RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL SUNDAY 3RD OF SEPTEMBER, 2023

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(i) Teachers should welcome students to the first Sunday school lesson for the year 2023/2024.

(ii) Teachers and students should thank God for His unfailing mercies and faithfulness throughout the Sunday School Year 2022/2023.

(iii) Teachers should encourage students to be steadfast, regular and punctual to the Sunday school throughout the year.

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BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalms 139:7-12

[7]Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

[8]If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

[9]If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

[10]Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

[11]If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

[12]Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

MEMORY VERSE: Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:13.

INTRODUCTION: Even though we know that God’s presence is in some sense uniquely in Heaven (Isaiah 66:1), the teachings of Scripture also make it clear that God is omnipresent (present everywhere at the same time). From the beginning of Scripture, we see the presence of God hovering over the earth, even when it was still formless and empty (Genesis 1:2). God filled the world with His creation, and His presence and glory continue to inhabit the whole earth (Numbers 14:21).

LESSON AIM: To teach the church, about the omnipresent attribute of God.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through this lesson, students should be able to:

a.Understand that God can be in heaven and, many places simultaneously.

b.Know instances where God’s omnipresence is demonstrated in the Bible

c. Understand that God’s presence is with His children always

a.Allow the students to recite the memory verse, read the Bible passage, contribute to the discussion, do class activities and assignments.

b.Allow the Assistant Teacher to see to the well-being of the class, mark attendance and assignment.

c.Teach the lesson outlines, summarise, conclude, evaluate the lesson and give assignments.

The Psalmist, giving an insight into the omnipresent nature of God, highlights as follows:

i. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? V7.

ii. If I ascend ..……………………………………………V8.

iii. If I make ………………….…………….………………V9.

iv. Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.V10.

v. If I say, ……………………………………………V11.

vi. Yea, the darkness ………………………….V12.

-Teachers should fill in the gaps from the passage during the preview exercise.

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1. Biblical Evidence

2. Always With Us

A. Throughout the Scripture, there are many examples of God’s presence moving on the earth, interacting with His creation.

B. For instance:

i. Adam and Eve acknowledged the presence of God in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:8).

ii.God walked in the camp of the Israelites (Deuteronomy 23:14).

iii.Hebrews 4:13 says, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

iv. Jeremiah 23:24 exclaims, “Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.”

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention instances in the Bible where secret actions or thoughts of men were not hidden from God.

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A. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ:

i. God is with you, beside you, above you, and inside you (Genesis 28:15).

ii. God’s presence and watchful care never leave you (Hebrews 13:5b).

B. If you are not a believer in Jesus Christ:

i. God is right in front of you, inviting you and drawing you.

ii. God is offering you the love, mercy, and grace that He longs to give you (Revelation 3:20).

iii. A better question than “Where is God?” is “Where are you, in relationship to God?” (Genesis 3:8-9).

iv. A sinner cannot hide from God and everything done in the secret is open before God because God is everywhere (Psalms 51:3; 139:7).

C. God’s presence is always with us:

i. Whenever we witness Christ to the world (Matthew 28:19-20).

ii. Even when we do not feel God’s presence amid our pain.

iii. So, we can be assured that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Isaiah 43:2).

iv. As He was with the three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:21-25).

v. All the time (Matthew 1:23).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should narrate an unforgettable experience in which they thought God had forsaken them but later discovered His abiding presence.

CONCLUSION: God is everywhere! His omnipresence is one of His existential attributes.

* Mention three biblical pieces of evidence of the presence of God on earth.

* How do believers know that God is with them?

EVALUATION: Students should mention an instance in the scripture that shows the omnipresence of God.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, help me to live daily in the consciousness of your abiding presence.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five instances where you practically felt God’s presence. (2×5=10 marks).