The Already-But-Not-Yet Kingdom

November 24, 2024

This is a topical sermon that stands on many passages. The following are some of the passages that inform this sermon — Prov 3:5-6; Ps 139; Mt 13:24-30, 44-50; 22:1-14; 24:36-25:13; 28:18-20; John 3:3-7; 6:37-40, 53-58; 8:12; 11:25-26; Acts 1:7-9; Romans 8:18-39; Gal 2:20; Ephesians 1:19-21; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:9-20; 1 Peter 3:13-18; whole book of Revelation — Faced with the many, rapid, and drastic changes in the world, we experience a feeling of loss as well as various emotions from anger to resentment, to fear and anxiety. These are normal and valid, but what is important is how we react to our feelings and respond to the world's changes. We respond by living in faith, not sight, with our hope centered on Jesus Christ, now risen, now ascended, now ruling and guiding all for the good of his church that he redeemed with his blood. We are part of and live in God’s Story of his already-but-not-yet kingdom. In Christ, God’s kingdom has come into this world. It’s already here, but it has not yet come fully. Our Lord is returning to establish his kingdom in the new creation fully. The resurrection of Christ is the first rays of the dawn of the new age. The resurrection is our guarantee that the kingdom and new creation are coming in their fullness. The resurrection and the already but not yet kingdom enable us to live with a new heart, mind, and attitude toward others and the world. Christ lives already now in us, and therefore, we live for others like Christ. The kingdom is already in us. Consequently, we are signposts pointing to the kingdom that has come and is coming. We are called to be a peculiar, countercultural people who give witness to Christ the Lord and Light of the world.

Many resources were used in this series. Here are some of the sources that shaped this series and the content of the sermons: Craig R. Koester, Revelation and the End of All Things, Second Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018); McKnight, Scot; Matchett, Cody. Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple (Zondervan. Kindle Edition); Wright, N. T.; Bird, Michael F F. Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies. Zondervan. Kindle Edition. Gregory A. Boyd, 2005. The Myth of a Christian Nation. Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan. David VanDrunen, 2020. Politics after Christendom: Political Theology in A Fractured World. Zondervan Academic. Shreve, JB, 2023. Politically Incorrect: Real Faith in an Era of Unreal Politics. Windmill Media. Kindle Edition. Alberta, Tim, 2023. The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism. HarperCollins. Kindle Edition. Gitsham, Denise Grace, 2023. Politics for People Who Hate Politics: How to Engage without Losing Your Friends or Selling Your Soul. Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. Chang, Curtis; French, Nancy, 2024. The After Party: Toward Better Christian Politics. Zondervan. Kindle Edition. Cho, Eugene, 2020. Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk: A Christian's Guide to Engaging Politics. David C Cook. Kindle Edition. Moore, Russell D, 2023. Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America. Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. Pamela Cooper-White, The Psychology of Christian Nationalism: Why People Are Drawn In and How to Talk Across the Divide (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2022). Wayne A. Grudem, Politics according to the Bible: A Comprehensive Resource for Understanding Modern Political Issues in Light of Scripture (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010). Andrew L. Whitehead, 2023. American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Church and Threatens the Church. Brazos Press. Bonnie Kristian, 2022. Untrustworthy: The Knowledge Crisis Breaking Our Brains, Polluting Our Politics, and Corrupting Christian Community.

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Kingdom Living, Kingdom of God, Kingdom of heaven, Faith & Politics, Faith & CultureSUCCTag 01, Tag 02
Kingdom Authority

November 17, 2024

Mark 12:13-17; Luke 4:18-21; Luke 6: 20-26 — Our heart allegiance belongs to Jesus and His kingdom alone. When the Jewish leaders asked Jesus a political question, He gave a revolutionary answer. Jesus is a revolutionary who brings about God’s kingdom. This upside-down kingdom revolutionizes the kingdoms of this world, turning them upside down. His kingdom is of an utterly different kind that transforms our lives, our politics, and how we do politics. Jesus, the King and Liberator, has come for all who are mentally, physically, and spiritually bound. He paid back what we deserved. Now, we are called and sent to join his revolution, to pay Him what He deserves.

Many resources were used in this series. Here are some of the sources that shaped this series and the content of the sermons: Craig R. Koester, Revelation and the End of All Things, Second Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018); McKnight, Scot; Matchett, Cody. Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple (Zondervan. Kindle Edition); Wright, N. T.; Bird, Michael F F. Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies. Zondervan. Kindle Edition. Gregory A. Boyd, 2005. The Myth of a Christian Nation. Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan. David VanDrunen, 2020. Politics after Christendom: Political Theology in A Fractured World. Zondervan Academic. Shreve, JB, 2023. Politically Incorrect: Real Faith in an Era of Unreal Politics. Windmill Media. Kindle Edition. Alberta, Tim, 2023. The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism. HarperCollins. Kindle Edition. Gitsham, Denise Grace, 2023. Politics for People Who Hate Politics: How to Engage without Losing Your Friends or Selling Your Soul. Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. Chang, Curtis; French, Nancy, 2024. The After Party: Toward Better Christian Politics. Zondervan. Kindle Edition. Cho, Eugene, 2020. Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk: A Christian's Guide to Engaging Politics. David C Cook. Kindle Edition. Moore, Russell D, 2023. Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America. Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. Pamela Cooper-White, The Psychology of Christian Nationalism: Why People Are Drawn In and How to Talk Across the Divide (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2022). Wayne A. Grudem, Politics according to the Bible: A Comprehensive Resource for Understanding Modern Political Issues in Light of Scripture (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010). Andrew L. Whitehead, 2023. American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Church and Threatens the Church. Brazos Press. Bonnie Kristian, 2022. Untrustworthy: The Knowledge Crisis Breaking Our Brains, Polluting Our Politics, and Corrupting Christian Community.

