Letting God's Word Do Its Work Among God's People

Happy New Year! As we launch into 2020 I have the great privilege of preaching my 125th Sunday morning sermon since taking over as the Senior Pastor at Lake Country Bible Church in June of 2017. My family and I have been overwhelmed with gratitude as we consider how blessed we have been since moving to Nashotah, Wisconsin. This congregation loves God's Word, the Lord Jesus Christ, the lost, and one another greatly! Lake Country Bible is a very special church family and we are so blessed to be part of what God is doing here. To Him be the glory, honor and praise!

Since assuming the lead teaching role within this church, I have done my best to preach sermons that are Text-driven (2 Tim. 2:15/4:1-2), Spirit-filled, and contagiously worshipful (AKA-"expository exultation").

In this vein, I have worked hard (per Ezra 7:10) to "declare the full counsel of God" (per Acts 20:27-28). During corporate worship I have exposited a number of Old Testament passages, such as: Genesis 1-2; 12:1-4; 15; Exodus 18:13-27; 2 Samuel 7; Psalm 100; Hosea 3; Isaiah 7:1-16. Other gifted teachers in other contexts have taught through Joshua, the Psalms, and the Minor Prophets, Galatians, 1 Peter, and 1 John.

I have also carefully walked through a number of New Testament texts with the congregation, including: Matthew 1:18-23; 24:29-51, 25:31-46; Luke 1:5-66; 13:34-35; 19:11-44; 23:34; Romans 11:13-36; 13:1-7; 1 Corinthians 3:1-7; 16-17; 11:1-16; 15:1-19; Galatians 3:13-14, 29; Ephesians 6:1-4; Philippians 4:2-3; Colossians 1:28-29; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 4:13-14; 2 Timothy 2:15; Titus 2:1-15; Hebrews 6:11-19; 11:10; 13:17; 1 Peter 2:1-3; 5:1-5; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Jude 22-23; Revelation 5:9-14; 14:6-11; 19:1-22:21.

We have also considered a few overview messages of the Gospel of John, Acts, Colossians 1-2; and Revelation 6-18.

We have looked at the Great Covenants of the Bible; what the Word of God really teaches concerning Mary and Roman Catholic outreach; we have considered Paul's inspired "Philosophy of Ministry" statement, and have had special Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas themed expositions. We have studied what the prophesied future holds (the future Tribulation, the coming Kingdom of Christ, the glories of heaven, the agonies of hell, the delights of the New Jerusalem, etc). This past summer we spent many months seeking to establish a robustly biblical shepherdology, sheepology, and ecclessiology (the doctrine of the church) before starting our Gospel of John series.

During the Sunday School hour I provided a detailed overview of what the Old and New Testament Scriptures teach concerning "Biblical Manhood and Womanhood," as well as addressing the (now) controversial subject of gender and sexuality. I also had an opportunity to teach some sessions on "the Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life;" (how to mature in the Christian faith).

During Wednesday nights I taught a special summer series in 2018 on "the Plight of Israel: a Historical, Biblical, and Theological study."

In the spirit of 2 Timothy 2:2, one of my favorite ministry roles has been to guide our men's leadership training and discipleship ministry. Over the past 2 1/2 years 50+ men have studied/discussed a number of subjects/doctrines and have read many helpful books. As “iron sharpens iron” so one brother has helped equip another.

I have also enjoyed providing pre-marital, marriage/family counseling, and discipleship. The one constant in all of these ministries is the inerrant, infallible, and sufficient Word of God. Everything this local church does is grounded in the timeless truths of Scripture.

During the Protestant Reformation one of the chief leaders made a humble and profound observation- that is equally true of my pastoral ministry. I close with this quotation: "I/we simply taught, preached, wrote God's Word, otherwise I did nothing; the Word did it all...I did nothing; I left it to the Word...!"

Ephesians 3:20-21; Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Colossians 1:28-29; We proclaim Him (Christ), admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.


Together for the Gospel,

Pastor Caleb Kolstad

“You Cannot Do It Alone!” Why Every Church Needs Multiple Shepherds

“You Cannot Do It Alone!” 

Why Every Church Needs Multiple Shepherds: 

Exodus 18:13-27; 1 Peter 5:1-4 

“Now these things happened as examples for us. They were written down for our instruction.”

(1 Corinthians 10:11; Hebrew 13:7; Romans 15:4) 

Ex. 18:13-27- what was true back then, is true now. This narrative illustrates two important lessons


1)


2)

Sermon Outline of 1 Peter 5:1-4 

I) The _______________________ Shepherding Mandate.

