Date: Feb 16, 2025

Sub Theme: Initiating the child (3)

Topic: Infant Baptism

Text: Acts 16: 15, Acts 16:33; Col. 2: 11-12

Aims

• to explain infant baptism,
• to relate baptism with circumcision and
• to expatiate on some biblical bases for infant baptism

Introduction

“Paedobaptism,” also called “Christening in some Christian tradition, is the practice of baptising infants. The baptism of infants is believed to be the New Testament typology of the Old Testament doctrine of circumcision as enshrined in Col. 2: 11-12. Children were part of God’s Covenant as seen in the Bible (cf. Gen. 17: 7; Deut. 29: 10-12; Acts 2: 38-39). Likewise, baptism is the seal of this New Covenant in Christ, as it brings cleansing from sin and acceptance of children into Christendom which circumcision signified.

Study Guide

1. What is your understanding of infant baptism?
2. From the following passages, discuss biblical basis for infant baptism. Gen 17: 7; Acts 16: 14-15, Acts 16:32- 33, and its connection to circumcision; Col. 2: 11-12
3. As a Christian, how can you justify infant baptism? Matt 19: 13-14; Acts 2: 38-39; Rev 20:12.
4. Does baptism automatically lead to heaven? Discuss in line with righteous upbringing in preparing our children for the kingdom of God. Acts 21: 8-9; 2Tim 1: 5-6.

Conclusion

Infant baptism is one of our many rich heritages as a church. Even though it is not a license into the kingdom of God, but a reception of children into the Christian fold through confession made on their behalf by their godparents. Therefore, we must encourage Christian parents not to deny their children this all-important opportunity of having them initiated into the Body of Christ.

Food for Thought

Quick eradication awaits any religion without children

Memory Verse

Acts 16: 33: “And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their wounds, and he was baptised at once, with all his family.”

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Date: February 2, 2025
Sub Theme: Initiating the Child (1)
Topic: Wean and Instruct in the Right Manner
Text: 1 Samuel 1:20-27

Aims

1. To expose the concept of weaning a child.
2. To study the relationship between physical and spiritual weaning.

Introduction

Initiating means to start a way of life with someone. Weaning of a child is a mark of advancement in the life of the child. The child moves from breastfeeding to other sources of nourishment. At this point, the child does not depend on milk. Living on milk alone could not sustain his new level of physical development.

From the spiritual point of view, a Christian is expected to develop to the point of not living on “milk” alone. It is at this point that he can instruct and be instructed in the right manner.

Study Guide

1. What is your understanding of weaning a child?
2. What did Hannah do after weaning Samuel?
   • 1 Samuel 1:24-27
   • What lessons can we derive from this as Christians?
3. Discuss the relationship between physical weaning and spiritual weaning.
   • 1 Samuel 2:11-18; Luke 2:39-40; 1 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Corinthians 14:20; Ephesians 4:14
4. Discuss the effects of spiritual weaning in the context of:
   • Isaiah 7:15; 1 Corinthians 2:6; Hebrews 5:13-14

Conclusion

Christian parents have the responsibility of bringing up their children in godly ways and nurturing them until they advance to the next level of their lives. The same responsibility is required of us in nurturing people spiritually until they stand mature in Christ.

Food for Thought

Weaning a child leads to winning the child.

Memory Verse

1 Corinthians 13:11 – “When I was a child, I spoke like a child. I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child, when I became a man, I gave up childish ways.”

Watch Today’s Anglican Daily Fountain Devotional:

Date: January 26, 2025
Sub Theme: Concept of Child – (4)
Topic: Biblical Concept of a Child (3) Newborn in Christ
Text: 1 Peter 2:1-3

Aims

1. To study the nature of new birth in faith.
2. To verify the signs and reward of new birth.

Introduction

Another biblical concept of a child is a “newborn in Christ.” It means a new convert, popularly referred to as “Born Again.” It simply means turning away from old or sinful ways of life to godly livelihood. He that is born again becomes a partaker in the things of heaven. As Christians, we must make a concerted effort, through the help of the Holy Spirit, to develop a good relationship with God so as to qualify as children of God.

