COP 2018 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 49

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2018 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 49 – SUNDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 9, 2018.

TOPIC: CHRISTMAS – TIME FOR THE LORD’S FAVOUR

Review of Previous Lesson (5 Minutes)

a. What did you learn from the previous lesson?

b. How did you apply it to your life?

Main Text: Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:21

Memory Verse: The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’ – Luke 1:28

Introduction

Christmas is a wonderful occasion. Some people see it as a period of merry-making, celebrations and joy. Others also think it is a period that many families go on vacations and make resolutions for the coming year. The nature of the occasion has made many business organisations adopt various strategies to cash in on the celebrants of this season. However, as Christians, Christmas offers us the opportunity to reflect on the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, which opened to us the door of salvation. The coming of the Lord Jesus Christ was the pinnacle of God’s plan to rescue mankind from the bondage of sin (Matt. 1:21).

Questions for Discussion

1. Who foretold the birth of Jesus Christ to Mary? Verse 26

2. What was the angel’s greeting to Mary? Verse 28

3. What was the response of Mary to the angelic greetings? Verse 29, 34, 38

4. How did the angel address Mary’s concerns? Verses 30-33, 35

5. How important is the birth of Jesus to you and the world?

Conclusion

The birth of Jesus was foretold by the angel Gabriel when he appeared to Mary, a virgin pledged to be married to Joseph in the town of Galilee. The angel greeted Mary with the Lord’s favour and assured her that the Lord was with her. Mary wondered what kind of greeting it was but the angel comforted her by helping her understand that the Spirit of the Lord would be upon her and what she would conceive shall be called the Son of the Most High God.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2018 HOME CELL OUTLINE

WEEK 47 – SUNDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 25, 2018.

ACTIVITY: VISITATION AND HOUSE-TO-HOUSE EVANGELISM

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READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR GUIDE

Week 49 (Sunday 9^th December to Saturday 15^th December, 2018)        

1. Sunday:          2 Cor. 11-13
2. Monday:         Galatians 1-3 
3. Tuesday:        Galatians 4-6 
4. Wednesday:   Ephesians 1-3
5. Thursday:      Ephesians 4-6
6. Friday:           Philippians 1-4
7. Saturday:       Colossians 1-4

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COP 2018 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 47

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2018 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 47 – SUNDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 25, 2018.

TOPIC: THE NEXT LIFE

Review of Previous Week’s Lesson (5 Minutes)

a. What did you learn last week?

b. How did you apply it to your life?

Main Text: Revelation 2:10-11

Memory Verse: If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. – 1 Corinthians 15:19

Introduction

The Bible teaches us that when we die, our immaterial souls and spirits will be separated from our physical bodies. It is also clear from the Scriptures that there is judgment that will determine our eternal destiny. Many individuals encounter near death experiences and give similar accounts. They talk about seeing themselves leave their bodies, and this gives us an indication that, life surely does not end at death. Many Christians assume that after receiving Christ all that remains is a joyful entrance into heaven at death. Our study today seeks to throw more light on the need to be faithful servants of Christ in order to receive eternal rewards from Him. Our main text reveals the forms of reward believers will receive from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Questions for Discussion

1. Why are the believers encouraged not to be afraid? Verse 10

2. How faithful are believers expected to be? Verse 10

3. What form of reward are believers going to receive after death? Verse 10

4. Why will overcomers not be hurt by the second death? Verse 11

5. How can believers receive this reward and also escape from the second death?

Conclusion

One of the most important aspects of our salvation as Christians is that, salvation does not end here on earth. Our study today assures us that, no matter the challenges we go through to please our Saviour, there is a reward for us if we remain steadfast till the end. This crown of life is only one of the five crowns to be given to believers. Our faithful pursuit of God will surely yield fruitful results in the Next Life. The lesson for the believer is that, each of us will give an account of our time here on earth. As believers, we should not be afraid of death. One day, we will all meet again as saints. Therefore, what awaits the believer after death is a glorious future. We have to live our lives with this assurance in mind.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2018 HOME CELL OUTLINE

WEEK 47 – SUNDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 25, 2018.

