In Light of God’s Kingdom: How shall we live? 1
Where do we fit in?
Describe the image.
This painting depicts the three angelic visitors who come to Abraham, described in Genesis 18. By the 20th century, the painting came to represent the loving harmonious relationship between the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The painting is not suggesting that Christians believe in three gods. Christians believe in one God. The painting is only expressing the perfect agreement and unity between the three persons who share the same essence, nature, and attributes as God.
What is God’s purpose for creating people?
God invites people to join the loving relationship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Notice in the painting, the fourth side of the table is empty, suggesting an invitation to the viewer to join the fellowship. But from the start, humans rejected God and ruled themselves in their own wisdom. Instead of peace and harmony, history records wars and injustice.
Tell about the most harmonious relationships you have seen or experienced.
What causes relationships to thrive or disintegrate?
How is God bringing his purpose to pass?
In the first century, Jesus Christ came to offer God’s kingdom to all who were willing to follow him. He proved himself as a righteous king by giving people a taste of the kingdom: speaking the truth, healing the sick, helping the helpless, loving children. Some people were receptive; yet, many more rejected Jesus. They did not just passively hate him, but they sought Jesus out and killed him. At this point, it looked like God’s plan was defeated and all was lost.
Yet, Jesus overcame death; he rose from the dead. The story of God’s love begins with paradise on earth (a garden for people where they could walk and talk with God). Though paradise was interrupted by the consequences of people rejecting God, his story ends with a new heaven and new earth where God and people live in harmony.
Restate God’s plan in your own words.
Will you say yes to Jesus Christ?
What unlocks the door and brings us into a relationship of peace with God? It is faith in Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection. “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NLT).
Choosing to trust in Jesus is a decision that will change your life in many ways. How would your life be changed?
In regard to your spiritual journey, what's next for you?