Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like some treasure which has been buried in a field. A man finds it and buries it again, and goes off overjoyed to sell all his possessions to buy himself that field. Or again, the kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he has found a single pearl of great value, he goes and sells all his possessions and buys it. Matthew 13:44-46 (Phillips) BEING A SUCCESSFUL KINGDOM TREASURE HUNTER… 1. REQUIRES ME TO BE A HUMBLE HUNTER. Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like some treasure which has been buried in a field. A man finds it. Matthew 13:44a (Phillips) Or again, the kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. Matthew 13:45a (Phillips) First key word that must not be ignored: humble. This is why I use stories to teach the people [speak in parables]: They see [look], but they don’t really see [perceive]. They hear, but they don’t really hear or understand. So they show that the things Isaiah said about them are true: ‘You will listen and, but you will not understand. You will look and look [keep on seeing; or look intently], but you will not learn [perceive; comprehend]. For the minds [hearts] of these people have become stubborn [dull; calloused; hardened]. They do not hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise, they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears. They might really understand in their minds [with their hearts] and come back [turn; return] to me and I would heal them. Matthew 13:13-15 (EXB) Jesus always used stories like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, He never spoke to them without using such parables. This fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet: "I will speak to you in parables. I will explain things hidden since the creation of the world. Matthew 13:34, 35 (NLT) God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Matthew 5:3 (NLT) He leads humble people to do what is right… Psalm 25:9a (NOG) The arrogance of the wicked one keeps him from seeking the True God. He truly thinks, “There is no God.” Psalms 10:4 (VOICE) Second key word that must not be ignored: seeker. … you will search again for the LORD your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him. Deuteronomy 4:29 (NLT) Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 (NIV) 2. REQUIRES ME TO BE AN AWARE HUNTER. Idols are only statues—they can’t help you. So don’t worship them. Idols can’t help you or save you. They are nothing! 1 Samuel 12:21 (ERV) Turn my eyes from looking at what is worthless; give me life in Your ways. Psalm 119:37 (HCSB) Everything that glitters is not Godly! The eye is the light of the body. If your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. Matthew 6:22 (NLV) No one can serve two masters. If you try, you will wind up loving the first master and hating the second…. People try to serve both God and money—but you can’t. You must choose one or the other. Matthew 6:24 (VOICE) Four Appraisal Questions to ask when investing: How much will it benefit me? How long will it benefit me? Who else will it benefit? What will it cost me? For physical training is of some value (useful for a little), but godliness (spiritual training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come. 1 Timothy 4:8 (AMPC) 3. REQUIRES ME TO BE AN ALL-IN HUNTER. A man finds it and buries it again, and goes off overjoyed to sell all his possessions to buy himself that field. Matthew 13:44b (Phillips) When he has found a single pearl of great value, he goes and sells all his possessions and buys it. Matthew 13:46 (Phillips) Or imagine a king gearing up to go to war. Wouldn’t he begin by sitting down with his advisors to determine whether his 10,000 troops could defeat the opponent’s 20,000 troops?  If not, he’ll send a peace delegation quickly and negotiate a peace treaty. In the same way, if you want to be My disciple, it will cost you everything. Don’t underestimate that cost! Luke 14:31-33 (VOICE)

Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear. Matthew 13:26-43 (NIV) 1. I NEED THE IMAGERY OF THE STORY IN MY HEAD! The sower of the good seed (wheat) is Jesus. The sower of the bad seed (weeds) is Satan. The good seed are the children of the kingdom of light. The bad seed are the children of the kingdom of darkness. The field is the world. The harvest is the end of this world. The harvesters are God’s angels. The blazing furnace that burns the weeds represents hell. The barn that shelters the wheat represents heaven. 2. I NEED THE APPLICATION OF THE STORY IN MY LIFE! If I am a member of God’s Kingdom (Church, Christian, Disciple, Saved), then… …GOD HAS PLANTED ME TO PRODUCE A GOOD HARVEST. A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed… Some seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Matthew 13:3, 4, 8 (NIV) … go and make disciples of all the nations and baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to observe all that I have commanded you and, remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Matthew 28:19, 20 (Phillips) An authentic disciple is the seed of God’s kingdom. …I WILL REPRODUCE WHAT I AM, NOT WHAT I PRETEND TO BE. …a man who sowed good seed in his field …his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat… When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. Matthew 13:24-26 (NIV) Then God said, “Let the earth produce plants—some to make grain for seeds and others to make fruits with seeds in them. Every seed will produce more of its own kind of plant.” And it happened. Genesis 1:11 (NCV) What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you cross land and sea to make one convert, and then you turn that person into twice the child of hell you yourselves are! Matthew 23:15 (NLT) …I AM IN A SPIRITUAL WAR THAT REQUIRES VIGILANCE. We’re not waging war against enemies of flesh and blood alone. No, this fight is against tyrants, against authorities, against supernatural powers and demon princes that slither in the darkness of this world, and against wicked spiritual armies that lurk in heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 (VOICE) Vigilance results in my being awake. