CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MINISTRIES, INC.

LIFE TRANSFORMATION CENTRE, EVBUODIA, BENIN CITY. BIBLE STUDY, SEPTEMBER,2011. THEME: UNDERSTANDING THE ART OF EVANGELISM. TEXT. JOHN 4:1-30; LK.10:1-12 INTRODUCTION Art is the ability or skill involved in doing or making something. Evangelism is the art of persuading people to become Christians. It involves skill or ability. In other words, there is a way evangelism should be done for it to be effective. When the Lord gave the Great Commission in Mt.28:19,20, He made evangelism the supreme task of the church and the duty of every believer. His intention was not for us to just talk to people about Jesus, but He intends that by our talking to them, they will become His disciples. If we must win disciples for Christ through our evangelism, then we must do it properly. To show us this proper way of doing evangelism is the focus of this bible study. 1. Approach How do you approach people in order to evangelize them? (i) Courtesy requires that you greet them first as you get to them. Mt. 10:11,12. (ii) Be humble, courteous and never be rude. (iii) Be cheerful but not unserious or joking. (iv) Endeavour to approach people when you can secure their full attention like when they are alone and not doing something that takes much of their attention, like football match involving a team they are interested in. Jn.3:5-8.

2.

Opening up a discussion How do you start? (i) (ii) Using tract: You can give a tract you have already read and begin the discussion with the content of the tract. You can start with the present situation you meet them with. Jn. 4:1-10; Acts 8:29-35. You can also start with a familiar story or incidence. Mt. 13: 1-9. You can also introduce your mission straight away. Mt.3:1,2.

(iii) (iv) 3.

Presentation of the message. (i) Still be courteous. Do not be abusive, the person is a human being and not a dog. Jn.4:16-18. Note that in the encounter between Jesus and the woman of Samaria, even though Jesus knew quite well the manner of person that woman was, He never condemned or spoke despitefully to her. However, be firm and confident in your message.

(ii) (iii)

Avoid unnecessary argument. 1Tim. 2:23-26. Leave anyone who does not want to listen to or who persists in making mockery of the gospel. Do not try to force it on anyone. Mt. 10:14, 15. Answer questions that you know the answers to and promise to get answers to the ones you do not know. Never give a false answer to save face. Arouse the persons interest by telling him something more interesting than what he knows already. Jn.4:10-15. Do not dominate the discussion. Allow the person to speak also and listen to him when he wants to speak. Jn.4:19-24. Be clear with your message and do not sound ambiguous or mystic. Jn. 4:21-26.

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

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(viii) Do not allow the person to drag you away from your message. Always come back to the point. Jn. 4:19-24. (ix) (x) Do not allow the person to make you angry. Be in control of your emotion. Do not allow the discussion to be unnecessarily too long; the person may lose interest. Be sensitive to know when the Holy Spirit wants you to hit the point. Jn.4:15-19.

4.

Closing the discussion. (i) (ii) Always seek to bring the person to the point of personal conviction. Jn.4:16-18. Offer him solution when he has seen his personal need for help and never before that. This will make the person to value the solution and will personally share the solution with others. Jn. 4:25-30. Conclude with leading the person in prayer of commitment. Make the person to speak words of commitment with his own mouth. Jn. 40-42; Rom. 10:9,10.

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CONCLUSION There is need to follow up the initial contact with further visits if the person made sincere commitment. This is to consolidate the work that has been done at the first contact and also to uproot the tares that the enemy might have gone to plant. Also make the person to see the need for him to be coming to church for fellowship and to read the bible. Mt.28:20; Acts 2:41,42; Heb. 10:24,25.

CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MINISTRIES, INC.

LIFE TRANSFORMATION CENTRE, EVBUODIA, BENIN CITY.

BIBLE STUDY - 2011.

THEME: THE CHALLENGE OF LIVING LIKE JESUS IN A CROOKED AND PERVERSE GENERATION. TEXT: PHILIPIANS 2:12-17 INTRODUCTION That the generation in which we are living is a crooked and perverse one is no news. It is so glaring from any angle one may look at it. The decay and rottenness is so deep and overwhelming that the only thing that seems to be the solution is for God to wipe it out as He did to the world of Noah. (Gen. 6:1-8). The two generations seem to be the same in perverseness, but the present one in which we live seems to be more perverse, hence many who are called Christians are not shinning as lights in the midst of darkness. Be as it may, something is worthy of note about the generation of Noah: despite the level of decay and perverseness, God was still able to find one man Noah, who was righteous among them. He was the only righteous man among them shinning as light in the midst of darkness and preaching righteousness to the rest of the people who mocked him and never repented. Gen. 6:13,14; 7:1,2; 2Pet. 2:4-11. Lot was also found a righteous man among the wicked and perverse cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. These men continued to shine as lights in their generations despite the overwhelming crookedness and perverseness. Therefore, God will also expect us to shine as lights in the midst of the darkness of our time despite the overwhelming decay. Too many a Christian have succumbed to the overwhelming weight of the rottenness due to the many challenges they face and could not withstand because of the perverseness. There is no excuse for such; for God has answers for us to all those challenges we may be facing in our bid to continue to be like Christ in a perverse generation like ours. If you dont want to be destroyed with the ungodly of this perverse generation, then pay close attention to the answers and solutions the Lord will give us in this study. 1. Ours is not the first crooked and perverse generation. There have been several others before ours; but in each of them, God has always found a man or men who stood out as lights in the midst of darkness. Let us see some of them. He found Noah in his generation. Gen.6:1-8; 7:1

(i)

(ii) (iii)

