TOPIC — The Early Church: A Model For Today [RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 11 November 2018]

MEMORY VERSE: “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” – Acts 2:42 (scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 11 NOVEMBER 2018 HYMN)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 2:42-44 (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 11 November 2018)

42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

INTRODUCTION: A close study of the daily life of the first apostolic church reveals certain peculiarities worthy of note. This seems to run contrary to some trends noticed in some churches today. We need to examine what the early church looked like and practiced in order to realign ourselves with the will of God for His Church.

OUTLINES
1. SOME SHORT-COMINGS OF THE PRESENT – DAY CHURCH
2. THE QUALITIES OF THE EARLY CHURCH.

1. SOME SHORT-COMINGS OF THE PRESENT – DAY CHURCH: In many of the Churches of today, human philosophies and motivational talks have replaced sound doctrines (1 Corinthians 2:4; Colossians 2:4,8). Rather than rendering selfless services. People now seek for immediate reward /compensations (Acts 20:35, Galatians 6:9). True love, as well as genuine fellowship (I. E. Inter-personal relationship) is not just missing among members but has been replaced with suspicions (1 John 3:18, Hebrew 10:25). There is also the lack of sacrificial giving and commitment to kingdom projects (Acts 2:45, Psalm 69:9). Pride, egoistic tendencies and unhealthy rivalry among leaders and followers are quite noticeable (2 Corinthians 10:12, Philippines 2:5). Some members even engage in a life of suspicion, envy and strife (James 3:14,16). There are also gimmicks in some churches today resulting in exploitations, intimidations, faking of miracles, lies and deceptions in the name of packaging ; etc (1 Timothy 6:3-7; Ephesians 4:14, 2 Corinthians 12:16-17).

2. THE QUALITIES OF THE EARLY CHURCH:
The early church was characterized by steadfastness in ‘apostolic’ doctrines, fellowship, prayer and breaking of bread from house to house (Acts 2:42-46,12:5). The early Church featured warm, truthful and loving fellowship (2 Corinthians 2:13, Philippines 4:10). Real signs and wonders took place in the Church (Acts 2:43, 4:14, Mark 16:20).

They were united with brotherly love and had all things in common (Acts 2:44, John 17:21). The members of the early Church were also generous (Acts 2:5, Acts 4:34-37) and enjoyed Favour (Acts 2:47). The church had tremendous numeric growth on daily basis (Act 2:41, Acts 4:4, Acts 5:14).

CONCLUSION
While we cannot rule out the need for innovations and creativity that make the Church of God lively today, the present day Church must be modeled after the early Church.

QUESTIONS
1. Mention at least 4 short – comings of the present – day Church.
2. What are the qualities of the early church?

For Further Reading : Acts 17:10, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Acts 2:17, Psalm 103:1, Acts 10:35, 2 Corinthians 9:8, Acts 4:4.

Also Read: RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 4 November 2018, Lesson 10

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 11 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?

Topic: The Blessing – A Sponsor of Speed [Seeds of Destiny 9 November 2018 Devotional]

Scripture: Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him. And the man waxed great, and went forward…Genesis 26:12-13

Thought For The Day: The Blessing terminates delays in life.

The Blessing of God is the Divine empowerment or motorization of human life and destiny unto success and progress. The difference between a blessed person and an unblessed person is like the difference between a canoe and a speed boat. And the major thing that differentiates a canoe from a speedboat is the engine that powers the speedboat to move with speed. By the time a person with a speedboat has crossed a River to the other side and returned, the person with a canoe is still paddling, struggling to cross the river. Both the canoe and speedboat may cross the same River but at incomparably different speed and time duration.

Now, when God connects the engine of His Blessing, or the blessinator to a person’s life and destiny, that person has no option but to move forward. That was what God connected to the life of Abraham and Abraham took off and left his contemporaries behind. It was connected to the life of Isaac and he went forward (Genesis 26:12-13); the Blessing terminates delays in life.

Beloved, God will connect the engine of His Blessing into your life and destiny that will make you move faster than your contemporaries. I decree that you will not struggle to make progress in life anymore, in Jesus’ Name.

Remember this: The Blessing terminates delays in life.