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat…. Matthew 13:25 (NIV) Asleep = in danger. Vigilance results in my being aware. I don’t want Satan to outwit us. After all, we are not ignorant about Satan’s scheming. 2 Corinthians 2:11 (NOG) When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’” Matthew 13:26-28 (NIV) These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:13-14 (NLT) Not everyone who says, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven. Simply calling Me “Lord” will not be enough. Only those who do the will of My Father who is in heaven will join Me in heaven. At the end of time, on that day of judgment, many will say to Me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name? Did we not drive demons out in Your name? Did we not perform miracles in Your name?” But I will say to them, “I never knew you. And now, you must get away from Me, you evildoers! Matthew 7:21-23 (VOICE)

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV) From The Start of God’s “Kingdom” he has looked at the Heart. The Kingdom Parable of the Soils ““Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear…’ And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? The sower sows the word. And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold & a hundredfold. Mark 4:3-9, 13-20 (ESV) What Does This Parable Teach Us About… The Seed – The Good News of The Kingdom of God The Seed is indiscriminate and should be sown any and everywhere. The Sower – Represent Anyone Sharing The Good News of the Kingdom Those who are members of the Kingdom are expected to sow the seed. The Soils – Represent Hearts Who Hear The Good News of the Kingdom Soil Analysis – Which Soil Represents My Heart • Hard Soil – Life has hardened my heart, its impenetrable. • Rocky Soil – I am shallow and the seed can’t grow roots. • Thorny Soil – I allow my desires and worries to choke out the seed. • Good Soil – The seed can thrive and grow! What Does This Mean For My Life? The Bad News – Bad Soil will effortlessly become worse! The Good News – Bad Soil, with effort can become Good How Do I Become Good Soil For The Kingdom of God? I must hear God’s word, understand and do what it says. But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it. Mark 4:20 (ESV) “If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking.” James 1:5 (CEV) Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” The man replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him. Acts 8:30-31 (NLT) “But those who look closely into the perfect law that sets people free, who keep on paying attention to it and do not simply listen and then forget it, but put it into practice—they will be blessed by God in what they do.” James 1:25 (GNBUK) I must bear fruit and reproduce seed for the Kingdom. But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold & a hundredfold. Mark 4:20 (ESV) This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:8 (NIV)

Kingdom and repent are reoccurring words in this Kingdom series. Now in those days John the Baptist came preaching …, 2  “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 3:1-2 (NASB) From that time Jesus began to  [h] preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand Matthew 4:17 (NASB) CLARIFYING OUR DEFINITION OF THE WORD REPENT 1. My Repentance, if genuine, starts on the inside. During the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.  3  He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Luke 3:2-3 (NIV) Repent (metanoeo):  a change of heart and mind. Personal application: I change the way I perceive matters. For this people's heart has become dull, and their ears are hard of hearing. They have shut their eyes so that they might not see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them. Matthew 13:15 (ISV) For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes--so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to Me and let Me heal them Matthew 13:15 (NLT) But the people's minds were hardened…so they cannot understand the truth. 2 Corinthians 3:14 (NLT) They (the Gentiles) are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Ephesians 4:18 (NIV) People will not be able to say, "Look, here it is! There it is! That is because the kingdom of God is inside you. Luke 17:21(WEB) “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds…” Hebrews 10:16 (NIV), (Jeremiah 31:33) 2. My Repentance, if genuine, shows up on the outside. John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8  Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.  