He found Lot in Sodom and Gomorrah. Gen.19:1-14; 2Pet.2:5-8. He found Joshua and Caleb among the whole lot of Israel in the wilderness. Num.14:114,26-31. (iv) Elijah was found in the evil regime of wicked Ahab and his wife Jezebel.1Kgs.19:1-10 (v) Daniel, Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego were found in the midst of idolatrous Babylon. Dan.1:3-14. (vi) Joseph stood for righteousness in Egypt even when he had no encouragement from any where. Gen. 39:1-12. Will God find you the righteous one in the present perverse and crooked generation? 2. The challenges facing the disciple of Christ as he tries to live like Christ among people who live like Satan. (i) The challenge of being an odd person out or different from the rest of the people standing in opposition to the ways of others. Dan. 3:1-26; 6:1-13. (ii) The challenge of sacrificing the sweetness or pleasure of sin and the world. Gen.39:7-12; Dan.1:3-14; Prov. 7:6-23. (iii) The challenge of being rejected by family and friends. Mt.10:34-39; Jn.9:1-9,13,14. (iv) The challenge of suffering for righteousness losing your rights because you stand for the truth and righteousness- Gen.39:13-20. (v) The challenge of peer influence or pressure. Jn.21:1-6; Gal.2:11-13. 3. How will a disciple of Christ handle these challenges? Those who have decided to be followers of Christ must understand from the onset that their master, the Lord Jesus Christ came into the world not to do things the way the world has been doing it but to show the way things ought to be done. However, most of the time the ways He would do His own things would be in opposition to the ways the world would do their own. But a disciple must identify with his master. Hence a disciple of Christ has no choice but to identify with the way Christ did things and commanded and never the way the world does. As disciples of Christ, we must see life from Christs perspective and must be ready to stand in contrast to the world system which opposes Christs world view (view point). 1Jn.2:3-6. Now, let us see Christs view point on various issues in life. (i) Jesus concept of association and identification with people. Mt. 10:16-33. A disciple of Christ in the midst of unbelievers is like a sheep in the midst of wolves and should not expect to be welcomed or feel belonging in their midst. A disciple of Christ should be proud of belonging to Christ and should never aspire to be accepted by the unbelievers. His concept of pleasure. Mt.5:3,4; 16:26. Lk,9:23,24. Those who are poor in spirit, who realize their need of God and mourn for their sins instead of enjoying the pleasure of it are blessed and will have the kingdom of heaven. Those who have the pleasure of this world but have no pleasure of heaven have

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

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gained nothing; but those who deny themselves the pleasures of this world for the sake of Christ will gain much more in return. Family attachment. Mt.10:21-37; Mk.3:31-35. A disciple of Christ should expect opposition even from his own family and can be persecuted by them. He should be ready to be at variance with his family members who oppose the way of the Lord. Moreover, ones real family is the body of believers in Christ. Jesus thoughts on suffering. Mt.5:10-12; 1Pet. 3:13-17. Those who suffer for righteousness are blessed. Heaven belongs to them, and they have nothing to lose, so long as they do not suffer for a wrong doing. His teaching on following the crowd. Mt.5:13-16; 7:13, 14; Rom.12:2; Eph.4:17-24. The believers are the light and salt of the earth. They are to illuminate and season (i.e. change the look and taste ) of the world by their godly influence and not to desire to be like the world. In the matter of Gods Kingdom, the majority, most of the time, miss the mark. So following the popular opinion or allowing undue pressure from peers to influence one can be dangerous. So long as one knows he is following Gods path, he should disregard the popular opinion and stick to the minority and unpopular opinion that is right. Note: Constant reading, meditation and hiding the word of God in your heart will help you to know Jesus perspective on various issues in life. Ps.119:9-11. So keep reading and studying the word of God especially the Gospel. CONCLUSION With the above points on the perspectives of Jesus on various issues in life, we now have ready answers to all the challenges a believer faces in trying to live like Jesus in the crooked and perverse generation. We can therefore conclude that despite the challenges a believer faces in this crooked and perverse generation, he can still shine as light in the midst of darkness. The summary is for the believer to view life from a different perspective from that of the world just as Jesus came to teach and show us. The world is already doomed for destruction; only those who do not mind being destroyed together with the world would want to be like the world. 1Jn.2:15-17. Do not copy this crooked and perverse generation. A great reward awaits you if you endure to the end.

CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MINISTRIES, INC.

LIFE TRANSFORMATION CENTRE, EVBUODIA, BENIN CITY.
BIBLE STUDY 2011/2012. THEME: CONSISTENT CHRISTIAN LIVING TEXT: LK 12:35-46 INTRODUCTION Consistency is the state of always keeping to the same principles or course of action. Consistent Christian living therefore is Always living according to the Christian standard as exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ, not blowing hot and cold from time to time. It has become very important to consider this topic seeing how careless many Christians have become about their Christian life. Many no more consider consistent Christian lifestyle as something necessary or a demand from the Lord. It has become a common occurrence to see believers attend a special programme and become charged up only to relapse to their former ways of doing things shortly after. Many have become like the Ephesian Christians- neither hot nor cold. Some like Ananias the high priest(Acts 23:1,2) even attack those who try to make a case for consistent righteous living. They argue that it is not possible for any human to maintain a consistent holy living without faltering; as if God has said somewhere in the bible that it is not possible for anyone to live holy consistently without faltering. On the contrary, I see everywhere in the bible that God is demanding that His people consistently, that is always, do the things He has commanded them to do. Now, it must be noted that God can never make a demand for consistent Christian living from His people when He knows it is not possible for them. If God demands consistent Christian living from Christians, it means He has already given them the ability to do so. What the Christian has to do is to find out from God through His word what he can do in order to achieve this. This is what we seek to do in this study. Keep your heart open therefore and let us investigate this matter together. 1. A case for Consistent Christian living - Biblical injunctions. (i) Right from the beginning God demanded and actually expected consistent obedience to His instructions from Adam and Eve. Gen.2:15-17. The very first instance of inconsistency in obedience in man landed him and indeed the whole human race the predicament we are in up till today. Gen. 3:1-24. (ii) Abraham and Sarah When God promised them a son, He expected them to consistently believe Him until the fulfillment. The first concrete manifestation of inconsistency in their faith produced Ishmael. This trouble is still with us today in the havoc Islam is causing all over the world. (iii) The inconsistencies of Israel in believing God for the promised land kept them in the wilderness for forty years for a journey that would not have taken them more than eleven days to make. Num.13:26 -14:12, 20-25.

