Shekinah Temple of Christ Live!

The congregation is invited into a clear, lovingly urgent call to kingdom priorities: greatness in God's economy looks nothing like the world's. Repeated real-life touchstones—gratitude for life and family, communal care during illness and loss, and the practicalities of church life—set the stage for a single, central argument: to be great before God requires a conversion of mind and a reorientation of heart toward childlike humility and servanthood. Scripture is marshaled from Matthew and Philippians to show that Jesus reversed human expectations by lifting the lowly and modeling greatness through self-emptying service; his humility led to exaltation, and his obedience even unto death reveals the power of willing vulnerability. Practical markers of that childlike spirit are named—trust, teachability, forgiveness, honesty, and dependence—alongside the traits of a true servant: unselfish devotion, lack of pride, joy, and a life not occupied with defending reputation.

The address then presses into the present season as one of divine alignment: believers are called to align desires, decisions, and daily practices with God’s will so the heavenward hookup of favor, anointing, and provision can be received. Seeking first the kingdom, humility before God and neighbor, and a readiness to serve reframe success as communal flourishing rather than individual accolade. Listeners are invited to examine where pride, grudges, or self-centeredness block power, and to respond with repentance, renewed dependence, and practical generosity—remembering that blessing is given not merely for accumulation but to be shared. The closing invitation ties every theological assertion back to pastoral urgency: repentance, reception of Christ, and a life configured for service unlock healing, restoration, and greater gifting for kingdom work.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Embrace childlike humility Becoming like a child means adopting a posture of trust, teachability, and honest dependence rather than childish entitlement. This humility opens the heart to repentance and clears the way for God's presence, because God dwells with the contrite and lowly. It is not weakness but spiritual receptivity that allows divine power to work through a willing vessel. [58:21]
• 2. Lead through humble service True leadership in God’s kingdom is measured by willingness to serve, not by rank or recognition; service breaks the idol of self and cultivates sacrificial love. A servant’s joy and lack of reputation to defend make space for accountability, correction, and sustained influence. When influence is used to elevate others, God’s power finds a credible home. [61:12]
• 3. Align life with heaven’s priorities Divine alignment requires recalibrating decisions, plans, and desires under the Lordship of Christ—seeking the kingdom first as the organizing principle of life. Alignment is practical: it shifts daily choices (time, resources, relationships) so that they permit covenant blessing to flow. When posture and practice match God’s Word, unexpected connections and provision follow as part of God’s faithful economy. [67:10]
• 4. Be blessed to be a blessing Blessing is vocational, not merely aspirational: God’s favor equips and obliges believers to serve others with time, testimony, and resources. Receiving is not the end; it is the means by which the kingdom is extended—through generosity, wise stewardship, and transparent witness about failures and redemption. A life released to bless becomes both conduit and evidence of God’s covenantal purposes. [72:03]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [49:12] - Opening Praise and Choir
• [49:58] - Thanksgiving: Family and Joy
• [51:58] - Matthew 18: Who Is Greatest?
• [54:16] - Philippians 2: Christ’s Example
• [58:21] - Childlike Spirit Explained
• [61:12] - Servant Characteristics Defined
• [67:10] - Season of Divine Alignment
• [72:03] - Blessed to Be a Blessing
• [82:17] - Invitation, Prayer, and Closing

Bible reading
Matthew 18:1-5 (ESV)
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.”

Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV)
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Observation questions

1. What two things does Jesus say are required to enter the kingdom of heaven and be considered great in it?
2. According to the passage in Philippians, what specific actions did Jesus take that demonstrate a servant's mindset?
3. What are some of the characteristics of a childlike spirit that were described, such as being trusting and honest? [58:44]
4. What are the traits of a true servant, including being unselfish and having no reputation to defend? [01:00:26] [01:01:28]

Interpretation questions

1. Why do you think Jesus used a child, and not a powerful or famous adult, as the example for greatness in God's kingdom?
2. Jesus said we must be "converted" and become like little children. What does it mean to have a change of mind and heart in this context? [57:48]
3. The concept of a "heavenly hookup" was mentioned as a result of alignment. What is the connection between humbling ourselves, serving others, and receiving God's provision and blessing? [01:09:16]
4. How does holding onto grudges and refusing to forgive actually hinder the flow of God's power in a person's life? [01:06:11]

Application questions

1. In what specific area of your life right now (e.g., family, work, church) is pride blocking you from experiencing God's power? What would it look like to humble yourself in that situation this week?
2. A servant has no reputation to defend. Is there a situation where you are overly concerned with defending your reputation? What is one practical step you can take to release that need to be right or well-thought-of? [01:01:28]
3. Children are quick to forgive and don't hold grudges. Is there someone you need to forgive? What would it look like to release that hurt and "be right back playing again" as a child would? [01:06:11]
4. Blessing is given not just for accumulation but to be shared. Who has God placed in your life for you to bless this week? It might not be with money, but with your time, wisdom, or encouragement. [01:13:19]
5. This is a season of divine alignment. What is one decision, desire, or daily practice that you need to recalibrate to line up with heaven's priorities instead of the world's? [01:07:10]
6. Being teachable is a mark of a servant. Who is someone God might be using to speak into your life, and are you resisting their input? What would it look to adopt a more teachable spirit this week? [01:01:12]