Teachings,+the+secret+message+of+Jesus+(10)

Secret agents of the Secret kingdom
(Kai Stormwalker)

“Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you…Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.”

- Matthew 21:31; 43

Read Genesis 1:26a & Romans 8:29

The book of Genesis tells us that man was made in the image of God. Then Paul tells us that as Christians we are to be conformed to the image of Christ in order that we might become his brothers.

A. What do you think this means?

Could it be that in order for us to be conformed to the image of Christ, we must first remember that everyone has been created in the image of God and that we are to treat them appropriately?

While writing this I have been listening to a sermon given by Jim Bakker. He said that as humans we tend to have A-list sins and B-list sins. If you commit A-list sins you are still welcome at church, but if you commit B-list sins you are not. However, God doesn’t have lists like this. To God every sin is the same. Is there any kind of person that you look down on as being a particularly bad sinner? Remember that to God you are the same.

B. If we are made in the image of God and we are to be conformed to the image of Christ, how do you think we are to act as ‘Secret Agents of the Secret Kingdom?’

“Maybe you think you have the most boring, degrading, and unfulfilling job in the world. What would happen if you saw your job as one component - large or small, enjoyable or depressing - of your larger, deeper, grander calling as a participant in the kingdom of God? Would it change your attitude?”

-Brian D. McLaren

(Leader - read story of Carter - pages 87-89 - The Secret Message of Jesus.)

C. What can we do where we are to be Secret Agents of the Secret Kingdom?

Going back to Jim Bakker’s sermon, he talked about how important it is for us to show mercy to all. Not only in our actions, but with our words.

Read Galatians 6:2

We are to reflect the light and hope of Jesus Christ to all the world.

Read Matthew 5:13-16

Remember: God is crazy about you!

(And everyone else.)