1. Changing the world by changing yourself 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 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

2. 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)

3. 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

4. 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”

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Openness Acceptance Trust Adaptability Suspicion Fear Superiority Prejudice Facts of Cross-Cultural Living (The Inevitables) Cultural Differences Frustration Misunderstanding Confusion Tension Embarrassment Aggression DISSONANCEDISSONANCE Observe Inquire Listen Initiate Criticize Rationalize Isolate Self Personal Coping Skills (Our Response) Understanding Empathy Deepening Relationship Alienation Withdrawal Broken Relationships RESULT Personal Entry Posture (Our Approach)

9. 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

10. Changing the world by changing yourself