PRAYER POINTS

1.Father, let me correctly discern the unusual opportunities that always precede the fulfillment of divine purpose in Jesus name
2.Father, please key me into Your divine calendar and help me fulfill Your purpose in my life in Jesus name.

DAVID: A TYPE OF CHRIST (PART 4)

Typology is a special kind of symbolism (A symbol is something, which represents something else). A type is a “prophetic symbol”. A type in the scriptures is a person or thing in the Old Testament, which foreshadows a person or thing in the New Testament. For example, the flood of Noah’s day (Gen. 6-7) is used as a type of baptism in 1Pet.3:20-21. The word for type that Peter uses is figure.
When we say that someone is a type of Christ, we are saying that a person in the Old Testament behaves in a way that corresponds to Jesus’ character in the New Testament. For example in Heb.9:8-9; the Old Testament tabernacle is a type. The high priests entrance into the holiest place once a year prefigured the mediation of Christ, our High Priest. Heb.10:19-20 refers to the veil of the tabernacle as a type of Christ: the veil was torn just as well as the flesh of Jesus was torn.
Scripture teaches that David was a prophet and priest as well as king of the nation. And in these three offices, David was a type of Christ, a type who pointed to the coming Ideal Prophet, Priest and King. All three offices are of critical importance for man’s salvation. As the Ideal Prophet, Jesus Christ proclaimed the perfect Word of God. As the Ideal Priest, Jesus Christ stands as the perfect Mediator between God and man, representing us and making us acceptable to God through His shed blood. As the Ideal King, Jesus Christ rules and reigns over the universe as the Sovereign Lord before whom we are all to bow and worship in service throughout all eternity.
1. THE PORTRAIT OF DAVID: A TYPE, FORESHADOW OF CHRIST AS KING, PRIEST, AND PROPHET
a. David was a king exalted and anointed by the God of Jacob (2 Samuel 23:1). Jesus was exalted and anointed by the same God (Acts 10:38). Jesus Christ is declared to be King, the Ruler of Israel and the Ruler of the universe. The implication is clear: we are to subject ourselves to Him as the Ruler and Lord of our lives (Matt. 2:2; 21:5; 25:34; Luk.1:33; John 1:49; 18:37; 19:21; 1Cor.15:25; 1Tim.6:15; Rev. 1:5; 17:14; 19:16; Isaiah 9:7; Jer. 23:5; Dan. 7:14; Zech. 9:9)
b. He had the most humble beginning, being a simple shepherd boy tending the sheep for his father Jesse. His father had achieved nothing of significance in his life so far as is known. But his father was an Israelite of the tribe of Judah. Being an Israelite from the tribe of Judah pointed toward David’s being the fulfillment of the predicted king who would be the very founder of the Messianic line (Gen. 49:10-12; Deut. 17:14-15). Jesus had a very humble beginning, being born in a manger (Luk. 2:11,12; Matt. 2:6 )
c. David was also a priest who led Israel in worship (2 Samuel 23:1). Of the 150 songs in the book of Psalms, at least 73 are said to have been written by him. David periodically performed various priestly functions (1 Sam.21:9; 23:6-13; 30:7-8). However, he would have been prevented from performing those functions that were preserved only for the Levitical priest (Heb.5:4). King Saul tried it, and he lost his kingdom to David (1 Sam.13:7-14).
Jesus Christ is the Perfect Priest who intercedes between God and man on our behalf. In order to become acceptable to God, we must approach God through the Lord Jesus Christ (Heb. 2:17; 3:1; 4:14-15; 5:1-5; 6:19-20; 7:21,25-27; 8:1,6; 9:11; 10:21).
d. David was also a prophet, a man through whom the Spirit of the Lord spoke (2 Samuel 23:2). David says that the Lord’s Word was on his tongue. The idea is that the Lord was speaking through him, inspiring the songs he was writing. Note that this is a definite claim of divine inspiration for the psalms, just as much as inspiration is claimed for all the Scripture, both the New and the Old Testaments (2 Tim. 3:16; Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Peter 1:19-21). Also note that the New Testament claims that David was a prophet (Acts 2:30). Jesus Christ is the Ideal Prophet, the Prophet of the Most High, the Lord God Himself. What He says, preaches, and teaches is to be obeyed. We are to follow Christ and do exactly what He says (Luke 1:76; 4:24; 13:33; 24:19; John 4:19; 6:14; 7:40; Acts 3:22).

2. THE BELIEVER AS A KING, PRIEST, AND PROPHET (Rev.1:5-6; 1Pet.2:5,9)
The believer is a King, priest and prophet. As Christ is, so are we in this world (1John 4:17)

Question for Discussion
How is the believer supposed to live as a ling, priest and prophet?

