TOPIC: Fishing For Men’s Soul [Sunday, 3rd June 2018]

OPENING PRAYER: Father, help me with new zeal and strategies to win souls. (Scroll down for SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN)

Bible Passage: Matthew 4: 18-25 (KJV)

18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

25 And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.

MEMORY VERSE: “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” – Matthew 4:19

LESSON INTRODUCTION:

Few are called to be poachers or evangelists but every born again Christian is called to be a fisher of men. Every born again child of God has the opportunity to deal individually and personally with men’s souls. Fishing for a soul is a definite effort to lead a person to accept Christ as Saviour and Lord at a definite time. Andrew brought Peter to Christ. John. 1:41-42. You too may be the means of bringing a future world preacher to Christ. Why not start today?

TEXT REVIEW: MATTHEW 4:18-25

The Almighty God has the character of calling those who are dutiful and committed to their vocations. For instance, Gideon was threshing wheat by the wine press when He called Him. Judges 6:11, Elisha was ploughing with twelve yoke oxen when He called Him. I Kings 19;19. And in today’s Bible passage, He saw Peter and Andrew who were fishermen, casting their nets into the sea, before He called them- Matthew 4:1 8. A similar invitation was extended to James Zebedee and John Zebedee. The two also were fishermen by vocation. They were mending their nets possibly after use. Beside these ones, some other people came to Him or were brought to Him and they followed Him too. Matt 4 24-25. These ones came from Decapolis, Galilee, Jerusalem, Judea, Syria and beyond Jordan – Matt. 4:25. What were the professions of these ones? Amazing. They were not professionals. Rather, they were lunatics, tormented, sick people, palsy and people of diverse manners of sicknesses-Matthew 4:23-24, He healed them all and they followed Matt. 4:24-25, Matthew 20:34; John 6:2. What message does this passage convey to believers?

i. The Lord wants to use the professional, dignified and noble people who are willing to follow Him. Matt. 4:2’0-22.

ii. The Lord has space to accommodate people who are considered worthless in the society. He has ability to heal and transform them. Matt. 4:24.

iii. He is waiting for you too to surrender and follow Him because He is the Lord of all flesh. Jer. 32:27.

Lesson Outline 1:WHY MUST I FISH FOR MEN’S SOULS?

i. Note to Teacher Task: Teacher’s should ask students why they think it is essential to fish for men’s souls.

ii. Teacher should explain the following reasons why believers should fish for men’s souls:

a. A Son is worth more than the whole treasures of this world before God, Mark 8:35-38
b. The fact of hell. Every unsaved soul would perish forever in hell fire-Jn.3:18, Rev.21:8.
c. The suffering of Christ on the cross for each sinner. Believers must fish for men’s souls in order to ensure that Christ did not die in vain. Rom.5:8; 1Pet. 3:18.
d. Because the world will pass away and all its pleasures but only those who are in Christ Jesus will abide forever and will inherit all things. lJn. 2:17; Rev. 21:7.
e. Because there is a great reward fora soul winner. Pr. 11:30; Dan. 12: 3.

Class Activity 1: Why are souls still perishing despite the large number of believers on earth?

Lesson Outline 2: WHAT DO I NEED TO BEA FISHER OF MEN?

Note to Teacher Task: Teacher should state the following requirements to be a soul winner:

i. You must be born again and be sure of your salvation. Only the saved can serve. I Pet. 1:23

ii. You must be living a pure life. A life surrendered to Jesus Christ and dedicated to Him. 1 Jn. 3:3.

iii. A fisher must be patient, vigilant and hardworking. This is so because the big fish lives in deep waters.1Thess. 5;14.

iv. You must be prayerful. Prayers remove the obstacles on the path of the fishers and the souls. 2Thess, 1:11.

v. The one fishing for souls must at least have a fair knowledge of the word of God. You must study the Bible diligently. 2Tim.2:15.

vi. The fisher of men needs wisdom to respond to questions agitating the mind of the soul to be won. God gives wisdom liberally-James 1: 5.

vii. You must be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives power for a successful soul fishing. Acts 1:8; Eph. 5:18.

viii. You must have compassion for lost souls, otherwise, you will work with a dead, mechanical and dispassionate concern. Sinners know those who are truly concerned about them. Mt. 9:36.

