COP 2016 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 31

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 31

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST - 2016 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 31 - SUNDAY MORNING, JULY 31, 2016
TOPIC: EFFECTS OF HOMOSEXUALITY

Main Text: Romans 1:18-32
Memory Verse: Leviticus 20:13 If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.

Introduction

Today, we shall conclude our study on Homosexuality with a discussion on its effects on the individual, family and society. The effects include increased vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections and child molestation by adult homosexuals which may initiate a vicious cycle of the practice. It could also lead to possible breakdown of the family structure with its attendant negative implications for social stability. Having identified the effects, our study will help us know some measures to take that would possibly avert such dire future implications.

Discussion Questions

1. What does the statement,  "God gave them over to their depraved minds” mean? Verse 26
2. What happened when God gave the evildoers over to shameful lusts? Verse 27-28
3. What are the eternal repercussions for those who indulge in these shameful lusts? 1 Cor. 6: 18, Gal 5: 18.
4. How will homosexuality affect the family structure and nurturing of children?
5. What do you think the Church and families can do:
i. To help those practising homosexuality to come out of its grips?
ii. To help the youth especially to stay away from all deceptions that lure people into the practice?

Conclusion

In our study, we realized that the total neglect of the knowledge and wisdom of God led to self-indulgence in shameful lusts and homosexuality. It is thus imperative to follow God’s counsel on every subject to avoid moral degeneration into acts like homosexuality. Our discussions also revealed severe negative implications of homosexuality for the individual, family life, social stability and nation building. We also learnt that those who indulge in homosexuality will not inherit the Kingdom of God, as well as the Church’s response to preserve human dignity. To avert this situation, parents must provide sex education to children.

Furthermore, they must be vigilant to detect abnormal sexual behaviours among children and also prevent molestation from adult homosexuals. Also, people must be enlightened on the harmful effects of homosexuality and the need to abstain from such practices. For those already suffering from the effects of homosexuality, we must direct them to the appropriate facility for counselling and rehabilitation.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST - 2016 HOME CELL OUTLINE
WEEK 31 - SUNDAY EVENING, JULY 31, 2016
TOPIC:
DISTRICT  / LOCAL / CELL INPUT

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 30

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2016 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 30 – SUNDAY MORNING, JULY 24, 2016

TOPIC: HOMOSEXUALITY – BIBLICAL VIEW

Main Text: I Corinthians 6: 9 - 12

Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 6: 9-10 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

Introduction

In our previous discussion, we looked at the meaning of homosexuality. Moving on, we shall explore what the Bible says about this practice. This is of paramount interest considering the conscious attempts by various interest groups to justify homosexual behaviour using various theories and excuses as basis. In the midst of such attempts, the Bible which is the final authority in all issues of life is explicit on the boundaries of sexual expression. Sexual relations as designed by God should only take place between man (male) and woman (female) in the context of marriage. This position is absolute and non-negotiable under any circumstance.

Discussion Questions

1. From the scripture read can homosexuals be part of the kingdom of God? Discuss (verse 9)

2. How do you understand verse 11?

3. What is God’s counsel on human sexuality? (I Corinthians 6: 9, I Corinthians 7: 2, Genesis 2:22-24)

4. How is Homosexuality opposed to God’s counsel on sexual expression?

5. For what reasons will you condemn homosexuality?

6. What practical steps can we take to address the problem of homosexuality in the churches and our communities?

Conclusion

The Bible speaks against sexual relations between persons of the same sex and also indicates that, the right avenue for sexual expression is heterosexual marriage (I Cor. 7:2). Homosexuality contravenes the biblical stance on human sexuality for two reasons. First, it encourages sexual relations between persons of the same gender and secondly, defies the right context for sexual expression. Thus, we can deduce from our study that homosexuality is the result of unbridled sensual human passions and deception (Romans 1: 24 - 27), rather than an alternative sexual orientation as advocates for homosexuality would want us to believe. More so, in I Corinthians 6:11, Paul indicated that homosexuals and other sinners who turned to the Lord were washed, cleansed and set apart for the Lord’s use. Thus, the argument that some are born homosexuals and can never change is deceptive. It also implies that, Homosexuals are sinners who need to repent of their sins and become part of the kingdom of God.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2016 HOME CELL OUTLINE

WEEK 30 – SUNDAY EVENING, JULY 24, 2016.

ACTIVITY: SERMON DISCUSSION, PASTORAL CARE GROUPINGS AND VISITATION

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COP 2016 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 29

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2016 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 29 – SUNDAY MORNING, JULY 17, 2016

TOPIC: HOMOSEXUALITY, WHAT IS IT?

Main Text: Genesis 19: 1-25

Memory Verse: Leviticus 18:22. Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.

Introduction

Discussions on the subject of Homosexuality has received much attention in recent times following the shocking news of its legalization in certain countries. Thus, it is imperative to provide a biblical perspective against the backdrop of various shades of opinion propagated by different interest groups in modern day society. In three studies we shall explore the meaning, biblical view and the effects of homosexuality. Our study today looks at the meaning, of homosexuality and the first mention of its occurrence in the Bible.

