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2026 CON Anglican Bible Study Outline – Study 1 to 52
2026 Church of Nigeria CON Anglican Complete Bible Study Outline (Study 1 to Study 52) is out. The theme for this year is “The Reign of God: Marriage And Christian Lifestyle”.
The Preface
Our last year’s bible study theme., “The reign of God: Children and the Kingdom of God”, taken from Matthew 19:14, was deeply engaging and transformational. It touches on the core of our mission and ministry, particularly the often neglected, the Children. The various issues, challenges, factors considered were very impactful to our understanding of the kingdom of God and our role as agents of God’s kingdom on earth. You may follow our Anglican hymns here.
Again, Jesus’ recognition and ministering to the children becomes a model of humility in service for our ministry and missions in the church of God. We must make room for the downtrodden, less privileged, the weak, the voiceless, and the vulnerable people in our congregations, as 1 Cor 12:23 puts it, “And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor…”
The theme of our bible study this year; “The Reign of God: Marriage And Christian Lifestyle”. The reign of God is both a present reality and a future hope, shaping every aspect of Christian life, including marriage and livelihood. In marriage, the reign of God calls couples to embody love, mutual submission, and covenant faithfulness (Ephesians 5:21-33). The Christian marriage is a reflection of Christ’s relationship with the Church – sacrificial, life-giving, and rooted in grace….
In today’s Christendom, we continue to grapple with doctrinal vices related to marriage, such as homosexuality, lesbianism, gender violence, and divorce. Unfortunately, these topics are often avoided in Christian gatherings….
The outline covers eleven sub-themes and fifty two topics, starting with the Concepts of Marriage and delving into various aspects such as gender-based violence, courtship discussions, sustaining Christian marriage, household responsibilities, and the challenges of divorce. It concludes with the Marriage supper of the Lamb.
2026 CON Anglican Bible Study Outline – Study 1 to 52
Study 1
Theme: The Reign of God: Marriage And Christian Lifestyle
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
Date: Jan 4, 2026
Sub Theme: The Concept of Marriage (1)
Topic: Universal concepts of Marriage
Text: Gen 2:24; Josh 11:1-5
Aims:
i. to discuss the various universal concepts of marriage,
ii. to explore these universal concepts in biblical contexts, and
iii. to relate the concepts with our contemporary relationships as Christians.
Introduction
We welcome every user of this manual into the New Year 2026. It is our prayer that the Lord Almighty will renew the joy in all marital and pre-marital lives in Jesus’ name. As we start this year with the concept of earthly marriage, we shall be alive as we end it with the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in Jesus name. A universal concept simply means the ideas and notions that exist or operate everywhere or under all conditions which almost everyone can relate to, but do not mean the same to everyone. In relation to our topic, there are varying concepts about what marriage is.
For example, economists perceive marriage as a partnership with the purpose of joint production and joint consumption in trade. In politics, marriage is the union between two or more countries or political parties who share the same ideologies. However, the socio-anthropological concept is the most popular perspective at any mention of the word marriage. Sociologists and anthropologists (people who study human nature) define marriage as a universal institution that is basically meant to satisfy the physical, psychological, social, cultural, and economic needs of men and women. It permits men and women to establish a stable relationship with each other in order to form a family.
2026 CON Anglican Bible Study Outline – Study 1 to 52
Study Guide
Mention and define some universal concepts of marriage in relation to our introduction and from the following biblical contexts? Gen 2:23-24; Josh 11:1-5; Jeremiah 3:18; Ezekiel 27:16-17;
In the context of Amos 3:3, discuss the pivotal role of compromise and collaboration in maintaining unity within any relationship.
Explain from life experience how some Christians do compromise their faith with ungodly relationships? 1 Cor 5:1-2
What is the biblical caution for Christians in any relationships? 2 Cor 6:14-17.
Conclusion
Relationships lead to a fusion that may have positive or negative and godly or ungodly impact on our christian lifestyle. Therefore, as we are starting a new year, let us always be careful of the relationships we might find ourselves in as we navigate our Christian pilgrimage on earth.
