Saturday, February 24, 2018

COP 2018 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 8

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2018 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE
WEEK 8 – SUNDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 25, 2018.

TOPIC: THE BIBLE IS COMPREHENSIVE IN SUFFICIENCY

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 Timothy 3: 14-17
Memory Verse: All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness. – 2 Timothy 3:16 (HCSB)

Introduction

Some have doubted how a single document (The Bible) with only sixty-six (66) books could contain all that is needed for life, godliness, faith, morality and answer all the questions of humanity in an ever-changing world. However, the Bible is comprehensive in its sufficiency. This means, it is complete and has enough information to fully meet the needs of all persons at all times in all generations. This is what Paul communicates in today’s passage for discussion.

Questions for Discussion

1. What was Timothy asked to do? Verse 14
2. What purpose did the Bible (Scripture) serve Timothy? Verse 15?
3. Identify the source of Scripture. Verse 16
4. State the benefits of the Bible to Christians. Verse 16
5. What practical lessons can we learn from 2 Timothy 3:17?

Conclusion

Paul was convinced of the truth handed down to Timothy and encouraged him to continue in them. Timothy did not just learn them; he was fully convinced of them because he could trust those from whom he had learnt the Scriptures – Lois, Eunice and Paul. The Scriptures had given Timothy instructions through faith by which he had obtained wisdom unto salvation. Since the Scriptures is inspired by God, it is good for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. By constantly studying, believing and practising the Word of God, Christians could be adequately prepared and mature for every good work.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2018 HOME CELL OUTLINE
WEEK 8 – SUNDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 25, 2018.

TOPIC: PATRIOTISM AND INDEPENDENCE

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: Exodus 3:7-12; Exodus 5:1-4
Memory Verse: So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey- the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. – Exodus 3:8

Introduction

The attractiveness of the Gold Coast (now Ghana) led to a struggle among many European countries for its control. However, in 1874, the British took firm control of many parts of the country and colonised the people. They benefited much from the people by exploiting their rich resources. However, some committed patriots led by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah fought for the independence of the nation making Ghana the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence. Sustaining independence comes with responsibilities and commitments toward the state. It is worth noting that, God never desires any nation to be under oppression, unless by His sovereignty.

Questions for Discussion

1. What did the LORD tell Moses concerning Israel? Exodus 3:7
2. What was God’s purpose for the Israelites while they were in slavery? Exodus 3:8
3. What was Pharaoh’s response to God’s command to release the people of Israel? Exodus 5: 2,4
4. Why do colonised nations or the oppressed demand for independence?
5. How can we show commitment towards the state and be responsible citizens?

Conclusion

God saw Israel’s misery and was really concerned about their plight. However, Pharaoh was reluctant to grant their release. He wanted them to remain in servitude against God’s will. God through mighty works delivered them from the yoke of slavery. Mere independence from our masters does not guarantee good life and success. Rather, being independent should create in us the spirit of creativity, desire for development, ability to overcome challenges and love for godliness. Independence from human dominion is good. However, independence from God is dangerous and must not be ventured at all.

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READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR GUIDE

Week 8 (Sunday 25th to Saturday 3rd March, 2018)
          
  1. Sunday:          Numbers 34-37         
  2. Monday:         Deuteronomy 1-2      
  3. Tuesday:        Deuteronomy 3-4      
  4. Wednesday:   Deuteronomy 5-7
  5. Thursday:      Deuteronomy 8-11    
  6. Friday:           Deuteronomy 12-15
  7. Saturday:       Deuteronomy 16-19



Saturday, February 17, 2018

COP 2018 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 7

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2018 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE
WEEK 7 – SUNDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 18, 2018.

TOPIC: THE AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE

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: Psalm 19:7-11
Memory Verse: All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness. – 2 Timothy 3:16 (HCSB)

Introduction

The debate that seeks to question the authority of the Bible is not new but an age long battle. The Church has therefore since the time of the early apostles, defended the authority, authenticity, comprehensiveness and sufficiency of the Bible. In fact, there is no other book or writing that introduces God and truth to the human race other than the Bible. In all matters of faith and morality, the Bible is the only credible guide and final authority. The Bible affirms issues of cultural experience and knowledge; also, when they come into conflict with the Bible the stance of the Bible is final.

Questions for Discussion

1. What other names does the author give to Scripture? Verses 7, 8
2. How do verses 7, 8, 9 and 11 describe the Word of God?
3. According to verse 7 to 11, what impact does the Word of God have on the believer?
4. What does today’s reading indicate about the authority of the Bible?

Conclusion

The Scripture is also referred to as the instruction of the Lord, the precepts of the Lord, the testimony of the Lord, the ordinances of the Lord and the commandments of the Lord. It is described as perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant and reliable. Those who study and practise the Word have enormous benefits; they will have their souls revived, their hearts gladdened; they will receive insight and understanding. Again, it can make the inexperienced wise because it is altogether righteous. Since the Word of God (the Bible) comes from the Lord, it carries the same authority as the Lord. We must believe its content and practise its instructions.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2018 HOME CELL OUTLINE
WEEK 7 – SUNDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 18, 2018.

ACTIVITY: DISTRICT / LOCAL / CELL INPUT



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READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR GUIDE

Week 7 (Sunday 18th to Saturday 24th February, 2018)   
  1. Sunday:          Numbers 12-14         
  2. Monday:         Numbers 15-17         
  3. Tuesday:        Numbers 18-20         
  4. Wednesday:   Numbers 21-23
  5. Thursday:      Numbers 24-26         
  6. Friday:           Numbers 27-30
  7. Saturday:       Numbers 31-33



Saturday, February 10, 2018

COP 2018 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 6

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2018 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE
WEEK 6 – SUNDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 11, 2018.

