C.A.C SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL FOR MARCH 31, 2024 : TOPIC – WITNESSING CHRIST IN THE WORLD

2024 SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

PREVIEW CLASS

31st March, 2024

THEME: SPIRITUAL POWER AND GIFTS FOR THE BODY OF CHRIST

LESSON ELEVEN

TOPIC: WITNESSING CHRIST IN THE WORLD

MEMORY SCRIPTURE

Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach (Mark 3:14).

Comment

3:14 From the hundreds of people who followed him from place to place, Jesus chose 12 to be his apostles. Apostle means “messenger or authorized representative.” Why did Jesus choose 12 disciples? The number 12 corresponds to the 12 tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28), showing the continuity between the old religious system and the new one based on Jesus’ message. Many people followed Jesus, but these 12 received the most intense training. nwominu Jesus did not choose these 12 to be his associates and companions because of their faith; their faith often faltered. He didn’t choose them because of their talent and ability; no one stood out with unusual ability. The disciples represented a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences, but apparently they had no more leadership potential than those who were not chosen. The one characteristic they all shared was their willing- ness to obey Jesus. After Jesus’ ascension, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to carry out special roles in the growth of the early church. We should not disqualify ourselves from service to Christ because we do not have the expected credentials. Being a good disciple is simply a matter of following Jesus with a willing heart.

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The way we use our God-given gifts should lead people to Christ and His Cross for salvation, sanctification and solid Christian commitment.

BRIEF COMMENT

Many children of God have shifted their focus away from evangelism, becoming preoccupied with fundraising numerical growth, rather than salvation. Jesus, in His and earthly ministry, emphasised succession by appointing twelve disciples to witness and continue His work after His departure (Mk. 3:14). He trained them in the knowledge of God and through His own example. By God’s grace, the apostles carried on this reconciliatory ministry. However, the enemy is still recruiting members for his destructive agenda (Jn 10:10). It’s time for us, as believers, to rekindle our commitment to evangelism, starting from our local communities and by extension to the world (Acts 13:47-49).

Our DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS stated that

1. The Church is called, trained and sent, respectively, as ambassadors of Christ to the world.

2. This is the first and most important service Christ commanded and commissioned His disciples for. The Great Commission must bring great rewards. Don’t be left out.

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: John 15:26-27.

Our AIM: To stir and refocus the Church towards active evangelism.

INTRODUCTION

TEXTUAL SOURCE: MATTHEW 28:18FF; LUKE 4:14,18,19,43; ACTS 1:8; 3:11FF; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:20

This week, we shall be considering the essence of Easter as divinely orchestrated and purposefully given to humanity. The topic: WITNESSING CHRIST IN THE WORLD, speaks of the purpose for which the Holy Spirit is given to as many that believe in Jesus Christ and accept Him as their LORD and Saviour. The gift of the Holy Spirit is the power of God at work in men sent to do the work of Evangelism. Characteristically, God expects the exercise of our different spiritual gifts to witness Christ in the world. May our hearts be stirred towards fulfilling the purpose for which the spiritual gifts are given.

LESSON OUTLINE

I. EVANGELISM: OUR MANDATE

II. EVERY GIFT SHOULD BE EVANGELISM-ORIENTED

LESSON EXPOSITION

I. EVANGELISM: OUR MANDATE (Matt. 28:18ff)

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen (28:19-20).

What is EVANGELISM?

Evangelism is the preaching of the Gospel. It comes from the same Greek word for gospel (euangelion) and means, literally, gospeling. When we evangelize we are gospeling. That is we are spreading the gospel.

a) The competence of a master determines the competence of his disciples. Jesus had been thoroughly prepared and divinely approved (Matt. 4:1-11; Mk 3:13ff; Acts 10:38).

Jesus was divinely and thoroughly prepared and He also took His time to prepare the twelve that will continue from where He stopped. Moses prepared Joshua for continuity; Elijah prepared Elisha for continuity; Paul prepared Timothy for continuity and many other great leaders did same in the Bible. Babalola prepared Babjide, Baba Akande, Obadare etc. for continuity of what God has started! Who are you preparing for continuity? Are you preparing them for the glory of God or for selfish interest?

Matthew 28:18-19 – the Command was “Go therefore…” this command is for only those who have been with Jesus and obey Him can fulfil the Mandate.

In one of the Church I have served as a minister (then evangelist). Our elders ask the DS. Why are we not going out on evangelism? My DS told them “sheep is expected to give birth to sheep! shepherd is not the one to give birth to a sheep” (àgùntàn lo nbi àgùntàn. Kii ṣe olùṣọ́ àgùntàn lọ n bí àgùntàn).

The Church has turned upside down since the DS was transferred to the Headquarter. Active church turned innactive!