Food for Thought
Be cautious when forming relationships because there will always be godly and ungodly ones.
Memory Verse: Amos 3:3 “Can two walk together, except they agree?”
2026 CON Anglican Bible Study Outline – Study 1 to 52
Study 2
The Reign of God: Marriage and Christian Lifestyle
1ST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
Date: Jan 11, 2026
Sub Theme: The Concept of Marriage (2)
Topic: The Institution of Marriage
Text: Gen 2:18-25
Aims:
i. to reveal God as the initiator of marriage in the Bible, and
ii. to enlighten us on the instituted covenant of marriage.
Introduction
Today is the first Sunday in Epiphany, meaning the revelation of Christ to the unbelievers. As we continue in Christendom, may God continuously make us the gospel light to shine amidst the darkness of the world in Jesus’ name. Marriage is an institution that admits man and woman to family life. It is a stable relationship in which a man and a woman are socially permitted to live together without losing their status in the community. Marriage is not merely concerned with the couple only; rather, it extends to the whole society and future generations as well. According to our biblical passage today, God established marriage in the beginning. He instituted it in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. The first marriage was based on a covenant consisting of three things: leaving, cleaving, and becoming one flesh (Genesis 2:24).
Study Guide
- In your personal view, how can you define marriage as an institution, and is there any contrary opinion as to who instituted marriage apart from God Almighty?
2. According to our Bible passage, give reasons why God instituted marriage in the Garden of Eden. (Gen 2:18-25).
3. Mention the three contents of marriage in Gen 2:24 and analyze them with biblical examples Gen 12:5, 24:58-67; Luke 1:5-6, 59-63.
4. In a challenging world of hustles and bustles, how effective are the three contents of leaving, cleaving and becoming one flesh in marriages? Explain with life experiences.
Conclusion
Marriage is a sacred institution that involves two people of opposite sex becoming one. As Christians, it is most expedient for us to always remember the contents of the covenant in our marriage, so as to be just and faithful to the sacredness of the covenant.
Food for Thought: The most sacred mathematics is that of one plus one equal to one in marriage.
Memory Verse: Gen 2:18 “And the LORD God said, it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him”.
2026 CON Anglican Bible Study Outline – Study 1 to 52
Study 3
2ND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY JANUARY 18 2026
THEME: The Reign of God: Marriage and Christian Lifestyle
SUB-THEME: The Concept of Marriage 3
TOPIC: Types of Marriage in the Bible
TEXT: Gen 2:24; 1 Kings 11:1-11
AIMS:
i. To do a concise exploration of the various marriages as recorded in the Bible,
ii. To analyze these marriages and
iii. To discuss their positive or negative implications on human society.
INTRODUCTION
The standard of marriage was instituted in Genesis 2: 24 between a man, (husband) leaving his family of origin, and cleaving with a woman, (his wife) to become one; this is monogamy. However, we have various types of polygyny marriages in the Bible: Lamech in Gen 4: 19; Esau in Gen 26:34-35; Gideon had many wives in Judges 8:30. There is also marriage to slaves or maids known as Property marriage in Gen 16:3-5; 30:3-5, 9-10 and marriage to multitude of women in 1Kings 11:1-3. There are other examples in the Bible, but the basic question is, how peaceful or chaotic is any marriage outside the one instituted by God? This and other pertinent questions shall be discussed in our guides today.
STUDY GUIDE
- According to our introduction, mention three types of marriages as recorded in the Bible and analyse them in contemporary contexts.
- Read Gen 16:3-5 and 1Sam 1:1-6 and analyse the bane of polygyny.
- What was the effect of polygyny or marrying many wives of Solomon in our text today? 1kings 11:4.
- Why do men marry more than one wife in our contemporary society? Discuss within the context of this study.
CONCLUSION: Many reasons had always been given Christians and non-Christians for marrying more than one wife. However, there can never be any other marriage that can give peace than the type instituted by God at creation of a man and a woman. As Christians and pilgrims of Heaven, We should always advocate this to strengthen the faith of believers.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: No matter the love from a man, he can never love two women equally.
