Family Weekend 2024

Thursday 14th-Sunday 17th November. 2024

t h e m e :

THE HEAVENON
EARTH FAMILY
Thursday 14th November, 2024
• CHILDREN & TEENS •
TOPIC: KINGDOM CHILDREN

Friday 15th November, 2024

• YOUTH •
TOPIC: HEAVEN CONSCIOUS YOUTH

Saturday 16th November, 2024

• ELDERS •
TOPIC: HEAVEN FOCUSED ELDERS
• COUPLES DAY OUT •

Sunday 17th November, 2024

Thanksgiving (Combines Service)
THEME: THE HEAVEN ON EARTH FAMILY

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 WELCOME
ADDRESS

W
e give glory to God, who has preserved our families, to
witness another Family Weekend of The Redeemed Christian
Church of God. May His name be praised forever.
Our Theme for this year is “The Heaven on Earth Family”.

The Bible reveals to us that heaven operates like a family as we have on

earth and both are named of God. Ephesians 3:15 “ Of whom the whole
family in heaven and earth is named.”

If families in heaven and the earth are named after God, they are to operate
in the same principles that govern heaven, which is the nature of God.
The family of heaven operates in love, joy, peace, righteousness, unity,
worship and praise, and faithfulness; it is free of sickness, diseases, and
pain.
Therefore, God expects the families on earth to have these features to
make our families heaven on earth.
On the contrary, what we see today of the family on earth are hatred,
violence, abuse of different kinds, separation, division, disunity, deception,
divorce, sicknesses, sorrow, and pain, to mention but a few.
To make our families Heaven on Earth therefore, we need to exhibit the
heavenly traits.
To achieve this, we need to invite Jesus into our homes. Every member of
our family must experience genuine salvation. When Christ abides in our
homes, it will be easy for every member to be guided by the principles of
God as it is written in His manual, which is the bible.
Every member will be willing to obey divine instructions such as love and
submission. Eph 5:22-25 “ Wives, submit yourselves unto your own
husbands, as unto the Lord, For the husband is the head of the wife, even as
Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body…Therefore
as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own
husbands in everything…Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also
loved the church and gave himself for it.”

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Children in the family will not be polluted but they shall abide in Christ.
1 Jn 2:28 “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear,
we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.”

We will be able to forgive one another and live peaceably with each other.
Col 3:12 “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of
mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a
quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
Heb 12:14 “ Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man
shall see the Lord:”

It is when our families on Earth become like those of Heaven that our
society can have peace because all sorts of corruption and evil will cease.
We need to wage war against every attack of the devil over our families
using the weapons of warfare which are mighty through God to the pulling
down of strongholds, according to 2 Corinthians 10:4 (For the weapons of
our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of
strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that
exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity
every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to
revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”
We should be ready to put on the whole armour of God as we know that we
wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers. It
is then very important to take the helmet of Salvation, the sword of the
Spirit, which is the word of God, praying always, and watching with
supplication in the Spirit for our family and all Saints of God. Read Eph 6:11-18

It is my prayer that this weekend, we shall all experience the type of

encounter that will bring about transformation in our families so much that
our families will begin to experience heaven on earth in Jesus' name.
Amen.

God bless you.

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 • CHILDREN CATEGORY •
TOPIC: KINGDOM CHILDREN
BIBLE TEXT: Psalm 127:3-5; Matthew 19:13-15.

I
NTRODUCTION: Children belong to
God; they are His heritage (Psalm
127:3). So He said to Abraham in
Deuteronomy 6: 6-7 " And these words
which I command you today shall be in
your heart. You shall teach them
diligently to your children and shall talk
to them when you sit in your house,
when you walk by the way, when you lie
down and when you rise up". God
choose Abraham because He trusted
Him to command his children and his
household to follow His ways. Genesis
18:19.

OUTLINES
A. WHO IS A KINGDOM CHILD?
A Kingdom child is a child that has received Jesus Christ as his/her
Saviour (saved from sin) and is daily and faithfully following Jesus.
Children can receive God's gift of Eternal Salvation even at an early age, by
praying and asking Jesus to come into their hearts. Receiving Jesus is so
simple that even a two - year- old child can do it! You can hardly find
anybody more sincere or believing than a small child. That is why Jesus
said we must become as small children to go to Heaven (Matthew 18:3-5).
As soon as they are old enough to pray the simplest prayers or responding
to message of Salvation, they are accepted by God as His Children.

B. WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT KINGDOM CHILDREN.

• God wants them to know Him, His Word and Truth. Deuteronomy 6:6-7;
11:18-20; Isaiah 38:19b
• God wants them to be with Him in Heaven at the end of their life on earth.
John 14:1-3.
C. WHAT JESUS SAYS ABOUT KINGDOM CHILDREN.
• Jesus said, " Let the little ones come to me and do not hinder them for the
kingdom of Heaven belongs to them. Matthew 19:14-15. He says they
should not be despised. Matthew 18:10
• He says little ones that believes in Him should not be made to sin. Matthew
18:6, Mark 9:42

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 Jesus told Peter to feed the Lambs. John 21:15

D. WHAT THE BIBLE, PATRIACHS AND APOSTLES SAYS ABOUT KINGDOM

CHILDREN.
• To Love them - Titus 2:4.
• They should be corrected and not indulged. Proverbs13:14, 19:18, 22:15,
23:13, 29:17.
• To train them the way they should go. Proverbs 22:6 and Parents
should not provoke them to wrath. Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:21

D. THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS AND THE CHURCH TO KINGDOM

CHILDREN.
• Love them, treat them gently and protect them. 1 Thes 2:7, Colossians
3:21.
• Teach them to know God and His Word. Deuteronomy 11:18 -20, Psalm
119;10-11, Proverbs 8:32-33.
• Lead them to receive Jesus into their heart and have Eternal Salvation.
John 5:39, 2 Timothy 3:15
• Teach them to pray, praise and worship God with gratitude. Matthew
21:15-16, Nehemiah 12:43, Psalm 148: 12 -13: 2 Chronicles 2013, Joel
2:12-16
• Teach them obedience to God, parent, elders and authority. Proverbs
23:24-25, 13:1, 10:1,1:8, John 4:1, Ephesians 6:1, Colossians 3:20.
• Teach them to Love God, Serve Him, fear of God and to reverence Him.
Matthew 22:37, Isaiah 8:18; Proverbs 1:7;14:26
• Teach them morals, respect, love, discipline, honesty, holiness,
hardworking and set standards and boundaries for them. Proverbs
17:21,25, 19:13, 10:1b, Philippians 4:8; Proverbs 12:24, Proverbs 13:4, 1
Samuel 3:13; Proverbs 29:12.

CONCLUSION: Children coming to Church or born into a Christian home does not
make them automatically saved, Salvation is not by inheritance or hereditary.
Children must make personal decision to receive Jesus Christ as their Saviour
John 1:12, Romans 10:13, then they can become Kingdom Children.

If trained right, Children will be a great blessing to God, his Church, family and
Nation. Psalm 127:4-5, Isaiah 8:18, Matthew 18:5. Parents and the Church have
huge responsibility to raise Kingdom Children who will serve the Lord, fulfil
purpose, destiny and make it to Heaven. Train them, Nurture them and Pray for
them ALWAYS. Isaiah 8:18.

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 • TEENS CATEGORY •
TOPIC: KINGDOM TEENAGER
Text: Romans 8:16-17; Galatians 4:4-7

INTRODUCTION: Kingdom is simply

explained as king's domain, and it
talks about the pattern and the way
of ruling of different sets of kings in
the jurisdictions. Micah 4:8. But we
are talking about the Kingdom that
God rules. Anyone that belong to
God has become the Son or
daughter of the Kingdom. John
1:12-13.

W
e became an heir of God
through the marriage that
happened between us and
Christ after redemption from the Kingdom of darkness, Col 1:13. The
redemption happened in God's time according to His predestined purpose.
The decision of God concerning the heir is to make them the partaker of His
inheritance with Christ. But before they will inherit anything, they have to be
sons and daughters either by birth or adoption. When we give our lives to
Him and we believe Him, we automatically become as He is, with the same
mind and life. - John 1:12; 1 Cor. 2:16.

FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT BEING SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF THE

KINGDOM:

A. THROUGH GOD'S GRACIOUS ADOPTION, WE HAVE BECOME HIS

CHILDREN
We “have received a Spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out,
'Abba, Father”. The Spirit here is referring to the Holy Spirit. The Spirit
is the seal or pledge of our inheritance as adopted children of God
(Eph. 1:13-14).
But, make sure that you are His child! The Bible is clear that by nature
because of our sin we all are children of wrath, not children of God
(Eph. 2:3). How do we become children of God? Paul explains (Gal.
3:26), “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” As

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 Paul writes (Eph. 1:5-6), “In love He predestined us to adoption as
sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention
of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely
bestowed on us in the Beloved.”