One of the great THEME we had treated in our Sunday School was “EVANGELISM THE HAERTBEAT OF GOD” what a powerful topic. If your assembly is not active in time of evangelism this is a sign that your Church is spiritually dead!

Anniversary, fund raising or revival can no restored/wake a dead church! The only way is to return to active evangelism through the help of Holy Spirit. EVANGELISM is the HEARTBEAT OF GOD.

Matt. 28:19-20

Comment

28:19 The disciples were to baptize people because baptism unites believers with Jesus Christ in their death to sin and their resurrection to new life. Baptism symbolizes submission to Christ, a willingness to live God’s way, and identification with God’s covenant people.

28:20 How is Jesus “with” us? Jesus was with the disciples physically until he ascended into heaven and then spiritually through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4). The Holy Spirit would be Jesus’ presence that would never leave them (John 14:26).

There must be teaching before baptism (don’t just baptised without teaching them the cost of following Jesus). Teaching after baptism is very important (don’t just abandoned them) they need to grow spiritually. Consider them as spiritual babies they need to grow with the right message.

During evangelism, let the mature Christians take the lead not baby christians.

There is great joy in heaven when a soul repent.

Comment

Luke 15:8-10 Palestinian women received 10 silver coins as a wed- ding gift. Besides their monetary value, these coins held senti- mental value like that of a wedding ring, and to lose one would be extremely distressing. Just as a woman would rejoice at finding her lost coin, so the angels rejoice over a repentant sinner. Each individual is precious to God. He grieves over every loss and rejoices whenever one of his children is found and brought into the Kingdom. Perhaps we would have more joy in our churches if we shared Jesus’ love and concern for the lost, diligently seeking them, and rejoicing when they come to the Saviour.

II. EVERY GIFT SHOULD BE EVANGELISM-ORIENTED (Lk. 4:14,18,19,43; Acts 1:8; 3:11 ff; 2 Cor. 5:20)

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8).

The power and the gifts we received from God is expected to bring gain to God through evangelism.

Evangelism has gone beyond “wa gba, wa gba, wa gba Jésù sáyé rẹ o a kiri ṣore” instead of you posting you beauty or achievements on social media why not turn it to a message that will bring souls to Christ. Loving the unloved ones is also another opportunity to display Christ in you.

During your birthday, wedding, engagement/introduction and reception, special thanksgiving parties etc. what type of music do your well wishers dance to? God gave us great opportunities to evangelised but we miss and abuse opportunities.

We have missed the Master’s Mandate when our spiritual gifts does call people to repentance.

It’s a pity and a big shame on all gospel singers/Guest Artists who dress in a worldly way and those who are dancing like ungodly worldy artists in order to be more acceptable before men instead of bringing souls to Christ. You may count worldly gain but loss heavenly rewards! Choose one today.

Jesus said, I must preach the kingdom of God…, because for this purpose I have been sent. He vividly declares that He has no special assignment in this world than to talk about the kingdom of God. Can you remember how many hours you spend talking about the kingdom of God and with who? Irrelevant music, movies, messages and appointments has taken all our time for the day.

2 Corinthians 5:20

An ambassador is an official representative of one country to another. As believers, we are Christ’s ambassadors, sent with his message of reconciliation to the world. An ambassador of reconciliation has an important responsibility. We dare not take this responsibility lightly. How well are you fulfilling your commis- sion as Christ’s ambassador?

Acts 3:11ff

Peter had an audience, and he capitalized on the opportu- nity to share Jesus Christ. He clearly presented his message by telling (1) who Jesus was, (2) how the Jews had rejected him, (3) why their rejection was fatal, and (4) what they needed to do to change the situation. Peter told the crowd that they still had a choice; God still offered them the opportunity to believe and receive Jesus as their Messiah and as their Lord. Displays of God’s mercy and grace, such as the healing of this lame man, often create teachable moments. Pray to have courage like Peter to see these opportunities and to use them to speak up for Christ.

Most of us prayed for Holy Spirit and Power but we have not overcome the inner spirit of prodigal son. This spirit must be overcome if not we will continue to abuse the gifts of God in us. You don’t use the gifts the way you want but towards achieving our Master’s Mandate.

The gifts must restore lost souls to fellowship with God. This is the sign of a true discipleship.

LESSONS DERIVED

1. Evangelism is not a name for church vehicle recognition, but a command by Jesus to His disciples to make more disciples in the world, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

2. Since gifts are not wages, everyone must work hard at ensuring we please the Giver. Accountability is imperative.

QUESTIONS

1. What is the message given to the Church?

2. Are there gifts that cannot fulfil the work of evangelism? Explain.

Thank you for joining us today. May our labour in His vineyard not be in vain in Jesus name.

Do you have any question. Please ask now. You can also make your contribution.

God bless you