RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL LESSON TWELVE 18 NOVEMBER 2018 – THE HOME CHURCH
SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. 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.
2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friend friendship suits me well, Both young and old will sing Thy song, We long for Sunday School.
3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Christ was Thy first teacher, The Holy Spirit, great teacher, Does manifest in thee.
4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, This testimony is sure, That God, the Father Almighty, Poured His blessing on Thee.
5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Though the sun be so bright, Or if the clouds be black with rain, I’ll be in Sunday School.
6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, I rejoice to see Thee, Will thou pass over me today? Without my being blest?
OPENING PRAYER : Father, help all Your children worldwide to truly care for one another.
BIBLE PASSAGE :1 Corinthians 16:16-19. 15. I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) 16.
That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. 17.I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. 18.
For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such. 19.The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
MEMORY VERSE : “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”. Acts 2:46. Open Heaven 18 November 2018
LESSON INTRODUCTION : A common feature in the early church was the presence of home churches or house fellowship in the residences of believers.
No matter how highly placed you were or what office you occupied in the main church, you either belonged to a home church or had a thriving one in your house. Even Apostle Peter belonged to one. Acts 12:11-17.
TEXT REVIEW : 1 COR. 16:15-19 – “ALEXANDER OR STEPHANAS” The same Apostle Paul who commended Stephanas berated Alexander the Copper Smith for doing much harm to him (Paul). He said “Alexander the Copper Smith did me harm, may the Lord repay him according to his work”. 2 Tim. 4:14.
What did Stephanas and some others do to attract commendation?
(i) Stephanas was addicted to the ministry of the saints. 1 Cor. 16:15.
(ii) They (Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus) supplied what was lacking to
Paul. 1 Cor. 16:17.
(iii) They refreshed Paul’s spirit and that of the church. 1 Cor. 16:18.
(iv) They (Aquila and Priscilla) were a blessing to the ministry of the word. Acts 18:26. Apostle Paul commended them in such strong term as, “submit to such and to everyone that helped us and labored.” 1 Cor. 16:20.
Paul further said, “therefore, acknowledge ye them that are such.” 1 Cor. 16:18. Who therefore said that your labour of love and that of your entire household was not recognized or acknowledged? Do not desist if you are Stephanas, heaven bears record that you are serving. Continue please.
LESSON OUTLINES LESSON OUTLINE 1 :
WHY THE HOME CHURCH?
(i) Home church is the extension of the local assembly to homes. Acts 2:46.
(ii) It is a convenient and good caring unit to reach and care for every member. 1 Cor. 16:15, 18; Acts 16:40.
(iii) Need of members are easily recognized and met. Rom. 16:1-6.
(iv) It reduces burden on the main church or pastor as issues are addressed promptly and timely by the home/house fellowship leader. Exodus 18:3.
CLASS ACTIVITY 1 : Why is attendance in some home centers dropping?
LESSON OUTLINE 2 : BENEFITS OF HOME CHURCHES
(1) Every activity which takes place at the main church can take place at the home church. Such activities are:
(a) Salvation of souls. Acts 2:40-42.
(b) Water baptism. Acts 10:47-48.
(c) Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Acts. 10:44-46.
(d) Healing of the sick. Mark 2:1-4, 11-12. (e) Fasting and prayer. Acts 12:5,12.
(f) Divine visitation/presence. Acts 2:1-5. (g) Sharing of the word of God. Acts 10:34-35.
CLASS ACTIVITY 2 : What can individual (you and class members) do to bring about growth and development to the house fellowship in your localities?
SUMMARY : Home, church is an integral part of the main church. God is also present there.
CONCLUSION : The home church does not only sustain the church growth but also cares for the individual members of the church.
EVALUATION : Why is the home church important?
CLOSING PRAYER : Father, help me to play my role well to ensure growth and development of the home church in my area.
ASSIGNMENT/PROJECT : All home fellowship centres in your church, should in agreement, do something to support the main church.
