Expanding the Unshakable Kingdom of God
Summary
The central theme of today's message is the unshakable kingdom of God, as described in Hebrews 12:28. This kingdom is not just a future destination but a present reality wherever God reigns as king. Jesus introduced this kingdom to the world, and it has since expanded globally, influencing cultures and transforming lives. Through parables, Jesus illustrated the kingdom's growth and influence, likening it to a mustard seed and yeast, which start small but grow to have a significant impact.
Jesus' mission was to bring heaven to earth, and as followers, we are called to continue this mission. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be agents of change, expanding the kingdom's borders and influencing the world around us. This involves living out the kingdom values of love, generosity, and compassion, as outlined in the Sermon on the Mount. We are not to be passive believers waiting for heaven but active participants bringing heaven to earth through our actions and interactions.
Being a kingdom activist means focusing on what we are for rather than what we are against. It involves caring for the marginalized, sharing the gospel, and bringing healing and hope to those in need. We are called to be a light in dark places, just as Jesus was, and to let our actions reflect the kingdom's values. This includes offering forgiveness and reconciliation, which are powerful expressions of the kingdom's influence.
As we live out this manifesto, we are reminded that the kingdom of God is still expanding, and there are more people to reach. We are encouraged to be filled with the Holy Spirit, allowing God's power to work in and through us to influence culture and bring about change. This is our heavenly mandate, and it requires us to be intentional in our actions and interactions, always seeking to bring the light and love of the kingdom to those around us.
Key Takeaways:
- The kingdom of God is a present reality, not just a future destination. It is wherever God reigns as king, and we are called to be active participants in expanding its influence on earth. [02:42]
- Jesus empowers us to do greater works through the Holy Spirit, allowing the kingdom to spread globally and influence cultures. This is not just about performing miracles but about the quantity and reach of our impact. [04:55]
- Being a kingdom activist means focusing on what we are for, not just what we are against. It involves living out the values of love, generosity, and compassion, and being a light in dark places. [11:23]
- Forgiveness and reconciliation are powerful expressions of the kingdom's influence. They bring heaven to earth and release something supernatural in our lives and the lives of others. [37:28]
- We are called to share the gospel and our testimonies, bringing healing and hope to those in need. This involves being attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance and being willing to step into uncomfortable situations to bring the kingdom's light. [32:37]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:57] - Understanding Parables
[01:39] - The Kingdom's Expansion
[02:42] - Global Influence of the Kingdom
[03:31] - Greater Works Through the Spirit
[04:11] - Quality vs. Quantity in Miracles
[04:55] - Jesus' Presence Everywhere
[05:26] - Being Agents of Change
[06:06] - C.S. Lewis and Good Infection
[07:26] - Bringing Heaven to Earth
[08:01] - The Great Commission
[09:15] - Kingdom Activism
[10:22] - What We Stand For
[11:23] - God's Love for All
[12:25] - Kingdom Manifesto
[13:24] - Living the Kingdom Lifestyle
[14:14] - Caring for Others
[15:24] - Being the Light
[16:11] - Jesus' Example
[16:56] - The Challenge of Darkness
[18:08] - Following the Spirit's Lead
[19:21] - Reaching the Unreachable
[20:23] - Stories of Transformation
[21:29] - Caring for the Marginalized
[22:06] - Seeing the Invisible
[23:22] - Offering More Than Money
[24:57] - Recognizing the Marginalized
[25:35] - Foster Care Ministry
[26:39] - Supporting Resource Families
[27:36] - Wraparound Care
[28:33] - Future Ministry Opportunities
[29:01] - Sharing the Gospel
[30:11] - Personal Testimonies
[31:45] - Inviting Others to Church
[32:37] - Bringing Healing and Hope
[33:13] - God-Ordained Moments
[34:11] - Acts of Generosity
[35:48] - Offering Forgiveness
[36:27] - The Power of Reconciliation
[37:28] - Releasing Forgiveness
[38:23] - A Moment of Forgiveness
[39:26] - The Impact of Unforgiveness
[40:23] - Living in the Light
[41:11] - Being a Good Infection
[42:19] - Prayer and Activation
[43:17] - Receiving the Holy Spirit
[44:17] - Surrendering to Jesus
[45:12] - Worship and Closing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Unshakable Kingdom of God
Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 12:28