(1 Peter 5:1-3) 

II) The Eternally Glorious ____________________.

(1 Peter 5:4) 

As a humble, battle-tested leader the Apostle Peter empathizes with the lesser known church elders from Asia Minor (1 Peter 1:1-2) which is now Turkey.

The Three-fold Basis of Peter’s Shepherding Mandate 

We have:

A) A ______________________ Calling

(1 Peter 5:1a) 

B) A ________________________ Witness

(1 Peter 5:1b) 

C) A _______________________ Reward

(1 Peter 5:1; 1:6-7) 

The Hidden Riches of God's Life-Giving Word

One of the great blessings of sequential, expository preaching is that you come across so many unexpected diamonds- like Revelation 22:4- "And His name shall be on their foreheads." 

This eternal privilege is so encouraging and comforting that I cannot wait to share it's riches with you this Sunday. 

Our worship service begins at 10:15 AM and our Sunday School hour begins at 9 AM. See you soon! www.lakecountrybible.org 

"Every verse inspired, every verse preached!"

Joining and Being a Member of a Church

"From the promises to Abraham (Gen. 12:1–3) to the ultimate fulfillment of those same promises pictured in the new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven (Rev. 21), Scripture is clear—God is saving for Himself a people.

Notice, I said people, not persons. In saying it that way, I don’t mean to suggest that salvation is not a personal matter or that God has no interest in individuals. He clearly does (Rom. 10:9–10). No, I chose people over persons to emphasize Scripture’s emphasis—that Christian identity is necessarily communal (1 Peter 2:9).

As our physical birth includes a network of family relationships, so too does our spiritual birth. This is why, when Scripture speaks of the church, it employs metaphors that call to mind profound connection.

Jesus is the Vine, and we are the branches (John 15:1–17).
Jesus is the cornerstone, and we are living stones being built into a temple (Eph. 2:20; 1 Peter 2:5).
Jesus is the Head, and we are members of His body (Eph. 4:1–16; 1 Cor. 12:1–27).

There’s not a hint of individualism or independence anywhere in those images. Nowhere does Scripture describe, much less prescribe, the Christian life as something that can be lived alone. In Christ, each Christian is related to every other Christian, and together we are the family of God (Rom. 8:14–16; Eph. 2:19–22). Deep commitment to and active participation in the church are nonnegotiable.

All this raises a question, though: How can we build and maintain real, vital, life-giving connection to the church over the long haul? Let me offer four suggestions.

First, we must become active members of a church. When we hear the word “member,” we might think of paying our dues and fulfilling the requirements, and then we’ll get the benefits of the club. Church membership, though, is a reflection of Scripture’s language concerning the nature of the church. Paul writes in Romans 12:4–5, “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Paul is saying that in the same way your hand is a member of your body, so every Christian is membered with Jesus Christ and other Christians. We are literally a part of one another. When we realize this, placing membership in a local church becomes a natural extension of what it means to be and live as a Christian.

We need the church. And the church needs us.   The marks of a faithful church member can be reduced to three commitments: Attending/Belonging, Serving, and Giving (2 Cor. 8-10; 1 Cor. 16:2)

The First 18 Months: Reviewing the Expository Pulpit of Lake Country Bible Church

The First 18 Months:  Reviewing the Expository Pulpit of Lake Country Bible Church

“You guys have been in Revelation for a long time.”  Well, yes and no. Between Pastor Sal and the new guy it has taken us quite a while to exposit and digest twenty chapters and nearly four hundred verses of what is often called “Scripture’s greatest prophecy.”  Since the end of the story (Revelation 6-22) is Divinely intended to impact the here and now we have been in no hurry to move on to something else; (note Dr. Vlach’s insightful article- “7 Reasons Your Church Should Take Eschatology Seriously”). 

Having said that, in the past year and a half we have considered many different themes, subjects, and biblical books during our corporate worship service. My first message as the new Senior Pastor of Lake Country Bible Church was on “Satan’s Strategy Against Christ’s Church” from 1 Corinthians 3:1-7; Philippians 4:2-3.

Next, we reminded ourselves what a robustly Biblical Philosophy of Ministry looks like.  During this expository study we took four weeks to carefully examine Paul’s inspired mission statement from Colossians 1:28-29.  For two decades this text, along with Ephesians 4:11-16 and Matthew 28:18-20, have shaped the ministry of LCBC.  Lord willing, these passages will continue to define our mission for a long time to come.

