Embracing Jesus: Our King and Mission

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Collective Mission

The mission trip to Belize was a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when a church community comes together in prayer, financial support, and active participation. The impact on both the local community and our team members was profound, reminding us of the importance of missions in spreading the gospel and serving others. The stories shared by the team highlighted the deep connections made with the people of Belize, the joy of Vacation Bible School, and the meaningful home visits. This collective effort showed how God can work through us when we unite for a common purpose.

As we reflect on this mission, we are reminded that our efforts, no matter how small, can have a significant impact when combined with the efforts of others. The mission trip serves as a testament to the power of community and the importance of coming together to serve God's kingdom. Let us be encouraged to continue supporting missions, both locally and globally, and to recognize the role we each play in spreading the love of Christ.

[11:33]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

Reflection: How can you contribute to a collective mission in your community this week, whether through prayer, financial support, or active participation?

Day 2: Jesus as the King of Kings

From the creation story in Genesis to the promises made to David, the Bible consistently points to Jesus as the ultimate King. His kingdom is not of this world, and His reign is characterized by love, sacrifice, and truth. Understanding this helps us align our lives with His principles and live out our faith authentically. Jesus' kingship is not about earthly power or dominance but about a divine authority that brings peace and justice.

As we delve into the Word of God, we see that Jesus' kingship was foretold and fulfilled through His life, death, and resurrection. His reign is eternal, and He invites us to be part of His kingdom. This understanding calls us to submit to His authority and to live in a way that reflects His love and truth. Let us recognize Jesus as our King and allow His principles to guide our daily lives.

[12:52]

Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Reflection: In what ways can you align your daily actions with the principles of Jesus' kingdom, characterized by love, sacrifice, and truth?

Day 3: The Distinct Nature of Jesus' Kingdom

Unlike worldly kingdoms that rely on power and force, Jesus' kingdom operates on different principles. His response to Pilate in John 18 highlights that His kingdom is not from this world. This calls us to live differently, embodying the values of Jesus' kingdom in our daily lives. Jesus' kingdom emphasizes love, sacrifice, and truth, which stand in stark contrast to the values of worldly kingdoms.

As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect the distinct nature of His kingdom in our interactions, decisions, and priorities. This means choosing love over hate, sacrifice over selfishness, and truth over deception. By doing so, we become ambassadors of His kingdom, showing the world a different way of living that honors God and serves others.

[17:38]

Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: How can you embody the values of Jesus' kingdom in a specific situation you are facing this week?

Day 4: The Choice of Kingship

Pilate's question to Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?" and the crowd's choice between Jesus and Barabbas, present a powerful metaphor for our own lives. We are constantly faced with the choice of who we will recognize as our King. Will we choose Jesus, the giver of life, or something else that ultimately takes life away? This choice is not just a one-time decision but a daily commitment to follow Jesus and submit to His authority.

Every day, we are presented with opportunities to choose Jesus over the temptations and distractions of this world. This choice requires intentionality and a willingness to surrender our own desires for the sake of His kingdom. Let us be mindful of the choices we make and strive to choose Jesus as our King in every aspect of our lives.

[20:28]

Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

Day 5: Living on Mission

The mission trip to Belize serves as a reminder that our mission field is not just abroad but also right here in our community. We are called to share the gospel and serve others wherever we are. This requires a constant surrender to Jesus' kingship and a commitment to living out His mission daily. Our mission is to be the hands and feet of Jesus, showing His love and compassion to those around us.

Living on mission means being intentional about our interactions and looking for opportunities to serve and share the gospel. It means being a light in our workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, and families. Let us be encouraged to live on mission every day, recognizing that we are ambassadors of Christ wherever we go.

[24:55]

2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."

Reflection: How can you intentionally live on mission in your community this week, sharing the love of Christ with those around you?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, church! Today, we gathered to celebrate and reflect on our recent mission trip to Belize. The team shared their experiences, highlighting the incredible work God did through them and the impact it had on the local community. We saw pictures and heard stories of Vacation Bible School, home visits, and the deep connections made with the people of Belize. The mission was a testament to the power of prayer, financial support, and the collective effort of our church community.

We also delved into the Word of God, focusing on the theme of Jesus as the King of Kings. We began by recounting the creation story in Genesis, where God established His kingdom and gave humanity dominion over it. However, humanity's rebellion led to a broken relationship with the King. Despite this, God continued to pursue His people, establishing covenants and ultimately sending Jesus, the promised King from the line of David.

In John 18, we explored the interaction between Jesus and Pilate, where Pilate asked Jesus if He was the King of the Jews. Jesus affirmed His kingship but clarified that His kingdom is not of this world. This distinction is crucial for us to understand as we live out our faith. Jesus' kingdom operates on principles vastly different from worldly kingdoms, emphasizing love, sacrifice, and truth.

