7. THE KINGDOM OF GOD

God’s Kingdom

Read: Luke 17:20-25; Mark 1:14-19

• The Kingdom of God is not something observable; it is within you.
• Contrary to Jewish expectations, the Kingdom of God did not arrive through political victory but through spiritual transformation.

Signs of the Kingdom of God

• Spiritual Change
• Healing
• Deliverance from Evil Spirits

How Does One Enter the Kingdom of God?

• Repentance
• Faith in Jesus
• Being Born Again
• Obedience to Jesus

The Effects of the Kingdom of God

1. The Hidden Treasure and the Pearl (Matthew 13:44-46): Emphasizes the value of the Kingdom and the sacrifices made to obtain it.
2. Right Priorities (Luke 12:22-34): Calls for placing the Kingdom above material concerns.
3. Parable of the Pounds (Luke 19:11-27): Stresses faithfulness and productivity in serving the Kingdom.
4. The Widow’s Offering (Luke 21:1-4): Shows devotion and sacrifice for the Kingdom.

For Whom is the Kingdom Prepared?

• The poor in spirit
• Those hungry for God
• Those persecuted for their faith

Read: The Parable of the Wedding Feast (Luke 14:7-11) – Highlights humility as essential to the Kingdom.

Where is the Kingdom Now?

Read:

1. Parable of the Mustard Seed (Luke 13:18-19): Illustrates the Kingdom’s growth from small beginnings.
2. Parable of the Yeast (Luke 13:20-21): Shows how the Kingdom influences and transforms lives.

In these parables, Jesus indicates that the Kingdom is inclusive, meant for all humanity, not just for the Jews.

Christian Beliefs About God’s Kingdom Compared with Other Religions

Christianity

• The Kingdom of God is for the humble, poor, hungry, and persecuted.
• The Kingdom should be our first priority, worth any sacrifice.
• True devotion to God is necessary.

Islam

• Belief in Allah and the Day of Judgment.
• Following the five pillars of Islam: faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage.

Hinduism

• Dharma (duty) guided by five principles:
  • God
  • Prayer
  • Reincarnation
  • Law of Action
  • Non-violence

Zambian Tradition

• Keeping in touch with ancestral spirits.
• Offering sacrifices to appease spirits, believed to help in times of trouble.
• Respecting spirits to avoid disaster.

Exam Questions and Answers

• a) Narrate the Parable of the Pounds (Luke 19:11-27).
• b) Signs of the Kingdom of God:
  • Spiritual Change
  • Physical Healing
  • Deliverance from Evil Spirits
• c) Reasons Jesus Came:
  • To bring deliverance from sin, sickness, and death.
  • To preach the good news to the spiritually poor.
  • To heal the broken-hearted, mind, and soul.
• d) Similarities and Differences between Christian and Muslim Teachings on the Kingdom of God:
  • Similarities:
    • Both believe in the Day of Judgment.
    • Both believe in life after death.
  • Difference:
    • Muslims face Mecca when praying.
    • Christians do not have directional restrictions in prayer.

8. THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS

Significance of the Resurrection

• The Resurrection is a core belief in Christianity, proving Jesus’ divinity and His victory over sin and death.
• It offers Christians hope of eternal life and a reason for faith in Jesus as the Son of God.

Key Events of the Resurrection

• Jesus' Burial: After His crucifixion, Jesus was buried in a tomb, and a stone was rolled to seal it.
• The Empty Tomb: On the third day, the tomb was found empty, signifying that Jesus had risen.
• Appearances to Disciples: Jesus appeared to His disciples and many others, proving His Resurrection.

Evidence for the Resurrection

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

• Paul’s writings in 1 Corinthians confirm eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ resurrection appearances.
• The empty tomb and transformed lives of Jesus' followers are seen as supporting evidence.

Responses to the Resurrection

• Belief: Many early Christians accepted the Resurrection, even facing persecution for their beliefs.
• Skepticism: Some doubted the Resurrection, demanding evidence or rejecting it entirely.

Comparing Christian Beliefs on Life After Death with Other Religions

Christianity

• Belief in eternal life through faith in Jesus and His Resurrection.
• The Resurrection is central, affirming hope in a future resurrection for believers.

Islam

• Belief in the Day of Judgment, where individuals are rewarded or punished based on their deeds.
• The Qur'an mentions life after death as a fundamental concept, with paradise for the faithful.

Hinduism

• Belief in reincarnation, where the soul is reborn based on karma from previous lives.
• Moksha, or liberation, is the ultimate goal, ending the cycle of rebirth.

Exam Questions and Answers

• a) Explain the significance of the Resurrection of Jesus.
• b) Key events of the Resurrection:
  • Jesus’ burial
  • The empty tomb
  • Appearances to disciples
• c) Compare Christian beliefs on life after death with those of Islam and Hinduism.