We’ve been talking about the Kingdom of God in this new FV sermon series, “Kingdom Come”, and as I study more and more in preparation for this series, I’ve been realizing that the implications of these teachings are BOTH for now, and for the future. As Christians, everything we do is both for now, and then.
Today, we’re going to watch a Hillsong Teaching from Robby Lewis, campus pastor for Hillsong London, called “Kingdom”. (You do have to have a subscription for this video, but the first 30 days are free!)
Candace’s Notes
Law-based mindset, vs a Gospel-based mindset
1 Corinthians 15:1-5, 12-28 (The Kingdom New Testament)
1 Corinthians 15 (NLT)
The Corinthian People Are:
Arrogant
Divisive behavior
Self-serving agenda
Advancement of the self over the church & Gospel
Elevation of self over everyone else
The word Gospel = an event, happening in a larger context, that will change the future, as a result, everything now is changed.
Board Illustration
The board represents God, even though it breaks down because God has no edges.
Time exists within God
At the beginning, God creates. The last thing he creates, is humans. Image bearers.
Sin = selfishness. We had power over the earth, so earth fell with us.
We’re headed toward wrath, unless someone does something.
The Gospel is an event that happened that changes the story
On the cross, Jesus overthrew the Kingdom of Man---sin, death, decay, corruption, pain
Because you don’t believe in the resurrection:
The messiah has not been raised
You are still in your sins
Your faith is futile
Death is the end
There is no hope in a future life, let alone in the present one.
Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the son of God?” because one of Caesar's titles was “son of God”.
The Enlightenment removed God from the top, and put the self on the top.
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For me, watching this sermon brought up a lot of thoughts! Thoughts that I may have grown up thinking, but haven’t remembered in a long time. Thoughts of magical, sparkly kingdoms (see Revelation 21-22), and Jesus on a throne. Thoughts of resurrections and graveyard-watching (long story!), and futuristic stuff.
But it also brings up the very practical. Because we’re not in that world yet, we still have to live in the here and now, navigating a world that is unfair, seemingly cruel, and very dark. This weekend, we’re going to look at how to bring His Kingdom into the here & now, but for today, let’s go a little deeper into some of these concepts.
To go deeper:
The AG 16 Fundamental Truths with Bible references (the last 4 pertain to the End Times)
Steven Furtick Clip: Faith or Fear, One Has to Win
1 John 2 Commentary (I use commentaries a lot in my studies of the Word! They always help me think outside the box.)
An article outside of our theological circles, Beyond the Millennium
DISCUSSION:
How do we live IN the world, but not of it?
Do you think you make more decisions out of fear, or faith?
What questions do you have about the “End Times” or the book of Revelation?
STUDY AT HOME:
Read Revelations 21-22
What questions do you have about the book of Revelation?
Read the commentary linked above (or handed out in class), 1 John 2 Commentary.
How do you live out “living in the world, but not of it”?
Read 1 Corinthians 15
If you really feel like challenging yourself: What does 1 Corinthians 15:29 mean?
What does this chapter mean for my life?