This message is an edited version of a sermon given at Loving God Fellowship. Copyright © 2008 Loving God Fellowship, Inc. http://www.LovingGodFellowship.org . Click to have messages emailed to you as they are made available. You are encouraged to share this message with those you know that are hungry for God’s Word.
Receiving what cannot be Shaken
By Rev. Greg Johnson
Hebrews 12:28
We live in a world that is constantly shaken. There is poverty and disease. There is crime and violence. There is death and destruction. Why? Is it God that is mad? No. This world is the devil’s kingdom and he is mad. Jesus said (John 10:10 NIV) "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
Christ followers are insurgents living behind enemy lines in this world. This is not their kingdom. Their citizenship is of another kingdom. In the midst of all the shaking going on, they live their life to make a difference in a world that grows increasingly out of step with the Gospel.
Draw encouragement today from God’s Word which says (Hebrews 12:28 NIV) "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,"
Christ followers are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken! It’s God’s Kingdom and it is a victorious Kingdom. This Kingdom doesn’t just begin when Jesus returns for His followers. It begins in the Christ follower the moment that they fall at the foot of the cross and make Jesus their Lord and Savior. Jesus deposits God’s Kingdom within the individual as an earnest of that which is to come. And every time the Christ follower prays to God for His Kingdom to come, God’s Kingdom becomes greater and greater in the Christ follower.
That’s why in the midst of a shaky world, the Christ follower stands tall and lifts up their head. They know that their full redemption is drawing nigh. Nothing rattles them. Nothing shakes their faith. Nothing moves them. Nothing distracts them from the One they follow – Jesus Christ. They are salty and they are bright in a world that grows increasingly out of step with the Gospel.
Hallelujah! Beloved, you are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken! You have more of God’s Kingdom in you today than you have ever had before in your life!
So how is the Christ follower to react to this kingdom that they are receiving that cannot be shaken?
Be thankful. Be thankful that God loves you so much that He sent Jesus into your world. Be thankful that God loves you so much that He sent Jesus to the cross to take your punishment for sin which is death and shield you from God’s wrath. Be thankful that God loves you so much that He drew you to Jesus. Be thankful that Jesus takes care of your sin problem. Be thankful that Jesus is a friend that sticks closer to you than a brother. Be thankful that Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you on your journey from earth to glory. Be thankful that Jesus gives you His peace. Be thankful that Jesus empowers you for your journey with supernatural strength, gifts and abilities so that you can continue His ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit. Be thankful Beloved. Be thankful.
How is the Christ follower to react to this kingdom that they are receiving that cannot be shaken?
Worship God. Beloved, as you realize what God has done the thanksgiving and the worship flows out. It’s the fruit of your lips and it is so pleasing to God. It’s so natural for the Christ follower as they realize that the kingdom they are receiving is a kingdom that cannot be shaken. In the midst of poverty and disease, they worship God with reverence and awe. In the midst of crime and violence, they worship God with reverence and awe. In the midst of death and destruction, they worship God with reverence and awe. In the midst of a world that is rattled and shaky, they worship God with reverence and awe. Why? Because what has been placed within them cannot be shaken! Hallelujah! It is untouchable!
Beloved, rejoice today and be glad! You are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.
If you are not yet a follower of Christ, please know that citizenship in God’s Kingdom requires a new birth. Jesus said (John 3:3 NIV) "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
Fall at the foot of the cross today and make Jesus your Lord and Savior. Pick up your cross, deny yourself and follow Him. Let Him give you citizenship in God’s Kingdom. Begin to receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken in the midst of a world that is shaking uncontrollably.
Amen!
Know that you are loved,
Greg Johnson
www.GAJohnson.org
Founding Pastor
Loving God Fellowship
www.LovingGodFellowship.org
Loving God Fellowship is an interdenominational Christ following fellowship with a revolutionary new church plant in Salem, Oregon, and a worldwide Internet church community @ http://www.LGFinternetChurch.org .