Discussion Questions

1. What did the men of Sodom seek to do with the angels? (Verse 5)

2. What was Lot’s response to their request? (Verse 7-8)

3. In what ways did their actions constitute homosexual behaviour?

4. What does the first mention of homosexuality in the bible say about the practice?

5. What is your attitude to homosexuality? Why?

Conclusion

Homosexuality is sexual desire or attraction directed and expressed between persons of the same sex. Males between whom such sexual desire is expressed are termed gay while females guilty of this immoral conduct are called lesbians. This is what the men of Sodom sought to do with the angels and were subsequently destroyed. The story discussed above provides the first mention of homosexuality in the Bible. More importantly, the story indicates that the practice is forbidden by God as shown by the destruction of the city and the men who attempted this despicable act with the angels. Homosexuality is one of many sexual perversions and acts of the sinful nature spoken of in Romans 1: 26-27. God designed sexual relations to take place between a man and a woman within marriage and thus, forbids sexual expressions between persons of the same sex.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2016 HOME CELL OUTLINE

WEEK 29 – SUNDAY EVENING, JULY 17, 2016.

TOPIC: JESUS EARNESTLY SEEKS THE LOST (THE PARABLE OF THE LOST COIN)

Main Text: Luke 15: 8-10

Memory Verse: Luke 15:10, In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

Introduction

During my childhood days, my mother traded in bread which we sold by the street at night. Because of the possibility of some of the monies falling on the ground, each night after sales, we did a careful search. We used our traditional light called “bobo” (kind of lamp which uses wick and kerosene) to carefully search the ground if any of our coins had dropped. This was to make sure nothing we had toiled for gets lost. Jesus daily seeks the lost in even a more earnest manner as indicated in the parable.

Discussion Questions

1. How many of the woman’s coins got lost? (verse 8)

2. How did she do the search? (verse 8)

3. What did she do when the coin was found? (verse 9)

4. What effect does the repentance of a sinner have in heaven? (verse 10)

5. How should this parable encourage us to do effective evangelism in the church?

Conclusion

The woman had ten coins and only one out of the ten got missing but she kept the nine safely and lighted a lamp, swept the house and searched carefully until she found the lost coin. Finding the lost coin, she invited all her friends and neighbours to join her for celebration. All unbelievers are lost coins that Jesus is looking for. However, He has entrusted this business of searching for the lost to the church (Matthew 28:18-20). We must employ all available tools and measures to bring the lost to the saving knowledge of Christ because anybody, who wins a soul for Christ, brings great joy to the angels of God.

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COP 2016 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 28

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2016 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 28 – SUNDAY MORNING, JULY 10, 2016

TOPIC: THE COST OF DISOBEDIENCE – 3

Main Text: Malachi 3:6-12

Memory Verse: Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the LORD Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.

Introduction

Our main text begins with a remarkable statement telling us that the Lord does not change. Though He has told us to bring the full tithe into His storehouse, many Christians find it difficult to obey this command. The fact is that, the payment of our tithes only shows that, we love God. For He is the one who gives us the grace (strength and ability) to possess whatever we possess. Just like disobeying God in sexual sins comes with its own consequences, disobeying Him in tithing also comes with its attendant effects.

Discussion Questions

1. In which ways do Christians rob God? Vrs: 8

2. Why does the Bible say the nation is under a curse? Vrs: 9

3. What did the Lord command the people to do in Malachi: 3:10?

4. Why do some Christians disobey this command?

5. How can we be faithful in obeying this command?

Conclusion

There is nothing we have that does not belong to God. Therefore His request that we bring the whole tithe and offering demands that we submit to Him. Disobedience of this command leads to pests destroying our crops and vines (work/ homes). There is a blessing of God you will never receive until you tithe faithfully. We must make every effort to obey God in tithing.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2016 HOME CELL OUTLINE

WEEK 28 – SUNDAY EVENING, JULY 10, 2016.

TOPIC: JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD (THE PARABLE OF THE SHEEP, GATE AND SHEPHERD)

Main Text: John 10:1-13

Memory Verse: John 10:11, I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Introduction

In the parable, Jesus represents the gate in two ways. First, He is the gate by which the shepherd enters the sheep pen. Anyone who does not enter by this gate but enters by other means is a thief (verse 1 &2). Second, He is the gate by which the sheep enter and are saved. They will come in and go out through this gate and find pasture (verse 9). This parable contains specific lessons for Christian leaders and general lessons for all children of God.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the difference between the thief and the shepherd? (Verses 1, 2)

2. Who are the ‘sheep’ in this parable?

3. What does Jesus mean by saying I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved? (Verse 9)

4. Describe the relationship between the sheep and the good shepherd (verse 14)

5. What differentiates the good shepherd from the hired hand? (Verses 11-13)

6. In what practical ways, do you think, you can imitate Jesus the good shepherd?

Conclusion

The sheep in the parable represents the children of God. They are so dear to the Lord to the extent that He watches over them so that the thief and wolf will not have the opportunity to destroy them. He also wants the sheep to identify His voice so that they will not follow the stranger or the thief and robber. The shepherd is expected to identify the voice of the sheep and lead them to where they can find pasture. He even lays down his life for them. This will differentiate the good shepherd from the hired hand. The good shepherd in the parable is Jesus. Leaders of the church, at all levels, are expected to imitate Jesus by protecting their congregations from false teachers. They are supposed to teach sound doctrines. In teaching, biblical doctrines should be differentiated from Church practice and personal opinions. The members of the church are also expected to be obedient and listen to the voice of their leaders.

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