Ayo Bello Memorial Baptist Church, Ilorin – Nigeria

(AN INTRODUCTION TO 2025 ANNUAL BIBLE STUDY)

TEXT: 2PETER 1:1-4.

INTRODUCTION

God has not left us to struggle through life alone. He has made provision through grace to live victoriously and consistently in Him every single day.

BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Second Peter is a short but significant book of the New Testament, written to warn believers against the activities of false teachers and combat their heresis.

The first verse opens with the IDENTITY OF THE AUTHOR (2Peter 1:1a).

The author identifies himself in two ways- by “name” and by “title.” Both are very significant.

(i) By Name- Simon Peter

▪︎ Simon is a Greek name given to him at birth, meaning to “hear or obey”.

▪︎ Peter is a Hebrew name given to him by Jesus, meaning “Rock or stone”. Look up Matthew16:16-19.

He needed to add this name for proper identification, to differentiate him from other Simons in the New Testament.

Exercise: Read the following scriptures and identify the Simons mentioned there: Matthew 10:4; 26:6; 27:32; John 6:71; Acts 10:6.

(ii) By Title – Servant And Apostle of Jesus Christ.

Servant:

▪︎ A place of submission to a higher authority.

▪︎ A place of service and obedience, bound by duty to do whatever the Master tells him.

▪︎ A servant has no right of his own (Possessed by the master as he possesses his property).

By implication, all Christians are servants of Jesus Christ, belong to Jesus Christ, and must always be at the Master’s service.

Apostle:

▪︎ An Apostle means “the sent out” (like an Ambassador).

▪︎ He has authority behind his mission.

▪︎ Though he is a servant, he carries spiritual authority.

Spiritual leadership should be a combination of submission, the sacrificial obedience of a servant, and the strength, boldness and courage of an apostle, with no pride or arrogance.

Reflection: (a) Mention some of the characteristics of an ambassador.

(b) Compare and contrast Peter’s identity with that of the contemporary “servants of God.”

THE OPERATIONAL DIMENSIONS OF GRACE IN THE LIFE OF A BELIEVER

1. Grace is God’s Gift in Salvation

“… them that have obtained like precious faith with us…” 2Peter 1:1b.

▪︎ The faith received by the recipients of this letter is the same in value with that of the apostles.

By implication, all believers in Christ have received the same precious faith.

▪︎ No first-class nor second-class Christians.

▪︎ No basis for pride or feeling of inferiority.

This faith is based on the righteousness of our God and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

▪︎ No man is truly good. Look up Isaiah 64:6.

▪︎ We are saved because God imputed the righteousness of His Son Jesus into our lives.

▪︎ Nobody is more worthy than another person. Check Ephesians 2:8-9.

▪︎ We are all saved by grace through this same faith. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men”- Titus 2:11.

2. Grace is Not Static- 2Peter 1:2

▪︎It is fuelled and increased through insatiable thirst and  diligent seeking to know more of God and of Jesus everyday. Look up Philippians 3:10.

Reflection: How can we acquire the knowledge of God that brings about multiplication of grace?Read Acts 20:32.

3. Grace Empowers For Daily Living- 2Peter 1:3.

▪︎ Grace is not just for salvatian. It’s what carries us on in our daily chistian living. Salvation is the entry point, not the endpoint. See Romans 5:1-2.

▪︎ Grace is not just power but divine enablement. See 2Corinthians 12:9.

“…his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness….”- 2Peter 1:3

▪︎ God has already given us everything we need to live a a life that pleases Him. Check Philippians 2:13.

▪︎ This is possible through our knowledge of Him (Relationship and intimacy is the key). See Galatians 2:20.

▪︎ Knowledge of God and faith in Him are the channel whereby all spiritual supports and comforts are conveyed to us.

4. Grace Conveys Unto Us The Promises That Sustain Us- 2Peter 1:4a.

▪︎ God’s Word is filled with promises to guide, empower, and sustain us.

▪︎ These promises are our spiritual resources that sustain us through life. We must believe, claim and live by them.

5. Grace Leads Us To a Transformed Life- 2Peter 1:4b.

▪︎ Grace doesn’t leave us the same. It transforms us. See 2Corinthians 5:17.

▪︎ We are called to participate in the divine nature- to reflect the character of Christ. Check Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:10; Galatians 5:16, 22-25.

Grace enables us to escape the corruption that is in the world.

▪︎ The dominion that sin has over us is according to the desire (lust) and the delight (pleaure) we have in it. But our renewed mind is free from all sinful thoughts and desires.

