WEBVTT 00:00:00.240 --> 00:00:07.100 And I'm going to invite you this, just so you know, if you want to sell in these two locations of scripture, we're going to do a kind of a smattering of scripture this morning. 00:00:07.500 --> 00:00:08.490 We've been in Genesis three. 00:00:08.680 --> 00:00:11.440 We're going to use that as the framework for building to where we're going to go. 00:00:12.040 --> 00:00:16.700 We're going to end up in acts chapter seven and Matthew chapter six. 00:00:16.920 --> 00:00:18.820 But it'll just be a little bit before I get there. 00:00:18.960 --> 00:00:21.280 So if you want to find those places, you're welcome to hold onto it. 00:00:22.560 --> 00:00:29.820 I, I learned this morning that apparently if you hand Ryan anything, he can just beat on it and make a noise. 00:00:29.900 --> 00:00:30.220 I love it. 00:00:30.220 --> 00:00:30.640 That's good. 00:00:30.640 --> 00:00:31.340 I like that. 00:00:32.380 --> 00:00:39.400 while we're sharing this morning, the series that we're going in together is this idea of believe we're looking at the first three chapters of Genesis setting, 00:00:39.760 --> 00:00:47.000 the foundation of really all of Christianity found within the first three chapters of the book of Genesis, the 00:00:47.000 --> 00:00:49.920 pillars of what makes our faith what it is. 00:00:50.420 --> 00:00:52.420 And so we're seeing how that theme carries throughout scripture. 00:00:53.560 --> 00:00:57.960 And today I want to talk about something significant as it relates to the kingdom of God. 00:00:59.380 --> 00:01:06.480 And this morning I say this on the back end thinking, we are, we're heading to middle school camp after the services are finished this 00:01:06.480 --> 00:01:13.260 morning, and I have done this for the last five years, been in charge of middle school camp this year we have over 50 middle school campers. 00:01:13.320 --> 00:01:19.110 So if you just, you see me as we're going through the series, just sorta today a special, just kind of stare off and nothingness. 00:01:19.540 --> 00:01:20.400 Losing my train of thought. 00:01:20.700 --> 00:01:24.180 I just realize I'm going camping with 50 middle schoolers at the end of today. 00:01:24.260 --> 00:01:25.380 Say, I'm just kidding. 00:01:25.400 --> 00:01:26.040 We enjoy it. 00:01:26.040 --> 00:01:28.340 I love it and look forward to today. 00:01:28.760 --> 00:01:34.080 But when it talks, we talk about the way Christianity has established itself. 00:01:34.400 --> 00:01:37.720 It finds its pillars in the first three chapters of Genesis. 00:01:37.960 --> 00:01:45.060 We've looked at those foundations together, the identity of God, who we are in relationship to God, the idea of sin, what really 00:01:45.060 --> 00:01:46.460 makes sin sin. 00:01:46.840 --> 00:01:53.880 And in this thought of redemption where we get the words of Jesus even being a savior, what it means that Jesus is a savior, 00:01:53.980 --> 00:01:59.220 what he's rescuing us from, and we looked at the fulfillment of Christ being our priests. 00:01:59.320 --> 00:02:06.500 He fulfills all of the sacrificial systems, the old Testament, even the establishment of the temple, everything built within that old 00:02:06.500 --> 00:02:09.720 sacrificial system of the old covenant or the old Testament. 00:02:10.039 --> 00:02:17.280 We see Jesus fulfilling it within himself, which is what inaugurated the new new covenant and in Jeremiah chapter 31 00:02:17.280 --> 00:02:19.710 verses 31 to 34 we looked at that together. 00:02:19.920 --> 00:02:26.980 It is the reason we refer to the Bible as the old covenant and new covenant or old Testament and new Testament is the promise for 00:02:26.980 --> 00:02:34.280 which Christ would come, give us his redemption in him, and so we find our freedom or salvation in 00:02:34.280 --> 00:02:37.120 what Jesus has accomplished for us on the cross. 00:02:37.520 --> 00:02:44.000 Even the sacrifices of animals in the old Testament were all images of what Jesus would ultimately fulfill for us. 00:02:45.420 --> 00:02:52.680 This morning, I'm going to look at the same text that we referenced in light of this priestly idea of Jesus fulfilling for us and the old 00:02:52.680 --> 00:02:59.840 covenant and the sacrifices, and now I want to talk about rather than just the priestly sacrifices, the idea of redemption in, I want 00:02:59.840 --> 00:03:03.280 to talk about what God restores for us in his kingdom. 00:03:04.600 --> 00:03:11.240 In the book of Genesis, when Genesis chapter three and verse one happens, it tells us that the serpent begins a conversation with Eve. 00:03:12.140 --> 00:03:15.660 We looked at the significance of what that term serpent actually means in scripture. 00:03:16.120 --> 00:03:18.600 Talked about why the idea of a snake. 00:03:19.060 --> 00:03:26.280 It could be metaphorical within the Bible because the Hebrew word for serpent can also be translated as an chanter or it could also be translated 00:03:26.280 --> 00:03:27.740 as shining or brass. 00:03:28.480 --> 00:03:31.030 A Satan gave this appearance of deception as a serpent. 00:03:31.440 --> 00:03:38.920 He gave this appearance of enchantment as giving a lie that looked like in the form of a truth and it deceived Adam and Eve and 00:03:38.920 --> 00:03:39.620 he looked appealing. 00:03:39.980 --> 00:03:44.400 He was the most beautiful of all of God's creation that the scripture tells us he made. 00:03:44.440 --> 00:03:47.390 He tried to in Isaiah chapter 14 we looked at that together. 00:03:47.860 --> 00:03:54.960 He tried to put himself into the position of God beginning of verse 12 and God cast him out and then he comes to the garden of Eden 00:03:54.960 --> 00:04:01.960 and shares the same lie with Adam and Eve that caused him in his own casting out of heaven, which was you can 00:04:01.960 --> 00:04:02.740 become like God. 00:04:04.400 --> 00:04:11.120 Adam and Eve bought into the lie that you could become like God, knowing good from evil, and that phrase in the Hebrew means more than just knowing. 00:04:11.160 --> 00:04:15.160 Right from wrong means that you will declare to God what is right, what is wrong. 00:04:15.180 --> 00:04:22.320 You will take the position of God declaring to the world that you are the authority by governing what is right and wrong rather than allowing God the position 00:04:22.320 --> 00:04:24.540 of ultimate authority as he is creator. 00:04:26.220 --> 00:04:30.540 When that took place, the Bible introduces to the idea of two kingdoms. 