their faith and confidence steadfast unto the end, they would increase with the increase of God as they received more of God, and would eventually become partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, and enjoy the bliss of Heaven for all eternity.

Questions
1. What prompted Paul to write to the Colossians when he had never seen them?

2. Paul compared Christ to God; describe this comparison.

3. The first verse of the Bible states, "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." How then could Jesus be called the Creator of all things?

4. Why could Christ be called the Head of the Church?

5. Explain how we know that the Colossians had been taught about sanctification and water baptism.

6. What was the mystery of which Paul spoke?

7. What was the ultimate end that Paul wanted to see the Colossians and everyone reach?

10/11/2023

[COL:1:9-29]; [COL:2:8-19].
Lesson 410 - Junior

Memory Verse
"Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee" (Jeremiah 32:17).

Notes
A Faithful Minister

On the slopes of the valley of the Lycus river in Asia Minor, lived a group of Christians in the prosperous city of Colosse. Their faithful minister was Epaphras, who prayed earnestly and faithfully for them that they might be perfect and complete in all the will of God.

False religions had appeared in Colosse, and when Epaphras saw that these Christians were in danger of being moved away from simple faith in Christ, he was very much concerned. When Epaphras made the long journey by sea to visit Paul in Rome, he laid the needs of the Colossian church before Paul.

Service for God

Paul was in custody as a prisoner, chained to a soldier to watch him, but his spirit was not imprisoned. He enjoyed freedom in the Lord, and God had made it possible for Paul to live in his own hired house where he taught all who came to him to learn about Jesus. It was perhaps in that very house that Paul wrote some of the letters, which have been an encouragement and help to Christians everywhere.

Let us consider Paul's life of service to God when we are tempted to say we are not able to do this or that in the Gospel work. Though we may not be strong in our body, we may not be rich, we may not have many talents, yet we are encouraged when we think of Paul. He had a bodily affliction, and he had no money except that which he earned by working as a tent-maker and what his friends supplied. At one time he had been a sinner, and he had become able to do God's work only because he had yielded his life to the Lord Jesus. And we, by God's help, can do as much.

The Knowledge of God

Epaphras told Paul of the faith the Colossians had in Christ Jesus, the love they had for one another, and the lively hope they had of Heaven. When Paul heard this good report of their love and faith, he prayed for them. He wrote to encou-rage them to pray to Jesus for help.

Paul's first concern was that these Christians at Colosse might know God's will and have the wisdom of God as revealed in the Bible. He prayed that they might understand spiritual things. To know God's will and do it would enable them to walk, or conduct themselves, as worthy Christians, and be an honour and blessing to the Gospel. It is the same today: To know God's will and do it will enable you boys and girls who are Christians to live pleasing unto the Lord in every way.

Eternal Life

Paul prayed that the Colossians would be fruitful in every good work, meaning that they would take advantage of every opportunity to do something for the Lord. He prayed that they would increase in the knowledge of God, and learn more about Him. Do you know what great reward the knowledge of God brings? It brings eternal life, for Jesus Himself said in His prayer to the Father: "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" [JHN:17:3]).

We know about God when we are very small children. Then the day comes when God convicts us of wrongdoing. If we tell a lie, if we become angry and strike our brother, God makes us know we are guilty. He wants us to pray and ask Him to forgive and save us. When we are old enough to read and understand the words of the Bible, we read that God loves us and gave His only beloved Son to die for us. We read that God is kind; He is a good God and cares tenderly for each of us. Then we learn of God's goodness by experience. When we are in trouble we pray and God helps us.

By these means: by conviction of sin, by salvation, by reading and studying the Bible, by experience, our knowledge of God grows.

Long-Suffering with Joy

Paul prayed they would be strong in patience and long-suffering. From one of Jesus' teachings, "In your patience possess ye your souls" [LUK:21:19]), we learn that patience is very important in the Christian life. We are to be patient with things and circumstances; we are to be long-suffering with friends and associates.

When your work does not go smoothly, when you boys are building birdhouses and the hammer slips and hits your thumb or the nails drive crooked, if Paul's prayer is fulfilled in your life you will be calm and sweet. When friends do not want to help, and schoolmates tell lies about you, you pray for them. And all the time these things are going wrong, you do not feel sorry for yourself; you are joyful and thank God that your life can be an honour to Him and to the Gospel.