- Matthew 13:31-33
- John 14:12-14
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Hebrews 12:28 say about the nature of God's kingdom, and how does it encourage believers to respond? [00:00]
2. In Matthew 13:31-33, Jesus uses parables to describe the kingdom of heaven. What are the two parables, and what do they illustrate about the kingdom's growth and influence? [01:39]
3. According to John 14:12-14, what promise does Jesus give to those who believe in Him, and how does this relate to the expansion of the kingdom? [03:31]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to be agents of change in the world? [05:26]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of an "unshakable kingdom" in Hebrews 12:28 challenge the way believers view their current circumstances and future hope? [00:00]
2. What might Jesus' parables of the mustard seed and yeast suggest about the nature of the kingdom's influence in the world today? [01:39]
3. In what ways does the promise of doing "greater works" than Jesus, as mentioned in John 14:12-14, apply to the modern church's mission and outreach? [03:31]
4. How does the sermon suggest believers should balance being a "kingdom activist" with the potential challenges of engaging with the world? [09:15]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily life. How can you actively participate in expanding the kingdom of God in your community? Consider specific actions you can take this week. [08:01]
2. The sermon emphasizes focusing on what we are for rather than what we are against. What are some positive values or causes you can champion in your interactions with others? [11:23]
3. Think of a situation where you can offer forgiveness or seek reconciliation. How might this act bring a piece of heaven to earth in your relationships? [37:28]
4. Identify a marginalized group or individual in your community. What practical steps can you take to show love, generosity, and compassion to them this month? [21:29]
5. The sermon encourages sharing the gospel and personal testimonies. Who is one person you can share your faith story with this week, and how will you approach the conversation? [29:01]
6. Consider a "dark place" in your life or community where you can bring light. What specific actions can you take to be a light in that situation? [16:11]
7. How can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily interactions? What practices can you implement to better hear and respond to His leading? [18:08]
Devotional
Day 1: The Kingdom of God is Here and Now
The kingdom of God is not merely a distant promise or a future hope; it is a present reality wherever God reigns as king. This kingdom was introduced to the world by Jesus and continues to expand globally, influencing cultures and transforming lives. Jesus used parables to illustrate the kingdom's growth and influence, likening it to a mustard seed and yeast, which start small but grow to have a significant impact. As followers of Christ, we are called to be active participants in expanding the kingdom's influence on earth, living out its values in our daily lives. [02:42]
Hebrews 12:28 (ESV): "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in expanding God's kingdom in your daily life today?
Day 2: Empowered for Greater Works
Jesus empowers us to do greater works through the Holy Spirit, allowing the kingdom to spread globally and influence cultures. This empowerment is not just about performing miracles but about the quantity and reach of our impact. As believers, we are called to be agents of change, expanding the kingdom's borders and influencing the world around us. This involves living out the kingdom values of love, generosity, and compassion, as outlined in the Sermon on the Mount. We are not to be passive believers waiting for heaven but active participants bringing heaven to earth through our actions and interactions. [04:55]
John 14:12 (ESV): "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father."
Reflection: How can you allow the Holy Spirit to work through you to make a greater impact in your community today?
Day 3: Kingdom Activism: A Focus on Love and Light
Being a kingdom activist means focusing on what we are for rather than what we are against. It involves living out the values of love, generosity, and compassion, and being a light in dark places. As followers of Christ, we are called to care for the marginalized, share the gospel, and bring healing and hope to those in need. We are to be a light in dark places, just as Jesus was, and to let our actions reflect the kingdom's values. This includes offering forgiveness and reconciliation, which are powerful expressions of the kingdom's influence. [11:23]
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 specific way you can be a light in a dark place today?
