Churches often have some strange prohibitions for what’s allowed in the facility. Some make more sense that others. Today, we discuss 11 of them.
Episode Highlights:
“The prohibition of food and drink in a church service is past its prime in today’s culture.”
It’s extremely helpful to have signs in your children’s ministry telling parents the snack for the day.
Pews are waning and chairs are becoming the seating of choice in churches.
Don’t put prohibitions on your church facility that make it more difficult to reach people for Christ.
The 11 prohibitions we discuss are:
Alcohol
Drinks and food
Yoga
Other churches using the worship center
Peanuts
Smoking
Animals
Hunting civil war relics with a metal detector
Dancing
Folding chairs
Allowing sex offenders on the campus
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com.
Rev David Parry said the bells of St Mary and All Saints’ Church in Conwy were disturbing his sleep as they ring every 15 minutes.
The medieval church is right next to the vicar’s house and he worried that the chimes might put off tourists as well.
He wrote to Conwy Town Council about the noise and asked for them to be silenced between 00:15 and 6:15.
The town council conducted a survey of the 400 residents and of the 210 responses, only six said they agreed the bells should be silenced.
One resident told North Wales Live: “I’m glad common sense has prevailed, those clock chimes have been chiming since the 19th century and are part of the town’s fabric.
“They aren’t very loud, and I’m happy I’ll continue to hear them during the night if I’m awake as I find them comforting.”
Rev David Parry said to the local press: “I am grateful to the town council for considering this. Their decision not to silence the bells overnight won’t change my really positive relationship with them or the way we serve this lovely town together.”
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The US Vice President said the South Bend, Indiana mayor “knows better” than to criticise his faith, days after Buttigieg suggested in a speech that Pence may have a problem with him being gay.
“He said some things that are critical of my Christian faith and about me personally,” Pence told CNBC.
“And he knows better. He knows me.”
Pence served as governor of Indiana when Buttigieg came out as gay during his re-election campaign for mayor.
He argued Buttigieg was trying to rally the liberal left to his side in the hotly contended field for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Pete Buttigieg with his husband.
In an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box ” that will air in the US on Thursday morning, Pence added: “But I get it.
“You know, it’s…19 people running for president on that side, in a party that’s sliding off to the left. And they’re all competing with one another for how much more liberal they are.”
Pence was responding to comments that Buttigieg made over the weekend during an event hosted by the LGBTQ Victory Fund, a group trying to increase the number of LGBT candidates in American politics.
“I wish the Mike Pences of the world would understand, that if you have a problem with who I am, your quarrel is not with me,” Buttigieg said.
“Your quarrel, sir, is with my creator.”
The presidential hopeful has since taken to Twitter to write a post…
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Adolf Hitler is wearing a white double-breasted jacket and black trousers. On his arm is a red band with a black swastika. In another scene, he wears a gray suit with a fedora and talks with Heinrich Himmler, the overseer of the Holocaust camps.
These are some of the home movies shot by Eva Braun and her friends at the Berghof, Hitler’s retreat in southeastern Germany. Braun was Hitler’s longtime girlfriend and briefly his wife. The Alpine scenery in the background is stunning.
When you saw today’s headline and read the accompanying story, what was your reaction?
Mine was one of disgust mixed with curiosity. No figure in modern history conjures (or deserves) more revulsion than Adolf Hitler. At the same time, to see him as he was, recorded by friends in a relaxed environment, is historically unique.
What I didn’t feel was fear.
Neither I nor anyone in my family was threatened personally by the Holocaust. I was obviously not old enough to fight the Germans in World War II. Due to my longtime love for Israelis, I grieve for them when Hitler’s name and legacy come up. But I feel no existential angst.
For most of us, most of the bad news in the news feels the same way.
A gas explosion yesterday in a North Carolina building killed one person and injured seventeen others. A twenty-year-old college student in South Carolina died after what is being called an “accidental fall” at a fraternity party last weekend.
We feel sorrow for these victims and their families, but unless we know them personally, they don’t touch us personally. Even reports that California is overdue for a major earthquake don’t affect us viscerally unless we live in California or know someone who does….
Executions across the world fell by 31 per cent last year as many countries decreased their use of the punishment, most notably in Iran where they stopped using the death penalty for drug-related crimes.
The latest statistics by Amnesty International do not include China after fears that they were altering their figures and also are suspected to be the biggest user of the punishment.
However, more than two thirds of countries in the world have now abolished the death penalty in law or practice.
In response to the apparent decline globally, the lead Catholic bishop for international affairs, Bishop Declan Lang, has called on the UK to use its diplomatic and economic influence to promote the global abolition of the death penalty.
Bishop Declan said: “The continued decline in capital punishment gives us cause for hope that this attack on the inviolability and dignity of every human person may eventually be confined to history.