We were challenged to reflect on our own lives and consider who we recognize as our King. Are we living in submission to Jesus, allowing Him to reign over every aspect of our lives? The choice is ours, and today is the day to make that decision. Whether it's for the first time or a renewed commitment, we are called to bow before the King of Kings and live out our mission here in our community and beyond.

###

Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Collective Mission: Our mission trip to Belize was a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when a church community comes together in prayer, financial support, and active participation. The impact on both the local community and our team members was profound, reminding us of the importance of missions in spreading the gospel and serving others. [11:33]
2. Jesus as the King of Kings: From the creation story in Genesis to the promises made to David, the Bible consistently points to Jesus as the ultimate King. His kingdom is not of this world, and His reign is characterized by love, sacrifice, and truth. Understanding this helps us align our lives with His principles and live out our faith authentically. [12:52]
3. The Distinct Nature of Jesus' Kingdom: Unlike worldly kingdoms that rely on power and force, Jesus' kingdom operates on different principles. His response to Pilate in John 18 highlights that His kingdom is not from this world. This calls us to live differently, embodying the values of Jesus' kingdom in our daily lives. [17:38]
4. The Choice of Kingship: Pilate's question to Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?" and the crowd's choice between Jesus and Barabbas, present a powerful metaphor for our own lives. We are constantly faced with the choice of who we will recognize as our King. Will we choose Jesus, the giver of life, or something else that ultimately takes life away? [20:28]
5. Living on Mission: The mission trip to Belize serves as a reminder that our mission field is not just abroad but also right here in our community. We are called to share the gospel and serve others wherever we are. This requires a constant surrender to Jesus' kingship and a commitment to living out His mission daily. [24:55]
### [24:55]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[11:33] - Belize Mission Trip Recap
[12:52] - Jesus as King of Kings
[17:38] - The Nature of Jesus' Kingdom
[20:28] - The Choice of Kingship
[24:55] - Living on Mission
[27:05] - Vacation Bible School in Belize
[28:45] - Home Visits and Community Impact
[31:14] - Worship and Preaching in Belize
[32:26] - Daily Life and Culture in Belize
[33:37] - Praying for Healing and Miracles
[35:06] - Exploring Belize and Local Experiences
[36:22] - Community Engagement and Sports
[37:42] - The Joy of Giving and Receiving
[38:49] - Final Reflections and Gratitude
[39:44] - Special Moments and Testimonies
[40:24] - Team Reflections and God's Movement
[41:26] - Surprises and Lessons Learned
[43:55] - Encouragement and Future Missions
[49:52] - Greatest Surprises and God's Work
[58:18] - Team Dynamics and Personal Growth
[59:33] - Bringing the Mission Home
[60:02] - The Sweetness of Worship and Prayer
[61:07] - Engaging in Worship and Prayer
[68:18] - Opening the Word: John 18
[69:01] - Jesus' Betrayal and Kingship
[71:01] - Jesus' Kingdom and Our Response
[80:04] - The Choice Between Jesus and Barabbas
[84:55] - Reflecting on Our Mission
[85:22] - Prayer and Commitment
[86:48] - Surrendering to the King of Kings
[87:15] - Worship and Response
[93:00] - Welcoming New Members
[93:30] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 18:33-37 (ESV) — > So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”

2. Genesis 1:26-28 (ESV)
> Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

3. 2 Samuel 7:12-13 (ESV)
> When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.

#

Observation Questions

What did Jesus mean when He said, "My kingdom is not of this world"? ([17:38])
How did the mission trip to Belize demonstrate the power of collective mission within the church community? ([11:33])
What was Pilate's reaction to Jesus' claim of kingship, and how did he respond to the crowd's choice between Jesus and Barabbas? ([20:28])
How does the creation story in Genesis establish the concept of God's kingdom and humanity's role within it? ([11:22])

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that Jesus' kingdom is "not of this world"? How does this distinction affect our understanding of His reign and our role as His followers? ([17:38])
In what ways did the mission trip to Belize reflect the principles of Jesus' kingdom, such as love, sacrifice, and truth? ([24:55])
How does the promise made to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-13 point to Jesus as the ultimate King? What implications does this have for our faith? ([15:37])
What does Pilate's question, "What is truth?" reveal about his understanding of Jesus' kingship and the nature of truth itself? ([20:04])

