3 Keys to Unlocking the Kingdom of Heaven

The weekend doesn't have to end. Keep Talking on your own or with a group.

Start Talking – Find conversation starters for the group or with a friend.

• Who taught you how to use your first cell phone? If you’re like me, you still don’t know how to use some features on those complicated devices. What’s one question you still have about your cell phone?
  
• Do you use Face ID, Touch ID (your fingerprint), or a password to unlock your phone? Why have Face and Touch ID become so popular? What extra measure of protection do they provide?

Keep Reading – Read the Scripture and ask a question to get the group thinking.

John 14:1-14

• Read this passage and notice the promises in it for you. Which promise is most precious to you and why?
• The primary verse for this sermon is John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” This is one of the seven great “I am” statements in the Gospel of John. Share the most meaningful truth in this verse to you and why.

Genesis 1:27-28

• This passage teaches that we are made in the “image of God.” What does this mean, and how are we supposed to reflect this each day?
• According to this passage, one of our tasks is to “reign over,” or as the KJV says, “to have dominion over” the created order. What does this look like in today’s world? Pastor Jimmy said once we recognize we can be authorized users in the kingdom, we can “dominate what has been dominating us.” What did he mean by that?

Matthew 4:17

From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the kingdom of Heaven is near.”

• If you have repented of your sins, what did you do when you first did it? How did you realize you needed to repent?
• How did Pastor Jimmy define the “kingdom of Heaven?” What are the four essential elements of any kingdom?

Keep Talking – Choose questions to create openness.

John 14:6 reminds us of three truths about the kingdom of Heaven:

1. Authorized Users Know the Way to the Kingdom.

• What did Pastor Jimmy mean when he said, “Jesus didn’t want just to give directions, but instructions too”? How do we hear or learn of those instructions?
• Jesus isn’t just a way or a path, but he is the way to a Person – Jesus! Why is it so much better to be led to a Person than to be given directions only?

2. Authorized Users Know the Truth of the Kingdom.

• Read John 14:8-11 again. How is it possible that disciples could “hang around with Jesus and yet still didn’t know who Jesus really was?”
• Pastor Jimmy said there are two types of truths: facts/information and faith. Which does our culture seem to promote the most? Which do you seem to be preoccupied with the most? What two things could a Christian do to change their focus more to faith?
• What did Pastor Jimmy mean when he said, “Don’t let what you’re looking at determine what you see?”

3. Authorized Users Have Life in the Kingdom.

• Kingdom people are different. Culture tells everyone to live life, and even tells them how to live it, but in the kingdom of Heaven, the truth is you don’t just live life – you have life! Share what this means to you and how it can change how you live today.
• Pastor Jimmy shared his story explaining how he came to have this life that Jesus offers. He closed by saying, “When I changed my identification, I started having life.” Can you share a time when you’ve experience this?

Keep Moving/Going – Commit to a step and live it out this week.

• What is your next step after hearing this message?

— I want to accept Jesus as “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” by receiving him as my Lord and Savior! I no longer want to just hang around Jesus – I want to know Jesus. If this is your decision, share this desire and decision with someone today!

— I am a citizen of the kingdom, and I know King Jesus, yet I want to grow in the truth of my faith, and make changes to grow in that faith every day.

— I need to share this message with someone this week.

• Pick one of this week’s key Scriptures and make it a reminder on your phone. Spend a few minutes repeating it and thinking about it each day.
• S.O.A.P out the Scripture this week.

Keep Praying

• Prayer requests from everyone in the group.
• Prayer

Keep Praising

“Battle Belongs” – Phil Wickham

“Who You Say I Am” – Hillsong Worship

“Too Good Not To Praise” – MVMNT Music

“Fresh Wind” – Hillsong Worship

Or check out our "Faith Over Fear" playlist on Spotify and Apple Music.

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