COP Bible Study Lessons and Discussions

2012 MARCH WEEK THREE LESSON

2012-03-16T06:15:00.000-07:00

ThePurpose of the Church

MainTexts: Acts2:37-47
MemoryVerse: Acts 2:42
The purpose of the Church isthree-fold;

To Reach up toGod in Worship
This is where praise, honourand adoration are directed to God, for His gracious gifts to His people throughJesus Christ.
·   Glorifyingand adoring Him as God the Creator.
·   Speakingof His majestic power and authority.
·   Givingto acknowledge that He is the giver of life and all things.

To Reach in toBelievers in Fellowship Acts. 2:42-47

·   Havingfellowship means ministering to one another, in relationship, service to oneanother in love and assisting each other without expecting a reward. We serveone another with our talents no matter the cost.
·   Teach,exhort and encourage in love, share our time and substance with one another
·   Demonstratepractical love to each other.
·   Forgiveone another in time of offences and be faithful to one another.
·   Prayfor and share in the fears and aspirations of one another.

To Reach out toSinners in Evangelism -Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15-17

• To bring people to Christthrough personal and mass evangelism

Through her three -fold purpose,the church:
·  SustainsChrist's ministry on earth (Luke 24:46-47)
·  Promotesrighteousness in the world (1 Pet. 2: 11-12)
·  Destroysthe work of the devil through prayer, the word of God and evangelism.(Eph.6:10-12)

Whenthese purposes are in balance, the Church experiences growth and we all come toperfect stature in Christ (Ephesians 4:12-13).

Points forDiscussion
Whatare some of the ways by which the following purpose of the Church is fulfilledin your local Assembly
a.  Worship
b.  Fellowship
c.  Evangelism
N/B FOR MORE Info on THE CHURCH,go to my blog by clicking on this link: http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/blogs/blog.article.php?blog=2791&ID=1000007483

2012 MARCH WEEK TWO LESSON

2012-03-12T05:16:00.000-07:00

Church Membership

Main Text: Matthew 16:16-18

Memory Verse: John 1:12

The church is the body of Christ, made up of regenerated persons redeemed by the blood of Christ and transformed by the Holy Spirit. Conditions for membership into this body of Christ are clearly spelt out in Scripture.

Conditions for Membership in the Church

· Repentance from sin and dead works

· Faith in Jesus Christ as Lord, Savior and the Son of God

· The New Birth

· Baptism in water in the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit

After submitting oneself voluntarily and genuinely to the conditions stated above, it is important to maintain one’s membership in the church in a responsible manner by:

· Keeping to sound biblical teaching Hebrews 6:1-2

· Sharing in Christian fellowship and regular church attendance Hebrews 10:25

· Participating regularly in the Lord’s supper 1 Cor 11:23-28

· Developing personal and corporate prayer life

· Giving regularly to support the church through tithes and offerings

· Witnessing to the lost and making disciples

Points for Discussion

1. How do you become a member of the Church?

2. What is responsible church membership?

2012 MARCH WEEK ONE LESSON

2012-03-05T01:40:00.000-08:00

What Is The Church?
Main Text: Matthew 16:13-20
Memory Verse: Matthew 16:18
The word “church” is translated from the Greek word EKKLESIA which is formed from two words namely EK (which means “out of”) and KALEO (which means “to call”). EKKLESIA, and for that matter the church, literally means “the called out ones”.
• The word “church” signifies, generally an assembly, either common or religious.
• In the New Testament it usually means a congregation of religious worshippers, either Jewish, or Christians.
• When used to refer to Christians, the church essentially signifies:
 The universal Christian church: either the invisible church, consisting of those whose names are written in heaven, whom God knows, or the visible church, made up of the professed followers of Christ on earth.

 A particular church or body of professing believers, who meet and worship together in one place.

• The entire life of the church is rooted in Christ who is the builder of the church. Therefore people become true members of the called out body of believers only by accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
Points for Discussion
1. What does the word “church” mean?
2. Who is the builder of the church?
3. What is the source of authority of the church?

2012 FEBRUARY WEEK FOUR LESSON

2012-02-27T11:24:00.002-08:00

The Role of the Leader/Member in Judging Prophecy

Main Text: 1 John 2:20, 27
Memory Verse: 1 John 2:20
In judging prophecy, inner witness is a very important tool used to test the truth or otherwise of a prophetic message. When the prophecy is true, there is inner peace. But when the prophecy is false there is anxiety and uneasiness. The inner peace and inner anxiety are called inner witness which is the work of the indwelling Holy Spirit, and must not be ignored in testing prophecy.

In 1 John 2:27, the apostle asserts that
 Believers have an abiding anointing (the Holy Spirit)
 This anointing is genuine and real
 This ever-present anointing teaches us all things (including distinguishing between truth and false doctrine, prophecy, visions.)
 The anointing works by inner promptings which we must learn to recognize and obey.

