The Kingdom Will Still Be The Kingdom Series

#### **Introduction**

Video Ill.: Kingdom Minded — The Skit Guys

If there is any one thing that brings drama and division to our world, it is politics. It feels like unprecedented times — such division and discord over political views and opinions today. There is so much tension in our world.

Tips to Avoid Family Holiday Drama

Source: Catherine Pearson, “How to Avoid Family Drama This Holiday Season,” The New York Times (11-20-23)

https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2023/december/tips-to-avoid-family-holiday-drama.html

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That’s probably why New York Times columnist Catherine Pearson decided to gather tips for navigating family holiday gatherings.

Pearson's advice aims to help individuals maintain composure and connection during challenging times. These tips were curated from hundreds of tips submitted by readers who were asked to contribute their own best practices in avoiding family drama.

“Control the setting,” suggested one reader in Georgia. “We host, every year, every holiday … It has been easier to be where we can control the environment and where we have a safe space.”

“Find a connection,” suggested another reader in Arizona, who cited a mutual love of music that draws two brothers together during the holidays, despite very different political views. “We brought our guitars to the gathering … when we’re singing, we can’t fight.”

“When in doubt, talk sports,” says a reader from Florida, whose family has an unofficial list of topics to avoid in order to keep the peace. “When issues arise, we enjoy the old fallback: ‘How about those Mets?’”

There were even helpful responses in the comment section. One commenter suggests putting out markers and construction paper and having everyone decorate their own placemat. Apparently giving everyone a project can help cut down on arguments.

As we gather as the church family, we have to not allow our differences to keep us from loving one another and treating each other with respect.

We are beginning a study that I’ve called Faith Beyond the Ballot Box. I chose that title because no matter what happens at the polls, one thing remains constant—our faith in God. Leading up to the election on November 5, we are going to explore what it means to put our trust in God, no matter what the outcome is at the ballot box.

This morning, we can have hope in the knowledge that the Kingdom of God is unshakable and eternal.

As they quoted from David’s Psalm, Psalm 145, in the opening video:

13 Your kingdom is an

            everlasting kingdom,

And your dominion

            endures through all generations…. (Psalm 145, NIV1984)

You see, Jesus is Lord over all, and His kingdom transcends any political leader or system.

Let’s take a few minutes to explore what that means in our lives today.

### **I. As we begin, Jesus is Lord Over All Earthly Powers.** 

Kingdom Citizenship

Source: John Hess-Yoder, Portland, Oregon. Leadership, Vol. 7, no. 3.

https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/1996/june/1498.html

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While serving as a missionary in Laos, John Hess-Yoder discovered an illustration of the kingdom of God.

Before the colonialists imposed national boundaries, the kings of Laos and Vietnam reached an agreement on taxation in the border areas. Those who ate short-grain rice, built their houses on stilts, and decorated them with Indian-style serpents were considered Laotians. On the other hand, those who ate long-grain rice, built their houses on the ground, and decorated them with Chinese-style dragons were considered Vietnamese. The exact location of a person's home was not what determined his or her nationality. Instead, each person belonged to the kingdom whose cultural values he or she exhibited.

So it is with us: we live in the world, but as part of God's kingdom, we are to live according to his kingdom's standards and values.

Why? Because Jesus is Lord over all earthly powers.

When Jesus was on trial before Pilate, Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you king of the Jews?”

Follow along with what Jesus said in John 18:34:

34 “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?”

35 “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?”

36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

37 “You are a king, then!” said Pilate.

Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18, NIV1984)

Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world. Jesus was clear that His reign is eternal and unthreatened, even when He was facing death. Nothing can shake His kingdom, because He is Lord over all.