Our Saviour

Jesus is the beginning and the end of our salvation. He is the beginning when He forgives and covers our sins with His precious Blood. He is the end or finish of our salvation when he comes in the air to take us to be with Him forever.

Jesus is the image of God the Father whom we do not see. Jesus appeared in person in the manger of Bethlehem [HEB:1:6]). He lived and walked in the land of Palestine, died on the Cross, rose again from the dead, and ascended into Heaven. We know what Jesus is like because those with whom He lived while he was on earth wrote about Him, and we read it in the Bible. God is exactly the same as Jesus is -" kind, compassionate, loving [HEB:1:3]).

The Creator

Jesus is the first-born of every creature. That is, He was in existence before any human being was created. Jesus always was. It is a mystery. We cannot understand it, but we believe it because the Bible says it is so. Jesus was with God in the creation, and with God he created all things [HEB:1:10]; [JHN:1:3]). He created all things that are in Heaven above and in earth below -" the sun and moon and stars; the grass, the trees and flowers; the animals and all living creatures. He also created the invisible things -" authorities and governments, or nations. We cannot see an authority or a government, but we know they exist. All these things were created by Jesus Himself and for His pleasure [REV:4:11]), and by His power all these things continue and are held together. There are man-made theories of the origin of the earth that are contrary to the Bible, but regardless of what the textbooks say, we know the Bible is true [ROM:3:4]).

The Head of All

Jesus is the Head of the Church, too. That Church is not the building in which we worship. It is an invisible Church made up of people who are saved. It is the Church of the Firstborn, whose names are written in Heaven [HEB:12:23]). Why, do you think, did it please God to make Jesus the pre-eminent One, the most important One, the Head of all? Because Jesus was willing to die and shed His Blood on the Cross to fulfil God's plan of salvation. God's desire is that all people and all things, including the vegetation and animals, should be brought back into harmony with His plan for all the world as it was in the Garden of Eden. Jesus made it possible when he died for our sins.

Presented Faultless

The people of Colosse, who were at one time wicked sinners, were brought into sweet friendship with God through Jesus' death on the Cross. When the time would come for them to give an account of their life, Jesus would present them without fault before God if they continued in the Gospel. He will do the same for us if we keep saved and stay in the Gospel of Jesus. In another place the Bible says to the Christian that Jesus "is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude 24).

The Hope of the Gospel

Paul taught the people that they should be grounded and settled in the faith and not be moved away from the hope of the Gospel. What is the hope of the Gospel? It is the hope that someday we will be in Heaven to share the glory that Jesus has with the Father. Paul said that the fact that Jesus lives in His saved people is a mystery. We surely cannot understand how Jesus can live in our heart, but we know He does because we feel His presence. If we keep our heart open so Jesus can live there always, someday we shall be in Heaven with Him.

False Doctrines

Paul's letter warned the Colossians to beware of those who tried to turn them away from a simple trust in Christ, and tried to influence them to depend upon philosophies or reasonings of men -" the customs and beliefs that men made up for the salvation of the soul. Most people do not want to humble themselves to take God's way of salvation, the way "that shineth more and more unto the perfect day" [PRO:4:18]); so they make a way of their own, but it leads into darkness and confusion.

Christians are warned specifically against those who say we must keep the forms and ceremonies of the Law of Moses, whereas the Bible says that, "by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight" [ROM:3:20]). We are warned against those who deny that Jesus is the Son of God who came to earth to die and rise again to save us from sin, whereas the Bible says, "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God" ([1JN:4:15]). We are warned against those who say there is no sin and the devil is only an evil influence, whereas the Bible says, "All unrighteousness is sin" ([1JN:5:17]), and, "Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" [1PE:5:8]). We are warned, too, against those who believe that fasting, or eating certain foods, or exercise of the body, or meditation will bring a reward, whereas the Bible says: "The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" [ROM:14:17]); and "bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come" [1TM:4:8]). And finally we are warned against those who do not hold Christ as "the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God."

Questions
1. What did Paul pray that the Christians of Colosse should be filled with?

