Pastor Jeremy Eastman's sermon emphasizes the concept of 'Kingdom Come,' urging believers to recognize the kingdom of God within them and to actively participate in its manifestation on Earth. He discusses the importance of the church as a governing body, the authority believers possess, and the need for unity and action to bring about change in their communities.
In a recent sermon at The Chapel, Pastor Jeremy Eastman delivered a powerful message centered around the theme of "Kingdom Come." He emphasized the importance of recognizing the kingdom of God that resides within each believer and the call to actively participate in its manifestation on Earth. This blog post will explore the key points from his sermon, highlighting the significance of the church as a governing body and the authority believers possess to effect change in their communities.
Pastor Eastman began by reflecting on the familiar prayer, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven." He pointed out that while many have prayed these words for years, there is a crucial realization that needs to take place: God has already placed His kingdom within us. The pastor challenged the congregation to consider whether they are waiting for heaven to act when, in fact, heaven is waiting for them to move.
The message was clear: the kingdom is not delayed; it is deposited within us. Eastman urged believers to nurture this divine seed and allow it to multiply in their lives. He referenced Luke 17:20-21, where Jesus explains that the kingdom of God is not something to be observed externally but is already in the midst of us. This realization calls for action; believers must step into their authority and live out the kingdom's principles.
A significant part of Eastman's sermon focused on the concept of the "eklesia," which he described as heaven's governing church. He referenced Matthew 16:18-19, where Jesus declares that He will build His church upon the rock of Peter's confession. The term "eklesia" refers to a called-out assembly, a governing body that oversees the affairs of a city or region.
Eastman emphasized that the church is not merely a gathering of people but a governing body with authority. He explained that the keys to the kingdom represent this authority, which was restored to humanity through Jesus Christ. The church is called to govern and influence the culture around it, reclaiming territory that darkness has claimed. This requires believers to recognize their identity as sons and daughters of the King, equipped to bring about change.
The pastor articulated that the eklesia is not the kingdom itself but rather the instrument through which the kingdom operates. He encouraged the congregation to understand their role as instruments of God's will, filled with the Spirit to establish heaven's culture on Earth. This partnership between the church and the kingdom is vital for effective governance in the spiritual realm.
Eastman outlined a vision for the church in the region, emphasizing that a kingdom-minded church is not content to simply gather but is commissioned to govern. He called for a rise in kingdom leaders who will represent God's will in every sphere of life, from schools to businesses to government. The church must occupy these spaces, bringing light into darkness and hope into despair.
As the sermon progressed, Eastman addressed several barriers that prevent believers from living out their kingdom authority. He identified unbelief, passivity, and division as significant obstacles. Many believers may accept salvation but struggle to believe in their authority to govern. Others may wait for God to act instead of recognizing that they have been commissioned to declare His will.
Eastman stressed the importance of unity within the church, stating that the enemy fears a united eklesia. When believers come together in purpose and mission, they can govern effectively and bring about transformation in their communities. He encouraged the congregation to keep Jesus at the center and to focus on the mission of advancing the kingdom.
In closing, Pastor Eastman reminded the congregation that the kingdom of God is within them, waiting to be revealed through their actions. He urged everyone to step into their identity as sons and daughters of the King, to walk in authority, and to actively participate in the work of the kingdom. The message was clear: it is time for the church to rise up, reclaim territory, and bring about change in the world.
As believers, we are called to be more than spectators; we are to be stewards of the kingdom, actively engaging in the mission of God. Let us embrace our identity, walk in our authority, and declare the kingdom of God in our lives and communities.
