Restoring God's Kingdom: Hope Amidst Brokenness

Devotional

Day 1: The Reality of a Broken World and the Need for Endurance

In every generation, people have looked at the world around them and lamented its brokenness—wars, violence, hatred, and the chilling of love. It is tempting to long for the “good old days,” but Scripture and history remind us that sin and lawlessness have always been present. Jesus warns His followers not to be alarmed by the chaos and evil in the world, but to remain steadfast, knowing that these are only the beginning of birth pains. The call is not to nostalgia or fear, but to endurance and faithfulness, trusting that God’s kingdom will ultimately prevail. [41:08]

Matthew 24:3-14 (ESV)
As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel most tempted to despair or grow numb because of the brokenness around you? How can you ask God for endurance and hope in that specific place today?

Day 2: The Fall and the Loss of God’s Kingdom

There was a time when humanity lived in perfect fellowship with God, enjoying purpose, companionship, and peace in the garden. But through disobedience, sin entered the world, shattering relationships with God and with one another. The result was shame, blame, and hiding—an existence marked by brokenness and alienation. This loss of God’s rule and reign explains the pain and evil we see in the world today, and it reminds us that our deepest need is not for better circumstances, but for restoration to God’s kingdom. [54:56]

Genesis 3:1-13 (ESV)
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

Reflection: Where do you see the effects of broken relationships—with God or others—in your own life? What is one step you can take today to move toward honesty and restoration?

Day 3: The Promise of the Serpent Crusher

Even in the midst of humanity’s rebellion, God’s grace shines through. He promises that one day, a descendant of the woman will crush the serpent’s head, undoing the devastation of sin and restoring hope. This promise points forward to Jesus Christ, who comes as the true King to overturn the works of the enemy. In the darkest moments, God’s faithfulness remains, offering the hope of renewal and ultimate victory over evil. [01:02:05]

Genesis 3:15 (ESV)
“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

Reflection: When you face discouragement or see evil seemingly triumph, how can you remind yourself of God’s promise to ultimately defeat the enemy? Who can you encourage with this hope today?

Day 4: The Gospel of the Kingdom—Christ’s Victory and Our Allegiance

Jesus did not merely preach about His death and resurrection; He proclaimed the arrival of God’s kingdom—God’s rule and reign breaking into enemy territory. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus bound the strong man, defeated Satan, and opened the way for us to become citizens of His kingdom. The call is to lay down our allegiance to self and the world, repent, and follow Christ as King, trusting Him to transform us and bring us into His everlasting kingdom. [01:10:30]

Mark 1:14-15 (ESV)
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are still holding on to your own way or allegiance to the world? What would it look like to surrender that area to Christ’s rule today?

Day 5: The Church as the Embassy of the Kingdom

Today, the kingdom of God is present in faithful, gospel-preaching churches—communities living as embassies of heaven in enemy territory. Here, believers are equipped, encouraged, and shaped by God’s Word as they journey together on the narrow path. The church is not just a gathering, but a place where kingdom life is practiced and advanced, and where relationships are deepened for God’s glory. [01:12:09]

Acts 2:42-47 (ESV)
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Reflection: How can you take a step deeper into kingdom life within your church community this week—whether through joining a group, serving, or building a new relationship?

Sermon Summary

In a world that seems to be unraveling with violence, hatred, and confusion, it’s easy to long for the “good old days” or to search for solutions in nostalgia or human effort. Yet, when we look honestly at history, we see that sin and brokenness have always been present. There has never been a golden age of righteousness—except for one: the time in the Garden of Eden, when God’s kingdom ruled perfectly, and humanity lived in harmony with Him and with each other. In that original creation, God gave us identity, purpose, companionship, and a place to flourish as His image-bearers, reflecting His glory through our lives and work.

But the enemy entered, and through deception, sin shattered that kingdom. The result was broken relationships—with God, with each other, and even within ourselves. Ever since, humanity has lived in enemy territory, under the sway of sin and darkness. This is why evil persists in every age, and why no political movement or nostalgic return can restore what was lost. Only the gospel—the good news of the kingdom—can do that.

