Lesson1-Day 2 Christ is Restoring God's Reign in the Lives of His Followers

We see in Acts 1:6 the disciples ask Jesus, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom of Israel?" Jesus responded with these words, "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority" (Acts 1:7).

What was Jesus saying? He was affirming that that day was indeed coming. The kingdom of God would be restored, but the timing was God's business, not theirs.

So what is Christ's kingdom mission today as we wait for his return? His mission is to restore God's reign in the lives of his followers. Matthew recorded Christ's mission statement with these words:

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20

Making disciples among all nations is about exalting Christ's supreme authority in heaven and earth. And it is about multiplying baptized followers who learn to obey his commands and enjoy his presence.

The Apostle Paul used three "R" words to describe how the Lord brings us into his kingdom: "rescued," "redemption," and "reconciled."

giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:12-14

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. Colossians 1:21-23

Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead so that people around the world might be rescued from a kingdom of darkness and death, and as forgiven people be reconcipled to God and his kingdom of light.

Personal reflection: This was a challenging devotion. The question that keeps coming to my mind is What am I "saved" for? God has choosen me and I believe with a purpose. As the FCC vission statement says:

We are pursuing Christ's reign in all of life to advance God's kingdom in all the earth for His glory!

I question myself if I am true to the "all of life." Or is "all of life" just when it is convenient or beneficial to me. I need to commit myself to ". . . seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. . ." Matthew 6:33.