Embracing the Kingdom: A Call to Action
Summary
### Summary
As we embark on our annual reflection on our church's vision, we are reminded of our mission to reveal the kingdom of Jesus together in Kansas City. This vision is not just a statement but a call to action, a call to participate in a divine conspiracy to reshape the world. The world is undeniably broken, filled with suffering, injustice, and despair. Many of us have grown disillusioned, giving up on the dream of making a significant impact. However, Jesus invites us into a radical movement that promises to heal the world through suffering love, not through power or force.
The gospel of the kingdom, as preached by Jesus, is far more expansive and transformative than many of us have been taught. It is not merely about personal salvation or escaping hell but about the establishment of God's reign on earth. This kingdom is characterized by justice, peace, and love, and it stands in stark contrast to the world's kingdoms, which are often built on greed, power, and exploitation. Jesus' message was politically subversive, challenging the authority of earthly rulers by proclaiming a new king and a new kingdom.
The kingdom of God is not a distant future reality but a present and active force. It is a space where life is as God intended it, where His will is done on earth as it is in heaven. This kingdom permeates every aspect of our lives, calling us to live in alignment with God's purposes. It is a kingdom that favors the marginalized, the poor, and the oppressed, and it invites us to participate in its establishment through acts of love, justice, and service.
Repentance and belief are central to entering this kingdom. Repentance is not merely about feeling guilty for our sins but about rethinking everything we have assumed to be normal and aligning our lives with God's kingdom. Belief is about allegiance to Jesus and His vision for the world, which often requires us to take risks and step out in faith.
As we reflect on this vision, we are called to reawaken to the beauty and power of the gospel. It is an invitation to join God in His work of healing the world, to live out the reality of the kingdom now while we await its full realization. This is the gospel of the kingdom, the good news that Jesus preached, and it is far more robust and breathtaking than we could ever imagine.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Gospel of the Kingdom: The gospel Jesus preached is not just about personal salvation but about the establishment of God's reign on earth. It is a call to participate in a divine conspiracy to heal the world through suffering love, challenging the world's systems of greed, power, and exploitation. [04:32]
2. Repentance and Belief: Entering the kingdom of God requires repentance and belief. Repentance is about rethinking our assumptions and aligning our lives with God's purposes, while belief is about allegiance to Jesus and His vision for the world. This often involves taking risks and stepping out in faith. [35:07]
3. Present and Future Kingdom: The kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future promise. We can experience God's kingdom now as we anticipate its full realization. This "already, not yet" tension calls us to live out the values of the kingdom in our daily lives while looking forward to its complete fulfillment. [24:47]
4. A Kingdom for the Marginalized: The kingdom of God is characterized by justice, peace, and love, favoring the marginalized, the poor, and the oppressed. It stands in stark contrast to the world's kingdoms, which are often built on greed and power. This kingdom invites us to serve and uplift those who are often overlooked by society. [18:59]
5. Living Out the Kingdom: As followers of Jesus, we are called to put the kingdom of God at the center of our lives. This involves rethinking our habits, attitudes, and actions to align with God's purposes. It is an invitation to join God in His work of healing the world, living out the reality of the kingdom now while we await its full realization. [31:57]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:14] - The American Obsession with Lawns
[02:16] - Youthful Idealism and World Brokenness
[03:11] - Disillusionment with Changing the World
[04:32] - Invitation to a Divine Conspiracy
[05:57] - The Gospel of the Kingdom
[07:30] - Jesus' Teaching on the Kingdom
[09:22] - Centrality of the Kingdom in the Gospels
[11:07] - Defining the Gospel of the Kingdom
[12:46] - Political Implications of the Gospel
[14:36] - Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies
[16:32] - Human Rebellion and God's Order
[17:58] - Kingdom on Earth as in Heaven
[18:59] - Real-World Changes through the Kingdom
[20:05] - The Upside-Down Kingdom
[21:33] - Longing for the Kingdom's Full Realization
[22:51] - Jesus as King of the World
[24:47] - Inaugurated Eschatology: Already, Not Yet
[26:29] - Revelation's Vision of the Kingdom
[28:26] - The Gospel as a World-Shaping Conspiracy
[30:04] - The Power of Love in the Gospel
[31:57] - Reawakening to the Beauty of the Gospel
[33:43] - God's Invitation to Participate
[35:07] - Repentance and Belief
[36:30] - Rethinking and Risking for the Kingdom
[39:12] - Joining God's Conspiracy to Heal the World
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 1:14-15: "Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.'"
