Rhapsody of Realities 16 February 2019 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome – The Word mixed With Faith

Topic: The Word mixed With Faith

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:22).

Faith is acting on the Word. God’s Word is all-powerful—having the ability to produce in you what it talks about. Nonetheless, God’s Word to you won’t produce any result except you act on it; the Word mixed with faith is what produces results. What is faith? Put simply, it’s the response of the human spirit to the Word of God.

Every time you hear God’s Word, faith comes to you in the Word. And because that Word is more real in your spirit than all physical circumstances, it propels you to action. That was what Abraham did; he mixed the Word with faith; he acted on what he heard. In Genesis 17:5, the Lord had told him“…a father of many nations have I made thee” ; but at this time, Abraham was still childless. Then the Bible says Abraham believed “…God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were” (Romans 4:17).

The ensuing verses 19-21 says, “And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God….” Could this be you? Could this be the description of your faith? It should, and must be. The Bible says for us to be “…followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Hebrews 6:12).

Thus, like Abraham, always create the right environment for the Word to produce results in your life. Mix the Word with faith. Refuse to consider physical circumstances. Refuse to stagger at the Word of God through unbelief. Yes, God’s Word never fails, but the efficacy of God’s Word in your life depends on your response to the Word. Therefore, take a stand on God’s Word for yourself; be a doer of the Word, and your progress, victories, and success will not only be evident, but also consistent.

CONFESSION
At all times and in all seasons, irrespective of the circumstances or contrary situations, I choose the faith-way. I have the assurance on the basis of the Word that I’m who God says I am, I have what He says I have, and can do all He says I can do! My faith prevails, today and always. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Mark 2:1-22 & Leviticus 9-10

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 14:34-15:1-9 & Genesis 47

Click HERE to Read previous Messages

Rhapsody of Realities 16th February 2019 Devotional was written by Pastor Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int’l.

TOPIC: Domestic Violence (Part 2) [RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 17 February 2019]

MEMORY VERSE: “The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.” – Psalms 11:5 (scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 17 February 2019 HYMN)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 12:9-12 KJV (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 17 February 2019)

9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

LESSON INTRODUCTION:

Having discovered the forms and causes of domestic violence, it is important that we critically examine the consequences as well as the remedies for domestic violence. It should be noted that regardless of the forms or causes of violence, God hates those who love violence (Psalms 11:5). Believers are encouraged to abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good, be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. (Romans 12:9-10).

2 LESSON OUTLINES

1. CONSEQUENCES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
2. REMEDIES FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

1. CONSEQUENCES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic violence is in stark opposition to God’s plan for families. While discipline is important, it is distinctly different from violence and abuse. Domestic violence usually births unpleasant consequences. Some of which are:

1. Sin and divine rejection. Genesis 4:7
2. Hindered or unanswered prayer.1 Peter 3:7.
3. Contradiction of doctrines. 1 Timothy 6:3-4.
4. Shame and condemnation. Obadiah 10.
5. Depression and psychology stress. Genesis 32:7-8
6. Guilt, hatred and trauma. 2 Samuel 13:15, 18-20.
7. Loss of self-esteem/confidence. 2 Samuel 13:19-20.
8. Isolation, dissociation and absent mindedness. Genesis 13:7-9
9. Decreased productivity. Prov. 12:4.
10. Broken homes (separation, divorce etc) Malachi 2:16.
11. Health related issues. Proverbs 17:22.
12. Loss of life (suicide or murder). And property. 2 Samuel 13:28; Genesis 4:8

2. REMEDIES FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

When domestic violence is on-going, safety is the first step to avoid injury or loss of (1 Thessalonians 5;21-22). The underlying factor(s) causing the violence must be thorough dealt with after which those involved must be willing be willing to forgive wholeheartedly. Victims of domestic violence will likely need the support of well-trained Christian counselors to journey with them through the healing process. The parties involved should be made to know that:

1. Following God involves serving others, not manipulating and controlling them (Matt.20:26-28). Apply wisdom in dealing with members of your household. (Prov.24:2-6/ 1 Peter 3:7).
2. Christians are called to sacrificially love others, especially those in their own families. (John 13:34; Ephesians 5:1-2).
3. Be positive about one another. (1Thessaloninians 5:13b; Philippians 2:3).
4. Communicate deeply at all times but avoid corrupt languages. (Prov.25.9; Col.4:6; Eph.4:29). Do not go to bed without settling disputes. (Eph.4:26).
5. Pray against/about conflict (Matt.26:41)..Be sober and vigilant against satanic strategies.(1 Peter 5:8).

CONCLUSION: Domestic violence hurts the heart of God. Family is meant to reflect God’s love. It saddens Him when a home turns into place of pain. God’s desire for those involved in domestic violence, both the victims and abusers, is healing and wholeness.

QUESTIONS

1. Mention five (5) consequences of domestic violence
2. What are the remedies to domestic violence?

ASSIGNMENT: Give and explain five (5) suggestions on how homes globally can be free from domestic violence.

For Further Reading: Genesis 6:11; Psalm 73:6; Isaiah 60:18; Micah 2:2.

Also Read: RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 10 February 2019, Lesson 24

RCCG Sunday School 17 February 2019 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 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?