LESSON THIRTY-THREE (33)
TOPIC: PREPARING FOR ETERNITY

HOUSE FELLOWSHIP ANTHEM
1. I love this family of God,
So closely knitted into one,
They have taken me into their a rms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

2. I bless this family of God,
So greatly prospered by the Lord,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

3. I know this family of God,
So deeply rooted in the word,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

4. I see this family of God,
So highly lifted above all,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family

5. Come, join this family of God,
So highly favoured by the Lord,
They have taken me into their arms
And am so glad to be
A part of this great family.

Today’s devotional: Open Heaven 17 April 2022

Powerful Declarations: Powerful Declarations For Today 17 April 2022

Today’s Prayer Points: Prayer Points For Open Heavens 17 April 2022

OPENING PRAYER: Father, please prepare me for eternity.

MEMORY VERSE: “But has it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” 1 corinthians 2:9

BIBLE TEXT: 1 Corinthians 2:1-16

1. And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

3. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

4. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

5. That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

6. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

7. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

8. Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

9. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

10. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

11. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

12. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

15. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

16. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: While the dictionary describe eternity as an existence without end or time infinite, the Bible explains it deeper as it described eternity as place/situation that no eye has seen,nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who loves him.

There is a preparation that will take you throughout history people have wanted to know what will happen in the future there is a lot mystery attached to the eternal life of the Christian so much so that it was still hidden from the saints of old; thus it sands as a big question to be answered in an all important exam

TEXT REVIEW: 1 Corinthians 2:1-16
i. We need to listen to the word of wisdom to guide
ii. Run away from sin.

LESSON OUTLINE:
EXAMINATION HINTS TO PREPARING FOR ETERNITY:
1. John was stopped from revealing certain points of the vision.

2. An angel told Daniel that something he saw were not to be revealed Daniel 12:9

3. Jesus told his disciples that the time of the end is known only by God, Mark 13:32-33.

HOW DO WE PREPARE
1. God has revealed all that we need to live for Him in His Word/Scripture, first we must have the sonship of God through Christ new birth.

2. The Holy Spirit will also help to understand the FUTURE

3. Courage to press on in difficult times of trials/tribulations

4. To endure hardship, to avoid giving in to temptation.

ACTIVITY: Discuss why some believers don’t prepare for eternity?

SUMMARY: As a believer, we should be prepared for eternity, it lies in our hands.

CONCLUSION: We have an examination in our hands about eternity, like many exam questions many have not seen but there are preparatory days we must all take from the word of God, are you prepared for this everlasting exam test?

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father thank you for the salvation of my soul, please help me to grow in faith and never to be stagnant in my walk with you in Jesus name.

2. Father on my eternity journey help me to have evidence always of answered prayers

3. Father help us to sincerely bear fruits to present to you in our journey to eternity

4. Father please reveal to me every day the secrets of being ever ready for eternity

GOLDEN DIET FOR THE WEEK :
MONDAY: You must be Holy, Leviticus 19:1-2

TUESDAY: How weak shows who we are, Proverb 20:11

WEDNESDAY: Run the race for eternity today, Hebrew 12:1-4

THURSDAY: You can prepare for eternity with His words act on it word, James 1:21-27

FRIDAY: Eternity is marathon race, Daniel 7:16-18

SATURDAY: Persecution will only make your story

SUNDAY: Praising God always can be your source of relief 1 Thes.5:18

Happy Easter Beloved, we are glad you could join in today again, we look forward to your engagement everyday as always. Please, say these prayers in faith and believe God for a performance.

Note: These prayers are spiritual, this can only be understood and fully accessed by God’s children. If you want to be blessed from these prayers, you must first, surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, by saying this prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I come before You today with a broken and contrite heart full of repentance. Please, forgive me all my sins. Today, I surrender my life to You, I believe that Jesus is Lord and I confess it with my mouth. Jesus, come into my life and save my soul from eternal destruction in hellfire. In Jesus’ name, I pray.”

If you joined in that life-changing prayer, congratulations! Welcome to the family of God. Kindly reach us today via this email: [email protected]

Today’s Devotional: Open Heavens 17 April 2022

Powerful Declarations: Powerful Declarations For Today 17 April 2022

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today I am blessed and not cursed. God has blessed me, therefore every form of Curse spoken over my life is rendered null and void because Christ has redeemed me from the curse of the law in Jesus name. Amen. Hallelujah!

