UK urged to halt Pakistan aid over Asia Bibi

Lord Alton of Liverpool urged ministers to use the funding – which totalled £463 million last year – as leverage in helping ensure Asia Bibi can safely seek asylum in another country.

The crossbencher, who is a Christian, was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying a “failure” by the UK to “speak or act [on behalf of Ms Bibi] has been craven and shameful”.

 

He also said: “Britain needs to do two things. First, give her sanctuary here.

“And second, until they uphold the rule of law and protect the country’s minorities, we should redirect the £380,000 we give every day to Pakistan – £2.8 billion over the past two decades – to more worthy recipients.”

 

Asia Bibi has been kept in a secret location in the Pakistani capital Islamabad for security reasons after she was acquitted of blasphemy last month.

Hard-line extremists, who accuse the mother-of-five of insulting Islam’s prophet Muhammad, want her to be publicly hanged. She has always maintained her innocence.

Protests which erupted after she was cleared by the country’s Supreme Court brought key roads in major cities to a standstill.

AP Photo/Muhammad Sajjad

 

It is understood Asia is being prevented from traveling abroad until a petition calling for a review of the court’s decision is heard.

Asia Bibi’s husband, Ashiq Masih (pictured above with his…

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

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Why Pastors’ Honeymoons are Getting Shorter

Podcast Episode #485

SUBSCRIBE:
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Honeymoons always end. There are somethings that can be done by a new pastor to extend them, but there are definitely some other things that can be done to cut them short. Today we discuss why many are being cut shorter these days.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

  • The expectation of a quick fix can be detrimental to a church’s health.
  • A lot of churches who die have money in the bank, but they are fearful to spend it on what needs to be done to avoid dying.
  • Don’t compare your pastor to another preacher you listen to on a podcast. Its not helpful to him nor for you.
  • At some point, every pastor’s honeymoon ends at a church.

The seven reasons we discuss are:

  1. Understanding the pastor “life cycle”
  2. Dealing with the culture of the quick fix
  3. Believing the myth of the magic bullet
  4. Dealing with the increased level of pastors’ frustrations
  5. Managing financial fear and shortfalls
  6. Realizing the reality of the inward focus
  7. Understanding the comparison syndrome

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast


Episode Sponsors

The ministry landscape is changing, and the need for biblical training is more necessary than ever. It’s time to get your Master of Divinity degree. The M.Div —Midwestern Seminary’s flagship degree program — is the primary track for ministry preparation. At just 81 hours, the Midwestern M.Div offers a complete foundation for full-time…

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Tributes paid to Christian who helped deliver billions of meals to hungry children

Richard Proudfit, who founded Feed My Starving Children in 1987, passed away at a nursing home in the Minnesota city of Bloomington on Tuesday, a spokesman said.

A US Senator for the state, Tina Smith described Mr Proudfit as a “compassionate” man who “dedicated much of his life to fighting child hunger”.

 

She wrote on Twitter: “He brought Minnesotans together to do good, raised awareness about an important issue, and helped humanity.”

Mr Proudfit was on medical relief mission in Honduras in 1982 when he believed God called him to feed the starving children he had seen. Feed My Starving Children was established five years later.

Feed My Starving Children

 

Chief executive officer, Mark Crea said: “He planted the seeds for thousands upon thousands of children to be fed when he answered God’s call to ‘Feed my starving children'”.

The non-profit organisation has since sent more than two billion meals to children and families in 70 nations.

 

Another US Senator in Minnesota, Amy Klobuchar tweeted: “He leaves a legacy of billions of…

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

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Joyce Meyer Devotional 16 November 2018 — Speak God’s Mind

Topic: Speak God’s Mind [Joyce Meyer Devotional 16 November 2018]

…He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently. — 1 Corinthians 10:13 (AMPC)

One of our biggest mistakes we make is that we sometimes answer people too quickly, just giving them something off the top of our head. Only a fool utters his whole mind (see Proverbs 29:11 KJV).

Those who speak frequently and hastily are always in trouble, as the Bible says, There are those who speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing (Proverbs 12:18 AMPC).

Prayer Starter: Father, help me to pay attention to the things I say. Let my words today bring healing, wisdom and encouragement to those around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Joyce Meyer Daily Devotional HERE’’

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.

The post Joyce Meyer Devotional 16 November 2018 — Speak God’s Mind appeared first on Flatimes.