CONCLUSION

The Christian life is a grace-filled life, from start to finish. Grace saves, empowers, transforms, and sustains us. Let us therefore draw closer to Christ daily, living not in our strength, but in the sufficiency of His grace.

May the Lord help us so to do in Jesus’ name.

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” — Acts 3:19 (KJV)

---

What is “Times of Refreshing”?

A time of refreshing is a divine moment where Heaven meets Earth with restoration, renewal, and a revival of strength. It is a season where the dry places become fruitful again, where brokenness gives way to wholeness, and where the past is overshadowed by the glory of what is new.

Just as Psalm 23:2 says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters,” this time is symbolic of green pastures, divine restoration, and a shining moment when God turns mourning into dancing and ashes into beauty (Isaiah 61:3).

---

Emblems of Refreshing:

Each symbol is a divine tool used by God to bring us into His freshness:

1. Water for Cleansing – “…with the washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26); Heb. 10:22
2. Blood for Purification – “…the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7; Heb. 9:14, Rev.1:5
3. Rain for Supply – “Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain…” (Zechariah 10:1; Leviticus 26:4; Isaiah 55:10-11
4. Spirit for Renewal – “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength…” Isaiah 40:31; Romans 8:11; II Corinthians 4:16

---

Biblical Examples of Refreshing:

Throughout Scripture, God brought refreshing to lives and situations long deemed hopeless:

• Naaman – from leprosy to restoration (2 Kings 5:14)
• The Bent-over Woman – 18 years of bondage ended in one encounter (Luke 13:11-13)
• The Woman with the Issue of Blood – 12 years healed by a touch (Mark 5:25-34)
• The Man Born Blind – saw for the first time (John 9:1-7)
• Elijah and the End of Drought – rain restored after 3.5 years (1 Kings 18:41-45)
• The Lame at the Gate Beautiful – leapt for joy after years of begging (Acts 3:1-10)
• Sarah – aged womb refreshed to bear a nation (Genesis 21:12)
• The Prodigal Son – From rebellion to restoration- (Luke 15:24)

Characteristics of Times of Refreshing:

1. It is Visible to All – “And all the people saw him walking and praising God.” (Acts 3:9)
2. It Is Better and More Glorious – “The glory of this latter house shall be greater…” (Haggai 2:9; Psalm 126:1-3
3. It Comes with New Strength – “Your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:5)
4. It Terminates Old Stories – “Behold, I will do a new thing…” (Isaiah 43:18 -19)

---

Magnitude & Dimension of Refreshing:

• Perfect Refreshing – God completes whatever He starts (Philippians 1:6)
• Full Refreshing – Nothing missing, nothing broken (Joel 2:25-26)
• Lasting Refreshing – Like rivers that never run dry (John 4:14)

---

PRAYER UPROAR: Let the River Flow!

“Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.” — Psalm 81:10

1. Father, I declare this is my season of refreshing – “The set time to favour her has come.” (Psalm 102:13)
2. I receive the full dimensions of divine refreshing – “That you might be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:19)
3. Let the Living Water flow into every dry area of my life – “Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38)
4. By the Blood of Jesus, cleanse me—body, mind, and soul—for a fresh start – “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean.” (Psalm 51:7)
5. Holy Spirit, renew my strength, empower me for righteousness and purpose – “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)
6. Let AyoBello Memorial Baptist Church, Ilorin, testify of continuous refreshing – “The Lord shall guide you continually… and you shall be like a watered garden.” (Isaiah 58:11)

---

Conclusion:

Beloved, “Times of Refreshing” are not just seasonal—they are spiritual. They come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19). As we align our hearts, lift our voices, and yield to the Holy Spirit, rivers will flow, glory will fall, and new stories will be written. Let us step boldly into the stream of God’s refreshing! “For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground…” — Isaiah 44:3

Introduction

• Beloved of the Lord, over the last two weeks, God has opened our spiritual eyes and blessed our understanding with powerful revelations on Renewed Beginnings—a divine journey into new heights and new glory. We’ve come to recognize that in Christ, we are never stuck, never finished, never without a future.

But today, the Lord is shifting the dimension of our revelation. He is bringing us into a new horizon: a renewed beginning for a New Hope in Christ.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

• These are not mere motivations—they are the living manifestations of divine hope.
• It’s a spiritual promise—a covenant reality.
• New hope in Christ brings fresh strength,

soaring grace, and the power to overcome weariness and faintness, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.

• Hope in God never dies. Hope in God refocuses us. It revives the hopeless heart and transforms it into a womb of divine opportunity.

