Progress

 Rev'd G. S. Adeyemo

For every progress, there is a process. Your present experience is a process that will lead to unprecedented progress.
Make God your focus and never accept defeat.
Stand up, keep it up looking up to Jesus crucified, burried and ressurrected.
You will make it in Jesus name.

PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT

Bible Study Outline


Praying in the spirit is very vital to Christian survival in this world of struggle, battle and rigours.
                                       
                                               Spiritual Life of a Christian II    

Date: -16/10/2018                                                               
Topic: - Praying in the Spirit 1
Teacher: - Rev'd G. S. Adeyemo

Introduction to Prayer
Praying in the Spirit is mentioned three times in the entire Bible. 1 Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 6:18, and Jude 20. Praying in the spirit is very vital to Christian survival in this world of struggle, battle and rigours. This is because we are born into a battle field. “And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, which is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.” Rev 12: 9-12; Job 5: 7

What is Praying in the Spirit?
The Greek words translated “pray in” could mean “by means of,” “with the help of,” “in the sphere of,” and “in connection to.” Praying in the Spirit refers to how we are praying.

• That is praying according to the Spirit’s leading. 
• It is praying for things the Spirit leads us to pray for. Romans 8:26  
• Praying in the spirit is directly opposite to praying in the flesh.
• Praying in the Spirit is prayer powered by the Holy Spirit
• It is prayer carried to the Father in the name of Jesus.
• It is prayer that has living quality characterized by warmth and sense of exchange.

Conclusion
Praying in the spirit is not copying someone or some people. You cannot get desired result in prayer if you are only praying the in the way someone else prays. That will be praying in the flesh. It is not a tradition, denominational or pattern. It is a communion between God and a child of God who keeps his close relationship with God.

CELEBRATING GOD'S HERITAGE: THE FUTURE HEROES

Children are leaders in view. Therefore, parents need to celebrate them and encourage them.

Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. Psalm 127

Children are gifts from the Lord. Parents need to celebrate them not just to send them on errands and beat them whenever they refuse. They are gifts to be appreciated, cherished, nurtured and celebrated. There are many people who are biological alright, spiritually fervent, morally trusted but are not privileged to have babies. It is my prayer that the Lord will favour those families this year in Jesus name. 

Children are leaders in view. Therefore, parents need to celebrate them and encourage them. When you celebrate leaders, they perform better. Leaders who are commended are charged to do more. If you always see the bad side and the weak points of your children, they will not be bold to defend you when oppositions arise in the future. The Psalmist says, “As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.” Vs4-5

As we celebrate our children this month, we must teach them to honour God and their parents so that the purpose of God for their life may come to fruition. The Word of God says, "Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you." Deuteronomy 5: 16 

Celebrate children by giving them quality environment to thrive.

Celebrate the children by helping them discover the greatness in them and you as parents will be celebrated in the future by children you celebrate now. 

BIBLICAL FASTING 2

Bible Study Outline
Spiritual Life of a Christian           Series I                                                                 02/10/2018

A true and vital relationship with God starts from within and does not come through external religion and ritual.

 Rev'd G. S. Adeyemo

Review

In the part 1 of this topic, ‘Christian Fasting’ we examined the definitions of fasting as: Fasting as spiritual discipline is self-denial of things you cherish, do regularly or enjoy for specified period.

Also, we talked about Types of fasting, Reasons for fasting and what fasting is not. 

By the grace of God we will examine the requirements for biblical fasting today and how to go about your fasting.

Requirements for Fasting Isaiah 58

Isaiah’s call was reaffirmed and re commissioned to reprove sin and hypocrisy among the people of God. Sin of hypocrisy is a rebellion against the will of God. “…Declare to my people their rebellion and to the descendants of Jacob their sins.” Isa. 58:1. The people wanted to earn God’s blessings through religious activities. God desires spirituality more than activities. 

Going through the motions of religion, even those of sacrifice and fasting, does not move God. A true and vital relationship with God starts from within and does not come through external religion and rituals. Israel’s lack of social justice became worrisome as they were boasting of their religious programmes like fasting, keeping the Sabbath etc.  Isa. 58: 2-3; Luk. 6: 46; Mk 7: 6; Matt. 6: 1; Titus 1: 16; Matt. 23: 27, 28; Luk. 20: 46, 47 

 Observe

 6“No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. 7 Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

“Spirituality is shown by the loving quality of our personal relationships (Isa. 58:4) and by our commitment to social justice and to helping the poor and oppressed (Isa. 58:6–7), not by fasting” says, Lawrence O. Richards 

Have the right motives while fasting. Just as we learnt in our previous study, biblical fasting is to humble yourself before God. It is a way of glorifying our Lord not for personal pride.  During fasting, focus your attention on Jesus Christ. According to our passage in Isaiah 58, fasting requires: 

1. Justice: Deut. 24:14-15; Prov. 14:31; Amos 2:6-7; Luke 1:52-53; the will of God is that no one should be heavy laden by fellow brother. No matter how spiritual you claim to be, if you deprive others of right to justice, you are a deceiver. 