PRAYER POINTS

Almighty God of all blessings, source of all life, giver of all grace, I thank you for the gift of life: for the breath that sustains life, for the food of this earth that nurtures life, for the love of family and friends.

Thank you Father for making me your friend. It is a very rare privilege to be called God’s friend.

I thank you for this day, as I remember Jesus’ resurrection, I am reminded that I am completely and totally free from darkness.

Thank You, Father, for the weapons of our warfare that are not carnal but mighty through You to the pulling down of strongholds.

Father, in anyway I have fallen short of your glory, please, have mercy and forgive me, in Jesus’ name.

Thank you Father for these signs shall follow me be a I believe, In your name, I shall cast out devils; I shall speak with new tongues in Jesus name.

Even though I take up serpents; and if I drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt me; I shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover in Jesus name.

Father, help me to be a good ambassador of your Kingdom in Jesus name.

Lord, I surrender myself. Do great miracles through my life in Jesus name.

Father, please give me a full portion of the blessings of Calvary.

Jesus, help me to preach your gospel to everyone who needs to hear it. Help me to obey the great commission in Jesus name.

Oh Lord, thank You for being for me. Let everything that comes against me go down instantly in the mighty name of Jesus.

Oh Lord, let me be a channel of blessing and miracles to people around in the mighty name of Jesus.

My Lord and my God, may my family and I not be amongst those who will cry because they would have missed the rapture in Jesus name.

Oh Lord, bless your servant Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye for all his years of continual service, remember him guide him on the path and help him remain focused and bless his entire household, fulfill all Your promises for their liberation, ministry and family, in Jesus’ name.

Thank You Father for the intercessory team and the online platform (rccgonline.org) and that which You have put in their hearts, I pray that You make them as flaming swords to bring men to Your kingdom and shut down the works of darkness in the name of Jesus.

Father, bless everyone dedicating their time to pray through these prayers & declarations at the point of their needs. Give them the grace to share/rebroadcast, in Jesus’ name.

Father, please uphold Your children working everyday on this platform (rccgonline.org) to prepare these prayers and declarations with Your right hand of righteousness and all those who have been rebroadcasting them, give them the grace to keep up with this good work of Faith, in the name of Jesus.

Father, let every challenge, hindrance and obstacle of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus’ name.

Submit yourself and your personal petitions to God. Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you

( Philippians 4:6)

In Jesus’ name I pray.

(John 14:13-14; 15:16)

Thank you Father for answered prayers.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18).

#GodBlessOurNation

These prayers have no expiry date! Please, pray them, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus’ name.

Beloved, we are glad you could join in today again, we look forward to your engagement everyday as always. Please, say these declarations in faith and believe God for a performance.

Note: These prayers are spiritual and can only be understood and fully enjoyed by God’s children. If you want to be blessed from these prayers, you must first, surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, by saying this prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I come before You today with a broken and contrite heart full of repentance. Please, forgive me all my sins. Today, I surrender my life to You, I believe that Jesus is Lord and I confess it with my mouth. Jesus, come into my life and save my soul from eternal destruction in hellfire. In Jesus’ name, I pray.”

If you joined in that life-changing prayer! Kindly reach us today: [email protected] for guidance on how to grow in Christ.

Join today’s Devotion here: Open Heavens 17 April 2022

Today’s Prayer Points: Prayers points for Open Heavens 17 April 2022

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today I am blessed and not cursed. God has blessed me, therefore every form of Curse spoken over my life is rendered null and void because Christ has redeemed me from the curse of the law in Jesus name. Amen. Hallelujah!

DAILY DECLARATION

Thank You Father for the blessings of Easter. Thank you for paying the ultimate price.

I decree and declare by the power of Jesus resurrection, I am now a friend of God, and great and deep things of God have been made known unto me in Jesus name.

I decree and declare I am an ambassador of Jesus Christ and I represent Him here. As He is, so I am in Jesus name.

I decree and declare I am swift to preach the Gospel. As a representative of Gods Kingdom, I receive boldness and utterance to preach the Good news to mankind in Jesus name.

I decree and declare God is for me, everyone that stands against me falls, for greater is He that is in me in Jesus name.

