Keepers of the Kingdom
Notes
Transcript
I know things “look” a little bit different this morning, but that is because tonight is our kick-off for VBS. I thought, “What a perfect way to tie-in both Father’s day and VBS?”
See, our theme this year isn’t “castles and damsels in distress”. The castle them is symbolic of conflict between the two kingdoms - the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the world. Look at John 18: 33-38 with me…notice specifically John 18:36
36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Jesus says, “My kingdom is not of this world...” “MY kingdom” those two words alone declare that Jesus has a kingdom, and if His is not of this world then the world must be in a separate kingdom. This is a Father’s day message, but it is for everyone. There is a battle being fought over our most priceless resource: our children. We see this in government, school systems, media, social media, movies, television, books, and the list goes on.
Young people today are being bombarded with lies, but do you know there is a cure for a lie, its the truth! I’m excited for VBS, and I know our teachers are going to go above and beyond to teach the truth this week, but do not miss this, dad, it starts with you. Mom, you’re a big deal too and you are part of this too, but I really want to speak to dads today. Here is why: Because your kids are going to come to you with difficult questions and you’re going to have to have answers.
Dad, do you even know what truth is? Does anyone? Pilate certainly didn’t! John 18:38
38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.
“What is truth?” Dad are you prepared to answer that question for you son? Your daughter? Do you even know what truth is? In John’s gospel Jesus had some helpful insights on what is true. Here are Jesus’ answers to some common questions your children may ask:
The Bible talks about the world being created in 6 days only 6000 years ago, my teacher says that’s impossible. They say the world is billions of yeas old. Can I trust the Bible?
The Bible tells of a talking snake. Why don’t snakes talk today? Can I really trust the Bible?
My teacher says that the Bible condones slavery, oppression of women, the slaughter of innocent lives..can I trust the Bible?
The Bible says there are only two genders, male and female, but scientists and doctors say there is no such thing as gender, that I can change my gender if I choose. Can I trust the Bible?
The Bible says that marriage is to be between a man and a woman for life, but Johnny has two mommies and Bobby’s parents are divorcing. Can I trust the Bible?
The Bible says Jesus is the only way, but my teacher says all religions teach the same thing. Can I trust the Bible?
We could go around this room today and you could add your own questions from your own experiences to this list and the question would end the same: Can I trust the Bible? You know the answer, yes, but dad, yes isn’t enough. These are the issues our children are being bombarded with, they are being challenged on a fundamental level of what they believe, and dad it is our responsibility to ensure they have the spiritual foundation needed. Dad, here is our response:
The Bible is True, and Satan is a Liar 16:13; 17:17; 8:44
The Bible is True, and Satan is a Liar 16:13; 17:17; 8:44
There is only one source of truth, the Bible. Jesus said in His high priestly prayer, John 17:17
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Jesus didn’t struggle with knowing truth from lies. He knew the Word of God was accurate. He told the Jewish leaders who questioned Him to John 5:39
39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
Everything the Bible said about Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection is true. Everything the Bible says about mankind, our sinfulness, inability to save ourselves, is also true. Jesus knew this, He also was aware of the source of lies: John 8:44
44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Now we know how Jesus viewed the foundation of both truth and lies. We understand that Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world and that this world, under the control of Satan, is against truth. The weapon of choice of those opposed to the truth is lies. Lies come from Satan.
When your children come to you with diffiuclt questions, questions you may not fully understand, you can tell them with assurance that the Bible is true.
When the Bible speaks of the creation of the world, you can trust it. The Bible is, after all, the only book God ever wrote! Those who reject its truth have chosen to believe a lie.
When the Bible mentions God created only two genders, you can trust it. God is not only the author the Bible, but He is the Creator of mankind, so I think He knows what He is talking about!
When others calim the Bible condones genocide, slavery, misogyny, you can rest assured that what the Bible records is accurate. While we may not like what we read, we must understand two things: 1. The culture was influenced by man’s sin, and man’s sin has nearly no limits to what it is capable of. 2. This was never part of God’s plan, but rather is the result of man’s rebellion.
There may be things we read in Scripture we do not understand, like how a snake could talk, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true. Science, after all accepts that in just a few years the earth’s temperatures will be so hot it will not be able to sustain life. This is the same science that cannot accurately predict the weather 12 hours from now. You can trust the Bible.
The Final question I want to discuss separately “Aren’t all religions basically the same?” How do you answer that one dad?
The Bible is True, While There are Many Religions, There is Only One Way 14:6; 8:32
The Bible is True, While There are Many Religions, There is Only One Way 14:6; 8:32
Jesus said it Himself: John 14:6
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
The wording in the Greek is even stronger: “Jesus saith, I myself am the way, I myself am the truth, I myself am the life: no man cometh unto the Father, except through me.”
Did you notice “the way, the truth, the life.” Remember we are dealing with the truth versus lies - The Word of God is truth, and here Jesus declares that He is the truth.
Pilate asked, “What is truth?” and the Truth was standing right in front of him.
This notion that every religion is basically the same is another lie of Satan. Do you realize that every other world religion declares you must work for or earn your salvation. Not the Bible. The Bible, because it is true, teaches that you cannot earn your salvation. It is the Bible that we read of Jesus paying for our salvation for us. It is the Bible where we learn the means of salvation - by grace through faith.
Conclusion:
There is a battle be fought between truth and lies.
We are going to spend the next 5 days teaching young people how they can become Keepers of the Kingdom, but dad, you’re supposed to be a Keeper of the Kingdom too.
You don’t have to be perfect, you don’t have to have an answer to every question, but you do need to be ready, willing, and able to take a stand when the time arises.
What do you say dad? Are you ready to become a Keeper of the Kingdom?