"I confer on you a kingdom." ~ JESUS (Luke 22:29)
Welcome to 1820.life! This study guide offers some Bible readings and follow-up questions to help you turn your Kingdom of Heaven Passport into deeper study and meaningful conversation. If you don't have a Kingdom of Heaven Passport yet, order yours here!
We welcome your feedback. Let us know how you're benefiting from the Kingdom of Heaven Passport here! This Study Guide is organized into the same sections as your Freedom Passport. We wish you more faith, hope, and love as you dig in!
First a couple of overview questions if that's all you have time for. Then we'll list specific discussion questions for each section.
Reflection. If you have already read through the Passport, what resonated most with you about this description of the Kingdom of Heaven? Was there anything that surprised you or challenged your previous understanding?
Action. In light of Jesus' teaching on our call to be citizens, soldiers, and ambassadors of his Kingdom, what next steps are you motivated to take in your own life?
PREAMBLE
The kingdom of heaven is arriving here and now. It's time to rethink everything and embrace this Good News! ~ JESUS (Mark 1:15)
First impressions. What emotions, thoughts, questions, misgivings, or memories are coming to the surface as you begin to explore this topic?
Anticipation. What are you most looking forward to learning? Is there anything about the concept of the Kingdom of Heaven as a present reality that confuses or intimidates you?
The Gospel. Jesus called his message of the Kingdom of Heaven coming to Earth the "Gospel", which means, the "Good News". What do you think is so good about it?
KNOWING THE KING
Now this is eternal life: knowing you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. ~ Jesus (John 17:3)
Knowing God. Jesus frames faith in terms of relationship instead of religion. The Greek word for "knowing" in John 17:3 above means intimate experiential engagement, not just intellectual understanding. Have you experienced this kind of "knowing" God in your life?
Jesus is Lord. If Jesus shows us what God is like, what are some things we can know about God by looking at the life and teachings of Jesus?
Kingdom Loyalty. How might your life look differently if you gave your whole heart, loyalty, faith, and faithfulness to Jesus?
QUALITIES OF THE KINGDOM
A new command I give you: Love one another in the same way I have loved you. When you love each other this way, others will know that you are my disciples. ~ JESUS (John 13:34-35)
Love vs Law. The Golden Rule says "Treat others the way you want to be treated." The Platinum Rule says: Love others the same way Jesus has loved and is loving you." What impact could following the Platinum Rule have on our relationships and societies?
Culture of Kindness. What values of the Kingdom do you find most challenging to embody? Have you ever prayed to ask God to help you grow in those character qualities? What is one thing you could do this week to practice growing in this area?
Already/Not Yet. In your own words, how might you respond to the question: "If Jesus is bringing Heaven to Earth, why is the world still so messed up?"
FINDING TRUE FREEDOM
If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. ~ JESUS (John 8:31-32)
Freedom From Fear. What fears have held you in bondage at different times in your life? How does the message of Jesus address those fears?
Freedom From Sin. Have you struggled with feelings of guilt and shame? In what ways does Jesus' Good News message and mission offer healing and freedom from these burdens?
Freedom from Religion. Religion says do, do, do. Jesus says done, done, done. Talk/Think about the ways "grace" is a revolutionary concept.
CRUCIFIXION AS CORONATION
It is finished! ~ JESUS (John 19:30)
Cross-Shaped Love. Through the cross, God says "I love you this much" - then he stretches out his arms and dies forgiving everyone, including his executioners. How could this kind of love revolutionize...
our world?
your relationships?
your heart?
SERMON ON THE MOUNT: THE BEATITUDES
The Constitution of the Kingdom. The Sermon on the Mount is the bullseye of the Bible. It contains Jesus' radical call to love the way God has loved us, including loving our enemies. How could keeping this teaching central to our faith influence how we read the entire Bible, and how we relate to the world around us?
Blessing Before Behaving. Jesus front-end-loads blessing into our lives. Which Beatitude resonates with you the most? Why?
The Rest of the Teaching. If you haven't read it yet, will you take time this week to read through the entire Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapters 5-7?
ACTION AND IDENTITY
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ~ JESUS (John 3:16)
Identity. Which kingdom identity - citizen, soldier, ambassador - do you relate to most?
Example. How can Christian churches do a better job being embassies of an alternative Kingdom?
Action. In your own words, what are the opportunities and obligations for each kingdom identity of citizen, soldier, and ambassador? What specific steps can you take to embrace these roles more fully?
Alternative Kingdoms. What are some other "kingdoms" (group identities, allegiances, and influences) that compete for your engagement, conformity, and loyalty?
Spreading the Good News. If you believe in the value of this Good News message of Jesus, what steps will you take to help share it with others?
AN INVITATION FROM JESUS
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is kind and my burden is light. ~ JESUS (Matthew 11:28-30)
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. ~ JESUS (Matthew 11:28-29, Alternate Version called "The Message")
I'm Ready. If this invitation from Jesus resonates with you, what could you do right away to accept, embrace, and engage with the life Jesus has for you?
I'm skeptical. If Jesus resonates with you but you're not ready to commit to his will and his way, what next step will you take to get answers to your questions and find support in your journey?
WE'RE HERE TO HELP
If you want to dig deeper, this site offers a couple of options. First, check out our "Intro to Jesus" studies. Or begin our in depth walk through the Sermon On the Mount starting here. (Remember the FIRST posts are located at the BOTTOM of the list.)
Following Jesus will require the courage to live counter-culturally in many ways. The values of the Kingdom of Heaven are often at odds with our surrounding society, and sometimes at odds with our surrounding religious and church subculture. If you would like support through online and in person gatherings, please see our "small church" page. Let's journey together.