I decree and declare I am a channel of miracles and blessings. God uses me to do mighty things on earth. I am a miracle dispenser in Jesus name.

I decree and declare principalities and powers are brought under subjection. They have been overcome, therefore I trample upon them in Jesus name.

Father, bless my church members and strengthen them. Heal the sick amongst them and bless the needy in Jesus name.

Our father in heaven, bless your son and his entire household, Pastor E.A. Adeboye; renew his strength, power and anointing, in Jesus’ name.

Holy Spirit thank You for the intercessory team, thank You for Your power and presence in their midst. Help them to continue to communicate Your heart even through these prayers.

Thank You Holy Spirit for all the testimonies and miracles coming through these prayers. May they be permanent in Jesus name.

Somebody shout Hallelujah!

See you tomorrow.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS APRIL 2022 MEMORIZE: And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:3

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS APRIL 2022 BIBLE READING JOHN 20:1-9

1. The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

2. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the LORD out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

3. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.

4. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

5. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.

6. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

7. And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

8. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

9. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS APRIL 2022 MESSAGE

When Jesus was crucified, the devil must have been happy thinking he had won the battle. On the third day however, Jesus rose from death and is alive for ever more. One thing that I love so much about Jesus resurrection and ascension into Heaven is that the Holy Spirit was sent to us.

If you know me well, you will know that I love the Holy Spirit. Without Him, a Christian is powerless. The Holy Spirit also reveals secrets to us. In addition, He empowers us to perform miracles just as Jesus did during His earthly ministry.

Jesus’ resurrection also earned Him a seat at the right hand of the Father (Romans 8:34) where He intercedes on our behalf at all times. Therefore, a backslidden believer can return to the throne of grace and obtain mercy, no matter how far he had gone.

Another good thing about Jesus resurrection is the assurance of a place in Heaven. Any believer who does the will of God will have a mansion in Heaven (John 14:3).

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 17 APRIL 2022 PRAYER POINT

Will your current lifestyle qualify you for a mansion in Heaven if the rapture takes place today?

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 17 APRIL 2022 HYMN

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 17 APRIL 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: LUKE 16:1-31, 1 SAMUEL 22:1-23, 1 SAMUEL 23:1-29, 1 SAMUEL 24:1-22

Beloved, we are glad you could join in today again, we look forward to your engagement everyday as always. Please, say these prayers in faith and believe God for a performance.

Note: These prayers are spiritual, this can only be understood and fully accessed by God’s children. If you want to be blessed from these prayers, you must first, surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, by saying this prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I come before You today with a broken and contrite heart full of repentance. Please, forgive me all my sins. Today, I surrender my life to You, I believe that Jesus is Lord and I confess it with my mouth. Jesus, come into my life and save my soul from eternal destruction in hellfire. In Jesus’ name, I pray.”

If you joined in that life-changing prayer, congratulations! Welcome to the family of God. Kindly reach us today via this email: [email protected]

Today’s Devotional: Open Heavens 16 April 2022

Powerful Declarations: Powerful Declarations For Today 16 April 2022

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today I am blessed and not cursed. God has blessed me, therefore every form of Curse spoken over my life is rendered null and void because Christ has redeemed me from the curse of the law in Jesus name. Amen. Hallelujah!

PRAYER POINTS

Thank You Father for the free gift of Your love. You loved me even when I didn’t know me. Thank You Lord.

Thank You Father for giving me Your Son as a ransom for my sins. Thank You for snatching me for the hands of eternal death.

Lord forgive me for the times I have done my will and hindered Yours. Forgive me for not being obedient to Your voice.

Father this year, every gift of the Holy Spirit that hasn’t found expression in me, I ask that You activate them in me. Let men see Your good works in me and glorify You in Jesus name.

Father I ask that you take away physical an spiritual blindness from my family in the name.

Father, keep me away from disobedience to your divine law, ungodliness and all wickedness in Jesus name.

Oh Lord, let every force, both seem and unseen work together to deliver my blessings to me in Jesus mighty name!

Father, give me of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine: Let people serve me, and nations bow down to me: cursed be every one that curses me, and blessed be he that blesses me in Jesus name.

Father let your blessing that adds no sorrow be my portion in Jesus name.

