COP 2016 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 17

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2016 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 17 – SUNDAY MORNING, APRIL 24, 2016

TOPIC: SERVANTS OF THE KING OF KINGS

Main Text: Nehemiah 5: 1-13

Memory Verse: Nehemiah 5: 10. I and my brothers and my men are also lending the people money and grain. But let the exacting of usury stop!

Introduction

Is it true that in certain societies people live, progress, and prosper at the expense of their fellow citizens? To what extent can Christians be said to be guiltless of this sort of exploitation? It may also be true that there are workers who get paid for no work done. There others too whoout of reverence for God ensure that they do the right thing at all times and wherever they find themselves. They have no motivation to cheat or exploit others.

Discussion Questions

1. What reason do we find in verse 2 for the outcry raised by the men and their wives?

2. What reason do we find in verse 3 for the outcry raised by some of the Jews?

3. What did some of the Jews complain of in verse 4-5?

4. Why do you think Nehemiah took action when he heard the complaints? Verse 6-13

5. To which of the groups of people in the passage do you belong?

Conclusion

Some political office holders get so busy pursuing their personal interest that they lose sight of why they are in office. For some businessmen the quest to maximize profits makes them become insensitive to human suffering. And some well-meaning Christians are likely to be guilty of offering to help the needy only to enslave them. Painfully, people in leadership positions who should ensure equity in society, look on with indifference as the weak and vulnerable are plundered by the rich and powerful. Nevertheless, we should always bear in mind that, God has never lacked a Nehemiah for any society where greed and wickedness are glorified. Nehemiah was a man of integrity so he was spiritually sensitive to the corrupt practices. He showed compassion on the needy in society (verse 10) so he had the moral courage to confront the corrupt officials. He called for a public trial to sanction the corrupt government officials (verse 7) because he hated to cover up evil out of genuine reverence for God. Nehemiah retrieved from the officials all the ill-gotten assets to deter others from corrupt practices. Does your country cry for a Nehemiah?

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2016 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 17 – SUNDAY MORNING, APRIL 24, 2016

ACTIVITY: DISTRICT/LOCAL/CELL INPUT

This week allows the District, Local or Cell to make an input to the Cell meetings. On this day, the District Minister through the Presiding Elders or Cell leaders provide the direction for study. It could be used for prayer, fellowship, get together, evangelism, etc. There could also be a study on issues that are pressing within the District/Local/Cell Group (or locality).

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COP 2016 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 16

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2016 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 16 – SUNDAY MORNING, APRIL 17, 2016

TOPIC: GOD SPEAKS THROUGH THE BIBLE AND THE CHURCH

Main Text: Acts 18:24-28

Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:11-12 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.

Introduction

The Bible is God’s manual for life. Christians believe that it is the infallible Word of God. It therefore forms the basis of our practices and doctrines. God speaks to us on sensitive issues through the Bible. The Bible guides us in our marriage, finances, relationship with others, our jobs and even how to treat our enemies. It is important for us to know that, going to Church is not for us to have grand weddings, meet friends and associates, get a befitting burial among other social reasons. Rather, we go to church to receive the Word of God that will impact our lives. In today’s study, we will take a look at how God uses the Bible and the Church to speak to believers.

Discussion Questions

1. How was Apollos described in Acts 18:24?

2. What form of instruction did Apollos receive? Acts 18:25a

3. What was Apollos’ shortcoming? Acts 18:25b

4. How did Apollos help the church in Achaia? Acts 18:27-28

5. How does God use the Bible and the Church to speak to you?

Conclusion

Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Teachers and Pastors are called by God to sharpen believers and provide a firm direction for their faith. Apollos was a man who could speak with fervour and teach accurately. However, he only knew about the baptism of John. Priscilla and Aquila taught him and he became a greater asset to the Church in Achaia. When God through His appointed leaders provide directions for the Church, we should know that God can also speak to us through the Church and accept the directions He gives.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2016 HOME CELL OUTLINE

WEEK 16 – SUNDAY EVENING, APRIL 17, 2016

ACTIVITY: SERMON DISCUSSION / PASTORAL CARE GROUPINGS & VISITATION

On this day, members could share the sermon heard in church, consider how to implement them practically and pray. Members could then meet their pastoral care leader or visit one another.