Moses God testified that Moses was the meekest man on earth and was faithful in all His house and He punished those who opposed Moses, yet one case of inconsistency in faithfulness in Moses cost him entering the promised land. Num.12:4-10; 16:1-35; 20:7-12; Deut.3:23-28; 32:48-52. (v) God expected Israel to obey all the laws He gave them which would attract great blessings. Ex.15:26; 23:20-27; Deut.6:6-9, 20-25. Inconsistency of Israel in obeying the laws God gave them kept them in suffering for a long time and actually sent them on exile for seventy years. 2Chron. 36:14-21. (vi) God testified for David that he was a man after His own heart, but two instances of inconsistency in David with this testimony in the matter of Bathsheba and counting of Israel brought so much punishment to David and the people of Israel. 1Sam. 13:13; 14:2; 2Sam. 12:1-14; 24:1-4, 10-15. (vii) Jesus made it plain to those Jews who believed in Him that the only thing that will prove that they were truly His disciples is their continuing (i.e. consistent) in His word. Jn.8:30,31. (viii) It is also clear from Pauls and Johns writings that it is not expected that any person who has been born of God and baptized into Christ should go into sin again. Rom.6:17,14-23; 1Jn.3:1-9. (iv) Note: It is true there is provision for forgiveness if we sin and repent, yet , Gods ultimate desire is that we sin not at all. 1Jn.2:1,2. Any time we fall into sin, which amounts to inconsistent Christian living, we suffer loss. 2. Why is Consistent Christian Living indispensable? Jesus is coming back to take home an undefiled church without spot or wrinkle and no one knows when. Again the condition He finds one at His coming is what He will use to judge the one. Ezek.33:12,13; Suppose He comes and meets you at a time your life is not consistent with the right Christian standard, what explanation will you give? Mt. 25:1-13; Lk. 12:35-46. What are the things that make consistent Christian living possible? (i) Sincere repentance and conversion as well as sincere commitment to live true Christian life. Acts 26:12-20. Also read Acts 23:1&24:14-17. (ii) Constant study, hearing and meditation on the word of God. Jos. 1:7,8; Ps.119:9-11; Jas. 1:22-25. (iii) Consistent prayer which strengthens one to resist every temptation of the devil Mt.26:36-41; 1Pet.5:8,9. (iv) Constantly walking in the Spirit. Gal. 5:16-18. Read also Rom.8:14. (v) Avoiding bad company and having godly friends and fellowship. Prov.22:24, 25; 1Cor.15:33; 2Cor. 6:14-18; Eph. 5:11-13; Heb.10:24,25.

3.

Always minding the things you watch, read and discussions you listen to. 2Sam.11:1-4; 16:20-22; Job 31:1. (vii) Always occupying yourself with godly activities like praying, listening to and singing godly songs, watching Christian films and programmes; evangelism; church activities; godly business in godly environment; Christian counseling etc. 1Tim.5:11-14; 2Tim.2:3-5. Note: If you can keep to these points mentioned above, it will be very difficult for the wicked one to take you unawares and lure you into sin. There is no alternative to doing these if you really want to live a consistent Christian life. 4. Many ordinary mortals like us have lived consistent godly lives before and so we can also. Some examples will suffice us. (i) Samuel Who people of Israel did not find any fault with. 1Sam. 12:1-5. (ii) Joseph Was consistent in godliness even in the face of difficulty and unjust treatment. Gen.39:7-23; 45:1-15. (iii) Joshua and Caleb - There was no record of their faltering at any point in time. Jos.24:26-31. (iv) Elijah and Elisha were consistent in godliness till death. 1Kgs. 19:13,14; 2Kgs.2:1, 11; 13:20,21. (v) Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were very consistent in their faithfulness unto God even in the face of death. Dan. 3:16-18; 6:10, 19-22. (vi) Job was a consistent righteous man even in very difficult situations. Jo 1:7-12,2022; 2:9,10; 42:1-6,10-17 (vii) The early apostles were very consistent in there walk with God. (viii) Paul the apostle was a consistent Christian till death. Acts 23:1; 24:16; 2Tim.4:6-8 (ix) Our Lord Jesus Christ was a very good example of consistency in godliness for us to follow. Jn. 8:45,46; 14:30. CONCLUSION We can be consistent in our Christian living. Our God is consistent in His holiness and He wants us to also be consistently holy as He is. Just have a strong desire for a consistent Christian living and press forward to live the life and God will always be very pleased with you for doing so.

(vi)

CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MINISTRIES, INC.