9  The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Luke 3:7-9 (NIV) When should I expect such a strong rebuke from God? 1. When I substitute externals for internals. (v. 7a) 2. When I act to be saved but not set apart. (v. 7b) 3. When I emphasize my heritage rather than my heart. (v.8) 4. When my attitudes or actions threaten my life. (v.9) 3. Where will kingdom repentance show up in my life? “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. 11  John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” 12  Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” 13  “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. 14  Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do? “He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” Luke 3:10-14 (NIV) Three people groups share one area of kingdom repentance: A totally different perspective on my money and material things. “Dont save treasures for yourselves here on earth. Moths and rust will destroy them. And thieves can break into your house and steal them. 20 Instead, save your treasures in heaven, where they cannot be destroyed by moths or rust and where thieves cannot break in and steal them. 21 Your heart will be where your treasure is…. 24 “You cannot serve two masters at the same time. You will hate one and love the other, or you will be loyal to one and not care about the other. You cannot serve God and Money at the same time.” Matthew 6:19-21, 24a (ERV) “But put Gods kingdom first. Do what he wants you to do. Then all of those things will also be given to you.” Matthew 6:33 (NIrV)

1. Robert mentioned that the Greek word metanoeo, translated repent, means to have a change of mind and heart that results in one viewing things from a different perspective. Why is it important that we understand that if there is no change of heart and mind there is no repentance. Answer Synopsis: It is important for at least two significant reasons. First, it is important because it reveals the truth that God commands us to have an inner change not simply an external one. It reminds us that God is not pacified when we only go through the motions of repentance. Secondly, it is important because a change of heart and mind allows for a more consistent and more enduring change. A change of action is a change of action while a change of heart and mind transform out whole lives (see Romans 12:1-2). Thirdly, Luke 13:3 says that “Unless you repent, you too will perish.” We need to know the consequences a non-repentant heart and mind. 2. What consequences does Matthew 13:15 (read out loud) say or imply as a result of having hard heart/hard head? Answer Synopsis: It prevents me from being able to heart the word so I cannot develop faith (Romans 10:17). It closes my eyes so it hinders my ability to have a change of perspective (a part of repentance). It prevents me from turning to God so it renders Him unable to heal me (“If I can’t hear God, God cannot heal me”). I believe that I am right so I naturally reject the message that is being presented. 3. What “hard heart” consequence Ephesians 4:18 reveal? How is this consequence dangerous? Answer Synopsis: The inability to understand is compromised with the result being that the people were “separated from the life of God.” They and us will miss the blessed life of God if we do not soften our hearts. 4. Why is it important to realize that genuine repentance on the inside always shows up on the outside? Answer Synopsis: Because a consistent change of behavior is the best evidence of a change of heart and mind. Tis truth provides and easy way for your and I do an easy repentance check. 5. Read Luke 3:7-9 and discuss the four areas os disobedience that result in such a strog rebuke from God 6. Read Luke 3:10-4. Who are the three “people groups” mentioned in the text? What is the manifestation of Kingdom repentance that John specified for each people group? Do you think it is a far statement to say that “The first area that Kingdom repentance will show up is in the area of your giving”? Why or why not? Do you think it fair to say “If you have not had a change of heart about your money and material things you probably have not experience Kingdom repentance?” Why or why not? 7. Read Matthew 6:19-24 and discuss the following questions: ? How does John the Baptists teaching mesh with Jesus teaching about money/materialism? ? How do you know if money is your King or if Jesus is your King? Answer Synopsis: John’s teaching is very similar in that both made it clear that if you have no change of perspective on your money and material things then you have had no genuine repentance. Two easy ways to tell if money or Jesus is your Master (King): 1, Examine your attitude and response when challenged about money. and your current investment strategy. 2, look at how much you give to internal investments in comparison to how much you give to immediate investments. 8. Robert said that money is not the exhaustive call to kingdom repentance but it is an inclusive call to kingdom repentance. What do you think he meant by that? Answer Synopsis: There are other areas of life that will demand repentance depending on the individual yet it seems that all humans have a repentance struggle when it comes to money. 9. ON OUR LAUNCH DAY, THE CROSSINGS INNERBELT WILL BEGIN A TWO SERVICE SECHEDULE. THE GOAL IS TO HAVE TWO INSPIRING SERVICES THAT ARE OF EQUAL SIZE. HOW WOULD A KINDGOM FOCUS EFFECT WHICH SERVICE YOU CHOOSE TO ATTEND AND IMPROVE?