How to Handle False Prophecy
When all the indicators and your inner promptings show that there is false prophecy
 As a church member, do not publicly interrupt the prophecy. What you need to do is to mention it to the leadership afterwards.
 As a leader, if you realize that a prophecy is not of God, depending on what is being said you may allow it and bring a biblical balance later on, or stop it immediately.

Point for Discussions
1. What is the anointing?
2. How do you respond to false prophecy?

2012 FEBRUARY WEEK THREE LESSON

2012-02-20T10:59:00.000-08:00

Who Judges Prophecy?

Main Text: 1 Thess 5:19-21
Memory Verse: 1 Cor 14:29

It has already been mentioned that it is unhealthy for the church to allow all manner of prophetic utterances in its services. Actually, it is unbiblical and can lead to confusion and error. So the question arises as to which category of church members are qualified to judge prophecy. Some insight is provided in I Corinthians 14.

Paul calls for the orderly use of gifts in worship
• He established the importance of the gift of prophecy – It edifies and strengthens the entire church. Vs. 4.
• It is a sign to believers - it shows God is at work in His church, through the influence of the Holy Spirit. Vs. 22

Paul establishes the way the prophetic gift should be used in the church (verse 29)
• Two or three should prophesy in any given service. Whatever the Spirit wished to communicate to the Church that day is likely to be catered for by the three.
• While the prophetic message is ongoing, the others must examine and evaluate what is being said.
• Who are “the others” that are tasked to judge prophecy?
From the context and from practical considerations “the others” could be said to be:
 Other members with the prophetic gift.
 The Pastor and other church leaders.
 Every member in the Church

Points for Discussion
1. What are the rules for prophesying in the church?
2. Who qualifies to judge prophesy?

2012 FEBRUARY WEEK TWO LESSON

2012-02-12T12:39:00.000-08:00

The Purpose of Prophetic Utterance in the New Testament

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 14:24-25
Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 14:3
There is a time when God does rebuke and chasten His people. There is a place for this, but this is not his last word. In this lesson we shall look at God’s ultimate purpose for His children when He speaks to them through prophetic utterances. This is to bring them into His joy and happiness.

For Christians, Prophetic utterances are meant for:
• Edification –building up and promoting another’s growth by Christian wisdom and holiness
• Exhortation- encouragement and persuasion to do right
• Comfort-to give strength and hope to one
For the unbelievers, prophecy is meant to
 convince and convict
 to reveal the secrets of their heart
 make them revere and worship God.

There is a time for rooting out and pulling down what God has not planted (Matt15:13). Yet the ultimate purpose is planting.
There is a place for knocking down and destroying. But the ultimate purpose is building.

Points for Discussion
1. What is the purpose of prophecy to the following?
a. Christian b. Unbeliever
2. What do the following mean?
• Edification
• Exhortation
• Comfort

2012 FEBRUARY WEEK ONE LESSON

2012-02-06T01:38:00.000-08:00

The Scriptural Test Of Prophecy

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 14: 29-32

Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16
The Bible indicates the need to examine every word of prophecy before they are acted upon. Among other tools for judging the prophetic message is the Holy Scriptures. The scriptural test is important because;
1. The Bible is the final reference point for any Christian action, word or thought.

· All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.

· Scripture is profitable and useful for:

§ Instruction and teaching of Christian doctrine

§ Rebuking, reproof, and conviction of sin

§ Correction of error and discipline in obedience,

§ Training in righteousness
2. God does not say one thing in His word (the Bible) and oppose it by a word of prophecy. Scriptures must always buttress and confirm prophecy and prophecy MUST always be in line with Scripture.
3. When the prophetic word is examined in the light of the word of God the individual believer and the Church as a body are protected from falsehood.

Point for Discussion
Why is the word of God the final reference point in testing all prophecies?

2012-02-06T01:19:00.000-08:00

2012 JANUARY WEEK FIVE LESSON

2012-01-30T09:54:00.000-08:00

THE NEED TO TEST PROPHECY

Main Text: 2 Peter 2:1-3

Memory Verse: 1 John 4:1

Click here for Pastor Peter Adjei's THE LORD IS THE DEFENDER

In modern day Pentecostal worship, prophetic utterances come forth from different categories of the congregation, i.e., young, old, men, women, clergy, and laity all purporting to come from God. In some instances these utterances give instruction and direction to the church and individuals to pursue certain lines of action. To avoid confusion in the house of God, there is a need to examine these prophetic utterances before the individual or Church takes any action.

What is the Meaning of “Testing Prophecy?”

This means to examine the content of the prophesy if they are of God. This is important because the Bible teaches that prophecy can originate from three sources.

a. First Source: God through the Holy Spirit. (2 Pet 1:21)

b. Second Source: the Human spirit or soul, or mind. (Jer 23:16)

c. Third Source: Satanic or Demonic spirits. (Jer. 23:13)

It is also important to test prophecy because

· There are less mature members who need to be protected from prophetic error.