Class Activity 2: Why do you think God places a high premium on winning souls?

SUMMARY:
Go and win souls for Christ.

CONCLUSION:
Follow Christ. He is calling you now, Matthew 4: 1 9b, 21c

EVALUATION:
What is fishing for men’s souls?
Who is a fisher of men?

CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, let the whole body of believers obey you and become soul winners.

ASSIGNMENT:
God places premium on soul winners. Why? Give five points to support this position.

Read previous RCCG Sunday School Teacher’s Manual Here

SUNDAY SCHOOL 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?

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Topic: The Price For Leadership

Leadership is not about occupying a sit but about accomplishing a feat; it is making a bold achievement via the act of courage and great skill. Everyone in leadership attains to it; therefore do not expect it to be entrusted to you if you are not willing to pay the price. You can never become a leader without paying the price for it.

Leadership is not in the title you wear but in the values you add. It is not in the positions you occupy but in the outstanding contributions you make. Leadership is not about leading the people; it is about taking the lead in your given task.

Billy Graham of blessed memory became an outstanding leader in his field by taking the lead in his assignment. He did not swerve into politics but maintained his course and stood out in his field. The presidents of nations that had the opportunity to have a handshake with Billy Graham when he was alive, add it to their Resume that they had a handshake with him.

Leadership has nothing to do with colour or race; it has to do with accomplishment. So, the colour of a man is not his deterrent; his low accomplishment is what defines his low rating.

The good news is that you have a leadership heritage in Christ as a child of God because you are a beneficiary of the Abrahamic covenant.

Gen 17:4-5 -As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. 5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.

Also, Jesus died to make you a beneficiary of the Abrahamic covenant. He was made a curse for you.

Gal.3:13-14 – Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

You belong to the Abrahamic seed and so by heritage, you are either a king or an institution. You are also redeemed you as a priest and king to reign on the earth.

Rev. 5:10 – And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Therefore, by redemption, you have a leadership heritage. You are a salt of the earth and that makes you an asset to your world; not a liability. You are also the light of the world and that makes you a pace setter.

Knowing all these now, it is time to take up your leadership role and stand out in that area God has called you and impact your world as a leader you are.

God bless you

Click HERE to read other Inspiring Messages by Pastor David Ibiyeomie

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Topic: Get Ready for Joy [Joyce Meyer’s Devotional Saturday June 2, 2018]

I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. — John 15:5

Does your happiness depend on everything in your life being just right? If you think you can’t be happy until all your circumstances are right, you will never be happy. We all experience times in life when we feel down for various reasons, but we can’t allow our circumstances to control our emotions.

Satan seeks to fill your mind with negative thoughts and emotions that cause you to feel down because He is a discourager. But Jesus is your encourager, and He came to lift you up. He came to give you righteousness, joy, and all the things that cause you to feel “up”!

We all experience times of frustration and distress over unfulfilled hopes and dreams. When things don’t go according to your plans, it’s normal to feel disappointment. Things may make you feel sad temporarily, but when you know that weeping only lasts for a time and then comes joy, it makes everything better.

Prayer Starter: Father, Your Word says that You are “the Lifter of my head” (see Psalm 3:3). Today, I offer any sadness, discouragement and disappointment to You. Help me to purposely choose to walk in Your joy, knowing that You have so many good things ahead for my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.

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Topic: The “Chewing” Years [Our Daily Bread 2 Saturday June, 2018]

Read: 1 Peter 2:1–11, Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 17–18; John 13:1–20

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

My wife recently gave me a Labrador retriever puppy we named Max. One day when Max was spending time with me in my study, I was concentrating at my desk and heard the sound of paper ripping behind me. I turned to find a guilty-looking puppy with a book wide open and a page dangling from his mouth.

