Wednesday, April 26, 2017

COP 2017 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 18

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2017 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE
WEEK 18 – SUNDAY MORNING, APRIL 30, 2017.
TOPIC: JESUS, THE TRUE MODEL OF DILIGENCE
Main Text: Mark 1:32-39
Memory Verse: Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labour - Proverbs 12:24
Introduction
Diligence can simply be defined as the “constant earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken.” It involves the persistent exertion of body and mind. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ exemplifies this virtue perfectly. As we seek to be an example of Jesus, it is important that we learn from Him in every aspect of our lives. A mature Christian is someone who is a model and a pacesetter; someone who influences others in positive ways according to biblical standards. Our memory verse gives us a hint on what we stand to gain if we are diligent in our work. We live in a dispensation where many people work anyhow as long as they are not found out. In today’s study, we will look at the example Jesus sets for us in working diligently.
Questions for Discussion
1. What did Jesus do in the evening? Verses 32-34
2. What did Jesus tell the disciples when they found Him Verses 37-38
3. How did Jesus work in Galilee? Verse 39
4. What are some hindrances to diligence?
5. What lessons can we learn from Jesus’ attitude to work?
Conclusion
Jesus Christ knew that His mandate was to preach the word of God to His generation. He therefore planned, prepared and executed His plan irrespective of the challenges He faced. He arose very early before sunrise to pray and organize His disciples to preach throughout the whole of Galilee. Historians describe Galilee as a very hilly environment in the time of Jesus. This however, did not deter Him from preaching in the whole land. Today, many Christians give excuses when they are given assignments that require some form of exertion. The task may be from the workplace, Church or even the community. As we learn from our Master Jesus Christ, it is binding on us as believers, to fulfil our tasks and not give excuses. Jesus is indeed a model of diligence and we must seek to be like Him.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2017 HOME CELL OUTLINE
WEEK 18 – SUNDAY EVENING, APRIL 30, 2017.
TOPIC: INTERCEDING FOR PEOPLE IN AUTHORITY
Main Texts: 1 Tim 2:1-3; Titus 3:1
Memory Verse: Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good - Titus 3:1
Introduction
Political situations of every nation affect the lives of all citizens. In view of this, Apostle Paul specifically instructs that prayers be made for kings and all those in authority. In countries where there is political instability, Christians also experience challenges and the church suffers. Christians therefore, are expected to exercise their civic responsibilities, respect, obey and pray for political leadership.
Questions for Discussion
1. What did Paul instruct Timothy to do for kings and those in authority? 1 Timothy 2:1-2
2. Why did Paul say we should pray for people in authority? 1 Timothy 2: 3
3. Who are “those in authority” as stated in this passage? 1 Timothy 2:2
4. What do you think will happen if the church fails to pray about political issues?
5. What role can you play in the politics of the nation?
Conclusion
Paul urged Timothy to pray for all people including kings and those in political authority. This is because; it is only then that the nation will have peace. When there is peace in the nation, the Christians can also have peaceful and quiet lives to worship and serve God. If the church fails to pray for God’s guidance and direction in political issues, Christians will also suffer if things do not go well.



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READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR GUIDE
Week 18 (Sunday 30th April to Saturday 6th May, 2017)  
  1. Sunday:          1 Chronicles 17-20    
  2. Monday:         1 Chronicles 21-23    
  3. Tuesday:        1 Chronicles 24-26    
  4. Wednesday:   1 Chronicles 27-29
  5. Thursday:      2 Chronicles 1-4        
  6. Friday:           2 Chronicles 5-7
  7. Saturday:       2 Chronicles 8-11


READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR GUIDE
Week 19 (Sunday 7th to Saturday 13th May, 2017)
  1. Sunday:          2 Chronicles 12-16    
  2. Monday:         2 Chronicles 17-19    
  3. Tuesday:        2 Chronicles 20-22    
  4. Wednesday:   2 Chronicles 23-25
  5. Thursday:      2 Chronicles 26-29    
  6. Friday:           2 Chronicles 30-32
  7. Saturday:       2 Chronicles 33-34


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COP 2017 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 17

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2017 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE
WEEK 17 – SUNDAY MORNING, APRIL 23, 2017.
OFFICERS’ APPRECIATION DAY
TOPIC: HONOURING THE OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH
Main Text: 1 Timothy 5:17-19
Memory Verse: Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. - 1 Thessalonians 5:12
Introduction
Officers in The Church of Pentecost contribute immensely to the work of ministry. They enable the church reach out and disciple more people in fulfilling the Great Commission. In the case of the early church, the Apostle Paul reached the world through a team of committed leaders some of whom encountered difficult situations in the discharge of their duties. Trophimus was left sick in Miletus (2 Tim 4:20) while Epaphroditus almost died risking his life to support Paul (Phil 2:25-30). Similarly, the success story of The Church of Pentecost is full of the selfless and sacrificial services of unpaid officers. Against this background, the celebration of this day must raise the consciousness of our responsibility to these gallant soldiers who labour in keeping watch over our souls.
Questions for Discussion
1. What do you understand by ‘double honour’? 1 Timothy 5:17
2. How do the following actions of members affect the commitment of officers?
a. Obedience and submission. Hebrews 13:7, I Thessalonians 5:12-13
b. Praying for leadership. Hebrews 13:18-19
c. Regular communication and periodic visitation.
d. Financial support. Philippians 4:1, 14-16
3. How have you fared in the above mentioned issues?
4. What would you do differently to honour your officers?
Conclusion
Double honour implies respect and esteem for leadership as well as material support. Thus, though officers of the church are unpaid, we should esteem them and support them materially. Furthermore, members’ attitudes and deeds should be a source of encouragement to officers. Submission to their authority, and the joy experienced in seeing members mature in the faith boosts their commitment. Also, kind gestures like visitations, calls, prayers, financial support and others make officers feel appreciated for the service they render to the local churches. In view of this, conscious effort should be made by believers to honour these selfless officers of the church.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2017 HOME CELL OUTLINE
WEEK 17 – SUNDAY EVENING, APRIL 23, 2017.
ACTIVITY
PASTORAL CARE GROUPINGS / FOLLOW UP & VISITATIONS


