Perry’s Scope: Christian sermons, lessons, and resources for teachers

Have you ever been in a situation that you initially thought was good and then found out it was not what you thought? I believe there were people who did that with Jesus. In John 6 Jesus gave some hard teaching. A group of disciples decided to walk away. Jesus was what they thought.

The same can be true today. People enter the church for many reasons. Some feel the weight of their sins and their need for forgiveness. Some want an easier road in life and believe that if they follow God, they will have comfort. Some see the church as a place of power. “If I can be a church leader, people will respect me and I can be in a position of authority,” they think.

The rule of God is his kingdom and it takes many forms. Regardless of the form, if we decide to submit ourselves to his kingdom rule, we need to understand that it is different than anything else on earth. Paul wrote:

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.” (Romans 14:17-18)

The kingdom of God is not about the ways of the world. It is supernatural in its scope. It is about spiritual issues, not earthly ones. Therefore, politcs do not belong in the kingdom. Power through intimidation does not belong in the kingdom. Deception does not belong in the kingdom. Personal gain does not belong in the kingdom. The things that we normally see in the word have no place in God’s work. It is different, it is of the Spirit.

The kingdom of God is:

• A place of obedience to God - Matthew 5:19

• A place of exceptional righteousness — Matthew 5:20

• A place of gentleness and humility — Matthew 11:28-30; 18:4

• A Place of Mercy — Matthew 18:23ff

• A place of Service — Matthew20:25-27

Do you want to be part of God’s kingdom? Realize that it is a different place than what you are used to. Sometimes it makes no “earthly sense” and must be approached by faith.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene