NewDay @ African Dream Family Church

Understanding the Kingdom of God (pt 29) : The Lost Art of Persistence: Compassion - Moved by Compassion: The Sharp Point of the Gospel

Why close this 29-week Kingdom series with compassion? Because a church full of activity without compassion for people who need the gospel is useless in Kingdom hands. This is the sharp point—where Kingdom teaching meets real human need. Using the Good Samaritan parable, Pastor Greg delivers what may be Jesus's most important teaching, embodying what it actually means to live in the Kingdom of God. Ordinary People Change the World Jesus sent out 72 ordinary people—tax collectors and fishermen—to preach the Gospel. They came back raving about Kingdom power. Then a smart lawyer asks: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus's plan is to evangelize the world using ordinary people demonstrating extraordinary power. Who Is My Neighbor? The lawyer answers correctly: "Love the Lord your God and your neighbor as yourself." But asks, "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus doesn't define it—He tells a story and changes the question from "Who is my neighbor?" to "Who am I a neighbor to?" The Despised Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) A Jewish man is beaten, robbed, left half-dead. A priest passes by. A Levite looks and passes by—both avoiding uncleanness that would prevent religious duties. Then comes a despised Samaritan. When he saw the man, he felt compassion and acted. Bandaged wounds, used his donkey, paid two silver coins, promised to return. What Is Compassion? Compassion means to suffer with, to feel with. You enter the world of the person you're ministering to. But you can only be compassionate when you know what compassion is. "We love because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19). When your tank is full of God's love, you have something to give. The Little Things This Samaritan changed a life with little things. Two silver coins. No long-term commitment. He didn't sell his house or relocate. It's the little things that change lives when we do right. This Kingdom advances through millions of little Christians doing little things, starting little fires everywhere. Being Politically/Socially Incorrect To call a Jew a Samaritan was offensive in that culture. Yet Jesus makes the despised Samaritan the hero. Are you willing to be politically or socially incorrect when you find a need? Redeem Your Time "Redeem the time, buy back the moments, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16). Daily our time is poised to be wasted. The enemy does everything to get you to waste time so that when someone needs help, your busyness turns you away. God is in your moments—driving, at your desk, in quiet times. He says, "Cross the road. I have something there for you." The Test How do you feel when confronted with the kingdom of darkness in someone's life? "Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you" (Matthew 7:12). If I was beaten and lying there, I'd want help. So when I see someone like that, let me help. Key Scriptures * Luke 10:25-37 (Good Samaritan) * Luke 10:1-23 (The 72 sent out) * 1 John 4:19 * Ephesians 5:16 * Matthew 7:12 * Colossians 4:5 Who This Episode Is For * Anyone who feels too ordinary to make a Kingdom difference * Christians caught in religious activity without practical compassion * Believers needing to understand what being a "neighbor" really means * Those asking "How can I make a difference?" (Start with little things) * Church members ready to move from theory to Kingdom action Keys to Persistence (Complete): 1. Forgiveness (Week 26) 2. Service (Week 27) 3. Prayer (Week 28) 4. Compassion (Week 29 - FINALE)

Understanding the Kingdom of God (pt 28) : Shameless Persistence: Why Prayer Changes Everything (Even When God Already Knows)

