The Rebellion
In the Garden of Eden, God gave humanity the responsibility to establish the earthly kingdom under His rule. But things went terribly wrong when the first man and woman joined Satan’s rebellion by rejecting God’s rule. Where does that leave the world today? Where does it leave us?
The Restoration
Because of humanity’s rebellion against God, we can’t experience the full glory of His kingdom in this present age. But an age is coming when the kingdom will be restored – when Jesus will defeat all His enemies and hand over the kingdom to the Father. What will the future kingdom look like, and when will it come?
» see all related messages
Cultivating the Kingdom
In the parable of the sower, Jesus uses seeds and soil as a metaphor for the kingdom of God. Just as a seed planted in infertile soil doesn’t produce anything, the message of the kingdom planted in an unreceptive heart can’t produce any fruit for the kingdom. Are you cultivating the kingdom? Is your life producing an abundant harvest?
The Kingdom Dilemma
The kingdom of God presents a dilemma: If sin can’t exist in the kingdom, what happens to sinful people? For now, the righteous and unrighteous co-exist. But Jesus uses two parables to communicate a sobering message – there will come a time of final judgment and separation. Does what Jesus said about the future change how we live in the present?
Small Beginnings
Just because something starts small doesn’t mean it will stay that way. Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a mustard seed (small) and yeast (hidden) – but the beginning isn’t an indicator of the final result. Find out how the kingdom grows, even when it’s not immediately apparent.
Treasure
Discovering hidden treasure is something we’d all like to experience. But what if we already have the greatest treasure of all and don’t even realize it? Rediscover the value – and the joy – of the kingdom.
Equal Pay or Equal Grace?
We are all recipients of God’s grace. But we sometimes have a warped view of grace and begin to view His blessings as entitlements. Does God owe us anything? Can we count on Him to be fair when it comes to giving out kingdom rewards?
Life: Rewarding & Rewarded
We all get the principle that we receive rewards for a job well done and negative consequences for a job poorly done. But does that principle also apply to our spiritual lives? Understanding what is valued in God’s eternal kingdom and the nature of spiritual rewards will determine how we live our lives now
What Kind of Neighbor?
In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus illustrates the commandment to “love your neighbor as you love yourself.” We’ll explore the question “who is my neighbor?” and ask an even tougher question: What kind of neighbor are we?
God, Our Hope
In what do you place your hope? The stock market? Politicians? Getting into the best college? Let’s stop hoping in things that are bound to disappoint and give our hearts over to the Hope that never fails.
At Home With the Father
Do you ever feel confined by God and His righteous ways? Seeking "freedom" from the Father sounds appealing at times, but painful lessons have a way of guiding us back to His embracing arms.
The Life of the Party
Can you imagine turning down an invitation to the most extravagant, lavish party in all of history? Don't miss out on the Kingdom Party that Jesus describes in the Parable of the Wedding Banquet.
Our Christmas Gift
Finding just the right Christmas gift for the people we love often seems impossible. God gave the perfect gift for all of us in Jesus. Have we made room in our lives for God's gift?
Candles and Carols Christmas Eve Service
Christmas Eve Service
Everyday Christmas?
The aftermath of Christmas seems like a big letdown after all the joy and excitement of the season. There's more to Christmas, and to the Christian life, than what we usually spend our time focusing on. Can we experience the joy of Christmas – and Christ - every day?
Back to Series Summary
