When asked if he was the Messiah, John the Baptist declared: “I’m baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. The real action comes next: The main character in this drama—compared to him I’m a mere stagehand—will ignite the kingdom life within you, a fire within you, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out” (Matthew 3:11 MSG).
We have developed a series of one-pager monographs to Ignite the Kingdom Life within you. All are freely available as PDF downloads and may be reproduced for ministry. There are three ways to use these materials:
1. As you work through the material in the Kingdom Life Journey
2. To process individually for your personal spiritual growth
3. To share with others in your personal disciple-making ministry
“Put Off/Put On” Exercise The Bible tells us that Kingdom citizens are to “put off” and “put on” certain characteristics. Before we look at two specific lists, let’s remind ourselves of the reality of the Kingdom citizen as reflected in 2 Corinthians 5:17. This is the starting point for us in this “put off/put on” exercise. Why
“Take 10” with God If someone tells you to “take 10,” they’re telling you to stop what you’re doing and take a 10- minute break. Sometimes that break can’t come soon enough! We live in such a fast-paced world we can be in danger of wearing ourselves out if we don’t press the pause button
The apostle Paul offers an excellent model to follow, yet he is sure to clarify that we are to follow him only to the extent that he follows Jesus: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1)…
Here is an opportunity for you to do a personal assessment. As you reflect on the Beatitudes—each stage of the journey—ask the Holy Spirit to be your guide: “Where am I, God—close to Christ or far away? What is my next step going forward?”…
Faith in the Workplace True or false: You are serving God more if you are a pastor or a missionary than if you are a plumber, homemaker, teacher, soldier, and so forth. False! In Genesis 2:2, Exodus 20:9-11, and elsewhere we read that God ordained work and rest. They also remind us that He set
Let’s look at how Jesus invested in Peter and his fellow disciples to find five clear ways to grow ever deeper as a disciple. These are reflected in Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer (see in particular John 17:5–18)…
Glorify God in Everyday Life Kingdom citizens long to see God’s glory influence our homes, communities, even our nation and the world. We offer a hearty “amen” to the words of the psalmist Solomon when he said, “Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen!”
Here is an opportunity for you to do a personal assessment. As you reflect on the “Greatest Commandment” and the “Second Like It”—ask the Holy Spirit to be your guide: “Where am I in following Jesus’ teaching? What is my next step going forward?”…
How to Walk Side-by-Side Do you have a friend you can trust and share openly with? A friend who brings out your best, prods you in your Christian life, and holds you accountable? Are you this kind of friend to at least one person? Would you like to be? “Side-by-Side” is a way to make
Know What You Believe Richard was startled by Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:13-14, and rightly so. Here’s what he read: “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way
Pray on the Armor of God As followers of Jesus we’re in a spiritual battle. Though the ultimate war has been won, the enemy and his followers still operate as if victory is within their grasp. Satan, God’s enemy and ours, will do all he can to leave us discouraged, doubting, and defeated. But God
Prepare to Share the Gospel The apostle Peter said, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). The first step toward
Raising a Family of Faith Just as marriage is God’s idea—a very good idea—so the family is His idea. Here’s how the psalmist puts it: “God settles the solitary in a home” (Psalm 68:6a). All of us come from families. Granted, not all have had ideal family circumstances. Yet we who live with Kingdom-minded purpose
Spiritual Warfare Prayers Jesus’ followers are in a spiritual battle. Because we seek to live for God, we are the targets of enemy attacks. Satan, God’s enemy and ours, will do all he can to leave us discouraged, doubting, and defeated. These prayers will help you keep your eyes on Jesus, stand firm in the
Using the word teach as an acronym, the T.E.A.C.H. Meditation Model will enhance your ability to apply Scripture to the following five key areas of life: Thoughts (increased understanding, awareness of truth), Emotions (changed values), Attitudes (acceptance of truth), Choices (changed priorities), Habits (changed behaviors)…
Tell Your Story In early church times, in the face of severe persecution and strict warnings not to preach in the name of Jesus, the disciples Peter and John responded: “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak
The Lord’s Prayer Praising God for Who He Is, What He Does, and What He Will Do One way we can deepen our abiding relationship with the Triune God is by praying the Lord’s Prayer regularly. Let’s consider what it looks like not merely to pray the words Jesus gave His first followers but also
Walking with a Kingdom Cadence All who seek to live with Kingdom-minded purpose will walk with a 6/1 Kingdom cadence, the cycle or rhythm that God modeled for us and blessed us with. It’s living a balanced life, a life with Christ as Lord over every aspect of it seven days a week, with a