DAVID (PART 3)

David was the second king of Israel (following King Saul). He became very popular sequel to his defeat of Goliath, but also his several early exploits set him at odds with King Saul (1Sam.17:49-51; 18:7-8). David was also gifted in harp playing which helped soothe the madness of King Saul (1Sam.16:23). However, the contention grew between him and the king and eventually David had to flee for his life (1 Sam.19:1; 20:1).
Biblical David had several opportunities to kill Saul but refused (1 Sam.24:3-4). Later, he ensured that the man, who ‘killed’ Saul was executed (2 Sam.1:8-15; 2 Sam.4:10). After Saul's death, David became King of Israel. As King, he greatly extended the borders of Israel.

MAJOR EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF DAVID
1. David is chosen 1 Sam. 16:1,10,13. God chooses leaders for His people even up till now.
2. David plays the harp before Saul. 1 Sam.16:16-23. God’s gift are for His glory and for the edification of His beloved. Evil spirit can replace the Holy Spirit in the life of a careless believer.
3. David and Goliath 1 Sam. 17: 1-11, 26-27, 40-51. Trust in one’s power, no matter how trained and experienced, cannot be compared to trust in God Almighty
4. The enmity of Saul 1 Sam.18:6-16. When people see the gift of God in you, some are bound to become enemies, but you will overcome
5. David in the wilderness 1 Sam.21:10-13; 22:1; 24:1; 25:1; 26:1. When you pass through the wilderness experience, it shows you, among other things, that you are on your way to the throne.
6. David made king 2 Sam.2:1-4; 5:1-5
7. King David 2 Sam. 5:7,9-25; 6:1-2,5,10-17; 2 Sam.7:1-6; 2 Sam.8:1-10,15
8. Bathsheba and Uriah the Hittite 2 Sam. 11:1-6, 14-17. Do not condemn yourself as a result of your past mistakes, if you had been forgiven. God can use it to fulfill a divine purpose.
9. Absalom 2 Sam.3:3; 14:25,30; 15:1-3,6,7,10-14,31; 16:21-22; 2 Sam.17:1; 18:15,17-18. Beauty should not be allowed to lead to pride. Conspiracy against God’s anointed will attract heavy punishment.

DAVID (PART 2)

In the first part of this series, we saw that David was much more than a king and that we should never forget that God always has a substitute. As we continue today, may God bless us richly in Jesus name. Amen.

1. FOR WORSHIP TO BE ACCEPTABLE, WORSHIPERS MUST BE HOLY
Holy Ghost carriers can be dangerous people. This is because their words are decrees and so can your words be if you are filled with the Holy Spirit. However, for your worship to be acceptable to God, you must be sanctified because He is a holy God.
1 Sam. 6:1-10; 1 Sam.3:19; II King 9:12; 1King 2:19-24; John 6:26; I king 16:34; Jos.10:12-13; Mk 11:12-14, 20-23; Acts13:6-12; Rom.12:1-2; 1Pet.1:15-16; John 4:23-24

2. GOD DOES NOT SEE AS MAN SEES
Man often judges by appearance but God Judges by thoughts and motives. A close study of those rejected by God is very illuminating.
Isaiah.55: 8; I Sam. 2:3; Pro.31:30; Gen.4; 3-7; Heb.12: 15-17; Hos.4:17; 13:1; Est.1:10-19; Ps.138:6; Jam.4:6; Mt.23:10-12.

DAVID (Part 1)

DAVID (PART 1)
We announced last week, that we shall commence a study of choice Bible Characters this week. We are starting with this exemplary man referred to as a man after God’s heart (Acts 13:22). Of all the Old Testament saints there is hardly any one that can be related to the New Testament Christian better than David. He was almost everything a Christian is expected to be. That is why we believe that a close study of his life will be of tremendous blessings to us. May the Lord teach us Himself in Jesus name.

1. DAVID WAS MUCH MORE THAN A KING
David was not just a king. He was several other things. For example; he was a musician, warrior, priest, prophet, shepherd and dancer among others. We are supposed to be all these too.
2Sam.2:4; 1Sam.16:17-18; 1Sam.17:32; 1 Sam.30:7- 8, Ps. 22:1; .ISam.16:11-13; 1Sam.16:14- 16; 1Sam.12:13; Rev.1:5-6; Eph.6: 10-12; Eph.5:19; 1Pet.2:9 Acts.2:16-17; Eph.2:4-8.

2. BEWARE: GOD ALWAYS HAS A SUBSTITUTE
David probably would not have come to the limelight but for the sins of King Saul. We need to be aware that God always has a substitute for anyone who fails him.
I Sam.16: 1,13-14; I Sam.2: 27-30, Acts 1:16-20, Ps. 41:9 &69:25; Acts10:34-35; Rev. 3:11.