MEMORY VERSE: 1kings 11:4 ‘’For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not perfect with Jehovah his God, as was the heart of David his father’’.
STUDY 4
3RD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY JANUARY 25 2026
THEME: The Reign of God: Marriage and Christian Lifestyle
SUB-THEME: The Concept of Marriage 4
TOPIC: Biblical perspectives of ungodly union/ Marriage
TEXT: Rom 1:16-32
AIMS:
i. To expose some abominable unions in the Bible,
ii. To expose revisionists’ ideology on marriage and
iii. To study God’s injunctions and punishments on abominable doctrines
INTRODUCTION
Ungodly marriage simply means marriage ordinance that runs on contrary to God’s or Biblical injunctions. According to the study one this year, (The Universal concept of Marriage), marriage is universally accepted to be a relationship between man and woman or male or female or husband and wife. However, our contemporary society is filled with various revisionist ideologies. A revisionist is any advocate of doctrines, theories, or practices that depart from any established authority or doctrines. Some of their doctrines are the LGBTQ: Lesbianism: marriage between two females; Gay: marriage between two males; Bisexual: sexually or romantically attracted to both men and women ; Transgender: those who changed their natural gender to another form like male to female and female to male; Questioning or Queer: those who are in the process of determining their sexual orientation or gender identity .Other form of abominable union/ marriage is bestiality: marriage relationship between human and animal. Our Bible passage today exposes us to the context of these abominable ideologies that run contrary to God’s marriages ordinance in the Bible and our study guide will beam more light to them.
STUDY GUIDE
- From the introduction, define a revisionist and some of their ungodly concepts of marriage.
- Critically study Rom 1:20-23, 25; Jude1:10-11 and analyse the bases for revisionists’ doctrines as well as God’s punishment on them. Compare with Lev 20:13; Rom 1:26, 28.
- Mention some other abominable unions or relationships in the Bible and God’s injunction concerning them. Lev 18:22-24; Deut 27:21.
- How should Christians respond to ungodly union?
CONCLUSION: There will always be revisionist and who will always try to suppress the truth of God’s standard in the Bible. However, our joy as Christians is in the fact that over the ages, they had never prevailed over biblical truths. Therefore, we must always be cautious never to fall prey of their teachings; else, we plunge our Christian virtues in eternal damnation.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: No amount of Revisionists’ ideologies had ever suppressed the truth in the Bible, and they can never.
MEMORY VERSE: Rom 1: 18 “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.”
STUDY 5
SEPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1 2026
THEME: The Reign of God: Marriage and Christian Lifestyle
SUB-THEME: Christian Marriage 1
TOPIC: Monogamy: The Nature of Christian Marriage
TEXT: Gen 1: 27; Matt 19: 3-11
AIMS:
i. To study the basis of Christian Marriage,
ii. To expose adultery and fornication as the most potent danger in Christian marriage and
iii. To torch-light the antidote for divorce in a Christian marriage
INTRODUCTION
Today makes it seventy days before Easter; may God make our marital Lifestyle to be a godly example to unbelievers in Jesus name.
Christian Marriage is based on the principle of Monogamy, which is the practice of marrying or state of being married to one person at a time. The two persons must definitely be two opposite sex; that is, male and female. (Gen 1; 27; 2:23-24; Matt 19:4) This Christian standard as ordained by God and corroborated by our Lord Jesus Christ and other biblical passages on marriage cannot be compromised. However, there are factors that always ignite ungodly habits against monogamy in Christian marriages. Our study guides shall allow for more life experiences on these.
STUDY GUIDE
1. In the context of our introduction, define monogamy and give biblical examples. Gen 2: 23-24; 24:67; Luk 1:13
2. From life experience and with biblical analysis on Gen 25: 21; 26: 34-35; 27:46; and Luk 1:5-7, 59-65, how can you justify monogamy as the best type of marriage?
