Podcasts about kingdom jesus

Title: Acts: Finale Text: The Book of Acts FCF: Prop: The Book of Acts is about God's Kingdom advancing without hindrance, so we must seek His Kingdom first. Sermon Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to the book of Acts. There are 1006 verses in the book of Acts, and by God's grace we have looked at each and every one of them. We have investigated every thought of the author, in the order in which he was inspired to present them to us. But we are by nature quite forgetful people, aren't we? Do you remember what we were talking about in Acts chapter 10? Even if you remember what we talked about in chapter 10 – how does Acts chapter 10 fit in with the book of Acts? How does it fit in with the whole of the New Testament or the whole bible? Today will be a different kind of message. Instead of looking at a particular text, we are instead going to assume the role of systematic theologians. Rather than sitting back and allowing one thought to pour over us from the text – we will instead fit together all we have learned into categories of truth. We know, because of the introduction of the book of Luke, that Luke writes these two books to assure Theophilus that what he has believed is certainly true. So how does Acts accomplish that? How does the message of Acts connect with the book of Luke and the rest of the New Testament? How does this message relate to the whole counsel of God's Word? And perhaps most applicable, what does Luke's message mean for us? I have attempted to give you a running start on answering those questions today. I have provided an outline to you of the entire book. And today we'll look at, what I think are the 4 major themes in the book of Acts. Do not assume that these 4 themes are the sum total of Luke's message. And do not assume that after this message you will know everything there is to know about the book of Acts. The Word of God is living and active, its truths run deeper than we may ever know. I'd say that after this sermon, and the 99 before it, you'll be well on your way to a good introduction of the book of Acts.

Title: Acts: Finale Text: The Book of Acts FCF: Prop: The Book of Acts is about God's Kingdom advancing without hindrance, so we must seek His Kingdom first. Sermon Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to the book of Acts. There are 1006 verses in the book of Acts, and by God's grace we have looked at each and every one of them. We have investigated every thought of the author, in the order in which he was inspired to present them to us. But we are by nature quite forgetful people, aren't we? Do you remember what we were talking about in Acts chapter 10? Even if you remember what we talked about in chapter 10 – how does Acts chapter 10 fit in with the book of Acts? How does it fit in with the whole of the New Testament or the whole bible? Today will be a different kind of message. Instead of looking at a particular text, we are instead going to assume the role of systematic theologians. Rather than sitting back and allowing one thought to pour over us from the text – we will instead fit together all we have learned into categories of truth. We know, because of the introduction of the book of Luke, that Luke writes these two books to assure Theophilus that what he has believed is certainly true. So how does Acts accomplish that? How does the message of Acts connect with the book of Luke and the rest of the New Testament? How does this message relate to the whole counsel of God's Word? And perhaps most applicable, what does Luke's message mean for us? I have attempted to give you a running start on answering those questions today. I have provided an outline to you of the entire book. And today we'll look at, what I think are the 4 major themes in the book of Acts. Do not assume that these 4 themes are the sum total of Luke's message. And do not assume that after this message you will know everything there is to know about the book of Acts. The Word of God is living and active, its truths run deeper than we may ever know. I'd say that after this sermon, and the 99 before it, you'll be well on your way to a good introduction of the book of Acts.

Russ went to the Florida Keys to catch lobsters. What he found was a distraction that turned into an invitation. If you've ever felt behind in life, missing your moment, or wondering why things aren't going to plan… this one's for you. Because in the Kingdom Jesus revealed, the obstacle might be the opportunity.Learn more at Larksite.com ______________________________________________________________________Helping You Learn To Live Loved...Become a Lark Supporter: https://larksite.com/donateWeb: https://larksite.comLarkcast: https://larksite.com/larkcastBook: Reclaim (Available on Amazon) https://larksite.com/reclaimInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lark_social/

