Empowering Communities Through the Kingdom of God

 

Summary

The central theme of our gathering today is the Kingdom of God and its profound impact on the local church and community. The church is not meant to exist solely for itself; it is established for the Kingdom. When a church focuses inwardly, it becomes narrow and loses its purpose. However, when it aligns with the Kingdom's purpose, it becomes a powerful force for transformation in the community. In Dallas, our local church has embraced this Kingdom concept by adopting 60 public schools, providing mentoring, tutoring, and family support services. This initiative has led to children and parents coming to Christ and making better life decisions, fostering a proper work ethic and community development.

Our efforts extend beyond spiritual guidance. We have established systems to support these families, such as computer labs for job training, GEDs, and parenting skills. Our athletic programs mentor over a thousand kids, and our summer programs and Dad's Club encourage men to take responsibility for their families. We've also invested in economic development by purchasing shopping centers and placing Christian businesses within them, like our resale store, which serves as both a ministry income source and a witnessing tool.

Our commitment to life is evident in our pregnancy center, offering comprehensive services from womb to tomb. Through the Urban Alternative, our national ministry, we share these Kingdom principles with churches across America, training leaders and members to implement them in their communities. This comprehensive approach includes measuring success through conversions, baptisms, and community building within the church.

In a world increasingly retreating from the divine, it's crucial to take a stand. This is not a time for private Christianity or covert operations. We must publicly declare our faith in Jesus Christ and work together to impact our communities positively. Whether Jesus returns tomorrow or in 200 years, our responsibility is to ensure a legacy of faith and transformation for future generations.

Key Takeaways:

1. The church exists for the Kingdom, not for itself. When a church focuses solely on its own needs, it becomes narrow and loses its purpose. Embracing the Kingdom's purpose allows the church to become a transformative force in the community, impacting lives and fostering growth. [00:12]

2. Community engagement is vital for Kingdom work. By adopting public schools and providing mentoring and support services, we see lives transformed and families strengthened. This holistic approach addresses both spiritual and practical needs, leading to lasting change. [00:54]

3. Economic development is a crucial aspect of community transformation. By investing in local businesses and creating job opportunities, the church can provide practical support and serve as a witness to the community, demonstrating the Kingdom's values in action. [01:36]

4. Comprehensive discipleship involves more than Sunday services. Building relationships through small groups and community activities strengthens the church and fosters a Kingdom mindset, encouraging believers to live out their faith in everyday life. [02:59]

5. In a world retreating from God, it's time to take a public stand for Christ. Private Christianity is not enough; we must boldly declare our faith and work together to impact our communities, ensuring a legacy of faith for future generations. [04:14]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - The Church's Purpose
[00:39] - Community Impact in Dallas
[00:54] - School Adoption and Mentoring
[01:21] - Supporting Families and Youth
[01:36] - Economic Development Initiatives
[01:48] - Business as a Witnessing Tool
[02:03] - Comprehensive Life Services
[02:15] - National Ministry and Training
[02:30] - Implementing Kingdom Principles
[02:45] - Measuring Success in Ministry
[03:10] - Building Community and Relationships
[03:36] - Church and School Partnerships
[03:47] - Urgency of Kingdom Work
[04:14] - Public Declaration of Faith

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Kingdom of God and Its Impact on the Local Church

Bible Reading:

1. Matthew 16:18-19 (NIV) - "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

2. Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV) - "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"

3. James 2:14-17 (NIV) - "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

Observation Questions:

1. What is the primary purpose of the church according to the sermon, and how does it relate to the Kingdom of God? [00:12]

2. How has the local church in Dallas implemented the Kingdom concept in practical ways? [00:39]

3. What are some of the specific community initiatives mentioned in the sermon that demonstrate the church's commitment to the Kingdom? [01:36]

4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between private Christianity and public declaration of faith? [04:14]

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of the church having the "keys to the kingdom" influence its role in the community? [00:12]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that community engagement is essential for Kingdom work? How does this align with the Great Commission? [00:54]

3. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of economic development in community transformation? What biblical principles support this approach? [01:36]

4. What does the sermon imply about the urgency of taking a public stand for Christ in today's world? How does this relate to the idea of leaving a legacy of faith? [04:14]

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own church community. In what ways is it currently focused on the Kingdom of God, and where might it be too inwardly focused? How can you contribute to a shift towards Kingdom work? [00:12]

2. Consider the community initiatives mentioned in the sermon, such as school adoption and mentoring. Is there a similar need in your community that your church could address? How might you get involved? [00:54]

3. Economic development was highlighted as a crucial aspect of community transformation. Are there opportunities for your church to support local businesses or create job opportunities? What role could you play in this effort? [01:36]

4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of public declaration of faith. How can you personally take a stand for Christ in your daily life? What specific actions can you take this week to make your faith more visible? [04:14]

5. The sermon discusses the importance of comprehensive discipleship beyond Sunday services. How can you engage more deeply in your church's small groups or community activities to foster a Kingdom mindset? [02:59]

6. Reflect on the idea of leaving a legacy of faith for future generations. What steps can you take to ensure that your faith positively impacts your family and community for years to come? [03:59]

7. How can you personally support the church's mission to impact the community, whether through volunteering, financial support, or prayer? What specific commitment can you make this month? [03:47]

Devotional

Day 1: The Church's Purpose is Kingdom-Centric
The church is not an entity that exists solely for its own benefit. Instead, it is established to serve the Kingdom of God. When a church becomes inward-focused, it risks losing its true purpose and becoming narrow in its vision. However, when it aligns itself with the Kingdom's purpose, it transforms into a powerful force for change within the community. This alignment allows the church to impact lives, foster growth, and bring about transformation. By embracing the Kingdom's purpose, the church can fulfill its calling to be a beacon of hope and light in the world. [00:12]

Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus from personal or church-centric goals to align more closely with the Kingdom's purpose in your daily life?