2. Love : Mark 12:31

3. Giving: So give with a glad and generous heart because the very act of letting go of money does something within us. It destroys the demon greed and allows generosity to grow. 2 Cor. 9: 7; Pro. 18: 16; 1 Chro. 29: 14; Pro. 11: 25; Luk 6: 38

4. Hospitality: Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9; 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8

How to Fast

1. Pray before the fast

2. Meditate on the word of God

3. Determine the length of the fast

4. Drink much water before start

5. Pray for specifics and remember to intercede for others

6. When breaking your fast, avoid rushing solid foods. Instead be gradual by taking warm water, a fruit like water melon, orange, and other soft fruits

7. Close the day with praises and worship trusting God for speedy response. 

Conclusion

In Conclusion, remember fasting is not an end on itself. Fasting is very essential in our walk with God. It calls for self denial, close relationship with the Lord and a humble way to seek the will of God and showing love for others. As we do that with sincere heart, your heaven will be opened and doors will be opened for surpassing grace for all sufficiency in Jesus name. 

HEALTHY HOME, HEALTHY CHURCH 1 Corinthians 16:19

LECTURE DELIVERED AT THE IRETI-OGO BAPTIST ASSOCIATION MEN AND WOMEN MISSIONARY UNIONS’ RETREAT HELD AT UNION BAPTIST CHURCH, AGEGE LAGOS;                                                          ON THE 1ST OF OCTOBER 2018  

Rev'd G. S. Adeyemo

"The road to successful and a happy home is always under construction, only homes built in the Lord can build a healthy Church."

A. Definition of terms

Healthy: Merriam Webster -healthy, sound, wholesome, robust, hale, well mean enjoying or indicative of good health. Healthy implies full strength and vigor as well as freedom from signs of disease. A healthy family sound emphasizes the absence of disease, weakness, or malfunction. Healthy is the state of being in good condition physically, mentally and spiritually.  

Home/Marriage: - the place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household. The home comprises of a father, mother and children. It is an extension of God’s Kingdom on earth.

Church: - The word "Church" in general term means, ‘gathering or assembly, a family object, or a political, or a social, or a religious object. However, in the New Testament, the Church is the body of believers in Christ.  Those who gather together in worship of God based on the testimony of salvation through Jesus Christ –the Author and Finisher of our faith. Jesus said, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” Hebrews 10: 24, 25; Col. 3: 16; Eph. 4: 11-34; Acts 2: 42;

B. God’s Original Purpose: -The home was created as an extension of God’s Kingdom on earth. So, the first family in the Garden of Eden formed the first Church. That original purpose has not changed till today. Though the first family in the church rebelled against the will of God thereby bruised the relationship between God and man yet; God used the home for His redemptive plan. If the Church today will be healthy, the home as the first constituency of the Church must be healthy. Healthy Homes Build Healthy Church.

C. A Healthy Home Forms a Healthy Church: -Doug Patch says, “Home ministry is the God-given role we have as husbands or wives to love our spouses as God loves us. If we are parents, it includes our role to love and raise our children according to His truth.” The road to successful and a happy home is always under construction, only homes built in the Lord can build a healthy Church.

D. Marks of a Healthy Home 1 Corinthians 16: 19

1. It is a home built upon the Rock Matthew 7:24-27, 21:42; Mark 12:10; 1Peter 2: 7; Isaiah 8: 14; 1 Corinthians 10: 4

2. It is a home where the word of God has final authority Deuteronomy 6: 6-7; Genesis 18: 16-19

3. It is a forgiving family 1 Peter 3: 7-9

4. A home of hospitality 4: 6-10; Romans 12: 13; 1 Peter 4: 9; 1 Timothy 3: 2;  Titus 1: 8; Hebrews 13: 2

5. A potential church 

a. Place of prayer

b. Bible study center

c. Mission and evangelism arena

d. Open for fellowship

E. Home versus Church: - whatever affects the homes affects the church. Economy, moral decadence, religious inconsistency, broken homes, 

Challenges of Some Patriarchal Ideologies

Man is the breadwinner in the home. 

The father is the disciplinarian in the family.

Husband is the head of the house

The husband has the final say

The wife is the homemaker in marriage

Children are the heritage of their father

The wife must dress to please her husband

The wife must always cooperate with husband on sex

Sometimes, we think outward behaviours and modifications will result in healthy and happy marriage. These may not bring the desired bliss into the home outside God. The Bible says, "Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." Psalms 127:1(KJV) The word bayith (house) in Hebrew is not infrastructure but family, home, marriage. 

Mention some of the outward behaviours spouses demand for in marriage

F. Prescriptions for Building a Healthy Marriage

Love the Lord with all your life

Lift up your spouse to God in prayer daily

Look beyond the imperfections in your spouse.

Learn to prepare delicious food for the family

 Husband must learn how to commend and encourage his wife

 Support her vision. Don't tear down every suggestion of your wife

 Avoid too know syndrome

 Prepare for and manage your disagreement very well 1Peter 3:1-6

 Satisfy one another with sex 1Corinthians 7:5

Assignment

Write 10 things you will do to make your spouse happy for life. Submit the assignment to your spouse for marking. Thank you and God bless you in Jesus name.

References 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/thinking-man/11824814/Is-feminism-destroying-the-institution-of-marriage.html, 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201708/feminist-critique-marriage, 

https://www.xenos.org/essays/balancing-home-church-ministry