B. WE ARE SONS AND DAUGHTERS (HEIRS) OF GOD HIMSELF

“And if children, heirs also, heirs of God…” At the very least, this
means that we will receive all that God has promised to us as His
children. But it probably also means that God Himself is our
inheritance. (Deut. 18:2; Josh. 13:33). The Psalmist knew the joy of
having God as his inheritance. If God Himself is our inheritance, then
our salvation is secure because He is eternal and unchangeable and
His promises never fail. The reason we have Him for our inheritance
is because He first chose us and predestined us to adoption as His
children.

C. WE ARE FELLOW HEIRS WITH CHRIST, WHO IS THE HEIR OF ALL

THINGS
Hebrews 1:2 declares, “In these last days [God] has spoken to us in
His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He
made the world.” “All things” is fairly comprehensive! Again, if we are
co-heirs with Christ, our inheritance is secure because there is
absolutely no doubt that Jesus will inherit all that the Father has
ordained to give Him.

D. OUR INHERITANCE INCLUDES THE UNFATHOMABLE RICHES OF

CHRIST
In Ephesians 3:8, Paul describes his ministry as “to preach to the
Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ.” These riches include our
being heirs of the world. In Romans 4:13, Paul said, “For the promise
to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world
was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith). We
are fellow heirs with Christ, who is the seed of Abraham, we will
inherit the new heavens and earth with Him. Also, we are heirs of the
kingdom of God. James 2:5 declares, “Listen, my beloved brethren:
did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs
of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?” And,
included with these promises, we are heirs of eternal life, which is the
joy of knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent
(John 17:3; Titus 3:4-7).

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E. THE FACT THAT WE ARE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF GOD AND
FELLOW HEIRS WITH CHRIST MAKES OUR SALVATION
ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN.
God wants us who are His children to know that our inheritance is
“imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in
heaven for you” (1 Pet. 1:4). It is absolutely certain.

F. WE ARE TO BRING MORE HEIRS TO THE KINGDOM

As God saved us, we are to save others. We are to preach the gospel
to all creatures – Matthew 28:19. We are to redeem the lost souls.
Our calling as Teens and Children is to bring them to the knowledge
of Christ and to become the heirs of God - John 1:12. Our Characters
and ways of life should be like that of Christ Jesus. We should attract
others to join the kingdom; our conversation, our thought, our
attitude and relationship with others should bring people to the
Kingdom (1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7-8; John 13:15).

CONCLUSION: That is the work of God in redemption. God has adopted us

into His family which gives us all the rights as sons and daughters, but He
also regenerated us so that we're not only adopted sons, we are born sons
and daughters. As adopted sons and daughters, we have the rights and as
born sons, we have the nature. We have become partakers of the divine
nature. But if you are yet to give your life to Jesus, you can join us to be
heirs of the Kingdom by surrendering your life to Jesus (John 1:12).

Teens Global Summits

Family Weekend 2024 Edition
(ONLINE PROGRAMME)

Saturday 16th
November, 2024

2pm – 4pm (It will be

shown on RTM Television
and all DTCE
Social handles.
Teens are to gather in their various Parishes to watch.

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 • YOUTH CATEGORY •
HEAVEN CONSCIOUS YOUTH
Text: Col. 3:1-2

Heaven-conscious youth is a young

person who lives in alignment with
biblical principles, with their heart and
mind set on eternal life and a desire
to please God in every aspect of their
life. The Bible provides many
examples and teachings that guide
youth on how to live with a heaven-
focused mindset.

Qualities of a Heaven-Conscious
Youth:

1. Set Your Mind on Things Above

(Colossians 3:2)

• A heaven-conscious youth focuses on eternal things, not just the temporary

pleasures or challenges of this world. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on
things above, not on earthly things.” They prioritize spiritual growth, heavenly
rewards, and living in a way that honours God.

2. Seek First the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33)

• Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his
righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” A heaven-
conscious youth seeks to prioritize God’s kingdom and righteousness above
all else, trusting that everything else will fall into place.

3. Pursue Holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16)

• The Bible calls believers to live holy lives. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, it says, “But just
as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy
because I am holy.’” A heaven-conscious youth strives to live a life set apart
from sin, reflecting God’s character in their actions and decisions.