LIFE TRANSFORMATION CENTRE, EVBUODIA, BENIN CITY.
BIBLE STUDY 2012. THEME: INCENTIVES FOR LIVING THE CHRIST LIKE LIFE. TEXT: JOHN 14:1-4 INTRODUCTION Incentive is something which encourages one to work harder or start new activities. Every human being needs incentives in anything he/she does in life in order to be really committed to it. These incentives can be in form of an immediate or future benefit or pleasure or fulfillment that one derives from such activity or work. Whichever it may be, where incentives are absent completely, there will be the tendency to back out. Incentives seem to have become necessary to motivate man to do what he is supposed to do since after the fall. God knows this well and hence has provided a lot of these incentives to man so that he can serve Him and live like Jesus without looking back. In this study, we want to take time to look at those things that God has provided for us to enjoy if we follow the lifestyle of Jesus. The knowledge of these incentives will help to offset the effort of the devil to discourage people from living this Christ-like life. The essence of this study is to encourage you to pursue righteousness with every commitment. 1. Why the incentives?:- Does God need to give incentives to man before he should follow Him? The incentives became necessary when the enemy began to provide man false incentives which led man to rebel against Gods instruction in obedience to the devils counsel and hence took man out of Gods plan. Since the enemy is still determined to continue to use his wicked incentives to deceive man to keep on rebelling against God, it became necessary for God to make it plain to man what he stands to gain for obeying Him and what he will suffer for disobeying Him. God is doing this just for the love He has for man not because God has anything to lose. Read Gen. 2:15-17; 3:1-24. 2. What are these incentives? There are two categories of the incentives. (i) The eternal incentives:- which we are to enjoy at the end of the age. These eternal incentives are the most important. (ii) The immediate incentives:- which we are to enjoy now while in this life and body. These immediate incentives are also important but not as the eternal ones. However, anyone that will really live the Christ- like life will naturally and obviously enjoy them without struggle. Eternal Incentives (i) Eternal Life:- Jn. 6:16. This is freedom from eternal damnation. While the wicked or the sinner will be languishing in the torment of hell fire forever and ever, the believer who has

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lived like Christ would be enjoying eternal peace and happiness in Gods kingdom. Mk. 9:43-48; Lk.16:19-31; Rev.20:11-15; 21:1-4,8; 22:1-5,14,15. Better atmosphere and conducive environment - where there is no stress and pain as we have here on earth. Jn. 14:1-14, 9-27; Rev.22:1-5, 10-15. Read also 1Thess. 4:13-18. Rulership with Christ during His millennial reign. Mt.19:27,28; Rev.20:4-6.

The immediate incentives (i) Bodily healing and health. Ex. 15:26; 23:25; Mt.8:16,17; Jas.5:-16. (ii) Material provision. Ps. 23:1-3; 37:25,26; Mt.6:25-33. (iii) Divine protection from the enemy and dangers. Ps23:4-6; 91; Is.43:1-7; 54:14-17; Mt.10:27-31; Lk.10:19b. (iv) He will never forsake or forget us. Is. 49:14-17; Heb.13:5,6. (v) Power over the enemy and his works. Mk.16:17,18;Lk.10:19a. (vi) Answers to prayers. Ps.34:15,16; Is. 65:24; Mt.7:7-11; Jn. 14:12-14;15:7; 16:23,24. (vii) Holy Spirit to empower and guide. Lk.24:49; Jn.14:15-18; 16:7-16; Acts 1:8. (viii) Wisdom and knowledge more than our detractors.Ps.119:97-100; Mt.10:18-20;Acts 4:5-13. (ix) Long life. Ex.23:26; Ps.34:12-14; 91:16. (x) Fruitfulness. Ex.23:26; Ps.127:3-5. 3. How can one enjoy these incentives? By believing Gods word- That He can never lie nor make empty promises. Mk.11:22-24. As long as one is living like Jesus, he should boldly enter into those promises, for he that has promised is faithful and will surely fulfill it. Rom.4:20,21; Heb.6:16-18; 10:23. The first practical step into the incentives will bring encouragement to go deeper. 4. The contrast of the sinner. If one refuses to live like Christ for whatever reason, he should be ready to face the ugly end of the wicked and the unfavourable condition they face here in this life. Ps.1:4-6; 34:16; 37:17-20; Rev.16:1-21; 20:11-15; 21:8. CONCLUSION No matter how appealing or pleasant unrighteousness might look now, it cannot be enough or worthy incentive to make you miss or lose what God has kept for those who live righteously like Christ in this world. Denounce sin and Satan and embrace Jesus and His type of life and you will have so much to enjoy both now and in eternity. Memory Verse: 1Cor. 2:9 But as it is written, Eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him

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LIFE TRANSFORMATION CENTRE, EVBUODIA, BENIN CITY.
BIBLE STUDY 2012. THEME: THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD TEXT: MT. 16:13-23 INTRODUCTION Many people assume that they really know God or Christ, but the knowledge of God they have can best be described as acquaintanceship which is knowing somebody socially like at place of work or business but no friendship or intimate relationship. However, acquaintanceship can be developed into a deep friendship relationship, but that will be by choice and conscious effort. In the same way, when one is introduced to Christ, and he believes in Him, the relationship with and the knowledge of Him can be developed further through a deliberate and conscious effort of the believer. If not, that believer would be like many followers of Jesus during His earthly ministry who did not really know who He was. Even his apostles also seemed not to have known Him very deeply apart from Simon Peter. And note that when Peter said who Jesus was, Jesus said it was not flesh and blood that revealed that to him but the Father in heaven. This shows that no one can have the real knowledge of God or Christ except the one goes back to God. Mt.11:25-27. Therefore, we must make deliberate and conscious effort to go back to God and ask Him to reveal Himself to us so that we might know Him and His son Jesus Christ. In this study, we shall examine this subject more deeply so that at the end of it, we will be able to have the real knowledge of God. 1. (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) When one has the knowledge of God, what are some of the things he will know of God? He would have known Gods infinite wisdom and strength. Job 38:1-41:14(Read as much as you can);Is. 55:8-11; Jer.32:17,27. He would understand the great love of God for man and believers especially. Is.49:15,16; Jn.3:16; Rom. 8:32,33. He would have known that God is faithful and will always fulfill His word and promises. Num.23:19; Deut.7:9; 1Cor.1:9; 10:13;2Tim.2:13. He would have known the power and authority He has given to His people, the believers.Mk.11:22; Lk.10:19. He would have known His likes and dislikes; those thing that make Him happy and the ones that make Him angry. Eccl.12:13; Rev.4:11.

2.