Oh Lord, bless your servant Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye for all his years of continual service, remember him guide him on the path and help him remain focused and bless his entire household, fulfill all Your promises for their liberation, ministry and family, in Jesus’ name.

Thank You Father for the intercessory team and the online platform (rccgonline.org) and that which You have put in their hearts, I pray that You make them as flaming swords to bring men to Your kingdom and shut down the works of darkness in the name of Jesus.

Father, bless everyone dedicating their time to pray through these prayers & declarations at the point of their needs. Give them the grace to share/rebroadcast, in Jesus’ name.

Father, please uphold Your children working everyday on this platform (rccgonline.org) to prepare these prayers and declarations with Your right hand of righteousness and all those who have been rebroadcasting them, give them the grace to keep up with this good work of Faith, in the name of Jesus.

Father, let every challenge, hindrance and obstacle of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus’ name.

Submit yourself and your personal petitions to God. Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you

( Philippians 4:6)

In Jesus’ name I pray.

(John 14:13-14; 15:16)

Thank you Father for answered prayers.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18).

#GodBlessOurNation

These prayers have no expiry date! Please, pray them, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus’ name.

Beloved, we are glad you could join in today again, we look forward to your engagement everyday as always. Please, say these declarations in faith and believe God for a performance.

Note: These prayers are spiritual and can only be understood and fully enjoyed by God’s children. If you want to be blessed from these prayers, you must first, surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, by saying this prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I come before You today with a broken and contrite heart full of repentance. Please, forgive me all my sins. Today, I surrender my life to You, I believe that Jesus is Lord and I confess it with my mouth. Jesus, come into my life and save my soul from eternal destruction in hellfire. In Jesus’ name, I pray.”

If you joined in that life-changing prayer! Kindly reach us today: [email protected] for guidance on how to grow in Christ.

Join today’s Devotion here: Open Heavens 16 April 2022

Today’s Prayer Points: Prayers points for Open Heavens 16 April 2022

Today’s Powerful Confession: I confess today I am blessed and not cursed. God has blessed me, therefore every form of Curse spoken over my life is rendered null and void because Christ has redeemed me from the curse of the law in Jesus name. Amen. Hallelujah!

DAILY DECLARATION

I decree and declare this day, the presence of God will go with me and my household everywhere in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare, that the peace of God that is like a river shall be my portion in Jesus’ mighty name.

I decree and declare, the rod of the wicked is removed completely from my household right now, in Jesus’ mighty name.

I decree and declare disobedience, ungodliness and all wickedness is far from me in Jesus name.

I decree and declare that every force, both seem and unseen work together to deliver my blessings to me in Jesus mighty name!

I decree and declare by faith that I receive of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine: People serve me, and nations bow down to me: cursed be every one that curses me, and blessed be he that blesses me in Jesus name.

I decree and declare the blessing of the Lord that adds no sorrow is my portion in Jesus name.

I decree and declare my words are seasoned with salt and men come to Christ through my evangelism in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare I remain on the path of righteousness. I am never in the congregation of the dead in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare no matter how many people fall in this Christian journey and how many people look back, as for me, I am determined never to backslide.

I decree and declare that I Hold fast that which I have in the Lord, no one takes my place in Christ in Jesus mighty name.

Our father in heaven, bless your son and his entire household, Pastor E.A. Adeboye; renew his strength, power and anointing, in Jesus’ name.

Holy Spirit thank You for the intercessory team, thank You for Your power and presence in their midst. Help them to continue to communicate Your heart even through these prayers.

Thank You Holy Spirit for all the testimonies and miracles coming through these prayers. May they be permanent in Jesus name.

Somebody shout Hallelujah!

See you tomorrow.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 16 APRIL 2022 MEMORIZE: Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 16 APRIL 2022 BIBLE READING 1 JOHN 4:4

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 16 APRIL 2022 MESSAGE

Authority is the ability to give orders to people. Every believer has some authority or the other given to him/her through Jesus Christ who died and resurrected on the third day. Matthew 28:18 says: “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”

Jesus had to make that announcement so that the whole world would know. The good news however, is that the moment anyone gives his/her life to Christ, he/she becomes an heir and also has all that Jesus does.

Thus, if you are still being oppressed by wicked forces or operating under any curse, it just might be that you have relinquished your authority to them by engaging in some sinful act or you are yet to realize the magnitude of the power you have.