If God already knows everything and knows what you need before you ask, why pray? Can our prayers actually change events, or are things predetermined? Fresh from weeks in a high care ward with his father, Pastor Greg tackles these fundamental questions while revealing surprising truths about what happens when we pray. This isn't theory—it's hard-earned wisdom from sitting hour after hour with nothing to do but pray. Prayer is Breathing For Christians, prayer is everything. If you're not a person of prayer, you're operating on 5-10% of your potential. Prayer shifts the atmosphere, shifts God, but most importantly—prayer shifts you. There's no substitute. It produces results that non-prayer simply can't. The Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8) Jesus tells of a widow repeatedly coming to an unjust judge who doesn't fear God or care about people. Her shameless persistence wins. The judge finally says, "This woman is driving me crazy. I'll give her justice because she's wearing me out with constant requests." Shameless Persistence (Luke 11:5-8) A man knocks on his friend's door at midnight. Though the friend won't help for friendship's sake, Jesus says he'll respond "because of your shameless persistence." That's how you become one of God's favorites. The Power of Asking Asking isn't incidental—it's fundamental to human relationships. From a baby crying for milk, there is asking and giving. This shapes the very nature of God. He loves it when we ask. Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking (Matthew 7:7) "Keep on asking and you will receive. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened." But prayers that get answered are prayers God wants you to pray with right motive. Prayer as Relationship Prayer isn't throwing something out there. It's conversation. When you pray, you literally welcome His presence. You make yourself present to God—pitching up in His presence. Prayer is doing business with God. The Believer's Prayer Template Start with "Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done." Greg shares: "Sitting in high care hour after hour, I found myself praying 'Hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done.' When you submit to God's will, then if you ask, seek, and knock, you receive what He wants you to have." God Always Answers God always answers—yes, no, or later. He evaluates based on what He's doing in your life. His timing is perfect but not bound to our urgency. He answers when there's a kairos moment for the kingdom's benefit and yours. The Law of Request The law of request is more foundational than gravity because it affects us more. Asking and giving is fundamental to the universe. When we pray, we enter a working relationship with God Key Scriptures * Luke 18:1-8 (Persistent Widow) * Luke 11:5-8 (Friend at Midnight) * Matthew 7:7-8 (Ask, Seek, Knock) * 1 Thessalonians 5:17 * Hebrews 11:6 * The Lord's Prayer Pastor Greg: "The most important meeting for me in our church is Thursday night prayer. That's where we together find God's heartbeat." Questions: * Are you operating on 5-10% because you're not a person of prayer? * Are you praying with right motives, starting with God's will? * Have answered prayers grown your faith? Who This Episode Is For * Christians wondering why to pray if God already knows * Believers struggling with consistent prayer * Anyone discouraged by unanswered prayers * Those needing to understand prayer as relationship, not duty * Church members undervaluing corporate prayer

Understanding the Kingdom Part 27: The Heart of Radical Service: Moving from Entitlement to Unworthy Servant - Tom Purdy

What if everything you thought about serving God was backwards? What if the recognition you seek and appreciation you crave are symptoms of a heart that hasn't grasped the revolutionary nature of Kingdom service? The Parable That Changes Everything (Luke 17:7-10) When a servant comes in from working all day, does the master say "Come eat"? No. "Prepare my meal, serve me, then eat later." Does the master thank the servant? Of course not. Jesus concludes: "When you obey me, say, 'We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.'" The Uncomfortable Truth You, Christian, are entitled to nothing. When you were born, what did you deserve? Hell. That's the starting point for understanding Kingdom service. We are saved by grace through faith—there was nothing in us deserving of what Jesus has done. It was pure love. Obedience is the Minimum Obedience to God isn't something extra—it's the duty of anyone who follows Christ. Too many approach God transactionally: "Lord, if you will, then I will." But your life was purchased at an incredibly high price. It no longer belongs to you (Galatians 2:20). Good Christian vs. Following Jesus Tom shares his struggle: Option 1 - Leave ministry, go into business, tithe, don't lie, pray occasionally, be a "good Christian." Option 2 - Follow Jesus into what He's called him to do, even without preferred financial benefits. The question: Are you being a good Christian or following Jesus? The Service Mindset Shift * Stop seeking recognition for every act of service * Stop getting offended when efforts aren't acknowledged * Stop serving people, buildings, leadership—serve Jesus * Examine your motives: What do you expect when you serve? * What you do by default is who you really are From Slaves to Friends (John 15:14-16) The beautiful paradox: Jesus uses slave imagery to illustrate duty, then calls us friends. "I chose you to go and produce lasting fruit." How many of your pursuits will produce lasting fruit into the future? Key Scriptures * Luke 17:7-10 (The Unworthy Servant) * 2 Thessalonians 3:3-5 * Mark 10:43-45 * John 15:14-16 * Galatians 2:20 Practical Application Heart Examination: * What's your default when serving isn't acknowledged? * Are you serving for recognition or genuinely serving Jesus? * What has God called you to do, and what are you doing about it? * Are you just being a good Christian, or are you following Jesus? The Challenge: Many of us have no idea how to hear God for our lives. We're not deliberate enough to spend time with Him to recognize His voice. We meander and wander because we're not deliberate about knowing the God who saved us. He's alive and has called each of us for an incredible purpose. Who This Episode Is For * Believers who serve but feel unappreciated * Christians needing honest confrontation about service motives * Anyone treating their relationship with God as transactional * Leaders burned out from expecting recognition * Those feeling purposeless and unsure of God's calling * Mature believers ready for challenging truth Keys to Persistence: 1. Forgiveness (Week 26) 2. Service (Week 27 - This Episode) 3. Prayer (Upcoming) 4. Humility (Upcoming)

