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A Kingdom Not of This World - November 27, 2024

This Sunday is Christ the King Sunday and we’ll explore John 18:33-37, a passage that brings us into the tension of Pilate's questioning of Jesus. Pilate asks Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” expecting a display of worldly power, yet he encounters a different kind of king, one who reigns through love, humility, and grace. In our sermon, A Kingdom Not of This World, we will consider how Jesus’ response, “My kingdom is not of this world,” challenges our understanding of authority and power. Jesus calls us to embrace a kingdom that operates on vastly different principles than those of the world.

As we consider Jesus’ kingship, we’ll reflect on how often we miss seeing Christ’s presence in our everyday lives because it does not match our expectations. How might we recognize Christ in the ordinary moments, in acts of kindness, forgiveness, or quiet service? In A Kingdom Not of This World, we’ll also explore what it means to live as faithful citizens of this kingdom, embodying its values of truth, justice, and love in a world that desperately needs them.

This week, I invite you to ponder: 

  • Where in your life have you failed to recognize the presence of Jesus because it did not align with what you expected? 
  • How can you embody the principles of Christ’s kingdom in your interactions with others? 

Let these questions guide your reflections as we prepare to gather and worship together.

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