Understanding the Kingdom of God - Part 20 July 6, 2025

Key Scripture

Psalm 130:5-6 - "I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning."

Isaiah 40:31 - "Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles."

The Season of Waiting

What Are We Waiting For?

• Creation waiting to be freed from the curse
• Answered prayers and breakthroughs
• God's will and timing to be revealed
• Family and friends to come to the Lord
• Healings and miracles

Our Promised Land Moment

Like Joshua crossing into the Promised Land, we're entering a new season where everything will be different. After 27 years in our previous season, we must:

• Be strong and courageous
• Keep God's Word central
• Put worship and God's presence at the center

Why We Focus on Worship & Prayer: The Ark of the Covenant went ahead of Israel - representing God's presence and covenant. Our battles to take spiritual ground happen from this place of waiting and worship.

God's Mission Continues

John 5:17 - "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working."

We're called to be a church on mission - a warship, not a cruise liner! God is preparing our hearts for sustained revival.

Jesus' Turning Point

After Israel's leaders rejected Him, Jesus went "hardcore" with His followers:

Luke 14:26-27 - "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother... he cannot be my disciple. Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."

The Cost of Discipleship:

• Count the cost (building analogy)
• Consider the battle (king going to war)
• Give up everything to follow Him

The Kingdom Stone (Daniel 2:34-35)

A stone "not made by hands" will crush all earthly kingdoms. This Kingdom advances through spiritual warfare as disciples challenge demonic strongholds worldwide.

Our Weapons (2 Cor 10:4-5):

• Divine power to demolish strongholds
• Taking every thought captive to Christ
• Demolishing arguments against God's truth

The Temple's End (Matthew 24:1-2)

When disciples pointed out the Temple's beauty, Jesus prophesied its complete destruction. God shakes man-made religious structures that blind people to His truth.

Haggai 2:6 - "In just a little while I will again shake the heavens and the earth."

Application

Waiting isn't passive - it's preparation. As we wait on the Lord:

• Our hearts are being prepared for mission
• We're positioning for breakthrough
• We're building strength for the battles ahead

Are you ready to wait with expectation and prepare your heart for what God is doing?