Embracing the Kingdom: Love, Service, and True Gospel

 

Summary

Grace and peace to you all as we wrap up another year and prepare to enter the season of Advent. Today, we reflect on the greatest news ever—the gospel, which proclaims that Jesus is King and His kingdom is coming on earth as it is in heaven. This is an invitation for everyone to participate in this divine kingdom. However, the concept of Jesus as King and His kingdom can be misunderstood, especially in a world where earthly power structures dominate our understanding of leadership and governance.

The Apostle Paul warned the Galatians about turning to a different gospel, highlighting the confusion that can arise when the true message of Christ is distorted. This confusion is evident today, especially when political figures use religious language that may not align with the gospel's true meaning. The gospel is good news for everyone, and if it isn't, then it isn't the true gospel.

On this Christ the King Sunday, we are reminded that Jesus offers a different vision of kingship—one not based on earthly power but on love, truth, and grace. Jesus was political, but not in the partisan sense we often think of. His message was about the kingdom of God, which calls us to live boldly different lives, marked by love and service rather than power and control.

As we navigate the tensions of our world, especially during times like Thanksgiving when we may face disagreements with loved ones, we must remember the values of Jesus' kingdom. Patriotism, which involves loving our country while acknowledging its flaws, is different from Christian nationalism, which merges national and religious identities in a way that can be dangerous. Jesus' kingdom is inclusive, faith-based, and eternal, contrasting with the exclusivity and temporal nature of earthly kingdoms.

Jesus' conversation with Pilate in John 18 reveals that His kingdom is not of this world, meaning it operates on different values and methods. While earthly kingdoms often value power and wealth, God's kingdom values love, justice, and humility. The methods of God's kingdom involve self-sacrifice and service, not force or coercion.

As citizens of God's kingdom, we are called to live and love boldly different lives. This means examining our allegiances, setting boundaries with love, rejecting the ideal of power, and embracing kingdom values. As we gather around the table for communion, we celebrate the good news that God's kingdom invites all of us, transforming us through His grace.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Gospel as Good News for All: The gospel is the proclamation that Jesus is King and His kingdom is coming on earth as it is in heaven. This message is good news for everyone, and if it isn't, then it isn't the true gospel. We must ensure that our understanding of the gospel aligns with its inclusive and transformative nature. [12:27]

2. Jesus' Kingdom vs. Earthly Kingdoms: Jesus' kingdom is not of this world, meaning it operates on different values and methods. While earthly kingdoms often value power and wealth, God's kingdom values love, justice, and humility. This calls us to live boldly different lives, marked by love and service. [17:28]

3. Navigating Political Tensions: Jesus was political, but not in the partisan sense. His message was about the kingdom of God, which calls us to live differently. As we face political tensions, we must remember that our primary allegiance is to God's kingdom, which transcends earthly divisions. [19:09]

4. Setting Boundaries with Love: In times of disagreement, such as during family gatherings, it's important to set boundaries with love. This allows us to maintain relationships while protecting ourselves and our loved ones from destructive influences. [24:44]

5. Embracing Kingdom Values: True strength involves service over power, vulnerability, and radical love. We are called to build bridges across differences and welcome all to God's table, reflecting the inclusive nature of His kingdom. [27:44]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:15] - The Greatest News: The Gospel
- [03:30] - Understanding Jesus as King
- [05:45] - The Apostle Paul's Warning
- [08:00] - Confusion in the Gospel Message
- [10:15] - Lighthearted Story: The King's Meteorologist
- [12:27] - Patriotism vs. Christian Nationalism
- [14:57] - The Danger of Merging Church and State
- [17:28] - Jesus' Kingdom: Not of This World
- [19:09] - Values of God's Kingdom
- [21:46] - Methods of God's Kingdom
- [23:53] - Living and Loving Boldly Different
- [24:44] - Setting Boundaries with Love
- [26:18] - Rejecting Power, Embracing Service
- [27:44] - Embracing Kingdom Values
- [30:06] - Communion: A Celebration of Good News