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Kingdom Living, Kingdom of God, Kingdom of heaven, Faith & Politics, Faith & CultureSUCCTag 01, Tag 02
Kingdom Allegiance

November 10, 2024

Mark 12:13-17; Luke 4:18-21; Luke 6: 20-26 — Our heart allegiance belongs to Jesus and His kingdom alone. When the Jewish leaders asked Jesus a political question, He gave a revolutionary answer. Jesus is a revolutionary who brings about God’s kingdom. This upside-down kingdom revolutionizes the kingdoms of this world, turning them upside down. His kingdom is of an utterly different kind that transforms our lives, our politics, and how we do politics. Jesus, the King and Liberator, has come for all who are mentally, physically, and spiritually bound. He paid back what we deserved. Now, we are called and sent to join his revolution, to pay Him what He deserves.

Many resources were used in this series. Here are some of the sources that shaped this series and the content of the sermons: Craig R. Koester, Revelation and the End of All Things, Second Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018); McKnight, Scot; Matchett, Cody. Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple (Zondervan. Kindle Edition); Wright, N. T.; Bird, Michael F F. Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies. Zondervan. Kindle Edition. Gregory A. Boyd, 2005. The Myth of a Christian Nation. Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan. David VanDrunen, 2020. Politics after Christendom: Political Theology in A Fractured World. Zondervan Academic. Shreve, JB, 2023. Politically Incorrect: Real Faith in an Era of Unreal Politics. Windmill Media. Kindle Edition. Alberta, Tim, 2023. The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism. HarperCollins. Kindle Edition. Gitsham, Denise Grace, 2023. Politics for People Who Hate Politics: How to Engage without Losing Your Friends or Selling Your Soul. Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. Chang, Curtis; French, Nancy, 2024. The After Party: Toward Better Christian Politics. Zondervan. Kindle Edition. Cho, Eugene, 2020. Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk: A Christian's Guide to Engaging Politics. David C Cook. Kindle Edition. Moore, Russell D, 2023. Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America. Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. Pamela Cooper-White, The Psychology of Christian Nationalism: Why People Are Drawn In and How to Talk Across the Divide (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2022). Wayne A. Grudem, Politics according to the Bible: A Comprehensive Resource for Understanding Modern Political Issues in Light of Scripture (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010). Andrew L. Whitehead, 2023. American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Church and Threatens the Church. Brazos Press. Bonnie Kristian, 2022. Untrustworthy: The Knowledge Crisis Breaking Our Brains, Polluting Our Politics, and Corrupting Christian Community.

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Kingdom Living, Kingdom of God, Kingdom of heaven, Faith & Politics, Faith & CultureSUCCTag 01, Tag 02
Jesus for President—The Upside-Down Kingdom

November 3, 2024

Philippians 1:27-2:11; Matthew 20:20–28 — Jesus' political manifesto (platform) is called The Upside-Down Kingdom. His kingdom radically differs from any kingdom, government, or political ideology in the world. His kingdom operates with a completely different understanding of power. The kingdoms of this world are "power over " others. Jesus' kingdom is a "power under" kingdom where greatness is defined by serving and sacrificing for others in unconditional love. All followers of Jesus are called to manifest his kingdom in every area of our lives, including our politics. As his followers, we are called to live lives worthy of the gospel of Christ and God’s kingdom. We should live as citizens of heaven. We do so by standing firm in the Holy Spirit and together in one spirit and one mind. By having the same mind and attitude as Christ. We should not fear the kingdoms of this world but be ready to suffer on behalf of Christ.

