BLESS: The Gospel of the Kingdom

Sermon Title: “BLESS: The Gospel of the Kingdom”

Text: Matthew 4:17, 23

Preacher: Alex Hogendoorn

Date: January 12, 2025

Summary Tagline:

“The good news of the kingdom is life, love, and Lord Jesus himself.”

Message Summary:

In Matthew 4:17, 23, Jesus begins his public ministry by proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and demonstrating it through acts of healing and compassion. Alex explores what it means to share the faith, challenging the misconception that evangelism is merely about argument or persuasion. Instead, the gospel of the kingdom is about embodying Jesus’ life and love, making his presence known in the world.

Alex emphasizes that the kingdom of God is revealed through love, life, and an encounter with Jesus. Sharing the gospel is not about harassing or coercing others but about being a light, reflecting the character of Christ in how believers live and bless those around them. The sermon introduces the “BLESS” model: begin with prayer, listen, eat together, serve, and share your story. Alex reminds listeners that only Jesus can save, but believers are called to be his witnesses, letting his light shine through their lives.

Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker Question: (Use ONE)

1. What was a great unexpected conversation you've had with a stranger? (On any topic)
2. What’s one way someone has blessed you unexpectedly? How did it impact you?
3. When you came to believe in Jesus, who shared the good news with you and how did they do it?

“These next discussion questions are intended to give us each a chance to engage in the message personally and hear what Jesus is doing in each of our lives too. In this, we all become preachers to one another as we learn to follow Jesus together.”

Discussion Questions: (Choose only a few to discuss)

1. What is your greatest fear or frustration when it comes to sharing the good news of Jesus with those around you?
   
2. Read Matthew 28:19, Acts 1:8, and 1 Peter 3:15, what is your gut-level, first reaction to these verses? In what ways are you motivated or maybe demotivated?
3. Jesus began his ministry by proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom. What does the phrase “gospel of the kingdom” mean to you, and how does it differ from other ways of understanding the gospel?
4. Are you more naturally a "blesser" or a "converter" when it comes to sharing the good news of Jesus?
5. The sermon series will teach us the “BLESS” model. Which of the steps—prayer, listening, eating together, serving, or sharing—feels most natural to you? Which feels most challenging?
6. Matthew 5:16 encourages believers to let their light shine so others may glorify God. What are some practical ways you can let your light shine in your community?
7. Only Jesus can save, but we are his witnesses. How does this truth shape the way you approach sharing your faith with others?

For Further Study:

1. Matthew 4:17, 23 – Jesus begins proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom.
2. Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others.”
3. John 13:34-35 – Jesus commands us to love one another as he has loved us.
4. Acts 1:8 – “You will be my witnesses.”
5. John 14:6 – Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
6. 1 Peter 3:15 – Always be prepared to give an answer for the hope you have.
7. Luke 10:1-9 – Jesus sends out the seventy-two to proclaim the kingdom.
8. Isaiah 61:1-3 – The Spirit of the Lord brings good news to the poor.
9. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 – Believers are ambassadors of Christ.
10. Ephesians 5:8-10 – Living as children of light.

Gospel Connections

Let’s discuss how we can apply this message to our lives as we seek to make the following connections as we follow Jesus:

1. How does embodying the gospel of the kingdom help you deepen your connection with God?
2. How can our church use the “BLESS” model to be a tangible expression of Jesus’ love and life in our community?
3. How can our group encourage and equip one another to live out the gospel of the kingdom in our daily lives?
4. How can we, as individuals and as a church, bring the hope of the kingdom to our city through acts of love and intentional service?