No/But: Jesus’ Reframing of Reality
Matthew 7:24-27, Acts 1:6-8
Richard Dahlstrom, Senior Pastor, www.spiritsoulbody.org
Just before Jesus leaves the earth, he offers two clarifications of reality to his disciples. These clarifications are as important today as they were then.
- Kingdom - Not Restoration but Infiltration
- It’s Global
- It’s Upside-Down
- It’s both Here and Coming
- Witness - Not What You Do, but Who You Are
- Witness is a Noun, not a Verb
- Their Confidence comes because of the presence of the Holy Spirit
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Discussion Questions
Before questions, attempt to give the group a bit of a summary of the main points of the sermon and then choose a few questions that fit your group’s needs and style. We don’t intend for you to use all of these. Three to five questions may be a good number.
Do you have a favorite place to travel and where you experience being of “a different kingdom”?
How does what the disciples consider to be the kingdom differ from what Jesus means as the kingdom? (i.e. nationalism vs. beyond nations; division vs. unity)
Without shame or judgement, what restoration-focused questions have you found yourself asking of God lately? Are there circumstances that you wish would “return to normal”? Consider offering those as areas of prayer to the group.
We are reminded that God’s kingdom is not dependent on economy, national status, or upward mobility and we have seen that truth persist throughout history.
What opportunities do you see now to participate in this kingdom-life where no contingencies are needed?
What social divides can be crossed in your own daily interactions?
Is anyone in the group making homemade bread right now?
Can you attest to the experience of watching the yeast permeate the loaf as it rises?
How can you apply generosity, courage and hope in your everyday interactions to act as yeast in our world? (focusing on infiltration not restoration)
In Acts 1:8 Jesus says “you will be my witness” not as a verb, but as a noun or a calling to see ourselves as re-presenting Christ, testifying that he still lives. In what ways does your life and who you are matter more than words or actions?
Pastor Richard attests that people decide about Jesus based on how YOU treat people.
Do you have an experience like Richard and Donna’s in Edinburgh where without talking about the specifics of religion, someone was able to experience Jesus through interaction with you? (Consider your work settings, grocery shopping, family gatherings, etc.)
With the imprint of God on your life and the Holy Spirit residing in you, what does a healthy self-confidence look like that indicates you do not belong to the communities or kingdoms of the world but to that of God’s eternal kingdom?