Our goal should be to live by a constitution that feels too good to be true – a set of rules and principles meant to guide us into a flourishing life. Sadly, this often seems impossible in a world so far from such a system.
In this installment of the “Setting the Table” series, Bryan and Matt dig deep into The Kingdom Constitution, navigate the tension between our earthly reality and the upside-down, joy-filled kingdom of God.
The problem is clear: many of us are living in the “empire” of this world, struggling to trust institutions like the church and government, while yearning for the transformative power of God’s kingdom. But how do we live out these radical, counter-cultural principles of God’s kingdom in a world that feels broken and disillusioned?
This episode invites listeners into the challenging yet liberating process of learning to live under God’s rule – a journey that promises joy, creativity, and intimacy with the Holy Spirit.
Chapter Markers:
- 00:00 – Introduction: The Kingdom Constitution
- 02:35 – Trust in Institutions vs. God’s Kingdom
- 07:01 – Defining the Kingdom Constitution: God’s Perfect Design
- 11:55 – The Challenge of Engaging with Scripture
- 16:01 – Biblical Principles Work, Whether We See Them or Not
- 18:43 – The Sermon on the Mount: The Condensed Kingdom Constitution
- 22:27 – The Beatitudes: Pathway to Joy
- 26:23 – Joy as a Person: The Role of Jesus in Joy
- 33:46 – Laughter and Joy as Hallmarks of the Kingdom
- 39:23 – Creativity and Joy in the Kingdom
- 44:20 – Extravagant Love: The Woman with the Alabaster Jar
- 50:43 – Sacrificial Living: The Story of William Borden
- 55:22 – Empire vs. Kingdom: The Tension We Live In
- 01:03:57 – The Invitation to Holiness and Suffering
- 01:09:14 – Closing Prayer of St. Francis: Living as a Sacrifice