Building God's Kingdom: Embracing Divine Identity and Inclusion
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, I had the privilege of sharing about our recent mission trip to Costa Rica, where we partnered with Young Life and Horizon Church, engaged in various outreach activities, and experienced the beauty and challenges of the region. One of the most impactful moments was our outreach to a Venezuelan refugee camp, where we provided essential supplies and hosted an ice cream party for the children. This experience reminded us of the importance of mission work and the joy of serving others.
We then transitioned into our sermon series, "Divine Identity," focusing on the theme "The Lord is a Master Builder." We explored how God, as the ultimate builder, created the universe with beauty and purpose. We delved into the story of Nicodemus and Jesus, emphasizing the necessity of being "born again" to enter God's kingdom. This concept of rebirth is rooted in the Old Testament and is essential for understanding our divine identity.
We examined how God built the universe as a sanctuary to declare His glory and how He continues to build His kingdom. The privileges of being part of God's kingdom were highlighted, contrasting the earthly blessings promised to Israel with the heavenly blessings offered through Jesus Christ. We explored the Old Testament's vision of Zion, a future kingdom where all nations would gather to worship God.
Psalm 87 was our primary text, revealing the surprising twist that even Israel's enemies, like Egypt and Babylon, would be granted citizenship in Zion. This psalm emphasizes God's inclusive plan for His kingdom, where even the most unlikely individuals are welcomed. We discussed the significance of this inclusive vision and how it relates to our identity in Christ.
Finally, we reflected on the implications of this message for our lives. We are encouraged to preach God's beautiful and glorious words to ourselves, recognize that God is still at work in us, and actively participate in His kingdom by sharing the good news of Jesus. The message of Psalm 87 is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond God's reach, and His forgiveness is available to all who repent and believe.
### Key Takeaways
1. God as the Master Builder: God created the universe with beauty and purpose, reflecting His glory. This creation serves as a sanctuary, declaring His majesty and inviting us to recognize His craftsmanship in our lives. Just as He built the universe, He is continually at work in us, shaping us into His image. [40:23]
2. The Necessity of Rebirth: Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus highlights the essential need to be "born again" to enter God's kingdom. This rebirth is not just a New Testament concept but is rooted in the Old Testament, emphasizing a spiritual transformation that aligns us with God's divine plan. [39:25]
3. Inclusive Vision of God's Kingdom: Psalm 87 reveals that God's kingdom is open to all, even those who were once enemies of Israel. This inclusive vision underscores God's grace and the transformative power of His love, inviting everyone to become part of His holy city, Zion. [52:45]
4. Heavenly Blessings through Christ: While the Old Testament promised earthly blessings to Israel, Jesus offers us heavenly blessings through the new covenant. This shift from earthly to eternal promises highlights the superior nature of the blessings we receive in Christ, including eternal life and a new identity. [43:04]
5. God's Forgiveness is Boundless: The message of Psalm 87 and the example of Apostle Paul remind us that no one is beyond God's reach. God's forgiveness is complete and available to all, regardless of past sins. This truth encourages us to repent, embrace our new identity in Christ, and share this good news with others. [01:00:58]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[34:59] - Mission Trip to Costa Rica
[38:39] - Introduction to Divine Identity Series
[39:11] - Nicodemus and the Necessity of Rebirth
[40:23] - God as the Master Builder
[41:42] - Building God's Kingdom
[43:04] - Heavenly Blessings through Christ
[44:07] - Understanding Zion in the Old Testament
[45:13] - Psalm 87: The Heart of the Poem
[49:12] - The Twist: Enemies Born in Zion
[52:45] - Expanding God's Kingdom
[55:48] - Singing and Dancing: Springs of Salvation
[57:55] - Journey to Zion: Spiritual and Physical
[59:27] - Application: Preach, Participate, and Proclaim
[01:00:58] - God's Boundless Forgiveness
[01:01:35] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 87: "On the holy mount stands the city he founded; the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God. Selah. Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush—'This one was born there,' they say. And of Zion it shall be said, 'This one and that one were born in her'; for the Most High himself will establish her. The Lord records as he registers the peoples, 'This one was born there.' Selah. Singers and dancers alike say, 'All my springs are in you.'"
2. John 3:1-8: "Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, 'Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.' Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.' 'How can someone be born when they are old?' Nicodemus asked. 'Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!' Jesus answered, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, "You must be born again." The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.'"
3. Deuteronomy 28:1-14: "If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God: You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed. You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out. The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven. The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you. The Lord will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the Lord your God and walk in obedience to him. Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they will fear you. The Lord will grant you abundant prosperity—in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your ground—in the land he swore to your ancestors to give you. The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of the outreach activities during the mission trip to Costa Rica, particularly the ice cream party for the children? [36:32]
2. How does Psalm 87 describe the inclusivity of God's kingdom, especially regarding Israel's enemies? [49:12]
3. What does Jesus mean when he tells Nicodemus that one must be "born again" to see the kingdom of God? [39:25]
4. What are some of the earthly blessings promised to Israel in Deuteronomy 28, and how do they compare to the heavenly blessings offered through Jesus? [43:04]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of God as the "Master Builder" shape our understanding of His ongoing work in our lives? [40:23]
2. In what ways does the necessity of rebirth, as discussed in Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, challenge our understanding of spiritual transformation? [39:25]
3. How does Psalm 87's vision of Zion, where even Israel's enemies are granted citizenship, reflect God's grace and the transformative power of His love? [52:45]
4. What implications does the shift from earthly blessings in the Old Testament to heavenly blessings through Christ have for our daily lives and spiritual priorities? [43:04]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's craftsmanship in your life. How did it shape your understanding of Him as the Master Builder? [40:23]
2. Have you ever struggled with the concept of being "born again"? How can you seek a deeper understanding of this spiritual transformation in your own life? [39:25]
3. How can you actively participate in expanding God's inclusive kingdom, as described in Psalm 87, in your community? [52:45]
4. What are some practical ways you can shift your focus from seeking earthly blessings to embracing the heavenly blessings offered through Christ? [43:04]
5. Think of someone in your life who might feel beyond God's reach. How can you share the message of God's boundless forgiveness with them this week? [01:00:58]
6. How can you preach God's beautiful and glorious words to yourself daily to stay encouraged and aligned with His truth? [59:27]
7. In what ways can you recognize and celebrate God's ongoing work in your life, even when you feel far from perfect? [59:54]
Devotional
Day 1: God as the Master Builder
God created the universe with beauty and purpose, reflecting His glory. This creation serves as a sanctuary, declaring His majesty and inviting us to recognize His craftsmanship in our lives. Just as He built the universe, He is continually at work in us, shaping us into His image. [40:23]
Isaiah 45:18 (ESV): "For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): 'I am the Lord, and there is no other.'"
Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you see God's craftsmanship. How can you acknowledge and celebrate His work in that area today?
Day 2: The Necessity of Rebirth
Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus highlights the essential need to be "born again" to enter God's kingdom. This rebirth is not just a New Testament concept but is rooted in the Old Testament, emphasizing a spiritual transformation that aligns us with God's divine plan. [39:25]
Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules."
Reflection: Reflect on your own spiritual rebirth. What changes have you noticed in your heart and actions since you accepted Christ? How can you nurture this new life today?
Day 3: Inclusive Vision of God's Kingdom
Psalm 87 reveals that God's kingdom is open to all, even those who were once enemies of Israel. This inclusive vision underscores God's grace and the transformative power of His love, inviting everyone to become part of His holy city, Zion. [52:45]
Isaiah 56:6-7 (ESV): "And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant—these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples."
Reflection: Consider someone you know who might feel excluded from God's love. How can you extend an invitation to them to experience God's inclusive kingdom today?
Day 4: Heavenly Blessings through Christ
While the Old Testament promised earthly blessings to Israel, Jesus offers us heavenly blessings through the new covenant. This shift from earthly to eternal promises highlights the superior nature of the blessings we receive in Christ, including eternal life and a new identity. [43:04]
Ephesians 1:3 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places."
Reflection: Identify a specific heavenly blessing you have received through Christ. How does this blessing impact your daily life and perspective?
Day 5: God's Forgiveness is Boundless
The message of Psalm 87 and the example of Apostle Paul remind us that no one is beyond God's reach. God's forgiveness is complete and available to all, regardless of past sins. This truth encourages us to repent, embrace our new identity in Christ, and share this good news with others. [01:00:58]
Micah 7:18-19 (ESV): "Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs to hear about God's boundless forgiveness. How can you share this message with them in a loving and compassionate way today?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "The Lord's working on you. He's not done. So we're doing The Lord is a Master Builder. And I want to start off by talking a little bit about a New Testament text. It says, There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus. He was a ruler of the Jews. He was a Pharisee. He knew the Old Testament very well." [38:52] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Lord has spoken beautiful things for his city. Now lately, Israel has not been doing well. 701 BC, she was almost conquered by Assyria. The rest of the nations, the rest of the cities around Judah were destroyed by the Assyrians. So it has not been doing well. It's looking fairly grim. Nonetheless, beautiful things are spoken over God's holy city." [47:02] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We all place our hearts sometimes, our desires and ambitions, ahead of the Lord's, and we start building a little kingdom for ourselves, don't we? But the Lord promises that there's only going to be one kingdom standing at the end, and it's not going to be yours. You need to be careful to build into the Lord's kingdom, because that's the only kingdom that lasts. Amen?" [48:30] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Lord loves taking the worst sinners and making them great in his kingdom. Come, repent, be part of his kingdom. You're never too far gone. You're never so bad that it, you're beyond his reach. The Lord has an arm and its reach is infinite and can save even the chief of sinners. Amen?" [01:01:35] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Salvation has come. Salvation is near. Zion gates are open to anyone who believes in Christ. God sent his only beloved son to die the death you deserve, gave you his righteousness that by believing him, by faith, you enter into God's kingdom, that you become part of his citizenship. New king, new identity, new birth certificate, new birth, new life is found when you believe in Jesus. Amen?" [59:00] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "The Lord's building. The Lord builds his kingdom. This is something he started building in the Old Testament. This is something that continues on today. Now, to be part of the kingdom is a big deal. To be part of the kingdom. To be part of Israel is a big deal. The Lord had special privileges for the people of Israel that he didn't have for all the nations." [41:42] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob. Jacob's another word for Israel. Israel was a vast country with a lot of holy cities, a lot of holy sites in it. But the Lord had placed one city in particular in which he would cause his temple to be built, where his glory would dwell, where his anointed king would rule. And this was Mount Zion from Jerusalem." [46:39] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Lord is handing out his birth certificates among the nations, even those hostile to his people, saying that they are born in Zion, that they belong to the holy city, that they have a sacred citizenship, that they belong to his kingdom. The Lord's expanding his citizenship and allowing them to be born in his kingdom. He's allowing the nations to participate." [52:45] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The nations have been gathered in this Psalm. They're envisioning the end. The nations have gathered. This is the victory song. They're singing and dancing. All my springs are in you. What this is referring to is, Isaiah picked up on this a lot, that there's wells or springs of salvation that are open to the people of God in Isaiah 12." [56:20] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The journey to Zion is first spiritual. You're already there in Christ. You have come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to the innumerable angels in festal gathering, to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, to God, the judge of all, and to the spirit of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel." [57:55] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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