Day 4: The Power of Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Forgiveness and reconciliation are powerful expressions of the kingdom's influence. They bring heaven to earth and release something supernatural in our lives and the lives of others. As followers of Christ, we are called to offer forgiveness and seek reconciliation, reflecting the kingdom's values in our interactions with others. This involves being attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance and being willing to step into uncomfortable situations to bring the kingdom's light. [37:28]
Colossians 3:13 (ESV): "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Day 5: Sharing the Gospel and Bringing Hope
We are called to share the gospel and our testimonies, bringing healing and hope to those in need. This involves being attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance and being willing to step into uncomfortable situations to bring the kingdom's light. As we live out this manifesto, we are reminded that the kingdom of God is still expanding, and there are more people to reach. We are encouraged to be filled with the Holy Spirit, allowing God's power to work in and through us to influence culture and bring about change. [32:37]
2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can share your testimony with today, and how can you approach them with love and sensitivity?
Quotes
1. "The kingdom of heaven is not the place you go when you die. It's part of it, but the kingdom of heaven is any place where God rules and reigns as king. And so Jesus brought us the kingdom of heaven when he came to this world. And he showed us what this is all about to be a part of this unshakable kingdom. Well, it started with Jesus, but obviously it has spread. It has grown. It is now worldwide. It's incredible to think that it started with Jesus, and now billions of people have been impacted by the gospel message and are now a part of the kingdom of heaven." [02:42] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What is the whole idea of having the Holy Spirit? It's so that you can be an agent of change just as Jesus was an agent of change. That you can expand the borders of the kingdom just as Jesus did. Jesus expanded the borders of the kingdom. There is an activation that is taking place with you when you are a part of the unshakable kingdom." [06:06] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The mission of God is not just to be greedy with the unshakable kingdom that you have been given. It is to share that unshakable kingdom. It is to share that unshakable kingdom with everybody that you contact. Everybody that is around you. This is the mission. This is his final words before he sends into heaven. He says, go, therefore, into all the world, making disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." [08:37] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The world needs to know what we're fighting for. More than they need to know what we're against. Can I say that one more time? We need to let the world know what we're for more than what we're against. That that's, that's the driving force behind the kingdom of heaven. And that, that God, listen to me, church. God is for people, all people, not some people, all people look at the person next to you. He's for that person. Look at the person on the other side of you. He's for that person. He's for all people. And he wants all people to be a part of this unshakable kingdom." [11:23] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "As Jesus rules as our king, we embody the love, generosity, and compassion of our king. And strive to infect the world around us by spreading the kingdom of God through the way we live and how we treat others. Pretty much if you were to summarize Matthew chapter five through seven, that's what you get. That's how you land. Like, oh, like Jesus is wanting to make a difference in this world by the way we live and by the way we treat other human beings." [13:24] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "If the Holy Spirit tells you to go somewhere because he's living in you, then you go in with confidence knowing that it doesn't matter what kind of reputation, it doesn't matter what kind of person may see you, that if God is leading you to do it, that he will take care of all the other things that are around that. Does that make sense? Like if somebody wants to be judgmental and say, I saw Pastor Jim going to that bar. That means I could go to a bar. But last time I went in a bar, I drank too much and got a DUI. I probably shouldn't go there, but Pastor Jim went there. I can't worry about any of that. If God calls me into a place, I got to go and then say, God sent me in here to do kingdom business." [18:08] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "When love and generosity and compassion are the anthems of the kingdom of heaven and the driving forces of heaven, they should be the driving forces of our life as well. This is what I call living Jesus style. So if you're going to live this manifesto, that would include caring for the poor and the least of these. That's a part of it. So going to places that you may feel uncomfortable with, but it also means that you're going to live this manifesto. It means that you're caring for the poor and the least of these, which if I were to translate it in our modern day culture, I would say the marginalized, the people that are kind of invisible to society." [21:29] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Forgiveness descended on that funeral and it was the most beautiful, godly, heavenly thing I've ever experienced. And that's what happens when forgiveness is released over your life towards everybody that has wounded you, hurt you and offend you. But they don't deserve my forgiveness. I know that's what makes it heavenly. That's what makes it so beautiful. They don't deserve it, but you're giving it to them anyway. Why? Because your heavenly father, when you didn't deserve it, he gave it to you anyway. So you're just given what you have. You've already been given by God." [40:23] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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