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. 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
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. 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
Peace
 
Weekly Description: 
 
Biblical peace is found in its purest form as shalom. This Hebrew word encapsulates more than just peace as the institutions of the world would define it. True shalom is experienced in wholeness and completeness. This wholeness can only be found in relationship with King Jesus. YHWH’s family will experience shalom in its fullest expression when Jesus Christ ushers his family into eternity.
______________________________________________________________________________ 
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.] 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
 
Psalm 85:1-13
 
Group Discussion & Reflection: The biblical definition of peace is rooted in the person of Jesus who afforded us an eternal peace. We can choose a peace that sustains us through times of turmoil and chaos. In verse 8 it says, “Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly.” Has God provided peace for you in seasons of difficulty? How did that change your circumstance?