RCCG LOWER JUNIOR ZEAL FOR 2023/2024
AGE 13-19 STUDENT’S MANUAL
SUNDAY 12TH OF MAY, 2024
LESSON THIRTY SEVEN (37)
TOPIC: BENEFITS OF A GRATEFUL HEART
ENJOYING THE PRESENCE OF GOD
BIBLE TEXT: Acts 2:1-13
[1]And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
[2]And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
[3]And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
[4]And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
[5]And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
[6]Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
[7]And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
[8]And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
[9]Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
[10]Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
[11]Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
[12]And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
[13]Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
MEMORY VERSE: Psalm 95:2- “Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalm.”
LESSON AIM: To teach the teenagers that one of the benefits of having a grateful heart is that they will enjoy the presence of God.
CENTRAL TRUTH: In the presence of God, there is fullness of joy and blessings; you can access all that when you praise God.
INTRODUCTION: In Ps 95, we are called to enter God’s presence with our sacrifice of thanksgiving. For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods. And Ps 22:3 makes us understand that God inhabits the praises of His people. And when His presence comes down, His blessings come along.
STUDY GUIDE:
• TWO WAYS TO ACCESS GOD’S PRESENCE
• We can enter into God’s presence with and through praise.
• We can bring down God’s presence into a situation through praise.
• BENEFITS/BLESSINGS OF HIS PRESENCE
• His presence will give rest – Exo 33:14.
• His ………………………………………. – Is 43:2.
• His presence will provide a shield against the devil and enemies – Ps 9:3.
• His ………………………………………. – Josh 1:5.
• His presence will give you fullness of joy – Ps 16:11.
• His presence will give us direction – Exo 33:14-15.
• HOW CAN I ENJOY THE PRESENCE OF GOD?
• Give your life to Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour.
• ………………………………………. -Hab 1:13.
• Praise God always and be thankful to Him – Ps 100.
• Be in His presence-Ps 23:5.
• Create time daily to study God’s Word.
CLASS ACTIVITY: Discuss the difference that God’s presence has made to your life. Share your experience.
LIFE APPLICATION: In the journey of life, we cannot do without the presence of God. Because He owns our lives, as well as our times and seasons, it is therefore important to seek His presence for protection, direction, provision and blessings.
CONCLUSION: The presence of God and the blessings thereof are available daily to as many as come to Him. In His presence there is fullness of joy, absence of fear and worry, as well as pleasures forevermore.
TODAY’S LESSON REFLECTION:
• What truth have you learnt in today’s lesson?
• Write down one way in which you are going to apply what you now know.
Note: Teenagers should review the previous lessons during the week before revision next Sunday.