2015 OCTOBER WEEK FOUR HOME CELL STUDY / ACTIVITY

SUNDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 25, 2015.

WEEK 43

Prayer Session/Cell Outreach/District Input

2015 OCTOBER WEEK THREE HOME CELL STUDY / ACTIVITY

SUNDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 18, 2015.

WEEK 42

BAD PARENTAL CARE

Smile Awhile: (focus on fellowship – 10 mins) – Lead members to mention two bad parents in the Bible.

Into His Presence (focus on worship – 10 mins):

Lead the cell members in a time of adoration to God as led by the Holy Spirit.

Digging Deeper: (focus on the word – 40 mins)

Topic: BAD PARENTAL CARE

Main Text: 1Sam. 2:12, 17, 22-24, 27-30.

Memory Verse: Prov. 13:24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

Introduction

In the previous weeks, we studied about parental care and saw how Hannah devoted her resources to see Samuel grow up to become a responsible adult and a renowned prophet. We shall continue today by looking at bad parental care. The sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas were, as stated in the Bible, wicked men who had no regard for the Lord. They treated the Lord’s offering with contempt and slept with the women who served in the temple. The big question here is, where was their father Eli the priest? It is likely he was so much into duties that he neglected the training of his children. According to 1 Samuel 2:19, Eli honoured his children more than God. The result was very devastating. Parents should be intentional in training their children in the fear of the Lord as the Bible enjoins us.

Discussions Questions

1. From the main passage, how were the sons of Eli described?

2. Why did the sons of Eli have no regard for the Lord? 1Sam.2:29

3. What were the consequences of Eli’s neglect of giving his children parental care?

4. Why do you think God did not spare the household of Eli for the sake of his service to him?

5. To what extent can we say Eli did not practice what he preached?

6. Personally, what have you learnt from the story?

Conclusion

The result of Eli’s negligence of his parental role was very drastic. He was supposed to train his sons in the fear of God so they could grow up and mature to take the priesthood mantle after him just as his father did. His failure to do this made God break the promise He had with his household. Like Eli we become so occupied with our profession that it becomes difficult for us to inculcate into our children the right training. Let’s not forget that children are gifts from God and if we really value the Giver, we would also appreciate our responsibilities that go with the gifts as well.

Stand with Me (focus on praying for members’ needs – 10 mins):

Lead members to pray for parents to be godly and for children to be obedient. Also pray for street children and orphans.

Making Jesus Known (focus on evangelism – 10 mins):

Lead members to pray for wayward children and children who are being trafficked.

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2015 OCTOBER WEEK TWO HOME CELL STUDY / ACTIVITY

SUNDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 11, 2015.

WEEK 41

SPENDING QUALITY TIME WITH CHILDREN

Smile Awhile (focus on fellowship- 10 minutes):

Lead children in the cell to share the most interesting moments of the week.

Into His Presence (focus on worship- 10 minutes):

A member of the group should lead the cell in a time of adoration as directed by the Holy Spirit.

Digging Deeper (focus on the Word- 40 minutes):

Topic: SPENDING QUALITY TIME WITH CHILDREN

Main Text: Deuteronomy 11: 18- 21

Memory Verse - “Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from Him” Psalms 127:3 (NIV)

Introduction

It is said that Children learn by observation and imitation and this is very true in many respects. Most children, if not all, are imitators who believe what they see and would repeat or imitate. There are several media competing with parents over the mind and lifestyle of our children and some of these media are very powerful and influential. These media would use approaches and strategies that are deliberately designed to impart certain values which are contrary to Christian ethics and standards, into our children. Today, the media, be it electronic or print is influencing our children- or having quality time with them, but in the negative sense. Teachers have become role models and their values whether negative or positive, have effects on our kids. Friends who come from various homes and backgrounds are affecting our children. We can only win over these competitors when we deliberately and consistently spend quality time with our children. Time with them is time to transmit values and virtues.

Discussion Questions

1. How can Christian Values be transferred to or impressed on Children?

2. How can we influence our Children more than the media does?

3. In the thinking of children, how could parents make their time with them enjoyable?

4. What activities prevent parents from having quality time with their children?

5. How could parents make time for their kids in the midst of their heavy schedules?

Conclusion

The only way by which children could be truly and properly impacted is to spend consistent quality time with them living out what is preached and opening up for them to ask questions. We must spend time to sit with them for a chat, take a walk with them along the road and even lie down with them telling them Bible stories before they sleep. Again, we need to give them the opportunity to be around us when we are engaging in chores that are not hazardous to them. Allow them to suggest and recommend the best ways they expect parents and guardians to share time with them.

Stand with Me (focus on praying for members’ needs – 10 mins)

Members should pray for the District and local Assemblies that God would give them an encounter.

Making Jesus Known (focus on evangelism – 10 mins)

Cell Leader/member leads the Cell to pray for unbelievers within our families, asking the Lord to save them from the power of sin and Satan.

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2015 OCTOBER WEEK ONE HOME CELL STUDY / ACTIVITY

SUNDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 4, 2015.

WEEK 40

FAMILY DAY

On this day, families (husband, wife, children and dependents) are expected to meet in their various homes to discuss issues pertaining to their family life and growth and also pray together. There is no study outline and so the head of the family will provide direction for the day. Where a young person is not staying with parents, they can possibly join another family for the family day, as a way of being nurtured in a family set up.