The Bible says the day a son knows his right, he stops being a slave, he begins to act like a son.If you have lost your authority through sin, repent today and regain your authority over sin, the devil and his cohorts.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 16 APRIL 2022 PRAYER POINT

When a son knows his position, he stops being a slave.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 16 APRIL 2022 HYMN

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 16 APRIL 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: LUKE 15:11-32, 1 SAMUEL 19:1-24, 1 SAMUEL 20:1-42, 1 SAMUEL 21:1-15

OPEN HEAVEN 17 APRIL 2022 MEMORIZE: Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:16

OPEN HEAVEN 17 APRIL 2022 BIBLE READING MARK 16:15-20

15. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

17. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18. They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

19. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

20. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Don’t keep the word to yourself. Share this blessing with other believers by saving this website (rccgonline.org) and sharing the link by using the share button below. And don’t forget to go through the prayers and declarations of the day.

OPEN HEAVEN 17 APRIL 2022 MESSAGE

We shall continue to examine more blessings from the victory at Calvary today. The first one we will consider today can be seen in John 15:15 which says: “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”

The sacrifice and victory at calvary qualify believers to be called friends of Jesus. This also makes every believer an ambassador of the Most High on earth, as we see in 2 Corinthians 5:20: “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

The implication of the above blessing is in the Bible text of today. Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature Jesus commanded. You enjoy the privilege of an ambassador for the Almighty God when you have a divine encounter with Jesus Christ.

With this comes the assurance that He will be with us until the end of the world (Matthew 28:20). The good thing about this assurance is that the Scripture says, What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31).

Another blessing from the victory at Calvary is that every believer can become a vessel through which God performs miracles.

This means that we can control circumstances, principalities and powers, as we see in our Bible reading today (Mark 16:15-20). There is a lot to rejoice over in the Scripture above.

While it is true that there is still a lot of evil in the world, there are, however, numerous instances of devils being cast out of people, of persons in one form of bondage or the other being set free and so on. More and more people are baptised with the Holy Spirit, and we are constantly slaying spiritual giants.

Even when we eat deadly things, they cannot harm us, and when we lay our hands on the sick, they are healed. The only way to be part of these blessings is by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour.

If you haven’t done so already, surrender your life to Him today, so that the blessings from the victory at Calvary can become yours, also.

OPEN HEAVEN 17 APRIL 2022 PRAYER POINT

Father, please give me a full portion of the blessings of Calvary.

Thank you for reading today’s devotional Beloved.

Make the decision to be a contributor to the advancement of God’s Kingdom in one way or another. Live your life daily mindful of the purposes and plan of God.

Kindly purchase your own hard copy version of the Open Heavens devotional. You can buy it for your friends too as a potent evangelism tool.

God bless you, as you sow, into the book ministry of Pastor E.A. Adeboye in Jesus’ name.

FROM THE TEAM: Thank you for reading today’s OPEN HEAVEN 17 APRIL 2022, written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye. Kindly share with someone on Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and other social media platforms using the social buttons at the beginning or scroll to the end of this post. Have a good day! #RemainRapturable

OPEN HEAVEN 17 APRIL 2022 HYMN

WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD

1. When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way,
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

CHORUS
Trust and obey,
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.

2. Not a shadow can rise,
Not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away,
Not a doubt or a fear,
Not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.

3. Not a burden we bear,
Not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay,
Not a grief nor a loss,
Not a frown nor a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.

4. But we never can prove
The delights of His love,
Until all on the altar we lay,
For the favour He shows,
And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

5. Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way,
What He says we will do,
Where He sends, we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.

OPEN HEAVEN 17 APRIL 2022 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: 1 KINGS 21:1-29, 1 KINGS 22:1-53

 

LESSON THIRTY-THREE (33)
TOPIC: RUNNING BUSINESS AS CHRISTIANS

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 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, please help all business owners to do their businesses as unto the Lord. Help them to stay away from sinful practices.

BIBLE PASSAGE: PSALMS 37:3-9.
[3] Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

[4] Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

[5] Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

[6] And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

[7] Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

[8] Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

[9] For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.

MEMORY VERSE: “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19.

INTRODUCTION: While there are many paths to success, not all of them are ethical or recommended for a Christian business owner because the way you define success is probably different from the way a non-believer defines it. To build a successful business, you must know the biblical principles for business success so that you can use them to achieve your business goals to the glory of God.