00:04:32.280 --> 00:04:39.280 When we talk about Satan and the reference to scripture, there are many ways [inaudible] views him in light of what 00:04:39.280 --> 00:04:40.760 he represents in the garden of Eden. 00:04:40.800 --> 00:04:47.940 In second Corinthians chapter four in verse four it says this, and whose case the God of this world talking about Satan has blinded 00:04:47.940 --> 00:04:53.100 the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ. 00:04:53.580 --> 00:04:55.180 Who is the image of God. 00:04:56.700 --> 00:05:01.000 So Satan, Satan in his dominion or being referred to as God of the world. 00:05:01.480 --> 00:05:08.660 This word for [inaudible], it's a generic word for God's which the Greek culture would have been familiar with multiple 00:05:08.660 --> 00:05:09.260 gods. 00:05:09.280 --> 00:05:16.560 They refer to Satan this way, having a position of authority, the recognizing his authority, and he's saying his whole purpose is to blind us 00:05:16.620 --> 00:05:24.110 from the salvation that is in Christ, the good news that is in Jesus the representation of what he desires to bring in. 00:05:24.180 --> 00:05:31.180 In fact, in Matthew chapter 12 verse 26 says this, and if Satan cast out Satan, Jesus, I should preface this and say, 00:05:32.040 --> 00:05:39.300 Jesus has being accused as working for Satan's kingdom and Jesus acknowledging the idea of kingdom says this of Satan, cast out Satan. 00:05:40.180 --> 00:05:41.620 He's casting out demons here. 00:05:41.680 --> 00:05:44.900 If Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself. 00:05:44.960 --> 00:05:46.560 How shall then his kingdom stand. 00:05:47.120 --> 00:05:54.280 And so Jesus is referencing the dominion of Satan saying that he can't possibly work for saying cause he's living his life contrary to what Satan is about. 00:05:54.860 --> 00:05:56.900 And he's referencing this back to kingdoms. 00:05:56.900 --> 00:06:00.660 I want to see the idea of kingdoms represented here throughout scripture. 00:06:01.340 --> 00:06:04.870 It's referred to, sorry, it's referred to in three different ways. 00:06:05.360 --> 00:06:07.080 Satan is often in his dominion. 00:06:07.220 --> 00:06:09.060 There's more than this, but three prominent ways. 00:06:09.140 --> 00:06:11.380 I just want to point out, he's the Prince of the world. 00:06:11.520 --> 00:06:15.820 He's referred to as the Prince of the power of the air and the God of this world in scripture. 00:06:16.060 --> 00:06:23.200 So you see this idea of dominion and authority when it comes to Jesus though in Genesis chapter three, after Satan comes 00:06:23.200 --> 00:06:26.120 in to saves Eve, sin falls into the world. 00:06:26.120 --> 00:06:27.030 We, we've seen this together. 00:06:27.120 --> 00:06:28.640 We've looked at this over the last couple of weeks. 00:06:29.240 --> 00:06:32.240 God pursues man promises then redemption. 00:06:32.240 --> 00:06:40.080 And that happens in Genesis chapter three in verse 15 okay, God's declaration to 00:06:40.080 --> 00:06:45.660 Adam and Eve after sin in the middle of their curse and the moment of their curse, they're hiding from God in fig. 00:06:45.740 --> 00:06:47.220 Leaves God pursues them. 00:06:47.220 --> 00:06:54.300 God takes off fig leaves, God closed them and priestly garments and God promises what will be the first sacrifice and he says in Genesis 00:06:54.540 --> 00:07:01.660 three in chapter 15 I will put enmity between you talking about the serpent and the woman between your seed and her 00:07:01.660 --> 00:07:05.380 seed and this is where the idea of kingdom mentality comes from. 00:07:05.460 --> 00:07:10.940 In the next phrase that says this, he shall bruise you on the head and you shall bruise him on the heel. 00:07:12.340 --> 00:07:17.120 This idea of here are ahead in scripture, reverse to authority and power. 00:07:18.540 --> 00:07:25.900 Yeah, we looked at satanic, the idea of satanic kingdom or Satan's kingdom and what it's saying about Jesus that his rule 00:07:25.900 --> 00:07:31.820 and authority will crush that of the serpent had representing his authority. 00:07:31.820 --> 00:07:39.240 This is, this is important to start recognizing within scripture because God is going to begin to point to the nation of Israel as 00:07:39.240 --> 00:07:43.980 the identity through which he would bring us fulfillment for Christ the Messiah to come. 00:07:44.460 --> 00:07:51.210 He will use Israel as an image or a or as a, as a smaller case scenario of what he desires to accomplish. 00:07:51.300 --> 00:07:52.180 For all of us. 00:07:53.140 --> 00:07:54.480 We talk about the kingdom of God. 00:07:54.480 --> 00:08:00.280 I especially think it's important because sometimes we get lost in the idea of his kingdom, specifically as it relates to Israel. 00:08:00.340 --> 00:08:07.720 People get obsessive about Israel related to the kingdom, but I want us to see in Genesis chapter three the idea of kingdom begins before 00:08:07.720 --> 00:08:09.640 Israel is even brought into existence. 00:08:11.320 --> 00:08:11.800 God, no doubt. 00:08:11.960 --> 00:08:14.570 Works through Israel, got in doubt, brings a King in Israel. 00:08:15.220 --> 00:08:22.360 He specifically relates Jesus to that of the Davidic throne, but the idea of kingship begins before 00:08:22.360 --> 00:08:29.440 the nation of Israel even starts in Genesis chapter three when Jesus has promised us, he will come and 00:08:29.440 --> 00:08:30.640 crush the head of the serpent. 00:08:32.419 --> 00:08:33.419 Satan's kingdom. 00:08:35.640 --> 00:08:38.179 Christ's kingdom. 00:08:38.380 --> 00:08:45.580 Revelation chapter seven in verse nine gives a, I think, a beautiful picture of the culmination of the idea of God's kingdom when it talks 00:08:45.580 --> 00:08:52.840 about every tribe, tongue, language, and nation before the throne of the lamb singing praise to him saying, 00:08:52.960 --> 00:08:53.400 worthy. 00:08:53.400 --> 00:09:00.810 Are you God's desire is to establish 00:09:00.810 --> 00:09:08.010 and reestablish his rule over those who are now alienated those who are rebellious against his kingdom, which scripture points 00:09:08.010 --> 00:09:09.590 out we'll see in a moment is us. 00:09:11.600 --> 00:09:18.690 Isaiah gets more specific in this prophecy which we looked at last week and I want us to highlight it now rather than just thinking of redemption to 00:09:18.690 --> 00:09:19.795 think about his kingship. 00:09:20.350 --> 00:09:25.770 Isaiah seven 14 says this, therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. 00:09:25.770 --> 00:09:32.990 Behold a Virgin will be with child embarrass son and she will knit call his name Emmanuel, which means God with us 00:09:34.030 --> 00:09:36.610 and then it gets specific about his kingship. 