Effects of true knowledge of God in ones life. (i) Deep zeal and commitment to His work. Acts 26:13-23; 1Cor.9:16-23. (ii) Deep love for God and Christ. Lk. 8:1-3; Mk.16:1,2; Jn.20:1-17. (iii) Perfect faith and trust in Him. Mt.14:22-29; Jn.2:1-11; 2Tim.1:8-12.

(iv) Readiness to sacrifice anything even ones life ; knowing that He is always able and will surely pay back. Gen. 22:1-14(Heb.11:17-19); Dan.3:8-18, 24-30; 6:10-22. (v) Absolute obedience to His commandments. 1Jn.2:3-6. (vi) There would be deep reverence for God. Job 42:1-6; Lk.5:1-11. Note that on the other hand, when there is no true knowledge of God, there would be lack of the above mentioned qualities in one. Again, those who do not really know Him will not Have respect for Him and can easily go back from following Him when there is difficulty. Read these passages. Ex.5:1,2; Mt.16:6-11; Jn.5:17-23; 6:53-71;8:45-59 3. (i) Benefits of true knowledge of God. Dan.11:32 Because the people who really know God have great faith and confidence in Him, they enjoy unlimited favour and blessings which come from Gods limitless ability. Ex.14:10-18; 1Kgs. 17:1-16; 2Kgs.1:7-14; 7:12-16;2Chron. 20:1-25; Mt.8:3-13;15:21-29; Lk.7:36-50; 8:40-48; Acts 3:1-10. They are bold and do not have fear of the enemy. Dan. 3:8-16; 6:10-22; Acts 4:1-20; 5:17-21. They are not afraid to ask God for big things for they know he is able and can easily afford them, and most of the time, they receive what they ask for. Ex. 33:12-34:11; 2Kgs. 6:8-20; Neh.1:8-2:8; Acts 4:23-31. Because the people who know God obey Him sacrificially, they also in return receive mighty reward from God. Gen. 22:1-14; Mt.19:27-29. Those who really know God are His instruments of great exploits for they act instantly at His commands. Ex. 4:21-23; 7:1-11; 14:15-29; Jos. 1:1,2; 3:1-17.

(ii) (iii)

(iv) (v)

4.

How can we develop our knowledge of God? No one can really know God except the one who is close to Him. We must therefore seek to draw nearer to Him. Jas.4:7,8. We can get close to God through the following ways: Deep and constant meditation on His word. Jos.1:8; Jn.5:39. Constant and deep communion with God in prayer. Ex.33:12-34:10. Purifying our hearts from sin and living righteously in obedience to His word. Jos.4:8; Is.59:1,2. (ii) We can grow in the knowledge of God as we listen to the testimonies of His acts from those who have known Him experientially. Lk.1:26-38. (iii) As we walk in the light we already have of Him, we will receive more light. Lk.10:1-12,17-19. (i)

CONCLUSION Jesus prayed to the Father that He should give eternal life to as many as He has given Him, the son; and that this eternal life is that they may know Him the true God and Himself, Jesus Christ. Jn.17:1-3. We musts therefore, in all we do, seek this knowledge of the Most High. Without it we may not amount to much.

CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MINISTRIES, INC.

LIFE TRANSFORMATION CENTRE, EVBUODIA, BENIN CITY.
BIBLE STUDY 2012. THEME: GOD OUR SUFFICIENCY TEXT: PSALM 23 INTRODUCTION One of the great benefits of knowing God is the pleasure of enjoying the all sufficiency of God. That God is our sufficiency simply means that with God, we are satisfied and need no other thing. When we have God as our own, every other thing we may need is already available in Him. When God said to Abraham in Gen. 15:1: I am your shield and exceeding great reward, He simply wanted him to relax in Him(God), for with Him, everything he needed was available for him. The Psalmist had a good understanding of the all sufficiency of God when he said in Ps. 23:1; The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want That means there is nothing I lack. God is sufficient for anyone who knows and belongs to Him. Unfortunately, many who claim to belong to God do not enjoy this all sufficiency of God. They go around struggling on their own when God is there ready to fight their battles, if only they can tell and allow Him to do it. In this study, we want to learn how we can enjoy God as our sufficiency; so that we can rest as He takes care of things on our behalf. We hope that after this study, we will cease from our struggles and allow God Our Sufficiency to really be enough for us. 1. (i) (ii) (iii) How is God all we need? He is the owner of the heavens and earth and everything in them. Ps.23:1, and whatever physical and material thing one may need in life is either in heaven or earth. He made all things heaven and earth and things inside of them as well as all spirit beings by His great power. Nothing else can be difficult or too hard for Him. Jer. 32:17,27; Job 38:1-30 He can influence any of His creatures, including Satan and all the demons to do whatever He wants to be done anytime and anywhere. 1Kgs. 22:16-22; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-9; 38:31-41; Prov.16:1; 21:1. He is the owner of wisdom and knowledge and can give to whomsoever He chooses and whoever will ask in faith. Prov. 2:6,7; Jas. 1:5-7. All power and authority belong to Him and He promotes anyone He chooses and brings down anyone He wants to bring down. He also gives power and authority to those who believe and belong to Him. Ps. 62:11; 75:4-7; Dan. 4:31-37; Mk. 16:17,18; Lk.1:46-52; 10:19.