The kingdom of God is not merely a place or a people, but the rule and reign of God breaking back into a world held captive by the enemy. Jesus came as the promised “serpent crusher,” fulfilling God’s ancient promise to undo the works of the devil. His birth was a divine invasion, a military operation against the powers of darkness. Through His life, ministry, and ultimate sacrifice, Jesus bound the strong man, overthrew the works of Satan, and began to reestablish God’s rule on earth.

To enter this kingdom, we must lay down our arms—repent of our allegiance to self and the world, and give our full allegiance to Christ. He alone can restore us to our true identity and purpose as God’s image-bearers. Today, the kingdom is advancing through faithful, gospel-preaching churches—embassies of heaven in enemy territory—where God’s people live out kingdom life together, encouraging and equipping one another for the journey home. This is why deep community, discipleship, and engagement in the life of the church matter so much: here, the rule and reign of God is being made visible, and the hope of renewal is proclaimed to a world in desperate need.

Key Takeaways

1. The myth of the “good old days” blinds us to the reality that sin has always been present in every era. True peace and righteousness were only found in the Garden, under God’s perfect rule. Longing for a past age distracts us from the real solution: the restoration of God’s kingdom through Christ. [46:06]
2. Humanity’s unique dignity lies in being created in the image of God, with the capacity for creativity, compassion, and dominion. Our purpose is to reflect God’s glory in the world, but sin has marred that image and distorted our calling. Only in Christ can we recover our true identity and purpose. [50:24]
3. The fall in the Garden broke not only our relationship with God but also with each other and ourselves. Shame, blame, and hiding became the new normal. The gospel is God’s answer to this brokenness, offering restoration and reconciliation through the work of Christ. [57:24]
4. The kingdom of God is not about political power or cultural dominance, but about the rule and reign of God breaking into enemy territory. Jesus’ ministry was a direct assault on the powers of darkness, and His victory is the only hope for a world enslaved by sin. Our allegiance must be to Christ and His kingdom, not to worldly solutions. [66:22]
5. The church is the embassy of the kingdom in this world, a community where God’s rule is made visible through gospel life, teaching, and relationships. Deep engagement in the life of the church—through discipleship, community, and service—is essential for spiritual growth and for advancing the kingdom in a hostile world. [72:09]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[41:08] - Reading Matthew 24:3-14
[42:16] - Responding to Tragedy and Societal Decay
[44:39] - The Myth of the Good Old Days
[46:06] - Sin’s Presence Throughout History
[46:58] - Brokenness in Historical “Golden Ages”
[48:00] - The Only Sinless Age: The Garden
[49:17] - Humanity’s Identity and Purpose in Creation
[51:24] - The Image of God and Human Creativity
[53:31] - The Fall and the Loss of the Kingdom
[54:56] - The Consequences of Sin: Broken Relationships
[58:09] - Living in Enemy Territory
[59:53] - The Gospel of the Kingdom Explained
[61:37] - The Promise of the Serpent Crusher
[63:07] - Jesus’ Birth: A Divine Invasion
[66:22] - Christ’s Victory Over the Enemy
[68:14] - Entering the Kingdom: Repentance and Allegiance
[71:08] - The Church as the Embassy of the Kingdom
[73:01] - Life Groups and Kingdom Community
[77:27] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 24:3-14 (ESV) — _As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”_

Observation Questions

According to Matthew 24:3-14, what kinds of things does Jesus say will happen before the end comes?
In the sermon, what examples were given to show that sin and brokenness have always been present in every era of history? [[46:06]]
What was unique about life in the Garden of Eden before the fall, according to the sermon? [[49:17]]
How did the relationship between God and humanity change after Adam and Eve sinned? [[54:56]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus warns his followers not to be alarmed by wars, disasters, and betrayals? What does this say about the world we live in?
The sermon says there has never been a “golden age” except for the Garden of Eden. Why is it important to recognize that sin has always been present, even in times we might look back on fondly? [[46:06]]
The sermon describes Jesus’ coming as a “divine invasion” and a “military operation” against the powers of darkness. What does this language help us understand about the seriousness of Christ’s mission? [[01:03:07]]
The church is called an “embassy of the kingdom” in enemy territory. What does this mean for how we should view our role as a church community? [[01:11:08]]

