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The Anatomy Of Now Series
Contributed by Kirk Devine on Feb 21, 2007 (message contributor)
Summary: Our church theme for 2007 is "Kingdom Now Living" based on Matthew 6:10. The Lord gave me a series of messages to share with our congregation as we started out the year that will carry us throughout 2007. We took the word ’NOW’ examined each letter to see
The Kingdom Now Series
DEVELOPING A NOW MENTALITY (Part 1)
THE ANATOMY OF NOW
MATTHEW 6:10
In the 4th chapter of Proverbs, Solomon, the son of David explains to us the value of wisdom… He encourages us to get sound godly wisdom… He tells us that it will keep, defend, and protect us in this walk… and then in verse 7 he tells us; “And with all you have gotten, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation)…” (Problem…) For years we have been programmed to believe that if we live right… If we just hold on… If we say our prayers and do right by others… That one day we would go to Heaven and see Jesus… If we just followed the ‘good book’ one day we would make it into the ‘Kingdom…’ (Trying to say…) We have yet to get an understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation) of what it means to live a “Kingdom Now Mentality…” “Let your Kingdom manifest (show itself, become evident, be revealed) on earth, right here, right now…” (Matt 6:10 Literal Translation)
And because we have not gotten an understanding, we have missed out on enjoying many of the blessings that God has in store for us right now…
(Secret…) God’s intention is not for you to live broke, busted, and disgusted down here on earth only to have wait to enjoy His riches and His Glory went you get to eternity… He wants you to have the Kingdom Living Mentality right now…! But there are some things that you must understand about the word, NOW… NOW: “at the present time or moment… Without further delay; immediately…”
In our quest to gain an understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation) of Kingdom Now Living, I believe that one of the best ways to do so is by looking at and breaking down the word NOW… Today I want to look at the first letter of the word ‘now’; “N…” Anatomy: A detailed examination or analysis… If you’re going to have a Kingdom Living Now Mentality, you must first understand that it begins…
I. WITH YOUR NEW BIRTH (John 3:1-8)
- Nicodemus tried to rationalize the new birth… (1-4)
- Jesus caused him to recognize (ID) the new birth…
(5-6)
- New Birth is based on relationship…
(It’s spiritual) (7-8)
II. WITH YOUR NEW POSITION (1 Pet. 2 [v9])
- With your position comes responsibility (1-8)
- You are a representative of your position (9-14)
- You reverse the stigma (disgrace) of by the
world (15-17)
III. WITH YOUR COMMITMENT [MINDSET] (Phil 2:1-15)
- There must be a Resolute Unity (1-4)
- There must be a Reverent Humility that honors
God (5-11)
- There must be a Rekindled Determination (12-15)