#1 THE KINGDOM IS ABOUT MY KING. Jesus replied, “My kingdom doesn’t originate from this world. If it did, my guards would fight so that I wouldn’t have been arrested by the Jewish leaders. My kingdom isn’t from here.” “So you are a king?” Pilate said. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. I was born and came into the world for this reason: to testify to the truth. Whoever accepts the truth listens to my voice.” John 18:36-37 (CEB) The gospel of the Kingdom of God is about the one who rules my life. After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:14-15 (NIV) The gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven is about where the authority to rule my life originated. From then on Jesus began to preach, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." Matthew 4:17 (NLT) Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11(NLT) The gospel of the Kingdom is about an amazing King! . . . and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:5–6 (ESV) My king id a trustworthy King - from Jesus Christ the faithful witness My King is a powerful King - the firstborn of the dead My King is a loving King - To him who loves us My King is a forgiving King - and has freed us from our sins by his blood My King is a transforming King – and made us a kingdom of priests to his God My King is a worthy King - to him be glory… forever and ever. My King is a ruling King - and the ruler of kings on earth…to him be. dominion … #2 THE KINGDOM IS ABOUT HOW MY KING REIGNS. Some Pharisees asked Jesus when the Kingdom of God would come. His answer was, “The Kingdom of God does not come in such a way as to be seen. No one will say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ because the Kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20, 21 (GNT) The King reigns in my heart. “It will not be like the agreement I made with their ancestors. I made that agreement when I took them by the hand and brought them out of Egypt. I was their master, but they broke that agreement.” This message is from the LORD “In the future I will make this agreement with the people of Israel.” This message is from the LORD. “I will put my teachings in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.  People will not have to teach their neighbors and relatives to know the LORD, because all people, from the least important to the most important, will know me.” This message is from the LORD. “I will forgive them for the evil things they did. I will not remember their sins. Jeremiah 31:32-34 (ERV) "These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship is a farce… Matthew 15:8-9a(NLT) Above everything else, guard your heart. Everything you do comes from it. Proverbs 4:23 (NIrV) The King reigns in my heart, through my faith. …. that the king may make his home in your hearts, through faith… Ephesians 3:17 (NTE) The King’s reign, shows up in my life. Instead, make your top priority God’s kingdom and his way of life, Matthew 6:33 (NTE) …but seek ye first the reign of God and His righteousness… Matthew 6:33 (YLT) May Your Kingdom come. May Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10 (NLT) God's kingdom is not just talk; it is power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 (GW) This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God's chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. 1 Peter 1:1 (NLT)

1. In John 18:36-37 Jesus acknowledged to Pilate that Jesus was a King, but His Kingdom is “not of this world” (NIV), “doesn’t originate from this world” (CEB). Where did Christ’s Kingdom come from? Answer Synopsis: The Kingdom of God was the idea of God and originated with Him in Heaven. Earthly kingdoms have earthly origins and earthly leaders (Kings). God’s heavenly kingdom has heavenly origins and a heavenly leader (King). This difference of origin and leadership is only two of many difference in the Kingdom of God and any earthly kingdom or government. 2. Jesus said this his Kingdom was not of this world but he did not say His Kingdom was not in this world. What is the difference? Answer Synopsis: While the Kingdom of Heaven is ruled by God, its subjects are currently living on earth. Like the US army did not originate in Germany but in the ww2 it fought in Germany. Were ever an army is it fights for the interest of if place of origin. 3. Robert said that “the Kingdom of God” describes the one who rules my life and that the “kingdom of Heaven” describes where the authority to rule my life originated. He also asserted that they are interchangeable phrases/concepts in most ways. Read the following passages (out loud) together to see if this assertion is biblical: Mark 1:14-15 then Matthew 14:17 Matthew 11:11 then Luke 7:28 Matthew 19:23-24 (in one passage the terms are interchanged) 4. Were you/are you surprised by this? How did you view the two before. Answer Synopsis: Many have no understanding of the “Kingdom of God.” Most have a mis understanding about the “Kingdom of Heaven” viewing it as a place the saved go to after they die someday. In reality, it is a place every saved person is a part of and will be when they die and go to the heavenly location. 5. With this in mind what you think Robert meant when he said: “Christians do not escape this world to embrace the reign of God’ we embrace the reign of God to escape this world? Read the 1 Peter 2:3,4. What does this verse have to do with this idea? Answer Synopsis: We do not have to wait to be in heaven to be obedient to our King. Our goal, as the lord’s prayer says is to make sure “Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” 6. It was stated that the “Kingdom is, above all else, about my King.” Which attribute listed from Revelation 1:5-6 is most amazing to you and share the reason? 