00:09:36.710 --> 00:09:39.420 It says in Isaiah nine six for child would be born in the us. 00:09:39.530 --> 00:09:47.110 A son will be given to us and the government will rest on his shoulders and his name will be called wonderful counselor, mighty God, eternal 00:09:47.110 --> 00:09:48.170 father. 00:09:48.170 --> 00:09:49.130 The Prince of peace. 00:09:51.130 --> 00:09:52.360 You see it in Jesus is ruling. 00:09:52.550 --> 00:10:00.370 He's re-establishing the piece that was lost in the kingdom that went corrupt and its pursuit of 00:10:00.470 --> 00:10:00.990 Satan's lie. 00:10:03.550 --> 00:10:10.890 In fact, the Romans chapter five kind of places, those positions of where we are as human beings in relationship to God because of this sin. 00:10:11.330 --> 00:10:18.630 This is just a highlighting of some of the verses within Romans five it says this in verse six for while we were still helpless at the right time, Christ 00:10:18.630 --> 00:10:20.610 Christ died for the ungodly. 00:10:21.370 --> 00:10:23.510 Romans is already established for us who is the ungodly. 00:10:24.170 --> 00:10:28.550 It's all of us, much more than having now been justified by his blood. 00:10:28.550 --> 00:10:31.450 We shall be saved from the wrath of God through him. 00:10:32.470 --> 00:10:37.310 And so in this kingdom that's contrary to God, God will bring his wrath and justice against it. 00:10:38.650 --> 00:10:44.810 For while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his son much more having been reconciled. 00:10:44.830 --> 00:10:46.610 We shall be saved by his life. 00:10:47.550 --> 00:10:54.650 And so what he's saying in verse 10 is that we're not in this ambiguous position knowing that there's two kingdoms and we kind of just stand in the middle of Teeter tottering between the 00:10:54.650 --> 00:10:54.950 two. 00:10:55.010 --> 00:11:02.740 What it's actually saying in verse 10 is that because of sin and because God is Holy, we belong to the kingdom that's contrary to Christ. 00:11:04.250 --> 00:11:11.490 And so he says in verse 12, therefore justice through one man sin entered into the world talking about Adam and death through 00:11:11.490 --> 00:11:11.990 sin. 00:11:12.570 --> 00:11:15.950 So the way that we know that we belong to the kingdom of destruction is death. 00:11:16.090 --> 00:11:17.590 We all experienced death. 00:11:17.590 --> 00:11:20.180 And so death spread to all men because all sin. 00:11:20.690 --> 00:11:27.810 So then as the one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men even so through the one act 00:11:27.830 --> 00:11:33.550 of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. 00:11:35.870 --> 00:11:42.990 Cautions I think lays it a little more clearly for us in talking about just two distinct kingdoms, it definitely shows us in 00:11:42.990 --> 00:11:50.090 Romans five that uh, there is, those that belong to destruction of the rat under God's wrath and God desires to 00:11:50.150 --> 00:11:51.530 bring us his grace in him. 00:11:51.550 --> 00:11:58.670 Cautions, lays out this way, talking about kingdoms, giving things to the father who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the 00:11:58.670 --> 00:12:06.030 saints in light for he rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred 00:12:06.050 --> 00:12:12.020 us to the kingdom of his beloved son and whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 00:12:13.130 --> 00:12:16.810 He is the image of the invisible God. 00:12:17.170 --> 00:12:22.130 This idea of kingdom, especially in the new Testament is referenced nearly a hundred times. 00:12:24.630 --> 00:12:32.530 One of the things that I enjoy about considering the thought of God's kingdom was we just look at scripture as it relates to us this morning, okay? 00:12:32.530 --> 00:12:38.950 It's that God's rule and God's authority and God's kingdom is really what gives us perspective. 00:12:39.890 --> 00:12:45.990 Eternity has a way of teaching us what is really important, what matters. 00:12:48.170 --> 00:12:54.970 Thinking about your life belonging beyond this world rather to Christ. 00:12:57.010 --> 00:13:04.770 Knowing one day you will see your King face to face, the accountability, 00:13:06.730 --> 00:13:13.840 the relationship, what it means to live life in light of what Christ has done for us. 00:13:15.830 --> 00:13:23.190 Considering this kingdom gives us the opportunity to put life into perspective as to really what matters 00:13:23.190 --> 00:13:24.470 and what's worth living. 00:13:25.920 --> 00:13:26.570 For. 00:13:27.590 --> 00:13:27.870 Last week. 00:13:28.450 --> 00:13:33.120 I just introduced this to this thought of dinner on me, chapter seven where it answered this question. 00:13:33.970 --> 00:13:35.350 God, why did you choose Israel? 00:13:37.430 --> 00:13:38.690 Is it because they were special? 00:13:38.970 --> 00:13:40.870 Was it because they loved you more than anyone else? 00:13:41.190 --> 00:13:41.250 What? 00:13:41.330 --> 00:13:42.160 What was it about Israel? 00:13:42.570 --> 00:13:49.610 And God gives the answer in Deuteronomy seven in verse seven he said this, the Lord did not send his love on you nor choose you because you were 00:13:49.770 --> 00:13:51.670 more in number than any of the peoples. 00:13:51.750 --> 00:13:58.790 For you are the fewest of all peoples because the Lord loves you and kept the oath which he 00:13:59.050 --> 00:13:59.830 swore to your forefathers. 00:14:01.150 --> 00:14:08.990 The Lord brought you out by mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh, King of Egypt, okay. 00:14:09.010 --> 00:14:10.670 Israel, God and choosing Israel. 00:14:10.930 --> 00:14:12.610 He picks the least of all people. 00:14:12.670 --> 00:14:19.930 In fact, he chose, he chose the people that were in slavery, Israel for us as a representation of 00:14:20.030 --> 00:14:27.410 all of the human race as it relates to what Romans five just said to us in a position where we can't redeem ourselves 00:14:27.410 --> 00:14:29.740 in a position where we can't save ourselves. 00:14:30.570 --> 00:14:34.110 One who has now come to rescue us from the kingdom of darkness. 00:14:34.570 --> 00:14:38.530 It said in Colossians one and bring us into the kingdom of light. 00:14:40.550 --> 00:14:47.670 In fact, in John 10 10 Jesus said, the reason I came, I came, he says this, the thief comes to steal, kill, 00:14:47.670 --> 00:14:50.650 and destroy kingdom of darkness. 00:14:51.550 --> 00:14:58.630 I came that they may have life and have it abundantly Jesus. 