Christ Lutheran Church Disciples on Deck 2018 The Kingdom of God Five informal Bible Studies for neighborhood fellowship groups that pray, socialize and share scriptures together as disciples of Christ
Session One: The Magic Kingdom Gathering: Welcome to Disciples on Deck! Thank you for your commitment to this small group ministry which allows us to Gather, Go and Grow as Christians. As you enjoy beverages, treats, and conversations during your fellowship together, please introduce yourselves to others and welcome new members to your group. A special thanks go to those of you who are facilitating a group this year! Introduction: This five-part study focuses on the Kingdom of God (or the Kingdom of Heaven which is used interchangeably.) God s kingdom began in Genesis 1, continued through Old Testament times, flourished on earth during Jesus ministry, continues to this day, and offers our eternal promise. The five studies are each named for the Magic Kingdom of Disneyland/Disneyworld in an effort to categorize how we as people of faith often think of God s plan for us. as an adventure, sometimes as a fantastic journey, often as a struggle, and for sure, as thoughts of our Tomorrowland. Enjoy your time together. As usual, there are no correct answers to the questions posed, only the hope that you will become closer to God s Word and God s community on earth as you ponder the Kingdom of God. Happy travels. Prayer: ACT together in an opening prayer: A = Ask God to bless your study; C = Confess sins and concerns; T = Thank God for special blessings. Bible Study 1. Relate your best (or worst) memory of a trip to Disneyland, Disneyworld, or other amusement park. Was it truly magical? 2. The term kingdom is referenced some 162 times in the Bible, yet is a challenge to define. Do you feel that God s Kingdom is two or three dimensional? Share what you would include if you were asked to draw a picture of the Kingdom of God. 3. There is no magical definition of the Kingdom of God. Even Jesus never defined the term, but certainly gave us clues as to its nature. As a group, read and utilize these scriptures to list characteristics that help us understand the Who.What Where When and Why of God s Kingdom: Daniel 2:44 Luke 8:1 Mark 1:14-15 Luke 18: 24-27 Matthew 4: 23 Romans 14: 17 Hebrews 1: 8
4. Here is a sampling to definitions for the Kingdom of God by various theologians. Which ones seem to fit your definition of the Kingdom of God? a. The sovereign rule of God over the universe. (1, p. 344) b. Imminent Domain. (2, title of book) c. To most modern people the term kingdom always implies a place, whether one is thinking of the United Kingdom or the Magic Kingdom more importantly the Aramaic term that Jesus likely used (malkuta) does not always refer to a place. Sometimes it refers to an activity or condition instead. (2, p. 2) d. the most important word in the vocabulary of our Lord. It marks the point where God is in charge. (4, p. 31) e. Your definition: (this may change as we venture into this study) 5. If you have time, read these short parables that Jesus used to describe the Kingdom of God. The hope is that this series will help you discover magic treasures and wisdom through studying scriptures about God s Kingdom. Matthew 13: 44-46 Closing Prayer: Recite the Lord s Prayer together noting the two times that Kingdom is mentioned. Fellowship Next Meeting: ************************************************************************************* Additional Individual Study Many of Jesus parables describe the Kingdom of God. Read these to help expand your understanding of God s Kingdom: Luke 14: 12-24 Luke 12: 13-34
Session 2: Frontierland Gathering Opening Prayer: ACT.Ask God to bless your study; Confess your sins and lift up concerns to God; be Thankful for your blessings. Bible Study: 1. Have you ever gotten lost at a park or at an event? Have you ever been lost thanks to incorrect GPS directions? 2. Just as the rides, shows, and historical displays in Disney s Frontierland show our nation s history of conflict, resettlement, and growth, the Old Testament chronicles the struggles, distress, belief and disbelief, as well as freedom and captivity for the ancient Jewish people. They were both the conquerors and the conquered throughout the saga of the Hebrew nation. At times God s chosen were lost as they disobeyed God or were taken into captivity, yet they clung to the hope of a future, physical, kingdom of God. Read and share your insights from these Old Testament scriptures. What features of the Hebrews expected kingdom are comforting? Distressing? 2 Chronicles 20: 5-9 Daniel 7: 13-14 Micah 4: 1-5 Isaiah 13: 4; 19 3. Read Psalm 46 and Psalm 68: 28-35. What words and phrases offer hints that the Jews of the Old Testament were looking for the establishment of a kingdom that would elevate the Jewish nation to prominence and successful liberation?
4. The prophet Isaiah also describes a future kingdom. Read and discuss similarities and differences from those of David s Psalms: Isaiah 11: 1-9 (often referred to as the Peaceful Kingdom) Isaiah 9: 2-6 Closing Prayer : Read the verses to Seek Ye First as a prayer: (3) Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, And all these things shall be added unto you. Allelu, alleluia. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word That proceeds from the mouth of God. Allelu, alleluia. Ask and it shall be given unto you, seek and ye shall find; Knock and the door shall be opened unto you. Allelu, alleluia. Fellowship Next Meeting: ************************************************************************************* Additional Individual Study: Read and reflect on Psalms 103 and 145 that show both the comfort and strength of God s Kingdom.