Our veterinarian tells us that Max is going through his “chewing years.” As puppies lose their milk teeth and permanent ones grow, they soothe their gums by chewing almost anything. We have to watch Max carefully to ensure he isn’t gnawing on something that could harm him, and we point him to healthy alternatives.

Max’s urge to chew—and my responsibility to watch him—cause me to think about what we “chew on” in our minds and hearts. Do we carefully consider what we are feeding our eternal souls when we read or surf the web or watch TV? The Bible encourages us, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good” (1 Peter 2:2–3). We need to fill ourselves daily with God’s Word and truth if we are to thrive as followers of Christ. Only then can we grow to maturity in Him.

Prayer: Loving Lord, help me to hunger for You and Your Word and to stay away from that which harms me. Fill me with Your goodness today.

When Christ returns, what will He find us craving?

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

This message was written By James Banks [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

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Topic: Begin to Praise [Kenneth & Gloria Copeland, Saturday June 2, 2018]

Rejoice in the Lord, O you [uncompromisingly] righteous [you upright, in right standing with God]; for praise is becoming and appropriate for those who are upright [in heart]. – Psalm 33:1, The Amplified Bible

Praise. According to the Word of God, that’s the most appropriate, becoming thing that you as a believer can do.

Let me warn you though, God’s idea of “appropriate” praise and your idea of appropriate praise may well be two very different things. The praise He calls for is joyous and uninhibited. And, at times, it’s just plain loud!

If you don’t believe it, look in the Bible and see the kind of praise that goes on in heaven. Read Isaiah 6 and find out how they act in the throne room. The seraphim shout in there until the doorposts shake! And when they do, the glory of the Lord fills the house.

When you get to heaven, you’re going to be praising like that too. You’re going to be leaping and praising God with every part of your being. But don’t wait until then to start. Begin now.

Decide today that instead of praising God the way you like, you are going to start doing it the way He likes. Begin to release those praises joyously, uninhibitedly. Don’t wait until you get to heaven to praise God with all your being. Do it now. He deserves it!

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8

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.

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Topic: Build Faith, Destroy Doubt [Andrew Wommack Saturday June 2, 2018]

Matthew 17:20 “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”

Text: Matthew 17:9-20; Mark 9:9-27; Luke 9:37-42

The disciples’ unbelief in this instance was not a disbelief in God’s power to produce deliverance, but rather a “natural” kind of unbelief that came from a hardened heart that was more sensitive to what it saw than to what it believed. Jesus said that a very small amount of faith (a “mustard seed”) is sufficient to remove a mountain, if no unbelief is present to hinder it.

Jesus was disappointed that His disciples had not been able to cast this devil out. Most people would have had no criticism of these disciples. After all, it wasn’t normal to have power over evil spirits. However, Jesus had already given these disciples power and authority over all devils. These disciples had also already used this power and authority successfully on previous occasions, making them more accountable than others. They weren’t just normal men any longer. They had a supernatural ability and calling.

We also receive power from on high when the Holy Ghost comes upon us, and it becomes our normal Christian service to use this power to witness to others.

We can always look around and find plenty of Christians who are not using this power, but 2 Corinthians 10:12 says that comparing ourselves among ourselves is not wise. Most Christians are living so far below what God intended for them that when someone begins to live a normal Christian life (according to God’s standard), then everyone thinks he’s abnormal. We will be successful when we not only build our faith but destroy our doubts.

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

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).

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Topic: No Regrets [Billy Graham’s Devotional Saturday June 2, 2018]

If we are living now by the Holy Spirit’s power, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. — Galatians 5:25 (TLB)

When Bill Borden, son of the wealthy Bordens, went out to China as a missionary, many of his friends thought he was foolish to “waste his life,” as they put it, trying to convert a few heathens to Christianity. But Bill loved Christ and he loved men! He hadn’t been out there very long before he contracted an oriental disease and died. At his bedside they found a note that he had written while he was dying. It read, “No reserve, no retreat, and no regrets.” Bill had found more happiness in his few years of sacrificial service than most people find in a lifetime.

Prayer for the day: Help me not to count the cost of serving You, Lord Jesus, but let me be completely yielded to Your leading.

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.

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