Along the way I’ve preached a few standalone sermons from both the Old and New Testaments (Hosea 3:1-5; 2 Timothy 2:15; Jude 22-23) as well as a few holiday themed messages for Easter and Christmas (1 Corinthians 15:1-10; Isaiah 7:1-16).  I have also preached a few big picture messages such as “The Three Key Words of Biblical Prophecy.”

During a miniseries in 2017 we spent many weeks trying to get our arms around how the ancient covenant promises of God are related to the Church (Gal. 3:13-29; Heb. 6:11-19), to Israel, and to the prophesied end times (Revelation).  During this study, we studied Genesis 12; Genesis 15; and 2 Samuel 7; while Dan R. provided an overview message on the New Covenant during a Wednesday evening service.  We then considered how these grand covenant promises provide the basis of Messianic and future hope for the people of God in Luke 1:5-56.  One cannot fully appreciate the joy of Christmas or the details of Revelation without understanding the grand covenants of Scripture.

A Word to the Older Women of the Church

After giving instructions about older men in the congregation, Paul now turns to the older women:  “Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good.” Titus 2:3.  Cross-generational relationships are Jesus' design for the Body of Christ (see Titus 2).

Notice that Paul says “likewise.” That means that these older women are to be godly exemplars just like the older men are. And Paul specifies particular attributes:  “Reverent in behavior” means behavior that is worthy of a holy person (Montanari). There is a verbal link to what Paul says in verse one about that which is “fitting with sound doctrine.” This term calls for behavior that is “fitting with holiness.” Paul zeroes in on two very specific besetting sins that are not in accord with holy behavior.

“Not slanderers.” To slander someone means to assassinate someone’s character with your words. The NASB translates the term as “malicious gossips.” The malevolent attempt to destroy someone’s reputation and character with your words is not in keeping with holiness. In fact, this term is one of the names that the Bible gives to the Devil—Diabolos. He is a slanderer. Slander is the devil’s work and is completely at odds with holy behavior.  

The Regular Intake of Scripture- Growing in Godliness (Lesson 3)

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life

 “Bible Intake”

Lesson 3; 10/7/18

The theme verse of this Sunday School study at Lake Country Bible Church is 1 Timothy 4:7-8.  It’d be a great verse to memorize this quarter.  Here is the handout from one of our adult Sunday School groups.

What are some of the things that are keeping you from practicing the spiritual disciplines?

“No spiritual discipline is more important than the intake of the Word of God.” (note Psalm 1; 19; 119)  Why is this so?

What are some of the chief motivations for being a “man or woman of the Word?”

(Jer. 9:23-24; 1 Pet. 2:2-3; Hos. 6:6; )

Matthew 4:4; Jesus answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”

1 Timothy 4:6; If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

What are the different ways one can apply this specific discipline? (Bible intake)

1. HEARING the Word of God-

Are you a sermon critic?

Are you a sermon connoisseur?

OR are you an active, humble, and discerning sermon listener? 

 Revelation 20:4-6, Isaiah 1-66

Future Things: The Way Things Ought to Be

INTRO:  “The Way Things Ought to Be” -VS- the way things often are.

What about the Future Kingdom of Christ so energizes, strengthens, encourages, and mobilizes true believers?

The prophesied future is intended to impact the here and now!  

5 characteristics define the future Millennial Kingdom

As we take a jet tour overview of Isaiah keep track whenever you hear about:

1) Liberty and Justice for All

2) Peace in the Middle East (and beyond)

3) “Universal Healthcare”

4) “Eden-like” Conditions

5) Salvation Near and Far!

For Further Reflection/Application:  We must be doers of the Word and not merely hearers

What aspects of the “curse” have impacted your personal life the most?  List 2-3 things.

When life is too good why is it so tempting/easy to lose sight of “the age to come?” 

God commands believers to live each day in light of eternity (Col. 3:1-4)

How does God use trials in our life to make us more faithful believers? 

Note Romans 5:1-5; James 1:2-4; 2 Cor. 4:16-18

How does biblical prophecy help us get through the darkest valleys of life? 

Related Praise Songs:  Theology fuels Doxology!  We dig deeply in order that we may go high!

Joy to the World-

Crown Him With Many Crowns!