Study Guide

1. What do you understand by a newborn in Christ, and how best can we relate with a newborn in the Church?
   • 1 Peter 2:1-3; Hebrews 5:12-14
2. Mention the physical and spiritual signs of a new birth in Christ.
   • 1 Corinthians 13:11; 1 John 3:9; 1 John 4:7; 1 John 5:18
3. What do we stand to gain as genuine born-again Christians, and what are the repercussions of not being born again?
   • 1 John 5:4; Romans 8:16-17; 2 Peter 1:4
4. In your own opinion, what are the dangers of the fake “born-again” syndrome as noticed in some denominations to Christian faith?
   • Matthew 15:8-9; Matthew 23:27-28; Ephesians 4:14

Conclusion

In light of today’s lesson, believers need to shun lifestyles that are capable of portraying them as fake born-again children of God. Through the love of Christ, we should relate well with new converts in the Church.

Food for Thought

Are you born again or born against?

Memory Verse

1 Peter 2:2 – “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.”

Watch Today’s Anglican Daily Fountain Devotional:

Date: January 19, 2025
Sub Theme: Concept of Child – (3)
Topic: Biblical Concept of a Child (2) An Infant
Text: Luke 2:40-51

Aims

1. To study the characteristics of a child pertaining to their needs.
2. To pay more attention to things that can aid their growth.

Introduction

An infant is a child from birth till adolescent age. The earthly parents of Jesus provided all the amenities necessary for his physical growth, such as good food, shelter, and clothing. Moreover, they never failed to provide for his spiritual well-being by taking him to Jerusalem for spiritual rites. This made Jesus grow and become strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. As Christians and parents, we need not allow the present-day challenges to shift our focus from our heavenly mandate of making provision for our children’s physical and spiritual needs. Our study today will beam more light on how to achieve these.

Study Guide

1. Mention some physical signs that differentiate the infant from the adolescent stage of a child.
   • 1 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Peter 2:2
2. What lessons can we derive from the incident in Luke 2:43-46?
3. As believers, pinpoint those things that can jeopardize our growth both physically and spiritually and how best to avoid them.
   • Luke 2:40; James 3:14-16
4. What is the importance of teaching Christ to our young ones?
   • Proverbs 22:6

Conclusion

As Christians, let us ask ourselves how often we visit our children in their schools. We may face numerous challenges that make it difficult or impossible to meet our children’s needs. However, our prayers, perseverance, and steadfastness in faith shall definitely enable us.

Food for Thought

Build a child today; he will build the nation tomorrow.

Memory Verse

Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Watch Today’s Anglican Daily Fountain Devotional:

Date: January 5, 2025
Sub Theme: Concept of Child – 1
Topic: The Universal Perspectives of a Child
Text: Genesis 16:11; Genesis 21:8; 1 Samuel 1:20-27

Aims

1. To explain the universal concept of a child.
2. To discuss the importance of accepting the gospel like a child.
3. To discuss the positive attributes of a child that Christians need to emulate.

Introduction

In biological science, a child is defined as a person between birth and puberty. In legal terms, the term “child” refers to anyone below the age of majority, which is 18 years in most nations—a definition upheld by UNICEF. Biblically, the terms “child” and “children” are mentioned over 1,500 times in the Bible (KJV) and always refer to a baby in the womb or a person between the weaning age and puberty. In our text, Jesus shows His displeasure at His disciples for rebuking the children who came to Him.

He affirms that His kingdom belongs to them and to those who receive the gospel like a little child. The child has always held a special place in literary imagination, representing qualities such as innocence, humility, simplicity, purity, receptivity, freshness, emptiness, vulnerability, freedom, and potentiality. This study should inspire us to display the positive attributes of a child in our daily lives.

Study Guide

1. From the study today, analyze the universal and biblical perspectives of a child.
   • Genesis 16:11; Genesis 21:8
2. According to our text and other biblical passages, what are the basic rights of a child?
   • 1 Samuel 1:22-24; Proverbs 22:6
3. With reference to Mark 10:15, explain what it means to accept the gospel like a child.
4. Discuss some of the ways Christians can emulate the positive attributes of a child to advance the kingdom of God.
   • Matthew 18:1-5

Conclusion

The child signifies the goal of human development and represents that stage of life in which the old person, transformed, acquires a new simplicity. Just as children grow, mature, and develop a sense of devotion to their parents, Christians are expected to grow into maturity in their walk with God and remain devoted to Him.