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- John 18:33-37

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "My kingdom is not from this world"? How does this statement challenge the traditional understanding of a kingdom? [17:28]
2. How does the sermon describe the difference between Jesus' kingdom and earthly kingdoms in terms of values and methods? [19:09]
3. What are some examples given in the sermon of how Jesus' kingdom operates differently from earthly kingdoms? [21:46]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How might the concept of Jesus' kingdom being "not of this world" influence a believer's understanding of their role in society? [17:28]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that political figures might misuse religious language, and how can this lead to confusion about the gospel? [12:27]
3. How does the sermon differentiate between patriotism and Christian nationalism, and why is this distinction important for believers? [14:57]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own understanding of the gospel. How can you ensure that your interpretation aligns with its inclusive and transformative nature? [12:27]
2. Consider the values of Jesus' kingdom—love, justice, and humility. How can you incorporate these values into your daily interactions and decisions? [19:09]
3. During family gatherings, such as Thanksgiving, how can you set boundaries with love to maintain healthy relationships while protecting yourself from destructive influences? [24:44]
4. Examine your allegiances. Are there areas in your life where national or political identity takes precedence over kingdom values? How can you realign your priorities? [23:53]
5. Think of a situation where you might be tempted to use power or control. How can you choose service and vulnerability instead, following Jesus' example? [26:18]
6. How can you actively build bridges across differences in your community, reflecting the inclusive nature of God's kingdom? [27:44]
7. As you gather around the table for communion or meals, how can you celebrate the good news of God's kingdom and allow it to transform you and those around you? [28:32]

Devotional

Day 1: The Gospel's Universal Invitation
The gospel is the proclamation that Jesus is King and His kingdom is coming on earth as it is in heaven. This message is good news for everyone, and if it isn't, then it isn't the true gospel. We must ensure that our understanding of the gospel aligns with its inclusive and transformative nature. The gospel invites all people, regardless of background or status, to participate in the divine kingdom. It challenges us to examine our perceptions and biases, ensuring that we do not distort its message to fit earthly agendas. The true gospel is marked by its ability to transcend cultural and societal barriers, offering hope and redemption to all who embrace it. [12:27]

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life might feel excluded from the gospel's message? How can you extend the invitation of God's kingdom to them today?


Day 2: Kingdom Values Over Earthly Power
Jesus' kingdom is not of this world, meaning it operates on different values and methods. While earthly kingdoms often value power and wealth, God's kingdom values love, justice, and humility. This calls us to live boldly different lives, marked by love and service. In a world that often prioritizes status and control, the kingdom of God offers a radical alternative. It invites us to embody the values of love, justice, and humility in our daily interactions, challenging the norms of society. By aligning our lives with these kingdom values, we become agents of change, reflecting the heart of God in a world that desperately needs it. [17:28]

"But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:43-45, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize service and humility over power and control in your daily life?


Day 3: Navigating Political Tensions with Kingdom Allegiance
Jesus was political, but not in the partisan sense. His message was about the kingdom of God, which calls us to live differently. As we face political tensions, we must remember that our primary allegiance is to God's kingdom, which transcends earthly divisions. In a world often divided by political ideologies, the kingdom of God offers a unifying vision. It calls us to rise above partisan conflicts and focus on the values of love, justice, and peace. By prioritizing our allegiance to God's kingdom, we can navigate political tensions with grace and wisdom, becoming peacemakers in a divided world. [19:09]

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Romans 13:1, ESV)

Reflection: How can you demonstrate your allegiance to God's kingdom in conversations about politics and governance?


Day 4: Setting Boundaries with Love
In times of disagreement, such as during family gatherings, it's important to set boundaries with love. This allows us to maintain relationships while protecting ourselves and our loved ones from destructive influences. Setting boundaries is an act of love, both for ourselves and for others. It enables us to engage in healthy relationships without compromising our values or well-being. By establishing clear boundaries, we create space for genuine connection and understanding, even amidst disagreements. This practice reflects the heart of God's kingdom, which values love and respect for all individuals. [24:44]

"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling." (1 Peter 4:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: What boundaries do you need to set in your relationships to ensure they are healthy and loving?