3. Why is adultery or fornication a dangerous phenomenon in Christian marriage? Prov 6:32; 22:14; 23:27. Expatiate with Judge 16:1, 4, 18-21
4. According to Matt 19:9, Jesus said; “And I say unto you, whosoever shall put away (divorce) his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committed adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery (KJV). As Christian, what do you think is the antidote of divorce? Prov 5:18-19; 1 Cor 6: 18; 7:2-5; Heb 13:4
CONCLUSION: The Christian Lifestyle entails godliness and obedient to biblical rules and commandments. Based on these principles, the best form of marriage among humankind is Christian marriage (monogamy) that embraces God’s ordinance and is devoid of ungodly acts.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The best love is one that can never be shared.
MEMORY VERSE: Matt 19: 5-6 “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder”.
STUDY 6
SEXAGESIMA SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2026
THEME: The Reign of God: Marriage and Christian Lifestyle
SUB-THEME: Christian marriage 2
TOPIC: From Courtship to Publishing the Banns
TEXT: Gen 29:18-28; 2 Sam 3:14; Matt 1:18-20
AIMS:
- To expose the biblical context of Courtship and its importance and
- To expound the significance of marriage Bann.
INTRODUCTION
Sexagesima means sixty Sunday before Easter; as we look forward to Lenten season, may God revive our family and marriages towards all righteousness in Jesus name.
Courtship is the period between engagement and marriage .it is far different from Dating. In dating the man and the woman often have no commitment to marry each other and they refer to themselves as boyfriend and girlfriend; whereas, in Courtship, they both have been betrothed or espoused to each other in agreement and commitment to get married with each other. Therefore, they refer to themselves as fiancé and fiancé; then, after marriage, they call themselves spouse. Our Bible passages today, exposed us to the period of courtship known as betrothal or espoused between Mary and Joseph (Matt1:18a). However, we see the betrothal of Jacob and David being forestalled through deceit by Laban and King Saul respectively. To prevent these and any other impediment against a betrothed marriage, a marriage bann is published and publicly announced .An example of a marriage bann as copied from the marriage ordinance in our Anglican Book of common Prayer is as follows:
I hereby publish the banns of marriage between N … of this Parish or … Parish living at …and N … of this Parish or … Parish living at … If any of you know any just reason in law why these persons may not marry each other, you are to declare it now. This is the first; second; or third (as the case may be) time of asking in response to the banns, if an impediment to the marriage is, alleged the marriage may not hold and if not, it is established. By this act, no ‘Laban’ or ‘King Saul’ can play foul on the couple.
STUDY GUIDE
- Critically study Gen 29: 18-28; 1 Sam 18: 25-27; 25:44; 2Sam3:14 and justify the importance of publishing of Bann before marriage.
- Differentiate between courtship and dating; boyfriend and girlfriend; fiancé and fiancé with reference to contemporary experiences.
- Carefully analyse Deut 7:2-4; 1Cor 7:10-15; 2Cor 6:14 and discuss why it is better to research very well before entering into marriage.
- How effective is the observance of courtship period in our contemporary society? Discuss in line with internet or online engagements.
CONCLUSION: The period of courtship is very important in marriage for serious research into the personality of the espoused. Those who seek your hand in marriage may be generous, rich ,well trained , handsome, and industrious .However, unless they are children of God by faith in Jesus Christ you must not make them Husband and Wives . It is better to break the courtship than break the marriage.(2 Corinthians 6:14).
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Check the espoused very well so as to cherish the spouse.
MEMORY VERSE: Matt 1:8a “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph.”
STUDY 7
QUINQUAGESIMA SUNDAY FEBURARY 15 2026
THEME: The Reign of God: Marriage and Christian Lifestyle
SUB-THEME: Christian Marriage 3
TOPIC: The Marriage ceremony
TEXT: Ruth 4:1-17
AIMS:
- To analyse the marriage of Boaz and Ruth as a biblical example of marriage ceremony,
- To expound on the important aspects of marriage ceremony in a Christian setting and
- To caution on expensive marriage ceremony.
INTRODUCTION
Sexagesima means sixty days before Easter. As we prepare to enter into the Lenten season, may we receive grace to be renewed towards all righteousness in Jesus name.