A. Understanding New Hope in Christ

1. Hope is the Blueprint of Faith

• Hope is not inferior to faith—it is foundational to it. As Hebrews 11:1 says:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

• Hope gives form and aim to faith. When hope is absent, faith loses its target—it becomes scattered, like arrows without a bullseye. But when hope is alive, faith becomes sharp, intentional, and fruitful.
• Hope builds the image of God’s promises in your heart so that faith can go to work and bring it to pass.

2. Hope is Supernatural Expectancy

• Biblical hope is not worldly “wishing.” It is not a shallow desire or emotional optimism.
• The hope that the Word of God talks about is rooted in your covenant with God and the anointing He has released to fulfill it in your life.
• It’s not based on your conditions—it’s based on God’s unchanging will.

“…remember that at that time you were separate from Christ…without hope and without God in the world.” – Ephesians 2:12

• But now, by the blood of Jesus, we have a living hope (1 Peter 1:3), and a supernatural expectancy that what God has promised, He is well able to perform.
• In Philippians 1:19, Paul uses two powerful Greek words that are translated as hope. One means “happy anticipation of good”; the other means “eager longing, strained expectancy, watching with an outstretched head.”
• That’s the image of someone looking beyond their natural limitations, fully absorbed in what God is about to do.
• When you walk in this kind of hope, distractions lose their grip. The trials of life cannot weigh

you down, because your heart is locked on the certainty of God’s movement.

B. How to Obtain New Hope in God

1. New Hope Comes from God’s Word Revealed

• Hope rises when God’s children discover His Word and cling to it until it reshapes their inner image.

“In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures…” – Daniel 9:2

• When Daniel discovered God’s prophetic promise in Jeremiah 29:10–11, hope ignited in his heart and led to intercession and fulfillment.
• The same way, Isaiah 55:10–12 reveals that God’s Word brings joy, peace, and productivity when it enters our hearts.
• Hope comes when you take those promises and keep them before your eyes and ears, until they begin to build an image inside you. You stop seeing yourself without it—and start seeing yourself possessing it.
• Go to the Word—God’s will is His Word. It is His will for you to be healed, whole, fruitful, victorious, and full of divine purpose.
• Stay in the Word until your hope becomes crisply defined, until your spirit stretches with expectation.
• Meditate until you’re so full of divine vision that your morning starts with declarations of healing, joy, and power! 

2. New Hope Comes Through Absolute Trust in God-  Psalm 20:7; Isaiah 26:3

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not  Proverbs 3:5-6

• When your hope is grounded in God, unbelief has no entrance. Your heart becomes immovable, your mind unshakable.
• The fiery darts of the enemy bounce off you because your soul is anchored in divine expectation.

3. New Hope Comes to Those Who Wait on the Lord

• Hope is born in the secret place—where we wait on God in worship, in quietness, and in faith.

“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…” – Isaiah 40:31

“There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” – Proverbs 23:18

• Waiting is not wasting. It is a spiritual posture of expectation. You may look still, but your spirit is soaring. Your faith is preparing to catch what God is about to release!

4. New Hope is Strengthened by Bold and Unwavering Faith

“Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace…to the seed of Abraham.” – Romans 4:16

• Like Abraham, you must hope against hope. The Bible says Abraham did not waver through unbelief but was fully persuaded that God had the power to do what He had promised (Romans 4:20–21).
• The lame man at the gate (Acts 3:5) looked at Peter and John expecting to receive something. That kind of hope is magnetic—it pulls the supernatural into the natural.

“We having the same spirit of faith…we also believe, and therefore speak.” – 2 Corinthians 4:13

• When hope matures, it opens your mouth. The spirit of faith begins to speak—not out of formula, but from overflowing expectation. It calls things that be not as though they were, because it has already seen them in the spirit.

Conclusion: What New Hope Does in the Life of God’s Children

Hope is not an emotional cushion—it is a spiritual force.

Hope keeps you intensely focused on God’s promise. It paints the image of the future God has prepared for you—even when your circumstances show the opposite.

When you have hope:

• The devil cannot beat you down.
• Trials cannot rob your joy.
• Setbacks become setups.
• You develop a divine stubbornness—refusing to quit, rising stronger every time you fall.

“At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail.” – Job 14:7

• Let your hope be fierce, focused, and full of fire. Let it stir your faith into action. Let it birth prophetic vision and victorious living.

“And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit…” – Romans 5:5

This is your season for New Hope. And by the Spirit of the Living God, your hope shall not be cut off.