4. Be an Example in Speech, Conduct, Love, Faith, and Purity (1 Timothy 4:12)

• Paul instructs Timothy, a young believer, to be an example to others despite

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his youth. 1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because
you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in
love, in faith, and in purity.” A heaven-conscious youth should model godly
behaviour, standing out as a light in a world that often lacks these virtues.

5. Store Up Treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21)

• Jesus encouraged His followers to focus on eternal rewards. In Matthew

6:19-21, He said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where
moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up
for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy,
and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there
your heart will be also.” A heaven-conscious youth focuses on spiritual and
eternal treasures rather than material wealth or possessions.

6. Be Watchful and Stay Prepared for Christ’s Return (Matthew 24:42-44)

• A heaven-conscious youth lives with the awareness that Jesus will return,
and they should always be ready. Matthew 24:42-44 reminds believers to stay
alert and prepared, living every day as if Jesus could return at any moment.
This encourages righteous living and urgency in sharing the gospel.

7. Resist Conformity to the World (Romans 12:2)

• Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind.” A heaven-conscious youth does
not follow worldly trends, attitudes, or pressures but is transformed by God’s
Word, allowing their mind and actions to be shaped by eternal truths rather
than temporary influences.

8. Endure Persecution with Joy (Matthew 5:10-12)

• Jesus promises blessings to those who are persecuted for righteousness’

sake. In Matthew 5:10-12, He says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted
because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” A heaven-
conscious youth understands that living for Christ may bring challenges or
opposition, but they are encouraged to endure with joy, knowing their reward in
heaven is great.

9. Serve Others and Live with Compassion (Matthew 25:34-40)

• Jesus teaches that serving others, especially the least of society, is like
serving Him directly. A heaven-conscious youth seeks to live out this calling,

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offering help, love, and compassion to those in need, knowing that their acts
of service reflect their commitment to Christ’s teachings and bring eternal
rewards.

10. Grow in Wisdom and Knowledge of God (2 Peter 3:18)

• A heaven-conscious youth continually seeks to grow in their understanding

of God’s Word and His will for their life. 2 Peter 3:18 says, “But grow in the
grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” They take time to
study the Bible, seek guidance from spiritual mentors, and apply biblical
wisdom in everyday situations.

10. Evangelism and Sharing the Gospel

• A heaven-conscious youth is passionate about sharing the gospel with

others. Understanding the importance of salvation and eternal life, they
actively witness to their peers, family, and community about God’s love and
the message of Jesus Christ.

11. Spiritual Discernment

• A heaven-conscious youth develops spiritual discernment, understanding

what is right and wrong in a world filled with temptation and distraction. They
are mindful of influences, whether from media, peers, or culture, and seek
guidance from God to make choices that honor Him.

Examples of Heaven-Conscious Youth in the Bible:

• Joseph: Despite facing immense hardship, Joseph remained faithful to God

and resisted temptation (Genesis 39). His focus on honoring God even in
difficult circumstances is an example of a heaven-conscious youth.
• Daniel: Daniel refused to defile himself with the king’s food and remained
faithful to his belief in God, even when it was dangerous (Daniel 1). He prayed
consistently and was willing to face the lion’s den rather than compromise his
devotion to God.
• Timothy: Though young, Timothy was an example to others in faith and
conduct. Under Paul’s mentorship, he became a leader in the early church and
lived a life focused on spiritual growth and service (1 Timothy 4:12).

How to Cultivate Heaven-Consciousness as a Youth:

• Stay Connected to God: Make prayer, Bible reading, and worship central to
your daily life.

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• Seek Godly Role Models: Surround yourself with other heaven-conscious
believers who can inspire and guide you in your spiritual journey.
• Serve Others: Engage in acts of service, showing love and compassion as
Jesus did.
• Stay Focused on Eternity: Remind yourself regularly that life on earth is
temporary, but the rewards of heaven are eternal.

Conclusion:

A heaven-conscious youth lives with their heart fixed on eternity, striving to

follow God’s commandments, resist worldly temptations, and prepare for
Christ’s return. By developing these godly traits and following biblical
examples, they can live a life that honours God and reflects a deep, eternal
focus.

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 HEAVEN FOCUSED ELDERS
Text: Colossians 3:2

Introduction:

A
ll Children of God should be
heaven-focused,
regardless of their age.
However, Elderly Christians should
be more focused when it comes to
heavenly matters because they are
more advanced in age than the
younger ones.

