The Kingdom of God
Unpacking the Main Themes
The Kingdom and You
September 18, 2022 • Daniel Harrison
Throughout all of human history, people believed in the immaterial world. This began to change only a few hundred years ago with the modernity movement, which emphasized that the material world is more real than the immaterial. Today I want to invite you out of the narrow- mindedness of modernity and into the unseen divine reality of God’s Kingdom, which invites us into another kind of life—a life lovingly joined with the Holy Trinity.
The Church and the Kingdom
September 11, 2022 • Daniel Harrison
What is the relationship between the Kingdom of God and the church? The religious leaders of Jesus day could not accept Jesus’ offer of the Kingdom. So he said to them, “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it” (Matthew 21:43). That “nation” (or people) is you and me together as a fellowship—the church. Will you accept the responsibility alongside your brothers and sisters of producing the fruit of the Kingdom?
The Life of the Kingdom
August 14, 2022 • Daniel Harrison
What is “Eternal Life?” Although “we groan inwardly as we wait for the adoption as God’s children...” We also have “the first fruits” of eternal life (Romans 8:22-23). Eternal life isn’t just a future promise but a present possession. It is an experience. Today, we learn about the “first fruits” of eternal life.
The Mystery of the Kingdom
August 7, 2022 • Daniel Harrison
We will respond. A lot is happening in our country right now. And, indeed, our world. Many are fearful, stressed, and worried at times. But you know, the turmoil isn't going to end. At least not until Jesus comes back. "In this world, you will face tribulation," he said. "But take heart for I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Life is hard and always will be. If you want perspective, realize that we live in one of the most peaceful and prosperous times in human history. But having watched the news and heard your cries, I ponder how we are to respond. How do we react to the fearful, divisive, and shifting times? As the preserving salt and light of the world, how do we, by means of the gospel, pursue a better social order? You may feel heavy-laden when you perceive our great responsibility. I will talk more about it this Sunday. But we will respond. And maybe not in the way you expect. When Jesus came, John the Baptist was shocked that Jesus didn't respond as everyone anticipated (See Daniel 2:44-45). Jesus didn't overthrow the idolatrous, polytheist government that was ruled by the iron hand of a pagan ruler. No, he didn't do that, and John questioned if he was indeed the Messiah (Matt 11:3). Do you know what Jesus' master plan was? It was a genius strategy. And very unexpected. But we'll talk about it Sunday. Just know this. We, too, will respond, but not how some think we should. We will respond the way that Jesus calls us to as followers of The Way. Daniel
The Great Disapointment
July 3, 2022 • Daniel Harrison
A large portion of the Old Testament is a narrative of great disappointment, where after centuries of sin, judgment and exile, they thought the King was finally coming to bring salvation and restoration. However, not only did he not come, but they landed in the 430 year inter-testamental period of gloom and despair.
What is the Kingdom of God?
June 26, 2022 • Daniel Harrison
What is the Kingdom of God? When and where is the Kingdom of God? In order to "Seek first the Kingdom of God," we must first understand it (Matthew 6:33). Today commences a new sermon series surveying the Bible to gain a biblical understanding of this theme for our lives now and in eternity.