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COP 2016 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 15

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2016 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 15 – SUNDAY MORNING, APRIL 10, 2016

TOPIC: GOD SPEAKS THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND ANGELS

Main Text: Acts 8:26-38

Memory Verse: Acts 8:29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

Introduction

In some of our previous lessons, we studied how to hear from God. We identified, that though speaking and listening is one of the main ways God communicates with us, it is not the only way. Today, we will be looking at how God speaks through the Holy Spirit and angels. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the trinity. He is with us forever (John 14:17). Angels are ministering spirits that God sends to us for specific assignments (Joshua 5:14). The Holy Spirit is our partner who guides and leads us to fulfil the purpose of God in our lives. Angels minister to us as God sends them with specific instructions. Our ability to hear from God through these media would impact our lives greatly.

Discussion Questions

1. Who told Philip to “go south to the road”? Acts 8:26

2. What happened when Philip obeyed the angel? Acts 8:27

3. What was the challenge of the Ethiopian Eunuch? Acts 8:30-31

4. How did the angel and the Holy Spirit contribute to the salvation of the Ethiopian Eunuch?

5. How often do you hear God speak to you in this generation? Share some personal experiences.

Conclusion

Deacon Philip was enjoying the revival in Samaria, however, an Ethiopian Eunuch on the desert needed to be saved before he got to his destination. The angel of the Lord and the Holy Spirit used Philip to accomplish this purpose.

We know that God is Omnipresent and so is His Spirit. Our ability to cling to the voice of the Spirit can lead us to accomplish a lot for the Lord. Angels also speak to us, as in the case of Philip who readily obeyed God’s voice through the angel. Angels do not always come in white robes or with “wings”. The book of Hebrews tells us that through hospitality, some have welcomed angles without knowing (Heb. 13:2).

As you go about your daily activities at church, at home and at work, expect God to speak to you through His Spirit and through His ministering angels. He will speak to you in your car, in a taxi or public transport (trotro). He will speak to you in the office, at the shopping mall, in the market, on your farm or at your workshop.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2016 HOME CELL OUTLINE

WEEK 15 – SUNDAY EVENING, APRIL 10, 2016

TOPIC: PREPARE TO MEET YOUR LORD (THE PARABLE OF THE WISE AND FOOLISH VIRGINS)

Main Text: Matthew 25: 1-13

Memory Verse: Matthew 25: 6, But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.

Introduction

Today’s lesson is based on Jesus’ parable of the wise and the foolish virgins. He likened believers expecting his return to ten virgins. He admonishes us to be watchful on daily basis, especially as it seems to some that his coming has delayed. Like the five wise virgins there are so many things we can do to ensure that, at any time at all, that the Master appears we shall have enough oil in our lamps to attend the wedding banquet.

Discussion Questions

1. What things do the ten virgins have in common?

2. What distinguishes the five wise virgins from the foolish ones? (verses 3 &4)

3. Why did the wise virgins take along extra oil for their lamps?

4. What happened to the ten virgins when the bridegroom tarried? (verse 5)

5. Why were the foolish virgins rejected by the bridegroom?

6. What lessons can be learnt from the parable as we await the coming of the Master?

7. What do we do now that can be likened to “carrying extra oil”?

Conclusion

Preparing for the coming of Jesus Christ is a process that requires diligence in work, alertness in living, and consistence in prayer. We learn from the study that, it was only at the arrival of the bridegroom that it became clear that half of the number of virgins were foolish. This is because they failed to prepare adequately for his coming. This should remind us, as Christians, to continue to assess ourselves whether we have enough oil for our lamps as we await the coming of Jesus. It is good to be involved in so many activities in the name of Jesus, but “the oil factor” which is our constant vigilance and alertness, is very important. This is the reason we should be concerned, aside all things, about our personal devotion to Christ, and living by the Word of God.

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