Clear Principles for a Blissful Marriage (Part 2) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Clear Principles for a Blissful Marriage (Part 2) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: Clear Principles for a Blissful Marriage (Part 2)

Dear Reader,

Welcome to another segment on family success. Today, I want to go a step further and look at the things you must avoid to truly enjoy the honour that is in marriage.

You must ensure that you keep the marriage bed pure to enjoy the honour in marriage. The Word of God says, Marriage is honourable in all and the bed undefiled… (Hebrews 13:4). The word ‘undefiled’ there simply means kept pure. If this was impossible, God won’t tell you to do it. Romans 12:1 says, I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service. In order words the presentation of your body unto the Almighty God, as a living sacrifice is your reasonable service unto God. Any service done unto God without your body being a living sacrifice is not acceptable. It does not matter what you do and the volume of money you give in church every day, if your body is not kept pure, that service is not acceptable unto God.

Whether single or married, illicit sexual affairs render your service to God unrewardable and will deprive you of enjoying the honour He has destined for you in marriage. God is much more interested in your person than your money or what you can do. When your person is acceptable unto God then your service will become acceptable.

Marriage is honourable in all when the bed is undefiled. Single men and ladies, if you must enjoy honour in your family life, when you get into marriage, you must lay a good foundation for it by keeping yourselves pure. God’s Word tells us in 1 Timothy 4:12, Let no man despise thy youth… Refuse to submit yourself to the deception of the devil.

Also Read: Handling Family Challenges (Part 4) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Many people get emotionally distorted when they defile the marriage bed to the extent that it affects their marital life. You can save your marriage from torments by keeping your life pure. If you are fond of jumping from one man to another as a single lady, today, I decree that the fire of the Lord falls on you and consumes that dirty habit in Jesus’ name.

When you defile the marriage bed, you are behaving like a beast and whatever happens to a beast can happen to you anytime. Therefore, you must make a change in the right direction in the name of Jesus Christ. The later part of our anchor scripture says, …but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. The word ‘whore’ simply means harlot. Give no room to the devil if your soul is actually precious to you. When you get into defiling the marriage bed, whether you are single or married, it is because your soul is not precious to you. Refuse to fall a victim if you truly have value for yourself. Don’t say you want to earn yourself a living by prostituting because God will judge those who do that. Stop it! Don’t wait for the fire of God to come upon you, plead for His mercy and call upon Him now that He is ready to hear you.

If your family has been scattered by adulterers or whoremongers, it shall be restored in the name of Jesus.

The kingdom of God suffereth violence and the violent take it by force (Matthew 11:12). Take the honour in marriage that is your heritage in Christ by force, by stopping every harlotry in your life. Receive grace to practice the Word of God, so that you can truly enjoy the honour destined for you in marriage in Jesus’ name.

EXTRA MARITAL AFFAIRS
Let no man or woman lure you into having affairs with whosoever is not your husband or wife. Don’t say everybody is doing it and the world now has really advanced. The world cannot be more advanced than the Word of God. Indecency and indiscipline have put so many young people into trouble today.

Marital affairs are meant exclusively to be between husband and wife. Without holiness, the struggle continues. Sexual immorality is the reason many married and singles are struggling in life. The marital relationship is a seal of the covenant and it is sacred. The Word of God says, Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge (Hebrews 13:4).

It is not your pastor that will judge, but God Himself is the judge. Remember that it is a fearful thing to fall under the judgement of God. Adultery is very cancerous and it kills respect between couples. Instead of enjoying the honour of marriage, such actions bring shame.

All manner of venereal diseases is on the streets today and adultery and fornication are one of the distribution channels for it.

If you are not born again and you want to accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, then say this prayer: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).

“Please click HERE to read other inspiring articles by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.

The post Clear Principles for a Blissful Marriage (Part 2) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo appeared first on Flatimes.

MFM Daily Devotional 16 November 2018 – Who Are Your Journey Partners

MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 16 November 2018 By Dr. D.K Olukoya – Who Are Your Journey Partners

TOPIC: Who Are Your Journey Partners (Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministries, MFM Daily Devotional 16 November 2018)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: Matthew 8:23-27

MEMORY VERSE: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” – Psalms 27:1

The MESSAGE:

To travel is to embark on a journey; it is to make a trip. Man embarks on different kinds of journey in life. There is journey from the womb of a mother to when one goes back to the creator. In between, there are other journeys such as academic journey, marital journey, career journey etc. In every one of these journeys, there are co-travellers, because you are not meant to travel alone. Life is all about relationship with God and with other people. Esau was a co-traveller with his younger brother Jacob; Sarah carried Isaac in her womb in his journey to life. During our secondary school days, for example, some of us had friends, but unfortunately many got initiated into occultism and witchcraft through some of those friends.

