Good morning, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we live in a world that is constantly changing and often feels unstable. From political unrest to natural disasters, economic uncertainties to personal struggles, it’s easy to feel shaken by the events around us. But as Christians, we have a profound promise from God—we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.
Let’s explore this promise and how it provides us with unshakable hope and security.
Main Scripture: Hebrews 12:28-29
Our primary text today comes from Hebrews 12:28-29 (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, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’"
1. The Nature of the Unshakable Kingdom
The first thing we need to understand is the nature of this unshakable kingdom. It’s important to recognize that the kingdom of God is not like the kingdoms of this world. It is eternal, rooted in God’s unchanging nature, and governed by His sovereign power.
Illustration: The Rock and the Sand
In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish builders. The wise man builds his house on the rock, and when the storms come, the house stands firm. The foolish man builds his house on the sand, and when the storms come, the house falls with a great crash. The unshakable kingdom of God is like the house built on the rock. No matter what storms come, it stands firm because it is founded on the solid rock of Jesus Christ.
Anecdote: A Testimony of Faith
I once met a woman who had faced numerous challenges in her life, including severe illness and financial hardship. Despite these trials, her faith remained unshaken. She often said, "My circumstances may change, but my God does not." Her confidence in God's unshakable kingdom gave her strength and peace, even in the most difficult times.
2. The Assurance of God’s Promise
Hebrews 12:28 tells us that we are "receiving" this kingdom. This is a present and continuous action, meaning it is an ongoing process. The assurance of God's promise is that His kingdom is already being given to us, and it will continue to be established until it is fully realized.
Illustration: An Inheritance Guaranteed
Think about an inheritance that has been guaranteed to you. You may not have received the full inheritance yet, but you have the legal assurance that it is yours. Similarly, as believers, we have the assurance that God’s unshakable kingdom is ours. This promise is secure and guaranteed by God’s faithfulness.
Anecdote: The Faithfulness of God
I recall a family who experienced a devastating house fire, losing nearly everything they owned. Yet, they clung to the promise of God's faithfulness. They often quoted Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV): "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." This assurance sustained them and allowed them to rebuild their lives with hope.
3. Living with Thankfulness and Worship
In response to receiving this unshakable kingdom, Hebrews 12:28 calls us to be thankful and to worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Gratitude and worship are appropriate responses to God’s incredible gift.
Illustration: A Heart of Gratitude
Imagine receiving a precious gift that you know you could never afford or deserve. Your natural response would be profound gratitude and appreciation for the giver. Our response to God’s unshakable kingdom should be similar—a life marked by thankfulness and worship.
Anecdote: Worship in the Midst of Trials
During a mission trip, I met a group of Christians who faced severe persecution. Despite their hardships, their worship was vibrant and full of joy. They sang with all their hearts, lifting their voices in praise and thanksgiving to God. Their gratitude and worship were not dependent on their circumstances but on their unshakable faith in God’s kingdom.
4. Standing Firm in a Shakable World
In a world that is often unstable, standing firm in God’s unshakable kingdom gives us strength and stability. Ephesians 6:13 (NIV) encourages us, "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."
Illustration: The Anchor in the Storm
Consider a ship facing a violent storm at sea. The anchor is dropped to stabilize the ship, preventing it from being tossed about by the waves. Similarly, our faith in God’s unshakable kingdom acts as an anchor for our souls, holding us steady in the midst of life’s storms.
Anecdote: Standing Firm in Faith
I once knew a pastor who faced tremendous opposition in his ministry. Many tried to discourage him and undermine his work, but he remained steadfast. He often quoted 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV): "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." His unwavering commitment inspired many and bore much fruit for God’s kingdom.
5. Sharing the Unshakable Kingdom
Finally, as recipients of this unshakable kingdom, we are called to share it with others. Jesus commissioned us to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). We are to be ambassadors of God’s kingdom, spreading the message of hope and salvation.
Illustration: The Light in the Darkness
Imagine being in a dark room and lighting a single candle. The light from that candle can illuminate the entire room, dispelling the darkness. As followers of Christ, we are called to be that light in a dark world, shining the truth of God’s unshakable kingdom.
Anecdote: The Impact of Evangelism
In my own life, I’ve seen the power of sharing God’s kingdom. I once shared the Gospel with a colleague who was going through a difficult time. Initially, he was skeptical, but over time, he began to see the hope and stability that comes from faith in Christ. Eventually, he accepted Jesus as his Savior and experienced a profound transformation. His life became a testimony to the power of God’s unshakable kingdom.
Conclusion
Brothers and sisters, in a world that is often shakable and uncertain, we have the incredible promise of receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. This unshakable kingdom provides us with stability, hope, and purpose. Let us live with gratitude and worship, standing firm in our faith and sharing the good news of God’s kingdom with others.
As we go forth, may we be anchored in the unshakable truth of God’s kingdom, confident in His promises, and committed to spreading His light in the world. Let us embrace the unshakable kingdom and allow it to transform our lives and the lives of those around us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of an unshakable kingdom. Help us to stand firm in our faith, to live with gratitude and worship, and to share Your kingdom with others. Strengthen us in the midst of life’s storms and use us to be a light in this world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
