Exploring the kingdom of God in the Book of Acts

Welcome to another exploration of faith where we dive into the second episode of "Wait. That's an Ax", exploring the intriguing and often surprising stories from the Book of Acts. In this episode, hosts Sharon Hobbes and Melissa Phipps discuss the multidimensional concept of the Kingdom of God, a theme that resonates with timeless relevance.

Understanding the Kingdom
Sharon Hobbes, a teacher and scriptural enthusiast, along with Melissa Phipps, who asks the questions we're too shy to ask, guides listeners through the Gospel messages shared in Acts. They emphasize the duality of the Kingdom of God: it’s both an internal spiritual transformation and a systemic spreading of influence across nations.

The Kingdom as Internal and External
The Kingdom of God may not refer to a physical land—it begins internally with understanding and accepting God's rule within oneself. This internal transformation then leads to a broader influence, affecting nations and ultimately the world. In Acts, it's a living story about change and empowerment through divine authority versus worldly chaos.
Linking this to real-life examples, they discuss how societal changes, like those triggered by social media, can reflect the impact of the Kingdom spreading metaphorically, like leaven or a mustard seed, as described in biblical parables.

Influence Through Ambassadorship
The hosts provide an engaging discussion about being ambassadors of the Kingdom—representatives of God’s love, justice, and influence in every aspect of our lives. They draw parallels with present-day expressions such as the Olympics or national ambassadorship, reinforcing the idea that as believers, individuals carry the embassy of God's Kingdom wherever they go.

Learning from Acts
This week, the episode dives deep into the opening chapters of Acts. The hosts provide insights into how the early church navigated their world amid Roman oppression, awaiting promises of power and guidance through the Holy Spirit. Through interactive storytelling, Acts illustrates the spiritual paradox of seeing a kingdom that is both present among us and yet coming.

Conclusion: Continuing the Journey
In closing, Sharon and Melissa invite listeners and readers to ponder these mysteries together, to find inspiration in the book of Acts. Their engaging dialogue encourages ongoing exploration and understanding of how these ancient truths can impact our modern worldview.

If you found these insights into the Kingdom of God interesting or helpful, share this post with a friend. Join Sharon and Melissa as they continue their exploration every week, asking questions that enlighten our paths and deepen our faith. Keep discovering the God who surprises us with a kingdom more profound and wonderful than imagined.

Find more engaging conversations and enriching topics on your preferred podcast platform. Until next time, keep asking questions and uncovering the marvelous truths of faith.