Sermon Tone Analysis

The Kingdom of God vs. the Empire of Man

▾ Start:

• Series Overview: Empire rules the world with a gravitational pull that brings every human institution and circumstance under it's

Series Overview: Empire rules the world with a gravitational pull that brings every human institution and circumstance under it's control.

What we think of as political and social discussions have been for most of human history also spiritual and religious questions.

This is the Spirit of Empire.

The Persians expressed this as Shah-ha-Shana…King of Kings.

The Romans as Pax Romana.

control.

What we think of as political and social discussions have been for most of human history also spiritual and religious

questions.

This is the Spirit of Empire.

The Persians expressed this as Shah-ha-Shana…King of Kings.

The Romans as Pax Romana.

Jesus changed human dynamics so much because His Kingdom challenges the hubris of Empire.

The book of Acts is the sometimes experimental application of the principles of Jesus.

experimental application of the principles of Jesus.

Entice: So the Church is subject to this attraction of Empire, drug into every conversation about who was excluded, who was ignored, who was marginalized, who was put-upon or put-down.

There used to be a discussion of whether our job is to "save souls".

Or do good works.

This is a false dichotomy.

We are to do both.

ignored, who was marginalized, who was put-upon or put-down.

There used to be a discussion of whether our job is to "save souls".

Or help the disenfranchised.

This is a false dichotomy.

We are to do both.

Engage: Think about recent news.

Think about the many issues confronting our nation?

There are nearly too many to name?

Many of them revolve around discussions of race, class and economic well-being.

How have those issues impacted the Church and how have we worked to bring about change?

Surprisingly, some of the issues in play now have plagued human communities for generations, with the Church taking the lead in resolving them.

them revolve around discussions of race, class and economic well-being.

How have those issues impacted the Church and how

have we worked to bring about change?

Surprisingly, some of the issues in play now have plagued human communities for

generations, with the Church taking the lead in resolving them.

Expand: Race.

Class.

Economic differences.

They existed in Jerusalem.

In the Church.

Just as they exist today.

In Christ we are called to rise above the divisions that exist because of the fall.

We are enabled to do rightly by one another in light of the fact that Jesus has acted with grace to us.

to rise above the divisions that exist because of the fall.

We are enabled to do rightly by one another in light of the fact that Jesus has

acted with grace to us.

If Jesus loved us enough to die for us we should love others enough to do our best to fix what is wrong in our fallen world, to take on the entrenched power of Empire so that we may bring the peace of Christ to those who have only known the strife of human rebellion.

If Jesus loved us enough to die for us we should love others enough to do our best to fix what is wrong in our fallen world,

take on the entrenched power of Empire so that we may bring the peace of Christ to those who have only known the strife of human

to take on the entrenched power of Empire so that we may bring the peace of Christ to those who have only known the strife of human rebellion.

rebellion.

Overcoming prejudice is a part of Jesus' growth strategy for His Church.

Overcoming stereotypes is a part of Jesus' growth strategy for His Church.

Explain: From the famous story in we learn several lessons about overcoming damaging stereotypes so that we can get on with the job!

with the job!

Acts 61 Overcome Prosperity.

1 Overcome Prosperity.

Overcome Prosperity.

1 v. 1a Overcome Prosperity.

(x can't stand prosperity)

1 Overcome Prosperity.

v 1.a

(x can't stand prosperity)

▾ 1 v. 1a Overcome Prosperity.

(x can't stand prosperity)

• 1.1 Success is the origin of as many crises as adversity.

1.1 Success is the origin of as many crises as adversity.

1.2

But we don't expect it and don't prepare for it.

• 1.2

But we don't expect it and don't prepare for it.

▾ 1.3 Let's think for a moment…what kind of people would we attract if we were as loving as Jesus and s motivated as the Jerusalem

1.3 Let's think for a moment…

what kind of people would we attract

if we were as loving as Jesus and

Church?

as motivated the Jerusalem Church?

We would attract...

1.3.1 Red & Yellow, Black & White?

We would attract...

• 1.3.1 Red & Yellow, Black & White?

1.3.2

Those struggling with destructive addictions, demeaning attractions, damaging actions?

• 1.3.2

Those struggling with destructive addictions, demeaning attractions, damaging actions?

1.4

Under those circumstances we would be overwhelmed with needs and prone to the same kind of mistakes.

• 1.4

Under those circumstances we would be overwhelmed with needs and prone to the same kind of mistakes.

2 Embrace Diversity.

▾ 2 v. 1b & 5 Embrace Diversity.

vv.

1b & 5

• 2.1 The Minefield.

• 2.1 The Minefield.

2.1 The Minefield

2.1 The Minefield.

2.2 The Ministry

2.2 The Ministry

•2.2.1 By being aware of our own prejudices.

1b