Upside-Down Kingdom
In a time where the world feels divided, we're turning to the transformative teachings of Jesus to guide us in living out His radical values. Discover what it means to be citizens of Heaven, to love our enemies, and to trust God completely. Together, let's learn how to embody the Upside-Down Kingdom in our daily lives and share its hope with others.
Week 1: Kingdom People
09/08/24 | Matthew 4:17-23
In Week 1, we explore what it means to live as Kingdom People in a world that often prioritizes self-fulfillment and worldly success. We focus on Jesus’ call to His first disciples and the transformative power of the Gospel, with an invitation to live authentically in faith and share the Kingdom of God with others.
Week 2: The Beatitudes
09/15/24 | Matthew 5:1-12
What does it mean to live a truly blessed life? In American culture, the "good life" often means independence, self-sufficiency, and personal privacy. We pride ourselves on being self-made and not needing help from others. However, Jesus presents a radically different view in the Beatitudes. He redefines who is truly blessed and what it means to live a good life with God.
Week 3: Salt & Light
09/22/24 | Matthew 5:13-16
Jesus calls His followers to be the “salt and light” of the world. We are meant to stand out and influence the world in positive ways, preventing moral decay and shining with the goodness of God. Pastor Matt reminds us that our faith should be visible and purposeful, demonstrating the light of Jesus in everything we do. Why? Because Kingdom People Influence Others.
Week 4: Love Your Enemies
09/29/24 | Matthew 5:38-48
Loving your enemies—can we really do that today? It feels upside-down, but throughout history, Christians have been known for this radical love. Jesus teaches us to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively, to pray for our enemies, and to show compassion, all while trusting in God's perfect plan.
Week 5: Teach Us To Pray
10/06/24 | Matthew 6:1-13
Jesus wants us to move beyond surface-level prayers and dive deeper into a genuine relationship with God. Jesus shows us that prayer is not just about asking for things, but about aligning with God's will and experiencing His Kingdom Life. Pastor Matt encourages believers to use the Lord's Prayer as a guide to deepen their connection with God, emphasizing that prayer is as essential as breathing for a vibrant spiritual life.
Week 6: The Cure For Anxiety
10/13/24 | Matthew 6:21-34
Anxiety is a prevalent issue in today's society, but Jesus' teachings offer timeless wisdom on how to manage and overcome it. By shifting our focus to God's kingdom and His righteousness, we can find peace and freedom from inner turmoil. Jesus reminds us that worrying adds nothing to our lives and encourages us to seek God's ways over our worries. Prioritizing God's mission and values helps us trust that He will provide for our needs.
Week 7: Judging & Discerning
10/20/24 | Matthew 7:1-12
Pastor Matt explores Jesus' teachings on judgment from the Sermon on the Mount. He addresses common misconceptions about Christians being judgmental and hypocritical. Jesus' words in Matthew 7:1-5 emphasize self-examination before judging others. The sermon contrasts worldly judgment with kingdom discernment, urging believers to offer counsel instead of criticism and to assume the best in others. Practical steps include self-inspection, offering constructive counsel, and practicing generous judgment.
Week 8: Build My Life
10/27/24 | Matthew 7:13-29
We close out the Upside Down Kingdom series with Pastor Paul by exploring Matthew 7:13-29 and how to build your life on the solid foundation of Jesus. We dive into the world’s shifting values, false foundations, and God’s unchanging truth, emphasizing the importance of choosing the narrow path, bearing good fruit, and living in obedience to God’s will. Discover how using God’s ingredients leads to a life that stands firm through life’s storms and satisfies the soul, not just the stomach.