TOPIC: Essentials Of Follow-Up [Sunday, 17th June 2018]

MEMORY VERSE: “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” – 2 Timothy 2:2 (scroll down for SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Colossians 4:7-8

7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

INTRODUCTION:
It is an established fact that fruit bearing is a must for the believer and that abiding fruit is God’s command. We must, therefore, proceed to discover some methods of follow-up in order to have fruits that will abide in the kingdom forever.

LESSON OUTLINES
1. Some methods of follow-up ministry
2. Paul and Timothy type of relationship examined

SOME METHODS OF FOLLOW-UP MINISTRY
Following an evangelistic/crusade, a nursery/baptismal class is convened to provide specific help to those who are young in faith (Matthew 28:20). Age or gender-specific instructions or teachings may also be organised (1Timothy 5:1-20). Home Bible study groups or home fellowship centres are good follow-up programmes (Acts 2:46; 16:40; Romans 16:3-5). The use of Christian literatures could be of tremendous use, the best of which is the Holy Bible. Other biographies could be of value. Paul, for example, insisted that the teaching letter to the Colossians be read also to the Laodicean church and vice-versa (Colossians 4:16). In modern days, we should take advantage of technology especially the communication gadgets (mobile phones, computers etc), to send short messages, e-mails, etc. New converts can also be followed up through the platforms of the social media networks (Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, etc).

PAUL AND TIMOTHY TYPE OF RELATIONSHIP EXAMINED
This is a closer personalised method of follow-up. It is virtually the most effective (2 Timithy 2:2). During this type of relationship, emphasis is placed on Christian living, Bible doctrine and winning others. Paul emphasised this greatly in his personal follow-up and discipling of Timothy, his son in the Lord (1 Timothy 1:15-18; 4:12-13; 2:1-15). Timothy was brought up in basic Bible doctrines and also instructed to teach others likewise (1 Timothy 1:3-4), especially as it is so easy to make shipwreck or become victim of false teachers and heresies (1 Timothy 1:19-20; 4:1-7; 2 Timothy 2:15-16; 3:1-12; 4:1-5). The personal approach also warned on possibility of backsliding or even apostasy (1 Timothy 6:20-21; 2 Timothy 4:10), and the need to beware of evil association (2 Timothy 4:14-15).

CONCLUSION:
The essence of learning some follow-up techniques is that we shall do them. Remember, the doer fo the word is more blessed than the hearer only (James 1:22-25). If our fruits abide, we shall be rewarded. Here, we shall be full of joy and hereafter we shall shine forever (1Thessalonians 2:19-20; Daniel 12:3).

QUESTIONS:
1. List at least three methods of follow-up.
2. In few words, describe Paul-Timothy type of relationship with reference to follow-up.

Click to read previous RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual June 10th, 2018 Lesson 41 — Bearing Fruits That Will Abide

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?

Topic: Practise The Principle Of Sowing And Reaping [TREM Devotional Saturday June 16, 2018]

“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22

When you have given your heart to Christ, you need to begin to obey what Jesus said concerning sowing and reaping. When you now obey Him in your finances, then you are on your way to financial abundance. The common excuse is: “But I don’t have”. Beloved, everyone has something to give. And some of you sit in church and you say I am not working. My Pastor knows that I am not working so I cannot give tithe. You are shooting yourself in the leg. Yes, you are not working I know, but has somebody ever given you money, either for upkeep, pocket money or simply a donation, no matter how small? Once any money comes to you, take out one-tenth of it, don’t touch it.

Let me ask you something. Those of you who don’t pay tithe, if you are in a business deal with somebody and he is supposed to give you $1 out of $10 and the person suddenly takes your own $1 and his $9, will you be happy? No! So, you get upset when they take your own and you want God to be happy when you take His own.

Beloved, God owns everything! But He says take 90% and give me 10%. I think that is a fair deal! There is no man that will do that with you. God does not ask us to give because He is in lack. God asks us to give because He wants to bless us abundantly. Our giving secures the flow of God’s abundance into our lives. Don’t ever cut back in your tithing, your offerings and your seed faith. Giving is God’s wisdom for financial increase. Walk in this wisdom.

Further Reading: Luke 6:38, Acts 20:35

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Nehemiah 4-6; Evening- Acts 2:22-47

“If you missed yesterday devotional click HERE to read TREM’s 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: As Advertised [Our Daily Bread 16 Saturday June, 2018]

Read: John 16:25–33, Bible in a Year: Nehemiah 4–6; Acts 2:22–47

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

During a vacation, my husband and I signed up for a leisurely rafting tour down Georgia’s Chattahoochee River. Dressed in sandals, a sundress, and a wide brimmed hat, I groaned when we discovered—contrary to the advertisement—that the trip included light rapids. Thankfully, we rode with a couple experienced in whitewater rafting. They taught my husband the basics of paddling and promised to navigate us safely to our destination. Grateful for my life jacket, I screamed and gripped the plastic handle on the raft until we reached the muddy bank downriver. I stepped onto the shore and dumped water from my purse as my husband helped me wring out the hem of my soaked dress. We enjoyed a good laugh, even though the trip had not turned out as advertised.