(iv) (v)

From the above points, we can see that anyone who has God on his side already has everything. 2. How can one get God to be his own portion? When one embraces the salvation that God gives in Christ Jesus and becomes His son, everything God is and owns will belong to that one. Rom.8:28-32; 1Cor. 3:21-23. (ii) This calls for true repentance and return unto the Lord. Is.1:16-20; Ezek.33:10,11; Joel 2:12-14 (iii) There is also need to continue to walk before the Lord blameless. Gen.17:1-8; Ps.15:1-5; 24:3-6; Prov.16:7; Jas. 4:7,8. (i) What will be the attitude of one who knows God as his sufficiency? He is never worried but enjoys Gods peace, no matter the situation. Phil. 4:6,7. He does not despair in the face of unpleasant experience, situation and circumstance. Job 1:18-32; 19:25-27; 2Cor. 11:7-10. (iii) He does not fear to stand for God even in the face of danger. Dan. 1:8-20; 3:8-18;6:10-17; Acts 4:1-12,18-20; 5:17-21; 21:10-14. (iv) He does not struggle in his own strength but relies on God to see him through in any battle in life. 1Sam. 17:22-27,30-47; 2Sam. 5:17-25. (i) (ii) What happens when one fails to see the all sufficiency of God? (i) There will be worry and anxiety. Mt. 6:25-31; 16:6-10; Mk. 4:35-41. (ii) There is fear and compromise. 1Sam. 17:1-11,22-24; 28:1-10; 1Kgs. 20:1-14. (iii) There will be a tendency to depend on men and ones physical ability, strength and understanding. 2Kgs. 1:1-6; 2Chron. 16:1-9,12; Is. 31:1-3. What factors make men not to enjoy the all-sufficiency of God? When sin has separated them from God and they can no more boldly come to Him. Prov.28:1; Is. 59:1,2. (ii) Lack of knowledge of the ability of God to do all things. 2Kgs. 6:30-7:2,16-20. (iii) When one feels he has enough ability and strength as well as human helpers, which will obviously fail because they are physical. 1Sam. 17:38-40; Ps.127:1; Is. 31:1-3. (i)

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CONCLUSION How much of God do you enjoy? Note that even if you do not know or see God as sufficient for you He remains sufficient unto them that know and trust Him. Those who do not know and trust Him as such will only be suffering in the midst of plenty. If you are already a child of God, God is already for you. You can enjoy all that He is and can do. Enlarge your knowledge of Him and you will be glad the rest of your life that God is your God and your sufficiency. Memory Verse: Ps. 23:1(KJV) The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want N.B.: Everybody should memorize the whole of Ps. 23

CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MINISTRIES, INC.

LIFE TRANSFORMATION CENTRE, EVBUODIA, BENIN CITY.
BIBLE STUDY OCT, 2012. THEME: LIVING A PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE TEXTS: Eccl.12:13,14; Rev. 4:11 INTRODUCTION Purpose simply means the reason for action. So purpose-driven life is a life lived for a reason. So many people live on this earth not knowing the reason why they are living. Many just flow through life just as situations and circumstances carry them. Some others see where others are going and start going in that direction not really knowing whether that is the direction or not they should be going. Majority of human beings pursue money and other material things. They seek to take care of their stomach, health and boost their image and personality in order to gain more respect and honour from people. They pursue these with utmost zeal but at the end of the day, they discover that they do not find fulfillment in life. Can it really be that it is just to eat, wear clothes and look good and healthy and get respect from people, that we are here on earth? After all that, we just pass on, and that is the end of it? Every human being needs to ask the question, What am I here on earth to do? It is to get answer to the above question that we will go through this bible study. And may God help you to find your purpose on earth and to live that purpose. 1. What happens when one does not know ones purpose on earth? (i) Life will be tiresome. Eccl. 1:5-8. (ii) There will be no fulfillment and satisfaction in life. Eccl. 1:8,9 (iii) Life will be full of frustration as there would be many things one would not know what to do about. Eccl. 1:15. What will it be like when one knows ones purpose on earth? There will be proper focus in life as one knows exactly what to pursue. Phil. 3:13,14. Life becomes very simple as things that are not relevant to ones purpose are eliminated while attention is concentrated on things that point to the purpose. Phil. 3:7,8. (iii) There is increased motivation inside as one knows what must be accomplished. (iv) One can now easily prepare for eternity as it will become very clear that life on earth is not just going round and round but a preparation for eternity. Phil. 3:14. (i) (ii) How can one discover ones purpose on earth?

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First of all, one must know that for everything that exist, there is a maker; and any person that makes something has a purpose for which he has made that thing. Since God is the one that created everything that is created which includes man, He has a purpose for which He has made them. Therefore one must have to go back to God to find out why He has put him/her here on earth and Gods word makes His mind clear on this matter. Life on earth is to do what God wants and hence give Him pleasure. Eccl.12:13; Rev. 4:11.

(iii) (iv) (v) (vi)

Life on earth is a test God put man here on earth with a will and He wants to see how one will use that will. One is expected to pass the test. Gen, 2:19; Jas. 1:12. Life is a trust God entrusted man with this life to see what he will use it to do; either to use it to make gain for Him or use it against Him. Lk. 12:42-48. Life is a temporary assignment It is for a short while one will be here on earth, so one must use the short period to prepare for the real home in heaven. Ps.119:19; 1Pet.1:17; 2:11. Life is for Gods glory, In other words, we were created to bring glory to God, hence everything we do here on earth must tend towards bringing glory to God. Rom.11:36.

