Echoing Christ: Embracing an Inclusive Kingdom

Devotional

Day 1: The Kingdom of God is Inclusive and Expansive

The Kingdom of God is not limited by national or cultural boundaries. Jesus redirected the disciples from their narrow focus on their own kingdom to a broader vision that includes all nations and peoples. This teaches us that God's kingdom transcends national and cultural boundaries, calling us to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. Our love for our country should not overshadow our commitment to God's global mission. We are called to embrace a vision that includes everyone, recognizing that God's love and salvation are available to all.

This inclusive vision challenges us to look beyond our immediate surroundings and consider how we can contribute to God's global mission. It calls us to be open to different cultures, languages, and traditions, understanding that the gospel is for everyone. By doing so, we become part of a larger, more diverse community of believers who are united in their love for Christ and their commitment to spreading His message. [03:17]

Isaiah 49:6 (ESV): "He says: 'It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.'"

Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's global mission today, even in small ways, to reflect the inclusivity of His kingdom?

Day 2: Our Lives Carry an Echo

Whether we realize it or not, our actions and words influence those around us. This echo can be positive, like a father praying with his child, or negative, like cursing at a football game. We are called to ensure that our lives echo the transformative message of Jesus, impacting others in powerful and meaningful ways. Our daily interactions, choices, and behaviors all contribute to the echo we create in the world.

This concept of an echo reminds us that we are constantly influencing others, whether we are aware of it or not. It challenges us to be mindful of our actions and words, striving to reflect the love and grace of Jesus in everything we do. By doing so, we can create a positive and lasting impact on those around us, helping to spread the message of Christ through our everyday lives. [08:09]

1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 (ESV): "And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything."

Reflection: Think of a recent interaction where your words or actions had an impact on someone. How can you ensure that your future interactions echo the love and message of Jesus?

Day 3: Engaging with the Marginalized

Jesus' command to be witnesses in Samaria challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with those who are different from us. This includes people of different races, religions, and political beliefs. Recognizing the image of God in every person is fundamental to living out the gospel. We are called to reach out to the marginalized and those who are often overlooked or excluded by society.

Engaging with the marginalized requires us to be intentional in our efforts to build relationships with those who are different from us. It means listening to their stories, understanding their struggles, and offering support and compassion. By doing so, we can help to break down barriers and promote unity and reconciliation, reflecting the heart of Jesus in our actions. [13:58]

James 2:1-4 (ESV): "My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, 'You sit here in a good place,' while you say to the poor man, 'You stand over there,' or, 'Sit down at my feet,' have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?"

Reflection: Identify someone in your community who is marginalized or different from you. How can you reach out to them and show the love of Christ in a tangible way this week?

Day 4: Avoiding Political Idolatry

As we approach political seasons, it's crucial to keep Jesus at the center of our worship. Elevating political leaders to messianic status is dangerous and detracts from our primary allegiance to Christ. We are called to be peacemakers, promoting justice and healing rather than division. Our ultimate loyalty should be to the kingdom of God, not to any political party or leader.

Avoiding political idolatry means being discerning about the messages we receive and the leaders we support. It requires us to evaluate our political beliefs and actions in light of the teachings of Jesus, ensuring that our primary focus remains on His kingdom. By doing so, we can avoid getting entangled in divisive rhetoric and instead work towards promoting unity and reconciliation. [21:27]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: Reflect on your political beliefs and actions. How can you ensure that your primary allegiance remains to Christ and His kingdom, rather than to any political party or leader?

Day 5: The Cost of a Worthy Message

Any message worth repeating will cost us something, at the very least our comfort. The original disciples laid down their lives for the gospel, and while we may not face martyrdom, we are called to step out of our comfort zones to share this transformative message. This involves making room for others and pursuing justice and reconciliation. Sharing the gospel often requires sacrifice and a willingness to face challenges and opposition.