1 Definition of Terms:

• HEAVEN: -
- Jesus presented heaven to
us as His Father's House
John 14: 1-3
- Heaven is the ABODE of God, with Angels and Saints in His
presence.
- Heaven is a place of ineffable Peace and Joy
- Heaven is where everything operates according to God's will.
Matthew: 6:9-10
- It is a place of Praise and Worship of God non-stop Revelation 4:10-
11, 5:11-14
- A Beautiful and secure place. Revelation 21:1-4, 10-27

• FOCUSED: -
- To be focused is to direct a great deal of Attention, Interest and
Activity towards a particular Aim, Goal or Objective.
- To be focused is to direct all one's Efforts towards achieving a
particular Goal. Matthew 6:33
- A focused person is Determined, Single Minded and Concentrated
on achieving his Paramount Goal

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· ELDER: -
In a Biblical and Spiritual context, an Elder refers to a matured, wise and
experienced individual who should provide leadership and guidance to
others.
- The word 'ELDER' refers to the following:
- A clergyman, an Officer of a church, or Church Elders Acts 20:17
1Peter 5:1-4
- A Leader of a community Exodus 3:16, Judges 11:5
- An old person, of great age or seniority Leviticus 19:32, Prov. 16:31

While this message is for the entire Body of Christ in general, it is

Primarily for the Senior Citizens.

2 CHARACTERISTICS OF HEAVEN-FOCUSED ELDER

Here are some of the Characteristics/ Identities of a Heaven focused
Elder, Matt.7: 16, you shall know them by their fruits.
(i) He/she is a follower of Christ. 2Cor5:17, John 3:16, John. 10: 1-5.
(ii) He/She obeys the Lord Jesus Acts 5:27-29, Isaiah 1:19
(iii) He/She lays his /her Treasure in Heaven. Matthew 6:19-21
(iv) He/She is a soul winner Proverb 11:30
(v) Jesus is his/her central FOCUS Heb. 12:1-2
(vi) He/She hates sin and Satan 1John 3:8, Rom. 6:14
(vii) He/She does not love the world 1John 2:15-17
(viii) He/she does not obey the flesh Gal. 5:19-21
(ix) He/She pursues Purity and Holiness. 1Peter 1:15-16, Heb. 12:14
(x) He/She is a Man /Woman of Peace Heb. 12:14a.

3 REWARDS OF A HEAVEN-FOCUSED ELDER

It is the promise of our Father in heaven that we shall not seek Him in
vain. Isaiah 45:19, 65:23, 1Cor. 15:58
(i) He/she will enjoy perfect peace here on earth. Isa. 26:3; Heb. 12:14
(ii) He/She shall see Jesus on the last day. 1John 3:1-3
(iii) He/She shall reign with Christ eternally John 14:1-3
(iv) He/She will be a partaker of the unending Joy and Glamour of
Heaven Rev. 21:1-5, 10-27.

The Rewards are many, the above are just a few of them.

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4 BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF HEAVEN FOCUSED ELDERS
(i) Abraham: Demonstrated Faith and Obedience by looking forward
to a Heavenly City Heb. 11:8-10
(ii) Moses: Led the Israelites with heavenly perspectives, prioritizing
God's glory Exodus 33:18-23.
(iii) Joshua trusted God for heavenly promises by leading Israelites
into the promised Land. Joshua 1:6-9.
(iv) David: Composed Psalms reflecting heavenly focus Psalm 23: 1-6,
121:1-8, 91:1-16.
(v) S h a d ra c h , M e s h a c h , a n d A b e d n e g o c o n f ro n t e d k i n g
Nebuchadnezzar and his idols. They stood for the one and only
true God. Daniel 3:1-30
(vi) Peter was an Apostle and Elder who focused on the heavenly
kingdom. Matt. 4:18 -22, Acts 2:38-47, 1peter 5:1-4
(vii) Paul was a dedicated Apostle who suffered for the Gospel,
Prioritizing heavenly Rewards, 2 Cor. 4:16-18, 2Cor.11:23-28.

CONCLUSION
There are Elders in heaven, worshipping God non-stop (Revelation 4:10-
11) Every Elder in Christ should so focus on heaven with the view to
joining them at the end of his journey here on earth.
This is a great opportunity for anyone who wishes to join the Pilgrims to
Heaven, to consider his/her ways, by confessing and accepting Jesus as
Lord and Saviour, doing so will guarantee you a place in Heaven.