TEXT REVIEW: Psalms 37:3-9.
The Almighty God gave about nine instructions to his children in the above-stated passage. These include:
i. Trusting the Lord. (Ps.37:3).
ii. Doing good. V3.
Teacher should identify the remaining five (5) instructions.
iii. ————————————————————
iv. ————————————————————
v. ————————————————————
vi. ————————————————————
vii. ————————————————————

LESSON OUTLINES:
1. BIBLICAL BUSINESS PRINCIPLES
2. CAUTIONS FOR CHRISTIAN BUSINESS OWNERS

LESSON OUTLINES 1: BIBLICAL BUSINESS PRINCIPLES
i. Principle No 1: God owns it all. As a business owner, it is easy to think you are the boss and everything you own belongs to you. Knowing God owns it all, you will strive to do everything for His glory and shun business practices and ethics that are not pleasing to God. (Hag.2:8; Ps.50:10; Deut.8:18). See your business as a means to further the gospel and the kingdom of God. Use it as a platform to witness to others.

ii. Principle No 2: Be a Value-Giver: We should create great products and services that we would gladly purchase ourselves. (Ex.28:6; Ex.31:4; Rom.12:11). Being excellent at what we do is a fantastic way to honour God and to love our neighbours. Do unto others as you want them to do to you. Matt.7:12.

iii. Principle No 3: Take action and work hard. Do not just talk about starting a business, or changing your current marketing strategy, take action. (Prov.12:24; Prov.22:29). Also, do not just complain about something when it is not working well. Go and fix it. If you are trying to reach financial independence through starting a business, working hard will help propel you towards that. (Prov. 10:4,14).

iv. Principle No 4: Wisdom. You need wisdom to make the right decisions for your business, so you can avoid making irreversible or costly mistakes. James 1:5. Do not be afraid to pray for wisdom or be too proud to seek God’s direction for your business. (Prov. 4:7; Ps.37:23).

v. Principle No 5: Humility. To relate well with people especially clients or customers, you must remain humble and approachable. (Prov.11:2; James 4:6).

vi. Principle No 6: The right business skills. To grow your business, you have to be skilful. (2 Chron.2:8). Thankfully, it is possible to learn new skills, so there is no reason not to acquire the skills required.

vii. Principle No 7: The right tools and resources. For example, are there tools that can increase your productivity? Do you need a website to reach more people? Do you need to invest in some business technology? These are the types of questions you should ask yourself from time to time if you want to keep growing your business. (Prov.18:15).

viii. Principle No 8: Make money honestly: Do not cheat, lie to, or scam people out of their money. Build up your business little by little. (Prov.13:11). Do not be greedy of gain.

ix. Principle No 9: Be bold and get ready to meet with people of like passion. You need to relate with people in similar business and from other walks of life, various societal status/class, etc. you should be articulate in your presentations and negotiations. (Prov.28:1; Eccl. 8:1; 2 Tim.1:7).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1:
i. Teacher should enumerate the nine (9) principles stated above.

ii. Teacher should open floor for discussion of each point by giving each point to a student or group of students to discuss on why each principle should be adhered to.

iii. Teacher should give one minute each for each student or group to discuss their principles.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: CAUTIONS FOR CHRISTIAN BUSINESS OWNERS
i. Do not allow your business to become idol. (Luke 12:16-21).

ii. Do not serve mammon in the place of God. (Luke 16:13).

iii. Do not neglect your family and friend for your business. (Prov. 18:24).

iv. Do not jeopardize your health because of your business. Avoid plunging into sorrow. (1Tim. 6:10).

v. Do not neglect God for your business. (Prov. 10:22).

vi. Keep God first in your business. (Prov. 10:22).

vii. Avoid selfishness, sinful practice and disorderliness. (1 Cor. 14:40).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Teacher should allow students to comments on why cautions should be taken on the above-stated points. ii. Teacher should allow one minute each for each of the comments.

SUMMARY: Put God first in your business.

CONCLUSION: Christians need to take the lead and build the next Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Microsoft.

EVALUATION: Identify principles and cautions for Christian business owners.

CLOSING PRAYER: Almighty Father, please make Your children who are business owners heads and not tails in the name of Jesus.