7. Luke 17:21 in the ASV says “neither shall they say, Lo, here! or, There! for lo, the kingdom of God is within you” and the RSV says “neither shall they say, Lo, here! or, There! for lo, the kingdom of God is within you.” Jesus was talking to the Pharisees (and us) so what might be the significance of understanding the God’s kingdom to be an inside (heart and mind) thing? Read the following verses and then answer. Matthew 15:8-9 Jeremiah 31:32-34 Romans 12;1-2 Proverbs 4:23 Answer Synopsis: God has always longed to have a people who obeyed from the heart and mind (Jer. 31) knowing that If something is a part of our mind it will transform who we are (Romans 12:1-2) and if it is from the heart it will motivate and control us. External motivation is always temporal motivation; it doesn’t last 8. “Repent the Kingdom of God is near” is a common phrase in the gospels. What is repentance and what connection does repentance have with what we discussed in question 7? Answer Synopsis: Repentance come from a Greek word that means to “have a change of mind and heart.” The truth is that you cannot get into the Kingdom by doing externals (praying, bible reading, being baptized, confessing) alone. You and only get in the Kingdom with a commitment from the heart. Do you feel like you have a heart/mind commitment or a ritual/rule commitment to God? 9. One of the points in yesterday message was that “King Jesus reigns in my heart through my faith. What is the correlation between Jesus residing in my heart and his reigning in my life? Reference the following verses in your discussion of this matter: …that the king may make his home in your hearts, through faith… Ephesians 3:17 (New Testament for Everyone) so that the Messiah may live in your hearts through your trusting. Ephesians 3:17 (Complete Jewish Bible) 10. List an area or two where the Kingdom reigning in your heart shows up in your life? List an area or two where your life does not reflect your submission to King Jesus? What can the people in this group do to help you become more compliant to the King in your areas of weakness or rebellion?

Do you think seeing the emphasis on the Kingdom in the OT and NT helps you to see the significance of it more? Why? Did seeing the prophecies and knowing they are fulfilled in the NT and historically help bolster your faith? How so? If the Kingdom is God’s repentant, ruled, and called out people how healthy of a Kingdom member have you been? Which of the three is your greatest weakness and what will you do to grow it into a strength? Has your understanding of the Kingdom grown the past two weeks and how is it showing up in your life?

What was most surprising or most impactful about Sunday’s lesson on the Kingdom message? What were the four marks of any human kingdom? How does each of these apply to God’s divine kingdom? Do you see Jesus as more of a king who rules or a savior who blesses? · Why does this matter in any practical way? Robert said that the apostles and our (all people really) hope was dependent on a king, that he had been his own king for much of his life, and that he had a fool for a king. Do you allow Jesus to be king consistently or do you kick him off the thrown when you want something or disagree with his edicts (commands)? · Give examples of areas that tempt you to kick Jesus off the throne. Jesus told us to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” and told us to pray “your kingdom come; your will be done” (Matthew 6;33) What logical sequence do you find in this command from King Jesus? “The gospel “good news of the kingdom” was Jesus, the apostles, and Acts church gospel. What are the practical implications for you and me? Why does having hope in any other gospel and anyone other than King Jesus put us at risk? Who can you begin the process of sharing “the gospel of the kingdom” with this week?

WHERE WOULD THE KINGDOM COME? The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit by me at my right side until I put your enemies under your control.” The Lord will make you king in Jerusalem over all nations. And you will rule your enemies in their own countries. Psalm 110:1, 2 (ICB) You, Bethlehem of Ephrathah, even though you remain least among the clans of Judah, nevertheless, the one who rules in Israel for me will emerge from you. His existence has been from antiquity, even from eternity. Micah 5:2 (ISV) Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet He is humble, riding on a donkey--riding on a donkey's colt. Zechariah 9:9 (NLT) “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance...” Joel 2:28, 32a (NIV) WHEN WOULD THE KINGDOM COME? “You saw that the feet and toes of the statue were partly clay and partly iron. That means the fourth kingdom will be a divided kingdom. It will have some of the strength of iron in it just as you saw the iron mixed with clay. The toes of the statue were partly iron and partly clay. So the fourth kingdom will be partly strong like iron and partly weak like clay. You saw the iron mixed with clay, but iron and clay don’t completely mix together. In the same way the people of the fourth kingdom will be a mixture. They will not be united as one people. “During the time of the kings of the fourth kingdom, the God of heaven will set up another kingdom that will continue forever. It will never be destroyed. And it will be the kind of kingdom that cannot be passed on to another group of people. This kingdom will crush all the other kingdoms. It will bring them to an end, but that kingdom itself will continue forever. “King Nebuchadnezzar, you saw a rock cut from a mountain, but no one cut that rock. The rock broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold to pieces. In this way God showed you what will happen in the future. The dream is true, and you can trust that this is what it means.” Daniel 2:31-45 (ERV) The LORD All-Powerful says, "I am sending my messenger to prepare the way for me. Then suddenly, the Lord you are looking for will come to his temple. Yes, the messenger you are waiting for, the one who will tell about my agreement, is really coming!" Malachi 3:1 (ERV) But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary… You will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God. The Lord God will make him a king like his father David of long ago. He will rule forever over his people, who came from Jacob's family. His kingdom will never end. Luke 1:30-33 (NIrV) In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming! Clear the road for him!’ Matthew 3:1-3 (NLT) From then on, Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, because the kingdom from heaven is near!” Matthew 4:17 (ISV) Jesus went on to say, “I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God arrive in great power!” Mark 9:1 (NLT) WHAT IS THE KINGDOM? It is God’s repentant and ruled people: The church of God He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.. Colossians 1:12- 14 (NLT) … you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. …for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 (NLT) “Church” comes from the Greek ekklēsía, meaning “called out” Then Peter stood up with the eleven apostles. In a loud voice he said to them, "Men of Judea and everyone living in Jerusalem! You must understand this, so pay attention to what I say… this is what the prophet Joel spoke about: In the last days, God says, I will pour my Spirit on everyone. Your sons and daughters will speak what God has revealed. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams…. Acts 2:14-16 (GW) Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, "The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand… Acts 2:14, 16-17 (NIV) Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call. "With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Acts 2:36-40 (NIV)

IF “ACTS CHURCH” IMPACT IS TO BE CONTINUED I MUST… 1. MAKE SHARING THE GOSPEL MY GREATEST PRIORITY. Three days later Paul called a meeting of the Jewish leaders. So they came. Paul said to them, "My brothers, I have done nothing against our people. I have also done nothing against what our people of long ago practiced. But I was arrested in Jerusalem. I was handed over to the Romans. "They questioned me. And they wanted to let me go. They saw I wasn't guilty of any crime worthy of death. But the Jews objected, so I had to make an appeal to Caesar. I certainly did not mean to bring any charge against my own people. Acts 28:17-19 (NIrV) I share Israel's hope. That is why I am held with this chain. So I have asked to see you and talk with you." They replied, "We have not received any letters from Judea about you. None of our companions who came from there has reported or said anything bad about you. But we want to hear what your ideas are. We know that people everywhere are talking against those who believe as you do." At that time even more people came to the place where he was staying. From morning until evening, he told them about God's kingdom… Acts 28:20-22, 23b (NIrV) I am not lying when I say that my conscience and the Holy Spirit are witnesses It may sound extreme; but I wish that I were lost, cursed, and totally separated from the Anointed—if that would change the eternal destination of my brothers and sisters, my flesh and countrymen. Romans 9:1b-3 (VOICE) 2. UNDERSTAND WHAT THE GOSPEL INVOLVES. … he told them about God's kingdom and explained it to them. Using the Law of Moses and the Prophets, he tried to get them to believe in Jesus. Acts 28:23b • You should not embrace what you don’t understand. • You cannot teach what you don’t understand. As we said before, so I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel different from or contrary to that which you received [from us], let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)! Galatians 1:9(AMPC) • The “gospel” involves a kingdom. Those under charge. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world… Matthew 24:14a (NIV) • The “gospel” (good news) involves a King. One in charge. • The “gospel” involves salvation. The result of trusting the king. 3. KNOW WHAT MY RESPONSIBILITY IS, AND WHAT IT ISN’T. • It is my responsibility to share the truth. In love. God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love… Ephesians 4:15a (MP) • It is not my responsibility to determine the response. Some believed what he said. Others did not. They didn't agree with each other. They began to leave after Paul had made a final statement. He said, "The Holy Spirit was right when he spoke to your people long ago. Through Isaiah the prophet the Spirit said, "'Go to your people. Say to them, "You will hear but never understand. You will see but never know what you are seeing." These people's hearts have become stubborn. They can barely hear with their ears. They have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes. They might hear with their ears. They might understand with their hearts. They might turn, and then I would heal them.' (Isaiah 6:9,10)"Here is what I want you to know. God has sent his salvation to people who are not Jews. And they will listen!" Acts 28:24-28 (NIrV) 4. DETERMINE TO NEVER ABANDON MY MISSION. For two whole years Paul stayed there in a house he rented. He welcomed all who came to see him. 31 He preached boldly about God's kingdom. No one could keep him from teaching people about the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 28:24-28 (NIRV) Do you see what this means--all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running--and never quit! Hebrews 12:1 (MP)