COP 2016 BIBLE STUDY AND HOME CELL WEEK 42

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2016 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 42 – SUNDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 16, 2016

TOPIC: TEST EVERYTHING

Main Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

Memory Verse: 1 John 4:1. Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Introduction

Deception is much common in contemporary society such that, it is becoming difficult for some Christians to identify God’s voice in the midst of many voices. The Bible clearly warns us not to believe every spirit but test the spirits and all things to prove whether they are of God (1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1). To do this, we need to measure every contemporary discovery with the standard of the Word of God. The believers in Berea were considered to be more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica because, they received the Word with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures to check whether the teachings were true (Acts 17:11).

Discussion Question

1. Why does the Bible admonish us to test the spirits? 1 John 4:1

2. In what ways will you be able to test all things? Acts 17:11

3. How do you understand the statement ‘hold fast to what is good’? 1 Thessalonians 5: 21

4. How do people quench the Spirit and despise prophecies?

5. What have you learnt personally from the study?

Conclusion

Our discussions show that we quench the Holy Spirit when we do not act His promptings. Also, when we fail to accept and heed to prophetic messages, we despise prophecy. However, we must be careful to test the spirits through discernment. We must also weigh every message and teaching by the standards of the scriptures before we believe them. The call to test the spirits is very timely. This is because technology has made information available at all times and at every location. These opportunities, though good, expose the contemporary Christian to both sound and bad doctrines. Testing the spirit will enable us discern the right path to choose.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2016 HOME CELL OUTLINE

WEEK 42 – SUNDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 16, 2016.

TOPIC: ‘HE CAME TO HIS SENSES’ (THE PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON)

Main Text: Luke 15:14-20

Memory Verse: Isaiah 1: 18, Come now, let us reason together” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

Introduction

The Bible indicates that after the young man was confronted with the results of his rebellion, to the extent of feeding on pig food, he came to his senses. Before a sinner can repent and come back to God, he must realize the true state of his predicament, that is, his bondage to sin, his depravity and his need for God. And this is exactly what that young man did. Repentance begins in the mind with a mental acknowledgement of one’s own moral bankruptcy. This realization then activates certain remedial actions. In this case, the young man decides he will stop eating pig food and go back home. Repentance always involves a U-turn and throwing oneself on the mercy of God. The repentant person humbly accepts his wrong decisions, choices or behaviour and turns to God for forgiveness and restoration. There is an eternal welcome back to God for the repentant sinner (Isa. 1:18).

Discussion Questions

1. What happened to the young man after he had spent all his money? (Verse 14)

2. What did he do to himself? (Verse 15)

3. What does the statement -”he came to his senses” mean?

4. Repentance always involves a turning around. Discuss.

5. What does Isaiah 1:18 say?

Conclusion

Repentance and confession of sins are important prerequisites for salvation and acceptance with God. In today’s reading, the young man realized these truths and decided to go back home. “He came to his senses” means he realized how bad his situation was, consorting with pigs and eating food meant for pigs was the lowest a Jew could go. In Isaiah 1:18, the Lord calls out to all who are burdened by sin to come for cleansing, forgiveness and restoration. Today, God is still in the business of receiving sinners.

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