Kids Ministry

Dedicated to helping Kids Ministry leaders in their mission of making disciples

  • Blog
  • Podcast
  • Training
  • Events
  • Team
  • Resources
Training
October 10, 2011

Raising citizens of another kingdom – Ed Stetzer

By Courtney Baker

**The following notes & summary are from Tony Kummer at Ministry-To-Children.

In keeping with the Nashville theme, Ricky Skaggs opened the conference. He mixed performance with encouragement for ministry workers. This was much better than the Lifeway staff karaoke before the conference.

@davehuntmusic “I told my wife that Ricky Skaggs was opening for me!”

Ed Stetzer "Raising subversive citizens of another Kingdom."

The theme text is Matthew 4:17, “Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven has come near.” 

Jesus liked to talk about "The Kingdom of God." Over 80 times, he refers to the Kingdom in one way or another. He points people to the reality of God’s Kingdom breaking into the world. He saw his own ministry as the fulfillment of the Old Testament’s kingdom theme.

To riase subversive citizens of another Kingdom, we need to keep the following four points in mind.

1. The Reign of God
This text talks about, “The Kingdom of Heaven.” We must remember that God has always ruled over everything. The world and our sinful hearts, have chosen to rebel against God’s good sovereignty. The world is not removed from the sovereignty of God, it just thinks it is. We are not teaching kids to be moralist followers of a philosophy of life. Despite the domain of darkness, God still rules.

2. The already and not yet.

The text says,“has come.” Christians have often wondered if the Kingdom has really come? The kingdom has started, but it has not fully arrived or finished it’s expansion. This is sometimes called “Inaugurated eschatology.”

Quote: "If you can learn to order Starbucks, you can learn theological language at church."

Just like WWII raged on after D-Day, God’s Kingdom has arrived but it has not finished its’ mission. We live between the times, between kingdom conquest and kingdom coronation. Our challenge is to raise up children who will live in allegiance to the coming Kingdom rather than the rulers of this present age.

3. The present kingdom.

This text says the Kingdom is “near.” We are the rebellion against the rebellion. We live for the true King that is not acknowledged by this world. The world’s idols are calling to our children every single day, saying “Come join our rebellion.” We must raise them to resist and be fully devoted to Christ.

4. The rightful response.
The test says, “Repent.” This is what God uses to make us a part of his Kingdom. You will be tempted to simply teach children to be moralistic followers of a philosophy of life. It seems easier, but we must teach them to follow Christ as citizens of another Kingdom. 

You may also like -

  • 4 Things You Didn’t Realize Kids Love
  • It’s National OMC DayIt’s National OMC Day
  • Seven Signs You’re a #kidmin PerfectionistSeven Signs You’re a #kidmin Perfectionist
  • Free Download – Father’s Day CraftFree Download – Father’s Day Craft

Filed Under: Training October 10, 2011

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Subscribe to Podcast

Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsAndroidby EmailRSS

Sign Up to receive the free Kids Ministry 101 Magazine!

Get the Digital Magazine Get the Print Magazine
Want to write for Lifeway Kids?

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 1,213 other subscribers

@LifeWayKids
FOLLOW
My Tweets

All Ministry Sites

Leadership
Kids Ministry
Student Ministry
Groups Ministry
Women’s Ministry
Worship Ministry

Digital Resources

Ministry Grid
Lifeway Worship
Digital Church
KidEvent Pro
MyCurriculum Manager
Simulcast Manager
Lifeway Reader eBooks
Generosity
WORDsearch
SmallGroup.com

Lifeway Network

Lifeway Research
B&H

Copyright © 2021 · Lifeway Christian Resources · All Rights Reserved