Humble Beginnings, Praise And Patience

Scripture: Luke 2: 1- 35

Luke 2: 1 – 7

Our Lord and King was born in a manger. That is a humble beginning. The Bible in Job 8:7 says though your beginning be small your latter end shall be greatly increased. God has a beginning for every one of us and he usually starts from the very bottom and gradually takes us to the top. Therefore, it is important that we do not despise where we are right now because we know that the Lord will greatly increase our latter end. Phil. 2: 6 – 11.

Discuss how believers can appreciated their present state while trust God for their future greatness.

Luke 2: 8 – 20

The company of angels appeared praising God. Likewise the shepherds gave glory to God for Christ’s birth. It’s all about praising God.

ATTRACTING GOD'S FAVOUR

Scripture: Luke 1: 26 – 56

In Nazareth where many virgins but only one particular virgin found favour before God. Favour is like a bright spot light that God shines on you and singles you out among many people.

Mary must have done something to attract such favour. God’s eyes are always going to and fro to favour his children. His Spot light shines on those who draw his attention through their acts of service from a pure heart.

Luke 1: 26 – 33

Discuss things that believers can do to attract God’s favour.

Luke 1: 34- 38

Mary’s question “How will it be” and Zechariah’s question “How can it be”. One question threw doubt on God’s ability to do what he said he will do. Many of us today repeat Zechariah’s question by doubting God’s promise for our lives. Heb. 4:2b tells us how we can miss God’s blessings

The Need for Commitment To Christ

 
In our previous study we discovered that commitment is not anything that requires any new skill or special abilities, in actual fact we were all born with an ability to get committed. Everyone has this potential and can develop it to a higher level. When we become born again, Christ puts into our spirits the ministerial offices and the nine major spiritual gifts.
Every child of God can function in any of these ministry offices and operate these gifts. The new birth opens the door for these spiritual weapons to be formed in our spirit. The spiritual weapons needs to be DISCOVERED, DEVELOPED AND USED (D.D.U). One can only successfully D.D.U when there is a commitment to Christ’s Church.
Commitment is inborn; it comes naturally in various areas of our lives, in the same way the ministry offices and spiritual gifts are deposited in anyone who becomes born again. Spiritual gifts are special abilities given freely by God to every born again .Just like natural gifts, believers do not need to work for the gifts. God gives the gifts and He chooses who to give what to. The ministry offices and spiritual gifts require commitment to Discover, Develop and Use.

CONSIDER THIS
How can one D.D.U his / her spirituals weapons?

The Weapons Of Our Warfare…

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalted itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled
Ephesians 6: 1-12
Our last lesson on commitment focused on discovering, developing and using (D.D.U) our gifts in church. We also discovered what it means to be committed in Christ’s Church and the things you can do in Christ Home to show your commitment and hence aid you in discovering, developing and using your gifts.
In this lesson we are going to discuss the relationship

The Supernatural

Hebrews. 11: 1 – 34, Leviticus 26:3-13, Exodus 23:20-30, Colossians 1:15-23, Colossians 4:17, 1 Timothy 2:14-26

Faith in the Supernatural

It is human to use our five senses to predict what is about to happen. That is called walking in the flesh. That is opposed to walking in the spirit better still walking in the supernatural.

2 Kings 3:17 For this is what the Lord says; You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water,

Expecting the Supernatural

Many are called into the faith, they give their all, read the Bible, attend services including revivals, sow their seed, give offerings yet lack one major thing “ Expectation”, an expectant heart, anticipation.

Supernatural Finances

Who deceived who saying poverty brings joy to our God. Did you enjoy your week and month when financially you were down and had no resources or contacts to help you? I believe not.

Deut. 8: 17-18 (lays everything bare).

Supernatural Health

Above all else our health is very paramount. Weakness and disease in our bodies can be a limitation to our quest for a unique experience with our God. For the faint hearted any infirmity attacking them may distant them from focusing on the blessings from above.

Supernatural Offering

When we talk about an offering, money is inclusive but not the main object. We can offer ourselves sacrificially in many ways. Living a life pleasing to the Lord, giving God our time, living an