Gray Areas

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Thy Kingdom Come - Gray Areas

Written on the hearts of men Romans 2:15

How do you decide things?

When you live for God and the Kingdom of Light, Kingdom values should affect how you discern and decide.

And culture and the ways of the kingdom of darkness creep in and make things gray

What if you could know that you were discerning and deciding in alignment with the Kingdom of Light?

4 gospels: Matt 21:1-11 (can open to this one), Mark 11:1-10, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-15

Jesus & disciples were approaching Jerusalem (where all the sacrifices took place, the religious and social capital) John 12:12

First Jesus gives instructions

Matthew 21:1-3 NIV As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

Matthew 21:4 NIV This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

“Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey,

and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

Jesus has a plan beyond what you know or can understand

Matthew 21:6-8 NIV The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

King Jehu

2 Kings 9:13 They quickly took their cloaks and spread them under him on the bare steps. Then they blew the trumpet and shouted, “Jehu is king!”

Matthew 21:9 NIV The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Discernment is knowing what is Right vs Almost Right

8 Value-based questions you can ask:

What does God’s Word say? Does it warn against or encourage it?

Psalm 119:105 KJV Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path

The Word of God is everlasting, applicable, and alive. Following it requires obedience and trust in God’s plan.

What is my heart's motive?

Psalm 139:23-24 NIV "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

“We must not think of the clothes on our backs too dear to part with for the service of Christ” - Matthew Henry commentary

We need to hold our “coats” out and make sure that not only the logic aligns but that our affections are in line.

Where might I see the consequence of this in my life?

1 Corinthians 6:12 TLB I can do anything I want to if Christ has not said no, but some of these things aren’t good for me. Even if I am allowed to do them, I’ll refuse to if I think they might get such a grip on me that I can’t easily stop when I want to.

Choose what makes you happy holy.

Is this what Jesus would do?

1 John 1:6 Anyone who says he is a Christian should live as Christ did.

Does it bring glory to God?

1 Cor 10:31 NIV So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Africa Dominican Republic Alaska Japan

Haiku Poem

Domain of shadows

Spirit, my fog navigator

Priceless Kingdom light

Matthew 5:16 NIV In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Will it set the right example for others that might be watching?

Romans 14:13 “Try to live in such a way that you will never make your brother stumble by letting him see you do something he thinks is wrong”

Daniel 12:3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.

God created us for community - be a light magnifier not a shadow maker.

Have I discussed with others that are kingdom-minded?

John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever

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