TOPIC: HEAVEN – OUR ETERNAL HOME

Review of Previous Week’s Lesson (5 Minutes)

a. What did you learn last week?

b. How did you apply it to your life?

Main Text: Revelations 21:1-8

Memory Verse: Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. – Revelation 21:1

Introduction

There are several meanings to the word Heaven as used in the Bible. The Heavens could describe the space within which the clouds, sun, moon and stars are located (Gen. 1:1. Psalm 8:3). Also, Heaven is used to indicate the abode of God and the angels. However, the focus of today’s study is Heaven, the promised eternal home of the redeemed where God will make His dwelling among them. The scriptures provide the clearest and most convincing argument for the existence of this eternal home. We shall therefore examine what is revealed in God’s word concerning the eternal home of the saved.

Questions for Discussion

1. What will happen to the present heaven and earth? Verse 1

2. How do you understand the ‘Holy City’ or ‘New Jerusalem’ in verse 2?

3. What did the voice from the throne say? Verse 3

4. How will life in Heaven be like?

5. What is your personal conviction about the reality of Heaven?

Conclusion

The present heaven and earth will give way to the new heaven and earth (Rev 21:1). Out of the new heaven, God will usher in the Holy City or New Jerusalem on the new earth which will be the eternal home of the saved (Rev. 21:11-13). This Holy City or New Jerusalem as described by the Scriptures shines with the glory of God. The city has no need of a temple, sun or moon, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple and the glory of God gives it light. God will make His dwelling among men here and there will be neither sorrow, weeping nor death (Isa. 25:8). The unsaved, impure and anyone who does what is shameful will not enter the New Jerusalem. Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life will enter Heaven. The reality of Heaven is a call for all to work out their salvation in eager expectation of the coming of Jesus Christ.

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READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR GUIDE

Week 47 (Sunday 25^th November to Saturday 1^st December, 2018)        

1. Sunday:          Acts 20-23
2. Monday:         Acts 24-28     
3. Tuesday:        Romans 1-3   
4. Wednesday:   Romans 4-7
5. Thursday:      Romans 8-10 
6. Friday:           Romans 11-13
7. Saturday:       Romans 14-16

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COP 2018 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 46

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2018 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 46 – SUNDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 18, 2018.

TOPIC: LIFE AFTER DEATH

Review of Previous Week’s Lesson (5 Minutes)

a. What did you learn last week?

b. How did you apply it to your life?

Main Text: Revelation 20:11-15

Memory Verse: If anyone’s name was not found written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. – Revelations 20:15

Introduction

Humans are usually faced with the questions: “Where did I come from?”, “What am I doing here?”, “Where am I going from here?” Our answers to these questions have various implications for our lives here on earth. Christians can be assured that death is not something to be feared. Instead, death becomes our point of entry into heaven. One of the tenets of The Church of Pentecost is ‘The Second Coming and Next Life’ which deals with the subject. This clearly shows that the Church’s belief is that, life does not end here on earth but continues after death (John 5:28-29 and 2 Peter 3:11, Heb. 9:27). Our study today takes a brief look at what will happen to people after they die.

Questions for Discussion

1. What type of throne was seen by the writer? Verse 11

2. Which groups of the dead are described in verse 12?

3. How were the dead judged? Verse 12

4. What is the difference between the first resurrection and the second death. Verses 5 and 6

5. How should believers prepare for the Next Life?

Conclusion

The Akans of Ghana have a saying, “the ladder of death hangs on the neck of all human beings”. Death is the inevitable physical end of all humans. Our study today, however, reminds us that everything does not end at death. We shall all be judged after death based on the way we live in this life. Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life will be thrown into the lake of fire. This is termed the Second Death. The only condition for people to have their names written in the Book of Life is to believe on Jesus Christ and accept Him as their personal Saviour and Lord. It is also necessary for them to live a holy life as a proof of the inward transformation that took place after the new birth.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2018 HOME CELL OUTLINE

WEEK 46 – SUNDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 18, 2018.