Assignments:

1. Connect with the Blessing of studying God’s Word by studying the Word daily.
2. Follow the principles of the Blessed in the Scripture; Observe and follow the principles of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Job, etc.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE POWER OF THE BLESSING

Prayer: Lord, I connect with the Blessing for a progressive and speedy movement in life. I refuse to be a victim of delay, Lord in Jesus’ Name.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 20:1 to 49, Hebrew 9:11 to 28, Psalm 107:1 to 43, Proverbs 27:11

Quote: The reason many people do not last long in a position of prosperity is because they forget their history. And as they forget their history, they lose their humility and as they lose their humility, they lose their prosperity. Culled from 21 FOOLISH THINGS PEOPLE DO by Dr Paul Enenche.

Amazing Fact: To escape the grip of a crocodile’s jaw, push your thumb into its eyeballs- it will let you go instantly.

Today In History: 09/11/1953 – Cambodia gains independence from France.

Don’t Forget To Attend: The Home Church meeting by 6:00pm tomorrow at a Home Church near you. Also invite your friends and neighbours. God bless you as you do so.

Also Read: Click HERE to read Other Inspirational Messages by Pastor Paul Enenche

Today’s devotional was written by Pastor Paul Enenche of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Pastor Paul and Becky Enenche, as the Senior Pastors. It is a power-packed arena where God’s Presence, Principles and Power are at work for the salvation, healing and restoration of human destinies and dignities

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.

Topic: You Have Been Empowered To Succeed [TREM Devotional 9 November 2018]

“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” Genesis 1:28 (KJV)

From our text today, you will notice that God did not say be ‘seed-full’ but rather He said be fruitful because He knows you already have a seed. Everyone born on the face of the earth came with a seed. There is a unique seed you are supposed to plant on earth for the world to reap from. That is why He said “be fruitful”. In other words, God is saying let that seed I put in you be planted. It must be planted in people and it must be planted all around.

He went further to say “multiply”. In other words, increase, expand, enlarge yourself, distribute yourself and replenish the earth. To subdue and have dominion means to take charge and control. In essence, God is saying go and take control of the business world. Go and take control in the market place. Beloved, do you know that the world is waiting for you? As a business man, think of moving beyond your environment and be an international player. Yes, it may start with little profit but pretty soon it will become a large ocean. Don’t just sit down in a place and refuse to explore in certain other areas.

The scripture says: “And God blessed them”. The word “blessed” here means empowered. You have been empowered to be a success. You can’t be sitting on gold mines and be dancing to frivolities. There are great opportunities that you don’t have any reason to compete with one another.

My prayer is that God will open your eyes. By the mandate of heaven, I declare you blessed. You have entered your season of greatness, your season of acceleration, your season of influence and season of significance. I declare you a wonder to your generation. You will not be a liability. You will be the desire of many nations. Every spiritual illegality and contradictions you are experiencing now are nullified right now in Jesus Name.

Further reading: Genesis 1:26 -31; Luke 10:1-19

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Jeremiah 46-47; Evening- Hebrews 6

“If you missed yesterday devotional click HERE to read TREM Daily Devotional by Dr. Mike Okonkwo’’

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.

Topic: What We Can Do [Our Daily Bread 9 November 2018 Devotional]

Read: Philippians 2:1–11, Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 46–47; Hebrews 6

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5

Even though confined to his bed, 92-year-old Morrie Boogaart knit hats for the homeless in Michigan. He had reportedly made more than 8,000 hats in fifteen years. Instead of focusing on his health or limitations, Mr. Boogaart looked beyond himself and did what he could to place the needs of others above his own. He declared that his work made him feel good and gave him a purpose. He said, “I’m going to do this until I go home to the Lord”—which happened in February 2018. Though most recipients of his hats won’t know his story or how much he sacrificed to create each cap, Morrie’s simple act of persevering love is now inspiring people across the world.

We too can look past our struggles, place others before ourselves, and imitate our loving and compassionate Savior, Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:1–5). God in the flesh—the King of Kings—took on the “very nature of a servant” in genuine humility (vv. 6–7). Giving His life—the ultimate sacrifice—He took our place on the cross (v. 8). Jesus gave everything for us . . . all for the glory of God the Father (vv. 9–11).

As believers in Jesus, it’s our privilege to show love and demonstrate concern for others through acts of kindness. Even if we don’t think we have much to offer, we can adopt the attitude of servanthood. We can actively seek opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives by simply doing what we can.

