Topic: The Veil Is Torn [Andrew Wommack Devotional 9 December 2018]

Luke 23:45 “And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.”

The veil spoken of here reached from the ceiling to the floor, from wall to wall, and separated the Holy of Holies from the holy place in the temple. Solomon’s temple was 30 cubits high (1 Ki. 6:2), but Herod increased the height to 40 cubits according to the writings of Josephus, a first century historian. Therefore, depending on what standard you use to convert cubits to feet (there is uncertainty as to exactly what a cubit equaled in our feet and inches), this veil was somewhere between 60 feet and 90 feet high.

It is significant that this veil was rent from top to bottom (Mt. 27:51; Mk. 15:38). No man could have torn the veil in this fashion. It was definitely God that rent the veil. The time when this veil was rent corresponds exactly with the moment Jesus died.

Hebrews 9:1-9 tells us that the veil separated the Holy of Holies, where God dwelt, from the rest of the temple, where men dwelt. This signified that man was separated from God by sin (Isa. 59:1-2). Only the high priest was permitted to pass beyond this veil, and only once each year (Ex. 30:10; Heb. 9:7). This symbolized the Christ who would enter into God’s presence for us and make an atonement.

The moment that Christ died, the veil was torn in two, revealing that the sacrifice had been made and that there is no longer any separation between God and man. Jesus tore the veil, that is to say His flesh (Heb. 10:20), in two and opened up a new way unto God through Himself.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Andrew Wommack Daily Devotional

This message was written by The Association of Related Ministries International (ARMI) is an extension of Andrew Wommack Ministries (AWM). ARMI is a unique partnership committed to providing resources to help like-minded ministers succeed in a spirit of excellence and to draw from the experience and expertise of both the AWM and Charis Bible College staff. (www.awmi.net).

Topic: Word Made Flesh [Billy Graham Devotional 9 December 2018]

The Word was made flesh . . . full of grace and truth. — John 1:14

On the cover of your Bible and my Bible appear the words “Holy Bible.” Do you know why the Bible is called holy? Why should it be called holy when so much lust and hate and greed and war are found in it? It is because the Bible tells the truth. It tells the truth about God, about man, and about the devil. The Bible teaches that we exchange the truth of God for the devil’s lie about sex, for example; and drugs, and alcohol, and religious hypocrisy. Jesus Christ is the ultimate truth. Furthermore, He told the truth. Jesus said that He was the truth, and the truth would make us free.

Prayer for the day: Almighty God, I thank You for the truth which You have given me through Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

“If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Billy Graham’s Daily Devotional HERE

Written by Billy Graham, Founder of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association(BGEA). BGEA exists to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by every effective means and to equip the church and others to do the same.

RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 2 December 2018 Lesson 15 – Christians and Politics (Part 2)

TOPIC: Christians and Politics (Part 2)

OPENING PRAYER: Father, please let all who rule over us be just, ruling in the fear of God. (Scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 3 DECEMBER 2018 HYMN)

MEMORY VERSE: “The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” – 2 Samuel 23:3 (scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 9 DECEMBER 2018 HYMN)

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Samuel 23:1-4 KJV (RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 9 December 2018)

1 Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,

2 The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.

3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

4 And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.

INTRODUCTION:
In our previous lesson, we highlighted some misconceptions held by some Christians in some circles. We also examined some of the reasons Christians should be involved in politics from Biblical perspective. In today’s lesson, we shall attempt to guide Christians with genuine intentions on how to be practically in politics and avoid the pitfalls.

TEXT REVIEW: 2 SAMUEL 23:1-4.

To rule or govern, David, when he was about to depart to eternity, gave the following instructions, through the leading of the Holy Spirit, to those who aspire to lead others. 2 Samuel 23:1-2:

(i) Such fellow must be just/righteous. 2 Sam. 23:3

(ii) He/she must fear the Lord. 2 Sam. 23:3

(iii) He/she must be like the light of the morning when the sun rises. 2 Sam. 23:4

(iv) He/she must hear the Holy Spirit speaking and must be ready to tell others what the Holy Spirit of Lord says. 2 Sam. 2:2.

HOW TO BE INVOLVED IN POLITICS

Teacher should treat his outline under two sub-outlines.

A. Getting Involved:

(i). It is your civic right and responsibility under the law to vote and be voted for. Titus 3:1; 1Peter 2:13-14; Deut. 1:13

(ii). Eligible Christians should get registered with relevant electoral bodies.