00:14:58.630 --> 00:15:05.670 In John chapter three in verse three you're probably familiar with the passage of scripture from John three 16 00:15:05.670 --> 00:15:12.830 he sharing with nicotine is this idea of salvation rescuing Jesus, but this is the way he begins his answer to nicotine is, and Jesus said to him, truly, truly, 00:15:12.970 --> 00:15:17.930 I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 00:15:20.750 --> 00:15:27.810 God in creating this for his kingdom promises, redemption in his kingdom, and that redemption is 00:15:27.810 --> 00:15:34.810 given ultimately through to us, through Christ, which is why he goes in the verse 16 and says, for God so loved the world, he gave 00:15:34.810 --> 00:15:38.660 his only begotten son that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life. 00:15:40.310 --> 00:15:47.410 And he goes on from there and says, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, and so what Jesus is 00:15:47.410 --> 00:15:52.400 declaring this passage isn't that though there is the kingdom of darkness represented in the idea of Satan. 00:15:52.710 --> 00:15:57.990 Jesus provides opportunity of rescuing him. 00:15:58.250 --> 00:15:59.480 Yeah, idea of being made new. 00:16:02.090 --> 00:16:02.310 Born again. 00:16:05.690 --> 00:16:06.410 There's a thought. 00:16:06.450 --> 00:16:10.990 Theologians say that through Christ, the kingdom of God has been inaugurated. 00:16:13.570 --> 00:16:20.590 Matthew chapter four in verse 17 Jesus is pronouncement after, after his temptation in the wilderness, he comes out 00:16:20.590 --> 00:16:27.930 declaring the kingdom of God is a hand, and John 18 in verse 36 and referencing his 00:16:27.930 --> 00:16:35.890 kingdom, Oh Jesus, Jesus declares to us that the beginning of his kingdom, the inauguration of his kingdom, happens not physically, but 00:16:35.890 --> 00:16:36.810 it began within us spiritually. 00:16:37.630 --> 00:16:38.370 Now, listen to this. 00:16:38.370 --> 00:16:41.710 Jesus said, my kingdom is not of this world. 00:16:42.830 --> 00:16:50.190 If my Cayman were of this world, then would my servants fight that I should not be delivered to the Jews, but now is my kingdom 00:16:50.190 --> 00:16:51.310 not from here. 00:16:56.590 --> 00:17:02.330 This is why Paul said in Galatians chapter two in verse 20 I am crucified with Christ. 00:17:04.109 --> 00:17:09.140 Nevertheless, it's not I who live, but Christ lives within me. 00:17:12.109 --> 00:17:19.170 Jesus is making all things new and this kingdom as is inaugurating on this earth 00:17:19.609 --> 00:17:20.790 begins within us. 00:17:21.410 --> 00:17:25.050 We looked at this last week as it related to us being priests in Christ. 00:17:25.670 --> 00:17:28.990 We become the temple of God because of what Jesus has done. 00:17:30.330 --> 00:17:32.150 Jesus dwells within us. 00:17:32.150 --> 00:17:39.330 In fact, in Colassians one 27 it says, God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of 00:17:39.330 --> 00:17:46.810 this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you hope 00:17:46.810 --> 00:17:47.860 of glory. 00:17:50.210 --> 00:17:52.860 The kingdom inaugurated in Jesus. 00:17:54.170 --> 00:17:54.610 Okay. 00:17:54.630 --> 00:18:01.650 Promise from Genesis chapter three verse 15 yeah, but the Bible also continues to promise us that the kingdom has not 00:18:01.650 --> 00:18:02.870 been completely consummated. 00:18:05.250 --> 00:18:11.820 Jesus, in Luke 1911 he says, the people, they thought that the kingdom of God would appear immediately. 00:18:13.230 --> 00:18:14.340 Yeah, but he taught us to pray this way. 00:18:14.390 --> 00:18:21.930 In Luke chapter 11 in verse two when you pray, say father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come in. 00:18:23.710 --> 00:18:30.910 Luke 22 when he's partaking of communion, he says this, the disciples, for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until 00:18:30.910 --> 00:18:32.470 the kingdom of God comes. 00:18:35.610 --> 00:18:36.930 He'll drink it new with us. 00:18:39.230 --> 00:18:46.770 In fact, as we saw together, Romans five shows this thought of darkness belonging to the kingdom of corruption, 00:18:46.770 --> 00:18:49.870 which is Satan's representation of God of this world. 00:18:50.130 --> 00:18:55.070 God in Romans chapter five giving us his grace and mercy in Christ. 00:18:56.010 --> 00:19:03.290 It goes on and says in Romans eight recognizing that God began his work in us spiritually, that he will ultimately fulfill his work physically 00:19:03.290 --> 00:19:04.010 in this world. 00:19:04.050 --> 00:19:11.190 When he makes everything new, it tells us from the rep representation of sin that's come all over the world. 00:19:11.290 --> 00:19:18.530 Since Genesis chapter three because of the fall of Adam and Eve, it says this in Romans eight verse 21 that the creation itself also will 00:19:18.530 --> 00:19:22.970 be set free from its slavery to corruption to the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 00:19:24.770 --> 00:19:32.170 We know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth 00:19:32.470 --> 00:19:33.290 together until now. 00:19:34.810 --> 00:19:38.770 Not only this, but also we ourselves having the first fruits of the spirit. 00:19:39.070 --> 00:19:46.070 Now even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our 00:19:46.070 --> 00:19:53.150 adoption, the son, the redemption of our body, the work that God has began 00:19:53.150 --> 00:19:54.590 will become, become consummated. 00:19:56.530 --> 00:19:58.250 This is the past is that continues on. 00:19:58.270 --> 00:20:03.550 It goes on and says later for us that God works all things together for good to those that love Christ, we are called according to his purpose. 00:20:06.350 --> 00:20:07.770 It's sang in this world. 00:20:07.770 --> 00:20:14.910 When we look at suffering, when we look at the physical curse of things that rest upon us to those who 00:20:14.910 --> 00:20:22.190 love God are called according to this purpose and none of it, none of it will be in vain at the authority of Christ is so big 00:20:22.190 --> 00:20:29.440 that he will declare his authority above all of it or two things I've often heard those who criticized Christianity, 00:20:30.050 --> 00:20:37.140 they'll say this if from an atheistic worldview, they'll often say that their God is one of two things, but he can't be both. 00:20:38.130 --> 00:20:40.340 He's either good or not all powerful. 00:20:40.650 --> 00:20:42.170 He's all powerful and he is not good. 00:20:43.270 --> 00:20:50.210 And the reasoning for saying that is this, if God is good, he cannot all powerful because a good God wouldn't allow suffering to exist. 