We can model Christ’s love by doing what we can to serve others.

INSIGHT
Before pointing to Christ Jesus—the supreme example of humility and selfless service-Paul exhorts believers to humbly serve the interests of others (Philippians 2:1-5). Previously Paul had instructed believers about the responsibilities of their heavenly citizenship (1:27). Gospel-worthy living finds expression in the context of worldly opposition (vv. 28-30) and among believers who share the blessings of a common spiritual union (2:1).

Arthur Jackson

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Our Daily Bread Devotionals HERE”

This message was written By Xochitl Dixon [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Brag on God [Kenneth Copeland Devotional 9 November 2018]

Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer. – Romans 12:12, The Amplified Bible

We’re to live in hope. We’re to rejoice. So, when Satan comes to steal your victory and tell you that God is not going to help you this time, you just think on the Word of God and start rejoicing. Rejoice that you’re in Him. Rejoice that heaven is your home. Rejoice that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. Rejoice. Brag on God today. The devil can’t stand it!

“Be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation….” Tribulation means “being under pressure.” When pressure comes, don’t cave in. Don’t faint. Instead, go to the throne of grace. Go boldly in the Name of Jesus and get the help you need.

Remember this: When things get hard isn’t when you let go of the Word. That’s when you double up on it. That’s when you are “constant in prayer” so that you are immovable.

Rejoice. Be patient under pressure. Be constant in prayer. The devil won’t be able to steal one thing from you!

Scripture Reading: Romans 5:1-5

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Kenneth and Gloria Copeland’s Daily Devotional Here’’

This message was written by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, the leader of the Kenneth Copeland Ministries (www.KCM.org) that specializes in teaching principles of bible faith – prayer, healing, salvation and other biblical topics.

Topic: Choose To Focus On All That Is Good [Andrew Wommack Devotional 9 November 2018]

Mark 14:38 “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.”

Temptation is linked directly to what we think upon (Heb. 11:15). Temptation has to be entered into. We can avoid temptation by avoiding thoughts that generate temptation (Prov. 23:7). Since it is impossible to not think, we cannot just try to reject the negative thoughts in this world, but we must choose to think on the positive truths of God. This is where prayer comes in.

In prayer, we have our minds stayed upon God and therefore, are not receptive to thoughts that conceive temptation. Temptation or sin must be conceived (Jas. 1:14-15). In the physical realm, the easiest way to avoid an unwanted birth is to avoid conception, so it is in the spiritual world.

It is easier to avoid being tempted by being in constant communion with God, than it is to overcome temptation once it has been conceived.

Paul admonishes the Philippian believers to reflect and meditate upon eight positive principles of thinking that will lead to a victorious Christian life (Phil. 4:8). These are things that are “true,” that is: honorable, truthful and upright. Things that are “honest,” that is: honorable, truthful, genuine, not characterized by deception or fraud. Things that are “just,” that is: in accordance with what is right, or right conduct; any circumstance, fact or deed that is right. Things that are “pure,” free from defilement or impurity.

Things that are “lovely,” pleasing, agreeable, inspiring love or affection. A “good report,” that is: a saying or report that is positive and constructive rather than negative and destructive. “Virtue,” which is moral excellence, righteousness and goodness. “Praise,” or what is praiseworthy; expressing one’s esteem of a person and his virtues. We need to focus on the good in every area of our lives. Recognizing God’s hand in even the smallest things will bring peace and keep our hearts and minds following hard after the Lord.

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: What Is Conscience? [Billy Graham Devotional 9 November 2018]

Having a good conscience . . . — 1 Peter 3:16

What is conscience? God has put within each one of us something that cries aloud against us, whenever we do that which we know to be wrong. Conscience is the detective that watches the direction of our steps and decries every conscious transgression. Conscience is a vigilant eye before which each imagination, thought, and act, is held up for either censure or approval.

I believe there is no greater argument for the existence of God in the world today than conscience. There is no greater proof of the existence of a moral law and Lawgiver in the universe than this little light of the soul. It is God’s voice to the inner man. Conscience is our wisest counselor and teacher, our most faithful and most patient friend.

Prayer for the day: Thank You, Father, for my conscience which checks me and guards my actions. Help me to be alert to its promptings, through Your Holy Spirit.

“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.