(iii). Be a card carrier of any party of your choice.

(iv). Wield your influence on the choice of representative for the elective position. Exodus 18:21.

(v). Go out and vote rightly during election.

B. How to Join Political Party Of Your Choice
In addition to other possible information:

(i). Visit the website of the parties, or

(ii). Visit Secretariat of your choice party.

(iii). Study the party ideology and manifesto.

(iv). Fill a party registration form.

(v). Supply/provide necessary documents as required.

(vi). Make necessary payments as stipulated.

(vii). Obtain your membership card.

(viii). Attend party meeting regularly.

(ix). Actively participate in discussion and strengthen your voice.

(x). Have burden/passion to serve the people and solve their problems. Neh. 2:1-5; 1Sam. 17:29, 34-37.

(xi) You can prayerfully join or support advocacy group. Esther 4:8, 13-14.

(xii). You can form a political party with people of like minds. 1Sam. 22:2; Dan.
2.49.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1:
Do we need money to form political party or to be actively involved in politics? Why or why not?

THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN POLITICS

(i) Desist from any thought or act of wickedness. Politics is not a do or die affair. Prov. 16:12

(ii) Avoid prayerlessness (James 5:16b-18; Psalm 91:15; Dan. 6:10). Our adversary is not resting, be sober and be vigilant. 1Peter 5:8.

(iii) Shun all foolishness: Get the necessary qualifications or experience ( James 1:5, 1 Sam. 17:34-37) and act wisely. Matt. 10:16

(iv) Never dabble into politics without a godly burden or passion. Neh. 2:1-5.

(v) Avoid compromise: stand by your godly virtues and principles (1Cor. 10:31). Distinguish yourself and do not be hypocritical. 1Cor.6:17; Rom. 12:2.

(vi) Be resolute in the face of persecution and props. Neh. 4:3,6; 6:5-7; Dan. 6:11-14.

(vii) Avoid abuse of power. Do not be tyrannical. 2Chron. 26:16-18.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2:
Why should Christians be prayerful in their political aspiration?

SUMMARY:
Be involved in politics and don’t soil your garment. 1Cor. 15:33

CONCLUSION:
Join a political party today and be a Christian of influence.

CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, let all your children be truly involved in politics.

ASSIGNMENT:
Mention ten (10) things you will do if you become a Governor. 1 Mark for each point

Read previous RCCG Sunday School Teacher’s Manual Here

NOTE:
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RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 9 DECEMBER 2018 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?

Topic: Don’t Boast In Your Ability [TREM Devotional 8 December 2018]

“But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.” Mark 14:29

Many believers today are like Peter. You look at your commitment and accomplishments in the Kingdom and you think you have arrived. You tend to think that your power has sustained you. Today, I come to challenge you, don’t take your salvation for granted. The fact that you are saved and still standing is the work of grace – it is not by power nor by might.

In our scripture today, we read the account of Apostle Peter when he made a boast “Although all shall be offended, yet will not I”. Even when Jesus told him that he will deny Him, it still didn’t catch his attention. Peter looked at himself, looked at his commitment to Jesus over the period of three years and concluded that it was impossible for him to miss it. You know the story, just as Jesus said, before the cock crowed twice, he denied Jesus thrice.

Stop and take a look at yourself; what accomplishments are making you proud? What do you have that you have not received? If you have received it, then why boast. Thank God for Peter, immediately the cock crowed and he realized his fault, godly sorrow that works repentance came on him. He left sorrowful and learnt a lesson the hard way – it is not of him that wills or runs, it is of the Lord that shows mercy.

No matter the titles you have acquired in church, remember that you are nothing without God. It is in Him you live, move and have your being. Don’t let arrogance be found in you; remember, God is a God of knowledge and by Him actions are weighed (I Sam. 2:3). God is the God of the humble. He resists the proud and lifts the humble. Humble yourself under His mighty hand and He will lift you up.

Further reading: Mark 14:28-31, 66-72

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Daniel 8-10; Evening- 3 John

“If you missed yesterday devotional click HERE to read TREM Daily Devotional by Dr. Mike Okonkwo’’ https://flatimes.com/category/trem-devotional/

Written by Dr. Mike Okonkwo; Is the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); a versatile man of God with over 30 years of dedicated service unto the Lord.