Message Title: In But Not Of

Date: August 23, 2020

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What does Jesus call us to as reflected in the ongoing Gospel story?

What do we do when convictions of Jesus are contrasted by the tensions of the culture around us?

Acts 10

The story of Peter being convicted by Jesus about the old way of viewing food

Could Jesus actually bring two people from completely different worldview, backgrounds, political alliances, social customs, and allow them to find common ground for the pursuit of a common kingdom?

It may actually start with us acknowledging we are in the wrong.

What are we doing as a church today to set up the next generation to have success with their faith?

May you jump into the arms of Jesus and may He push out into the world. May you be healed as you participate in the healing of others. Not because you must, but because you may. This is why we were born!

PCC’s One Kingdom. Indivisible. series will provide an overview of the Kingdom of God, as it is taught throughout Scripture. The hope is to provide a Christ-like lens for how the Church can be a unified voice of good news in a uniquely and profoundly divided country. This week we learn that we are “in the world, but not of the world.”

1. As stated by Danny Bowers, today’s speaker and Family and Student Pastor, the early church formed her identity in the midst of the Roman Empire, with contrasting moments of both joy and pain. We sometimes get bogged down and remember only the pains in life, but the reality is, we have both joy and pain. Reflect on your life today. Name a joy and a pain in your life right now that is the result of something current today: COVID-19, political circumstances or events, the economy, etc.

2. Although our culture today is very different than that of the Roman Empire it will still be in conflict with the Kingdom of Jesus. What are some of those areas of conflicts for the church today? Use the following verses to promote discussion or to think about: Ephesians 6:1, Luke 20:25, 1 Timothy 2:11, Leviticus 18:20.

3. Have you ever felt pressure to conform to an activity or a world view? How did that go? Read Acts 10. Peter faced a world view that he never thought would change. Like Peter, did you ever hold a world view, activity or behavior that has now changed? Peter’s kingdom view allowed him to reach out to the Gentiles -- something he might never have done before. How has/would your changed heart allow you to reach others you might not have ever associated with otherwise? Remember, our ultimate allegiance is to God. But sometimes God is working in our lives to change US!

4. According to Danny, a phrase that may help us personally and communally evaluate being aligned with Jesus’ Kingdom is “in but not of.” See 1 John 5:4, I John 2:15, John 15:19. Discuss/reflect on the concept of being in the world but not of the world.

5. When we take a stance for the Kingdom, the world will not understand us, will not agree with us, or will not like us. There is a cost. What has your faith cost you? This pales in comparison to what our relationship with the Father cost Jesus. See Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:2.

Prayer: Lord, although our identity is shaped by our circumstances, it doesn’t define us. We belong to YOU, and are in Your hands. We too, face very real situations that are in conflict with the Kingdom of Jesus. We confess that it is not always easy to stay strong in our Kingdom faith. Give us strength to live in this world, and not be of this world. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who gives us power to be who You want us to be, and to reflect the love of the Father to the world. Thank You for Your Son who didn’t count the cost, but gave Himself up for me, that I too shall live. In His almighty name, Amen.

Resources: (see links below)

Bible Project Video: Gospel of the Kingdom

PCC Series Web Page: One Kingdom Indivisible

The Third Option: Hope for a Racially Divided Nation by Miles McPherson

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