There are some people we should not meet let alone have as friends. Some are out to influence you negatively. The people you call friends can either help you on your journey or delay you. Therefore those that you call friends must be checked. The crises many of us are experiencing today may be due to the type of people we associated with in the past. Many marital journeys have turned out to be satanic, occult and disastrous. Many people have destroyed their careers and business because of the negative colleagues they had in their journeys. The financial failures you are experiencing today may be due to the type of co-travellers you had in your career journey.

From the Fire Scripture, we need to compare two different journeys (a) Jesus in the ship and (b) Jonah in the ship. There are differences in these two journeys. When you have Jesus in the ship, you have a helper, saviour, comforter, strength, anointing, angels, faith, grace, favour, Holy Spirit, safety, life, courage, confidence, love, promotion, achievements and boldness, to mention a few.

However, with a Jonah in your ship, you will have curses, affliction, fear, failure, unfriendly friends, spirit of not available for God’s use, antagonism, disaster, doubt, disobedience, stubbornness, spirit of ‘I’ etc. Beloved, it is very important that you begin to choose your co-travellers prayerfully henceforth. But before then, you have to disconnect yourself from every Jonah in the boat of your life and destroy every evil effect of travelling with Jonah. You should begin to think of the satanic housemaid you kept and later sent away, the occult boy or girl friend you kept either in primary, secondary school or university days, and also think of your present friends, family friends, office friends, business colleagues and even your friends in the church. Discover all the Jonahs in your life and deal with them appropriately.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
EVERY JOURNEY WE EMBARK ON IN LIFE EITHER TAKES US CLOSER TO GOD OR FARTHER FROM GOD.

PROPHETIC WORD:
The fire of the Holy Ghost shall roast every negative spirit running the Christian race with you.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING
1. Every problem the enemy concluded in my life many years ago, waiting to manifest in the future, die, in Jesus’ name.
2. Every early riser spirit assigned to travel with me every new day, in order to consume my daily blessings, die by fire, in Jesus’ name.
3. Every evil seed that has been planted into my life and assigned to grow with me, I uproot you and I command, burn to ashes, in Jesus’ name.

EVENING
4. Problems in my life, under satanic incubation and waiting to manifest in future, die, in Jesus’ name.
5. All negative spirits attached to my life to travel with me and lead me to early grave, die, in Jesus’ name.
6. Spirits of the tail, hatred, sickness, stagnancy, barreness, poverty, lateness in good things in my boat, I pull you into the sea. Be swallowed by the great fish of the Lord and die, in Jesus’ name.
7. I cancel every evil effect of travelling with negative spirits affecting my life, in the name of Jesus.

“If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional HERE

MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE is a daily devotional by Dr. D.K Olukoya (General Overseer, Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries, Worldwide)

Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

The post MFM Daily Devotional 16 November 2018 – Who Are Your Journey Partners appeared first on Flatimes.

Use The Available by David Ibiyeomie

Be Use The Available by David Ibiyeomie

Topic: Use The Available

Whatever God wants to use to bless and lift you is around you. God will not use something far from you to lift you. What you need is the grace of God to recognize what God has made available for you. The Holy Ghost will cause you to know the things God has given to you.

2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.

There is nothing that you are looking for that God has not given you already. It all depends on your ability to know how to tap into it. Planning to use what you do not have for the next phase of your life is a trap from the devil. God wants you to start with what we have right now and not with what is not yet available.

When the Israelites were about to cross the red sea, God used what was available to take them to the next level. He told Moses to stretch out the rod in his hands and He will use it to divide the red sea. God did not look for something far but what was in the hands of Moses.

Also Read: Sacrifice by David Ibiyeomie

Until you know what to do in the face of challenge, frustration is inevitable. The potential inside of you needs to be ignited for you to excel in life and business.

God will always use what you have to create what you want. Your future success is in the thing that is available now; not in what you do not have yet. Despising what you have now is actually destroying your future. What you have may not be enough in your physical eyes but with the supernatural grace of God, what you have is enough.

John 6:7, 11 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.

And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

Jesus used what was available even when it was not enough with the physical eyes but with the supernatural grace of God, it was more than enough. He had a possibility mentality and showed gratitude to God for what He had instead of despising it. If you can think enough, what you have is enough to start with because every lifting is hidden in something. Develop a new mindset.

