RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ MANUAL 14 AUGUST 2022

 RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ MANUAL 14 AUGUST 2022
LESSON FIFTY (50)
TOPIC: PARADISE

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN

1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

O how I love Thee well,

I am happy, it makes me glad

To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

Thy friendship suits me well,

Both young and will sing Thy song,

We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

Christ was Thy first teacher,

The Holy Spirit, great teacher,

Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

This testimony is sure,

That God, the Father Almighty,

Poured His blessings

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

Though the sun be so bright,

Or if the clouds be black with rain,

I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

I rejoice to see Thee,

Will thou pass over me today?

Without my being blest?

MEMORY VERSE: “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43.

BIBLE PASSAGE: LUKE 16:19-26

[19]There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

[20]And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

[21]And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

[22]And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

[23]And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

[24]And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

[25]But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

[26]And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

INTRODUCTION: Paradise is a place of blessing where the righteous go after death. The word, paradise, is usually used as a synonym for “heaven” (Rev. 2:7). Paradise is a place of rest for believers in Christ. It is a place where believers are united with Christ and His Father (Lk.23:43). Jesus used “paradise” as a synonym for ‘heaven’. The apostle Paul wrote of someone (probably himself) who “was caught up to paradise” (2 Cor.12:4). In this context, paradise obviously refers to Heaven.

OUTLINES:

1. THE NATURE OF PARADISE

2. THE BENEFITS OF BEING IN PARADISE

1. THE NATURE OF PARADISE

Paradise is the Father’s House (John. 14:2). Jesus told the thief that he would be with Him in paradise that very day (Lk.23:43). Paradise is a place that is wonderful beyond description (2Cor. 12:4). Paradise of God is also said to be a high and holy place (Isa.57:15) where there is no sin (Ps.15:1-2; Rev.21:27). The paradise of God has the tree of life for the health of nations (Rev.22:2). It is a peaceful place (Isa.65:25). It is also place that those who have faith in the Lord will enter immediately upon death (Acts 7:55-56). Paradise is a place of bliss and happiness (Ps.16:11). There is no need to worry about what happens after death if you are born again and living in holiness because whoever believes in Jesus Christ and endures to the end will be saved (Acts 4:12; Matt.10:22). The inhabitants of the paradise of God are holy (Rev. 21:27).

2. BENEFITS OF BEING IN PARADISE

The paradise of God has the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations (Rev.22:2, 14; Ezek.47:12). No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His servants will worship Him (Rev.22:3). Saints will see the face of the Lord and His name will be on their foreheads (Rev.22:4; 1Cor.13:12; 1Jn.3:2). Night will be no more. There will be no need for light or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever (Rev 22:5). There will be no more sin or the sorrow that sin brings. The greatest of these sorrows is death which has been conquered by Jesus Christ’s victory at Calvary (Isa. 25:8; 1Cor.15:54). To have access to God’s paradise, repentance, confession of sin, and putting your trust in Christ is very essential. A fearful expectation awaits those who are not on God’s side (Rev 20:11-15).

CONCLUSION: One thing is sure, if you miss heaven (paradise), you cannot miss hell. Be prepared.

QUESTIONS:

1. Describe the nature of paradise.

2. Mention the benefits of being in Paradise known to you.

FURTHER READING: MON: Matt.25:33-41. TUE: Lk.6:22-23, WED: Lk.16:19-31. THUR: Lk.23:38-43, FRI: Jn.14:1-4. SAT: 2Cor.12:3-9, SUN: Heb.11-16

ASSIGNMENT

Mention any five (5) people or characters that will not enter paradise.