Embracing the Kingdom: A Transformative Alternative
Summary
In the midst of a politically charged season, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the noise and pressure to choose sides. Many find themselves oscillating between anger, anxiety, or simply ignoring the chaos in hopes it will dissipate. However, Jesus offers a transformative alternative: the Kingdom of God. This series, "Kingdom People," invites us to explore this fourth option, which transcends earthly politics and offers a path of wisdom, courage, and joy.
Historically, Christians have not always aligned with the right side of political and social issues. Yet, when their primary allegiance is to the Kingdom of God, they become a resilient force for good, contributing to significant societal changes, such as the abolition of slavery and the fight against apartheid. The Kingdom of God calls us to a higher allegiance, beyond our earthly nations, to a life that reflects God's will and ways, bringing shalom—peace, wholeness, and flourishing—into our world.
Jesus' proclamation in Mark 1, "The time has come, the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news," is a call to embrace this Kingdom. It is not about waiting for heaven after death but about experiencing God's reign here and now. This Kingdom disrupts our lives like a newborn disrupts a family, inviting us to reorder our hearts and lives around God's purposes.
The Kingdom of God is an off-ramp from the chaos of our world, offering a third way that doesn't fit neatly into any political system. It invites us to repent—turning away from our old ways—and believe, trusting in the eternal truth and goodness of God's Kingdom. This ongoing process of repentance and belief is essential for both new believers and seasoned Christians, as it continually realigns us with God's will.
As we journey through this series, we are called to be an alternative to the culture, not mirroring its anger or anxiety but embodying the peace and righteousness of God's Kingdom. This is our Kairos moment, an extraordinary opportunity to choose allegiance to the Kingdom of God over earthly politics, and to become the extraordinary people God intended us to be.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Kingdom of God as an Alternative: In a world where anger, anxiety, and ignorance seem to be the only options, Jesus offers the Kingdom of God as a transformative alternative. This Kingdom invites us to live with wisdom, courage, and joy, transcending the chaos of earthly politics. [02:07]
2. Historical Impact of Kingdom Allegiance: When Christians prioritize the Kingdom of God, they become a force for extraordinary good, as seen in historical movements like the abolition of slavery. This allegiance calls us to contribute positively to society, reflecting God's justice and love. [04:44]
3. The Kingdom of God Here and Now: The Kingdom of God is not just a future promise but a present reality. It invites us to experience God's will and ways in our lives today, bringing peace and flourishing to our world. [13:19]
4. Repentance and Belief as a Lifestyle: Entering the Kingdom of God requires ongoing repentance and belief. This involves turning away from old patterns and trusting in God's eternal truth, allowing His Kingdom to reorder our lives continually. [26:58]
5. Becoming an Alternative Community: As Kingdom people, we are called to be an alternative to the culture, embodying God's peace and righteousness. This involves creating a community that reflects God's Kingdom, offering hope and transformation to the world. [18:13]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [00:29] - Introduction to Kingdom People Series
- [00:59] - The Noise of Election Season
- [01:36] - Personal Confessions of Political Emotions
- [02:07] - Jesus' Fourth Option: The Kingdom of God
- [02:50] - Historical Missteps and Contributions of Christians
- [04:05] - The Transformative Power of Kingdom Allegiance
- [05:17] - Earthly Allegiance vs. Kingdom Allegiance
- [06:26] - Introduction to Mark Chapter 1
- [08:26] - The Disruptive Nature of Jesus' Kingdom
- [09:29] - Jesus' Good News vs. Roman Propaganda
- [10:34] - Kairos: The Extraordinary Time
- [11:38] - Missing Jesus in Political Expectations
- [12:42] - The Third Option: Kingdom of God
- [13:19] - Understanding the Kingdom of God
- [14:41] - Shalom: The Heart of God's Kingdom
- [15:43] - The Church as a Different World
- [16:42] - Bringing the Kingdom to Everyday Life
- [18:13] - The Church as an Alternative to Culture
- [19:48] - Building Life Around the Eternal Kingdom
- [21:20] - The Inevitable Kingdom of God
- [23:24] - Repentance: Turning Towards God's Kingdom
- [26:58] - Ongoing Repentance and Belief
- [29:01] - Invitation to Repent and Believe
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Kingdom People"
Bible Reading:
- Mark 1:14-15: "After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 'The time has come,' he said. 'The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!'"
Observation Questions:
1. What are the three common reactions people have during a politically charged season, as mentioned in the sermon? [00:59]
2. How does the sermon describe the historical impact of Christians who prioritized the Kingdom of God? [04:05]
3. What does Jesus' proclamation in Mark 1:15 invite people to do, according to the sermon? [06:58]
4. How is the Kingdom of God described as an alternative to the political systems of the world? [12:42]
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for the Kingdom of God to be a "transformative alternative" in the context of today's political climate? [02:07]
2. How might the historical examples of Christians who prioritized the Kingdom of God inspire believers today to engage with societal issues? [04:44]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Kingdom of God is a present reality rather than just a future promise? [13:19]
4. How does the ongoing process of repentance and belief help Christians align with God's will, according to the sermon? [26:58]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current emotional response to political events. Are you more prone to anger, anxiety, or avoidance? How can you begin to shift your focus towards the Kingdom of God as a transformative alternative? [00:59]
2. Consider a historical or current societal issue. How can you, like past Christians, contribute positively by prioritizing the Kingdom of God in your actions and decisions? [04:44]
3. How can you experience the Kingdom of God in your daily life? Identify one area where you can actively seek to bring God's peace and flourishing. [13:19]
4. What are some "nets" in your life that you might need to drop in order to fully embrace the Kingdom of God? How can you begin this process of repentance and belief? [22:54]
5. Think about a community or group you are part of. How can you help create an alternative community that embodies God's peace and righteousness? [18:13]
6. Identify a specific way you can reduce your consumption of news or media that fuels anxiety or anger. What positive practice can you replace it with to focus on God's Kingdom? [23:54]
7. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt overwhelmed by the world's chaos. How can you apply the sermon’s message to find peace and courage in God's Kingdom during similar future situations? [02:07]
Devotional
Day 1: The Kingdom of God as a Transformative Alternative
In a world filled with political noise and division, the Kingdom of God offers a transformative alternative that transcends earthly politics. This Kingdom invites believers to live with wisdom, courage, and joy, providing a path that rises above the chaos. It is not about choosing sides in the political arena but about aligning oneself with the values and principles of God's Kingdom. This alignment brings peace and clarity, allowing individuals to navigate the complexities of life with a sense of purpose and direction. The Kingdom of God is a call to live differently, to embody the love and justice of God in a world that desperately needs it. [02:07]
Isaiah 2:3-4 (ESV): "Many peoples shall come, and say: 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.' For out of Zion shall go the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore."