Application Questions

The sermon challenges the idea of longing for the “good old days.” Are there times when you find yourself wishing for a past era? How might this distract you from what God is doing now? [[46:06]]
The message says our true identity and purpose are found in being image-bearers of God. In what ways has sin distorted your sense of identity or purpose? How can you seek restoration in Christ this week? [[50:24]]
After the fall, Adam and Eve hid from God and blamed each other. When you experience shame or brokenness, do you tend to hide or blame others? What would it look like to bring these things honestly to God? [[57:24]]
The sermon says that no political movement or human effort can restore what was lost in the Garden—only the gospel can. Are there “worldly solutions” you are tempted to put your hope in? How can you shift your allegiance more fully to Christ and his kingdom? [[01:06:22]]
The church is described as an “embassy” where God’s rule is made visible. How engaged are you in the life of the church right now? What is one step you could take to deepen your involvement in community, discipleship, or service? [[01:12:09]]
Jesus calls us to “lay down our arms”—to repent and give our full allegiance to him. Is there an area of your life where you are still holding onto control or resisting God’s rule? What would it look like to surrender that area to Christ this week? [[01:10:30]]
The sermon encourages joining a life group or ministry as a way to experience kingdom life. If you’re not already involved, what is holding you back? If you are, how has community helped you grow, and how could you encourage someone else to take that step? [[01:13:01]]

Sermon Clips

We cannot expect the world to meet our standards. They won't. They don't ever meet our standards. I grew up in the 80s, 90s, did the Christian right, and they're always trying to get this guy elected and that guy elected, and we're going to push conservatism, and that's going to save our country. It's never going to save the country. It's never going to save broken, sinful people. The gospel of Jesus Christ saves people. The gospel of Jesus Christ saves nations. [00:58:36] (38 seconds) #KingdomOfGodRuleReturns

Mankind, in all of our wisdom, will never save anything. We are the church of God. We carry the gospel of the kingdom. We carry the only hope there is for this world. [00:59:14] (18 seconds) #JesusUndoingGardenSin

When we talk about the kingdom of God, we're talking about the rule and reign of God. And so the gospel of the kingdom of heaven is the rule and reign of God returning back to earth. It's God's ways returning back. God's righteousness being reestablished. [01:00:30] (22 seconds) #JesusTheSerpentCrusher

``Everything, all the sin, all the crime, everything that comes from that day in the garden is going to be overturned. And Jesus Christ is the serpent crusher. He is the king of the kingdom. He is the one to come and to undo all the works of the devil. [01:02:10] (20 seconds) #WorldUnderEnemyDominion

Genesis 3 .15 gives us hope, a hope of renewal, a hope of salvation, a hope of all evils and wrongs overturned. And so 2 ,000 years ago, the snake crusher arrived. The king of the kingdom showed up, Jesus Christ himself. He ushered in the kingdom of God. [01:02:30] (23 seconds) #ChristDefeatsDarkness

How do I become a part of this kingdom? Lay down arms. Lay down arms. Repent of your sin. Repent of your allegiance to yourself. Repent of your allegiance to this world, and it's your love affair with this world. Repent. Turn to Christ and give him all of your allegiance. Make him the Lord of your life and follow him every day. Put your trust in Christ. This is how you join the kingdom. [01:10:30] (32 seconds)

Christ came as the king of the kingdom, and he did the one act that none of us could do. He laid down his life and he paid for the sins of the world for you and I so that anyone who would trust in him, anyone who would believe in him, anyone who would follow him would become kingdom citizens, would become his disciples and have everlasting life. [01:11:02] (25 seconds)

Where's the kingdom at now today? The kingdom is here in the churches. In the world today, the kingdom is in faithful, Bible -believing, gospel -preaching churches. We are like embassies in enemy territory, awaiting our master to return, awaiting for Christ's return. [01:11:24] (22 seconds)

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