In 2006, tragedy hit an Amish community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, when a gunman killed five girls and injured five more before taking his life. Yet what followed stunned the world: the Amish forgave the shooter, visited his family, attended his funeral, and even embraced his children. One grieving father said, “We must not think evil of this man.” This radical grace doesn't fit the world's logic—but it makes perfect sense in the Kingdom Jesus described. His Sermon on the Mount offers a way of life that flips the values of the world upside down and reveals God's heart. TURNING THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN Jesus' teachings weren't just comforting—they were revolutionary. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) is filled with powerful statements: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39) “Do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12) “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13) “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24) “Take the plank out of your own eye…” (Matthew 7:5) “Turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39) “Love your enemies…” (Matthew 5:44) “If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off…” (Matthew 5:30) At the center is the Lord's Prayer: “Our Father in heaven… your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9–10). WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? Jesus, shaped by the Hebrew Scriptures, knew humanity was created to reflect God's rule (Genesis 1:26–28) but chose rebellion (Genesis 11:1–9). God called Israel to live by His wisdom (Exodus 19:3–6; Deuteronomy 4:6–8), but by Jesus' time, His Kingdom felt far away. Under Roman rule, Israel suffered. Pharisees emphasized law. Sadducees pushed peace with Rome. Zealots wanted to fight. Others withdrew. But the everyday people—farmers, widows, laborers—were weary and hopeless. JESUS ANNOUNCES: THE KINGDOM IS HERE To them, Jesus brought healing and hope. He said: “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Then He declared: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). Jesus wasn't calling the powerful to rise—but inviting the humble to look up. The Kingdom starts with the broken, the weary, the overlooked. AN INVITATION TO TRANSFORMATION Over the next nine weeks, we'll explore this upside-down Kingdom: The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–12): blessings that redefine true success Teachings on anger, lust, retaliation: calling us to deeper righteousness Warnings about hypocrisy, worry, and judging others Jesus' final words: “Whoever hears these words… and puts them into practice is like a wise man…” (Matthew 7:24) Jesus doesn't just want to inform us—He wants to transform us. FIVE WAYS TO GROW THROUGH THIS SERIES Read Matthew 5–7 weekly Let the words soak in. Try different Bible translations. Memorize a verse each week Start with the Beatitudes. Reflect Write what challenges or encourages you. Pray the Lord's Prayer daily (Matthew 6:9–13) Make it a declaration. Live it in community Join a group or a friend to walk through this together. CLOSING The way of Jesus often feels upside down. But it's the true path to life. “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33) Let's not just hear His words—let's build our lives on them.

The repentance required of the Jewish people was to embrace Jesus as their Messiah and spiritual teacher and break away from the teaching and example of spiritual externalism modeled by the scribes and Pharisees.

Resilient discipleship begins with radical honesty. Not performance, not projection, but a courageous look at what we're actually serving and how we're actually living. Self-deception is subtle. It tells us we're fine while we slowly drift. It normalizes compromise, numbs conviction, and slowly pulls our hearts away from the Kingdom Jesus calls us to seek first.In Matthew 6:19–24, Jesus invites us to examine our interior attachments. He speaks of treasure, sight, and loyalty but beneath it all is a deeper question: what is truly forming us?This week, we're asking: Where is my heart invested? What am I treasuring? What do my habits, choices, and rhythms reveal? Honesty lets the light in so that Jesus can truly lead us from the inside out. Because if we are to become a resilient community of resilient disciples walking out a resilient faith, then we have to Holy Spirit expose our false attachments.

Welcome to the Saltbox Church Podcast. We desire to lead people to become fully surrendered disciples of Jesus. On our channel, you'll learn how to read and understand the truths of the Bible from Pastor Michael Mattis and other members of our teaching team. You can expect to walk away with a deeper understanding of the things of God, but challenged to live a surrendered life. We cover topics such as the will of God, mental health, women in leadership, Christianity vs. other faith traditions and many other in-depth studies of scripture. -------------------------------- Scripture & Literature References: Luke 8:22-9:6 -------------------------------- CONNECT: Small Group Questions ► https://bit.ly/4jq5W1A LinkTree ► https://linktr.ee/saltboxchurch Website ► http://www.SaltboxChurch.com Podcast ► https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/saltboxchurch/ Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/saltboxchurch/ Yellow Truck Coffee Co. ► https://www.yellowtruckcoffeeco.com/ --------------------------------

