“WHOEVER STOPS GIVING WILL START DYING”

Memory Verse: “One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty” Proverbs 11:24.
There is a wonderful mythical law of nature that the three things we crave most in life… happiness, freedom, and peace of mind, are always attained by giving them to someone else. Everything God created was created to give: plants give us oxygen, the sun gives us warmth and plants generate their food from the sun. Animals give us protein; water helps us to stay clean. Above all, the entire universe is sustained by the law of giving, the day you stop giving, you start dying. Withholding is a proof that you do not have; it is a proof of lack and lack is a sign that you are not supposed to have more. Jesus said: ‘whoever has will be given more, and he will have abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him’ Matthew 13:12.
Giving qualifies you to receive; it positions you supernaturally for abundance especially when done with joy and cheerfulness. The planet earth responds to giving; sow a seed of corn, you will reap a cob. Sow a seed of mango and you will reap a whole tree. Whatever you withhold you lose. If you withhold the seed of love from your spouse, you stand the risk of losing her. If you withhold the seed of hard work, you stand the risk of poverty. If you withhold the seed of persistence, then you run the risk of failure. If you withhold the seed of money, do not be surprised when you are short of it.

Above all, the entire universe is sustained by the law of giving, the day you stop giving, you start dying.

You do not just lose the things you withhold, but you also lose those you are withholding them from. A poor man has a very funny mentality. He remains poor because he does not give. He thinks withholding will make him have more. A poor man is likely to think that he is prudent by being stingy; especially with money. He thinks hard work will make him sick. He thinks patience will make him look stupid. What he fails to understand is that life is a seed. Whatever you give you receive, whatever you withhold you lose. If there is anything you want in your future, start giving it today!

RESTITUTION

Memory Verse
"And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold." Luke 19:8
BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 19:1-10
INTRODUCTION
Restitution is commanded by God to enable us follow peace with all men. It is an act of putting right what has been done wrongly. It is divine restoration of all things to their original order. In this lesson, we shall consider what restitution is and its blessings.
OUTLINES
1. WHAT IS RESTITUTION?
2. RESTITUTION AT VARIOUS DISPENSATIONS
3. THE BLESSINGS OF RESTITUTION
WHAT IS RESTITUTION?
Restitution is an act of putting right what has been done wrongly, restoring what has been taken wrongly and repairing or giving any equivalent to loss or damage. This is a very important step for every believer for a clear conscience and good testimony. The doctrine has been taught at various dispensations.
RESTITUTION AT VARIOUS DISPENSATIONS
Restitution is not a new doctrine. It has been in practice before the law. Moses gave certain laws of restitution Lev.6:1-6, 24:21; Num.5:6-8; Ex.22: 1-5. The doctrine was also confirmed up to the time of the kings and prophets 2 Samuel 12:1-6; 2 Kings 8:1-6 - and to the Church age, right from the time of Jesus Christ and the apostles until now Luke 19:8-10; Philem. 1:7-12.      

                                                                  
THE BLESSINGS OF RESTITUTION
A heart of restitution has the following to benefit from God:

• Favour from God - Luke 2:52.
• Speedy answers to prayers - Luke 11:9.
• Fearlessness - Psalm 27:1.
• Healing - Psalm 107:20.
• Anointing for exploits - Acts 10:38.
• Hearing God from time to time.
• Protection - Psalm 105:15.

CONCLUSION
Restitution is an avenue to make your ways right with your fellow man while salvation makes your ways right to God. One is not complete without the other. Therefore, prayerfully take steps to put right those things you have done wrong.

FAITH THAT WORKS

Memory Verse
“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alo: ‘’’. James 2:17
BIBLE PASSAGE: James 2:14-20
INTRODUCTION
In this study, our focus shall be on faith that works. Therefore, we shall, for the sake of today’s lesson, define faith as the “work of righteousness.”
OUTLINES
1. FAITH THAT WORKS
2. SOME WORKS OF FAITH


FAITH THAT WORKS
Our faith in the Lord Jesus has brought to us a common salvation through our confession – Romans 10:9. This is the start of our relationship with Him. He first did something for us through our faith in Him. Then, we too should reciprocate by doing something for Him. We can put faith into action in the following ways:
i. We can rise for the salvation of others. This can be done through a daily testimony of Christ – Titus 2:11.
ii. Our faith in the all-sufficient God can propel us to share our food with the poor and provide clothing for the naked, particularly the believers –James 2:14-16.
iii. Our faith in the prayer-answering Saviour will move us from selfish and self-centered prayers to fervent prayers for the sick, destitute, government, nations and the church of God universal – James 5:14-19; 1 Timothy2:1-5.
iv. Through our faith in God, we can be more submissive to Him in various· ministerial assignments – Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher – Ephesians 4:11.
v. Through our faith in Him, believers can perform signs and wonders. We can cast out devils – Mark 16:17- loose the bands of wickedness, undo heavy burdens, deliver the oppressed and break every yoke· Isaiah 58:6.

SOME WORKS OF FAITH
A living faith produces certain results that could be called the works of faith because faith without works is dead. These works include ability to resist the devil and to overcome the world. Living faith also produces good report i.e. has a positive perception of circumstance. Saints overcome all difficulties by a living faith. In fact, anything that is not of faith is sin. James 2:21·25; Galatians 2:20; Romans11:20; 2 Cor.1:24; 1 Peter 5:9; Ephesians 6: 16; Hebrews 11:2; Matthew 17:20; Romans 14:23.
CONCLUSION
The kingdom of God does not permit idleness. It requires everyone to work out his or her salvation with fear and trembling. It is by doing this that we can please the One who chose us. Is your faith evidenced by works?