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How can one actually succeed in bringing glory to God? Christianity is actually a restoration of purpose-driven life and hence a sure way to live for the glory of God. Note that through Adam, man lost the consciousness of Gods purpose for creating him when he listened to and obeyed the suggestion of the devil instead of what God commanded him originally to do. Gen.2:15-17; 3:1-7. Man had continued to live in this way until when Jesus Christ came to the scene. Now, anyone who embraces Christ has accepted that Jesus Christ should be his/her Lord whom only he/she would take instruction or direction from. Jesus Himself first showed example of this by not doing anything on His own while He was here on earth, but rather did only what He saw the Father doing. Jn. 5:19-23. It is therefore of utmost importance to note that Christians and people who are not born again are miles apart in their purposes for living. While the unregenerate live according to the purposes of the devil who is their father, the born again Christians have decided to live according to Gods purpose as directed by the Holy Spirit whom God gave us when we got born again. Ezek. 36:26,27; Rom. 5:5; Gal. 5:6. Therefore, it will be absurd and foolishness for Christians to copy or envy the unbelievers in the way they do their things. (ii) Next is for one who has become born again to discover the specific purpose God has for him/her as an individual, hence the specific roles one has to play wherever one finds oneself and going ahead to play such roles faithfully. 1Cor.12 How can one discover those Gods specific purposes and roles He has assigned to individual Christians? (i) These individual purposes and roles are embedded in every persons SHAPE which is an acronym for Spiritual Gifts; Heart Passions; Abilities; Personalities and Experiences in life. (ii) God has put these in every individual or Christian to indicate the kind of function He has designed such individual to perform in life just as every manufacturer would put certain features in a particular product which determines the kind of thing that product would be used for and the way it will be used. (iii) Every Christian is therefore required to discover his/her SHAPE and use them accordingly to Gods glory. (iv) Any Christian who does not use his SHAPE to serve God is offending God and defrauding His economy and the body of Christ and hence will be punished; whereas those who use theirs will be rewarded. Mt.25:14-30.

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CONCLUSION We have a very short period to live on this earth. If you live on this earth for your own pleasure which is temporary, you cannot get anything more than that after the short period of sojourn here; but if you use your God-given SHAPE for Gods pleasure while here on earth, you shall live with Him in eternal pleasure.

CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MINISTRIES, INC.

LIFE TRANSFORMATION CENTRE, EVBUODIA, BENIN CITY.
BIBLE STUDY JANUARY, 2013. THEME: THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS CHRIST TEXT: PHIL.2:5-11 INTRODUCTION The title, Lord was conferred on Jesus Christ by the Father by virtue of His sacrifice in coming from heaven to the earth; taking the form of a human being and dying the shameful death on the cross to save man from sin and its consequences. Though many confess Jesus as Lord, but not many really understand what it means that Jesus is Lord or the implication of the Lordship of Jesus over their life. There are also many who know the meaning of Lordship of Jesus Christ but consciously refuse to allow Him to be Lord over them. However, according to our text, everyone will someday acknowledge Jesus as Lord whether willingly or otherwise because He paid the price to earn that. In this study, we want to examine the meaning and implication of the Lordship of Jesus Christ over our lives as believers in Him. The essence of this is to ensure that we have the correct attitude towards Him as our Lord and hence enjoy all that we should enjoy from Him as Lord over us. May you willingly allow Him to be Lord over your life and daily demonstrate it practical terms. 1. Who is a lord? (i) A lord is a person of very high position and authority. (ii) A lord is also an owner either of an estate, land, building or slave. In what sense is Jesus Lord over the believers? We were all sold to the devil through sin, but Christ came and shed His precious blood to buy us back to God so that we can be called His children again. He gave His life a ransom for many (Math.20:28;1Tim.2:5,6). Jn. 8:32-36; Rom. 7:14-20;1Cor. 6:19,20; 7:23. However, it is when one has understanding of this that Jesus did for mankind and decides to accept that offer that Jesus concretely becomes Lord over that persons life. Therefore, it must be noted that anyone who has received the offer of salvation in Christ Jesus has by implication accepted Him also as Lord over his/her life. Is this the understanding you had by the time you gave your life to Christ? With the foregoing, what place should Christ therefore hold in a believers life? Col.1:18 Should He just be present, eminent or pre-eminent? What is the difference in the three? Have you really acknowledged the Lordship of Jesus in your life? Explain your answer. If one has truly acknowledged the Lordship of Christ over ones life, there must be practica l proof of that in the way the one allows Christ to take control of the various aspects of one s life. So how do you practice the Lordship of Christ in the following areas of your life: Possessions: Self:

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Church: Money: Education: Career: Leisure: Marriage: Family: Indicate by the side of each of the areas who is in control. Who determines what happens? 6. Discuss the meaning and implication of the instruction of Jesus in Math.11:29: Take my yoke upon you and learn of me and state the three things in Lk.9:23 that the persons who decides to follow Christ is called to do. What do they really imply? Why do many believers find it difficult to allow Christ have absolute control of their lives even when the bible has said that we should present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God? Rom. 12:1. Many have the following fears: (i) Jesus doesnt really understand my problems. (ii) He may want me to do something I cant. (iii) He may want me to enter a career which I could not enjoy. (iv) He will take away my enjoyment of possessions, hobbies, and friends. (v) He will prevent me from marrying the person I like to marry. (vi) He may not take note of and care for my little needs. Do you have any of these fears? Note that that though we are slaves of Jesus Christ; He does not treat us as slaves but friends. Jn. 15:13-15. Again God can never have bad plans for us but good ones. Jer.29:11. There is no need to have such fears for they are unfounded. Are there other areas of your life you are not allowing Christ to be Lord? What can you do now to acknowledge Him as Lord in these areas? Which way can you evaluate if Christ is truly Lord in your life? Read Lk.6:46. Are you willing to obey Him in every area of your life? What happens when people do not allow Jesus to have the total control of their lives? They will be so occupied by the cares of this life which will keep them unhappy and eventually lead to frustrations as they face various things they are not able to handle by themselves. Mk.4:18,19; 1Pet.5:6,7.

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CONCLUSION Jesus called the twelve apostles and they abandoned everything and followed Him. They allowed Jesus to be Lord absolutely over their lives as they did not care for any more thing in their lives apart from what He wanted them to do. Note that Jesus told them that they would have those things they abandoned to follow Him many folds in this life and in the world to come eternal life.Math.4:18-22; Lk.18:28-30. Will you not also allow Jesus to be Lord over every area of your life? It will surely be for your own welfare and joy. Memory Verse: Lk.6:46. Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say?(NIV)

CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MINISTRIES, INC.