Luke 12:35-48 - Here Jesus tells two short parables about what faithfulness looks like for those who wait on Him. We don't know when He will return, but we know we are called to be ready and faithful in the meantime. All disciples are called to ready, watchful waiting, and leaders have a special burden to serve at Jesus's pleasure, under Jesus's vision, by Jesus's methods, with Jesus's tone, for Jesus's purposes. In these two parables we learn about the grace and justice at the heart of God, both flowing out of His love, and both reaching their culmination on the last day. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 7 of our series "Imagining the Kingdom: Jesus's stories about the already and not yet reign of God"] Questions for reflection: 1) Can you think of an example of how certainty of a future event shaped your behavior in the waiting? What was that like? 2) What does it look like for us today to be "dressed for action" with "lamps burning?" What is spiritual readiness in light of Jesus's return? 3) What is surprising about the master's behavior in Luke 12:37? How did Jesus himself embody this? 4) The second parable (vv. 42-48) focuses on those entrusted with leadership responsibility. What does the manager's abusive behavior look like when we see it today? 5) How does the master's (Jesus's) severity toward the abusive manager reveal God's love? 6) This passage points to the fact that the return of Christ will be a day of both grace and justice. How do these two values come together in the cross of Jesus?

Luke 18:9-14 - Jesus told a simple parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector "to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt." The parable is about how righteousness and justification work in God's Kingdom and the surprising centrality of humility, mercy, and grace. The parable puts this question to its hearers: will we choose the way of the legalist, the libertine, or the disciple? A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 6 of our series "Imagining the Kingdom: Jesus's stories about the already and not yet reign of God"] Questions for reflection: 1) What is notable about Pharisees and tax collectors for understanding this parable? 2) Cameron said that most commentators agree that it is hard for modern readers to hear this parable with Jesus's intended shock. He suggested we consider subbing in a career 3rd grade teacher and a pornography producer to try to capture it. How does this change the dynamic for you? 3) What does each man pray in the parable? 4) How do the legalist and the libertine miss the mercy of God? 5) How can God be both just AND merciful in response to sin? How does Jesus fit in? 6) Do you ever find yourself "trusting in yourself that you are righteous?" What does that look like in your own life?

Luke 15:11-32 - This parable of Jesus's is often known as "the parable of the prodigal son," but it could just as easily be thought of as "the parable of the gracious father" or even as "the parable of the religious older brother." Each of these three main characters unlocks a world of meaning within this parable. In this sermon, we focus especially closely on the older brother and what Jesus has to teach us through him about the dangers of legalism, entitlement, resentment, and bitterness toward God's grace for others. A sermon by Naseem Khalili. [Part 5 of our series "Imagining the Kingdom: Jesus's stories about the already and not yet reign of God"] Questions for reflection: 1) When you read this parable, which character do you most relate to? 2) What motivates the older brother's frustration after seeing how the father treats the younger brother's return? Have you ever felt similarly? When? 3) Tim Keller coined the term "older brother lostness" to describe the sense of frustration and bitterness that comes from keeping the rules but not being rewarded how you want. How does the grace of God upend our expectations around these things? 4) What does this parable have to say about the character of our God as revealed in Jesus? 5) Naseem gave us a powerful question: Why do you love God? Or why do you follow Jesus? How does the story of the older brother press us for an answer?

Matthew 13:31-33 - As the disciples would have likely begun to feel fear, insecurity, and doubt about Jesus's message and methods, Jesus told these two short, simple parables to help set their expectations. No, the kingdom of God would not advance according to the world's expectations and standards. But yes, the kingdom would advance--slowly, but surely--and become a place of belonging, safety, nourishment, and celebration to all who would receive the gospel. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 4 of our series "Imagining the Kingdom: Jesus's stories about the already and not yet reign of God"] Questions for reflection: 1) Have you ever felt discouraged about the place of Jesus's kingdom or church in the world? What brought about that feeling? 2) How do you imagine the disciples would have felt in the midst of all the opposition Jesus received during his earthly ministry? 3) Compare and contrast the main points made by these two parables. 4) Discuss God's pattern of using humble things to bring about His purposes. 5) How have Jesus's promises in these parables been proven true over time and geography? 6) How does the cross of Christ embody the ideas of these two parables?

