The Whole Story: A Life in God's Kingdom, Kingdom ComeSample

Monthly Description

In the four weeks preceding Christmas, Christians have historically celebrated a season commonly called “Advent” (meaning, “arrival”). Like the waiting our children endure before Christmas with gifts under the tree, during this season we intentionally enter a period of waiting and longing leading up to Christmas day. This waiting symbolically reminds us of the same waiting and longing felt by the Hebrew prophets of the Old Testament as they waited for the arrival of the Messiah. During this season we recognize what Christ birthed in humanity in his first coming, and what will be brought to its highest expression at his second coming: hope, love, joy, and peace for all who follow him. 
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Living in God’s Family 
 
The word “family” can mean many different things to different people. Often, when people speak of family, they mean their blood relatives, specifically those with whom they live (often called the “nuclear family”). While this certainly is one aspect of family, it is not the totality of it!  
 
When Christians speak of family, we also refer to God’s family, his ecclesia or “church.” Those who are members of God’s household, brought together in Jesus the Messiah, are more than random individuals who come together a couple of times a week. When we enter God’s kingdom, we become family with one another, forging a unique bond that transcends blood relation, culture, social class, or geographic location. We are all children brought together into God’s great family. 
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Joy
 
Weekly Description: 
 
The human pursuit of happiness falls short in the face of suffering and pain in this present age. God’s kingdom family can find an unshakable joy regardless of life’s circumstances. This joy is received through the hope and love found in Jesus Christ that YHWH offers his people through a covenant relationship. 
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Instructions for Daily Reading 
 
Each day as you engage the Scripture, we recommend following this pattern of devotional reading.  
 
[Take a brief moment of silence to quiet your heart.] 
 
1.    Read the Scripture aloud. 
2.    Seek out where King Jesus is at work in the Scripture. 
3.    Pray over the Scripture. 
4.    Discern how this Scripture impacts your life. 
 
[Demonstrate loyalty to Jesus in one tangible way today.] 
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Galatians 6:1-10
 
Group Discussion & Reflection: Paul’s ability to have joy in seasons of adversity stem from his faith and joy being put in the right place, Jesus. When we place our faith in what is eternal, circumstances won’t influence our joy. “For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” Have you ever put your joy in something other than Jesus? What was the result?