What is the kingdom of God, anyway? In a western setting where kingdom doesn’t mean much to us in our everyday living, it’s time to get a grip on the kingdom. Nancy Erickson delivers a message from Luke 17:20-37; 18:15-30, 35-43; 19:1-10.
SERMON OUTLINE
The Kingdom of God is Among Us (Luke 17:20-37)
- “Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it.”
How can you become a part of the Kingdom? (Luke 18:15-30)
- Trust your good Father like a little child
- Follow Jesus without limits
- “What’s impossible for man is possible with God.”
Enter by faith asking for mercy (Luke 18:35-43)
- “Son of David, have mercy on me.”
- “Your faith has healed you.”
Repent and be changed (Luke 19:1-10)
- Welcome Jesus
- Demonstrate Repentance
- “Today salvation has come.” Enter in.
- “The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- If the kingdom is here in our midst, what does it look like? How can we recognize it?
- Note the contrast: What does it mean to keep my life? What does it mean to lose it?
- Discuss: How do we strive for maturity while trusting like a child?
- What does it mean, “Your faith has healed you?” Is physical healing always present with faith? What other kinds of healing are there?
- How do we demonstrate repentance?
- How can we live caring for others?