2. What two things did he pray that they should be strengthened unto?

3. Of whom is Jesus the image?

4. With whom was Jesus Christ at the time of the Creation?

5. Why did God the Father make Jesus the pre-eminent or Head One?

6. What is the mystery of the Gospel?

7. Of whom did Paul tell the Colossians to beware?

8. What is the meaning of philosophy? What is a tradition?

9. Who is the Head of the body of Christian believers?

03/11/2023

Lesson 166
Help Against Enemies
TEXT: Joshua 6:1-20
SUPPLEMENTAL SCRIPTURES: Judges 7:1-25; Psalm 3:1-8
KEY VERSE: Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude;
for the battle is not your’s, but God’s. — 2 Chronicles 20:15
At the time of the taking of Jericho, the Children of Israel had learned a hard lesson. They had just finished
wandering in the wilderness for forty years because they had disobeyed God. He had told them He would
fight for them if they obeyed and trusted Him. As they marched around Jericho, they were obedient to God.
The method was unorthodox, but God gave the victory! The people shouted with a great shout, and the
walls fell down flat.
1. Why were the inhabitants of Jericho so terrified of the Israelites that they wouldn’t come out of their city
to fight against them? See Joshua 2:9-11.
2. After the fall of Jericho, Joshua 7 records that the Children of Israel were badly defeated when they
fought against the much smaller city of Ai. The Israelites had been told not to take any spoil from Jericho,
but Achan disobeyed God’s command, and all the people suffered because of it. What principle does this
lead us to understand regarding deliverance from our enemies?
3. Several times in the Old Testament, God used the forces of nature to fight against Israel’s enemies.
Look up the following Scriptures and describe what instrumentality God used in each instance.
Joshua 10:11
Joshua 10:12-14
Joshua 24:12
1 Samuel 14:15,16
20
4. We likely won’t face the literal battles like Joshua and other Biblical characters did. What kind of personal
enemy might we face in our day?
5. We don’t expect the Lord to slay those who oppose us, but what kind of help and victory can we expect
the Lord to provide?
6. What does the Lord expect of us after He has delivered us from our enemies? What benefit will we receive by doing this? See Psalm 107:1,2 and Revelation 12:10,11.
7. One of the keys to receiving victory is praise. Paul and Silas are a notable example of this (Acts 16:25).
How can we praise God when we are facing an enemy? Why does this increase our faith to believe for
victory over our enemies?
8. Jesus told His disciples that He gave them power over all power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). Yet He told
them not to rejoice in this. In what were they to rejoice? See Luke 10:20.

03/11/2023

[EZE:47:1-12]; [REV:22:1-5].
Lesson 409 - Senior

Memory Verse
"Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life" (John 4:14).

Cross References
I Israel's Failure to Respond to the Call of God

1. They forsook God, the Fountain of Living Waters, [JER:2:12-13].

2. They substituted cisterns, [JER:2:13], [JER:2:26-28].

3. The results -" their city was destroyed and Temple burned, [2CH:36:19].

II God's Plan for a Future City During the Millennium

1. Ezekiel sees a vision of a city, [EZE:40:2].

2. The Temple is described, Ezekiel 41-46.

3. Living Waters bring life and healing, [EZE:47:1-12].

III The Living Waters of the Gospel

1. Salvation is likened to "a well of water," [JHN:4:14]; [ISA:12:3].

2. Sanctification cleanses from all sin, [1JN:1:9]; [EPH:5:25-27].

3. The baptism of the Holy Ghost is likened to "rivers of living water," [JHN:7:38-39]; [ISA:44:3-4].

4. Healing is provided in the Atonement, [ISA:53:5]; [MAT:8:16-17].

IV The New Heavens and New Earth After the Millennium

1. John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, [REV:21:1-2].

2. The Living Waters were still flowing from the Throne of God, [REV:22:1-5].

Notes
The Temple

"In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city" [EZE:40:2]). "Declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel" were the instructions Ezekiel received. This was at a time when Jerusalem lay in ruins and the Temple of God had been burned with fire. God's people Israel were scattered in foreign lands among strangers.

God in His love must have given this message and vision to inspire hope in the hearts of His people in a day when there would be a rebuilding of the city and of the Temple of God. There was a restoration of the city, and another Temple built under Ezra and Nehemiah, but this Temple that Ezekiel saw was different from that Temple. It was also different from Herod's Temple; in fact, to this day no temple like it has ever been built. It should encourage the Jews even of our day with hope that even yet the Temple of Ezekiel's vision shall be built.

The Living Waters

After the vision of the Temple, God let Ezekiel see a pure stream of water flowing out from under the threshold. "These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, withersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh" [EZE:47:8-9]).

