Thursday, April 7, 2016

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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