The cost of a worthy message reminds us that following Jesus is not always easy or comfortable. It requires us to be bold in our faith, willing to take risks and make sacrifices for the sake of the gospel. By doing so, we can help to spread the message of Christ and bring hope and healing to a broken world. [27:59]

2 Timothy 1:8-9 (ESV): "Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from sharing the gospel? What would stepping out of your comfort zone to share this message look like in practical terms?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today's message, titled "A Holy Echo," centers on the idea of our lives echoing the transformative message of Jesus Christ. Drawing from Acts 1:6-11, we explored how the disciples were initially focused on their own kingdom and power, but Jesus redirected them to a broader, more inclusive vision of God's kingdom. This kingdom transcends national and cultural boundaries, calling us to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. The concept of an echo was used to illustrate how the original message of Jesus should reverberate through our lives, impacting others in powerful and transformative ways.

We discussed the importance of not just being consumers in our church communities but active participants who contribute to the collective mission. The message emphasized that our lives inherently carry an echo, influencing those around us, whether positively or negatively. This influence can be seen in everyday actions, such as a father praying with his child or, conversely, cursing at a football game.

A significant portion of the message focused on the idea of Samaria, representing the marginalized and those different from us. Jesus' command to be witnesses in Samaria challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with people who are not like us, whether in terms of race, religion, or political beliefs. This is a call to recognize the image of God in every person and to promote unity and reconciliation rather than division.

The message also touched on the dangers of political idolatry and the importance of keeping Jesus at the center of our worship. As we approach political seasons, the call is to remain focused on the kingdom of God rather than getting entangled in divisive rhetoric. The ultimate goal is to be peacemakers, promoting justice and healing in a world filled with hatred and division.

###

Key Takeaways

1. The Kingdom of God is Inclusive and Expansive: Jesus redirected the disciples from their narrow focus on their own kingdom to a broader vision that includes all nations and peoples. This teaches us that God's kingdom transcends national and cultural boundaries, calling us to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. Our love for our country should not overshadow our commitment to God's global mission. [03:17]
2. Our Lives Carry an Echo: Whether we realize it or not, our actions and words influence those around us. This echo can be positive, like a father praying with his child, or negative, like cursing at a football game. We are called to ensure that our lives echo the transformative message of Jesus, impacting others in powerful and meaningful ways. [08:09]
3. Engaging with the Marginalized: Jesus' command to be witnesses in Samaria challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with those who are different from us. This includes people of different races, religions, and political beliefs. Recognizing the image of God in every person is fundamental to living out the gospel. [13:58]
4. Avoiding Political Idolatry: As we approach political seasons, it's crucial to keep Jesus at the center of our worship. Elevating political leaders to messianic status is dangerous and detracts from our primary allegiance to Christ. We are called to be peacemakers, promoting justice and healing rather than division. [21:27]
5. The Cost of a Worthy Message: Any message worth repeating will cost us something, at the very least our comfort. The original disciples laid down their lives for the gospel, and while we may not face martyrdom, we are called to step out of our comfort zones to share this transformative message. This involves making room for others and pursuing justice and reconciliation. [27:59]
### [27:59]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:45] - The Concept of a Holy Echo
[03:17] - The Kingdom of God is Bigger
[04:50] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[06:25] - Jesus as the Original Sound
[08:09] - The Echo of Our Lives
[09:28] - Community Over Individualism
[10:54] - The Shock of Samaria
[12:39] - Demonizing the Other
[13:58] - Jesus' Heart for Samaria
[15:23] - Wrestling with Political Violence
[17:23] - The Danger of Boasting and Lying
[18:59] - Worshiping Jesus Alone
[21:27] - Avoiding Political Idolatry
[22:54] - Recognizing the Image of God in All
[24:43] - The Echo of the Gospel
[27:27] - Peacemaking and Justice
[27:59] - The Cost of a Worthy Message
[30:26] - Making Room for Others
[32:26] - Praying for Our City
[34:20] - Reflecting Christ's Love
[35:44] - Living Out Our Faith

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the disciples' initial focus when they asked Jesus about the kingdom in Acts 1:6-7? How did Jesus redirect their focus? [03:17]
According to Acts 1:8, what is the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers? [04:50]
How does the sermon describe the concept of an "echo" in relation to our lives and the message of Jesus? [06:25]
What examples were given in the sermon to illustrate how our lives can echo either positively or negatively? [08:09]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus emphasized the inclusion of Samaria in Acts 1:8? What does this signify about the nature of God's kingdom? [10:54]
How does the sermon explain the dangers of political idolatry, and what are the consequences of elevating political leaders to messianic status? [21:27]
What does it mean for our lives to carry an echo, and how can this echo impact those around us? [08:09]
How does recognizing the image of God in every person challenge us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with the marginalized? [13:58]

