STANDING FIRM IN THE FAITH

STANDING FIRM IN THE FAITH – HOW TO DO IT

Main Readings: 1 Co. 16:13-16, Mt. 13:44

Holding on to a position you have attained – Refers to our Sonship that guarantees God’s care and provision and our Servanthood that guarantees great and eternal rewards.

Out text is situated in Paul’s conclusion to the church at Corinth in which he had addressed issues ranging immaturity and divisions to the pride of those who are experiencing the working of the gifts of the spirit. He sums up what conduct is expected from the believer of Christ, citing contemporary examples, beginning with a family, the household of Stephanas. Although we do not hear much more of Stephanas, that Paul put him up as an example gives us confidence to study how we should live and served the promise it holds:

Be alert/ vigilant: Warning against deception – from wolves in sheepskin to unproven lifestyles. Remember to apply the S tests, with regard to conduct of yours and others:

·       Scripture Test (1Co. 4:6), that is the spirit if the letter (the letter per se kills, 2Co. 3:6)

·       Spirit Test: (1 John 4:1, 1Co. 14:29)

·       Servant-hood Test: (Mt. 20: 23-28)

Be equipped with salvation, faith, truth, righteousness, preparation of the Gospel of peace

Stand firm in the faith: Be a practitioner what is HEARD but UNSEEN (2Cor. 5:7): We are not moved by what move the people of the world: sight, feeling, and pride of life (neither by fear nor by want, Mt. 6: 31-32, 1 John 2:16)

Be brave/ courageous: Courage is the ability to face danger, difficulty, uncertainty, or pain without being overcome by fear or being deflected from a chosen course of action (Encarta). It is being proactive in advancement. The field is ripe, the call to go has come from the Lord. It is only lack of courage that can make a Christian static when these callings beckon: GO and prophesy, serve, teach, exhort, lead (1 Tim 3:1-7), show mercy, etc. (Rom. 12) Devote yourself to serving the saints/church

Be strong: Robust and sturdy – sturdy, well made, not easily damaged or broken. Wait upon the Lord in order to remain strong, being filled with the Spirit.

Do everything in love: Love is the guide of action when the law is silent, hope is lost, and faith is fully observed.

Conclusion: The first converts in Achaia were devoted to the service of the saints: Possibly this service consisted in putting their house at the disposal of the Christians at Corinth for worshiping, or in rendering special assistance in establishing intercommunication between the Corinthian church and the apostle, or other churches. Persons devoted to Christian service were worthy to be submitted to in the church. God gives grace to the humble. People who follow servants of God do not follow men – the follow God.

COP 2016 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 50

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2016 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 50 – SUNDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 11, 2016

TOPIC: THE NEED FOR RECONCILIATION II

Main Text: Luke 1: 26-38

Memory Verse: Luke 1:35 The angel answered, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.

Introduction

It is common practice in several communities the world over for individuals, families, as well as friends to prepare to celebrate the birth of a new born child. In Ghana for instance, the celebration takes the form of naming ceremonies, among other activities during which gifts are presented to the parents to support the upkeep of the new member of the community. However, in the case of the “new birth”, God presented Himself to humanity as a unique gift that should be received for our regeneration into His kingdom.

Discussion Questions

1. How was the woman to whom God sent Gabriel described? Verses 26-27

2. What did the angel tell Mary concerning the child to be born to her? Verses 31-33

3. How do you understand Gabriel’s statement in verse 35?

4. How would you describe Mary to other members of your congregation?

5. How would you present Jesus as a Christmas gift to a non-Christian?

Conclusion

Gabriel’s visit to Mary to announce that she would be with a child shows God’s desire to always bring mankind into lasting relationship of peace and happiness. The visit also reveals God’s favour to Mary. This favour is for all who share in the purpose of the Word becoming flesh. Christmas reminds mankind of the uniqueness of the birth of Christ. First, that God became flesh and dwelt among us. This event had been foretold several centuries before it happened (Isaiah 7: 14), and it occurred in human history within a specific culture (Luke 1: 26-27). Christmas also reminds us of the birth of the Son of the Most High, whose kingdom will never end. This reveals the work of the Holy Spirit in God’s plan of salvation for humanity (Luke 1: 35). Christmas does not only speak to humanity about the love of God, but also reminds us about God’s provision of eternal life to all who believe in the Son of God. Therefore, as we prepare to celebrate Christmas, we should reflect more on the eternal value of the occasion than we do on the immediate enjoyment. This brings true happiness.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2016 HOME CELL OUTLINE

WEEK 50 – SUNDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 11, 2016.

JESUS, THE ONLY WAY

Main Text: John 10: 1-5

Memory Verse: John 14:6, Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me.’

Introduction

There are many religions in the world and there have been many people who have made varied claims of either giving salvation or pointing the way to salvation. How have they made these claims? What are their claims about their relationship with God, the creator? Jesus compares salvation to a sheep pen that has a gate and doorkeeper.

Discussion Questions

1. How did Jesus describe those who do not enter the sheep pen through the gate? (verse 1)

2. Who is the one who enters the sheep pen by the door? (verse 2)

3. What are the characteristics of the shepherd? (verse 2-6)

4. What lessons can you learn from the text?

Conclusion

Those who do not enter the sheep pen by the gate are thieves and robbers but the shepherd comes in through the gate. Jesus is the Shepherd of the church and He came through the prescribed method given by God. He was of the tribe of Judah, was of virgin birth, led a sinless life, was crucified, He died, resurrected, ascended and poured down the Holy Spirit. That is the gate and He entered through it; all others who claim to give salvation or point us to God apart from Christ are thieves and robbers. The church hears His voice, and He knows and calls us by name, goes ahead of us in life in all our daily dealings and we recognize His voice.

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