“Once again, I urge our government to redouble its efforts towards promoting global abolition of the death penalty. There are both diplomatic and economic means of driving forward this goal. For example the UK has trade offices in more than half of the twenty countries that executed their own citizens last year.”
“I hope that Catholics will continue to speak up on behalf of those at risk of execution and pray for all those affected.”
Israel Folau, who’s starred for Australia over the past six years, has often spoken about his Christian faith, regularly sharing Bible verses and messages on Twitter and Instagram.
Last year he received much criticism for telling a follower that God’s plan for gay people was hell unless they repent of their sins.
His employer, Rugby Australia, had said his comments “did not reflect the views” of the organisation but added: “In his own words, Israel said that he did not intend to upset people intentionally or bring hurt to the game. We accept Israel’s position.”
His latest post (below) lists a number of different sins (homosexuality) and tells followers that “hell awaits”.
Rugby Australia and his club NSW Warratahs have released a statement criticisng his comments.
They say they have failed to get hold of Folau over the past 24 hours but now intend to sack him.
They said: “Whilst Israel is entitled to his religious beliefs, the way in which he has expressed these beliefs is inconsistent with the values of the sport.
“We want to make it clear that he does not speak for the game with his recent social media posts.
“In the absence of compelling mitigating factors, it is our intention to terminate his contract.”
Folau has previously defended his comments on the Players Voice website.
He told the BBC: “There is a little bit of a complication. And I can’t speak on the media about [it].
“But I can assure you she is safe and she will be leaving in weeks”.
Hardline Islamists – angry at Ms Bibi’s acquittal by the Supreme Court in Islamabad last October – have been demanding that the 53 year old be publicly executed.
She spent nine years on death row after being convicted of insulting the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Ms Bibi has always denied any wrong-doing.
The mother-of-five was accused of blasphemy after a row involving a group of Muslim women over the use of a water cup.
The case has drawn fresh attention to Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws, which human rights campaigners fear are regularly misused to persecute Christians and settle personal scores.
Several Western countries have offered sanctuary to Asia Bibi. There has been speculation she intends to joins her daughters who fled to Canada.
Asia Bibi’s husband, Ashiq (middle), and one of her daughters, Eisham (right). Pictured with Premier’s Alex Williams in 2018.
OPENING PRAYER: Father, please grant me spiritual breakthrough today. (Scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 14 April 2019 HYMN)
MEMORY VERSE: “And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.” – 2 Kings 2:15 (scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 14 April 2019 HYMN)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 9:1-9 KJV (RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 14 April 2019)
1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
LESSON INTRODUCTION:
Generally speaking, a spiritual breakthrough is an experience of a new and unprecedented level of spiritual state/status. 2 Kings 2:11-15. In Christian circles, a spiritual breakthrough can be described as a time when a person is saved, gains a deeper understanding of biblical truth, receives answers to prayers, or wins over a besetting sin. John 8:32. The idea of a breakthrough suggests a preceding struggle that finally peaks and finds resolution. Acts 9:1-9.
TEXT REVIEW: ACTS 9:1-9 – “FROM NEGATIVE TO POSITIVE”
The Church experienced a great breakthrough in the conversion of Saul who later became Paul.
i. The Lord is a God of breakthrough and can change a “God’s adversary/sinner” to a “God chosen vessel”. Acts 9:15-16.
ii. A typical example of church spiritual breakthrough was an instance when a hardened soul is converted and now becomes a mighty instrument to preach the gospel where others could not reach.
Paul preached in many countries like Damascus, Cyprus, Ephesus, Antioch, etc. and carried the gospel to the highest authority like Agrippa, Caesar, Felix, Festus, etc. Acts 9:20-22.
iii. The Redeemed Christian Church of God experienced a great spiritual breakthrough when Pastor E.A. Adeboye assumed duty as the General Overseer and through this single divine catch, the local church with a few members now has presence in well over 180 nations of the world with millions of members.
iv. Spiritual breakthroughs could also take a form of miracles as Paul once lost his sight and recovered it not by medical consultation but by laying of hands. Acts 9:17-19.
v. Spiritual breakthrough occurs when the Lord shows himself in awesome manner to confound the wisdom and wiles of the prudent and the wicked. Acts 9:4-6.
2 LESSON OUTLINES
LESSON OUTLINE 1: BIBLE INSTANCES
i. The Pentecost experience. Acts 2:3-14.
ii. Saul of Tarsus’ encounter with Jesus. Acts 9:1-9.
iii. The answer to Daniel’s prayers. Dan. 10:11-13.
iv. Elisha’s anointing. 2 Kings 2:9-15.
v. The removal of the curse placed on the city of Jericho. Joshua 6:26; 2 Kings 2:19-22.
vi. The Apostles’ working of miracles. Acts 5:15-16; 19:11-12.
vii. Peter’s experience on the roof top. Acts 10:9-15.
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Members should mention any spiritual breakthrough they had encountered.