Luke 10:25-37 - Jesus's parable of the good Samaritan is one of his most iconic stories, but our overfamiliarity can make its shocking points harder to see. When asked by an expert in Israel's law, "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus tells a story that turns the concept of neighbor from object to subject, challenging us all with what it truly looks like to love others as ourselves. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 3 of our series "Imagining the Kingdom: Jesus's stories about the already and not yet reign of God"] Questions for reflection: 1) What is the lawyer's answer to his own question about how to inherit eternal law? How does Jesus respond to it? 2) What do you think motivated the lawyer's follow-up question, "And who is my neighbor?" 3) It is important to know something about the relationship between Israelites and Samaritans in their day. What was the source of their tension? 4) To understand the parable, we have to recognize Jews and Samaritans as enemies. How does imagining your own "enemies" in the Samaritan role change the force of what Jesus is saying? 5) How did Jesus embody this radical neighbor- and enemy-love ethic? How does He embody it toward us, specifically? 6) What might it look like for you to "go and do likewise?"

Matthew 13:44-46 - This week we consider two short related parables from Jesus: the parable of the hidden treasure and the parable of the pearl of great price. Both deal with questions around the cost and value of the kingdom. Just what is the Kingdom of God worth? A sermon by Tsion Reid. [Part 2 of our series "Imagining the Kingdom: Jesus's stories about the already and not yet reign of God"] Questions for reflection: 1) Have you ever felt misunderstood by others about why you valued something? What was that experience like? How did you help them see? 2) In both parables, how does the man respond who finds the valuable object? 3) What is the does it look like for us to "sell all that we have" in order to become part of the Kingdom of God? 4) Tsion connected this parable to story of Jesus's encounter with the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22). In what ways did the rich young ruler value the kingdom? In what ways did he not? 5) How does your own life reflect the degree to which you, personally, value the Kingdom of God?

Matthew 13:1-23 - Jesus was a deeply creative teacher and a cornerstone of his teaching ministry was imaginative stories called parables. His parables were both short and complex, invitational and alienating. In them, Jesus announced the Kingdom He was bringing and sought to paint a picture of and develop an appetite for His Kingdom. In this teaching, we consider His first parable and the one that helps us understand the others: the parable of the sower. May we heed Jesus's call to be those with ears to hear. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 1 of our series “Imagining the Kingdom: Jesus's stories of about the already and not yet reign of God”] Questions for reflection: 1) How do you imagine Jesus would have struck you as a teacher of parables in the 1st century? How does he strike you today? 2) How do the parables both reveal and conceal the good news of the Kingdom? 3) What role does imagination play in the Christian life? How do the parables help us cultivate our imaginations? 4) What do we learn about the character of the sower in this parable? 5) How can we be sure we are really “hearing” the teachings of Jesus (and the word of God in general)?

Most people use Courtroom tactic when in conflict in their marriage or in other relationships. In this episode we unpack why this strategy is ineffective for real transformation. We get stuck "lawyering up" and end up adding pain to the initial incident. In this episode, we talk about where the real power is for transforming your marriage. It's found in the counter-intuitive grace and mercy in the Kingdom and out of the courtroom. Do you really believe The Kingdom Jesus pitched in the sermon on the mount- has the power He claimed? If so- why are we not ditching our worldly attempts at navigating conflict for the upgrade that's available to us! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------To learn more about Jenna's HABIT REBOOT, click here: >>> Become a sponor of our shows

The Kingdom Jesus brings is eternal, global, and total. He will bring about that Kingdom by crushing His enemies and by blessing His covenant people until the entire world is filled with worshipers. join us as we conclude our Christmas series examining what kind of Kingdom Jesus will bring.

In this crucial central part of Mark's gospel the Apostles are accepting that Jesus is the Son of God and Messiah, but they are also struggling to see what kind of Kingdom Jesus plans to rule over. This section, bookended by two stories of blind men seeing ask how much we truly see the true king.

Andy talks to us about the Kingdom Jesus speaks about in the New Testament. She looks at how it may differ from the connotations we may associate with it today, and what happens when we partner with God to seek his Kingdom first.

In this final episode of Pillar 2, we learn about the Christian funeral rite. Fr. Mike explains how the new life begun in Baptism comes to greater fulfillment as the Christian passes over from this earthly life into the fullness of the Kingdom. The Church, who has sacramentally nourished her children throughout their earthly pilgrimage, upon their death commends them to the Father and places their bodies in the earth to await the resurrection in hope. Each funeral is to end with a farewell to the beloved dead, knowing that we still share communion in Christ and will reunite in our heavenly home. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1680-1690. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

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God & His Kingdom: Jesus' Joy | Jonathan Fruh | May 5th, 2024

SouthCrest Church Sunday morning message, 4/7/24. We begin our study in the Book of Acts, Upside-down Kingdom, in Acts 1-2:41. Senior Pastor Matt McFadden breaks down Jesus's remaining days on earth between His resurrection and His ascension to heaven.

