In the Shadow of Empire

Cumberland Community Church

In the Shadow of Empire

November 3, 2024 • Courtney Harkness • Mark 12:14–17

With another election cycle underway, it’s hard to not be affected by the polarizing discourse that follows.

Competing positions and arguments across the aisle hold the potential to leave our country in a state that is somewhat less than “united.” It seems everyone is digging their heels in on answers that seem right for themselves, and not necessarily anyone else.

Unfortunately, at times, the Church finds herself playing the same game.

Nevertheless, the kingdom of God holds its own manner of politics, and as believers, we’d do well to embrace it. We must rediscover the ethics of the kingdom, starting with the ministry of Jesus and continuing through the mission of the Church. As in the days of the mighty Roman Empire, the political powers of our world demand a more compelling witness from those whose real hope lies beyond this world.

The Common Good

November 24, 2024 • Courtney Harkness • Revelation 21:3–4

Judgment… The book of Revelation includes it for a reason. And we should pay close attention to what unfolds. All that the world values must be eliminated, so that only what God desires will remain. John’s vision includes a picture of this societal transformation - orchestrated by none other than the Lamb who was slain. Of course, this vision was given long ago, and it may not be fulfilled until far in the future. But such a powerful revelation should never leave us on the sidelines, waiting idly for it all to happen. We can actually join right now with what God will do in the future - if we choose to believe.

A Lion or a Lamb?

November 17, 2024 • Courtney Harkness • Revelation 5:1–3

There IS a solution. But we’ll never find it without first coming to grips with the *actual* problem. What if the real issue is not the challenges we face, but rather the type of victory we desire? In many ways, we’ve grown too accustomed to fighting fire with fire, which only fuels the problem we’re trying to solve. Even when our intentions are good, our ways are still worldly, and they never seem to produce the type of outcome that pleases God. Therefore, we must learn to gaze deeply into the picture of Christ to find the solution for which our society longs.

A Kingdom Without A Cross

November 10, 2024 • Courtney Harkness • John 18:36

Many people believe that earthly power in the hands of Godly people is the real key to transforming our nation. Surprisingly, this argument is the same on both sides of the aisle, even though people may part ways on who they think actually qualifies as a “godly” candidate. But now that the election is over, we can turn our attention back to what matters most. The pathway to true victory is never found along partisan lines, and the Church holds the responsibility of demonstrating this for everyone else. We belong to a kingdom that far surpasses the political dealings of this realm. And everything that happens in this world, whether good or bad, gives us an opportunity to point to the good news that lies beyond it.