The kingdom that arrived in Christ is the same one promised in the Scriptures long before.
The Kingdom of Heaven is the “realm in which God’s reign may be experienced.” - George Elden Ladd, The Gospel of the Kingdom
Even though we failed to give our Creator and King the allegiance that’s due Him, He didn’t give up on us. He promised His kingdom would come again.
In Jesus, God’s kingdom has come and is coming.
When Christ’s kingdom comes, it demands we pledge our hearts to Him and Him alone.
Repentance isn’t just about a change in what we do but who we love.
Jesus declares that in light of the kingdom, now is the time to decide who we will love and who you will follow because we can’t serve two Kings.
The challenge of the Kingdom is not just to believe in God, but to pledge the allegiance of our entire heart to Him.
The question of the kingdom to us personally: ‘is there some relationship, purpose or security in my life that when threatened or taken away causes me to question whether I can trust God?’
As we gaze on the cross where the King of glory died in love for us, it dawns on us that He is the only King worthy of our whole lives.
Why do we withhold part of our lives or heart from our Creator and King?
I don’t trust God will do what I think is best.
I’m ashamed of what God might show me if I opened my heart to Him.
Christ is called the Light in the dark 1) because He was radiantly different.
Christ was also called the Light 2) because He overpowered the dark.
The one, true King has come. Step out from the shadows. His Light has dawned.
When darkness appears to be winning, it leaves us feeling hopelessly alone and looking for the quickest way out.
When adrenaline subsides, tiredness hits, or loneliness sets in, the lies often come.
Satan waits until we’re weak and susceptible so he can either entice us to sin or overwhelm us with fear of the darkness.
Because we live in a society where sin has been normalized, it’s easy to ask ‘what’s the point in believing anything can be different?’
God’s grace meets us in our discouragement so His truth can untangle the lies.
First, God in His love addresses Elijah’s practical needs.
Second, God invites him to untangle His fear.
Third, God speaks truth to Elijah in the language of grace not judgment.
Although darkness appears to be winning at times, God is still on the throne, we are not alone, and His purposes still stand for us and the coming generations.
No matter what kings say or do, God is on the throne.
We are not alone.
God’s purposes still stand for us and the coming generations.
When the darkness seems to have won, the still voice of God invites us to step out in the light because He’s not done.
44 min
About Trinity Evangelical Church | North Reading, MA
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Weekly message to encourage you in your walk with God.