2. Matthew 4:17: "From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'"
3. Luke 4:43: "But he said to them, 'I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus proclaim in Mark 1:14-15 about the kingdom of God? How does He describe its timing and our response?
2. According to Matthew 4:17, what is the central message of Jesus' preaching?
3. In Luke 4:43, what reason does Jesus give for His mission to preach the good news of the kingdom of God?
4. How does the sermon describe the current state of the world and our typical response to it? [03:11]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for the kingdom of God to be "at hand" as mentioned in Mark 1:15? How does this affect our understanding of the kingdom's presence and future?
2. How does the concept of repentance in the sermon differ from traditional views of feeling guilty for sins? [35:07]
3. The sermon describes the kingdom of God as favoring the marginalized and the oppressed. How does this contrast with the world's kingdoms built on greed and power? [18:59]
4. What are the implications of living in the "already, not yet" tension of the kingdom of God as described in the sermon? [24:47]
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon calls us to rethink our assumptions and align our lives with God's purposes. What is one assumption you hold that you need to rethink in light of God's kingdom? [35:07]
2. Belief in Jesus' vision for the world often requires taking risks. What is one area in your life where you feel called to step out in faith and take a risk for the kingdom? [36:30]
3. The kingdom of God is described as a present reality. How can you actively participate in establishing God's kingdom in your daily life this week? [24:47]
4. The sermon emphasizes serving and uplifting the marginalized. Identify one practical way you can serve someone who is often overlooked by society. [18:59]
5. Reflect on the idea of living out the kingdom now while awaiting its full realization. What is one habit or attitude you need to change to better align with God's purposes? [31:57]
6. The sermon mentions the power of suffering love over force. How can you demonstrate suffering love in a challenging relationship or situation in your life? [21:33]
7. Repentance involves rethinking what is possible and belief involves risking for what could be. What is one specific action you can take this week to live out this dual call of repentance and belief? [37:39]
Devotional
Day 1: The Expansive Gospel of the Kingdom
The gospel Jesus preached is not just about personal salvation but about the establishment of God's reign on earth. It is a call to participate in a divine conspiracy to heal the world through suffering love, challenging the world's systems of greed, power, and exploitation. This kingdom is characterized by justice, peace, and love, and it stands in stark contrast to the world's kingdoms, which are often built on greed, power, and exploitation. Jesus' message was politically subversive, challenging the authority of earthly rulers by proclaiming a new king and a new kingdom. This kingdom is not a distant future reality but a present and active force, calling us to live in alignment with God's purposes. [04:32]
Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV): "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's kingdom today by challenging systems of greed and power in your own community?
Day 2: Repentance and Belief
Entering the kingdom of God requires repentance and belief. Repentance is about rethinking our assumptions and aligning our lives with God's purposes, while belief is about allegiance to Jesus and His vision for the world. This often involves taking risks and stepping out in faith. Repentance is not merely about feeling guilty for our sins but about rethinking everything we have assumed to be normal and aligning our lives with God's kingdom. Belief is about allegiance to Jesus and His vision for the world, which often requires us to take risks and step out in faith. [35:07]
Mark 1:15 (ESV): "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."
Reflection: What assumptions or habits in your life need to be rethought and realigned with God's kingdom today?
Day 3: The Present and Future Kingdom
The kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future promise. We can experience God's kingdom now as we anticipate its full realization. This "already, not yet" tension calls us to live out the values of the kingdom in our daily lives while looking forward to its complete fulfillment. The kingdom permeates every aspect of our lives, calling us to live in alignment with God's purposes. It is a kingdom that favors the marginalized, the poor, and the oppressed, and it invites us to participate in its establishment through acts of love, justice, and service. [24:47]
Luke 17:20-21 (ESV): "Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, 'The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, "Look, here it is!" or "There!" for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.'"