Mike continues our Secrets of the Kingdom series by showing us the power of forgiveness.

MODGNIK = KINGDOM...just backwards. Join us each week as we look to the cross and try to understand the Kingdom Jesus sought to bring to earth.

In part 3 of Secrets of the Kingdom, Mike shows us how to serve and be great in Jesus' kingdom.

Brian Donohue teaches from Luke and Acts.

MODGNIK = KINGDOM...just backwards. Join us each week as we look to the cross and try to understand the Kingdom Jesus sought to bring to earth.

In part 2 of our Secrets of the Kingdom series, Mike shows us how to prepare for Jesus' return.

Help me continue making great content for listeners everywhere at patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessSubscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every week.https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comEpisode NotesScripture Passage: Luke 17:20-37Welcome to our podcast episode which asks, "When Will the Lord Return?" Today, we delve into an intriguing passage from the Gospel of Luke, exploring the disciples' inquiries about the timing of the Kingdom of God's arrival and Jesus' profound responses.Episode Overview:In this episode, we'll dissect Luke 17:20-37, where Jesus responds to the Pharisees' question about the coming of the Kingdom of God. He uses this inquiry to impart crucial teachings about the nature of His return, emphasizing the importance of spiritual readiness and highlighting the unexpected nature of His coming.Key Points:The Nature of the Kingdom: Jesus clarifies that the Kingdom of God is not something observable externally but rather a spiritual reality present among the people.The Unexpected Return: Jesus uses metaphors like lightning to emphasize the sudden and visible nature of His return, contrasting it with the days of Noah and Lot, where life continued as usual until divine judgment intervened abruptly.Spiritual Readiness: Jesus warns against being overly attached to worldly possessions and desires, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing spiritual preparedness for His return.The Uncertainty of Mortality: Reflecting on the sudden loss of a friend, we recognize the uncertainty of life and the need for constant spiritual preparedness.Symbolic Meaning of "Where the Vultures Gather":Jesus' cryptic response implies the swift and unexpected nature of His return, emphasizing the certainty of divine judgment and the need for spiritual readiness.Conclusion:As we explore this passage, we're reminded of the urgency of spiritual preparedness and the uncertainty of life's duration. While we may not know the exact timing of the Lord's return, we must always be ready. Let's prioritize spiritual readiness and live lives aligned with His teachings, eagerly anticipating His glorious return.Thank you for joining us on this journey of exploration and reflection. Stay tuned for more discussions on biblical teachings and prophecy. Until next time, may we all remain steadfast in faith and prepared for the glorious return of our Lord.Support the showJeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

MODGNIK = KINGDOM...just backwards. Join us each week as we look to the cross and try to understand the Kingdom Jesus sought to bring to earth.

In part 1 of our Secrets of the Kingdom series, Mike Linch explains that Jesus wants to rule in our hearts as our King.

MODGNIK = KINGDOM...just backwards. Join us each week as we look to the cross and try to understand the Kingdom Jesus sought to bring to earth.

When Jesus invites Peter to walk out on the water, it is an invitation to walk with him over the chaos dragon of the sea. Our greatest enemies are not the ones we can see, but the ones behind the things we see. In this sermon, Pastor Scott points out how our faith in Jesus keeps us above the waves and storms of this life.