In every human race, there is always the tradition and custom of doing things including marriage. Our Bible passage today reveals a precursor for marriage proceedings in Christendom in the Levirate tradition and customary law that decrees that a widow should marry her dead husband’s kinsman (brother). Boaz was a kinsman to Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, who had died with her (Naomi’s) two sons including Ruth’s husband (Ruth 2). Boaz was a respectful man that takes care of the poor. He displayed grace towards Ruth, a very humble and hardworking daughter-in-law of Naomi (Ruth 3) and thereafter paid her redemption bride price before marrying her according to the custom, tradition and law of Israel at the time. (Ruth 4:7-12).
STUDY GUIDE:
- How do you understand the Levirate marriage tradition and custom as revealed in the Bible via our introduction? Give narration of the marriage custom in your locality.
- Discuss the concept and possible challenges of bride price contemporary traditions and relate it with the bride- price acceptance and marriage from Ruth 4:7-13.
- In church of Nigeria Anglican Communion liturgy on Holy matrimony, there is the section.
The Priest then invites and says to the parents: As N and N enter a new life together; will you their parents give them your blessing in the presence of this congregation?
The Parent pray for the Couple: May God bless you both in Jesus name. Amen. Discuss this in the context of Ruth 4:11.
- As Christians, should we incur financial debts because marriages ceremony? Discuss in light of expenses contemporary Christian marriages. 1Cor 14:33, 40; Phil 4:5.
CONCLUSION: Marriages tradition varies from one custom to the other. However, as Christians, we must be careful never new marital with debts that was incurred during many ceremonies. We should do all things modestly and moderately.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: No ceremony is worth the stress indebtedness including marriage.
MEMORY VERSE: Phil 4:5 “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”
STUDY 8
1st SUNDAY IN LENT FEBRUARY 22 2026
THEME: The Reign of God: Marriage and Christian Lifestyle
SUB-THEME: Transformational Response on Gender Based Violence (GBV) Session 4
TOPIC: Impact of Gender Based Violence o Victims and Survivors
TEXT: 2 Samuel 13:1-21
AIMS:
- To explore the concept of gender-based violence using scripture,
- To explain the contributing effects of social, cultural and parental factors to GBV within the biblical context,
- To discuss the negative impact of GBV drawing examples from the Bible,
- To discuss the biblical recommendations of recovering from GBV and
- To highlight the role of the church in mitigating the factors causing GBV
INTRODUCTION
We welcome all Christian believers into this year period of penitence and sober reflection which is globally known as Lenten season. The first three Sundays in last year’s (2025) Lent were devoted to a very important sub-theme: Transformational Response on Gender Based Violence (GBV) and we studied Sessions 1-3 then. This year as directed, we shall be studying the last four sessions (4-7).
We shall start today by discussing on the impact on Gender Based Violence on Victims and Survivors. The word ‘impact’ has to do with result, outcome, and effect. In this study we shall be looking at the negative impact or result of Gender-based Violence (GBV) on its victims/survivors. In our text, the story of Tamar and Amnon shows us the outcome and impact of GBV, which we will be diving into properly. In this study, we will consider the impact of GBV at 3levels: Psychological (mind), Emotional (feelings) and Physical (body).
STUDY GUIDE
- Discuss the Psychological, Emotional and Physical impact of GBV in the light of the story in our text; 2 Samuel 13: 11-20
- Discuss the impact of GBV on the following;
Family
Society
Church
The victim/survivor
- In the light of this Scriptures 2Samuel 13:22-29, Gen 34:1-4, 25-29 can family and Nation be affected by GBV? Discuss.
- In your opinion how can we be of help to the victims of GBV relation to John 13:34.
CONCLUSION: Gender-based Violence is a very serious issue that inflicted psychological pain into families, societies, church and nation at large, and has left a lasting impact which we discovered in this study and also a way to help the victims.
MEMORY VERSE: 1 John 3:16 “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid dawn His life focus. And we ought to lay dawn our lives for our brothers and sisters”.
Call to Action: Stand up to help the weak around you.
