THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2022 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE: WEEK 30

 THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2022 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 30: SUNDAY, JULY 24, 2022

PERSEVERANCE IN PRAYER

Main Text: Luke 18:1–8

Memory Verse: For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet. Till her vindication shines out like a dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. – Isaiah 62:1

Introduction

Everyone prays for results. However, immediate answer to prayer does not occur every time. In such instances, the fainthearted could give up praying, especially, when the response delays with no hope in sight. To be a good intercessor, one must be persistent, relentless and patient in prayer. Perseverance is the quality that causes one to hold on, press on, and wait on God for an answer against all odds. In this study, we shall engage on how to cultivate the quality of perseverance as intercessors for the family, church and nations.

Questions for Discussion

1.      What quality did Jesus seek to recommend to His disciples in the parable? Verse 1

2.      How was perseverance manifested in the request of the widow? Verses 4 and 5

3.      Why did the judge give in to the widow’s request? Verses 4 and 5

4.      Discuss the importance of perseverance in prayer.

5.      How can we cultivate perseverance as intercessors?

Conclusion

In this parable, Jesus implied that persistent prayer yields results. This kind of prayer is produced by faith, energised by the Holy Spirit and reflects a person’s total reliance on God (Lk. 18:1–8, 11:5–8). Sometimes, we receive the first time we ask, find the first time we seek and have doors opened the first time we knock. At other times, God in His sovereign will put us on hold.

In such cases, one must, through faith, persevere in prayer. Persistent prayer builds character in the petitioner. It draws one closer to God for an encounter that changes one forever (Dan. 9:23–27, 2 Cor. 12:7–9). Persistent prayer, however, does not imply forcing our will on God. Rather, it is being energised and directed by the Holy Spirit to pray in the will of God while waiting for answers to our requests. To cultivate perseverance in prayer, one must be thorough in the knowledge of the scriptures, live a sacrificial life, be devoted to prayer and have faith that God answers prayer.

DOWNLOAD THIS STUDY AND GET ASANTE TWI VERSION

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2022 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE: WEEK 29

 THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2022 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 29: SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022

INTERCEDING FOR THE LOCAL CHURCH

Main Text: Colossians 4:2–12

Memory Verse: Epaphras who is one of you sends his greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you that you may stand firm in the will of God, mature and fully assured. – Colossians 4:12

Introduction

In the previous lesson, we concluded that intercession is one great opportunity God has given us to shape the character and destiny of nations. We also observed that there was no one to stand in the gap when God sought for one. Often, everyone thinks someone is interceding for the local church.

However, it could happen that no one is actually standing in the gap. To avoid such situations, we must all become intentional about interceding for the local church. In the passage read, Epaphras displayed the admirable trait of interceding continually for the churches in Colossae, Laodicea and Hierapolis. Our lesson today seeks to highlight this quality with the view to encouraging everyone to get involved in interceding for the local church.

Questions for Discussion

1.      What was Paul’s request to the believers in Colossae? Verse 2–4

2.      Who was Epaphras and what was he doing for the church in Colossae? Verse 12

3.      How do you understand the statement Epaphras ‘wrestling in prayer’? Verse 12

4.      How significant is the content of Epaphras’ prayer to church growth and discipleship?

5.      Outline some prayer points for intercession in the local church.

Conclusion

Raising intercessors for the local church is crucial for the possessing the nations agenda. Knowing the value of intercession, Paul requested for prayers from the church in Colossae (Col. 4:3–4). He commended Epaphras as one who wrestled continually for the church. To wrestle in prayer means to agonise, become distressed or labour persistently in prayer for the will of God to be done.

Though Epaphras was not physically present, he was consumed by the desire to see the believers mature and grounded in Christ. It is important to note that teaching and intercessory prayer are complementary and indispensable for the task of raising disciples (Gal. 4:19, Eph. 1:16–18).

In view of this, we must highlight the importance of intercession and invite individuals to respond to this noble cause. This should cut across all age groupings and ministries in the local church. Every individual must stand and be counted among those who wrestle in prayer for the family, local church and nations.