LESSON OUTLINE 2: HOW TO EXPERIENCE IT
i. It is God’s exclusive reserve to bring about spiritual breakthrough. Psalms 115:3.
ii. God can choose any one because of His mercy. Romans 9:15-16.
iii. The following requirements are very important for a spiritual breakthrough:
a. Commitment and sacrificial life. 2Kings 2:1-14.
b. Fervent prayers, fasting and perseverance. Matt. 17:2; James 5:17-18.
c. Endurance to hardship, focusing on Jesus. Heb. 12:1-2.
d. Focusing on Heaven as the ultimate. John 14:1-6.
SUMMARY: Bible based spiritual breakthrough is attainable if we are ready to abide by Biblical principles.
CONCLUSION: Spiritual breakthrough is the mother of all breakthroughs as it depicts the believers’ access into the spiritual realm to control the physical. John 3:27.
EVALUATION: How can your church experience constant spiritual breakthroughs?
CLOSING PRAYER: Father, give me my own spiritual breakthrough.
ASSIGNMENT: Class should meet for at least one (1) this week and pray for spiritual breakthrough of members.
NOTE: Flatimes.com EMPLOYS EVERYONE TO PURCHASE THE HARD COPY TO SUPPORT RCCG EDUCATION (SUNDAY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT). THE SOFT COPY (ONLINE) IS JUST TO HELP EASY ACCESS. GOD BLESS YOU AS YOU DO SO.
RCCG Sunday School 14 April 2019 HYMN
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.
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.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.
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 when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.” – 2 Kings 2:15 (scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 14 April 2019 HYMN)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 9:1-9 KJV (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 14 April 2019)
1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
LESSON INTRODUCTION:
Generally speaking, a spiritual breakthrough is an experience of a new and unprecedented level of spiritual state/status. 2 Kings 2:11-15. In Christian circles, a spiritual breakthrough can be described as a time when a person is saved, gains a deeper understanding of biblical truth, receives answers to prayers, or wins over a besetting sin. John 8:32. The idea of a breakthrough suggests a preceding struggle that finally peaks and finds resolution. Acts 9:1-9.
OUTLINES
BIBLICAL INSTANCES
HOW TO EXPERIENCE IT
BIBLICAL INSTANCES
i. The Pentecost experience. Acts 2:3-14.
ii. Saul of Tarsus’ encounter with Jesus. Acts 9:1-9.
iii. The answer to Daniel’s prayers. Dan. 10:11-13.
iv. Elisha’s anointing. 2 Kings 2:9-15.
v. The removal of the curse placed on the city of Jericho. Joshua 6:26; 2 Kings 2:19-22.
vi. The Apostles’ working of miracles. Acts 5:15-16; 19:11-12.
vii. Peter’s experience on the roof top. Acts 10:9-15.
HOW TO EXPERIENCE IT
A breakthrough is not a coincidence. It takes place in the life of those who have been carefully selected by God. God chooses whoever He wills (Psalm 115:3). He can show mercy on anyone as He pleases (Rom. 9:15-16). However, you have to be committed to God and live a sacrificial life (2 Kings 2:1-14). The Apostles went an extra mile for God and got their spiritual breakthroughs. You must be willing to pray fervently, fast and persevere (Matt. 17:21; James 5:17-18). You must be ready to endure to the end focusing your attention on the Lord Jesus Christ and the things that are heavenly (Heb. 12:1-2).Making it to Heaven is a spiritual breakthrough (John 14:1-6).
CONCLUSION: Spiritual breakthrough is the mother of all breakthroughs as it depicts the believers’ access into the spiritual realm to control the physical. John 3:27.
QUESTIONS:
Mention biblical instances of spiritual breakthroughs.
How can you experience spiritual breakthrough?
For Further Reading: 2 Kings 2:15; Acts 9:4; Romans 7:24-25; John 14:1-3.
ASSIGNMENT: Class should meet for at least one (1) this week and pray for spiritual breakthrough of members.
RCCG Sunday School 14 April 2019 HYMN
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.
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.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but arrogant fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline. — Proverbs 1:7 (AMP)
Some people cringe at the mention of the word discipline. They have a mental attitude toward it that is unhealthy and self-defeating. We need to see that discipline is our friend, not our enemy. It helps us be what we say we want to be, do what we say we want to do, and have what we say we want to have.
Discipline doesn’t prevent you from having fun and doing what you want to do in life, but instead it helps you obtain what you truly want, which is peace, joy, and right relationships. Learn to love discipline (it will keep you out of trouble!), and embrace it as your companion in life.
Prayer Starter: Lord, Your Word says You have given me a spirit of discipline and self-control (see 2 Timothy 1:7 AMPC). Help me to draw on Your help today and every day—help me to do what I know to do so I can have everything Your Word says I can have and walk in Your good plan for my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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