STUDY 49

2ndSunday in Advent                                                                                             
December 6, 2020

THEME:                    IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST

SUB-THEME 8:        The Head of the Church (2)

TOPIC:                      Jesus Christ the Head of the heavenly Church

TEXTS:                      Colossians 1:12-18; Revelation 7:9-15.

AIMS:

to describe and explain the concept of the heavenly Church and
to establish the fact that Jesus Christ is the head of the heavenly Church.

INTRODUCTION: The Church in heaven is composed of all believers who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. It also consists of all the Angels and all other Hosts of heaven. Our texts today show that Jesus is supreme to Angels and other heavenly beings. It also shows that all hosts of heaven are united continuously in rendering honour to Him (Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God) who sits on the throne.

STUDY GUIDE/QUESTIONS:

From one of the Texts today (Rev 7:9-15) let us describe the heavenly Church of Jesus Christ?
How can you explain the fact that Jesus Christ is the head of the Church in heaven? Rev 5:13-14; 7:9-12; Rev 21:3.
Differentiate between the earthly Church and the heavenly Church. Rev 7:15-17; 21:1-4; 22:3-5.
What are the qualifications for membership of the heavenly Church?  Matt 19:28; Rev 7:12-13; Rev 20:4; Rev 22:14.
What is the fate of unbelievers and non-members of the heavenly Church? Rev 19:20; 20:10-15.

CONCLUSION: The humility of Jesus Christ is revealed in His death for the sins of the world, although He is righteous and sinless. And God has given Him a name above all names that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil 2:10-11).

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:    Jesus Christ triumphed over death to be enthroned as the Head of the heavenly Church.

MEMORY VERSE: Revelation  5:13 “And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: "Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!”