The financial growth for your tomorrow is hidden in the seed you have today. When you refuse to sow that seed, you have inevitably lost your harvest for tomorrow. Stop seeing life from the angle of obstacles but from the angle of miracles. Your ability to identify something is what takes you to your next phase. What you want will always be hidden inside what you have around you.

As you proceed to break forth with what you have, you will see how successful you will become. Remember there is power in small beginning!

God bless you

Also Read: Other Inspiring Messages by Pastor David Ibiyeomie

Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

The post Use The Available by David Ibiyeomie appeared first on Flatimes.

RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 18 November 2018 – The Home Church

RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 18 November 2018 Lesson 12 – The Home Church

TOPIC: The Home Church

OPENING PRAYER: Fathers help all your children worldwide to truly care for one another. (Scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 18 NOVEMBER 2018 HYMN)

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: Teacher should reflect/comment on the performances of students in the 1st Quarter review exercise.

MEMORY VERSE: “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,” – Acts 2:46 (scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 18 NOVEMBER 2018 HYMN)

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 16:15-19 KJV (RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 18 November 2018)

15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.

18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: A common feature in the early church was the presence of home churches or house fellowship in the residences of believers. No matter how highly placed you were or what office you occupied in the main church, you either belonged to a home church or had a thriving one in your house. Even Apostle Peter belonged to one. Acts 12:11-17.

LESSON AIM: To study the reasons and benefits of home churches.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through the lesson, students should be able to:

(i) Discover why home churches are important.
(ii) Discover the benefits of home church.

TEACHING PLAN: To achieve the above-stated objectives, teachers should:

(i) Allow students to take the opening prayer, read the bible passage, recite the memory verse, make contributions to the lesson; do class activities and the assignment.
(ii) Allow Assistant teacher to conduct the class, grade performance, mark attendance and assignment and close the class session with the closing prayer.
(iii) Reflect on the 1st Quarter Review exercise, teach the lesson outlines, conclude, evaluate the lesson and give assignment.

TEXT REVIEW: 1 COR. 16:15-19 – “ALEXANDER OR STEPHANAS”.

The same Apostle Paul who commended Stephanas berated Alexander the Copper Smith for doing much harm to him (Paul). He said “Alexander the Copper Smith did me harm, may the Lord repay him according to his work”. 2 Tim. 4:14. What did Stephanas and some others do to attract commendation?
(i) Stephanas was addicted to the ministry of the saints. 1 Cor. 16:15.
(ii) They (Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus) supplied what was lacking to Paul. 1 Cor. 16:17.
(iii) They refreshed Paul’s spirit and that of the church. 1 Cor. 16:18.
(iv) They (Aquila and Priscilla) were a blessing to the ministry of the word. Acts 18:26.
Apostle Paul commended them in such strong term as, “submit to such and to everyone that helped us and labored.” 1 Cor. 16:20. Paul further said, “therefore, acknowledge ye them that are such.” 1 Cor. 16:18.
Who therefore said that your labour of love and that of your entire household was not recognized or acknowledged? Do not desist if you are Stephanas, heaven bears record that you are serving. Continue please.

TEACHING METHOD: Teacher should use lecture teaching method.

TIME MANAGEMENT: Teacher to share teaching time equally between two (2) lesson outlines bearing other items in mind.

LESSON OUTLINES

LESSON OUTLINE 1: WHY THE HOME CHURCH?
(i) Home church is the extension of the local assembly to homes. Acts 2:46.
(ii) It is a convenient and good caring unit to reach and care for every members. 1 Cor. 16:15, 18; Acts 16:40.
(iii) Need of members are easily recognized and met. Rom. 16:1-6.
(iv) It reduces burden on the main church or pastor as issues are addressed promptly and timely by the home/house fellowship leader. Exodus 18:3.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Why is attendance in some home centers dropping?

LESSON OUTLINE 2: BENEFITS OF HOME CHURCHES

(1) Every activity which takes place at the main church can take place at the home church. Such activities are:

(a) Salvation of souls. Acts 2:40-42.
(b) Water baptism. Acts 10:47-48.
(c) Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Acts. 10:44-6.
(d) Healing of the sick. Mark 2:1-4, 11-12.
(e) Fasting and prayer. Acts 12:5,12.
(f) Divine visitation/presence. Acts 2:1-5.
(g) Sharing of the word of God. Acts 10:34-35.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What can individual (you and class members) do to bring about growth and development to the house fellowship in your localities?