DOWNLOAD THIS STUDY AND GET ASANTE TWI VERSION

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST - 2022 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE: WEEK 28

 THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 28 – SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022

STANDING IN THE GAP FOR NATIONS

Main Text: Ezekiel 22:23–31

Memory Verse: So he said he would destroy them – had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him to keep his wrath from destroying them. – Psalm 106:23

Introduction

Cities in the ancient world of the Bible had walls surrounding them to provide protection from their enemies. When there were broken portions of the wall, people had to sacrifice to stand in these gaps to fight and protect the nation. Failure to do this exposed the nation to unwarranted attacks from her enemies.

This background depicts what it means to intercede – stand in the gap on behalf of an individual, family, church or nation through prayer. Intercessors are always passionate about seeing the will of God come to pass in the lives of people. They are set apart, loyal, sacrificial and dedicated. In the passage read, God sought someone to stand in the gap for the nation but found none. Our discussion today will help us appreciate the significance of intercession in shaping the destinies of nations and possessing them for Christ.

Questions for Discussion

1.      What was the prevailing situation that called for an intercessor? Verse 27–29

2.      What could have prevented the impending judgement? Verse 31

3.      Identify some prevailing situations in our country and the world which call for intercession.

4.      Discuss the significance of intercession in shaping the destiny of nations.

5.      How can we commit ourselves as intercessors for the nation and the church?

Conclusion

Standing in the gap for nations is the responsibility of the church. In the passage read, Judah engaged in acts of rebellion against God. The prophets plundered the people, the priests violated the law instead of teaching it, while the poor were oppressed. Nevertheless, God was willing to pardon the nation provided there was someone to stand in the gap. As a church, we stand in the gap for nations by teaching the truth in the midst of error, projecting the values of the Kingdom through exemplary lifestyle and interceding for nations through prayer.

From Exodus 32:10-14, Moses interceded for Israel and forestalled what could have been a complete destruction of the people by God. He changed the destiny of an entire nation through intercession. Intercession moves the heart and hand of God in favour of nations. Thus, every Christian must commit to the ministry of intercession. Thankfully, there are opportunities such as ‘Roar’ on PENT TV every weekday at 10:00pm and virtual prayer night with the chairman which takes place every Tuesday 10:00–11:30pm.

DOWNLOAD THIS STUDY AND GET ASANTE TWI VERSION

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST - 2022 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE: WEEK 26

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2022 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE 

WEEK 26: SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2022

PU/COPCEF OFFERING DAY – SUPPORTING THE CHURCH TO TRAIN FUTURE LEADERS

Main Text: Daniel 1:1–6

Memory Verse: And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deed. – Acts 7:22

Introduction

A nation’s wealth is not limited to her natural resources. Thus, even with abundant natural resources, development is not achievable without a skilled and well-trained labour force. Sadly, our institutions of higher learning tasked to provide the kind of training needful for national development are either inadequate or under-resourced to fulfil their mandate. Thus, Pentecost University was established to complement the government’s efforts in training the youth of this country for future roles in the national economy. The overarching aim is to empower them to serve with integrity and the fear of God. A noble cause as this requires the support of all in the church.

Questions for Discussion

1. What was the king’s order to Asphenaz? Verse 3–4

2. How were they going to train the youth? Verse 4–5

3. What do you know about Pentecost University?

4. Why should the church be concerned with the training of the youth of this country?

5. How can we help the church to fulfil this role effectively?

Conclusion

Nebuchadnezzar’s focus was not only on articles of gold and silver when he besieged Jerusalem. He ordered Asphenaz to identify young people with the aptitude for learning who could be trained to serve in his palace. These youth would later hold key positions in the land of Babylon (Dan. 3:12). Investing in the education of future leaders pays off in several ways. However, due to inadequate facilities for higher learning, a significant number of the youth are denied the opportunity for training, thus wasting productive years. To help solve this problem, the church is complementing the efforts of the government by building the capacity of our teeming youth at Pentecost University. This venture involves very huge capital expenditure which requires the support of the church. When we give towards this cause, the school will be resourced to provide quality training for all who attend.

DOWNLOAD THIS STUDY AND GET ASANTE TWI VERSON

THE CHURCH OF PENTCOST - 2022 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE: WEEK 25

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST - 2022 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 25: SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2022

PEMEM WEEK – 

CHRISTIAN MEN EQUIPPING THEIR HOMES AND COMMUNITIES 

Main Text: Acts 10:1–8, 22–24 

Memory Verse: For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him. – Genesis 18:19 

Introduction 

The possessing the nation's agenda places a huge responsibility on men to equip both their homes and communities. Unfortunately, some men have shirked this responsibility, making life unbearable for their wives, children and other members of the household. The life and ministry of Cornelius is one perfect example of how Christian men can equip their homes and those around them. Scripture describes him as devout and a God-fearing man. He was someone who prayed continually and gave generously to the poor. As we celebrate men today, we shall use the life of Cornelius as a case study for Christian men in equipping the home towards the possessing the nation's agenda. 

Questions for Discussion 

1. How does the Bible describe Cornelius? Verses 2 and 22 
2. Explain how Cornelius impacted his household. Verses 2 and 24 
3. How did Cornelius impact those in his community with the Gospel? 
4. What lessons can Christian men learn from the life and ministry of Cornelius? 
5. Discuss how Christian men can equip their homes and communities to possess the nations.

Conclusion 

We have seen from our lesson today how important it is for men to take up the responsibility of equipping both their homes and communities towards the possessing the nation's agenda. Cornelius’ devout and God-fearing nature translated into the upbringing of his children and those around him. He gave generously to the poor in his community so it was not difficult for him to invite them to listen to the Good News (Acts 10:23). 

No wonder the angel of the Lord told him that his prayers and gifts to the poor had been received by God as offerings. On the day he accepted Christ as his Lord and personal Saviour, and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, his family members and those in his community were not left out. His life, therefore, becomes an example to Christian 18 men to equip their households and those around them. They can do this through devotions, Bible study, prayer, giving of alms, and ensuring that those in their households and communities get to know the Lord Jesus.

Download This Study And Get Asante Twi Version

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST - 2022 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL: WEEK 24

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST - 2022 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE (ENGLISH)

WEEK 24: SUNDAY MORNING, JUNE 12, 2022.

TOPIC: WHAT IS TRUTH? 

Main Text: John 8:31–46 

Memory Verse: Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’. – John 14:6 

Introduction 

The theme of The Church of Pentecost for 2022 has one of its focal topics as ‘the belt of truth’. In today’s world, it appears people seek the truth, yet some are not ready to be truthful. This situation is what Prophet Isaiah describes as ‘truth has fallen on the streets’ (Isa. 59:14). Integrity has become scarce and everyone seems to have their own version of the truth. 

However, truth is a virtue and principle that is rooted in the authority of Christ Jesus. It is the real state of affairs, the fact of the matter with verifiable proofs. In Jesus’ discourse with the Jews, He told them the liberating power of the truth and that the Son ( Jesus Christ) liberates. Thus, Jesus is not only the way to the truth but the very nature of truth. Truth is absolute and not subjective. In this study, we will examine what the truth is in the light of what Jesus taught. 

Questions for Discussions 

1. Who is the truth from your understanding of verses 32 and 36?

2. What is the truth that Jesus was teaching? 

3. Why was it difficult for the Jews to accept the truth? Verse 42–44 

4. What effect does the knowledge of the truth have on people? 

5. In what ways can you project truth and integrity in all spheres of your life? 

Conclusion 

The truth has a liberating effect; anyone who desires liberty must seek to know the truth. Jesus makes it clear that He is the truth when He stated that when the Son sets free, one becomes truly free because He had earlier indicated that the truth sets free. The Jews could not wrap their minds around the truth in Jesus because they were of the devil who was the father of all lies. 

The knowledge of the truth exudes Christlikeness – a life of integrity, acceptance of the gospel and faith in Christ. We can project a life of integrity when we demonstrate our absolute trust in God in all situations and seek to be truthful, devoid of all forms of deceit. To remain in the truth, believers must stay with the original message and let it permeate our beings. Any deviation from Christ will be a deviation from the virtue and principle of the truth. The knowledge of the truth sets us free and gives us access to God the Father.

DOWNLOAD THIS STUDY

Download and get the Asante Twi Version in addition.