TOPIC: THE BIBLE – THE INFALLIBLE WORD OF GOD
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: 2 Peter 1:20-21
Memory Verse: The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times. – Psalm 12:6 (HCSB)

Introduction
The Church of Pentecost has been founded on and is shaped by certain core beliefs which are referred to as the tenets of the church; one of these is The Bible. As a Church, we believe in the infallibility of the Word of God. To say that the Bible is infallible is to confess that the Scriptures are incapable of teaching any error. This therefore, strongly presents the Bible as perfect in its declaration. When we say the Bible is God’s word, it does not mean that any statement in it was spoken by God. Rather, it only means that, God guided every word to be written.

Questions for Discussion
1. How was the prophecy of the Scriptures received? Verse 21
2. How do you understand the infallibility of the Bible?
3. Why should the Bible be considered infallible? Verse 20, 21
4. What are some of the challenges people have with the infallibility of the Bible?
5. What have you learnt from today’s study?

Conclusion
Some critics of the Bible say it is simply a collection of human writings. Others believe it is a great literary masterpiece but not the Word of God. Some also believe that God’s Word is in the Bible but the entire Bible is not God’s Word. Our study today gives us a strong proof that the Bible is not a mere compilation of the writings of men. Rather, it is the product of God’s breath, direction and guidance. The Bible is proven to be accurate in its record of historical events that have been documented elsewhere, and as believers, we uphold its infallibility. Even if none of the books of the Bible had any secular evidence, we still should believe it. The Bible is the most accurately preserved text. The discovery of the Dead Sea scrolls in 1948 goes a long way to prove the infallibility of the Bible.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2018 HOME CELL OUTLINE
WEEK 6 – SUNDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 11, 2018.

TOPIC: THE BIBLE – FINAL IN AUTHORITY
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: Matthew 4:1-11, Hebrews 4: 12-14
Memory Verse:  For you have magnified your word above all your name. – Psalm 138:2b (NKJV)

Introduction
The word “final” means an end to something or the conclusion of a matter. Authority on the other hand is the power or right to give orders or make decisions. This implies that the Bible as “final in authority” is an “all-in-all weapon” for the human race. In other words, it has the final solution to all our issues. The book of Hebrews also accounts that, God’s Word (Bible) is alive and working and is sharper than a double-edged sword (Heb. 4:12). Its judgement is final and unquestionable. In today’s lesson, we shall look at how Jesus Christ overcame the devil by the authority of the word (Bible).

Questions for discussion
1. How do you understand Hebrews 4:12?
2. When was Jesus tempted? Matthew 4:2
3. How did Jesus respond to the temptation? Matthew 4:4, 10 & 11
4. What happens when we read the Bible every day?
5. What have you learnt personally?

Conclusion
The Bible is full of accounts where many crowds were amazed with the power and authority which backed the messages of Jesus and His disciples. We are not talking about basic authority; we are talking about power! There is power in the words of the Bible. When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus overcame him with the Word of God. Even Jesus who was full of the Word was tempted at a time when He was in the spirit. This means that the devil is not a respecter of persons and can come to us at any time. We need to follow the example of Jesus by studying the Bible. As we do that, we will gain more understanding and power.


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READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR GUIDE

Week 6 (Sunday 11th to Saturday 17th February, 2018) 
  

  1. Sunday:          Leviticus 24-25          
  2. Monday:         Leviticus 26-27          
  3. Tuesday:        Numbers 1-2 
  4. Wednesday:   Numbers 3-4
  5. Thursday:      Numbers 5-6 
  6. Friday:           Numbers 7-8
  7. Saturday:       Numbers 9-11

COP 2018 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 4

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2018 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE
WEEK 4 – SUNDAY MORNING, JANUARY 28, 2018.

TOPIC: REMAIN IN ME (STAY CONNECTED)

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: John 15:1-10
Memory verse: Remain in Me as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. – John 15:4

Introduction
In our previous study, we learnt of how our fruitfulness as Christians depends on Jesus Christ. Using the example of the vine and its branches, Jesus clearly makes the disciples aware of the importance of remaining in Him. A disconnected branch cannot produce any fruit. Once it is disconnected from the stem a fruitless branch is useless and must be cut off. It can also be seen from today’s passage that it is the will of the Father for each one of us to bear much fruit (John 15:8). This requires that we stay connected to Christ daily once we start a relationship with Him.

Questions for Discussion
1. How did today’s passage describe God, Jesus and the disciples? Verse 1,5
2. How does the Father treat the various branches? Verse 2
3. What is the importance of remaining in Christ? Verses 4-7
4. What does it mean to remain in Christ? Verse 10

Conclusion
From the passage, we see that God is the Gardener, Jesus is the Vine and believers are the branches. The Father prunes every branch that bears fruit but cuts off every branch that bears no fruit. Remaining in Christ makes the Christian fruitful. Jesus also assures us that if we remain in Him and His words in us, whatever we ask for will be done for us. Remaining in Christ is being obedient to His word. In order to remain in Him, we first of all need to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit because those who are led by the Spirit are the children of God (Rom. 8:14). We also need to be consistent with our daily devotions. This helps us to communicate with God on daily basis and by that we remain connected to Jesus.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2018 HOME CELL OUTLINE
WEEK 4 – SUNDAY EVENING, JANUARY 28, 2018.

ACTIVITY: DISTRICT / LOCAL / CELL INPUT

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READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR GUIDE

Week 4 (Sunday 28th January to Saturday 3rd February, 2018)
  

  1. Sunday:          Exodus 17-20
  2. Monday:         Exodus 21-23
  3. Tuesday:        Exodus 24-27
  4. Wednesday:   Exodus 28-30
  5. Thursday:      Exodus 31-34
  6. Friday:           Exodus 35-37
  7. Saturday:       Exodus 38-40