In this message, we look at how Jesus came to this earth as King of Kings. Jesus' teaching on the Kingdom of God is explored to understand the practical implications of Jesus' reign on our lives.
Jesus – The Reign of God
Discover Jesus This Christmas – Part 3
Life Church St. Louis – December 18, 2011
Pastor Dan Walker
Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders … Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign forever.
Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV) After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
Hebrews 12:28 (NIV) Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,
1. Understand how Jesus’ kingdom ___________
A.Kingdom growth begins _________
Matthew 13:31-32 (NIV) He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree …
B. Kingdom growth happens through ________________
Matthew 13:33 (NIV) He told them still another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough."
2. Appreciate the _________ of Jesus’ kingdom
A. _____________ for the kingdom’s hidden value
Matthew 13:44 (NIV) "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
B. Give up ___________ for the kingdom
Matthew 13:45-46 (NIV) "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
3. __________ to pursue Jesus’ kingdom
A. Enter the kingdom through _____________
Colossians 1:13 (NIV) For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,
Matthew 18:3 (NIV) And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
B. Pursue the kingdom through ______________
Matthew 7:21 (NIV) "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
John 3:3 (NIV) In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."