FAITH FOR A NEW BEGINNING (Matt.17:19–20) Part 4 - MUSTARD SEED FAITH

The importance of Faith cannot be over emphasized in the life of a Christian. We have learnt that without faith, we can do nothing! Heb.11:6; 2Cor.5:7; Rom. 14:23. Faith has been given different definitions depending on the person defining it, his audience and purpose of the definition. Today, we shall be discussing the mustard seed faith, as mentioned by Jesus in Matt. 17:19-20. The mustard seed is very tiny. Jesus likened the size of faith you need to move a mountain to the tiny mustard seed. It is like a seed of vegetable. This implies that
• You only need a tiny faith to move mountains.
• Nobody can say he/she does not have faith
• People see impossibility instead of possibility
• People tend to believe the lies of the devil

1. THE POWER OF MUSTARD SEED FAITH
Mustard seed faith is little but achieves much (Matt.13:31-32). It is mountain moving faith (Matt.17:14-20). Nothing is impossible to the one that has mustard seed faith (Matt. 17:20). Mk. 4:31; Luk.13:19; 17:6.
2. EVERY BELIEVER HAS MUSTARD SEED FAITH
Every Christian has the capacity to perform miracles! And, the quickest way to find out whether or not we are in the faith - is to see if we are showing the results that the Word of God promises us when we are in faith. If we are not seeing the results (proper fruits) - then it must only be one of two reasons: either we are not acting in accordance with what scriptures say or what we believe is incorrect.
The biggest misconception that most Christians have is that either they do not have any faith - or that they do not have enough faith to get the results that they need. Consequently they are always asking God to give them more faith - or they are engaged in some kind of activity that they believe will increase their faith (prayer, fasting, etc). Both of these ideas are wrong!
The Word of God teaches that faith is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal:5:22) and that upon accepting the Lord Jesus Christ - each one of us is given the measure of faith. (Rom:12:3). Notice that we are not given 'a' measure of faith - but rather 'the' measure of faith.
3. YOU NEED TO EXERCISE YOUR MUSTARD SEED FAITH TO GROW IT
The disciples were also of the opinion that they needed more faith if they were going to do the miracles and complete the task that Jesus had instructed them to do. Yet, when they asked the Lord to increase their faith (Luk:17:5) the Lord neither increased it for them - nor did he tell them how to increase it themselves. Instead - He told them how to use the faith that was present (Matt:17:20). As with Christians today - the problem with the disciples was not that they didn't have enough faith, but rather that they didn't know how to use the faith they had. They believed wrong! Test what you believe with the Word of God, try it and see if it works.
If it doesn't - then we need to change what we think and believe and make sure that any changes that we do make come into agreement with the Word of God.
(2Cor:10:5)

FAITH FOR A NEW BEGINNING (Luk. 17: 1 – 10) Part 3

In the course of this series, we have been called to learn and develop faith because faith is essential and of utmost importance for every aspect of the Christian life. Without faith, we can do nothing! Heb.11:6; 2Cor.5:7; Rom. 14:23. The Bible explains faith in Hebrews 11:1 as follows: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (KJV).
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (NIV, 1984). “Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen” (ASV). “To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see”(GNB). Faith is described as "being sure" and "certain". Faith says "I have the thing I hope for now." It says assuredly and certainly I have it now and it exists now.

HOW TO APPLY (USE) FAITH
1) Be sure of your salvation
Admit that you are a sinner and in need of a Savior. Repent of your sins, that is, turn from your sin. Then, confess and believe in Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. Romans 10:9, 10. This takes faith. If you are sure that you are born again, then you have faith. If not, there is a problem. Heb. 11:6. Faith is needed for salvation. Eph. 2:8. To apply faith therefore, you must first of all be born again.
2) Allow the Bible to be the ultimate authority in your life.
The Word must be the final authority in your life as it is in Heaven and on the earth. Psalm 119:89; Rom. 3:4.
3) Know that whatever it is that you desire from the Lord must line up with His Word.
Study of the Word of God is very important. For example, if a person is a narcotics dealer, he cannot pray and ask God for more finances. God would never condone the illegal sale of narcotics. Your petition must be what God would want for you or someone else. That means you must know what His Word says about your situation. 1John 5:14-15; Jas. 4:3.
4) Pray believing that you have received the thing that you ask for in faith.
Faith is more than just having the thought or belief of something in your mind. It is an action word. It involves doing something. Mk 11:24; Jas 2:18, says, "But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do." (NIV, 1989). For example, a farmer may believe that crops will grow on his land but if he never plants the seeds, he will never have a crop. So, the farmer has faith by planting the seeds in the ground, watering them, weeding the soil and allowing the sun to shine on them. Then a crop will spring up.
Praying in faith is saying what God's Word says about the situation. The seed is the Word of God. Your heart is the ground for planting the seed of the Word. Then keep trusting in the Word of God by confessing (saying or speaking) the Word of God. Keep out doubt and unbelief. Nourish the Word by protecting it in your heart until it comes to pass in your life.
"Believe that you have received it and ye shall have it." Mk. 11:24.