Changing the world by
changing yourself
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot
see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of
God. 2 Cor. 4:4
But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God
has come upon you. Matt 12:28
When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. 9 Heal the
sick who are there and tell them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.”
Luke 10:8-9
Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come,
Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be
observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom
of God is in your midst.” Luke 17:20-21
Changing the world by
changing yourself
If you want to change the world, then change yourself
You bring the Kingdom by living it.
Ushering in Kingdom Reality
• In your life (July 17)
• In your family (August 21)
• In your community (August 28)
Changing the world by
changing yourself
Things you can’t control
• What others do to you – but you can control how you respond
• Your initial reaction – but you can control what you do next
• Addictions – but you can ask for help
• Some thoughts which come in – but you can take them captive
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the
knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
II Cor. 10:5
Changing the world by
changing yourself
Living the Kingdom through: Our View of Self
1. We’ve been made in God’s image and given authority over the earth
2. Appraised vs real value.
3. You carry the Kingdom in you.
4. Pride was the original sin
5. Entitlement thinking says “Others owe me”
Changing the world by
changing yourself
Living the Kingdom through: Our View of Self
You were made in God’s image to rule
But you are a recovering sinner in desperate need of Him
Changing the world by
changing yourself
Living the Kingdom through: Our View of Money
1. Neither a poverty mentality nor an obsession with personal wealth
2. When the Kingdom comes it will be good news to the poor and marginalized
3. Israel was captive for the number of Sabbath years that they overlooked
4. You can not serve both God and Money
5. Use it for the Kingdom
Changing the world by
changing yourself
Living the Kingdom through: Our View of Others
1. The desire to control others is a manifestation of pride
2. Extending grace to those who don’t deserve it is a sign of the Kingdom
3. In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus
had; Phl. 2:4
Personal Entry
Posture
(Our Approach)
Facts of Cross-Cultural Living
(The Inevitables)
Openness
Adaptability
Suspicion
Fear
Superiority
Prejudice
Cultural
Trust
Differences
Acceptance
D
I
S
S
O
N
A
N
C
E
Frustration
Misunderstanding
Personal
Coping Skills
(Our Response)
Observe
Inquire
Listen
Initiate
RESULT
Understanding
Empathy
Deepening Relationship
Confusion
Tension
Embarrassment
Aggression
Criticize
Rationalize
Isolate Self
Alienation
Withdrawal
Broken Relationships
Changing the world by
changing yourself
Living the Kingdom through: Our View of Others
1. The desire to control others is a manifestation of pride
2. Extending grace to those who don’t deserve it is a sign of the Kingdom
3. In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus
had; Phl. 2:4
4. It’s impossible to love your enemies and live in the Matrix
Changing the world by
changing yourself