TOPIC: HELL IS REAL

Review of Previous Lesson (5 Minutes)

a. What did you learn from the previous lesson?

b. How did you apply it to your life?

Main Text: Luke 16:19-31

Memory Verse: Then he will say to those on his left hand, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’ – Mathew 25:41

Introduction

Many dispute the reality of Hell because they cannot imagine how a loving and caring God would send people to a place of eternal torment. The eternal destination of sinners as described by Jesus is neither a mere threat nor fiction. It is real. Words such as “Gehena”, “the pit”, “Abyss” have been used in the bible to describe Hell. The unsaved and workers of iniquity will go to Hell. Jesus spoke about Hell and its torments vividly. We shall therefore discuss one of Jesus’ descriptions of what happens in Hell.

Questions for Discussion

1. What happened to the rich man when he died? Verse 22-23

2. Can you describe the suffering of the rich man? Verse 24

3. Why did Jesus tell this story?

4. What would make a person go to Hell after judgement? Gal. 5:19-21

5. What have you learnt from today’s study?

Conclusion

The rich man went to Hell after death because he did not repent, (Luke 16:30) and not because of his riches. God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked. He desires that the wicked repents and turns to Him (2 Peter 3:9). However, in His just nature, He cannot leave sin unpunished. He therefore sent His son Jesus to pay the penalty of sin so that by faith in Him, men would be justified and receive eternal life (John 3:16). Those who reject this salvation are doomed for eternal damnation (Mark 16:16, Heb. 2:3). Their eternal home will be Hell where there is unimaginable suffering. The fire of Hell never dies and there is no way out or chance for repentance (Mark 9:43-49). Christians who indulge wilfully in sin and do not repent can go to Hell (Gal. 5:19-21). Jesus told this story to warn all about the fearful and painful torture that awaits people who reject the door of salvation or refuse to repent.

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READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR GUIDE

Week 46 (Sunday 18^th November to Saturday 25^th November, 2018)     

1. Sunday:          Acts 1-2
2. Monday:         Acts 3-4         
3. Tuesday:        Acts 5-6         
4. Wednesday:   Acts 7-8
5. Thursday:      Acts 9-12       
6. Friday:           Acts 13-16
7. Saturday:       Acts 17-19

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COP 2018 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 45

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2018 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 45 – SUNDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 11, 2018.

TOPIC: CONTENTMENT – THE STRENGTH OF FINANCIAL INTEGRITY

Review of Previous Lesson (5 Minutes)

a. What did you learn from the previous lesson?

b. How did you apply it to your life?

Main Text: 1 Timothy 6:6-11

Memory Verse: But godliness with contentment is great gain. – 1 Timothy 6:6

Introduction

We had earlier looked at the subject of financial integrity. Moving on, we shall discuss one of the ways we can live a life of financial integrity, and that is by being content. Contentment means to be free from care and be satisfied with what one already has. One of the things which have plagued our world today is the desire to succeed at all cost and by all means. This mindset, fuelled by the dictates of post-modernism, leads many people including believers to make choices which compromise their financial integrity and leave them with dire consequences. It is on this score that Apostle Paul’s counsel to his son Timothy is worth studying.

Questions for Discussion

1. What was Paul’s counsel to Timothy? Verse 6

2. How did we come into the world and how would we go out of it? Verse 7

3. What are the basic necessities needed for one to be content? Verse 8

4. With practical examples, identify what happens to those who desire quick wealth. Verse 9

5. How can we maintain our financial integrity? Verses 10-11

Conclusion

Paul taught Timothy that godliness with contentment comes with lots of gain. He explained that we came into the world with nothing and it is certain we would leave with nothing too. Hence anytime we have food and clothing, that should be enough. For, many people in their quest to get rich have put themselves in uncomfortable situations like untimely death, severe ailments, family disorders, imprisonments and many more. Believers are therefore counselled to put on righteousness, godliness, faith, love and steadfastness in order to help us maintain our financial integrity. This teaching, however, does not promote laziness.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2018 HOME CELL OUTLINE

WEEK 45 – SUNDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 11, 2018.