Reflection: How can you live out the values of God's kingdom in your daily interactions and decisions today?
Day 4: A Kingdom for the Marginalized
The kingdom of God is characterized by justice, peace, and love, favoring the marginalized, the poor, and the oppressed. It stands in stark contrast to the world's kingdoms, which are often built on greed and power. This kingdom invites us to serve and uplift those who are often overlooked by society. The gospel of the kingdom is far more expansive and transformative than many of us have been taught. It is not merely about personal salvation or escaping hell but about the establishment of God's reign on earth. [18:59]
Isaiah 61:1-2 (ESV): "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn."
Reflection: Who in your community is marginalized or overlooked, and how can you serve and uplift them today?
Day 5: Living Out the Kingdom
As followers of Jesus, we are called to put the kingdom of God at the center of our lives. This involves rethinking our habits, attitudes, and actions to align with God's purposes. It is an invitation to join God in His work of healing the world, living out the reality of the kingdom now while we await its full realization. Repentance and belief are central to entering this kingdom. Repentance is not merely about feeling guilty for our sins but about rethinking everything we have assumed to be normal and aligning our lives with God's kingdom. [31:57]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What specific habits or attitudes in your life need to change to align more closely with God's kingdom values today?
Quotes
1. "But what if I were to tell you that we are being invited into a conspiracy that will radically reshape the universe? A conspiracy that is laying the foundation of a new society free of war, violence, injustice. And oppression. A conspiracy that will overthrow the present world order with its ways of greed, power mongering, and exploitation. A conspiracy that will see poverty, child mortality, and political violence completely eradicated. A conspiracy that will see the forces of evil and the corruption in our own hearts and even death undone." [04:32] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The kingdom of God is the space in which life is as God intended it. Or as Jesus's definition goes, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Every time we pray the Lord's prayer, we express our desire for God's will, to be done in every corner of creation. The kingdom is not about us going off to a far-off heaven, but about bringing heaven into our world." [17:58] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The kingdom of God is good news because the king is worthy of our trust. Remember the Apostle's words in Colossians 1 that Jesus is the image of the invisible God. What we see of in Jesus is always what God is like. He is a noble, just, merciful, kind, fierce, gentle, faithful, and loving. The kingdom of God is always good news because we've seen how far our king is willing to go for us, embracing death on a cross that we might live." [20:05] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus says the time is fulfilled the kingdom of God is at hand this is to say God is no longer plotting his schemes there are no more whiteboard sessions with the heavenly host there are no more practice runs or strategy meetings God's conspiracy to take his world back from Satan sin and death has begun in the person of Jesus his method for overthrowing the powers is through the suffering love of Jesus and he has launched a campaign called the gospel in which he is inviting every human being on the face of the earth to hear his vision of the future to remember his conquering of death and to join his family it is a conspiracy to heal the world through suffering love and anyone of any tribe of any tongue and of any nation is invited to experience his beloved reign today, now, for it is at hand." [22:51] (80 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Repentance when it's used by Jesus is always an invitation to rethink everything. It is the lifelong purpose of repentance. It is the process of exploring what we have assumed to be normal, what we've assumed to be okay, and to question what we've assumed and bring it before the Lord. Ask if this idea, this attitude, this action is consistent with the kingdom you are bringing about. It is this uncomfortable inventory of our habits, our attitudes, our cultures, our ways, our culture, our assumptions to discover where the kingdom of God has not transformed me." [35:07] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Repentance is an invitation to pay attention to the discomfort. In the monotony and the variety. It's an invitation. It's an invitation to submit every part of our lives to the kingdom. Repentance is this open-handed posture to rethink status, the status quo and its companion is belief. Belief in Christ is this act of allegiance. Allegiance that may lead us to do strange things for the sake of the kingdom. To step into God's great conspiracy to heal our world." [36:30] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "It's rethinking my assumptions around those in poverty and risking a relationship with someone who looks different than me. It's rethinking what happiness means and risking that it is found not in serving myself but serving others. May we be a community that joins God in his conspiracy to heal the world by rethinking what is possible and risking for what can be." [39:12] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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