Having grown up in the military, packing up and moving every few years was part of my life as early as I could remember.     Our move to Illinois, though, the year I started third grade, wasn't like the ones before it.     My mother didn't stand in the rooms with the moving company ensuring that her china was wrapped just so, that the teak table and chairs remained unscratched, that her piano was moved gently.     And our things, she didn't hear my stories about my stuffed animals and dolls, my books -- the explanations for why they most certainly needed to make the trip north.     Instead, without thought or selection, without narrative history, or biography, everything from my drawers, closet, and every surface in my room, was unceremoniously picked up and dumped into boxes, which, when filled up, were sealed closed, headed for burial in a moving truck.    One box left me deeply troubled. The woman from the moving company's fleshy arms hurled more than held my treasures into the cold darkness of a box, and while popping a cigarette in her mouth and casting her eyes about the room for what must have been her lighter, sealed the box and got up with a harrumph.    She didn't seem to like her job, I thought.   And then it hit me. Squee! Oh no! I dashed around the room looking for my favorite stuffed animal, Squee the mouse.     Squee had been my companion from an early age. And since my mother had died a few months before, he had come back into my life as a great comfort.     But he was not on my bed. He was not under it or anywhere to be found. I was in a panic!     Squee was in the box!    I was terrified for him.      You OK honey? The moving lady said when she came back in. But I couldn't speak. And I sat down, with my back to the box, legs curled into the hug of my arms.    After dinner My dad helped me unseal the box and dig through it, until we found him, Squee. A book had been pressing into his snout and left a triangular imprint, so I gave him extra love there.    Many weeks later, after our long drive north in our convertible VW, the moving truck arrived at our new quarters, and we began unpacking.   In one of the boxes marked “girl's room” I unearthed a jar with coins and a note in it . . .  “I owe you” the note said. “On June 1, 1973. I owe Mary Carter Greene $2.35 and will pay one dime every day after June 10 if not paid by then. Signed, Alan Greene.”     Wait a minute! I had hit the jack pot! This was January and my brother never HAD paid this back. His debt was more than 200 days overdue. That buried promise had made me rich!     Joy and Woe are woven fine, William Blake wrote.    “It is right it should be so; Man was made for joy and woe; And when this we rightly know, Thro' the world we safely go.  Joy and woe are woven fine, A clothing for the soul divine. Under every grief and pine Runs a joy with silken twine.  I couldn't have been happier, but there was much weeping and gashing of teeth, when I brought the credit slip to my brother.    It wasn't long before our dad had to get involved.    14 ‘For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them;      19 After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them.    Matthew's parable is most often read one of two ways – each as contradictory to the other as the story of my young self – able to love so fiercely I would stop the world for a stuffed animal, and equally able to extort my only brother's last penny, if I thought it were owed me.      Although sometimes read this way, Matthew's story does not point to a Kingdom where some are denied because they fail to participate.     The story draws attention to an unjust system.    The parable would have been heard in its day as a description of the times– when peasants were extorted and their land was taken by those who held the concentrated wealth of powerful families and influence as city officials;     The parable reflects how the early followers of Jesus struggled in difficult times to know how to best wait for his return and how to live in the meantime.    Should they play into the social demands to do the dirty work of the system or live in a radically different way that might realize the Kingdom Jesus described earlier in Matthew?     An act of subversion and resistance, those who heard Matthew's Gospel were then and are now invited to exercise the same.    Unjust social systems, accumulation of wealth by the few, and greed of the many, as described in the parable, persist to this day, of course.    Andy Knox at his reimaginingthefuture blog1 retells the parable for our global economy this way . . .    For it will be like the CEO of a big chocolate company, who went to the Ivory Coast to ensure a good flow of chocolate into the West and ever expand his chocolate empire.     