Session 3: Fantasyland Gathering Opening Prayer (ACT) Bible Study: During Advent we often sing the hymn, Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus, as we anticipate celebrating Christ s birth. But Jesus ministry was not what was expected by the rabbis of the first century. For the Chief Priests and Sadducees, even the idea of resurrection of the dead was a future event for the end of days (5); they saw Jesus as a threat when he spoke of the Kingdom of God. The Disciples at times questioned Jesus about his words and actions.a sort of magical mystery tour or fantasyland: What? Feed thousands with five fish and two loaves? Get out of the boat and walk on water? Why do you speak to us in parables? This session will focus on the remarkable hints of God s ultimate plan for us as well as the spiritual aspects of God s Kingdom as outlined in the New Testament. 1. Tell stories of any garden mishaps with seeds or perhaps a kitchen disaster with a recipe calling for yeast. Jesus describes his Kingdom with his two shortest parables. What do you find fanciful and surprising about these visual descriptions? Matthew 13: 31-33 2. King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that was eerily similar to Christ s mustard seed parable. Do you find that this Old Testament dream interpretation is connected to the parable? Daniel 4: 7-23 3. God established his Kingdom on Earth beginning with the incarnation of Christ, but definitely started small in a tiny stable in Bethlehem; with an initial following of only twelve and with a small gathering at Pentecost.remarkable and mustard-seedish! Yet it was misunderstood as an earthly kingdom that infuriated the rulers of the day. How would you have answered Pilate s questions at Jesus trial? John 18: 33-38 4. Nicodemus probably spoke for all of us who are often confused about just what this kingdom thing is all about. Read John 3: 1-6. What are the two most important ingredients that Christ requires? Are they easy or hard to achieve? What helps you to be confident that you are a part of God s Kingdom?
5. We invoke God s Kingdom not once, but twice, when we say the Lord s Prayer. What do the phrases Thy Kingdom come and for Thine is the Kingdom mean to you? You can find some hints in these scriptures: 1 Peter 2:9 Luke 17: 20-21 1 Corinthians 4:18-20 Closing Prayer: Pray together: Lord Jesus Christ, your kingdom is coming. Confident as I am of the presence of your kingdom, I still pray, Your kingdom come. I hail the continuous coming of your kingdom. There is much of your kingdom which needs to be the kingdom for me. There is much of your kingship that needs to be authoritative for me. Righteousness, peace, and joy have only skimmed the surface of my life. I pray that they may permeate the whole of what I am and do. (4, p. 33) Fellowship Next Meeting: ************************************************************************************* Additional Individual Study: Jesus also angered the religious leaders of his day when he asked the children to be front and center for his teachings, unlike the Jews whose temple teachings were restricted to older boys and men, and whose holy of holies was limited to the high priest. Reflect on these additional parables of the kingdom which offer insights into faith, grace, and our sinful nature: Matthew 13:44-50 Matthew 13: 24-30 Matthew 20: 1-16
Session 4: Tomorrowland Gathering Opening Prayer: ACT in prayer or offer individual sentence prayers to open this session. Bible Study: Recall times as a child or adult when you stared at the night sky and marveled at God s universe as well as God s future plans for you. (For the purposes of this study we will forgo Old Testament prophesies about End Times as well as the various apocalyptic theories of the end of the earth.) Bottom Line: As Pastor Tom Wolfe has proclaimed many times, We don t know what the future holds, but we know WHO holds the future! 1. What is your definition of heaven? Consider these readings about God s dwelling place and your hope for Tomorrowland: Mark 16: 19 Luke 3: 21-22 Luke 21: 29-33 Acts 17: 23-24 2 Corinthians 5: 1-3 2. John s gospel refers to the Kingdom of God just four times, yet in a very spiritual way, and in present tense, not future tense. The writer even reveals his conscious awareness of the old view physical resurrection to an earthly kingdom and deliberately changes its meaning. (7, p 289) Note the now is as you read: John 5: 24-27 3. Read 1 John 5:11-12. Does this epistle passage summarize your future hope regarding life after death?