The Hallelujah Chorus-

Jesus Shall Reign- Keith and Kristyn Getty

Future Things: The Devil’s Disastrous End- Revelation 20:1-3

 Revelation 20:1-3

Future Things: The Devil’s Disastrous End

INTRO:  Parallels between the Iraq War and Revelation 19-20:

 A)     Shock and Awe-                                              (Rev. 19:11-18)

B)     Two-thirds of the Terrible 3 Taken Out -       (Rev. 19:19-21)

C)    Unfinished Business-  (Saddam)                       (Rev. 20:1-3)

In order to help us better understand this prophetic portion of Scripture we’ll hang our thoughts on three words:

1) Sequence 

(Rev. 20:1a; 19:17, 19; 20:4, 11).

The key chronological phrase that is used in Revelation- "Then I saw."

2) Subjugation 

(Rev. 20:1b-3)

Satan is summarily rounded up, bound, and thrown into the Abyss. He will not be free to prowl about like a roaring lion and will not be able to deceive the nations during the future earthly Kingdom.

3) Suprise 

(Rev. 20:3b)

Satan MUST be released for a short while after the Millennial kingdom...

For Further Reflection/Application:  We must be doers of the Word and not merely hearers

What are some of the names and/or biblical descriptions in Scripture related to our archenemy (Satan)?  What do these names suggest concerning the on-going Devilish activity of the Evil One?  (Genesis 3; Job 1; Matt. 4:1, 3; 13:19; John 8:44-45; Eph. 2:2; 2 Cor. 4:4, 6:5 1 Peter 5:8; Rev.12:9-10, 20:1-3, 10).

What are some of the sinister schemes of Satan against believers and against the Church?  Satan wants to divide us.  Satan wants to deceive us.  Satan wants to unite us (around anything but the Word of truth and Christ).  Satan wants to distract us.  Satan wants to tempt us.  Satan wants to condemn us in hopes of immobilizing us.  What else?  What do you say happening in your own life and/or in your own congregation? 

Baptism Service 2018

Baptism Service

Unlike the Lord's Supper, believers' baptism is a one time event where disciples identify with Jesus and the body of Christ.  Because baptism is only done on a "as needed" basis it is always a highlight in the life of any Christian fellowship.

This year we heard six stellar testimonies.  Everyone who was baptized was under thirty yet each one is pursuing the Lord with singular passion and focus.  God is doing something special at LCBC.  "For from Him and to Him and through Him be all thanks to Him be the glory forever!"

It was a tremendous blessing for Pastors Josh, Kent, and I to have front row seats for this most sacred service.  Please join us in encouraging these faithful Christians to "excel still more."  Truly His grace is amazing!

Galatians, Family Discipleship, and the Spiritual Disciplines- Coming Fall 2018

The Fall schedule at Lake Country Bible Church begins on September 9th with a Sunday Brunch fellowship.  You won't want to miss this special morning of food and relationship building.  On September 16th our regular children's, youth, and adult Sunday School/equipping classes resume.

This quarter Pastor Kent will be leading a foundations of family discipleship class.  The core teaching will be based on many passages and principles from Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16-17).  If you have children living in your home you won't want to miss out on this.

Many Christian parents admit that once a child comes to saving faith in Christ that they struggle at times with the "discipleship aspect" of Christian parenting.  How exactly does on "bring their children up in the fear and admonition of the Lord?"  As a veteran pastor, mature Christian father and grandpa leadership felt like our new Assistant Pastor would be the perfect shepherd to lead this adult class.  This SS class will meet in room 101.

LCBC elder Dave B and Pastor Caleb will be team teaching this Fall and will meet in the LCBC sanctuary.  Dave will continue his verse by verse study of Galatians.  In this study Dave will highlight the glory of the gospel and will help us to see what it means to be a "Gospel-centered" believer. 

Pastor Caleb will be teaching on the spiritual disciplines of the Christian life.  This study will focus on the disciplines prayer, fasting, the intake of Scripture, service, etc.  The goal is for every believer to employ the means of grace in order to become more Christ-like in word, thought, and deed.

If you have any questions about any of these classes please contact any of our three pastors or simply call the church office.

Special Baptism Service: Celebrating New Life in Christ

On Sunday, August 12th five young adults will be baptized during a special service at Mike and Jody Koehns.  We hope you will join us for the special celebration of new life in Christ.  This event is especially encouraging in the life of this Lake Country Bible Church (now in it's twentieth year).  For many years, faithful church members at Lake Country Bible Church prayed that God would send more young families and young adults to our Word-centered congregation.  Pastor Sal and many others faithfully preached and served and waited on the Lord.  In His perfect timing the Lord began to answer these petitions.  The quality of of the Spirit-filled believers who have become part of what was already a wonderful congregation over the past three years is so encouraging.