Day 2: Community Engagement as Kingdom Work
Engaging with the community is a vital aspect of Kingdom work. By adopting public schools and providing mentoring and support services, the church can witness lives being transformed and families being strengthened. This holistic approach addresses both spiritual and practical needs, leading to lasting change. When the church steps out to serve the community, it becomes a living testimony of God's love and grace, impacting lives in profound ways. [00:54]

James 2:15-17 (ESV): "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

Reflection: How can you actively engage with your community this week to address both spiritual and practical needs?


Day 3: Economic Development as a Witness
Economic development is a crucial aspect of community transformation. By investing in local businesses and creating job opportunities, the church can provide practical support and serve as a witness to the community. This demonstrates the Kingdom's values in action, showing that faith is not just about spiritual matters but also about practical, everyday life. Through economic initiatives, the church can help uplift communities and provide hope for a better future. [01:36]

Proverbs 31:8-9 (ESV): "Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy."

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take to support economic development in your community as a reflection of Kingdom values?


Day 4: Comprehensive Discipleship Beyond Sunday
Discipleship involves more than just attending Sunday services. Building relationships through small groups and community activities strengthens the church and fosters a Kingdom mindset. This encourages believers to live out their faith in everyday life, not just within the walls of the church. By engaging in comprehensive discipleship, believers can grow in their faith and become more effective witnesses for Christ in their communities. [02:59]

Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Reflection: How can you deepen your discipleship journey beyond Sunday services to impact your daily life and those around you?


Day 5: Public Declaration of Faith
In a world that is increasingly retreating from God, it is time to take a public stand for Christ. Private Christianity is not enough; believers must boldly declare their faith and work together to impact their communities. This public declaration ensures a legacy of faith for future generations, showing that faith is not something to be hidden but to be shared openly and courageously. [04:14]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: What is one way you can publicly declare your faith this week, and how might it impact those around you?

Quotes


the unifying theme of scripture is the kingdom and so when you understand that and when the local church is built around that because the church does not exist for the church far too many local churches exist for their local churches Jesus established his church and gave his church the keys to the kingdom the church exists for the kingdom the moment the local church only exists for the church it would become ingrown narrow uh and and unfocused but when it exists for something bigger than itself for the purpose for which it has been established well now you've got something really special taking place [00:02:40]

because the community will know and feel what the church has done that's happening in Dallas at our local church as we uh have uh taken this Kingdom concept we've adopted 60 Public Schools providing mentoring and tutoring and Family Support Services to the ADV students in those schools we're seeing kids won the Christ parents won the Christ but also their lives changed and shifted in a direction that will cause them to make better decisions as parents and as people to develop a proper work ethic [00:39:12]

but we've not only told them what to do we've tried to build systems to help them do it whether it's our computer lab that will give them job training or geds or or parenting skills whether it's our Athletic program over a thousand kids being mentored in our Athletic program or our summer program and uh the dad's Club to bring men into the fry of what it means to be a man and to take responsibility for your family [00:70:52]

we have uh bought two shopping centers to deal with economic development in the community and inside of that we have placed Christian businesses like our resale store to not only generate income for the ministry but to give us a witnessing tool through business and so we have all of these features just as illustrations as a pregnancy center uh where we deal with life from womb to tomb and so around the the ladies with wraparound services for them and their and their children [00:96:04]

then through the urban alternative our national Ministry we've taken the principles that we have developed in our local Ministry of the kingdom of discipleship and of outcomes and we have transferred that to training to local churches All Over America so churches All Over America either online or through our teaching team are learning about how to implement these principles of the Kingdom in their local church how to train their leaders how to train their members and then how to do their outreaches comprehensively in all these different spheres so that they can have an impact [00:133:76]

how do you measure that well certainly seeing people come to Christ and baptized is a is a way you can measure salvation and the beginning process of discipleship also building community in the local Church through small groups through Sunday schools but bringing people beyond the Sunday morning corporate expression into relationship with one another so how many people are connected through the ministry that you serve or through the small groups that you have uh so that people are being bonded and are being reinforced in this Kingdom mindset and this Kingdom concept [00:169:80]

we're training churches in that we're providing resources for Ministries and churches uh we even have superintendant from schools calling us and asking us how we can bring the National Church adop the school initiative to their community and unite churches with schools for this impact we're talking about you see when you have to consider putting um metal detectors in your hallway uh you don't want to talk about the separation church and state you want to talk about help you want to talk about who's coming alongside to strengthen our hand for impact [00:202:44]

you see if Jesus Christ comes back tomorrow we don't have to worry about any of this if Jesus doesn't come back for another 200 years you better worry about all of this cuz that's your children and your grandchildren and it's not just inner city or Urban anymore it's all over the nation this this Retreat from the Divine this this marginalization of God and his Christ is all around us so it's time to take a stand [00:230:04]

this is not a time for private Christianity this is not a time for Spiritual CIA Representatives or covert operatives only this is a time to go public and make it clear where we stand and in whom we believe and that's not just generic God that is the Lord Jesus Christ [00:254:32]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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