4. As you read these scriptures about the Kingdom of Heaven, discuss details that offer hope and power for your life in Christ. Luke 23: 36-43 John 3: 11-17 Philippians 1: 18-21 Closing Prayer: Pray together this confessional prayer from our liturgy: O God, you call us to be your servants in the world. Forgive us when we fall into the trappings of this world. Forgive us when we do not treat the many blessings you have given us with the respect they deserve. Help us to remember that the things of this world will soon fade away. Help us to keep our focus on eternal life with you in your heavenly kingdom. Amen. Fellowship Next Meeting: *********************************************************************************** Additional Individual Study: The following are a sampling of end times scriptures. Look for ways to understand the promise of the second coming as well as to hope for God s future kingdom: Matthew 13: 49-52 Revelation 11: 15-19 Matthew 25: 1-13 Revelation 21 2 Peter 3: 1-15 Mark 13: 24-35 1 Corinthians 15: 20-28
Session 5: Adventureland Gathering Opening Prayer: Pray the Lord s Prayer together as you open your Disciples on Deck session. Bible Study 1. Look back at your definition of the Kingdom of God from Session 1. In what ways has it changed or evolved? 2. Think of your journey with Christ throughout your life as an amusement park ride. Is your life in the Kingdom like a ferris wheel? Roller coaster? Go Cart Ride? Think of the best metaphor for your circumstances. Our Blessed Assurance (6, p. 638) is that through belief in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, we are heirs of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood. But, what happens when we mess up, like the ups and downs of a roller coaster or the fall from the Demon Drop? That is part of the Adventure in our Christian life. This session will focus on building up the Kingdom of God and living Godly lives. 3. Martin Luther s explanation of Thy Kingdom Come in his Small Catechism (8, p. 12) states that God s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us his Holy Spirit, so that by his grace we believe his holy Word and live a godly life on earth now and in heaven forever. Is it hard sometimes to believe that this task is so straightforward? 4. Let s focus now on areas for building up God s Kingdom within us and in our world: First, the focus is on personal Repentance and Forgiveness. Read and discuss keys to the kingdom as outlined in these scriptures: Matthew 6: 5-13 (Lord s Prayer) Matthew 4: 17-20 5. These scriptures focus on Faith: Proverbs 3: 5-6 2 Timothy 4: 6-8 John 10: 14-18 Ephesians 1: 13-23 Matthew 19: 23-26
6. Focus on Fellowship: For Lutherans especially, it s been said that you can t get to heaven with a covered dish, yet fellowship is so important to build up the body of Christ. As you read these scriptures, what simple practices promote relationships? (Think of how these practices are a part of your Disciples on Deck group, too) Luke 22: 14-20 (Last Supper) Mark 3: 31-35 Acts 2: 42-47 7. Focus on Action: What are the active verbs or activities suggested in each passage that compel us to live godly lives? Micah 6: 8 1 Peter 1: 18-25 1 Thessalonians 4: 4-12 Matthew 28: 18-20 8. What makes it so difficult to sign up to be a member of the Evangelism Committee? To evangelize period? Would any practices from the scripture readings today make that task easier? 9. One final definition of The Kingdom of God comes from the book, Imminent Domain. (2, p. 23) The Dominion (kingdom) involves not just inner qualities but also outward actions that bring about righteousness, peace, and joy in this world. What an adventure! How does Christ Lutheran s Vision Statement urge you to live by Christly inner qualities as well as outward actions? Challenging Everyone to an Adventurous Life in Christ NOW? Happy Trails! Closing Prayer: Recite the words to verse 4 of the hymn, Gather Us In, together: Not in the dark of buildings confining, not in some heaven, light years away--- Here in this place the new light is shining, now is the kingdom, and now is the day. Gather us in and hold us forever, gather us in and make us your own; Gather us in, all peoples together, fire of love in our flesh and our bone. (6, p. 532) Fellowship Next Meeting? Discuss whether or not your group would like to continue to meet periodically. You can check with the church office for copies of previous Disciples on Deck studies, or check out the Small Group Resources shelf in the church library for materials. In addition, each Sunday s bulletin has a short group Bible study for your use. ************************************************************************************* Additional Individual Study: Ponder these scriptures which focus on inheriting the Kingdom. Some are more stern than others! Matthew 25: 31-46 1 Corinthians 13 Galatians 5: 16-26
References: 1. Westminster Dictionary of the Bible. Edited by John D. Davis. Westminster Press, Philadelphia, 1944. 2. Imminent Domain. Ben Witherington III. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI. 2009. 3. Seek Ye First words and music by Karen Lafferty. Copyright 1972, Maranatha! Music, CCCM Music. CCLI License No. 1841035. 4. The Lord s Prayer in My Life. Kirk House Publishers. 2000. 5. Do Modern Jews Believe in Resurrection of the Dead? Rabbi Evan Moffic. Huffington Post Blog, 3/15/2016. 6. Lutheran Book of Worship. Augsburg Press. 2006. 7. A Guide for Understanding the Bible. Harry Emerson Fosdick. Harper and Brothers Publishers. New York. 1938. 8. The Small Catechism. Martin Luther. Augsburg Publishers. Minneapolis. 1960. 9. Kingdom Agenda Bible Study. Tony Evans. Lifeway Press. Nashville. 2013. 10. Simple Church. Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger. B and H Publishing. Nashville. 2011.