1. Living Down-Side-Up (or Why the Kingdom Matters) Finding a Life Worth Living Mark 1:14-39 page 922 February 8, 2009

2. Why the Kingdom Matters This morning: 1.The “in-breaking” Kingdom of God 2.Characteristics of the Kingdom of God 3.Responding to Jesus’ announcement that the Kingdom of God is near

3. 1. The “in-breaking” Kingdom of God Mark: 1:14-15 - Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!“ Mark 1: – an announcement of the Kingdom of God breaking into our reality, and – what that looks like here on earth

4. New Creation Punishment Jesus Day of the LORD Creation The Fall Heaven Coming to Earth The “in-breaking” of the Kingdom of God! The Kingdom of God on earth: Initiated by Jesus Freedom from the distortion of sin Everything in proper perspective We live right-side up Current time: Just the beginning! More to come on the final Day of the Lord.

5. 1. The “in-breaking” Kingdom of God Analogy: A thief: – disturbs your home, your comfort, your habits – shows that your safety and security measures are not working The Kingdom of God: – disturbs our reality – shows that the ways we live aren’t working!

6. 1. The “in-breaking” Kingdom of God Clarification: – Title: “Living Down-Side-Up” From the human perspective, God’s ways are down- side-up – Diagram of salvation history: From God’s perspective, the world’s ways are upside- down New Creation Punishment Jesus Day of the LORD Creation The Fall Heaven Coming to Earth

7. 2. Characteristics of the “in-breaking” Kingdom of God Mark 1:17-18 – “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.” Discipleship – Recall last week’s sermon on Romans 12:1-2 – In response to God’s grace, offer ourselves as living sacrifices – Give up what we are doing to take on what God is doing – Take on the mind of Christ and act accordingly – Be transformed by the renewing of our minds into the people we are meant to be

8. 2. Characteristics of the “in-breaking” Kingdom of God Liberation from evil (v21-27) Healing (v28-31) Restoration for all humanity (v38-39)

9. 2. Characteristics of the “in-breaking” Kingdom of God Liberation from evil (v21-27) – Central to Jesus’ mission was to “confront Satan and strip him of his power” (Lane, p75) – Jesus cast out evil spirit quickly and decisively: “Be quiet! Come out of him!” (v25) No grand gestures, simple and decisive – Christianity is the same way! – Jesus displayed obvious authority causing surprise and even fear Confrontation with authority often indicates a need for change.

10. 2. Characteristics of the “in-breaking” Kingdom of God We are agents of the Kingdom of God – Help bring about healing and restoration – Call out that which is evil – Be for the cause of justice – Value every human person – Love our neighbours more than ourselves – Engage in the lives of others – Extend hospitality, etc. We are doing many of these things so be encouraged! Will always need to bring some areas under the discipleship of Christ.

11. 3. Responding to the “in-breaking” Kingdom of God Amazement – Because of Jesus’ authority – Mixed with some alarm, disturbance, fear Urgency – Language such as: “straightaway”, “at once”, “without delay” or “just then”, “in due course” Indicates either immediacy or next logical course of action – Urgent desire to proclaim the news about Jesus and the Kingdom of God! – What gives you a sense of urgency and immediacy?

12. 3. Responding to the “in-breaking” Kingdom of God How are you responding to news that “the Kingdom of God is near”? Are you amazed by it? Do you have a sense of urgency and immediacy about the Kingdom of God? OR – Are we too comfortable? Let the reality of the Kingdom of God sink in and change your life!