LIFE TRANSFORMATION CENTRE, EVBUODIA, BENIN CITY.
BIBLE STUDY: MARCH/APRIL, 2013. THEME:THE PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN GIVING. TEXT: 2COR.8:7-15 INTRODUCTION Sin is what brought so much inequality into the human race. While some have so much in excess of what they need, some barely have enough to meet their basic needs. From the beginning, it was not so, for God provided enough for human needs and man only had to take care of these Gods provisions in the garden. Gen.2:7-17. When sin came into man, God drove man out of that beautiful garden of Eden where every need of man was provided, to go and till the ground. Even as he tills the ground, there is no guarantee that he will get enough to eat and take care of himself. Instead, he was promised that the ground would yield thorns and thistles unto him out of all his labour. Gen.3:17-24. Today, some toil and get something; some others cheat and kill and get something too while some others are lazy and depend on others for their up-keep. They get little or nothing. Yet there are some people, who though labour much, still get little or nothing. That is how life has been since after the fall of man. However, God has promised a restoration of all things in the new heaven and new earth (Rev. 21:1-4; 22:1-3); but before then, how does God want to manage this situation of inequality among men? God initiated GIVING by giving His only begotten Son for man so that through encounter with Him, men can also easily practice giving to one another bridging the gap between the haves and the havenots pending when everything shall be restored. The why and how of this giving is what we want to consider in this study. 1. What does God want to achieve in Christian giving? (i) To create the consciousness in man that everything comes from God and hence belongs to Him. Deut.8:11-18; 1Cor.4:7. (ii) To achieve a level of equality and showcase His ideal desire for human community. Acts 4:3237; 2Cor.8:14,15. (iii) To create the consciousness of the oneness of the body of Christ and that everyone needs the others to survive. 1Cor.12:12-27. (iv) He is a giver and wants us to be like Him. Jn. 3:16; 2Cor.8:7; 1Jn.3:16-18. In what ways can we give to God? (i) Tithe. Gen.14:17-20; 28:18-22; Mal.3:8-11; Mt.23:23 (ii) Offerings. Ex.35:4,5; Mt.5:23,24; Lk.21:1,2. (iii) Giving to the poor. Deut.15:1-4,7-11; Prov.14:21; 19:17; 28:24. (iv) Giving to the needy members of the church. Acts 4:34-37; 11:27-30;1Cor.16:1-3; Eph.4:28. (v) Giving to support a specific godly project like mission, building a worship or Christian conference centre, Christian school, etc. Ex.25:1-7; 35:20-22; 1Chron.29:6-9. (vi) Giving to a servant of God. 1Kgs.17:8-16; 2Kgs.4:8-11; Mt.10:40-42; Lk.8:1-3; Gal.6:6; 1Tim.5:17,18. (vii) Giving services to a man of God or in the house of God. Ex.31:1-6; Acts 13:4,5; 2Tim.4:11,12 Note that whatever is given or done for another human being because one loves God is given to and done for God. Mt.25:24-40.

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What quantity is God expecting one to give? (i) According to how God has prospered or provided for one. 2Cor.8:12. (ii) Bountifully to show how much one values God and His work. 1Chron. 29:1-9; Mt.26:6-13; Lk.7:36-47;2Cor.9:6. (iii) Sacrificially to prove the great love one has for God. Gen 22:1-12; Lk.21:1-4. What quality of things should we give to God? (i) What befits a king. Mal. 1:14. (ii) We must not give to God what has been rejected by men or what will not be usually acceptable to men, for that will be a great insult unto God and of course an indication of the low value one attaches to God. Lev.22:17-22; Mal.1:7,8,12,13. (iii) We must not give unto God an unclean thing (like what has been used for idol worship; income from prostitution; proceeds from robbery, bribery, extortion or cheating, etc.) Deut.23:18. (iv) Do not give to God what you do not value or what does not cost you anything.1Chron.21:18-24 (v) Whatever we give unto God must be presentable, for that shows the respect and high regard we have for God. Mal. 1:11. What attitude is God expecting Christians to put up in their giving? They should give willingly and not out of compulsion. Ex.35:4,5,20-22; 1Chron.29:69;2Cor.9:7. (ii) They should give cheerfully and not grudgingly. 1Chron.29:9; 2Cor.9:7. (iii) They should not give out of competition but as they have purposed in their mind. Acts 4:345:6; 2Cor.9:7a. (iv) They should give not to be praised or commended by men. Mt.6:1-4. (iv) They should give sincerely and not in falsehood ( either less or more than their means) thereby creating a false impression like Ananias and Sapphira. Act 5:1-10. (i) Should the poor be expected to also give since they do not have much? (i) God does not expect any person to give what he does not have but from and according to what he has. 2Cor.8:12. (ii) The poor can still give out of the little he has as a show of his love for God and this usually provoke God to change their situation. 1Kgs.17:8-16; Lk.21:1-4. (iii) The poor who does not have money or material things can give other things like time to provide services according to the skill they may have or ones that may not require any skill. Lk.1:36-38; 1Tim.5:9,10. What happens when one gives or does not give? (i) God causes other people to give to the one who gives, in the area or time of his own needs. Ex.11:1-3; 12:34-36; Prov.11:24,25; Lk.6:38; 2Cor.8:13-15. (ii) When one refuses to give, God will not move people to give him in his own time and area of need. Prov.11:24b; 21:13.

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CONCLUSION God initiated giving by first giving His only begotten Son. He has shown Himself an example of giving and has continued to give ever since. No one can be right to claim to be a child of God if he/she does not give like God. Giving showcases Gods love and is simply His nature. He who gives therefore is showing Gods attribute and what a beautiful scene it will be when giving becomes a normal lifestyle among brethren as it was in the early church. May God decorate you with this beautiful virtue.