jesus

MEMORY VERSE: “Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him.” – Genesis 26:12

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 26:1-6, 12-22

INTRODUCTION: ‘Kingdomnomics’ is a contraction for “Kingdom Economics”. Simply put, economics is the study of the use of scarce resources to satisfy unlimited human wants. The term kingdom, in this context, refers to the realm in which God’s will is fulfilled. It is the domain of God’s operations over His people (those who are born again). While there are basic economic principles in the world system, people of God are expected to also understand and live by the economic principles of the kingdom which will not only make them profitable in this world but also lay imperishable treasures for them in Heaven.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. ENTITIES IN KINGDOM ECONOMICS
2. BIBLICAL ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES

1. ENTITIES IN KINGDOM ECONOMICS

There are three key entities in kingdom Economics: God (the Creator), Man and resources (everything man can use of interact with in this world, including time, talent, and treasure). We can think about each of these entities as being a circle. You relate to God and to your resources, and these circles must relate to each other.

Some approach their resources based on their beliefs about God while others approach God based on their resources needs. For some these two circles never even intersect, having nothing to do with each other.

Jesus said that one of these “circles” will actually become the master of the other-you will serve God or money (Matthew 6:24). How you relate to these two circles will make a far-reaching statement about who you are, how you live, and who you are becoming.

2. BIBLICAL ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES

Principle No.1: Godliness – The foundation of success in any economic endeavour is godliness (Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 16:19; Psalms 37:25; Matthew 6:33; 1Timothy 6:6-11).

Principle No.2: Obedience – Do whatever God lays on your heart to do in line with the word of God (Genesis 12:1-4; Deuteronomy 28:1; Isaiah 1:19; Isaiah 30:21; John 2:5; Hebrews 3:15).

Principle No.3: Creativity – God has given unto everyone gifts/talents, creative abilities and grace to acquire skills (Ex.31:3,6; Ex.35:30-35; Matthew 25:14-15; Luke 19:12-13).

Principle No.4: Giving and Generosity – The more you give the more you get (Psalms 112:9; Proverbs 11:24; Proverbs 19:17; Luke 3:11; Luke 6:38; 2Corinthains 9:7).

Principle No.5: Sowing and Reaping – Seed time and harvest time shall not cease (Genesis 8:22; Ecclesiastes 3:2b); the quality and quantity of what you sow determines what you reap (Galatians 6:7; 2Corinthians 9:6).

Principle No.6: Risk and Faith – Those that are afraid of taking risk will not attempt new things (Proverbs 22:13; Proverbs 26:13; Ecclesiastes 11:4-6).

Principle No.7: Investment – Believers should tap into the various investment opportunities around them (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6; Isaiah 32:20).

Principle No.8: Labour/Diligence – There is dignity in labour (Proverbs 6:6, 10-11; Proverbs 10:4; Proverbs 12:24,27; Proverbs 13:4; Proverbs 14:23; Proverbs 18:9; Proverbs 21:5; Proverbs 22:29; 2Thessalonians 3:10).

Principle No.9: Effective time management – Time is irredeemable resource given to man (Ecclesiastes 3:1; Ephesians 5:16).

Principle No.10: Favour and Relationship – Favour flavours labour and birds of the same feather flock together (Psalms 102:13; Proverbs 13:20; Ecclesiastes 9:11; Romans 9:16).

CONCLUSION: Use your time, talent, and treasure for God’s kingdom. You will not only experience a life of opportunity, impact, and legacy here on earth but you will also be laying up for yourself treasures in the kingdom of Heaven.

Sunday School Lesson 17

Potency Of The Blood Covenant

MEMORY VERSE: “Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.” – Hebrews 9:18.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Hebrews 9:15-28

INTRODUCTION: Promise, vow, bond or oath is used interchangeably as declaration or assurance that one will do something or that a particular thing will happen. However, blood covenant is the most binding agreement in that it involves cutting and shedding of blood. Hence, in this study, we shall attempt to consider the significance and the saving power in the blood of Jesus.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. Significance Of The Blood Covenant
2. The Saving Power In The Blood Of Jesus

1. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BLOOD COVENANT

We cannot speak of spiritual covenants without speaking of blood. Every spiritual covenant is enacted through the shedding of blood. Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood.” (Hebrews 9:18-NKJV). The difference between a covenant and a partnership is that covenant involves blood. The covenants of the Old Testament were sealed with the blood of circumcision (Acts 7:8) and the sacrifices of animals but in the New Testament, by the blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:11-14). Hence, the blood covenant is the seal of the Bible (Hebrews 9:18; Luke 22:20). When we understand the blood covenant and who we are, as well as what we have in the Lord Jesus, we are then no longer bound to our feelings but can stand with boldness (Hebrews 4:15-16). This blood covenant, made on our behalf, by Jesus Christ is a steadfast promise and an unbreakable covenant (Genesis 17:7; Galatians 3:17).

2. THE SAVING POWER IN THE BLOOD OF JESUS

Every human being has the opportunity to be reconciled to God through the blood covenant with the body of Christ, the Savior, who died for us. The blood of Jesus personifies the covenant of salvation (1Corinthians 11:25). We receive God’s righteousness, not because of our own worth, but because of a covenant made long before we were ever born. God and Jesus created a platform for the redemption of mankind (John 3:16). Every sinner is deformed (Romans 5:12), dethroned (Romans 3:23) and awaiting death (Romans 6:23). The blood of Jesus has brought forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7), restoration (Hebrews 9:15) and salvation (Acts 4:12; 11Timothy 2:5-6) to as many as will receive Him (1John 1:8- 9) thereby making them apart of God’s family (John 1:12; 1 Corinthians 1:9). God has also given us an inheritance (Acts 26:18). The saving power in the blood of Jesus neutralises and destroys every evil covenant entered into knowingly or ignorantly (Colossians 2:13-14).

CONCLUSION: The blood of Jesus is the covenant of God for the remission of sin. To enjoy the full benefits of this covenant, you must accept the sacrifice that Jesus offers through His blood (Hebrews 9:28).

QUESTIONS

1. How significant is the blood covenant? Explain.
2. How can the blood of Jesus deliver sinners and those under the captivity of other blood covenants?

FURTHER READING:
Monday: Genesis 17:7
Tuesday: Acts 7:8
Wednesday: Luke 22:20
Thursday: Colossians 2:13-14
Friday: Galatians 3:17,
Saturday: Hebrews 9:11-14
Sunday: 1 Corinthians 11:25