Introduction / Preamble

Beloved, we gather today under a divine declaration — not of mere encouragement, but of prophetic reassurance. The passage before us is a word in season.

It is God’s word to a weary people, a word to revive the faint-hearted, restore lost glory, and initiate a renewed beginning filled with New Glory.

Haggai 2:6–9 reveals God’s heart toward His covenant people in a time of disarray, dejection, and devastation.

These were people who had known glory — seen it with their eyes — and watched it depart. But the God of all seasons and situations had not forgotten them. And beloved, He has not forgotten us.

Contextual Background

In Haggai’s time, the Israelites were at their lowest ebb:

• The glorious Solomonic Temple had been destroyed (cf. 2 Kings 25:9).
• The Ark was gone, the lampstand extinguished — Ichabod, “the glory has departed” (cf. 1 Samuel 4:21).
• Many had returned from exile in Babylon, but they came home to ruins and rubble.
• Worship felt restricted, and the passion of their devotion was clouded with despair (Haggai 2:3).

They had memory without manifestation… hope without substance.

Yet in the middle of that darkness, God speaks.

God’s Fourfold Response in Haggai 2:6–9

1. God Sends His Word (vs. 6)

“This is what the Lord Almighty says…”

Before God moves, He speaks — His Word always precedes His work.

• The Word is not bound by circumstance. (Isaiah

55:10–11)

• The Word is the seed of transformation, the catalyst for change. (Psalm 107:20)
• In your chaos, God still speaks. Are you listening?

His voice shakes the heavens and the earth — because sometimes things must be shaken before they are rearranged.

🔥 God’s Word is the shaking that precedes the shifting!

2. God Demonstrates His Sovereignty (vs. 6b–7)

“I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations…”

God reminds Israel that He is Lord over all realms — heaven, earth, sea, and dry land.

• Nothing is outside His reach — not your wilderness, not your broken altar.
• He is the One who causes nations to tremble so His purposes can emerge. (Daniel 2:21)
• He shakes structures and systems to reveal what cannot be shaken. (Hebrews 12:26–27)

No matter where you’ve been — be it exile, barrenness, betrayal, or bondage — God is not

confined by geography or history. His sovereignty extends into your personal wilderness.

3. God Proves His All-Sufficiency (vs. 8)

“The silver is mine, and the gold is mine…”

This is God’s divine declaration of total ownership and limitless provision.

• You don’t need to see the provision — just trust the Provider. (Philippians 4:19)
• Every resource required to fulfill God’s purpose already exists in His hand.
• He is Jehovah Jireh — not just a provider, but The Provision Himself. (Genesis 22:14)

The Israelites worried about the cost of rebuilding — but God said, “I own the supply chain.”

🕊️ The One who gives the vision also owns the provision.

4. God Promises New Glory (vs. 7b, 9)

“I will fill this house with glory…”

“The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former…”

This is the crescendo — the divine announcement of a New Glory.

What is God’s Glory?

• His Presence (Exodus 33:14)
• His Weightiness – the kabod – the heaviness of His nature and influence
• His intervention in the affairs of men

When glory comes:

• The ordinary becomes extraordinary
• The natural is overtaken by the supernatural
• The temporal becomes a stage for the eternal

Dimensions of New Glory in Verse 9:

• 🌅 New Horizon – A new dawn breaks over your life. (Isaiah 43:19)
• 🌿 Greater Restoration – More than what was lost will be restored. (Joel 2:25)
• 💖 Divine Comfort – Peace, not as the world gives. (John 14:27)
• 🔁 Transformation – A change of story and status. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

🎇 This isn’t a recycled past — it’s a brand new future.

Life Application: God’s Glory in Our Midst

What does this mean for us today at AyoBello Memorial Baptist Church?

1. God’s Work in the Midst of the Year Is Mighty

“In a little while…” – God doesn’t need forever. He can shift things suddenly.

God is shaking things, not to destroy, but to reconstruct your future. (Habakkuk 3:2)

2. God Can Turn Around Any Situation

From exile to rebuilding, from tears to triumph — nothing is too far gone.

3. God’s Intervention Is the Gateway to Glory

When God steps in, beginnings are renewed — the end is better than the beginning. (Ecclesiastes 7:8)

4. Peace Is a Signature of God’s Glory

“In this place I will grant peace…” (vs. 9)

Not just absence of trouble, but shalom – fullness,

harmony, health, and wellbeing.

Conclusion:

God is not finished with you.

• He is a restorer of ruined places (Isaiah 58:12).
• He is the lifter of those bowed down in discouragement (Psalm 145:14).
• He gives new beginnings, not by erasing the past, but by redeeming it.

