Kingdom Unity Part 3: What Kingdom's Not | Paztuh Mike Wuebbles

Kingdom Unity: What Kingdom's Not -

Is Jesus a Republican or a Democrat?

Does He think like a socialist or a capitalist? 

Isn’t God and His Kingdom just another religion like all the others?

The government and culture in which each person is raised deeply shape how they read the Word of God and think about Jesus and His Kingdom—often so subconsciously that they may never even realize it.

Romans 12:2 (NLT): Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

In Lesson 3 of the series Kingdom Unity, Paztuh Mike Wuebbles confronts the reality that each Christian must lay aside secular government mindsets and cultural worldviews to truly follow Christ, become a disciple, and walk in love with others.

The Kingdom of God and following Jesus are not about being conservative or liberal. It’s not about choosing one denomination over another. True, eternal Kingdom unity cannot be built on flawed, man-made political or religious systems.

Have you let your loyalty to a political movement outweigh your loyalty to Jesus? 

Have you treated your church denomination as if it were the Kingdom of God?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbWukhXcBxE

Kingdom Unity Part 3: What Kingdom's Not

Introduction: The Necessity of Unity

• The Purpose of Unity: Unity is not just a sermon series; it is a strict requirement for the body of Christ. The church cannot effectively reach the community if it is divided by worldly ideologies.

• Accountability: Kingdom living involves holding one another accountable to the Word of God. Coming "as you are" is the starting point, but the goal of the Kingdom is transformation—you should not stay as you were.

To walk in true unity, we first have to understand the government we actually belong to.

1. Defining the Kingdom and the Ekklesia

• The Kingdom as Government: The Kingdom of God is the actual government of God. While many understand human politics, few understand how the government of God operates.

• The Ekklesia: * The Greek word for church is Ekklesia, meaning "those who are called out" or an "assembly of citizens."

• A government is made up of a body of citizens. As the "Body of Christ," we are the citizens of God's government.

• Church Hurt: We cannot claim to love God while hating His "body" (His citizens). Hating the body of Christ is effectively hating yourself because we are interconnected.

"You didn't have a choice on whether you were born in America... but you do have a choice if you want to be born again into the kingdom of God."

But being born again is just the first step. To live as a citizen, we have to change how we process the world around us.

2. Renewing the Mind (Kingdom Thinking)

• Romans 12:2: We are commanded not to copy the behavior and customs of this world. Instead, we must let God transform us into new people by changing the way we think.

• The Barrier to God's Will: Many Christians do not know God’s specific will for their lives because they refuse to change their thinking. You must think differently (Kingdom-minded) to fulfill a Kingdom purpose.

• Media and Influence: Meditating on worldly media, political news, and cultural trends often leads to hating people you don't even know, which is entirely contrary to Kingdom thinking.

"Your spirit man got saved, but your mind and your heart did not. It needs help. Let God transform you into a new person."

When we start renewing our minds, we quickly realize that the political systems we naturally put our hope in are fundamentally flawed.

3. What the Kingdom is Not (Political Neutrality)

• Not a Democracy or Republic: The Kingdom of God is not a democracy where citizens vote on laws. It is a Monarchy ruled by King Jesus.

• The Trap of Political Identity: * Filtering God’s Word through the lens of a preferred political party (Democrat, Republican, or Independent) creates massive division.

• Both major political parties have "anti-kingdom" elements. Relying on them for your core identity is a device of the enemy intended to divide the church.

• Rebellion in Nature: Modern democratic thinking often carries a rebellious spirit toward absolute authority. Kingdom citizens must surrender their "right" to vote against God's decrees.

The Kingdom doesn't fit into our political boxes, and it certainly doesn't align with our earthly economic systems either.

4. The Kingdom vs. Economic Ideologies

• Not Socialism: * Socialism suggests everyone has an equal right to a share of wealth regardless of effort.

• The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25): Jesus illustrates that the Kingdom rewards multiplication and productivity based on ability. Those who use what they are given receive more; those who do nothing lose even what they have.

• Not Capitalism: * Capitalism focuses on individuals using resources "as they see fit" for their own personal profit.

• In the Kingdom, we are stewards, not owners. 1 Corinthians 10:26 states, "the earth is the Lord's and everything in it." We must use our resources for the King’s profit, not our own version of success.

• 2 Corinthians 5:15: Those who receive new life should no longer live for themselves, but for Christ.

"Capitalism says serve you, and society will reap the benefit. Kingdom says serve the King, and society will reap the benefit."

Just as the Kingdom transcends earthly economics, it also shatters the walls of man-made religious traditions.

5. The Kingdom is Not a Religion

• Beyond Denominations: The Kingdom is not Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, or any other man-made label. Holding too tightly to these labels often causes us to reject other members of the Body of Christ.

• Harmony and Purpose: 1 Corinthians 1:10 appeals for brothers to live in harmony with no division. Our singular purpose is to make disciples and lead souls to Christ, regardless of the denominational name on the building.

Ultimately, stepping out of the systems of this world and into the Kingdom comes down to one daily decision.

Conclusion: True Surrender

• Living Sacrifice: We often proudly claim we would die for Christ (a one-time act), but the much harder call is to "die to yourself" every single day.

• Surrendering Lordship: Salvation is more than reciting a "sinner's prayer"; it is a total, ongoing surrender where you are no longer the Lord of your own life.

• The Grace to Overcome: Grace is not a license to continue in a sin lifestyle; it is the power provided by God to help you overcome it and live according to His will.

Reflection & Discussion Questions

1. In what specific areas of your life are you holding onto your "right to vote" rather than fully submitting to King Jesus?

2. Consider the Parable of the Talents. Are you currently using your God-given abilities to build your own personal success or to multiply disciples for the Kingdom?

3. Has your daily media consumption (news, social media) caused you to view others through a political lens rather than a Kingdom lens? What practical steps can you take this week to "renew your mind"?

4. Grace empowers us to overcome sin, not to stay comfortable in it. Is there a "sin lifestyle" you have been excusing that you need to ask God for the strength to leave behind?

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