COP 2017 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 39

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2017 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 39 – SUNDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017.

TOPIC: RAISING GODLY CHILDREN IN OUR GENERATION

Main Text: Mark 10: 13-16

Memory Verse: But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God” - Mark 10:14 (NKJV)

Introduction

One of the blessings God gave to Adam and Eve was for them to be fruitful and multiply (Gen 1:20). After the flood, God pronounced the same blessing on Noah and his family (Gen 9:1). It is obvious that one way we can multiply is through birth. God expects our offspring to be God-fearing and a light to the world. In our world today, some children are rebellious to the things of God. Some are involved in petty stealing, drug abuse, armed robbery, among others. Others have become street children just because they lacked parental love and care. Thus, our responsibility as parents goes beyond dedicating our children to the Lord.

Questions for Discussion

1. Who brought the children to Jesus, and what was the purpose? Verse 13

2. Discuss the reaction of the disciples when the children were brought to Christ. Verse 13

3. Why do you think the disciples behaved this way?

4. How did Jesus receive the children? Verse 16

5. In what ways can parents, siblings, and others hinder children from coming to Christ?

Conclusion

Parents and others can hinder children through their bad examples from coming to Christ. These may include non-involvement in church activities, use of abusive language, quarrelling, fighting, lying and depriving children the right to education and food. The disciples may have considered the children to be a nuisance to Jesus. However, Jesus rebuked them and blessed the children. It is the responsibility of adults to train up children in the way of the Lord so they will not depart from it (Prov 22:6). We cannot neglect the development of children. We have to ensure that they grow and remain in the Lord. Jesus, our true example, welcomes children into His bosom. We should also do likewise.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2017 HOME CELL OUTLINE

WEEK 39 – SUNDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017.

ACTIVITY: DISTRICT / LOCAL / CELL INPUT

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READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR GUIDE

Week 39 (Sunday 24^th September to Saturday 30^th September, 2017)    

1. Sunday:          Obadiah & Jonah     
2. Monday:         Micah 1-4      
3. Tuesday:        Micah 5-7
4. Wednesday:   Nahum 1-3
5. Thursday:      Habakkuk 1-3
6. Friday:           Zephaniah 1-3
7. Saturday:       Haggai 1-2

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COP 2017 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 38

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2017 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 38 – SUNDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 17, 2017.

CHILDREN’S WEEK

TOPIC: JESUS, STILL FRIEND OF CHILDREN

Main Text: Matthew 19:13-15

Memory Verse: Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. - Psalm 127:3

Introduction

As we celebrate Children’s Week, it is important to emphasize again the Lord’s deep love for children and their welfare. When the disciples wanted to drive the children away, the Lord wanted them on centre stage. As our world gets more depraved, children are made to bear the brunt of societal evils. The list of wrongs perpetrated against children is endless; physical abuse, sexual abuse, child trafficking and child labour. Children are recruited to fight in wars. Street children have become a common feature in most cities of the world with the attendant vices of drug abuse, robberies, and prostitution, among others. As individuals, families, Churches, corporate entities and governments, we all need to work harder to champion the welfare of children.

Questions for Discussion

1. Why did the parents bring their children to Jesus? Verse 13

2. What did the disciples do? Verse 13

3. What will happen to those who cause children to sin? Matthew 18:6

4. Mention some social evils perpetrated against children.

5. As individuals and communities, how can we help to eradicate these evils from our society?

Conclusion

It is important to bring children to Jesus as the parents did and commit them to the grace of God. Jesus declares that children also belong to the kingdom of God. Therefore, it is the duty of believing parents to nurture their children and inculcate in them the values of the kingdom of God. Parents are trustees of their children’s will and are empowered by God to guide and direct them. We see in our neighbourhoods, schools and streets children suffering all kinds of abuse silently. Let us be their voice and shout it loud from the mountain tops anytime we encounter a child subjected to any form of abuse. Jesus strongly warns of consequences for those who cause children to sin. In the same vein, those who bless children shall receive rewards from the Lord (Matt 18:5).

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2017 HOME CELL OUTLINE

WEEK 38 – SUNDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 17, 2017.

TOPIC: THE ROLE OF CHILDREN IN THE FAMILY

Main Text: Ephesians 6:1-3

Memory Verse: Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord - Colossians 3:20

Introduction

Fathers and mothers have divine responsibilities to raise their children in the fear of the Lord and care for them. Children also have the responsibility to respect and obey their parents in the Lord. This is pleasing to the Lord. Children who want God to be pleased with them have no other choice but to submit to and obey their parents in the Lord. Today’s study focuses on the role of children in the Christian family and how their obedience could be good examples to other children.