The Gospel

Living waters! Healing waters! What a marvellous type of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Flowing forth from the Son of God by virtue of Calvary, the Gospel brings healing and salvation wherever it goes. Into lands made barren by sin, life and salvation have followed the preaching of the Gospel. Souls that were dead because of sin have felt the flow, and life has returned. Bodies weakened because of disease have been instantly restored through the power of the Gospel. Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" [JHN:10:10]).

How marvellous it is to think of a thief on a cross repenting of his sin and finding a place in paradise! A chief among the publicans willing to restore fourfold any ill-gotten gains! And a woman taken in adultery hearing the words, "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more"! [JHN:8:11]). These Living Waters of the Gospel have continued to flow from the days of the Apostle until the present time. Men and women today are feeling that transforming power of the Gospel. Thieves, drunkards, adulterers, as well as moral men, are finding forgiveness and life by coming to Christ.

Healing

Healing, too, is found in the Gospel through the Atonement on Calvary. "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" [ISA:53:5]). Proof of healing in the Atonement is further attested to in [MAT:8:16-17]: "When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses."

That life-giving Stream is still flowing and miracles of healing are constantly being wrought and testified to by God's people. All manner of disease have been healed in our day through prayer; many times cases that baffled physicians have found instant deliverance through Christ.

Broken Cisterns

"Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the LORD. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water" [JER:2:12-13]). Just as Israel forsook the Lord and turned to idols, so people today have forsaken the Living Waters and have turned to their own material devices in the hope of satisfying their souls. The Gospel is a living Stream that brings peace and satisfaction to those who seek salvation. Yet amid the turmoil and strife of today's so-called civilisation, very few are turning to God. They have hewed themselves out broken cisterns that hold no water.

Millions are turning to liquor and tranquillisers to drown their sorrows instead of seeking the Comforter who is able to give them true relief. Others are seeking in other sins to find pleasure, not heeding the promise, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore" [PS:16:11]). Many there are who turn to riches, not knowing that "a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" [LUK:12:15]). Truly broken cisterns have all those who do not seek "first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness" [MAT:6:33]).

The Vastness of the Living Waters

The Living Streams of the Gospel are deep and wide, just as the river, which Ezekiel saw. A thousand cubits -- 1,500 feet -" brought the prophet only ankle deep, but as he followed on, the waters deepened to the knees, to the loins, to waters to swim in, a great river which could not be passed over. Just so is the Gospel of Jesus Christ: as one goes forward, he sees more and more the depths, the vastness, the greatness of its flow.

Some people venture into the waters and receive salvation, but fail to look beyond and see the beauties of holiness. If they would follow the man with the measuring line out another thousand cubits, what blessings they would receive! "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God" [MAT:5:8]). And why should one hesitate to follow on to the place where "out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: . . . )" [JHN:7:38-39]). That Stream has never been crossed over; its depths are not known; and it is still flowing for those who will cut shore lines, and by faith venture forth into the fullness of God. "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways past finding out!" [ROM:11:33]).

The Future Realities

Just as Ezekiel saw a stream flowing from the Temple in Jerusalem, so John the Beloved saw "a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb" [REV:22:1]). There was no more curse, and God dwelt among His people. Though the Gospel thrills and satisfies the soul, yet the Christian's hope reaches beyond this sin-cursed earth to the day when faith shall become a reality.

We know that Jerusalem will be the capital of the world during the Millennium when Christ reigns upon this earth. No doubt the Temple, which Ezekiel saw will be built, and the river of living waters will flow forth to give life to the present Dead Sea. What a glorious hope the overcoming Christian has of living and reigning with Christ for a thousand years upon this earth and then forever to be with the Lord in a new Heaven and a new earth! That Living Stream will continue to flow from the Throne of God and of the Lamb. On either side will be the Tree of life, which yields her fruit every month. "Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" [GAL:6:9]). Truly great are the rewards for those who will press their way into the Kingdom of God!

Questions
1. What is the length of a cubit?

2. What is the minimum width possibility of this river Ezekiel saw?

3. What is the river typical of?

4. What effect did the river have wherever it ran?

5. Compare this scene given by Ezekiel with the vision of John in this lesson.

6. When will the vision of Ezekiel be fulfilled? Of John?

7. How many kinds of fruit are borne by the Tree of Life?

8. How often does the Tree of Life yield fruit?

9. For what are the leaves of the tree?

10. Name some of the changes in the new earth.

Apostolic Faith Church - Sunday School

30/08/2024

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