Whether one is a pastor, a parent, or a faithful church member all glory belongs to God.  As Scripture clearly notes, as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.  For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

What We Believe Scripture Teaches Concerning Baptism

The Process of Biblical Change: A Renewing Your Mind Ladies Study at LCBC

Please contact the church office at Lake Country Bible Church or Jody Koehn for more information.  This study is open to any Christian women who desire to grow in personal godliness and understand better the process of biblical change.

How the Future Impacts the Present

 Revelation 20:1-6 and Matthew 24:36-44

How the Future Impacts the Present

(pt. 10)

INTRO:  How does the disciples’ unpreparedness at Gethsemane tie in with this morning’s sermon text (note Matthew 24:36-44)?

If Jesus' faithful disciples were unprepared after a mere 60 minutes (see Matthew 26:40), how many believers will be caught asleep at the wheel when the King returns (2000+ years later)?  

How should the future impact the present?  Why is biblical eschatology so important?

How many believers today will be unprepared when the King finally returns after 2000+ years?  List 5 reasons why this is so. 

“I want to be more expectant and excited about the 2^nd Coming of Christ but I am struggling to do so.”  How does one foster greater longings for future and eternal things?  Talk with another LCBCer who is “on fire” for Christ.

General Outline of Jesus’ Oliviet Discourse

I) The Horrific Tribulation                              (Matthew 24:4-28)

II) The Glorious 2^nd Coming                            (Matthew 24:29-32)

 

                     (or)

I) End Times (Kingdom) Confusion                (Matthew 24:3)

II) Red Letter Clarification                             (Matthew 24:4-25:46)

The “Horrific Tribulation” and the “Glorious Return of Christ” should impact our lives in a multiplicity of ways.  In view of the prophesied future (per v. 4-31)- 

Jesus’ disciples must be:

1) Well Versed Students of Scripture (especially of biblical prophecy).

(Matthew 24:32-35)

Jesus’ disciples must be:

End Times Confusion and Red-Letter Clarification

How and why do unbelievers and believers approach the future differently? 

Does it really matter if a Christian understands the details of biblical 'eschatology' (truth related to the "end times")? 

How does understanding what God has revealed concerning the future impact the here and now? 

We will address this and more on Sunday at Lake Country Bible Church. Revelation 20:1-6; Matthew 24-25. "End Times Confusion and Red-Letter Clarification."

9 Practical and Spiritual Benefits of Home CARE Groups

Do non-megachurches really need home CARE groups?  What are the practical spiritual benefits of starting up such a ministry?  The following thoughts will help each of us in our understanding of what the purpose of a care group (small group) is and why it is important for the growth of the church, families and individuals. When properly done CARE groups can help a local church achieve it's biblical philosophy of ministry- which is to "present every believer mature in Christ" (Colossians 1:28-29).

Care groups are about fellowship – the Greek term (Koinonia) the root word is koinos, koinos, translation is common. So we have things in common and can even be translated as communion. Here with believers it has to do with a sense of community in which Christians share the work and pray together comforting and encouraging one another. Fellowship according to the New Unger’s Bible Dictionary: fellowship means companionship, a relation in which parties hold something in common, familiar interaction. (See Acts 2:42)

Consequently, as we can see from these brief interactions with the term and its meaning we can say the underlined words, communion – community – one another – companionship – familiar interaction is needed in every believer’s life. A smaller, more informal context can be a helpful place to practice the New Testament one anothers and to deepen and sweeten the fellowship of the local church.

With that brief understanding let me list for you some ways care groups help with shepherding and caring for the flock:

1. Care groups foster close relationships and integral community. The small group atmosphere is ready-made for building and deepening gospel friendships. People often share more in small groups and are quick to recognize needs, and willing help to meet them. The relationships formed within small groups form a strong fabric within a church. Many times it is these kinds of relationships that are formed outside of the formal setting of a church service, will endure and strengthen over time. We can say this is a natural place for even discipleship relationships to happen.

2. Care groups provide an ideal way to care for the needs of people within the church. When one believer in a small group is struggling financially, emotionally, spiritually, socially, etc., it is much easier for the members of the small group to notice and provide help. The structure of a small group is essentially a community of believing friends. Friends should help one another, especially Christian friends. (Gal. 6:2, Bear one another’s burdens…)

Israel, the Church, and the Middle East (pt. 2)

As a natural overflow of our recent expository series on "Revelation 20:1-6 and the Kingdom of God" we recently started a special miniseries on Israel, the Church, and the Middle East at Lake Country Bible Church.  Specifically, I'm addressing "The Plight of Israel: a Historical, Biblical, Theological Study."