Questions for Discussion

1. What is the first command with a promise? Verse 2

2. What benefits do children derive when they obey and honour their parents? Verse 3

3. Mention some practical things children can do to demonstrate their obedience and respect for parents.

4. How can children who are Christians be good examples to others?

Conclusion

Parents have already gone through the stages of life which children are now struggling to walk through. The successes and failures of parents are indispensable experiences for training their children in the Lord. In view of this, children are expected to take instructions from their parents about life and godliness. They are also expected to take part in household chores, run errands and seek direction from their parents. Further, they are not to compare themselves to others or wrongly copy bad behaviours from the television and the internet. Since they are young, sometimes what appeals to them may not be right in the sight of the Lord. The Bible makes it clear that when children obey their parents, it will go well with them and they will also enjoy long life.

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READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR GUIDE

Week 38 (Sunday 17^th September to Saturday 23^rd September, 2017)    

1. Sunday:          Hosea 1-4       
2. Monday:         Hosea 5-9       
3. Tuesday:        Hosea 10-14
4. Wednesday:   Joel 1-3
5. Thursday:      Amos 1-3
6. Friday:           Amos 4-6
7. Saturday:       Amos 7-9

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COP 2017 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 37

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST - 2017 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 37 - SUNDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 10, 2017.

TOPIC: ENCOURAGING OBEDIENCE IN CHILDREN

Main text: Luke 2: 41-52

Memory verses: Then he went down to Nazareth with them and what obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart - Luke 2:51

Introduction

We live in a generation where children are increasingly becoming very disobedient to their parents (2 Tim 3:2). Parents and guardians employ a number of approaches, including the use of the rod to train their children. Even though the use of the rod can instill discipline into children, it has not always yielded the desired results. In this study, we will look at the approach adopted by Joseph and Mary to bring Jesus to an obedient child.

Questions for Discussion

1. What was the reaction of Jesus' parents when they found Him after a hectic search? Verse 48

2. What do you understand by Jesus' statement in verses 49?

3. Jesus was obedient to His earthly parents. Is that possible in our generation?

4. How can we adopt the approach used by Jesus?

Conclusion

We have seen from the lesson that the parents of 12-year-old Jesus at a point were disappointed when they could not find Him. He had stayed in Jerusalem after a while. They had been searching for Him and only found Him after three days. Jesus was surprised to see that he was in his own house. This is the end of the year, and it is the end of the year. It is, however, surprising, when the parents found it. The Bible records the boy Jesus followed His parents and what obedient to them. This approach by Jesus' parents affirms that, obedience can be only in the heart of children without resorting to verbal and physical abuse. It is only the Holy Spirit.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST - 2017 HOME CELL OUTLINE

WEEK 37 - SUNDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 10, 2017.

TOPIC: GODLY PARENTING

Main text: Deuteronomy 6: 4-9

Memory verses: Train up a child in the way. (NKJV) - Proverbs 22: 6

Introduction

Parents are usually confronted with the challenge of how to raise their children in ways that please God. As society becomes more complex and confusing, the task of parenting also becomes complex. So, in order to understand what God is, godly parenting begins with Him. As God commanded human beings to be fruitful and increase in number. They are not allowed to go out of their way. As Christians, our parenting should be the model of the world can emulate. Today's lesson in the world.

Questions for Discussion

1. What was God's command to the Israelites? Verses 4-5

2. How were the Israelites? Verse 6

3. What does God expect from parents? Verse 7

4. How can parents raise godly children in this contemporary time?

5. What are some of the challenges to godly parenting?

Conclusion

The Bible makes it clear that God created his own image. God is the first parent and he is the only one of us. God instructed the Israelites to teach their children. He even told them to "talk about them when they sit at home and walk along the road". This means that, God expects parents to reproduce in their children. Within contemporary society, the internet as well as postmodern ideas makes parenting more difficult. Parents will need to be aware of this and help their children through the Word of God. By so doing, our godly parenting can have a positive impact on the society or the world at large.

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READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR GUIDE

Week 37 (Sunday 10 ^th September to Saturday 16 ^th September, 2017)  

  

1. Sunday:           Ezekiel 43-45 
2. Monday:          Ezekiel 46-48 
3. Tuesday:         Daniel 1-2
4. Wednesday:    Daniel 3-4
5. Thursday:       Daniel 5-6
6. Friday:            Daniel 7-9
7. Saturday:        Daniel 10-12

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