We the People, Part 2

As followers of Jesus, we live in the tension of the “now and not yet” of God’s kingdom—experiencing His reign in part now, while awaiting its fullness. It calls believers to embody kingdom values today, trusting in the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises in the future.

Open Up the Heavens
Vertical Worship

Never Stop Singing
The Worship Initiative

Abandoned
Benjamin William Hastings

John Ortberg
“Imagine that we elected all the right people to the right offices—President, congress, governors, right down to the school board, city council members, and dog catcher. Let’s imagine that all these ideal office holders instituted all the right policies. Let’s imagine that we got all the propositions right. Every piece of legislation—from zoning laws to tax codes to immigration policy to crime bills—is just exactly the way you know it ought to be. Would that usher in the kingdom of God? Would the hearts of the parents be turned to their children? Would all marriages be models of faithful love? Would greed and pride be legislated out of existence? Would human beings now at last be able to master our impulses in areas of sexuality and anger and narcissism? Let’s get a little more personal. Would you finally become the woman or man you know you ought to be?”

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The unfailing, redemptive love of God is continually on display and available to all of humanity.

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Every inclination of a man’s heart is only evil all the time.

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Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

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Isaiah 9:6-7
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.

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John 1:9-11
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive Him.

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John 3:19-20
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light, for fear that their deeds will be exposed.

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John 1:12-13
Yet, to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

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1 Peter 2:9-10
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

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1. We are a chosen people.

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2. We are a royal priesthood.

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1 Peter 2:4-5
As you come to Him, the living Stone – rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to Him – you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

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3. We are a holy people.

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4. We are God’s special possession.

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1 Peter 2:9-17
Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

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1. In humility, we live with self-control.

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2. In humility, we submit to, honor, and pray for those in authority over us.

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Romans 13:1-2
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

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3. In humility be at peace with all men, especially your brothers and sisters.

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1 Peter 2:21-25
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

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