Key Beliefs

In a world where two kingdoms—heaven’s and the world’s—are constantly colliding, it’s crucial to recognize that, as followers of Jesus, we have already been transferred from darkness to light. This isn’t a future event waiting for heaven, but a present reality that shapes how we live right now. God’s desire is to bring His kingdom to earth through us, and that means embracing His truth, even when it challenges our preferences or offends our sensibilities. We don’t get to pick and choose which parts of Jesus or His teachings we accept; we receive Him as He truly is, not as we wish Him to be.

The collision of these kingdoms is not accidental. Jesus Himself said He came not just to bring peace, but also a sword—a dividing line that separates those who stand on His truth from those who prefer the world’s ways. This division can even cut through families and close relationships, but it’s a necessary part of living in the light. As a community, we are committed to grace and love, but also to standing firm on the essentials: Jesus is the Son of God, the Bible is God’s true word, and everyone must be born of God.

We often try to unlock the blessings and culture of heaven with the wrong keys—pop culture, politics, personal beliefs, or even silence. These keys may seem appealing or easier to use, but they cannot open the door to God’s kingdom. Only the keys of God’s truth, His way of doing things, and a life surrendered to Jesus will unlock the unshakable kingdom He offers. This means allowing God’s word to shape our views on relationships, identity, and morality, even when it runs counter to the prevailing culture.

Parents and leaders have a special responsibility to train up the next generation, not by passively permitting the world’s influence, but by actively modeling and teaching kingdom values. The rainbow, for example, is not a symbol of pride as the world uses it, but a reminder of God’s mercy and faithfulness. Ultimately, we are called to seek first His kingdom, trusting that everything else will be added as we walk in obedience and holy awe of our King. The kingdom we receive is unshakable, and our hope is secure because of what Jesus has already accomplished.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Transfer from Darkness to Light Is Immediate and Transformative When we surrender to Jesus, we are instantly transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. This is not a future hope but a present reality that changes our identity and perspective. We are called to live as citizens of heaven now, letting God’s kingdom shape our daily lives and choices, not waiting for some distant day to experience His rule. [03:29]
• 2. God’s Truth Is Not Subject to Our Preferences or Culture We don’t get to customize Jesus or His teachings to fit our comfort zones or cultural trends. The truth of God’s word stands above our feelings, traditions, or societal pressures. Embracing the real Jesus means accepting the parts of His message that challenge or even offend us, trusting that His way leads to true life and freedom. [06:15]
• 3. The Keys We Use Determine the Kingdom We Experience Many try to access God’s blessings and culture using the keys of pop culture, politics, or personal beliefs, but these cannot unlock heaven’s door. Only the keys of God’s truth, repentance, and surrender to His way will open the unshakable kingdom. Persistently using the wrong keys leads to frustration and confusion, but God invites us to use the keys He’s given for abundant life. [17:45]
• 4. Parents and Leaders Must Actively Model and Teach Kingdom Values Permitting the world’s influence through passive parenting or silence is itself a choice that shapes the next generation. God calls us to train, mold, and discipline our children in His ways, understanding that our example and instruction have eternal consequences. Silence or inaction is not neutral; it can open doors to compromise and confusion. [22:22]
• 5. The Unshakable Kingdom Is Built on Grace, Truth, and Holy Awe God’s kingdom is unshakable, unlike the shifting values of the world. We are called to seek His kingdom first, living with gratitude, holy fear, and awe of who He is. This means holding fast to the essentials—Jesus as Lord, the truth of Scripture, and a life set apart—while extending grace and love to all, trusting that God’s truth will transform hearts from the inside out. [38:55]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:16] - Honoring the Safety Team
• [01:35] - Church History and Growth
• [02:44] - Colossians 1:13 and the Transfer
• [03:50] - Living in the Kingdom Now
• [05:16] - Two Kingdoms Colliding
• [06:45] - Jesus Brings Peace and Division
• [08:32] - Essentials of Our Faith
• [10:11] - The Need for Truth in the Church
• [13:29] - Jesus: The Way, the Truth, the Life
• [16:44] - The Keys to the Kingdom
• [18:45] - Pop Culture vs. Kingdom Culture
• [21:57] - Parenting and Training Up Children
• [24:28] - Politics, Race, and Kingdom Perspective
• [28:17] - Identity, Gender, and God’s Design
• [29:54] - Relationships and God’s Blueprint
• [33:15] - Personal Beliefs and Generational Patterns
• [34:25] - The Danger of Silence
• [36:45] - What Are the Kingdom Keys?
• [38:08] - Seek First the Kingdom
• [38:55] - The Unshakable Kingdom
• [40:12] - The True Meaning of the Rainbow
• [41:52] - Invitation and Prayer for Salvation

Bible Reading

Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV) — > He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Matthew 10:34-36 (ESV) — > “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household.”

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

Observation Questions

1. According to Colossians 1:13, what has God done for those who trust in Jesus? What does it mean to be “transferred” from darkness to light? [03:29]
2. In Matthew 10:34-36, Jesus says he came not to bring peace but a sword. What kind of division is Jesus talking about here? [06:45]
3. The sermon mentioned that we often try to use the “wrong keys” to unlock God’s kingdom. What are some examples of these “wrong keys” that were given? [17:45]
4. What does Jesus promise will happen if we “seek first his kingdom” according to Matthew 6:33? [38:08]

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says the transfer from darkness to light is immediate and changes our identity. How might this new identity affect the way a believer lives day-to-day? [03:29]
2. Jesus’ words about bringing a sword instead of peace can sound harsh. Why do you think following Jesus sometimes causes division, even in families? [07:58]
3. The pastor talked about not picking and choosing which parts of Jesus or the Bible we accept. Why is it important to receive Jesus “as he truly is” and not just the parts we like? [06:15]
4. The message said that silence or passive parenting is not neutral. How can inaction or silence actually shape the next generation’s beliefs and values? [22:22]

Application Questions

1. The sermon said that the transfer from darkness to light is a present reality, not just a future hope. In what area of your life do you need to start living as someone who is already in God’s kingdom, not just waiting for heaven? [03:29]
2. Are there any teachings of Jesus or parts of the Bible that you find challenging or even offensive? How do you usually respond when God’s truth confronts your preferences or comfort zones? [06:15]
3. The pastor listed “wrong keys” like pop culture, politics, personal beliefs, or silence. Which of these do you find yourself tempted to use to “unlock” God’s blessings or direction? What would it look like to use God’s truth instead? [17:45]
4. If you are a parent, leader, or mentor, what is one specific way you can more actively model or teach kingdom values to the next generation this week? If you’re not a parent, how can you encourage or support those who are? [22:22]
5. The rainbow was described as a symbol of God’s mercy and faithfulness, not just what the world says it is. How can you reclaim or teach the true meaning of God’s symbols in your home or relationships? [40:12]
6. The sermon challenged us to “seek first the kingdom.” What is one practical step you can take this week to put God’s kingdom first in your decisions, relationships, or priorities? [38:08]
7. The message said that God’s kingdom is unshakable and built on grace, truth, and holy awe. How can you cultivate more gratitude and holy awe in your daily walk with God? [38:55]