ASSIGNMENT: Give five (5) consequences of doing business without God.

LESSON THIRTY-THREE (33)
TOPIC: RUNNING BUSINESS AS CHRISTIANS

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 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?

MEMORY VERSE:
“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalms 37:3-9.

[3] Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

[4] Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

[5] Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

[6] And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

[7] Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

[8] Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

[9] For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.

INTRODUCTION: While there are many paths to success, not all of them are ethical or recommended for a Christian business owner because the way you define success is probably different from the way a non-believer defines it.

To build a successful business, you must know the biblical principles for business success so that you can use them to achieve your business goals to the glory of God.

OUTLINES:
1. BIBLICAL BUSINESS PRINCIPLES
2. CAUTIONS FOR CHRISTIAN BUSINESS OWNERS

1. BIBLICAL BUSINESS PRINCIPLES

Principle No.1: God owns it all. As a business owner, it is easy to think you are the boss and everything you own belongs to you. Knowing God owns it all, you will strive to do everything for His glory and shun business practices and ethics that are not pleasing to God (Hag.2:8; Ps.50:10; Deut.8:18). See your business as a means to further the gospel and the kingdom of God. Use it as a platform to witness to others.

Principle No.2: Be a Value-Giver: We should create great products and services that we would gladly purchase ourselves (Exo.28:6; Exo.31:4; Rom.12:11). Being excellent at what we do is a fantastic way to honour God and to love our neighbours. Do unto others as you want them to do to you (Matt.7:12).

Principle No.3: Take action and work hard. Do not just talk about starting a business, or changing your current marketing strategy – take action (Prov.12:24; Prov.22:29). Also, do not just complain about something when it is not working well. Go and fix it. If you are trying to reach financial independence through starting a business, working hard will help propel you towards that (Prov.10:4,14).

Principle No.4: Wisdom. You need wisdom to make the right decisions for your business, so you can avoid making irreversible or costly mistakes (James 1:5). Do not be afraid to pray for wisdom or be too proud to seek God’s direction for your business (Prov.4:7; Ps.37:23).

Principle No.5: Humility. To relate well with people especially clients or customers, you must remain humble and approachable (Prov.11:2, James 4:6).

Principle No.6: The right business skills. To grow your business, you have to be skilful (2Chron.2:8). Thankfully, it is possible to learn new skills, so there is no reason not to acquire the skills required.

Principle No.7: The right tools and resources. For example, are there tools that can increase your productivity? Do you need a website to reach more people? Do you need to invest in some business technology? These are the types of questions you should ask yourself from time to time if you want to keep growing your business (Prov.18:15).

Principle No.8: Make money honestly. Do not cheat, lie to, or scam people out of their money. Build up your business little by little (Prov.13:11). Do not be greedy of gain.

Principle No.9: Be bold and get ready to meet with people of like passion. You will need to relate with people in similar business and from other walks of life, various societal status/class, etc. You should be articulate in your presentations and negotiations (Prov.28:1; Eccl.8:1; 2Tim.1:7).

2. CAUTIONS FOR CHRISTIAN BUSINESS OWNERS
Business ownership can become detrimental to one’s spiritual life if it becomes an idol or if the business owner is serving Mammon rather than God (Lk.12:16-21; Lk.16:13).

Some business owners become so immersed in work that they neglect family, friends, their health, and the Lord. When anything takes our total focus for an extended period of time, it can shift our lives out of balance (1Tim.6:10).

So Christian business owners must work to keep priorities straight and remember that a business with God’s blessing will fare better than one without it (Prov.10:22; 1Cor.14:40). The Lord will not tolerate our idols, so a business owner must work to keep success from becoming more important than anything else (Ex.20:4).

When a business owner’s motive is selfish or sin-based, the business will not enjoy God’s blessings and may become a hindrance to God’s plan for the owner’s life (Jer.18:9-10).

CONCLUSION: Christians need to take the lead and build the next Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Microsoft.

QUESTIONS:
1. Mention five biblical business principles.
2. What are the cautions Christian business owners must note?

FURTHER READING: MON: Ps.107:23. TUE: Prov.3:14, WED: Prov.22:29, THUR: Isa.23:18, FRI: Matt.13:45, SAT: 1Thess.4:11, SUN: James 4:13-14.

ASSIGNMENT: Give five (5) consequences of doing business without God.