No matter your age or stage — whether you are elderly remembering former glory, an adult in the struggle of rebuilding, or a young adult looking toward the future — God is calling you into a New Glory that exceeds what was.

INTRODUCTION

Prayer is not just a personal discipline — it is a powerful, communal act where believers support each other before God.

God invites His people to stand in the gap for others through intercession. Such prayers are powerful and effective (James 5:14–16).

The aim of this teaching is to encourage us as believers to take seriously the call to intercede for others — with compassion, boldness, and alignment with God’s purposes.

UNDERSTANDING INTERCESSION

Intercession is standing in the gap between God and others — appealing to God’s mercy on their behalf.

▪︎ It is one of the most selfless expressions of love and spiritual maturity.

MOSES: A MODEL INTERCESSOR

Moses is described as the meekest man on earth (Numbers 12:3). His meekness and compassion are reflected in the way he constantly interceded for Israel (Numbers 12:13).

In Exodus 32, when the people made a golden calf and provoked God’s wrath (vv. 9–10), Moses stepped in — not to excuse their sin, but to plead for mercy.

FOUR TRUTHS ABOUT POWERFUL INTERCESSORY PRAYER:

1.  Intercession is Rooted in a Heart of Compassion

Exodus 32:11 – “But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God…”

Moses didn’t stand back in judgment — he stepped forward in mercy.

▪︎ His prayer flowed from deep love for the people, even in their rebellion. He reflected God’s own heart, which hates sin but still loves the sinner (John 3:16).

▪︎ To pray effectively for others, we must cultivate the heart of God — one that weeps over sin, yet pleads for mercy.

▪︎ When a brother or sister falls, we should respond in love by interceding for them — not condemning them (Galatians 6:1–2).

2. Intercession Appeals to God’s Character and Promises –  Exodus 32:12–13

Moses reminded God of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Israel.

▪︎ He didn’t try to manipulate God, but appealed to His unchanging character — His faithfulness, mercy, and promises (Hebrews 10:23).

▪︎ Intercessory prayer is most powerful when rooted in Scripture.

Moses prayed God’s Word back to Him — just like Jehoshaphat did (2 Chronicles 20:6–9).

▪︎ Learn to pray Scripture — invoking God’s mercy, grace, and covenant promises (Isaiah 55:11).

3. Intercession Can Change Outcomes

Exodus 32:14 – “Then the Lord relented…” (KJV: “repented”)

▪︎ God responded to Moses’ prayer.

▪︎ God did not change His nature — but His response to their sin shifted due to Moses’ intercession.

▪︎ True intercession can change outcomes — even when judgment appears certain.

▪︎ Abraham interceded for Sodom (Genesis 18:22–33).

▪︎ The church interceded for Peter (Acts 12:5–11).

▪︎ James 5:16 – “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

4. Intercession Reflects Christ’s Ministry

Moses was a type of Christ — a mediator between God and the people.

▪︎ Jesus is our ultimate intercessor:

▪︎ Hebrews 7:25 – “He ever lives to make intercession for them.”

▪︎ Romans 8:34 – “Christ Jesus… is at the right hand of God interceding for us.”

▪︎ When we intercede, we participate in Jesus’ ongoing ministry.

▪︎ If Christ intercedes for us, shouldn’t we follow His example and intercede for others? (1 Timothy 2:1–3)

CONCLUSION

Intercession is not optional — it is a divine calling.

Ezekiel 22:30 – “I sought for a man among them to stand in the gap…”

▪︎ God is still searching for people who will stand in the gap today.

CALL TO ACTION

▪︎ Will you stand in the gap?

▪︎ Who are you praying for today?

A lost family member? A struggling friend? Your church? Your nation? (2Chroniccles 714; 1 Timothy 2:2)

Start today:

▪︎ Commit to daily intercession.

▪︎ List 3–5 people you will pray for this week.

▪︎ Join a prayer group or prayer chain — make intercession a lifestyle.

🙏 FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT

When you pray for others, you are partnering with the heart of God and the ministry of Christ. Your prayers can change lives, families, churches, and nations.

Main Text: Ezra 8:23

“So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.”

INTRODUCTION

One of the most critical spiritual lifelines of any child of God is a vibrant life of prayer and fasting. This is more than a spiritual activity; it is a lifelong discipline of communion and dependence on God.

 Prayer is how we speak to God; fasting is how we yield ourselves more fully to Him. Through these, we grow in intimacy, alignment, and transformation.

