Youth Sermon: More than Heaven, More than the Church

Introduction to the Kingdom of God

Today, we're going to talk about something that's way cooler than you might think. It's called the Kingdom of God. Now, I know what you're thinking, 'I've heard about this before.' But trust me, it's way more than just heaven or church. It's like the ultimate level-up in the game of life.

Let's start with a little object lesson. Imagine you're playing a video game. You're on a mission, right? You've got to defeat the bad guys, collect items, and save the day. But what if I told you that there's a secret level, a hidden kingdom, where you have superpowers, unlimited lives, and you're always winning? That's what the Kingdom of God is like. It's not just about getting to heaven when we die, it's about living a victorious life right here, right now.

That's what the Kingdom of God is like. It's not just about getting to heaven when we die, it's about living a victorious life right here, right now.

Jesus' Teachings on the Kingdom of God

Jesus talked about this a lot. In fact, He mentioned the Kingdom of God nearly 120 times in the Gospels! That's way more than He talked about being saved or going to heaven. Check out what He said in Matthew 6:10, 'Let your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.' He's saying that God's kingdom isn't just about the afterlife, it's about living God's way right here on earth.

And then in Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us, 'But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.' He's saying that if we make God's kingdom our top priority, everything else will fall into place.

Accessing the Kingdom of God

Now, let's clear up a couple of things. The Kingdom of God isn't just heaven, and it's not just the church. It's anywhere that God's will is being done. It's like a secret level in the game of life that's hidden in plain sight. You can find it in the most surprising places, like a prison Bible study, a group of moms at a playground, or even right here in our youth group.

So, how do we access this secret level? How do we enter the Kingdom of God? It starts with being born again. That's what Jesus told Nicodemus in John chapter 3. Being born again is like getting a new life in the game. It's a fresh start, a new beginning. And it's not just about getting to heaven when we die, it's about living a victorious life right here, right now.

Practical Life Application

So, here's the practical life application: start seeking God's kingdom in your everyday life. Look for ways to do God's will, God's way. Be kind to your siblings, help out your parents, stand up for the kid who's being bullied at school. And most importantly, make God your top priority.

Let's pray. God, thank you for inviting us into your kingdom. Help us to seek your kingdom first in everything we do. Give us the courage to live your way, even when it's hard. And thank you for the promise of a victorious life, both now and in the future. In Jesus' name, Amen. So, guys, let's level up and start living in the Kingdom of God today!

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. What does the Kingdom of God mean to you?

2. How can we live out the Kingdom of God in our daily lives?

3. What are some examples of the Kingdom of God that you have seen in your life or in the world around you?

4. How can we pray for God's Kingdom to come in our lives and in the world?

5. What challenges do you face in living out the Kingdom of God?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Kingdom Scavenger Hunt
• Group Activity: Kingdom Building
• Youth Challenge: Living the Kingdom Life