Building the Kingdom: Embracing God's Multicultural Vision
Pastor Hunter Bingham
October 13, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction
Welcome to Justice Sunday, a special day to highlight Solid Rock’s commitment to justice as a core aspect of God's heart.
Introduction to today’s theme: “What kind of kingdom are we building?”
Key focus: Building a multicultural, multiracial kingdom in partnership with God as followers of Jesus.
Scripture Reading: Revelation 7:9-10
A vision of God’s kingdom: A multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne.
The crowd is worshiping God, showing the fullness of the kingdom of God.
Main Teaching: God's Multicultural Kingdom
The picture of Revelation reflects the kind of kingdom we are called to build.
The diversity in heaven mirrors the kind of community we should strive for on earth.
As disciple-missionaries, we partner with God to bring His kingdom to earth as it is in heaven.
Personal Story
Pastor Michael shares about his sons, Isaac and Asher, and how they build things differently.
Asher builds creatively but struggles with stability.
Isaac builds methodically, following instructions closely.
Comparison to how we build God's kingdom: Are we following God's vision or trying to build our own version?
The Kingdom of God
The kingdom is diverse and unified, bringing together people from all cultures and backgrounds.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s lament that Sunday at 11 AM is the most segregated hour in America.
Despite America’s increasing racial diversity, churches still lag in reflecting this diversity.
Statistics on lack of racial diversity in churches and experiences of prejudice within diverse congregations.
Why a Multicultural, Multiracial Kingdom is Central to God’s Plan
Biblical narrative shows God's heart for all people, from Genesis to Revelation.
God's command to Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply, spreading across the earth and creating culture.
Jesus’ ministry included reaching people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
The early church pioneered multicultural communities, but it was often messy and involved addressing racial tensions.
Challenges and Call to Action
The church has historically failed to embrace racial reconciliation fully.
Racial privilege and systemic racism continue to affect communities today.
Acknowledging our privilege and using it for the sake of others is central to the gospel.
Reflecting on what incorrect attitudes or systems remain unchallenged within our personal lives and the church.
The importance of listening to the stories of those who have experienced racial prejudice.
Witnessing to the Beauty of God’s Multicultural Kingdom
Acts 2 as a model for a Spirit-filled, multicultural church.
The miracle of speaking in different languages was a sign of the inclusivity and diversity of the church.
Our lives together as a multicultural community are a witness to the world of the beauty of God’s kingdom.
Practical steps to building this kingdom include fostering relationships across racial and cultural divides.
Multicultural Potluck Event
Hosting a multicultural potluck to celebrate diverse cultures and share stories.
Encouragement for everyone to bring a dish representing their culture and invite friends.
Global Mission: Vision Trip to Mexico City
Encouragement to join the upcoming vision trip to Mexico City as a way to extend God’s kingdom globally.
The partnership with Mexico City represents Solid Rock’s commitment to global outreach and justice.
Conclusion
Call for continued learning and conversation around racial reconciliation.
Encouragement to lean into the beauty and messiness of building a diverse kingdom.
Final prayer asking God to help the congregation pursue justice, build the kingdom, and be a witness to the world.
Closing Worship
Invitation to worship with the focus on the hope and joy of partnering with God to build His kingdom on earth.
Encouragement to celebrate the breaking down of the dividing wall of hostility through the cross of Christ.
Biblical References
Revelation 7:9-10
"After this, I looked and behold a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and people and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands, crying out with a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.'"Genesis 1:27-28
"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.'"Matthew 28:19
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations."Ephesians 2:8-10
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."Ephesians 2:13-16
"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility."Isaiah 56:7 (referenced in Matthew 21)
"For my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."
Reflection Questions
What steps can I take to develop a deeper understanding of God's heart for the nations, and how can I apply that understanding in my daily life?
How am I actively contributing to building a multicultural and multiracial kingdom of God in my local community, and what can I do to strengthen this commitment?
In what ways might I be unintentionally building 'my own kingdom' instead of focusing on God's vision for a united, diverse community?
How can I become more aware of the racial and cultural dynamics within my church, and what role can I play in fostering greater unity and understanding?
How does the vision of God’s kingdom in Revelation 7:9-10 challenge my perspective on diversity and inclusion within the church, and how can I better align my actions with that vision?
Daily Activities
Attend a Multicultural Event
Activity: Attend a Multicultural Event
Application: Engage with people from different backgrounds and reflect on how this experience expands your understanding of God’s multicultural kingdom.
Host a Multicultural Dinner
Activity: Host a Multicultural Dinner
Application: Share food, stories, and experiences from different cultures, and discuss how diversity reflects the beauty of God's kingdom.
Volunteer in a Cross-Cultural Ministry
Activity: Volunteer in a Cross-Cultural Ministry
Application: Serve a community from a different ethnic or racial background and reflect on how your service contributes to the unity of God's kingdom.
Educate Yourself on Racial Reconciliation
Activity: Educate Yourself on Racial Reconciliation
Application: Learn from books, seminars, or documentaries, and consider how you can implement changes in your own life that promote racial unity and justice in the church.
Pray for Global Missions
Activity: Pray for Global Missions
Application: Commit to praying for missionaries or churches in other countries, supporting global efforts to build God’s multicultural kingdom.