TOPIC: DISTRICT / LOCAL / CELL INPUT

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READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR GUIDE

Week 45 (Sunday 11^th November to Saturday 17^th November, 2018)     

1. Sunday:          John 8-9
2. Monday:         John 10-11    
3. Tuesday:        John 12-13    
4. Wednesday:   John 14-15
5. Thursday:      John 16-17    
6. Friday:           John 18-19
7. Saturday:       John 20-21

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COP 2018 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 43

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2018 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 43 – SUNDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 28, 2018.

TOPIC: LIVING AT PEACE WITH ONE ANOTHER

Review of Previous Week’s Lesson (5 Minutes)

a. What did you learn last week?

b. How did you apply it to your life?

Main Text: Matthew 18:15-17

Memory Verse: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. – Matthew 5:9

Introduction

Conflict is present in every human institution. It occurs in the home, office, market, government and also in the church. Conflict on its own is not negative; however, it is how we respond to conflict that makes it either constructive or destructive. Jesus Christ provides a model response to the challenge of conflict resolution. He teaches us not to harbour grievance but rather amicably try to resolve issues. The systematic approach Jesus provides ensures that conflicts are resolved. A positive and creative response to conflict would help those involved to learn about their own weaknesses and those of others.

Questions for Discussion

1. What is the first step to be taken in conflict resolution? Verse 15

2. What is to be done if the first step fails? Verse 16

3. How can the Church ensure that conflicts are resolved?

4. What are some of the causes of conflict in the Church?

5. Why should conflicts be resolved in the Church?

Conclusion

In some human settings, people like to speak with others concerning a particular grievance instead of speaking with the one who offended them, thus spreading the rift between them. Jesus instructed that, the first action to be taken is to speak with the offender alone. Unresolved conflicts lead to withdrawal. Some of the causes of conflicts include discrimination, temperamental differences, intolerance, and disrespect for other people. It is important to point out that if conflicts are left unresolved for a long time, it would have a damaging effect on inter-personal relationship and institutional communication. Our Lord Jesus therefore gives a model which will help us if followed.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2018 HOME CELL OUTLINE

WEEK 43 – SUNDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 28, 2018.

TOPIC: HEALING FROM GOD

Review of Previous Week’s Lesson (5 Minutes)

a. What did you learn last week?

b. How did you apply it to your life?

Main Text: Luke 9:37-42

Memory Verse: He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. – Matthew 10:1

Introduction

Science and Technology have done much good to humanity. In today’s world, massive advancement has been seen in the health care delivery system. Curative and preventive measures have been put in place against many sicknesses and diseases that adversely affect human health. In spite of the good the health sector is doing, there is no medical remedy for a person whose spirit is possessed by the enemy. Jesus had an encounter with a child who was possessed by an evil spirit, resulting in the infliction of pain on his physical body. He was being destroyed. Divine healing came to the child when he finally met the Christ.

Questions for Discussion

1. How many children did the man who asked for healing from Jesus have? Verse 38

2. What were some of the things the evil spirit did to the child? Verse 39

3. What lessons can the Church draw from Jesus’ response to the disciples? Verse 41

4. How can modern medicine administer healing to someone possessed with an evil spirit?

Conclusion

The demon-possessed boy was the only child of his father. An evil spirit caused him to scream, threw him into convulsions and made him foam at the mouth. The Disciples of Christ were unable to heal the boy. Jesus attributed this to their unbelief. The Church must seek to deepen our faith in the Lord in things we ask from Him. Modern medicine may have some sort of temporary relief to the body of someone possessed. However, complete healing of the human spirit comes from the Lord alone.

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Week 43 (Sunday 28^th October to Saturday 3^rd November, 2018)           

1. Sunday:          Luke 2-3
2. Monday:         Luke 4-5        
3. Tuesday:        Luke 6-7        
4. Wednesday:   Luke 8-9
5. Thursday:      Luke 10-11    
6. Friday:           Luke 12-13
7. Saturday:       Luke 14-16

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COP 2018 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 42

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2018 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 42 – SUNDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 21, 2018.

