CenterPoint Church

The last few months I’ve spent a lot of time reading the Gospels and have been impressed with the fact that when Jesus started his public ministry, he and his apostles preached the good news of the Kingdom of God.  In reflecting on what should be the first sermon series at CenterPoint, I thought that I couldn’t go wrong by following Jesus’ example and talking about the Kingdom of God.

So what are the main points that the Bible teaches us about the Kingdom? First of all, an accurate understanding of the Kingdom and an appreciation of its importance are vitally important.  In studying any subject you need to have accurate sources of information in order to find the truth of the matter.  In studying about the Kingdom, the Bible is our source. 
      The main points are:
•    God rules everything.  From the nearest sparrow to the furthest star, it is all under God’s domain and He oversees everything.  
•    Tragically, rebellion erupted in this perfect world.  A counterfeit kingdom sprang up which foolishly sought to overthrow God’s Kingdom. Mankind was drawn into this rebellion and became both its slave and willing participant.  Now, the Bible describes the leader of this rebellion as the prince of this world.  God has allowed him to have real power.  This explains why the world is not as it should be.  It explains the pain and the suffering of this world.  
•    When Jesus entered the world and said that the Kingdom of God was near, he meant that God’s rule was breaking into the world and starting to take over the rebellious kingdom.  When he performed all kinds of miracles, including miraculously feeding people, healing people, raising the dead…it was evidence that the power of God was breaking into this lost world and beginning to establish His Kingdom.
•    There is a subtlety about God reestablishing His Kingdom.  It begins with Jesus not coming as a conqueror, but as a lamb that bears the punishment of the rebellion and becomes the gate that leads people back to God’s kingdom.  Another part of the subtlety is that now the Kingdom where God reigns is in people’s hearts as they learn to love Jesus.  
•    Life in God’s Kingdom becomes about learning how to please the King.  It is also about remembering where we came from and reaching back to those still trapped in the rebellious kingdom.  Learning to please God and reaching back explain the ethics of the Kingdom.  
•    Finally, we’ll look forward to the fulfillment of the Kingdom, where God’s rule is visibly and completely restored on earth.  At that future time, the counterfeit rebellious kingdom will be completely defeated, and only God’s Kingdom will remain.  

As we study these truths, the emphasis will be on the greatness of the King and how we should live in light of His rule and coming return.  If you’re interested in the details, come at 10AM on Sunday mornings to the St. Croix Falls High School. 
Come As You Are!
Pastor Dick