Living and Laboring in the Kingdom of God

In this sermon Apostle Allison Smith Conliff uses the life of Jesus in Matthew 9 to illustrate how believers should navigate earthly hardships through faith and joy. The message emphasizes that while humanity possesses a sinful nature, the power of Christ allows individuals to cultivate a heavenly mindset and maintain their integrity despite personal criticism or demonic opposition. Through personal anecdotes about domestic life and driving, the Apostle argues that serving God should be a source of pleasure rather than a burden, encouraging followers to enjoy a "clean, nice fun" Christian lifestyle. Furthermore, the Apostle highlights the necessity of preparation and spiritual discipline, warning that the Holy Spirit serves as a guide for those who have first done their part to study the Word. Ultimately, the message serves as a call to evangelism and repentance, urging the congregation to recognize their limited time on earth and fulfill their divine purpose within God's kingdom.Key Points:A kingdom-focused mindset, described as living in a spiritual realm where God rules and reigns over the heart, should profoundly transform how individuals interact within their community. Such a mindset impacts community interactions in several key ways:A primary impact of a kingdom mindset is the cultivation of an atmosphere that welcomes those in need. Just as Jesus "sat at meat" with publicans and sinners, community members should prioritize receiving others and offering them the "good word of God" rather than adopting a self-righteous or exclusionary attitude. This involves creating a hospitable environment in every sphere of life, whether at work, school, or church, to ensure others feel they can "come and feast".Interactions within a community are inevitably subject to conflict, but a kingdom-focused individual chooses forgiveness over lingering offense. If a community member causes anger, the Apostle conveys that the believer must forgive and "keep moving" to ensure their own life is not hindered. Because the kingdom of heaven is defined by joy, maintaining this mindset prevents the "devil" or personal grievances from stealing one's peace.A kingdom mindset leads individuals to be moved with compassion when they witness the suffering or lack of guidance in others. This is reflected in:Active Help: Praying for the wounded and sick and seeking to deliver help to those who are weary or disappointed.Supportive Friendship: Cultivating a heart that hears from God to "be a friend to somebody in the time of need".Guidance: Acting as a "shepherd" to those who are "scattered abroad," providing the nurture, healing, and direction they may lack.A transformed mind should result in thinking Godly of others, even when those individuals are acting poorly. Rather than dwelling on the "evil" that may be natural to human hearts after the fall, a kingdom-focused person trusts God to see the good emerging from others. This internal shift manifests externally through uplifting speech and words that serve as a blessing to the listener.Finally, a kingdom-focused mindset dictates how to handle critics and those who may seek to "poke holes" in one's character. Following the example of Jesus, individuals should continue in the Lord and continue loving those who do not love them back. Instead of being discouraged by people who discredit their work, believers are encouraged to focus on their "mandate" and "purpose," ensuring they reflect the image of Christ regardless of external opposition.Rec. Date: 30th July, 2023