SHALOM

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 SUNDAY SERVICE
THEME: THE HEAVEN ON EARTH FAMILY

Text: Ephesians 3:14-15

“For this cause I bow my knees unto
the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Of whom the whole family in
heaven and earth is named.”

Introduction

T
he family is God’s creation
(Genesis 2:18-25), just as
heaven and earth are God’s
creation (Genesis 1:1). Jesus
taught the disciples to pray God’s
will to be done on earth as it is in
heaven (Matthew 6:9-10). We can
deduce from this prayer that heaven is the ultimate example of the
environment that families on earth can emulate for them to thrive.
Replication of this creation of heaven on earth can be done if the family
follows several key principles that reflect God’s kingdom values. Today,
we will examine these principles for families to embrace that ultimately
will make their families experience heaven on earth.

Outline
1. Examples of families whose homes are heaven on earth.
2. Six Principles for making your family heaven on earth.
3. Rewards for families that are heaven on earth.

Part 1: Examples of families whose homes were heaven on earth:

1. Joseph and Mary - This family yielded to God’s will without
question. They raised their son (Jesus) in an atmosphere of love
and compassion, and they trained their him in the way of the Lord -
Luke 1:38; Matthew 1:24; Luke 2:22.

2. Aquila and Priscilla - This Christian couple worked together as a

team. They supported each other both in their secular work and in
their service to God. They demonstrated commitment to

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 spreading the gospel by supporting Apostle Paul - Acts 18:26; 1
Corinthians 16:19.
3. Zechariah and Elisabeth - This family was described as righteous
and blameless before God. They had delayed childbirth, but they
waited patiently on God without trying any ungodly alternative
plans. They did not wane in their commitment and service to God
because of their challenges - Luke 1:6;55-56.

Part 2: Six Principles for Making Your Family Heaven on Earth using
the acronym H.E.A.V.E.N.

1. H - Heed Godly order – To make your family experience heaven

on earth, follow God’s order of priority, which is first to love God,
then love your spouse, and train the children in a loving and
compassionate environment - Mark 12:30; 1 Corinthians 14:40;
John 15:5; Colossians 3:18-21; Ephesians 6:1-4.
2. E - Embrace Spiritual practices – Families that regularly pray
and worship together invite God’s presence into their homes. This
helps them align with God’s will, just as it is done in heaven -
Genesis 18:19; Deuteronomy 4:40; Joshua 25:14; Matthew 18:20;
Psalm 91:15.
3. A - Agreement – Heaven is a place of unity and peace. A family
should strive to maintain harmony, forgive each other, and avoid
division. There may be disagreements, but this will not be allowed
to fester in their home. Members will not allow the sun to go down
before reconciling disagreements. - Amos 3:3; Matthew 18:19-20;
Ephesians 4:3, 26; Philippians 2:2; Matthew 5:9; 18:21-22.
4. V - Value one another – Heaven is a place where servanthood is
esteemed. Members value one another, serve one another and
treat one another with mutual respect and trust. Each member’s
gift is valued and allowed to thrive in serving other members of the
family. A family that serves each other with humility models this
heavenly attitude - Philippians 2:3-4; Romans 12:10; 1 Peter 2:17;
John 13:14.
5. E – Exhibit the fruit of the Spirit – Exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit
in daily interactions as family members reflects the character of
heaven. These include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians
5:22-23)

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6. N - Never give up when the storm comes – The heaven on earth
family is resilient and steadfast. They weather storms of life
trusting in God’s ability to keep the family together in safety and
security. – Psalm 37:25; Proverbs 24:10; Matthew 19:6; Malachi
2:16; Isaiah 43:2; Psalm 91:1-2.

Part 3 : Rewards
1. Spiritual Growth – Hebrews 10 :24-25
2. Strong, healthy relationships – Colossians 3 :12-14
3. Generational Blessings – Proverbs 20 :7
4. Divine Protection – Philippians 4 :19.
5. Joy and Contentment – Psalm 16 :11.

Conclusion
By embodying these biblical principles, a family can create an
environment that reflects the kingdom of heaven while living on earth.
And the attendant rewards are available for every family that embraces
these principles.

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 NOTES

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Thursday 14th
November, 2024

Friday 15th
November, 2024

Saturday 16th
November, 2024

Sunday 17th
November, 2024

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