00:20:50.250 --> 00:20:53.050 Or they'll say this, God is all powerful, but he cannot be good. 00:20:53.170 --> 00:20:56.900 Because if he was, if he was all powerful and good, he would not allow suffering to exist. 00:20:57.010 --> 00:21:04.110 He cannot be both but what the idea fails to see is that God is so great that even 00:21:04.110 --> 00:21:11.190 beyond the suffering of this world, he can in his authority, culminate all of it under his headship and know no suffering will 00:21:11.190 --> 00:21:11.590 be in vain. 00:21:13.150 --> 00:21:20.690 Of course, we say this often at church, but the ultimate example of that is the cross of Christ, their 00:21:20.730 --> 00:21:22.670 most horrendous event in all of history. 00:21:22.670 --> 00:21:29.870 God uses it for redemption, becomes the song of the church and revelation chapter seven verse nine before the throne of the lamb, everyone declaring 00:21:29.870 --> 00:21:36.930 from tribes tongues, language, nations worthy are you old lamb, nothing 00:21:38.110 --> 00:21:38.350 in vain. 00:21:40.750 --> 00:21:47.330 God's authority declared in all of it and those are the first fruits of the spirit. 00:21:48.070 --> 00:21:51.100 We eagerly for the redemption of the body. 00:21:52.970 --> 00:22:00.410 It's what Jesus says in revelation chapter 21 in verse five he who sits on the throne said, behold, 00:22:01.450 --> 00:22:03.090 I am making all things. 00:22:04.290 --> 00:22:11.350 Yeah, I love is you just think revelation chapter 21 verse five in comparison to 00:22:11.370 --> 00:22:18.670 Genesis chapter three in verse 15 okay, Jesus establishes everything intentionally, purposefully, beautifully 00:22:18.670 --> 00:22:19.430 in him. 00:22:21.230 --> 00:22:28.470 Creation becomes corrupted in sin, mankind experiences death both physically and spiritually from God, 00:22:28.470 --> 00:22:34.050 which means we are separated from him and God pursues mankind for re relationship. 00:22:35.470 --> 00:22:39.490 The point that he becomes flesh, Emmanuel, God with us dies on the cross for our sins. 00:22:39.490 --> 00:22:40.510 It becomes our redemption song. 00:22:41.070 --> 00:22:47.030 God takes the most horrific event in all of human history, makes it our Anthem of decoration and victory. 00:22:47.050 --> 00:22:54.370 What Christ has done, both spiritually and physically in this world and at the very end of scripture in revelation 29 is if everything meets its culmination, 00:22:54.970 --> 00:22:59.770 Jesus saying to us, behold, I am making all things new. 00:23:03.690 --> 00:23:04.530 It's a beautiful picture. 00:23:07.130 --> 00:23:14.570 You know, sometimes when we think about what God desires to accomplish salvation in Jesus, our 00:23:14.570 --> 00:23:18.650 minds tend to think future, right? 00:23:18.750 --> 00:23:20.470 I can't wait till I get to heaven one day. 00:23:22.510 --> 00:23:29.610 What's important to recognize that though we have a glorious hope in front of us, there is no reason to fear because of the hope that awaits us in 00:23:29.610 --> 00:23:30.500 Christ Jesus. 00:23:31.030 --> 00:23:32.990 The future that is before us. 00:23:33.590 --> 00:23:40.150 It does not mean that God's activity has not ceased from what we're experiencing in him right now. 00:23:41.150 --> 00:23:48.430 When we get so fixated in what God says about salvation in the future, we forget that a exists in these moments, and 00:23:48.430 --> 00:23:50.890 so what does it mean that the kingdom, what? 00:23:50.910 --> 00:23:57.970 What does that mean for us today as people as it relates to Christ Jesus, 00:23:58.090 --> 00:24:03.400 when he shared his parables throughout scripture, I think Matthew 13 is one of the most famous sections of his parables. 00:24:03.990 --> 00:24:11.050 Jesus relates the idea of his kingdom continually throughout the parables and he calls it a mustard seed at one 00:24:11.050 --> 00:24:18.050 point that it just spreads and the sowing of seed, it just spreads throughout this world that the salvation which 00:24:18.050 --> 00:24:24.050 Christ brings for us and the redemption in Jesus, it's still moving in the lives of people around us. 00:24:25.590 --> 00:24:27.450 What does the kingdom mean for us today? 00:24:29.730 --> 00:24:36.890 In answering that question, I really feel like I could turn to any chapter of the Bible and just say, okay, let me explain this, but just 00:24:36.890 --> 00:24:45.310 for fun and for enjoyment and scripture, I really want to highlight two passages of scripture that, are often misinterpreted 00:24:45.310 --> 00:24:45.570 and are. 00:24:45.730 --> 00:24:48.790 I want us to see how scripture communicates it for us today. 00:24:49.470 --> 00:24:53.710 Acts chapter seven, one of the passages that told you to look at this morning. 00:24:56.630 --> 00:25:03.710 Acts chapter seven is just a reminder of the a position or I shouldn't say just a reminder, it is a reminder of the position of Christ as 00:25:03.710 --> 00:25:07.230 it relates to his team in this current world that we are existing in. 00:25:07.250 --> 00:25:11.190 And what is saying to us right now is Jesus is the problem to our problems. 00:25:13.390 --> 00:25:16.640 Acts chapter seven, this is the first stoning of Christians. 00:25:16.830 --> 00:25:20.950 This is where persecution began and persecution has continued even to this day. 00:25:21.270 --> 00:25:25.390 The first person persecuted and martyred is Steven. 00:25:26.630 --> 00:25:33.610 He declares this message in acts chapter seven, the Jews become angry. 00:25:33.610 --> 00:25:35.530 Steve, Paul is a part of this group. 00:25:35.930 --> 00:25:41.110 They get angry at and they pick up stones to stone him and Rob him of his life. 00:25:42.630 --> 00:25:48.410 At the end of acts chapter seven, it gives this declaration of what Steven sees as he is about to be stoned to death. 00:25:48.410 --> 00:25:54.250 And it says now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick and they began gnashing their teeth at him. 00:25:54.330 --> 00:25:55.930 I don't, I don't know what that looks like. 00:25:55.970 --> 00:25:57.310 It's like a zombie apocalypse here. 00:25:57.910 --> 00:26:04.970 They're gnashing their teeth at him, but being full of the Holy spirit, he gaze intently into heaven and saw the glory of God 00:26:06.080 --> 00:26:09.190 and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 00:26:09.370 --> 00:26:11.390 And he said, behold, I see the heavens open up. 00:26:12.570 --> 00:26:19.670 And the son of man standing at the right hand of God, but they cried out with a loud voice and covered their ears and rushed at him with 00:26:19.870 --> 00:26:20.430 one impulse. 