Our Lord Jesus Christ didn’t just command prayer—He modeled it (Luke 5:16; Mark 1:35). He retreated often to pray, not out of routine, but out of desire for fellowship with the Father and clarity of purpose. As disciples of Christ, we are called to live as He lived. A disciple without prayer is a contradiction, for Christ taught that “men ought always to pray and not to faint” (Luke 18:1).

Sadly, many today have reduced prayer to noise, performance, or self-seeking declarations. The sacredness of prayer and fasting has been weakened by a generation that seeks power without consecration. We must recover the heritage of Bible-based, Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered prayer—a prayer that touches heaven and transforms earth.

This study, based on the experience of Ezra and God’s people, aims to rekindle our passion and understanding of the necessity and sufficiency of prayer. We will explore why prayer is indispensable for every believer and how God responds when we seek Him wholeheartedly.

I. EZRA’S EXAMPLE: A BLUEPRINT FOR DEPENDENCE ON GOD

(Ezra 8:21–23)

Ezra was appointed by God to help restore true worship in Jerusalem after a long period of exile and spiritual decline. On the journey back to Jerusalem, he faced many uncertainties—threats of ambush, fear of failure, and the weight of leading a people returning to God. Although Ezra could have requested an armed escort from the king, he chose instead to trust wholly in God’s protection.

So, he proclaimed a fast and led the people to seek God’s face in humility and dependence. Their prayer was not casual. It was desperate. It was believing. And it was answered.

“So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.” (Ezra 8:23)

Ezra’s story reminds us that as children of God, we must not take God’s promises for granted, but rather appropriate them through sincere prayer. “Call unto Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

Fasting refines our focus and reminds us that our strength is in God, not in ourselves. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Prayer Uproar:

1. Thank You Jesus, for You are ever dependable God
2. Dear Father, I receive Grace to trust You above every other power
3. O Lord, in all the journey of life I embark upon this season, guide me and order my feet in Jesus’name
4. O God thGt answer prayer, help me not to seek help where you are not present. Let my come from You alone in Jesus’name
5. My Father,  my Father Let Your mighty hand rest upon me for solution and victoJesusin all my pursuit of life in Jesus’name

II. WHY PRAYER IS NECESSARY FOR EVERY CHILD OF GOD

1. It Is a Divine Instruction

Matthew 6:5–7, 16–18; 1 Thess. 5:17; Rom. 12:12

Prayer is not just a suggestion; it is a command from the Lord. Jesus didn’t say “if” you pray—but “when” you pray. Every believer is expected to engage in continual communication with God.

It is an expression of obedience, love, and spiritual alertness.

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2)

2. It Nurtures Our Fellowship with God

Mark 1:35; Revelation 3:20; Psalm 27:4,8

We were created for fellowship with God, not for religious routines.

Through prayer, we commune with our Heavenly Father, share our burdens, listen to His heart, and are transformed by His presence.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)

3. It Unlocks Divine Insight and Wisdom– Jer. 33:3; 1 Cor 2:9–12; Prov 20:27; Dan 2:17–23

God desires to reveal His mysteries to those who seek Him. Prayer opens our hearts to understand His will, His ways, and His promises. We gain clarity, discernment, and divine strategies when we dwell in His presence. “The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.” (Psalm 25:14)

4. It Releases Strength and Power for Life’s Journey–  Isaiah 40:28–31; Phil. 4:13; 2 Cor. 12:9–10

Life comes with burdens, but through prayer, we exchange our weakness for God’s strength. “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…” Prayer empowers us to overcome and endure. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

5. It Is a Mighty Weapon Against Spiritual Adversaries– Eph 6:10–18; Mark 9:29; 2 Cor. 10:4–5; James 4:7

We are in a constant spiritual battle day in and out as believers.  Temptations, trials, and demonic resistance confront every child of God.

But prayer is our line of defense and offense. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7). “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16b)

• It Advances God’s Kingdom on Earth– Matt. 6:10; 2 Pet.1:2–4; Acts 4:31; Luke 11:2

God’s will must be enforced through the intercession of His people. Souls are saved, lives are changed, and destinies are aligned when believers pray. “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10). “Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance.” (Psalm 2:8).

III. THE SUFFICIENCY OF PRAYER – GOD STILL ANSWERS

“He answered our prayer.” – Ezra 8:23

This short but profound testimony reveals the confidence and assurance we have in God. Prayer is sufficient—not because of the words we speak, but because of the God who hears and responds.