Unlike the tour brochure, which clearly left out a key detail about the trip, Jesus explicitly warned His disciples that rough waters were ahead. He told them that they’d be persecuted and martyred and that He would die and be resurrected. He also guaranteed His trustworthiness, affirming that He would guide them toward undeniable triumph and everlasting hope (John 16:16–33).

Although it would be nice if life were easier when we follow Jesus, He made it clear that His disciples would have troubles. But He promised to be with us. Trials won’t define, limit, or destroy God’s plan for us, because Jesus’s resurrection has already propelled us to eternal victory.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the promises in Your Word that assure us You’ve planned our path and remain with us and for us, no matter what comes.

Jesus promises to be with us through the roughest waters.

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: Jesus Paid It All [Andrew Wommack Saturday June 16, 2018]

John 8:28 “Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.”

Text: John 8:12-30

This is the second of three times that Jesus spoke of Himself being “lifted up” (1st – Jn. 3:14; 3rd – Jn. 12:32-33). As the scripture explains in John 12:33, this was a reference to crucifixion as the means of His death. The lifting up is speaking of being lifted up from the earth and suspended on a cross in crucifixion. The Jews understood that Jesus was speaking of death.

The crucifixion didn’t just happen. It was planned by God. Does this mean that God bears all responsibility and those who were actually instrumental in the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus are not guilty? Not at all. Jesus came to the earth to die in our place and thereby purchase redemption for us. That was His plan but He didn’t force anyone to fulfill it. His ministry and message placed Him in direct opposition with the devil and his followers. Their hatred for Jesus caused them of their own free will to crucify Jesus.

God, in all His wisdom, simply knew what man would do and He determined to use their rejection of His Son to accomplish His will. He never controls our will to accomplish His.

If a person truly understands the message of the cross, then he understands grace. Jesus didn’t just make a token sacrifice for us. He paid it all. There’s no sacrifice that we can make that will add to or replace the sacrifice of Christ. He did it all, and we can thank Him forever!

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).

Topic: Look Deeply [Billy Graham’s Devotional Saturday June 16, 2018]

Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word. — Psalm 119:18 (TLB)

Some, who doubt that the Bible is the true Word of God, doubt it because they are unwilling to ascribe to God anything they cannot themselves achieve. If you have any uncertainty about the inspiration of the Bible, go back and look at it again. Look at it in the light of a person who has been staring at a mud puddle all his life, and who is confronted for the first time by a view of the ocean!

Perhaps you are only now catching your first glimpse of God’s unlimited power. Perhaps you are only now beginning to understand Him for what He actually is. For if God is the Spirit that Jesus declares Him to be, there is no problem of providence, there is no problem of His sovereignty in the affairs of men, there is no problem of His inspiration of the men who wrote the Bible. Everything fits into place, once you understand who and what God really is.

Prayer for the day: My Father and my God, as I read the Scriptures each day, You open my eyes to more of the glories of Your wondrous love.

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.

Topic: Hang On [Kenneth & Gloria Copeland, Saturday June 16, 2018]

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. – Isaiah 55:11

Did you know that the battleground for the problem you’re facing right now is in your mind and on your lips? If you’ll hit the devil with the Word and cast the care of the situation over on God, you’ll win.

Let me warn you though, hanging on to the Word isn’t always easy. The devil knows that if he doesn’t steal it from you, you’ll use it to enforce his defeat.

So don’t be surprised when he sends an evil spirit to exalt itself against the Word of God. If you’re sick, he may begin to tell you, “You’re not healed. You know that healing’s not for today. Even if it were, it wouldn’t work for you. It might work for someone else but not you.”

If he starts to tell you that kind of thing, don’t buy it! Don’t start worrying around about it and thinking, Oh my, I’m afraid I’m not going to get healed. I sure don’t feel healed. Why, I’m probably going to just get worse and worse….

Remember this: It’s the Word that does the work, not the one holding on to it. It’ll work for anyone who’ll put it to work. It’ll work for you just like it worked for Jesus when He walked the earth.

He told Satan, “It is written!” No matter what the devil tries to tell you, refuse to let go of the Word. Tell him what is written concerning your situation. Let the Word fight its own fight. It’ll whip the devil every time.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 19:7-14

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.