00:26:21.210 --> 00:26:28.210 And when they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him and they witness and the witnesses laid aside the ropes at the feet of a young man 00:26:28.210 --> 00:26:29.500 named Saul, who is Paul. 00:26:30.190 --> 00:26:36.100 And they went out stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 00:26:37.950 --> 00:26:45.410 A couple of reasons, a L want to just highlight on this passage, one is because next week we're going to talk about the, and this passage 00:26:45.410 --> 00:26:49.160 is often used as a gross misrepresentation of what the Trinity is. 00:26:50.730 --> 00:26:57.910 if for any reason I just want to talk about the Trinity to get rid of heresy, people often think about the Trinity when 00:26:57.910 --> 00:27:02.870 I, when people ask me about the Trinity, they start with this false assumption of what they think the Trinity is, which is modalism. 00:27:03.390 --> 00:27:05.510 If you want to look that up, you can, I'll explain it next week. 00:27:05.510 --> 00:27:10.190 But, and they come to passages like this, they can understand it because they assume Christians believe in modalism and we don't. 00:27:11.590 --> 00:27:13.330 and this passage is often used in that way. 00:27:14.250 --> 00:27:17.180 The other reason I wanna highlight this passage is because it relates to the kingdom. 00:27:18.630 --> 00:27:21.470 It's recognizing for us where Jesus is right now. 00:27:22.550 --> 00:27:24.580 So you think about acts as the book of acts unfolds. 00:27:25.450 --> 00:27:26.970 Luke writes the gospel of Luke. 00:27:26.970 --> 00:27:28.090 Then Luke writes the book of acts. 00:27:28.950 --> 00:27:33.390 The book of acts carries the move of the Holy spirit and the people of God to accomplish his will in this world. 00:27:34.330 --> 00:27:36.490 It's the expansion of the church. 00:27:37.330 --> 00:27:41.560 It's how God goes from Jerusalem and his people to JIA, to the uttermost parts of the world. 00:27:41.790 --> 00:27:41.950 It is. 00:27:42.290 --> 00:27:43.930 It's Paul's missionary journeys. 00:27:44.270 --> 00:27:51.570 Explain as it expands beyond the borders of Israel and acts chapter seven the 00:27:51.630 --> 00:27:56.490 church experiences conflict, right? 00:27:56.590 --> 00:28:03.890 When you experience adversity in life, one of the most comforting things to those who 00:28:03.890 --> 00:28:11.040 put things into perspective as it relates to God's kingdom is to simply ask yourself, where is Jesus right now? 00:28:13.110 --> 00:28:18.200 Does he care? 00:28:18.200 --> 00:28:25.700 It's God concern over me, Stephen, as he is about to be stoned, gives us the picture of 00:28:25.700 --> 00:28:27.945 uh, of heaven in these moments. 00:28:29.120 --> 00:28:30.430 Remember, Jesus was crucified. 00:28:30.450 --> 00:28:31.600 Jesus was resurrected. 00:28:31.600 --> 00:28:35.120 Acts chapter one, he ascends into heaven now extra chapter seven. 00:28:35.120 --> 00:28:36.530 It's reminding us of where he is. 00:28:38.990 --> 00:28:46.100 Here's before the throne in heaven, standing at the right hand of the father when it talks about 00:28:46.100 --> 00:28:47.810 standing at the right hand of the father. 00:28:47.960 --> 00:28:55.140 One of the things that I just want to highlight as it relates to just heretical thought in this passage, I want us to recognize in these verses, it never says that 00:28:55.400 --> 00:29:00.880 Steven sees the physical body of the father, okay? 00:29:00.900 --> 00:29:03.720 In fact, Christianity does not teach God. 00:29:03.760 --> 00:29:06.720 The father has a physical body that is heretical to Christianity. 00:29:08.600 --> 00:29:14.040 But in verse 55 what it does say as that Steven sees the glory of God. 00:29:15.500 --> 00:29:22.560 Remember Moses, when he saw the burning Bush, he sees this Bush radiating God's glory from this and God speaking to 00:29:22.560 --> 00:29:26.690 him through the radiation of this Bush, this glory of glorious fire. 00:29:27.860 --> 00:29:29.940 Nowhere in scripture does it say God has a physical body. 00:29:30.380 --> 00:29:37.520 In fact, in first Timothy chapter six it says, no man has seen God at any time, but the scripture tells us that Jesus Christ, he has explained 00:29:37.520 --> 00:29:37.680 him. 00:29:39.060 --> 00:29:41.280 That's why Jesus said he has seen me, has seen the father. 00:29:41.660 --> 00:29:44.780 He is the physical representation of the father who is spiritual. 00:29:46.880 --> 00:29:50.760 And uh, John chapter four in verse 24 tells us God is spirit. 00:29:50.780 --> 00:29:57.100 Luke chapter 23 in verse 39 tells us, spirit has no flesh and blood, but Jesus became flesh, right? 00:29:59.520 --> 00:30:06.580 So it says in verse 55, that, the Holy spirit, being full of the Holy spirit, Stephen Gazan to have, he sees the glory of 00:30:06.580 --> 00:30:09.920 the father and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 00:30:10.240 --> 00:30:11.940 So what does this phrase right-hand mean? 00:30:12.100 --> 00:30:19.380 And people take this literal and think that God, the father is standing here and Jesus is literally physically standing next to the physical presence of 00:30:19.380 --> 00:30:20.800 the right hand of the father. 00:30:20.880 --> 00:30:22.280 And that's not what this passage is saying. 00:30:24.380 --> 00:30:26.300 The right hand is a position of favor. 00:30:27.900 --> 00:30:32.100 Have you ever heard the phrase, he's my right hand man in our culture, right? 00:30:32.200 --> 00:30:32.890 Well, what does it mean? 00:30:32.980 --> 00:30:39.580 Or if this person moves away or something happens and it's like losing my ride arm, right? 00:30:40.060 --> 00:30:43.700 So it's saying to us the significance of that person in your life. 00:30:43.960 --> 00:30:47.760 And so when Stephen looks in the heaven, he's wondering, Jesus, where are you Jesus? 00:30:47.820 --> 00:30:48.210 Do you care? 00:30:48.380 --> 00:30:48.660 Jesus? 00:30:48.980 --> 00:30:55.630 Do you even have the ability to help me in this circumstance when he gave them having what he sees by his side is the approval of Jesus. 00:30:55.800 --> 00:30:58.780 Now having ascended into heaven, he's sitting at the right hand of the father. 00:30:58.880 --> 00:31:01.760 It's saying that Jesus, his sacrifice was sufficient. 00:31:01.760 --> 00:31:03.600 Jesus, his sacrifice is accepted. 00:31:04.060 --> 00:31:06.380 Jesus has ruling and reigning over his kingdom. 00:31:06.680 --> 00:31:10.370 Jesus is at the right hand of the father, which is the place of position of approval. 00:31:13.200 --> 00:31:15.950 It's not acknowledging any physical presence of the father. 