SUMMARY: Home, church is an integral part of the main church. God is also present there.

CONCLUSION: The home church does not only sustain the church growth but also cares for the individual members of the church.

EVALUATION: Why is the home church important?

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, help me to play my role well to ensure growth and development of the home church in my area.

ASSIGNMENT/PROJECT: All home fellowship centres in your church, should in agreement, do something to support the main church. Those who participate should score 10 marks.

Read previous RCCG Sunday School Teacher’s Manual Here

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 18 NOVEMBER 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?

The post RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 18 November 2018 – The Home Church appeared first on Flatimes.

RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 18 November 2018, Lesson 12

TOPIC: The Home Church [RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 18 November 2018]

MEMORY VERSE: “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,”Acts 2:46 (scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 18 NOVEMBER 2018 HYMN)

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 16:15-19 KJV (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 18 November 2018)

15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.

18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

INTRODUCTION: A common feature in the early Church was the presence of home churches or house fellowship in the residences of believers. No matter how highly placed you were or what office you occupied in the main church, you either belonged to a home church or had a thriving one in your house. Even Apostle Peter belonged to one (Acts 12:11-17).

LESSON OUTLINES
1. Why the home church?
2. Benefits of home churches

WHY THE HOME CHURCH?
Today, the home church is recognised as the extension of the local assembly (Acts 2:46). It is a convenient unit where every member of the church could be reached and catered for. It is, therefore, a good caring unit (1Corinthians 16:15,18; Acts 16:40). The areas of care or need are easily identified in a home church or a house care fellowship (Romans 16:1-6). The home church leader would have addressed issues that would have been brought to the main church (Exodus 18:21-23).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Why is attendance in some home centers dropping?

BENEFITS OF HOME CHURCHES
The church is a place of prayer, healing, worship, baptism of the Holy Spirit and preparation for water baptism. Therefore, every activity that can take place in the regular church can also take place in a home church. These include: salvation of souls (Acts 2:40-42); Water baptism (Acts 10:47-48); baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44-46); healing the sick (Mark 2:1-4,11-12); fasting/prayer (Acts 12:5,12); divine visitation/presence (Acts 2:1-5); sharing of the word of God (Acts 10:34-43).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What can individual (you and class members) do to bring about growth and development to the house fellowship in your localities?

SUMMARY: Home church is an integral part of the main church. God is also present there.

CONCLUSION: The home church does not only sustain the church growth but also cares for the individual members of the church.

QUESTIONS:
1. Mention reasons the home church is necessary.
2. What are the benefits of a home church?

Also Read: RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 11 November 2018, Lesson 11

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 18 NOVEMBER 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?

The post RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 18 November 2018, Lesson 12 appeared first on Flatimes.

DCLM Daily Manna 16 November 2018 – Reward Of Piety

Topic: Reward Of Piety [DCLM Daily Manna 16 November 2018 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]

Text: 1 Samuel 20:24-34 (KJV)

Key Verse: “Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother’s nakedness? (1 Samuel 20:30).

MESSAGE:

When we speak, the state of our heart is revealed, whether it is good or evil. Though the human mind may not be read accurately, words from the mouth with corresponding actions from the heart’s meditations adequately reveal the yearnings and the intents of the heart.

This statement seems to find relevance in our text today. David was convinced that Saul had evil intentions against him but Jonathan was doubtful of it. The vicious remarks and reactions of Saul to David’s good intentions betrayed the evil in his heart. In the opening verses, we cannot fail to notice the reverence with which Jonathan related with his father. He stood up while the king came in to have his seat at the table. David did not show up at the religious sacrifice. An intuitive feeling of danger kindled by providence made him to flee into hiding that night.

Saul was sure from his knowledge of David’s constancy, that he could not have kept himself away from religious duties without an acceptable cause. This comment by Saul is a remarkable tribute to David’s fidelity to holy principles and a challenge to every Christian today (1 Peter 2:12). Holy and righteous principle in life and conduct is our sure route of escape from divine wrath and judgment.

Avoid self-management. Cling to that which is righteous, holy and pious. Let it be written concerning you that you displayed the rarest of virtues, because of your abiding relationship with Christ.

Thought For The Day: Godly virtues secure.

Bible Reading In One Year: Acts 1-3

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Deeper Christian Life Ministry, DCLM Daily Manna HERE

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.

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