RCCG Sunday School Students Manual February 18th, 2018 Lesson 25 — Turning The Tide

TOPIC: Turning The Tide [Sunday, 18th February 2018]

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 old 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 blessing on Thee.

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord's day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds 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: "Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad" - Psalm 53:6

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalm 126:1-6

1 When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.

3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.

5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

INTRODUCTION:

At least five possibilities exist in having a turning point in one's life. These are when things go from bad to good, good to bad, bad to orse, good to better and a combination of any two or more of these categories. Obviously, these possibilities are determined by the decisions we make and the circumstances in which we find ourselves in our abilities and limitations (1Chronicles 4:9-10). The tide can have a negative or positive turn. May the Lord turn the tide in our favour as we study today, in Jesus' name.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. It has happened before
2. It can happen again

IT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE

The tide has turned in different directions for different people from time immemorial:

1. From bad to good - A certain man by the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-9). The woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-29). Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52). Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:9-10).

2. From good to bad - King Saul (1 Samuel 13:13-14; 15:22-23, 28; 16:14). Samson (Judges 15:16; 16:20-21, 25-28). Eli (1 Samuel 2:27-32). Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:15-17; 3:6, 16-19, 23).

3. From bad to worse - Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:2-5). Michal (2Samuel 6:20-23). Gehazi (2 Kings 5:20, 25-27).

4. From good to better - King Solomon (1 Kings 3:4, 13; 10:1). Elisha (1 Kings 19:19-21).

5. Combination of turning points - King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:1-2; 4:30-37). Peter (Luke 5:3-11; Mark 14:66-68; Acts 2:14, 41; 5:16).

IT CAN HAPPEN AGAIN

Regardless of your present situation, you can experience a possible turn-around if you do the following:

1. Repent, turn from your sinful ways and turn to God (2Chronicles 7:13-14).

2. Return and ask for mercy if you are already backslidden (Ezekiel 33:10-13).

3. Restitute so that God can make good what is bad for you (Joel 2:25).

4. Redress, seek after God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 12:2; Psalm 121:1-8).

5. Re-fire, do not quit, and keep trying as things can be better (Ephesians 3:20).

CONCLUSION:

Where and what you are, are functions of the choices and decisions you made and still making. Make up your mind to get to the positive side of life. The tide is still turning.

QUESTIONS:

1. What are the possibilities that exist in having a turning point?
2. Enumerate the steps to take for the tide to turn in your favour.