The Whole Story: A Life in God's Kingdom, Kingdom ComeSample

Monthly Description

In the four weeks preceding Christmas, Christians have historically celebrated a season commonly called “Advent” (meaning, “arrival”). Like the waiting our children endure before Christmas with gifts under the tree, during this season we intentionally enter a period of waiting and longing leading up to Christmas day. This waiting symbolically reminds us of the same waiting and longing felt by the Hebrew prophets of the Old Testament as they waited for the arrival of the Messiah. During this season we recognize what Christ birthed in humanity in his first coming, and what will be brought to its highest expression at his second coming: hope, love, joy, and peace for all who follow him. 
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Living in God’s Family 
 
The word “family” can mean many different things to different people. Often, when people speak of family, they mean their blood relatives, specifically those with whom they live (often called the “nuclear family”). While this certainly is one aspect of family, it is not the totality of it!  
 
When Christians speak of family, we also refer to God’s family, his ecclesia or “church.” Those who are members of God’s household, brought together in Jesus the Messiah, are more than random individuals who come together a couple of times a week. When we enter God’s kingdom, we become family with one another, forging a unique bond that transcends blood relation, culture, social class, or geographic location. We are all children brought together into God’s great family. 
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Love
 
Weekly Description: 
 
As one of the most misunderstood concepts of life, love is far more than just a feeling or an emotion. Love finds its fullest of expression in God himself as he offers a way of life that far exceeds what any worldly desire can produce in a person. Ultimately, true love is expressed when humanity recognizes the image of God within themselves and others. This perfect love was demonstrated to us in the life of Jesus himself. 
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Instructions for Daily Reading 
 
Each day as you engage the Scripture, we recommend following this pattern of devotional reading.  
 
[Take a brief moment of silence to quiet your heart.] 
 
1.    Read the Scripture aloud. 
2.    Seek out where King Jesus is at work in the Scripture. 
3.    Pray over the Scripture. 
4.    Discern how this Scripture impacts your life. 
 
[Demonstrate loyalty to Jesus in one tangible way today.] 
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1 Corinthians 13:1-13
 
Group Discussion & Reflection: Have you ever wanted to trade “gifts” with someone? There is no question that there are certain people in this world that are incredibly gifted and influential for the kingdom of God. Paul tells us in verse 2 however, about something more important than any gift, “And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” Do you think you can grow in how you love others? How?