Application Questions

Reflect on the mission trip to Belize. How can you contribute to the collective mission of our church community, both locally and globally? ([11:33])
Jesus' kingdom operates on principles vastly different from worldly kingdoms. How can you embody the values of Jesus' kingdom in your daily life, such as love, sacrifice, and truth? ([17:38])
Consider the choice between Jesus and Barabbas. Are there areas in your life where you are choosing something other than Jesus as your King? How can you make a conscious decision to choose Jesus daily? ([20:28])
The creation story in Genesis highlights humanity's role in God's kingdom. How can you exercise dominion and stewardship in a way that honors God and reflects His kingship? ([11:22])
The promise to David points to an everlasting kingdom through Jesus. How does this promise strengthen your faith and encourage you to live in submission to Jesus' kingship? ([15:37])
Pilate's question, "What is truth?" challenges us to consider our own understanding of truth. How can you seek and live out the truth of Jesus in your interactions and decisions? ([20:04])
Reflect on the call to live on mission. What specific steps can you take to share the gospel and serve others in your community this week? ([24:55])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for outreach

1. "No matter what the story, we'll sing praises to our Lord and Savior... I'm so excited you're here worshiping with us this morning. I can't wait for y'all to hear a little bit from the Belize team. We're going to share a little bit, show some pictures, and hopefully get to help encourage you and really give you a thank you because what we did was on our behalf as a church." [11:33] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Father, you are King, God. Lord, I'm looking forward to your Word, God, over the next several weeks as we look at you being King of Kings. God, give us encouragement through your Word. Convict our hearts, God. Lord, move in such a powerful way through the power of the Holy Spirit, Lord, that you would come and dwell within us, Lord, as we are your children." [12:52] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Lord, that you would come and dwell among us as, Lord, if we're here today, there would be an undeniable sense that you're here, that we would just say it's you, God. Lord, I pray that through the words of the missionaries that went, God, Lord, that you would give us encouragement, too, as a church. God, thank you for missions, Lord. Thank you for giving us a heart for missions, Lord Jesus." [13:42] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Lord, I pray that that flame would continue to be fanned. And, God, that we would all see that we all are commissioned by you, King Jesus. And so, Lord, may we live out that right here in Blackfoot, Texas, and wherever our homes are, Lord, and around the world to the ends of the earth. God, we are so grateful for you. In the name of Jesus, we all pray. Amen. Amen." [13:42] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Father, we come before you, Lord, and we just thank you for your goodness today, God, and we just praise you, praise you for this team, what you did in Belize, God. Lord, I'm so encouraged and I pray that you take the rest of this time today and help us exalt the name of Jesus further, Lord. Help us take it home with us, help us know you in a real and powerful way, Lord Jesus." [01:01:24] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for members

1. "I want to challenge y'all to the sweetness I mean it didn't matter where we're at in the Bible reading most of them didn't have Bibles there's some of them that did but some of them didn't and they're quoting it from memory like as we're reading it they're coming off I mean they took worship serious the church people did and they quoted it out loud when the pastor would pray or anybody would pray when there was corporate prayer and the pastor would lead the pastoral prayer it wasn't just the pastor praying everybody was praying everybody in the church prayed out loud at the exact same time every time somebody prayed that was so neat y'all so neat." [01:00:26] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "I want to encourage y'all to not withhold when you feel like the Lord's moving when you hear the word preached or when you're worshiping don't withhold what the Spirit's doing in that moment engage and worship with us amen so I'm going to ask y'all to do something with me we're going to pray like belief style and so I'm going to pray and I want all y'all to pray out loud at the exact same time don't worry about whoever's beside you it's a little difficult because you're like you're wanting to pray what they pray because you just heard it and you're like but let's just have a sweet moment with the Lord if you would like to just pray out loud at the same time." [01:01:07] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "I'm going to wrap this up for you with a simple question who will you receive as your king? who will you receive as your king? it says in verse 38 what is truth said Pilate and he said this he went out to the Jews again and told them I find no grounds for charging him you have a custom that I release one prisoner to you at the Passover so do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews and they shouted back not this man but Barabbas now Barabbas was a revolutionary he was a robber and the other gospels even say that he was a murderer and so think about this they had a choice they were given a choice here would they receive Jesus or would they receive Barabbas as it was." [01:20:04] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "I love this Pilate says what is the truth he doesn't really come back and answer that but what is the truth the truth was standing right before him Jesus says I am the way the truth and the life the truth was before him the whole time and they rejected him he says no one comes to the father except through me I am the way the truth the life coming to the father is an act of grace that is now given by Jesus bowing to him as our king and putting our life in complete submission not just partly not just your Sunday morning not just your little rituals that we do but your life he's king of kings he's sovereign we are to put our life under his reign and what a gift of grace we have." [01:21:43] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "If you are a believer he's still your king and if you're like me there's times that I get a little too used to the blessings of the kingdom that I forget the mission of the kingdom maybe today you're a little used to the blessings of the kingdom and you forgot your mission and maybe just a little bit more from hearing this team speak a little bit about the mission that God placed them on you'd be reminded that you're on mission here the pastor Lorenzo told him he says they came all the way from Texas to here to share the word of God with us he says have we even really went to our village have we even started yet but I must ask you you sent a team all the way to Belize to share the gospel but have we really started here yet today's the day to start." [01:24:21] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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