Pastor Jeremy Eastman discusses the concept of the Kingdom of God residing within each believer, emphasizing the importance of stewardship, faith, and living out the kingdom's principles in daily life. He encourages individuals to recognize their responsibility in carrying and sharing the kingdom, which is activated through faith and nurtured through action.
In a recent sermon, Pastor Jeremy Eastman explored the profound concept of the Kingdom of God residing within each believer. As he wrapped up a series on kingdom stewardship, he emphasized the importance of recognizing our role as stewards of this divine kingdom. This blog post delves into the key themes presented in the sermon, focusing on the internal nature of the kingdom, the responsibilities that come with it, and how we can actively live out our faith.
Pastor Eastman began by clarifying that the Kingdom of God is not a distant dream or a future hope; it is present within us. He referenced Luke 17:21, where Jesus states, "The kingdom of God is within you." This powerful declaration highlights that the kingdom is not something we seek externally but something we carry within ourselves as believers.
The kingdom is characterized by the reign of Jesus Christ, who directs our paths and empowers us to live as kingdom stewards. Pastor Eastman explained that the kingdom operates through God’s dominion, sustained by our acts of sewing into it, and activated by our faith. This faith is often unseen, yet it is the assurance that the kingdom is both present and forthcoming in our lives.
As believers, we are called to live out the kingdom's principles and reveal its presence to the world. Pastor Eastman emphasized that each of us, as sons and daughters of the King, carries the responsibility of stewarding the kingdom. This stewardship is not limited to church leaders or specific individuals; it is a collective responsibility shared by all believers.
One of the key points made was that the kingdom must first be internalized before it can be expressed externally. The transformation begins in our hearts, where we must allow Jesus to rule and reign. Pastor Eastman challenged the congregation to reflect on whether they have surrendered their hearts fully to the King. He noted that we cannot steward what we have not surrendered, and that our choices matter significantly in this process.
Pastor Eastman urged the congregation to recognize the urgency of their mission. He illustrated this with the parable of the talents from Matthew 25:14-30, where servants were entrusted with their master's resources. The faithful servants multiplied their talents, while the fearful servant buried his. This parable serves as a reminder that we are called to actively use and invest the gifts and resources God has given us.
Faith is essential in this journey. Pastor Eastman explained that without faith, it is impossible to please God. He encouraged believers to step out in faith, trusting that God will multiply their efforts. The kingdom advances through our stewardship, and we must be willing to take risks and invest in the lives of others.
The sermon also touched on the culture of the kingdom, which is defined by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Pastor Eastman emphasized that these qualities should flow from our lives, impacting those around us. He reminded the congregation that the kingdom is not about external rituals but about an internal relationship with God.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Pastor Eastman explained that seeking the kingdom means making it the lens through which we view all aspects of life. When we prioritize the kingdom, we align ourselves with God's will, leading to provision and purpose in our lives.
Pastor Jeremy Eastman's message serves as a powerful reminder of our identity and responsibility as carriers of the Kingdom of God. We are called to live as kingdom stewards, nurturing the seeds of faith within us and allowing them to flourish in our lives and the lives of others. As we embrace this calling, we can expect to see the kingdom's impact in our communities and beyond. The kingdom is not just a Sunday experience; it is a lifestyle of surrender, stewardship, and spiritual authority. Let us commit to releasing the kingdom within us and actively participating in God's work in the world.