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READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR GUIDE
Week 17 (Sunday 23rd to Saturday 29th April, 2017)        
  1. Sunday:          2 Kings 17-20
  2. Monday:         1 Chronicles 1-2        
  3. Tuesday:        1 Chronicles 3-5        
  4. Wednesday:   1 Chronicles 6-7
  5. Thursday:      1 Chronicles 8-10      
  6. Friday:           1 Chronicles 11-13
  7. Saturday:       1 Chronicles 14-16

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Saturday, April 8, 2017

COP 2017 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 15

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2017 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE
WEEK 15 – SUNDAY MORNING, APRIL 9, 2017.

TOPIC: GOD’S LOVE FOR THE WORLD

Main Text: John 19:1-7
Memory verse: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life - John 3:16

Introduction

The punishment that sin brought on humanity is huge for which reason we lost the opportunity to have fellowship with God. To restore this break in fellowship, a series of attempts were initiated. Humans turned to smaller gods while God demanded periodic sacrifices for sins. For the redemptive plan of God to be fulfilled, sinless blood needed to be shed. For, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin” (Hebrews 9:22). Easter therefore, signifies the love of God as He reconciled humanity to Himself. It is never about excursions, parties, going to beaches or engaging in other social events. Rather, it is a season of reflection on the great love God has shown to humanity.

Questions for Discussion

1. What form of suffering did Jesus undergo? Verses 2-3
2. What happened when the chief priests and officers saw Jesus? Verse 6
3. Why did the priests insist on the death of Jesus Christ? Verse 7
4. What were Jesus’ last words on the cross? John 19:30
5. What does Easter mean to you?

Conclusion

Our memory verse is one of the most quoted passages in the Bible. It is one of the foundational scriptures of the Christian faith. Jesus suffered at the hands of the soldiers and was crucified because He said He was the son of God. The good news is, He resurrected from death to give us hope that He has overcome death. Romans 5:8 tells us that, “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”. How would we have managed the overwhelming sacrifices for the atonement of our sins? How could we have overcome the bondage of sin? Above all, how could we have reconciled with God? This season of Easter reminds us of the great love God has shown to all humankind. The least we can do as believers is to replicate this love by telling others about Jesus and showing them love.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2017 HOME CELL OUTLINE
WEEK 15 – SUNDAY EVENING, APRIL 9, 2017.

TOPIC: PERSEVERING IN OBEDIENCE UNTO DEATH

Main Text: Matthew 26:36-46
Memory Verse: And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross! - Philippians 2:8

Introduction

One of the examples Jesus Christ left us to follow as His disciples is in the area of perseverance in obedience to Him. As our perfect example, He persevered in obeying the will of God even to the point of death. Many people come to Christ in full obedience to Him. However, when they are faced with challenges that have to do with the faith, they either display partial obedience or become totally disobedience to Him. In this study, we will examine the perseverance of Jesus before His death on the cross.

Questions for Discussion

1. How many times did Jesus go to pray and what did He pray about? Verses 39, 42, 44
2. How did Jesus feel when He thought about going to the Cross? Verse 38
3. How did Jesus demonstrate obedience to the Father? Verse 39
4. Give examples of life issues that usually prevent Christians from making room for the will of God in their prayers.
5. In what practical ways can we live out the saying, “Not my will Lord, but your will be done”?

Conclusion

Jesus demonstrated absolute obedience even to the point of death. As God made flesh, He had the option as death approached to decide not to die. That is why He said “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will”. Notwithstanding this feeling, Jesus still resorted to finding strength from the Father to do His will. Sometimes, as followers of Jesus, we also come to such nerve-racking and life-threatening moments. When we face sicknesses for instance, do we still wait on the Lord to heal us or we resort to ‘native doctors’ and false prophets? We trust that the Holy Spirit will grant us the grace to persevere in following Jesus’ example of total obedience.

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READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR GUIDE

Week 15 (Sunday 9th to Saturday 15th April, 2017)          
  1. Sunday:          1 Kings 8-9    
  2. Monday:         1 Kings 10-12
  3. Tuesday:        1 Kings 13-15
  4. Wednesday:   1 Kings 16-18
  5. Thursday:      1 Kings 19-20
  6. Friday:           1 Kings 21-22
  7. Saturday:       2 Kings 1-3

Week 16 (Sunday 16th to Saturday 22nd April, 2017)        
  1. Sunday:          2 Kings 4-5    
  2. Monday:         2 Kings 6-8    
  3. Tuesday:        2 Kings 9-11  
  4. Wednesday:   2 Kings 12-14
  5. Thursday:      2 Kings 15-17
  6. Friday:           2 Kings 18-20
  7. Saturday:       2 Kings 21-23


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