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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