Day 5: Embracing Kingdom Values of Service and Love
True strength involves service over power, vulnerability, and radical love. We are called to build bridges across differences and welcome all to God's table, reflecting the inclusive nature of His kingdom. Embracing kingdom values means choosing service over dominance, love over fear, and unity over division. It requires us to be vulnerable, opening our hearts to others and extending grace even when it's difficult. By living out these values, we become a reflection of God's love, inviting others to experience the transformative power of His kingdom. [27:44]

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively demonstrate radical love and service in your community this week?

Quotes



I wonder sometimes when I say gospel and other people say gospel are we on the same page when politicians say Jesus is king or they talk about God's kingdom is that the same thing that when we talk about on Sunday morning is there different gospels here's my point if we're not on the same page if we can put that gospel slide back on the screen if we're not on the same if we're not on the same page with this I'm like what are messages of the church if we're not on the same page with this then I'm really concerned about the future of Christians in America and here's the thing I think there's confusion I think there's confusion and I think some people when they hear presentations of the gospel it's not really good news for them and my point has always been if it's not good news for everyone then it's not the good news because the proclamation is good news for everyone and that deserves an amen by the way oh my goodness you guys are asleep and so am I we gotta wake each other up so anyway on that note let me begin with a since we're going to [00:05:00] (73 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


Jesus answered, my kingdom is not from this world.If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews, but as it is, my kingdom is not from here. Let's just leave that right there.My kingdom is not from this world. That first thing, my kingdom is not from this world.A lot of people have looked at that particular verse, and they say, well, Jesus' kingdom must be all spiritual. It's over there. It's somewhere out there in space, but I don't think that's what he's talking about, because the next verse is talking about fighting. I don't really think he's talking about that. I think he's talking about the values, and I do believe that the values of the kingdom of God conflict with earthly kingdoms, especially when you take a look at what kingdoms value, and this is historically. If we can put the next slide on values, God's kingdom values. Love and justice and mercy and humility, oftentimes, earthly kingdoms, what do they value? Power and wealth and status and self -interest.Those are a conflicting set of values, and when Jesus says, my kingdom is not of this world, he's saying it's not the same value system that you see in the world, and so this creates conflict inside.How am I supposed to be a citizen of a country when the values are different than the conflict inside? How am I supposed to be a citizen of a kingdom of heaven than I'm a citizen of? And that's the tension that we feel. If you go back to that, you know, go to that verse again, that second verse, my followers, if this kingdom was from this world, what would my followers do? They'd be fighting.In other words, Jesus says, you know what, if I was just [00:17:28] (103 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


know what that word means? It means Thanksgiving. It means celebration. It means happiness.Because we have good news that we share in. Amen?So today, as we take communion and everybody's invited to the table, we are going to celebrate. I asked Dale to sing This is Amazing Grace. You know, it's kind of an upbeat song. Because you know what? We have good news to celebrate. God's kingdom invites all of us, no matter how messed up we are.Grace meets us at the table. And we don't leave the table the same that when we came.We are changed because God's love changes us. And so we're going to celebrate around the table to conclude on this Thanksgiving Sunday of the gratitude that we have. And my hope is that that gratitude flows out to Thursday. Amen? Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen.oh, real quick, that next picture. What made the early church so weird and wild was the fact that different people would share a common cup, and no worries, we're not sharing a common cup, dip in instead of drink from, but it's the fact that people shared in that experience. Rich people, poor people, Jews and Gentiles, enemies, friends.What made the early church so amazing and what called and challenged it to grow was the fact that different people would come together, and that'd be the only place on the planet that these people would be ever seen in together and around the table together was the church because God calls difference to be family. Let us pray together.Lord, we're so grateful that we're a part of your kingdom, and this kingdom that you called us to is different, and you're calling us to live and love differently, and that is hard, and that's why we need this church. And we need your guidance, and we need the example of Jesus as the truth.So help us, Lord, as we celebrate today the good news of Jesus, that Jesus is king, and this kingdom is different. It's a kingdom of love instead of power. Help us to
[00:28:19] ( | | )

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Transcript
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