Message Title: The Politics of Jesus

Date: August 9, 2020

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Give to Caesar - his image indicates ownership

--Christians living with the conviction that every person loved by God has the right to life and can be made new through a relationship with Jesus!

Jesus: calls for earthly alliances (taxes) motivated by Kingdom allegiance

“The greatest enemy of Christianity may be people who say they believe in Jesus but who are no longer astonished and amazed. We have allowed screens to beat our imaginations into submissions and have become tourists rather than travelers. We have been stunted by mediocrity…” --Mike Yaconelli, Dangerous Wonder

If you just prayed for that to happen in your life, let us know! info@wearepcc.com.

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 the interplay of the Kingdom priorities and political allegiances from Jesus’ perspective.

1. Have you ever met a prominent political or royal figure such as a president, king, or queen? What was/would that be like? Discuss in your group or think about it.

2. As stated by Gary Gaddini, today's speaker and Lead Pastor, the definition of the word politics that we are using today is “building a shared life together.” What is critical to you in building a shared life together? In our country? In our church? See John 14:6 and John 10:10. According to Jesus what does He bring to us?

3. Read Mark 12: 13-15. According to these verses what did the Pharisees and the Herodians try to do to Jesus? As a believer have you ever had a similar experience of being trapped by others for your spiritual beliefs? How did you respond? Jesus could have responded in several different ways. Discuss those possible answers.

4. While we probably can’t pull a coin from our pocket and respond like Jesus did, we can ALWAYS respond from a Kingdom perspective. Is this easy? No, we are human! How do the following verses align with a Kingdom response: 1 Peter 3:15, Ephesians 4: 29, Colossians 3:17? Are you a little worried about what to say, or not say, in these politically charged times? Remember back to Moses -- he too, was a little worried about what to say! How does God’s response to Him apply to us today and give us hope? See Exodus 4: 10-15.

5. How did Jesus answer the question? Mark 12:17. How did they respond? As stated by Gary, if people aren't amazed by the God in us, then something is wrong! According to Mike Yaconelli, author of Dangerous Wonder, “The greatest enemy of Christianity may be people who say they believe in Jesus but who are no longer astonished and amazed.” What is it about the character of God that amazes you today? How is God working in your life today that amazes you? Write down 3 things each day this week that amaze you about our Lord. Share these things with someone.

6. You might not have access to, or the opportunity to meet the president or the Queen of England, but we all have access to and can meet the King of Kings. Have you met the King of kings and Lord of lords? What is preventing you from receiving Him today? See John 1:12. We can all approach the throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

If this is the desire of your heart today you can pray this simple prayer: Heavenly Father, please forgive my sins. Jesus be my King! Save me and make me new. Fill me with your Holy Spirit, so I could follow you and serve you for the rest of my life. Use me to shine your light, to show your love, and to spread your hope. Thank you for forgiving me. Thank you for saving me. My life is not my own. I give it all to you. Jesus I am declaring you as my king, as the King of kings and the Lord of lords!”

As a believer, is your God still so amazing such that you can't wait to tell others?

Prayer: God you are the King of kings, and Lord of lords. You are Lord over my world, my community, and my life. Give me boldness to speak when I am weak, and discernment for Kingdom responses when I am cornered for Your sake. Rekindle the spark in me so that my faith is alive and compels me to tell others. May others be amazed at who you are. In the name of Jesus, who is King of kings, and Lord of lords! Amen.

Resources: (see links below)

Bible Project Video: Gospel of the Kingdom

PCC Series Web Page: One Kingdom Invdiisible

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

PCC Family Ministries: Table Talk for August 9, 2020

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