Food for Thought

You must become as little children in your walk with God.

Memory Verse

Mark 10:15 – “Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.”

Watch Today’s Anglican Daily Fountain Devotional:

Date: January 12, 2025
Sub Theme: Concept of Child – 2
Topic: Biblical Concept of a Child – (1)
Text: Genesis 25:21-26

Aims

1. To explain the biblical concept of a child as a baby in the womb.
2. To discuss the biblical injunction on abortion.
3. To discuss the care of the baby in the womb.

Introduction

The biblical doctrine of life is that life begins at conception (Psalm 139:13-16). Thus, the biblical meaning of a child is a human being between the stages of conception (baby in the womb) and puberty. In our text, the Lord opened the womb of Rebecca, and she conceived two children of promise, representing two nations in her womb. Scripture affirms that all human life has been created by God and in the image of God. This means that every child in the womb is a product of God’s work (Isaiah 44:2, Ecclesiastes 11:5).

The child in the womb is a universal symbol of future potentiality, which is why he/she needs special care, nurture, and utter dependence on his/her mother for growth and survival. Today’s study should inspire you to value every child in the womb and to treat the child in the womb with the utmost care.

Study Guide

1. According to our study, what is the biblical concept of a child?
   • Genesis 25:23, Genesis 38:27, Isaiah 44:2
2. Is the child in the womb a living being or an ordinary unliving thing?
   • Isaiah 49:1, Jeremiah 1:5, Luke 1:41, Luke 1:44
3. What is the biblical injunction on abortion?
   • Genesis 9:5-6, Exodus 20:13, Exodus 21:22-25, Matthew 18:14
4. How can we appreciate the gift of human life in the womb?
   • Judges 13:12-14, Luke 1:15, Luke 1:42

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, God affirms the value of every human life—from children in the womb to the elderly. Therefore, every human life in the womb should be appreciated and not destroyed because the child in the womb represents incredible power, vitality, persistence toward growth, and hope for the world.

Food for Thought

Every human life in the womb is of great value.

Memory Verse

Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”

Watch Today’s Anglican Daily Fountain Devotional:

*DISCUSSION VIDEO LINK AND
STUDY GUIDE*

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The Christian Race
16TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
Date: Sep 15, 2024

Sub Theme: Motivators in the Christian race 1

Topic: Abel

Text: Gen. 4:1-5; Heb. 12:1

Aims
to illuminate us on the reason for the acceptance of Abel’s offering and
to study the criteria of God’s acceptance of offerings.

Introduction
The writer of Hebrews (in Hebrews 11) pointed our attention to the fact that, in our Christian race, we need motivators for inspirations that should always keep us focussing on Christ, instead of worldly distraction (Heb. 12: 1). We are starting with Abel today. “By faith, Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain.” (Heb. 11: 4). The writer of Hebrew exposed us to the fact that, Abel’s faith was from the heart and acknowledged God as the giver of what he had. God looked into Cain’s heart and probably seen the heart of pride.

Study Guide
Give your own understanding why God accepted Abel’s offering and rejected Cain’s? Gen. 4: 3-4; Ex 25:2.
Justify the fact that our faith is important in the way we give offerings to the Lord in the context of Mark 12: 42-44. What can you learn from the widow’s faith with reference to ISam 1: 26-28.
What are the Biblical injunctions or criteria for acceptable offering to the Lord? ISam 15: 17-23; Matt 6: 1-4.
What is the reward of an accepted offering or services by God? ISam 2: 21; IICor. 9: 6-8

Conclusion
Many times, we fall into the temptation of giving to God’s work as if we are helping God, instead of giving in thanksgiving from what He had provided for us. Our faith should be like that of Abel who gave the best from his heart with faith in God the greatest provider.

Food for Thought
Give from a thankful heart and not from a proud heart.

Memory Verse
Heb. 11: 4 “By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and through it he being dead still speaks.”

