Kingdom Principle: Jesus is Lord. This is the message that was championed by the early church. It is one that effects every avenue of life. When we understand that Jesus is Lord over all things, we humbly submit to his will for our lives and declare his goodness to all we encounter. Romans 10:9–13 (ESV) — 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 2 Responses to Jesus’ Saving PowerThe _____________________________ ResponseLuke 8:37 (ESV) — 37 Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. There are a lot of reasons someone might reject Jesus, but at the end of the day it is because they cannot tolerate his presence among them. The demands he places on them is too much to bear.The _____________________________ ResponseLuke 8:38–39 (ESV) — 38 The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him. The Man’s MissionLuke 8:39 (ESV) — 39 “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” Jesus redirects this man’s purpose from what he might expect or even what he pleads for.2 Corinthians 12:7–10 (ESV) — 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Jesus’ mission for this man was sufficient even though it wasn’t what he pleaded for. Whatever mundane mission field the Lord has called you to may be exactly where the Lord desires for you to be. The Man’s MessageLuke 8:39 (ESV) — 39 “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.”This man had been transformed. He did not know the saving power of Jesus merely in theory, he knew it in application. He was to tell of all that the Lord did for him.John 9:24–25 (ESV) — 24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” God has made himself evident in the transformation of the sinner. What Jesus has done for each one of us is a powerful testimony to his existence and grace. Questions to ConsiderIn what ways is the Lord calling you to submit to his good and sovereign plan for you life?In what ways might you declare Jesus power to save in your life?