Reflection: In what ways can you embody the wisdom, courage, and joy of God's Kingdom in your daily interactions, especially in politically charged conversations?
Day 2: Historical Impact of Kingdom Allegiance
Throughout history, Christians who have prioritized their allegiance to the Kingdom of God have been a force for extraordinary good. This allegiance has led to significant societal changes, such as the abolition of slavery and the fight against apartheid. When believers focus on God's Kingdom, they reflect His justice and love, contributing positively to society. This historical impact serves as a reminder of the power of living with a higher allegiance, one that transcends earthly nations and political systems. It is a call to be agents of change, bringing God's justice and love into the world. [04:44]
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: How can you actively contribute to societal change by prioritizing your allegiance to the Kingdom of God in your community?
Day 3: The Kingdom of God Here and Now
The Kingdom of God is not just a future promise but a present reality that invites believers to experience God's will and ways in their lives today. It is about bringing peace and flourishing to the world, living out the values of God's Kingdom in everyday life. This present reality challenges individuals to see beyond the temporal and to focus on the eternal, allowing God's reign to influence their decisions and actions. It is a call to live with an awareness of God's presence and to be instruments of His peace and love in the world. [13:19]
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: What are some practical ways you can bring the peace and flourishing of God's Kingdom into your daily life and interactions with others?
Day 4: Repentance and Belief as a Lifestyle
Entering the Kingdom of God requires ongoing repentance and belief, a continuous process of turning away from old patterns and trusting in God's eternal truth. This lifestyle involves allowing God's Kingdom to reorder one's life, aligning with His will and purposes. It is a journey of transformation, where believers are called to let go of the past and embrace the new life that God offers. This ongoing process is essential for both new believers and seasoned Christians, as it continually realigns them with God's will and deepens their relationship with Him. [26:58]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What old patterns or beliefs do you need to turn away from to fully embrace the new life that God offers in His Kingdom?
Day 5: Becoming an Alternative Community
As Kingdom people, believers are called to be an alternative to the culture, embodying God's peace and righteousness. This involves creating a community that reflects God's Kingdom, offering hope and transformation to the world. It is about being a light in the darkness, showing the world a different way of living that is rooted in love, justice, and peace. This alternative community is a testament to the power of God's Kingdom, demonstrating the transformative impact of living according to His will and purposes. [18:13]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: How can you contribute to building a community that reflects God's Kingdom, offering hope and transformation to those around you?
Quotes
1) "Jesus offers us a fourth option, the kingdom of God. And for the next six weeks, we're going to drill down into the kingdom of God, which opens up not to angry or to anxious or just closing our ears and eyes and hoping it all gets better on its own. It opens up to this path of fruitfulness, wisdom. Courage, joy. That's what we're going to drill down to in the next five weeks, right in the middle of a contentious election season, to be the kingdom of God people." [02:07] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "When Christians' primary allegiance is to the kingdom of God, they're a disruptive, hope-filled, resilient force for extraordinary good. When our primary home and our primary allegiance is this thing that Jesus called the kingdom of God, that makes us extraordinary people, resilient in the face of opposition, making all kinds of contribution to the world in ways that are fruitful and beautiful, even if not everybody likes it." [04:44] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Jesus invites us out of the crazy. Listen, if you're tired of anxious, angry, or closing your ears and hoping it all goes away, I've got really good news. That's what we're here to proclaim for the next five, six weeks. There's a better way, a healthier way, a more life-giving way right here today." [05:53] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "The kingdom of God is God's will and God's ways breaking into the here and now to bring this biblical word, shalom. Shalom means flourishing, peace, fruitfulness, goodness. All well. Bringing shalom, integration, harmony, rightness, right living, righteousness, and rightness. First, it reorders our hearts, us personally. And then, we bring it to the world as a gift to the world to align with God's wisdom, God's truth, God's beauty, God's goodness, God's love." [14:10] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "The kingdom of God is an off-ramp from Grazytown. Off-ramp, out of Grazytown. It's very near. It's here for you. Repent for the first time, for the millionth first time, and believe this good news." [30:02] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "When Christians have made that kingdom of God their primary allegiance, we have been extraordinary throughout history. And when Christians forget this and when they get sucked into our nation of origin, whatever nation that might be, we are very, very ordinary. Same mistakes, same anxieties, same fears, same ambitions as everyone else around us." [29:33] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "Repent and believe. This two-step of getting into the kingdom of God. This is the invitation from Jesus to all of us today. Hear the good news. The kingdom of God is not far off. It's right here. He invites you to repent and believe the good news." [29:01] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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