9th July 2017 - The Kingdom Of God And The Kingdom Of Darkness
9th July 2017 - The Kingdom Of God And The Kingdom Of Darkness
Summary
The message discusses the contrast between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Darkness. The speaker emphasizes that believers are currently living in a transitional state, being transformed and renewed to enter the coming Kingdom. The sermon encourages praise and worship, acknowledging God's power and sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The contrast between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of this worldAs Christians, we live in a world struggling between two kingdoms: the visible kingdom of this world ruled by Satan and the invisible kingdom of God where Jesus is King.
Repentance as the prerequisite for the kingdomBoth John the Baptist and Jesus began their ministries with the same urgent message: repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Being born again to see the kingdom of GodJesus told Nicodemus that unless a man is born again of water and the spirit, he cannot see or enter the kingdom of God.John 3:3
Spiritual bankruptcy and purity of heartBlessed are the poor in spirit who recognize their spiritual bankruptcy, and the pure in heart who are utterly transparent and straight before God and men.
False assurance and those excluded from the kingdomNot everyone who calls Jesus Lord or performs miracles in His name will enter heaven, for the Lord rejects those who practice lawlessness and hypocrisy.Matthew 7:21
Sins that exclude people from inheriting the kingdomScripture warns that the unrighteous, including fornicators, idolaters, thieves, and liars, will not inherit the kingdom of God, though believers were washed and cleansed.1 Corinthians 6:9
Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy GhostThe true kingdom of God is characterized not by external religion, but by righteousness, peace, and joy found in the Holy Spirit.
Is God truly the king of your life?Believers must ask an honest question: Is Jesus truly the king of our lives, or are we still ruling our own lives and gratifying the flesh?Luke 17:21
The example of the thief on the crossUnlike those who use Jesus merely as a convenience, the repentant thief on the cross feared God, acknowledged his guilt, and cried out for Christ's kingdom.
Needing the power of the Holy SpiritJesus promised that believers would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, shifting focus away from our own kingdoms to His rule.Acts 1:3–8
Avoiding the fall through ease and comfortJust as David fell into sin when he stayed home instead of going to battle, believers drift when comfort replaces Christ as the king of their lives.2 Samuel 11:1
The costly pearl and surrendering everything to ChristJust like the merchant who sold all he had for a costly pearl, Christ gave His all for us so we would place Him rightfully on the throne of our lives.Matthew 13:45
