Summary: As we pick up our study of the Book of Nehemiah, we come to the eight chapter where a national revival takes place in Judah. Before studying that next week, we need to think carefully about some issues—issues that happen to be very much in the news today, which surround America’s war with Iran, Israel our ally, and the war itself. Is God on our side? Is this a just war? Are Christians right who seem to say we should blindly support Israel in its conflict with Islamic Jihadists? Is America a Christian nation? This episode seeks to find clarity in Scripture about these issues.

For Further Prayerful Thought:

1. How would you describe the difference between ethnic Israel and spiritual Israel. How does this difference make sense? Why is it important?
2. Why is it important to recognize that God’s covenant with spiritual Israel is continued in the church?
3. Contrast Israel’s theocracy with America’s democracy.
4. What is the difference between recognizing the influence of Christians in America’s founding and constitution and saying America is a Christian nation?
5. What is your opinion of the Islamic Jihadi cry, “from the river to the sea.”

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Summary: The resurrection reminds us that the gospel is not just about our personal, private salvation and growth in holiness (which is called the two-chapter gospel.) Such a gospel leads to separating from the lost, forgetting their inherent value as those created in God’s image, and devaluing the (common grace) contributions they make to our culture. In contrast, the resurrection of Christ’s physical body reminds us that the true gospel story has four chapters: creation, fall, redemption, restoration. Christ-followers are called to be part of the greatest mission in the history of the world, Christ’s renewal of our corner of planet earth to bring about the righteousness and flourishing that God intends for each part of his creation. This episode seeks to capture our hearts with the greatness of the mission our Lord has assigned to us the power for which is his resurrection.

Resources Used

• All Things New by Hugh Whelchel
• The Call of the Jericho Road by Tim Keller
• Discipling Men’s Hearts Through Kingdom Theology by Gary Yagel (doctoral dissertation)

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For FREE downloadable studies on men’s issues click here.

Episode Summary: Jesus commanded us not to be preoccupied with what we will eat or drink or distracted by what we are going to wear. Rather, we are to seek first the kingdom of God. But how do you seek something you can’t describe and don’t know how to define? Modern Christians are not the only ones confused about what this means. Dr. Luke tells us that Jesus spent his last forty days on earth explaining this concept to his disciples, and they still got it wrong, asking “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” But Jesus’ teachings about the kingdom of God are puzzle pieces that do fit together and can make a huge difference in understanding our mission. This episode puts some of those pieces together and illustrates how Christ-followers have sought and prayed for the kingdom of God to advance over the earth.

For Further Prayerful Thought:

1. What is the most helpful thing you have ever learned about the term kingdom of God?
2. Do you agree or disagree with the argument that Christians fail to understand what it means to seek first the kingdom of God because they don’t go back to Adam and Eve’s original creation as rulers of kingdom earth and calling to spread shape culture FOR the High King?
3. How does understanding the ALREADY/NOT YET aspects of the kingdom help you understand it. What is still confusing to you?
4. What examples of kingdom discipleship stood out most to you?

For the printed version of this message click here.

For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.

For FREE downloadable studies on men’s issues click here.

To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)