Christ's Kingdom Revealed

Sermon Summary: This Christ the King Sunday sermon explores the radical nature of Christ's kingdom as revealed in Luke's crucifixion narrative. The pastor emphasizes that Christ's kingdom operates on principles completely opposite to worldly kingdoms—centered on mercy rather than power, humility rather than pride, and service rather than self-interest. Through the lens of the crucifixion, where Jesus extends forgiveness even to those mocking him, believers are invited to recognize that they too are recipients of divine mercy and called to extend that same mercy to others. The sermon celebrates how living in Christ's kingdom makes us truly rich, genuinely free, and deeply fulfilled through purpose and meaning found in serving others and sharing God's love.

Key Points:

- Christ's kingdom radically transforms and flips the evil of this world on its head

- Words meant to mock Jesus at the cross actually spoke truth about his saving work

- Mercy is the defining characteristic of Christ's kingdom throughout Luke's Gospel

- All people are on level ground, equally in need of God's mercy

- Those who receive mercy are humbled and called to extend mercy to others

- In Christ's kingdom, we become rich through contentment, not material wealth

- We are freed from past mistakes and the voices that hold us back

- Our lives become full of purpose as we participate in God's ongoing work

- The church is alive when it focuses on service, discipleship, and extending mercy rather than judgment

- Submitting to Christ as Lord means joining his mission of love and mercy here and now

Scripture Reference:

- Luke 23:33-43 (The Crucifixion and the two criminals)

- Romans 3:23 (Referenced: "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God")

Stories:

- The pastor's son Corbin playing a video game where a neighbor promised not to steal but did, and Corbin's mature response recognizing that the other person's actions spoke more about them than about him

- The pastor's experience driving on Interstate 35 during construction when another driver cut ahead in traffic, illustrating two merciful ways to respond: assuming emergency circumstances or recognizing someone who doesn't yet know the joy of Christ's kingdom

- The celebration at the church's charge conference where board members expressed hope and excitement about the church's momentum, feeding ministry, discipleship focus, and culture of service rather than judgment