Representing Jesus and His Kingdom
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Digging Deeper
Starting the first month of the year brings to mind many contrasts and new perspectives. We remember how parts of last year were difficult and how God lovingly and faithfully saw us through difficulties. But also, we give thanks to God and remember times last year that were wonderful, and we praise God for these awesome experiences.
We remember Isaiah 43:2, which says, "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." (NLT) No matter what happens this upcoming year, our God is with us. We relish God's love for us, knowing that Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world and was raised from the dead. John 3:16 shares, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life."
This year may God give us new perspectives and openness to continue to live out Northland's mission statement and decide to represent Jesus and His Kingdom well.
Our Mission
Northland Church exists to glorify God as we participate in His mission of redeeming a people from all peoples by engaging neighbors and nations to be Fully Alive in King Jesus through the power of the Spirit.
WHAT NOT TO MISS
Representing Jesus and His Kingdom
Paul was writing to the church at Corinth, and he admonished them and reminded them to represent Jesus and His Kingdom well.
We Get a New Perspective. (2 Corinthians 5:16-17)
Paul does not want us to see people from a worldly point of view or lens or focus that does not honor the Lord.
Paul wants us to see in a new way with new lenses as we are looking at people, the world and Jesus connecting with them in a new way through the new life we have in Christ.
As believers, we have received new life and are changed by the power of the Gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Sent on a Mission of Reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
We have received forgiveness and have been reconciled to God and have been given the message of reconciliation and we engage in the ministry of reconciliation.
Jesus told His disciples to go and make disciples, and they told someone and eventually, someone told you.
The reason we are here today is someone told us about Jesus. There is a 2000-year great commission highway. You don't want your life to be a cul-de-sac on God's great commission highway.
Each of us needs to represent Jesus and His kingdom well.
Will you tell others about Jesus as we are sent on a ministry of reconciliation in the midst of a broken and hurting world?
Representing Jesus and His Kingdom. (2 Corinthians 5:20)
We have become citizens and instruments of God's kingdom.
As our culture has become more resistant to the gospel and Biblical truths, we need to respond in Christ-like ways, representing Jesus and His Kingdom well.
Paul says he is an ambassador in chains. As it becomes more challenging to share the love of Jesus we know we have the great news as we have read the end of the book. Jesus wins. Our call is to live as citizens of His kingdom until He returns.
Why does this matter? In 2024 we need to make decisions to represent Jesus and His Kingdom well in good times and in bad times.
Because of the Cross. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Jesus was made to be sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. Jesus' righteousness has been deposited in us. God doesn't see our sins, He sees Jesus' righteousness because of the cross.
How do I put everything under the Lordship of Jesus Christ? When we understand that we have been made righteous, then we will live differently and engage with people differently and readjust our Gospel lenses.
I am asking you in 2024 to live and represent Jesus and His Kingdom well. Be a minister of reconciliation and love all because of what Jesus has done on the cross. Represent Jesus and His kingdom well and make that commitment today.
LIFE APPLICATION
In this new year, we are given the opportunity by God to develop new spiritual perspectives and represent Jesus and His Kingdom well. This week, decide on one spiritual goal you want to achieve this year. Write your goal on a card and put it where you can see it, or set it up as a reminder on your mobile device. Share your spiritual goal with someone who can hold you accountable.
Some ideas for spiritual goals might be reading your Bible each day for 5 minutes, praying each morning and evening when you get up and before you go to bed or serving weekly as a volunteer at Northland church. Look for ways this year to share your faith with a neighbor and invite them to Northland Church. Dedicate this as the year where you will represent Jesus and His Kingdom well and grow your faith in new and exciting ways.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What is a fun activity that you want to experience in the new year?
What are areas of life where believers need to get a new spiritual perspective?
In 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, what is the ministry of reconciliation?
Share examples of ways Christians can represent Jesus and His Kingdom well to neighbors and nations.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE PASSAGES
Day 1: New LIfe-2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:5-11; John 1:12
Day 2: New Perspective-Galatians 2:20; Ecclesiastes 3:11-13; Philippians 3:12-14
Day 3: New Reconciliation-Acts 3:19; Hebrews 12:15; Romans 5:10
Day 4: New Habits-Ezekiel 36:26; Jeremiah 29:11; Isaiah 43:18-19
Day 5: New Spiritual Growth-Romans 6:4; Philippians 4:6-7; Proverbs 3:5-6
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for making me a new creation in Jesus Christ. I am thankful that You are with me every step of the way as I represent King Jesus and His Kingdom to neighbors and nations through the power of the Holy Spirit. This year continually remind me of Your tremendous love, knowing You sent Your only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for my sins. Let me love and serve You and those You place around me, sharing the Good News of the Gospel with neighbors and nations.