He called three of his most entrusted leaders to himself and asked them to ensure more chocolate at a lower price. He set one of them, with the most experience over 5 factories, the next one over 3 factories and the last one over 1 factory.      The first two . . .knew if they did well, they would secure their own future in the company and good income for their families. . . they came up with a cunning plan. They decided the best way would be to get cheap or even free labor.     So, they enslaved children from the surrounding area . .  . (from) families who were too poor to keep them. (They) . . . put them to work in the fields, picking the cocoa, or . . . at the grinding machines, under terrible . . . conditions, in which many of the children died or were abused by hard task masters.      The third manager saw what the other two were up to . . . He refused to enslave children and couldn't understand the motivation of the CEO.     He chose to pay people a fair wage, keep their working conditions good and have strong morale amongst his team.     The CEO returned. He was . . . full of praise for the ‘business acumen' of the first two. He paid them well, ensuring his ‘fair trade' logo and set them up for even more . . .     The third guy was out . . . sacked from the company with no right of appeal. Confused and dismayed . . . (he) continued try to live a life that restored people's humanity and hoped for “the more beautiful world our hearts tell us is possible”.     Andy Knox's retelling of the parable demonstrates how Woe and joy are woven fine.   It is hard to do the right thing in systems that demand and oppress at worst and enthrall and distract at best. But it is possible.  It can be hard to see into supply chains like the one described in parable of the chocolate magnate, but to act justly in a problematic system, we can consider our consumption in the first place and be intentional about how we spend our money.  As someone who loves shopping, I'll be the first to admit that making changes can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there is research to support next steps.  A Nature article, “Scientists' warning on affluence,”2 for instance, lays out a strong correlation between affluence and the growing climate crisis.   The research doesn't stop at gloom and doom; It offers steps to correct for our part in the system.  “For over half a century,” the article says, “worldwide growth in affluence has continuously increased resource use and pollutant emissions far more rapidly than these have been reduced through better technology.     “The affluent citizens of the world.” The article continues, “are responsible for most environmental impacts and are . . .” (here's the parable at play) “central to any future prospect of retreating to safer environmental conditions.”   The research-based article lays out some clear, if not easy, behavioral changes we can make in the U.S. including avoiding . . . oversized, unnecessary and duplicate goods and services; shifting from animal to plant-based food sources; sharing and repairing before replacing goods; and pushing for regulation that reflects concerns for people and the planet.   These may be new habits, even counter cultural to the clarion call for the new, new thing in the days leading up to Black Friday and the biggest shopping season of the year.   But this is what our Gospel teaches us. The Kingdom of God will be brought by the courageous, even the radical. These sorts of changes are necessary, and they are possible.  This sort of faith brings us here today where our shared communion unites us with God and as the Grace Cathedral community.  Our shared commitment to stand up for God's creation and all of humanity, and against systems that oppress, degrade, and injure, means we do not have to be the alone in metaphorically burying the talent.     In the radical presence of the church still standing, still growing, still thriving, we respond the crises of our time as a community.   We have not yet been a community to stand back and watch God's people get boxed up and sealed away from hope, and I know we won't allow God's creation to suffer that either.  Have courage and meet our time – this is the message of our parable today. The third man in the parable does not sow despair by planting that talent, he seeds hope.  Woe and joy are knit together.   God is our source of this joy and the presence that will provide all we need to meet the times.  So, this week, which we mark as Ingathering Sunday, we give thanks for all who have pledged to support the cathedral financially,   and we nudge those who are waiting, to invest your gifts and treasures in this cathedral community.  With courage, together, we are 100% Grace.   