Application Questions

Reflect on your daily actions and words. How do they echo the message of Jesus? Can you identify any areas where your echo might be negative, and how can you change that? [08:09]
Jesus called us to be witnesses in Samaria, representing the marginalized and those different from us. What practical steps can you take this week to engage with someone who is different from you in terms of race, religion, or political beliefs? [13:58]
The sermon warns against political idolatry. How can you ensure that your primary allegiance remains with Jesus, especially during political seasons? What practices can help you stay focused on God's kingdom? [21:27]
The message of Jesus is worth repeating, even if it costs us our comfort. What is one specific way you can step out of your comfort zone to share the gospel this week? [27:59]
Think about a time when you may have demonized someone because of their political or religious beliefs. How can you work towards reconciliation and unity in such situations? [13:58]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of being peacemakers. Identify a conflict or division in your community. How can you actively promote peace and justice in that situation? [26:46]
Reflect on the concept of making room for others. How can you create more "elbow room" in your life to include and support those who are different from you? [30:26]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "It isn't just about one country. I love being an American, but it ain't just about being an American. That was kind of weak. I'm going to say it again. I love being an American, but actually God's kingdom is far more and far greater, and we should thank God that it is than our own country, amen? So you can do both. You can love your country, but you should be kingdom-minded." [03:17] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "His message, his hope, your life has an echo. Whether you like it or not, there's something about your life that is being repeated by at least one other person. Someone else is thinking about what you said, and what you did, and how you make them feel." [08:09] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The kingdom we're waiting for, is actually now here, and it's in our hearts. And this is the echo that should be carrying on. We should have some reverb on the mic. Wouldn't that be so cool? No, that's a bad idea. That's why they don't always listen to me." [06:25] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "When we begin to change as Christians, this is the way we begin to change as Christians. It's when we begin to care like Christ. Why does some of this stuff even matter? You're saved, you're going to heaven. Because if you want to become more and more like Christ, more and more like Jesus, more and more like him, then you begin to care about the things he cared about." [25:21] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I would like to tell you and suggest to you, that Christians, the echo of their lives, should be peacemaking and not division. Peacemaking, which pursues justice with an orientation towards healing and reconciliation. That we're believing for healing and reconciliation. We're believing for the opposite of what division does. We're believing for peacemaking." [26:46] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Sometimes people want something from to be fed a certain type of way in churches, and they turn into consumers. And God has called us to not just consume but to give. And so the ideas and what has my church done for me lately. It's how can I be part of what God's doing in a church family. Amen." [01:45] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "It's not just you. It's we, us, our. Amen? It's a family. We are so individualistic. We try to take everything and make it about us, and he does love you specifically, but he put you in a family, in a community for a reason, because he wants you to learn how to what? To love others, because that's the echo." [09:28] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Just because they aren't Christian, you don't get a right to demonize people. I said that to Christians. Just because they're not Christian doesn't give you a right to demonize people. They said to Jesus, aren't you a Samaritan and have a devil? He said, well, I don't have a devil. But call me a Samaritan all you want because you might want to cut them down. I'm going to build them up." [16:26] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "It's loving your neighbor as yourself. Our world has a different noise. It's hatred. It's division and despair. Is that true or not? That's true, right? But amid all of this, what does God call the church to be? What's the echo of our lives? It's supposed to be a beautiful harmony. It's supposed to be a chorus. Your life and my life echoing. The good news of the gospel that Jesus told the disciples back then. And it's still a message worth repeating." [24:43] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "If you just, if we as a church just think, I'm so grateful that we had snow cones and popcorn out here, downtown. So grateful for that. But if we just think about the sidewalk out here, and we miss, like, a month after we opened El Paso, where people were shot and killed, and we went and ministered there, we're going to have diminishing returns. We'll shrink to the size of our sidewalk. But God has called us, with a holy echo, to go further and further." [28:52] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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