Rediscovering Jesus’ Counter-Cultural Call to Church and Society
Introduction
The Kingdom message Jesus proclaimed challenged the norms of both the Roman political system and the Jewish religious establishment of His time. Today, that same message remains counter-cultural, often out of step with the values of modern society and the church. To fully embrace the life Jesus calls us to, we need a renewed Kingdom Consciousness—a perspective that returns us to His original teaching and mission, reshaping how we engage with the world and live out our faith.
1: The Jewish Expectations of the Messiah: Anticipations Rooted in Prophecy
Explore the expectations of the Jewish people regarding the Messiah, rooted in Old Testament prophecy. Understand how their hopes for a conquering king diverged from the spiritual mission of Jesus, the sacrificial lamb.
2: A Kingdom Misunderstood: Jesus and His Era
The Kingdom message preached by Jesus was revolutionary, but it did not align with the expectations of the various groups of His time. This misalignment led to fierce misunderstandings among His key supporters, head-on conflict with religious authorities, and ultimately, to His crucifixion.
3: The Historical Evolution from Kingdom Focus to Salvation-Centered Gospel
This section explores the church’s transformation from emphasizing the Kingdom of God to prioritizing individual salvation. Spanning from the early church era to the modern day, it examines how cultural, theological, and political forces shaped this shift, highlighting the need to rediscover and integrate Jesus’ original Kingdom message.
4: The Emasculated Church: Consequences of Losing the Kingdom Focus
When the focus shifted from the Kingdom to individual salvation, the church lost its power and influence. This section explores how sidelining the call to seek the Kingdom has resulted in a church that is less impactful, disconnected from its mission, and compromised in its witness.
5: The Kingdom: An Spiritual Autocracy in a Democratic Society
In a world where democracy is seen as the ideal, the concept of the Kingdom—where God’s authority is absolute—can feel foreign. This section examines how Kingdom Consciousness challenges the church to re-embrace the truth of God’s sovereign rule and lead with moral clarity in a society drifting toward relativism.
6: The Kingdom and Salvation: Bridging the Theological Divide
While Paul’s teachings on grace and salvation are crucial, they must be seen in the light of Jesus’ Kingdom message. This section explores how the Protestant focus on salvation has often overshadowed the Kingdom message, calling for a rebalancing to emphasize both salvation and Kingdom living.
7: Grace and Accountability: A Call to Righteous Living
The overemphasis on grace without accountability has led to a lack of genuine repentance and spiritual fruit. This section discusses how Kingdom Consciousness calls for a deeper understanding of grace—one that transforms lives, produces righteousness, and honors God’s holiness.
8: Seeking First: Beyond Physical Blessings
Kingdom promises often become entangled with expectations of health and wealth, overshadowing the deeper spiritual transformation Jesus offers. This section encourages believers to seek spiritual intimacy and prioritize eternal treasures, aligning their hearts with God’s will.
9: A Call for a Kingdom Consciousness Movement
In the same way that Steve Biko championed the Black Consciousness movement, there is a need for a Kingdom Consciousness Movement today—one that reclaims the message of the Kingdom, fosters authentic Christian community, and empowers believers to live countercultural lives in alignment with God’s vision.