Messages - 562250

Who are we: Chosen people, royal priesthood, holy nation, God’s special possession, people in the light, people of God, recipients of mercy, foreigners, exiles, free people, God’s slaves What we do: declare the praises of God, abstain from sinful desires, live good lives for sake of witness, respect everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor those in authority, faithful submission, faithful resistance

Kingdom people are citizens of Heaven, but they still live int he world, and Peter calls them to live with distinction in that world. Christians are called to live in a way that honors the society in which they live so that people will notice and honor God.

The Kingdom of God is for everyone. Matthew was a tax collector who met a man who was so compelling that he left everything to follow Him. Is the Jesus you know that compelling?

The kingdom of God sometimes requires us to leave what’s comfortable, familiar and even kind of working for you to enter in, because anything that stands between you and the kingdom of God is terrible for you in this life and into the next.

We are Kingdom people, but what does that mean? It means the Kingdom of God should inform our way of living in the world. The time is right, let's live the Kingdom life.

The Kingdom of God is the off - ramp out of the crazy and it is very near. We’re here to be an alternative to culture, not a mirror of the culture.

This week, Pastor Terry reminds us that sometimes we need to just be quiet and still so we can experience the reigniting presence of our Savior.

The good life does not mean the smooth life, however we might define smooth. Nor does it mean we ’ re always looking for a fight. Decision making that's aligned with God knows that God is already always working and asks, "God, what are you already doing, and how can I be a part of it?"

We love freedom, but sometimes we become enslaved by the things that make us feel free. When we find our freedom in Christ Jesus, we are truly free: free to live the good life.

A + B + C + D = the good life, as God defines it Letter A -- God's truth: Jesus is Lord! God's grace works powerfully to ignite amazing generosity! Letter B -- God's purpose: Shalom: flourishing for all Letter C -- God's promise: Abundance Letter D -- our God-given identity: We are stewards of God's resources We are beloved children of God