00:31:18.020 --> 00:31:25.140 What it's doing for us in this passage is giving you comfort here in the now of what Jesus is doing as we are living out our lives 00:31:25.140 --> 00:31:25.760 in this world. 00:31:27.260 --> 00:31:34.280 Yes, we think about heaven in the future and seeing God face to face, but what this passage is saying is that God, his presence is with his people wherever 00:31:34.280 --> 00:31:35.420 you go. 00:31:36.920 --> 00:31:43.220 This is why people like Steven at the face of death have nothing to fear because God is in control. 00:31:47.820 --> 00:31:49.790 Jesus is the problem to your problem. 00:31:51.720 --> 00:31:54.100 Nothing will ever be in vain. 00:31:56.740 --> 00:32:03.820 All of creation groans, but God in his authority has the ability to work all things together for good to those who love God, who are called 00:32:03.820 --> 00:32:05.370 according to his purpose. 00:32:09.740 --> 00:32:15.970 Matthew 16, then is an important declaration for all of us. 00:32:17.540 --> 00:32:24.860 I'm going to start in verse 19, but we're going to look at the context around it and just chapter 16 00:32:24.860 --> 00:32:31.960 verse not 19 Jesus tells his disciples this, I'll give you the keys to the kingdom of 00:32:31.980 --> 00:32:38.260 heaven and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth, shout B have been loosed in heaven. 00:32:39.960 --> 00:32:42.060 Jesus given us the keys to his kingdom. 00:32:42.200 --> 00:32:45.400 It's like the Porsche to dad's garage. 00:32:45.400 --> 00:32:47.560 And what does that mean? 00:32:48.160 --> 00:32:49.980 Jesus is giving us the keys to his kingdom. 00:32:51.480 --> 00:32:58.310 again, this is a passage of scripture where people just make things up right here. 00:33:01.080 --> 00:33:05.830 this is where we really can get lost in the clouds of what it means to be a part of God's kingdom. 00:33:08.040 --> 00:33:11.180 What specifically does Jesus mean in this passage of scripture? 00:33:11.260 --> 00:33:13.480 I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. 00:33:13.860 --> 00:33:17.020 Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, whatever you loose on earth to be loose in heaven. 00:33:17.040 --> 00:33:22.380 This is especially important for us this morning because in the context of this is in relationship to the church. 00:33:24.900 --> 00:33:31.980 I mean, if you think about what just happened in this passage of scripture in verse 15, Jesus said to them, talking about his apostles 00:33:32.020 --> 00:33:34.300 or his disciples, who do you say that I am? 00:33:35.980 --> 00:33:41.680 And Simon Peter answered, you are the Christ and the son of the living God. 00:33:43.240 --> 00:33:48.180 Jesus said to him, blessed are you Simon Barjona because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you. 00:33:48.180 --> 00:33:53.040 But my father who is in heaven, I also say to you that you are Peter. 00:33:53.080 --> 00:33:57.860 And upon this rock I will build my church and look, the Gates of Hades will not overpower. 00:33:58.000 --> 00:34:05.060 Keep in mind, typically when you put a gate up, the reason you put a gate up is because you want to keep people 00:34:05.060 --> 00:34:05.460 out. 00:34:05.560 --> 00:34:09.889 And what you often do with that gate, she lock it, right? 00:34:11.420 --> 00:34:15.360 And so he says, I say to you are Peter upon this rock. 00:34:15.380 --> 00:34:17.270 I will build my church and the Gates of Hades will not overpower. 00:34:18.659 --> 00:34:22.010 The idea of keys represents power. 00:34:22.580 --> 00:34:22.960 Authority, right? 00:34:23.340 --> 00:34:28.060 If you have, you see some maybe celebration in the city and someone gives someone the keys to the city. 00:34:28.380 --> 00:34:28.960 It's not a real key. 00:34:28.960 --> 00:34:36.199 It doesn't even unlock anything, but it's the keys to the city and it's a symbol of what they represents to the people there and it's 00:34:36.199 --> 00:34:38.320 a symbol of power authority. 00:34:38.380 --> 00:34:40.500 When Jesus is handing over the keys, it's this. 00:34:40.780 --> 00:34:44.000 It's the symbol of power and authority being recognized. 00:34:45.580 --> 00:34:52.860 Yeah, and so then in light of that saying, upon this rock, I will build my church, recognize what the, what this rock is in this passage of scripture. 00:34:54.560 --> 00:34:54.980 When? 00:34:55.820 --> 00:35:00.140 When Jesus is saying I will build my church and the Gates of hell will not prevail against it. 00:35:01.760 --> 00:35:09.180 That the rock and which she's building on as a professional, which Peter just made in light of who Jesus is, verse 15 00:35:09.180 --> 00:35:10.580 who do you say that I am? 00:35:10.620 --> 00:35:12.340 You are a Christ, the son of the living God. 00:35:13.660 --> 00:35:14.750 Blessed are you Simon. 00:35:15.540 --> 00:35:22.680 And I say to you are Peter, which is a small rock, but upon the greater rock, which is Christ the cornerstone, I will build my 00:35:22.680 --> 00:35:24.460 church and the Gates of hell will not overpower it. 00:35:26.140 --> 00:35:33.140 We looked at this last week, but we talked about in first Peter chapter two Peter refers to all of us as living stones being built up in the temple 00:35:33.140 --> 00:35:35.530 of God and Jesus himself who was the cornerstone. 00:35:37.100 --> 00:35:44.280 I think Peter is referencing that in his epistle to what Jesus declared to him in Matthew 16 that we are being 00:35:44.280 --> 00:35:46.490 built up in Christ who is the chief cornerstone. 00:35:46.600 --> 00:35:48.100 Our foundation laid upon him. 00:35:48.380 --> 00:35:55.440 We ourselves are the temple of God in community because of what Jesus has done, our foundation rest in Jesus, his authority, he is our 00:35:55.440 --> 00:36:02.520 King and because of the authority of Christ, because of our position in him, it gives us this promise that the Gates of hell will 00:36:02.520 --> 00:36:03.840 not prevail against us. 00:36:04.700 --> 00:36:12.020 Meaning that gate that's built as a fortress to lock and to keep us from breaking it down, we now possess the key to overpower 00:36:12.160 --> 00:36:16.080 the spiritual forces. 00:36:20.220 --> 00:36:20.930 What are the keys? 00:36:25.670 --> 00:36:27.300 The key to the kingdom is very simple. 00:36:30.580 --> 00:36:36.940 It's the gospel and the gospel is what sets people free. 00:36:40.460 --> 00:36:42.190 Romans five is the kingdom of darkness. 