Throughout Scripture, we see the sufficiency of prayer:

• Elijah prayed, and fire fell from heaven (1 Kings 18:36–38).Hannah prayed, and her womb was opened (1 Samuel 1:10–20).
• Hezekiah prayed, and his life was extended (2 Kings 20:1–6).
• Jesus prayed, and the heavens opened (Luke 3:21–22).
• The early Church prayed, and prison doors opened (Acts 12:5–11).

God is still the same today (Hebrews 13:8). He still answers sincere, faith-filled, and kingdom-purposed prayers.

CONCLUSION: RETURNING TO THE ALTAR

Prayer and fasting are not just spiritual discipline and religious practices. They are lifelines. They are expressions of your trust in God and desire to see His will done in your life.

The Lord is calling His people to return to the secret place (Psalm 91:1), to rebuild personal and communal altars of prayer.

Like Ezra, choose the way of dependence. Proclaim your fast. Seek the Lord. And watch Him move mightily on your behalf.

Let this be a season of personal revival. Let your altar of prayer be rekindled. And may you find sufficiency, not in man’s strength, but in God’s unchanging faithfulness.

“So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.” – Ezra 8:23

“Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.” – Jeremiah 29:12

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7

May your prayers rise like incense before Him, and may answers come in due time. Amen.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

Introduction: The Mystery and Majesty of Prayer

Today, we gather in expectation—not just to pray, but to understand the dimensions of prayer through the lens of Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:7. Prayer is not a casual ritual, but a divine exchange: a heart-to-heart communion between the Creator And His redeemed children. As we lean into the ministry of the Holy Spirit, our aim is to grow not only in the practice of prayer but in its depth, intimacy, and revelation.

Prayer is both a right and a responsibility of the believer. It is not merely about speaking to God, but about knowing Him—responding to His presence, will, and voice. As seen in 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Jeremiah 33:3, God delights to hear His people and to respond in power.

Jesus, in Matthew 7:7, breaks down the mystery of prayer into three distinct yet interconnected spiritual motions: Asking, Seeking, and Knocking. These are not random instructions; they represent progressive depths of prayer—each calling us into a richer walk with God.

1. The Dimension of Asking: Faith-Filled Petition

“Ask, and it will be given to you…”

To ask is to approach God in faith, with humility and confidence. It is the entry-level posture of prayer, but never to be underestimated. Asking recognizes that God is the source of all things good (James 1:17) and that we are completely dependent on Him. This dimension invites us to bring our needs, burdens, and desires before the Father, trusting in His perfect wisdom and timing.

Philippians 4:6–7 teaches us to “present our requests to God… and the peace of God will guard our hearts.” But the key lies in how we ask: we must ask in Jesus’ name (John 14:13–14), with confidence rooted not in our merit, but in His righteousness.

Mark 11:24 challenges us to ask believing we have already received—faith is the bridge between request and manifestation.

Application:

• Make your petitions known boldly, but in alignment with God’s will (1 John 5:14–15).
• Asking is not begging—it is

Standing on the covenant promises of a loving Father.

• Are your requests framed by your desires, or are they shaped by the Father’s heart?
• The Dimension of Seeking: Deep Spiritual Pursuit

“Seek, and you will find…”

Seeking goes beyond asking. While asking targets provision, seeking targets presence. It is not about what God can give, but about who God is. Seeking is a desire for God’s face—not just His hand. It is the pursuit of intimacy, revelation, and spiritual wisdom. It requires time, attention, and intentionality.

The Lord declares in Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” This is echoed in Psalm 27:8, where David responds, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”

God often hides Himself not to avoid us, but to deepen our hunger (Isaiah 45:15). Like hidden treasure, His presence is discovered only by those willing to search diligently.

Isaiah 55:6 says, “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near.” Seeking is fueled by desire, and God responds to those who hunger for Him (Matthew 5:6).

 Application:

• Dedicate time not only to ask but to wait, listen, and worship in God’s presence.
• Don’t seek answers—seek God Himself. The answers are in His presence.
• Ask: Do I pursue God as a person or only as a provider?
• The Dimension of Knocking: Persistent, Faithful Intercession

“Knock, and it will be opened to you…”

Knocking conveys the idea of perseverance—not giving up when things remain shut or silent. It

Represents a fervent, persistent form of prayer that does not back down. Knocking is what we do when the door hasn’t yet opened; it requires faith and patience to wait on God, trusting that He hears and He will act.

In Luke 18:1–8, Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow to illustrate this point: “And will not God give justice to His elect, who cry to Him day and night?”

This dimension reminds us that some answers come only through continued, agonizing prayer. This isn’t because God is unwilling—but because we must be formed and fortified in the waiting.