Many resources were used in this series. Here are some of the sources that shaped this series and the content of the sermons: Craig R. Koester, Revelation and the End of All Things, Second Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018); McKnight, Scot; Matchett, Cody. Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple (Zondervan. Kindle Edition); Wright, N. T.; Bird, Michael F F. Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies. Zondervan. Kindle Edition. Gregory A. Boyd, 2005. The Myth of a Christian Nation. Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan. David VanDrunen, 2020. Politics after Christendom: Political Theology in A Fractured World. Zondervan Academic. Shreve, JB, 2023. Politically Incorrect: Real Faith in an Era of Unreal Politics. Windmill Media. Kindle Edition. Alberta, Tim, 2023. The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism. HarperCollins. Kindle Edition. Gitsham, Denise Grace, 2023. Politics for People Who Hate Politics: How to Engage without Losing Your Friends or Selling Your Soul. Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. Chang, Curtis; French, Nancy, 2024. The After Party: Toward Better Christian Politics. Zondervan. Kindle Edition. Cho, Eugene, 2020. Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk: A Christian's Guide to Engaging Politics. David C Cook. Kindle Edition. Moore, Russell D, 2023. Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America. Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. Pamela Cooper-White, The Psychology of Christian Nationalism: Why People Are Drawn In and How to Talk Across the Divide (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2022). Wayne A. Grudem, Politics according to the Bible: A Comprehensive Resource for Understanding Modern Political Issues in Light of Scripture (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010). Andrew L. Whitehead, 2023. American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Church and Threatens the Church. Brazos Press. Bonnie Kristian, 2022. Untrustworthy: The Knowledge Crisis Breaking Our Brains, Polluting Our Politics, and Corrupting Christian Community.

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Faith & Culture, Faith & Politics, Kingdom Living, Kingdom of God, Kingdom of heavenSUCCTag 01, Tag 02
Kingdom Politics

October 27, 2024

Mark 1:14-15; John 18:33-37; Matthew 6:25-34; 20:20-28 — This begins our series, Faith, Culture & Politics a.k.a. Kingdom Politics. It’s called Kingdom Politics because God’s Kingdom and his kingdom values must be our foundation, starting point, and guide on how we live life and practice politics in this world. All political ideologies, views, and policies must be measured against and evaluated by Kingdom values and principles as modeled and taught by Jesus Christ and revealed in God’s Word. God is sovereign over all. Jesus is Lord and King and always remains so. God’s kingdom is not only a spiritual reality nor only a future hope. It is real. It has come in Jesus Christ. As followers of Jesus, we are called to live as kingdom citizens and build for his kingdom in this world. We do so by seeking his kingdom first in all we do, especially so in our politics. We are to be bulletins, brochures, advertisements of the kingdom.

Many resources were used in this series. Here are some of the sources that shaped this series and the content of the sermons: Craig R. Koester, Revelation and the End of All Things, Second Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018); McKnight, Scot; Matchett, Cody. Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple (Zondervan. Kindle Edition); Wright, N. T.; Bird, Michael F F. Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies. Zondervan. Kindle Edition. Gregory A. Boyd, 2005. The Myth of a Christian Nation. Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan. David VanDrunen, 2020. Politics after Christendom: Political Theology in A Fractured World. Zondervan Academic. Shreve, JB, 2023. Politically Incorrect: Real Faith in an Era of Unreal Politics. Windmill Media. Kindle Edition. Alberta, Tim, 2023. The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism. HarperCollins. Kindle Edition. Gitsham, Denise Grace, 2023. Politics for People Who Hate Politics: How to Engage without Losing Your Friends or Selling Your Soul. Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. Chang, Curtis; French, Nancy, 2024. The After Party: Toward Better Christian Politics. Zondervan. Kindle Edition. Cho, Eugene, 2020. Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk: A Christian's Guide to Engaging Politics. David C Cook. Kindle Edition. Moore, Russell D, 2023. Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America. Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. Pamela Cooper-White, The Psychology of Christian Nationalism: Why People Are Drawn In and How to Talk Across the Divide (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2022). Wayne A. Grudem, Politics according to the Bible: A Comprehensive Resource for Understanding Modern Political Issues in Light of Scripture (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010). Andrew L. Whitehead, 2023. American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Church and Threatens the Church. Brazos Press. Bonnie Kristian, 2022. Untrustworthy: The Knowledge Crisis Breaking Our Brains, Polluting Our Politics, and Corrupting Christian Community.

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Kingdom Living, Kingdom of God, Kingdom of heaven, Faith & Culture, Faith & PoliticsSUCCTag 01, Tag 02
Jesus Is Coming Soon!

October 13, 2024

Revelation 22:6-21 — Jesus is coming soon. These words are faithful and true. Therefore, we should be ready for his return at all times. How? We should look and listen, obey and keep His Word. We should worship God alone and witness faithfully to Christ. We should come out of Babylon and resist the powers and empires of this world. We should follow the Lamb into his kingdom and the new creation. We are ready when we live as citizens of the new Jerusalem in this world. And while we live in radical abandonment and obedience to God, our prayer always remains, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

This concludes our series on the book of Revelation: Come, Lord Jesus! Too many resources were used in this series to list them all. However, the following source shaped this series and the content of the sermons extensively: Thomas R. Schreiner, Revelation. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2023). The following key resources were also used — Craig R. Koester, Revelation: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary, ed. John J. Collins, vol. 38A, Anchor Yale Bible (New Haven; London: Yale University Press, 2014); Tom Wright, Revelation for Everyone, For Everyone Bible Study Guides (London; Louisville, KY: SPCK; Westminster John Knox, 2011); Craig R. Koester, Revelation and the End of All Things, Second Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018); McKnight, Scot; Matchett, Cody. Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple (Zondervan. Kindle Edition); G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 1999); Grant R. Osborne, Revelation, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002).

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End Times, Eschatology, RevelationSUCCTag 01, Tag 02