00:36:46.180 --> 00:36:53.200 Clawson's one verse 12 to 15 told us we've been rescued from the kingdom of darkness into the 00:36:53.260 --> 00:36:54.440 glorious kingdom of his life. 00:36:55.640 --> 00:37:00.760 All right, where it's the domain of darkness, the rule of darkness and to the kingdom of life. 00:37:04.040 --> 00:37:05.560 We talk about the Gates of hell. 00:37:05.560 --> 00:37:12.680 It is a fortress and the church being given the authority of the keys gets to bust down 00:37:12.680 --> 00:37:14.720 those Gates and busting down those Gates. 00:37:14.900 --> 00:37:22.030 The thing that we see set free captives, 00:37:22.030 --> 00:37:26.530 those rescued from the kingdom of darkness or the domain of darkness into the kingdom lie. 00:37:28.870 --> 00:37:30.710 We talk about the keys of the kingdom. 00:37:30.850 --> 00:37:35.370 It's not, it's not religious things we make up. 00:37:39.170 --> 00:37:42.720 It's very simply found the profession that Peter gave on who Jesus is. 00:37:45.770 --> 00:37:48.010 I am a little rock because of the great rock. 00:37:50.170 --> 00:37:57.190 We are being built up into living stones in Christ and I think about heaven as this 00:37:57.310 --> 00:38:03.130 future place in which I will see God, but his kingdom is even ruling and reigning right now as Jesus is honest throne. 00:38:04.830 --> 00:38:11.030 By the way, when you see Jesus on his throne within eternity, when you read the new Testament, you see Jesus really portrayed in two ways. 00:38:11.150 --> 00:38:15.210 Either he's sitting on the throne or he's standing on the throne or standing before the throne. 00:38:16.170 --> 00:38:21.930 And what it's saying to us if he's sitting on a throne is that as accomplished work that Jesus has made in our behalf is standing before the throne. 00:38:22.250 --> 00:38:24.830 It's a work that Jesus is continuing to do on our behalf. 00:38:26.690 --> 00:38:33.710 When you look at Stephen staring into eternity and staring into the, the glory of God, seeing Jesus stand at the right hand of the father and Jesus standing 00:38:33.710 --> 00:38:40.210 up to receive him, it's the act of work of Christ still pulling his believers, his followers with him into his kingdom of life. 00:38:42.750 --> 00:38:50.010 And as we think about Jesus still ruling and reigning in his authority, it's saying to us that the work of his kingdom still continues today as 00:38:50.010 --> 00:38:52.690 we proclaim the gospel with sets captives free. 00:38:56.090 --> 00:39:02.630 Listen to these two verses and we'll think of put them on the screen, but in these verses in John chapter three in verse three I've already read this to you. 00:39:02.690 --> 00:39:03.920 This is what Jesus said to Nicodemus. 00:39:04.650 --> 00:39:08.850 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 00:39:10.490 --> 00:39:17.510 Jesus later, contrast this to the Pharisees in Matthew 23 in verse 13 listen to what he says to the Pharisees, who are, who are the religious 00:39:17.510 --> 00:39:19.590 leaders that everyone would have idolized at the time? 00:39:19.610 --> 00:39:26.810 But he said this, woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you shut the kingdom of heaven in 00:39:26.810 --> 00:39:34.190 people's faces for you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who 00:39:34.190 --> 00:39:35.750 would enter to go in. 00:39:38.810 --> 00:39:43.600 Well, Jesus is acknowledging to the Pharisees is that their denial of the gospel. 00:39:46.150 --> 00:39:47.150 That is the key, the kingdom. 00:39:49.250 --> 00:39:50.170 You think of it this way. 00:39:51.790 --> 00:39:58.790 John chapter 14 verse six Jesus says, I am the way, the truth and the life. 00:39:59.950 --> 00:40:13.050 No one comes to the father, but by what me. 00:40:13.050 --> 00:40:13.810 Jesus is the key. 00:40:13.810 --> 00:40:21.030 Jesus in his position, Emmanuel ruling above us has become 00:40:21.030 --> 00:40:28.460 in the likeness of man dying on the cross by his authority, triumphing over sin, 00:40:28.490 --> 00:40:35.820 death, and the gray to give us the keys to the King. 00:40:39.650 --> 00:40:41.030 What does this mean for us today? 00:40:44.210 --> 00:40:45.500 Puts things into perspective. 00:40:48.110 --> 00:40:55.170 It gives us a hope that transcends all pain and suffering in this world, knowing that 00:40:55.170 --> 00:40:59.600 none of it has to be in vain before a God who loves us dearly. 00:41:02.750 --> 00:41:10.030 Romans 1417 says this, for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, not physical listen, but 00:41:10.030 --> 00:41:12.930 righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy spirit. 00:41:14.790 --> 00:41:14.870 Okay. 00:41:14.870 --> 00:41:19.130 For he who is in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 00:41:19.250 --> 00:41:22.900 So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. 00:41:23.090 --> 00:41:26.150 Do not tear down on the work of God for the sake of food. 00:41:28.850 --> 00:41:36.090 It's saying, the kingdom of God is at work within us spiritually, setting captives free, ultimately be combinated for us physically in the consummation of what Christ 00:41:36.090 --> 00:41:36.630 would bring. 00:41:36.670 --> 00:41:43.850 But listen, here's the biggest problem other than to find in scriptures relates to us and action of the kingdom today in 00:41:43.850 --> 00:41:52.150 first John chapter four in verse four it says this, as it relates to our relationship in Jesus, you are from God, little 00:41:52.150 --> 00:41:59.310 children and have overcome them because greater 00:42:00.650 --> 00:42:05.270 is he who is in you and he who was in the world. 00:42:07.470 --> 00:42:14.510 Yes, Satan may be referred to as God of this world, the Prince of 00:42:14.510 --> 00:42:18.950 the power of the hair, but his days are numbered. 00:42:21.790 --> 00:42:30.270 Jesus is declared as authority and that kingdom is at work within you and 00:42:30.350 --> 00:42:34.960 God has given you something more precious than the keys to your father's Ferrari in the garage. 00:42:37.650 --> 00:42:45.710 He's given you the keys to set captives free, but the power of his gospel and 00:42:45.710 --> 00:42:46.730 the beauty of it all. 00:42:46.730 --> 00:42:53.790 In the midst of this world, as we live for this kingdom, we see a King who in these moments is ruling and reigning over his church, cheering us 00:42:53.810 --> 00:43:00.970 on to stand for him with a hope that transcends beyond this world so that no matter what happens, we know that all things work 00:43:00.970 --> 00:43:08.010 together for good to those who love God, who are called according to his purpose, and you 00:43:08.010 --> 00:43:15.070 were from God, little children, and I've overcome greater is 00:43:15.070 --> 00:43:18.810 he who is in you than he who is in this world.