In the eyes of the world, a kingdom is about power, prestige, and authority. But Jesus flips the script, rewriting what royalty really means. He's a King like no other, reigning through humility, radical compassion, and hands-on service. Are you ready to see your world turned beautifully inside out? Let's discover this upside-down kingdom together.

In the eyes of the world, a kingdom is about power, prestige, and authority. But Jesus flips the script, rewriting what royalty really means. He's a King like no other, reigning through humility, radical compassion, and hands-on service. Are you ready to see your world turned beautifully inside out? Let's discover this upside-down kingdom together.

In the eyes of the world, a kingdom is about power, prestige, and authority. But Jesus flips the script, rewriting what royalty really means. He's a King like no other, reigning through humility, radical compassion, and hands-on service. Are you ready to see your world turned beautifully inside out? Let's discover this upside-down kingdom together.

In the eyes of the world, a kingdom is about power, prestige, and authority. But Jesus flips the script, rewriting what royalty really means. He's a King like no other, reigning through humility, radical compassion, and hands-on service. Are you ready to see your world turned beautifully inside out? Let's discover this upside-down kingdom together.

3 Things Jesus Taught about Renewing Your Mind: John 14 ExplainedIn this transformative episode, we dive deep into the timeless wisdom of John 14, unlocking profound insights that can revolutionize your mindset and align it with the Kingdom reality that Jesus envisioned for all believers. Join us as we unpack the three pivotal teachings that Jesus imparted to his disciples, teachings that hold the power to reshape how we perceive ourselves, our circumstances, and the world around us.Episode Highlights:1. Believe in Him: Jesus' declaration, "Believe in me," goes beyond mere faith. It's an invitation to fully trust and immerse ourselves in his truth. We explore the significance of genuine belief in shaping our thoughts, actions, and perspectives. Discover how anchoring ourselves in Christ's unwavering love empowers us to overcome doubt, fear, and self-limiting beliefs, propelling us towards a renewed mind.2. Ask Anything in His Name: The promise that we can ask anything in Jesus' name carries the potential to reshape our desires and prayers. Dive into the deeper meaning behind this teaching, exploring how aligning our requests with God's will and purposes transforms our mindset from a place of lack to abundance. We delve into the art of intentional prayer, demonstrating how it can lead to a renewed perspective on life's challenges and opportunities.3. Do the Works of the Kingdom: Jesus not only taught with words but exemplified his teachings through actions. We unravel the profound impact of doing the works of the Kingdom on our thought patterns. By embracing our role as vessels of God's love and power, we explore how our mindset shifts from a focus on self to a focus on serving others. Discover how living out the values of the Kingdom can lead to a mind renewed by purpose and compassion.As we journey through the depths of John 14, we invite you to subscribe to our podcast for a continued exploration of how Jesus' teachings can transform your mind and life. Join us in embracing these three transformative principles, igniting a shift in your mindset that aligns with the Kingdom reality that Jesus envisioned for all believers.Don't miss this enlightening episode that offers practical insights, real-life applications, and the promise of a renewed mind. Subscribe now to embark on a journey towards embracing the Kingdom reality and experiencing a truly transformed life.Subscribe to our podcast for more episodes that inspire, empower, and renew your mind.==========Get Matt's best-selling book, God's Plan for Living here: https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Plan-Living-Roadmap-Kingdom/dp/B0BZ34CNFY==========Tags: John 14:1, John 14:6, John 14:15, renewing your mind, renew your mind sermon, renew your mind in christ, bible study, holy spirit, bible, be transformed by the renewing of your mind, how to renew your mind, how to renew your mind with the word, transformed by the renewing of your mind, renew your mind with the word of god, how do i renew my mind, kingdom living, greater works, john 14 explained, alignment with god, i am the way the truth and the life

We finish our Who are you, Lord series with a historical fiction based on the Palm Sunday story out of Luke 19:28-40. Looking through the lens of Simon the Zealot, we learn that there is often a significant difference between the Kingdom Jesus came to bring and the one we want from him.

In this week's sermon we examine how Jesus came as the messianic servant to bring justice to the earth. He did not just come to forgive people of their sins to go to heaven, but from his very own mouth he claims to be the One who would restore justice and righteousness back to this earth.

In Matthew 12:1-8 Jesus addresses us and the Pharisees by showing how he is the True Sabbath and True Temple, but we learn that realizing that is designed to lead us towards mercy.

God's Revolution to Restore All Creation begins with a cry to all Israel to prepare for war. But not the war Israel expected... For decades tensions with Rome had been growing. Various political and religious sects (think Pharisees, Sadducees, et al.) were staking out their positions in the coming conflict. Swords and spears were beginning to be sharpened. And at that time, on the banks of the Jordan (the boundry of the promised land), John the Baptist beckoned God's people to "repent!, because the Kingdom of God (the restoration of God's direct reign in creation) has come near." The battle, the rebellion, is about to begin. It is time to choose a side and pledge allegiance to a leader - to the prophet God will send... It can help to follow along visually, so the text for this sermon can be found here --> Matthew 3:1-17 (NRSV) If you value the podcast and are able to support the community from which it comes, you can make a tax-deductible  contribution to Canvas Presbyterian Church here! (Thank you!!!) For more series, resources and means of contacting me, simply head to jesusat2am.com or send me email here!

At the heart of Jesus's ministry is the declaration that "the Kingdom of God has come near!"  This is not merely a call for sinners to secure the afterlife, but the announcement that the fulfillment of the covenant of salvation is at hand! The God of Israel has arrived to depose the powers and principalities of this age and re-establish his reign over all creation. In short, the central proclamation of Jesus is a call to recognize - and join! - THE Revolution! In this new series, we take a detailed look at the Gospel of Matthew to understand the nature of the revolution Jesus has come to lead and what it means to pledge our allegiance to a new king. The text for this sermon is: Matthew 19:16-22 (NRSV) And here is a link to Cotton Mather's quite distressing book: The Negro Christianized: An Essay to Excite and Assist that Good Work, the Instruction of Negro Servants in Christianity. If you value the podcast and are able to support the community from which it comes, you can make a tax-deductible  contribution to Canvas Presbyterian Church here! (Thank you!!!) For more series, resources and means of contacting me, simply head to jesusat2am.com or send me email here!