· Many false prophets are in the world operating with false spirits

· There is a spirit of error that may seek to lead the people of God astray by manipulating prophecy

Points for Discussion

1. What are the sources of prophecy?

2. Why is it important to test prophecy?

3. Why would a person prophesy from his mind?

2012 JANUARY WEEK FOUR LESSON

2012-01-22T12:17:00.000-08:00

THE GIFT OF PROPHECY

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 14:3, 2 Peter 1:20-21
Memory Verse: 2 Peter 1:21

You may select from any of the four (4) practice songs here

"for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."

In both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, Prophets and Prophecy are mentioned many times. The gift of prophecy features prominently in the Scriptures. In contemporary times the prophetic ministry has taken a rather worrying dimension, hence the need to study it into
detail.

What Is Prophecy?
Prophecy is a supernatural gift conferred on a person by the Spirit of God, which gives the person the ability to speak the mind and counsel of God. 1 Cor. 14:3

Who Is A Prophet?
Generally, a prophet is one who operates in all the revelatory gifts (word of wisdom, word of knowledge and discerning of spirits) through visions, dreams and prophecy. He receives messages from the Lord and communicates these messages to the people. (Read : Acts 11: 27-28, 1 Cor 14:3, 24)
The prophetic message may come to:-
a. Tell God’s counsel concerning issues and situations
b. Foretell or predict future events
c. Comfort, edify, or encourage the Church
d. Convict and convince unbelievers

Points for Discussion
1. What is prophecy?
2. Who is a Prophet?
3. What are the distinguishing features of the prophetic message?

2012 January Week Three Lesson

2012-01-15T11:15:00.000-08:00

SIGNS OF BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT (PART 3)
SATANIC ATTACK

Main Text: Acts 4:1-7
Memory Verse: Acts 14:22b
Click here for Two Songs for this Week
"We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."

Apart from the signs discussed in our earlier lessons, another sign of being led by the Spirit is satanic attack, which includes the stirs that the devil causes against the propagation of the
gospel and Church growth. Satan works in opposition to the expansion of the Kingdom of God, and so seeks to oppose believers and the work of the church. He does this by attacks.

The following are some of the methods used to persecute the church as a body and individual believers as experienced by Paul-2 Cor. 11:23- 26, Acts 7:57
· Arrest and jailing
· Flogging
· Killings
· Nakedness

Points for Discussion
1. Is it possible for a Spirit-led person to face satanic attack and persecution in
his Christian life?
2. What are some of the ways by which Satan attacks Spirit-led Christians today?
3. What should be done when there is satanic attack?

2012 January Week Two Lesson

2012-01-08T14:06:00.000-08:00

Signs of Being Led By the Spirit II- Church Growth

Click here for our song of the week being taught in English and Twi

Main Text: Acts 5: 12-16
Memory Verse: Acts 2:47b

When we are led by the Spirit, our lives attract others to Christ. This attraction leads to a great harvest of converts. People see our changed lives, listen to our testimonies and observe the miraculous signs that follow us. Then as a result they come to Christ leading to Church growth.

•Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost brought about 3,000 converts (Acts 2:41)
•The believers’ lifestyle also brought converts to the Church daily (Acts 4:46-47)
•Philip’s ministry also won many converts in Samaria (Acts 8:6-8, 14).

Points for Discussion
1.In terms of Church growth what happens when the Church is led by the Spirit?

2012 January Week One Lesson

2011-12-30T09:33:00.000-08:00

SIGNS OF BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT I-RIGHT LIVING

Main Text: Ephesians 2:8-10

Memory Verse: Ephesians 2:10 Click here to download 2012 Theme Song

When one, through the work of the Holy Spirit, receives the new birth after accepting Jesus into his life, he begins to bear the fruit of the Spirit. This shows in his behavior and conduct. It therefore makes the Christian lead an upright life. After the believers had experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, they were identified by their right living.

· They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings. (Acts 2:42)

· They were together and had everything in common (Acts 2:44).

· People shared whatever they had with one another. (Acts 4:32)

· In Jerusalem, the Council members realized that the apostles had been with Christ by their behavior- Acts 4:13

· In Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. Their name Christians was associated with the way their lives had been impacted upon by Christ. (Acts 11:26)

· Their practical living at home, work places, the streets and elsewhere might have communicated this name to the people.

Benefits of Right Living

· The individual becomes strong and as a result the church becomes strong in the Lord,

· The Church sends people on missions to other culture.

· The Church provides financial help to other Christians and society. (Acts 11:27-30).

The way we live really shows who we are.

Points for Discussion

1. How do people see us as children of God?

2. Why were the disciples called Christians?

3. What are the benefits of right living to your Church?