TOPIC: PENSIONS DAY – PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT

Review of Previous Week’s Lesson (5 Minutes)

a. What did you learn last week?

b. How did you apply it to your life?

Main Text: Genesis 41:28-36

Memory Verse: But in the summer, ants gather all of their food and save it. So when winter comes, there is plenty to eat. – Proverbs 6:8 (ERV)

Introduction

Retirement is a period of inactive work. It may come naturally at old age, as a result of sickness, accident or natural disaster. The Church of Pentecost celebrates Pensions Day and contributes generously to the Pensions Fund to remember our ministers who have retired from active service. On this day, we shall highlight the importance of planning for retirement through a discussion of Joseph’s advice to Pharaoh in Genesis 41:3-37.

Questions for Discussion

1. According to the passage, was Egypt going to have plenty food forever? Verse 29-31

2. What were the people instructed to do during the years of abundant harvest? Verse 34

3. What was the purpose of storing food during the years of plenty? Verses 35, 36

4. How can we plan for years of inactivity and retirement?

5. What have you decided to do now to meet your needs when you are not working?

Conclusion

Meeting expenditure on health, food and shelter can be challenging when our regular sources of income cease due to incapacitation or retirement. However, with a good retirement plan carried out right from a young age, such challenges can be dealt with comfortably. The people gave portions of their farm produce for seven years for storage. These ‘savings’ prevented what could have been a deadly famine in Egypt and the world at large. The seven years of abundance can be likened to our years of active service when our streams of income are regular and substantial. On the other hand, the years of famine represent times of inactivity due to old age or ill-health. When we plan for the years of scarcity, we will be able to deal with the challenges they present. Storing food from the first year of plenty suggests that, the earlier we start planning and saving for our retirement, the bigger the returns would be on our investment to support us through the period of retirement.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2018 HOME CELL OUTLINE

WEEK 42 – SUNDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 21, 2018.

TOPIC: DIVINE HEALING AND MEDICATION

Review of Previous Week’s Lesson (5 Minutes)

a. What did you learn last week?

b. How did you apply it to your life?

Main Text: 2 Kings 20:1-7

Memory Verse: And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered. – 2 Kings 20:7 (KJV).

Introduction

In our study today we will consider means that God has provided for our healing any time we fall sick. Some people believe that using medication demonstrates lack of faith in divine healing. Reference can be made to one 11-year-old girl called Kara Neuman in the United States of America, whose parents refused to treat her with anything other than prayer, leading to her eventual death. Similarly, many Christians are left in dilemma as to whether to trust God for healing with or without medication. The Church of Pentecost believes in divine healing but does not prohibit seeking medical care from qualified health practitioners.

Questions for Discussion

1. What happened to Hezekiah? Verse 1

2. What did he do and what was God’s response? Verse 2-5

3. How would you consider the direction to apply an ointment of figs? Verse 7

4. What is the position of Scripture concerning the use of medication?

5. What should we do when we get sick?

Conclusion

Hezekiah prayed to God for healing and God responded by extending his years. The prophet ordered him to apply an ointment of figs on his boil after which he recovered. The figs are known to have medicinal properties. It must be noted that, medical science is one provision God has made for our healing. God gives people knowledge to make scientific discoveries and leads others to discover herbs of medicinal value to improve the quality of life. As an example, the discovery of the Germ Theory in the 19th century led to the cure of many infectious diseases. Divine healing is God’s prerogative. It is advised that when one gets sick, fervent prayer should be made (Jas. 5:14-15); however, medical attention should not be prohibited. Divine healing and medical science are both tools in the hands of God. They must, therefore, be combined harmoniously with wisdom to realise God’s desire for us to experience good health (3 John 2).

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READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR GUIDE

Week 42 (Sunday 21^st October to Saturday 27^th October, 2018) 

1. Sunday:          Matthew 27-28
2. Monday:         Mark 1-3       
3. Tuesday:        Mark 4-6       
4. Wednesday:   Mark 7-9
5. Thursday:      Mark 10-13   
6. Friday:           Mark 14-16
7. Saturday:       Luke 1

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