RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 25 October 2020 – Lesson 8
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TOPIC: The Church [RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 25 October 2020]
MEMORY VERSE: “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” – Acts 2:42
BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 2:41-47 KJV (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 25 October 2020)
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
INTRODUCTION: The word “church” is a translation of Greek word ‘ekklesis’, which is defined as “an assembly” or “call out ones.” The root meaning of a church is not that of the building, but of people (Romans 16:5). Paul refers to the church in the house not a church building (Romans 16:5). The church is a body of believers (Matthew 18:17). The church is the body of Christ, of which He is the head (Ephesians 1:22-23). The body of Christ is made up of believers in Jesus Christ from the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4, 41).
LESSON OUTLINES:
- Church Membership
- Purpose Of The Church
1. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
As believers in Christ, we have our names written in the Lamb’s book of life which is important (Rev. 20:12). This scripture indicates that salvation is a prerequisite for being ‘added’ to the Church. Biblically, we may regard the church in two ways: as the universal church or a local church. The universal church consist of everyone, everywhere, who has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (1 Cor.12:13).
The local church is the assembly of believers that come together within a settlement of fellowship (Gal. 1:1-2). It is important to commit to a local church because is a place:
Where we can fellowship together with other believers in worship, give our resources, serve others and be accountable (Acts 2:42-47).
Where believers can fully apply the principles of 1 Corinthians 12: encouraging, teaching and building one another up in the knowledge and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 2:41 reveals they someone was keeping a numerical record of those who were saved and thus joining the church.
Membership in a local church is a way of:
Voluntarily placing oneself under the spiritual authority of a pastor. It is a way of identifying oneself with a local body of believers and of making oneself accountable to a proper spiritual leadership. It also defines the Pastor’s responsibility who will give an account of the members of the church under his leadership (Heb. 13:17). Believers in Christ are admonished not to forsake fellowshipping with other believers (Hebrews 10:25). Churches today that require salvation before membership are simply following the biblical model (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).
2. PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH
The commission given to the Church is proclaiming the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).The church is to teach biblical doctrines so that believers can be grounded in the faith. (Eph.4:14). The church is a place of fellowship, where Christians pray together (Acts 2:42), get devoted to one another (Romans 12:10), instruct one another (Romans 15:14), be kind and compassionate with one another (Ephesians 4:32), encourage one another (1 Thess. 5:11), and most importantly, love one another (1 John 3:11). The church is a place where believers observe the Lord’s Supper: remembering Christ’s death and the shed blood on their behalf (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
CONCLUSION: The Church is God’s hands, mouth, and feet in this world. The Church is the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-17). We are to be doing things that Jesus would do if He were here physically on the earth.
QUESTIONS:
- Give a brief description of the church membership.
- What is the purpose of the church?
ASSIGNMENT: According to this lesson, list five (5) mandates of the church.
RCCG Sunday School HYMN
- O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?