Bringing the Kingdom of God — Ajay Chakravarthy — August 04, 2024
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon emphasizes that Jesus's death on the cross accomplished two things: it completely forgave our sins, blotting them out as far as the East is from the West, and it defeated Satan. Believers must understand that Jesus not only paid for sins but also rendered the devil powerless, freeing us from bondage. True understanding of scripture must lead to active faith, trusting God for provision and help in our present lives.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The light shines in the darknessThe kingdom of darkness attempts to devour and destroy lives, but the light of Christ shines and cannot be overpowered.John 1:4–5
Nailing our certificate of debt to the crossOn the cross, Jesus canceled the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us by nailing it to the cross.Colossians 2:13–14
Receiving God's righteousness by faithWe receive justification and are clothed in the righteousness of God not by our own works, but by faith when we confess our sins.
Triumphing over rulers and authoritiesBeyond forgiving our sins, Jesus disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public display of them through the cross.
Releasing those subject to the fear of deathJesus shared in flesh and blood so that through death He might render powerless the devil and free those enslaved by the fear of death.Hebrews 2:14–15
Are Bible stories useful for our faith today?Just as missionary Hudson Taylor sought to build faith before going to China, we must ask whether Bible stories produce real faith for our daily lives.
Jesus sleeping in the midst of the stormWhen a fierce gale arose while Jesus and the disciples were in a boat, Jesus rested peacefully in the stern amid the chaos.Mark 4:35–38
Becoming like little childrenLike infants who have no care in the world during a fire, we are called to humble ourselves and quiet our souls before God.
Peace be stillJesus rebuked the wind and the sea, bringing a great calm, and asked the disciples why they still lacked faith.
Setting boundaries for the wavesPraying in agreement over crisis situations allows us to trust God to set firm boundaries against destructive forces.Job 38:11
Exposing the hidden love of money and self-deceptionSudden trials expose how easily we fool ourselves into thinking we possess no love of possessions or unrest until a crisis strikes.
The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collectorJesus told a parable to those who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt.Luke 18:9–10
God be merciful to me a sinnerWhile the Pharisee listed his good deeds, the tax collector beat his breast and asked God for mercy on a sinner.
Going home justified through repentanceThe man who humbled himself and confessed his sin went home justified by God, whereas the self-justifying man remained condemned.
Insatiable forces that never say enoughJust like the leech, the grave, and wildfire, the kingdom of darkness and human desires are never satisfied and always demand more ground.Proverbs 30:15
A kingdom divided against itself cannot standWhen accused of casting out demons by Beelzebub, Jesus explained that Satan's kingdom is united in oppression, but the Finger of God brings the kingdom of God.Luke 11:14–20
Overpowering the strong manWhen someone stronger than the devil attacks and overpowers him, He takes away his armor and distributes his plunder.
Calling Paul to turn people from darkness to lightJesus appointed Paul as a minister to open people's eyes, turning them from the dominion of Satan to God to receive forgiveness.Acts 26:15–18
The poor wise person who delivered the cityJust as a poor wise man delivered a besieged city by his wisdom, God often uses quiet, faithful believers in the church to bring deliverance through prayer.Ecclesiastes 9:14–15