Isaiah 40:31 is our assurance: “They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength…they shall run and not be weary.”

 Application:

• If the door hasn’t opened, keep knocking—with faith, fasting, and patience.
• Refuse to let delay weaken your expectation.
• Ask yourself: Am I consistent in prayer, or do I quit when answers delay?

Closing Reflections: Walking in All Three Dimensions

The beauty of Matthew 7:7 is that it

Doesn’t separate these three dimensions—it unites them. In your daily walk:

• Ask for what you need—boldly and in faith.
• Seek the face of God—deeply and passionately.
• Knock on doors—persistently and faithfully.

God is a good Father (Matthew 7:11) who hears and responds. But He also shapes us through the process of prayer—teaching us trust, dependence, and intimacy.

“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus”

INTRODUCTION

The christian life is not only about what we’ve been saved from, but also what we’ve been raised into. However, many believers are unaware of, and live beneath their spiritual privileges granted to them through their union with Christ.

Today, we want to explore what it means to be seated with Chirst.

Let us look at Ephesians 2:6 phrase by phrase:

1. “We Have Been Raised with Christ.”

Our spiritual resurrection has happend. It is not a future expectation but a present reality. We are no longer in the realm of death and defeat. Look up Ephesians 2:1-5.

▪︎ Our focus should no longer be on the negativity but positivity, not on impossibility but possibility. Check Colossians 3:1.

2. “We Are Seated with Christ.”

Believers are not just raised but seated with Christ.

The phrase “seated with Christ” speaks of:

(a) Authority- Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father, a position of authority. (Ephesians 1:20-21; Philippians 2:9-10).

▪︎ Since we are seated with Christ, we share in His authority and power. See Romans 8:17; Galatians 4:7.

(b) Rest- Christ has finished His work and is now resting in victory (Hebrews 10:12).

▪︎ If we are seated with Christ, then we rest in His victory. We should stop striving and start trusting.

(c) Access and Intimacy – Christ is seated with the Father. i.e. He is where the Father is.

▪︎ God didn’t just save us from hell, He gave us a place in His presence. He didn’t just rescue us, He enthroned us.

▪︎ A seat at the table means “belonging”. We are no longer strangers but sons and daughters. We have direct and unhindered access to the presence of the Father, and enjoy intimacy with Him. Check Ephesians 2:18-19.

3. We Are “Seated in Heavenly Places.”

Believers are raised up and seated not just anywhere but in heavenly places.

“Heavenly Places” connotes spiritual realm. For believers, it signifies a place of authority, blessing, and identity in Christ.

It implies:

(a) The Realm of Spiritual Authority

The invisible, spiritual dimension where God’s presence and authority operate (Ephesians 1:3).

▪︎ It’s not just about “heaven after death” (future hope), but the present spiritual reality affecting life now.

(b) Christ’s Exalted Position

It highlights Christ’s supreme authority and exalted status. Look up Ephesians 1:20-21; Philippians 2:9-10.

(c) The Believer’s Spiritual Position

Believers share in Christ’s authority and victory, even while still living on earth (Ephesians 2:6).

(d) The Arena of Spiritual Conflict

It’s where both divine authority and demonic activity interact, highlighting the need for spiritual awareness and armour. Check Ephesians 6:12-13.

Reflection: Read the following scriptures and identify some of the translations that happened when believers are saved: Jn. 5:24; Rom. 5:18; 8:1; 1Cor.  15:57; 2Cor. 8:9; 1Pt. 2:9.

Practical Implications of Being Seated with Christ.

By the reason of being seated with Christ in heavenly places, believers should:

(a) Walk in Authority

▪︎ Jesus gave us authority over the enemy-Luke 10:19.

▪︎ He gave us authority over demons (Mark 16:17), all manner of sickness, and all manner of disease (Matthew 10:1).

▪︎ He made us kings and Priests (Rev. 5:10). Kings possess and exercise authority and dominion.

(b) Live in Victory- We are more than conquerors and no challenge on earth can override our position in Christ. Check Romans 8:37.

(c) Rest in God, not in Our Efforts

Jesus calls us to rest in Him- Matthew 11:28-30. Compare Philippians 4:13.

CONCLUSION

By the reason of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, believers are not “spiritual beggers.” We are seated with Christ in heavenly places-lifted, empowered, and positioned to live a life of victory, intimacy, and rest. We should live in accordance with our new identity and position.

Prayer

Father, thank you for lifting me up and seating me with Christ. Help me to live from that place-with authority, peace and rest.