This study has been eye-opening on many fronts.  For one, I never realized how widespread Christian anti-Semitism, and/or Christian anti-Judaism has been among genuine believers.  Church history is both informative and, at times, quite painful.  Throughout our Sunday AM and Wednesday PM studies we are seeing just how practical and timely biblical prophesy and eschatology truly is.

The picture posted with this blog highlights some of my written resources for this teaching series.  I have tried to read broadly. By "broadly" I mean I have read historical/theological works by secular, Christian, and Jewish authors. I have listened to lectures by Jewish and Gentile professors from various backgrounds.  Most importantly I have attempted to put everything through the grid of Holy Scripture.

Join us on June 20th for Part 2 of our study.  If you do not live in Wisconsin or cannot make it tonight at 6:30pm you can find free audio/PowerPoint study-guide resources on our website (Click here).

Israel’s Plight: a Historical, Biblical, Theological miniseries

A new miniseries at LCBC

Join us at 6:30pm-8:00pm for a Wednesday PM prayer time and miniseries on “Israel’s Plight: a Historical, Biblical, Theological Study.” In this midweek series we’ll ask and answer many questions. Such as: Why 2000 years of such intense suffering for the Jewish people? Who killed Jesus? How should we view the land war between Modern Israel and the Palestinians? What role has the Church played in “Anti-Judaism and Anti-Semitism?” What ideologies fueled the Nazi Holocaust? Where is everything ultimately headed in biblical prophecy? Historically, how has a believer's eschatology impacted their attitude and perspective regarding the Jews? What can believers learn from this subject?

For more information contact Lake Country Bible Church (WI).

The Coming King and Kingdom Stewardship

Revelation 20:1-6 and Luke 19:11-27

FutureThings: 

The Coming King and Kingdom Stewardship

(pt. 2)

INTRO:  The blessings of peace, prosperity, and freedom can also become spiritual hinderances- how so?   (Note Matthew 6:33 & Col. 3:1-4)

What would it look like if you and I were to live each day in light of the Coming Kingdom of God?

In effort to help us understand Revelation 20 with greater precision, let us first consider "4 Central Affirmations of Jesus Concerning the Forthcoming Kingdom of God."

I)     When the Messianic King Comes, He Will Establish the Kingdom--  just NOT immediately.  

(Luke 19:11-27)

Sermon outline of Luke 19:11-27

1) Kingdom Confusion      (Luke 19:11)

2) Kingdom Clarification  (Luke 19:12; Psalm 110:1f)

3) Kingdom Stewardship (Luke 19:13-19)

Let us Strive to be a Faithful Kingdom Steward of the “Five T’s”

i) Our ____________  (Eph. 5:16; Proverbs 6:11; Eccl. 3:1-13)

ii) Our ____________ (2 Cor. 8-9; Mt. 6:19-21; 1 Tim. 6:10-11; Luke 6:38; Mk 10:24)

iii) Our ____________ (1 Pet. 4:10-11; Prov. 3:9; Luke 16:10; 1 Cor. 4:7; Hag. 2:8)

 iv) Our ____________(Matt. 12:33-36; Prov. 18:21)

 v)  And ____________ (1 Tim. 3:15; 2 Tim. 1:13-15; Luke 16:1-12)

4) Kingdom Rewards (Luke 19:17, 19)

5) Kingdom Justice (Luke 19:20-27)

For Further Reflection/Application:  We must be doers of the Word and not merely hearers

What would it look like if you were to live each day in light of the Coming Kingdom of God?

One of the most important and prominent themes in Scripture is the Kingdom of God. How much do you know about it? (note Rev. 20:4-6 and my sermon from two weeks ago where we surveyed the Kingdom of God from Acts 1:3 all the way to 28:30-31). 

How important of a theme was the Kingdom to Jesus and the early church/Apostles?  How important is this biblical doctrine today in the contemporary church?

Is this going to be a practical series?  “The kingdom of God is not just an interesting academic pursuit.  It is intensely personal and practical. It is the basis of our hope and the solution to everything wrong in the world!  Every frustration, fear, and doubt can be answered by the kingdom of God.”  Michael Vlach.

Lake Country Bible Church Pastors- Past and Present