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The Christian race
15TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
Date: Sep 8, 2024

Sub Theme: Distractions in the Race 5

*Topic: Frustrations/Weariness*

*Text*:
IKings 19:1-18

*Aims*
to gain a better understanding of frustration and its causes and
to examine how best to overcome frustrating moments in our Christian lives.

*Introduction*
Frustration is when hope and anticipated outcome failed to materialize. Frustration is a psychological issue, which, if not properly handled can lead to depression and eventually death. It is a state of extreme hopelessness and despair. Elijah untimely resigned from the ministry due to frustration and threat to his life by Jezebel and thereafter wished God to take his life (Vs 4).

*Study Guide*
How do you understand frustration in our study context today?
What are the factors for frustrations from the following passages ISam 1:5-7; IKings 19: 4,v9-10?
What is the way out for the troubled or frustrated soul? Ps. 42: 5-6,v11; Prov. 4: 23; Acts 16: 24-26.
How can Christians passing through difficult situations resulting to frustration be helped? Deut.15: 11; 2Thess 3: 1-2; Jam 5: 14-16.

*Conclusion*
The truth is, suicide and taking of one’s life is not the solution to frustration; the way out is to open up to God and seek counsel before Satan will manipulate the situation to one’s disadvantage. Frustration should make us move closer to God and not otherwise.

*Food for Thought*
Frustration is inevitable. However, God’s grace for encouragement is always accessible.

*Memory Verse*
Ps. 42:5 “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help.”

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The Christian Race
13TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
Date: Aug 25, 2024

Sub Theme: Distraction in the Race 3

Topic: Fear of Persecution
Text:
Gal. 2:11-14

Aims
to understand the concept of persecution,

to discuss the causes of persecution and
to comprehend how persecution can cause digression if not well handled.

Introduction:
Fear of persecution is a major distraction on the track of Christian race. Apostle Peter was afraid of being persecuted by the Jews; hence, he resulted into hypocritical attitude, which made Apostle Paul rebuke him without hesitation. The fear of being persecuted has led some Christians into hypocrisy and thereby made them deny their faith and mingled with the world.

Study Guide
Briefly narrate the impact of fear in Peter’s ministry according to our text today.

Analyse the impact of fear in Num. 13: 31-33; Num. 14: 1-4 and how can fear of persecution hinder the onward movement in Christian race?

Discuss how the fear of being persecuted can cause digression in the gospel of Jesus Christ? Matt 26: 73-74; Gal 2: 12-13.

What are biblical passages for courage when we are confronted with intimidating episodes? Ps. 66: 12; Isa 43: 1-2; Isa 51: 23;

Conclusion:
There will always be intimidating experiences in our Christian race. We must always pray for courage to move on with the gospel message to end up the race gloriously.

Food for Thought:
Beware! Do not be a coward, because the coward dies many times before his death.

Memory Verse:
Matt 10:28 “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

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The Christian Race

2ND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

Date: Jun 9, 2024

Sub Theme: The Narrow way 4

Topic: The Way of Life

Text: Jer. 38:1-8

Aims

to discuss the end of the narrow way.

Introduction

No matter how difficult and rough the narrow way may be, the end result is that it leads to eternal life. Eternal life means where there is no death, pain, frustration or lack of good things. One of the righteous people that enjoyed the dividend of the narrow path on earth was Jeremiah. Jer. 38: 1-8 exposed us to how Jeremiah was punished for speaking the truth, but was finally vindicated.

Study Guide

Describe the persecution of Jeremiah in our Bible text today.

From experience, explain how truth is been persecuted in our generation especially in the Church of Christ.

Why is it difficult for some leaders to walk in the path of truth and life? Jer. 38: 17-19. Discuss this in line with Jesus’ warning in Matt 10:28.

The way may be narrow and distressful, discuss the end in line with Jer. 39: 11-14; Rev 7: 13-17.

Conclusion

To everything that has a beginning, there shall surely be an end. So is the narrow way. It may be occupied with unpalatable conditions; however, it leads to eternal bliss with Christ in His kingdom.

Food for Thought

Only the narrow road can prune bitterness that gives blissful end.

Memory Verse

Matt.7:14 “Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

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