Understanding the kindom of God (Pt 26) : The Lost Art of Persistence : Why Your Spiritual Growth Demands More Than Grace Alone

About This Episode Have you ever wondered why some Christians seem to experience breakthrough after breakthrough while others remain spiritually stagnant? The difference isn't talent, intelligence, or even circumstances—it's persistence. In this powerful message, Pastor Greg challenges the passive approach many believers take toward their faith. While salvation is a free gift of grace, experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised requires something more: the lost art of persistence. What You'll Discover The Persistence Principle You are where you are because of what you've persisted in. Calvin Coolidge said it best: "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent." Your spiritual growth follows the same principle. Paul's Pattern (Philippians 3:10-14) The Apostle Paul uses powerful language throughout this passage: "I want to know... I want to experience... I want to suffer... I press on... I focus... I look forward." This is the vocabulary of someone who refuses to be passive about their relationship with God. The Five Non-Negotiables Pastor Greg outlines five essential disciplines for spiritual growth: 1. Church - When it's Sunday, it's church (unless you're dead or out of the country) 2. Bible - Daily reading that allows God's Word to read YOU 3. Prayer - Consistent communion with God 4. Giving - Understanding that all ten-tenths belong to God, not just one 5. Accountability - Relationships with people who will call you out because they love you Persistence in Forgiveness Why does Jesus start teaching about growing faith with the topic of offense and forgiveness? Because you cannot effectively minister to people without learning to quickly forgive and release offense. The "mulberry tree" principle from Luke 17 shows that with faith as small as a mustard seed, you can command the roots of bitterness out of your life before they destroy your effectiveness. Key Scriptures * Philippians 3:10-14 * 2 Peter 3:18 * Luke 13:24 * Luke 17:3-6 * 1 Corinthians 9:27 Practical Application Three Questions for Bible Reading: 1. What does this tell me about God? 2. What does this tell me about me? 3. What does God expect me to do in response? The Challenge: When was the last time you stretched yourself for something GOD wants—not what you want? Too many prayers are filled with "Oh Lord, I need..." while God waits with revelation and anointing to pour into your life. Who This Episode Is For * Believers who feel stuck in their spiritual growth * Christians who wonder why they're not experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised * Anyone struggling with offense, hurt, or relational challenges in ministry * Leaders and disciples who want to understand the difference between salvation by grace and kingdom living by faith * Those ready to move from passive Christianity to active pursuit of God Special Announcement Guest speaker Grant Crawford will be visiting for a special weekend of ministry, including Thursday night equipping for the whole church. Remember: The abundant, rich, and satisfying life Jesus came to give cannot come to those who are passive. God has been waiting with revelation and anointing to speak into your life—but it's going to take a decision and persistence.

Understanding the Kingdom of God (Pt 23) : God's Unfair Kingdom: Why the Last Will Be First - Understanding Divine Grace Through the Parable of the Workers

Have you ever felt that life is unfair? That others receive blessings they don't deserve while you work hard for everything? In this powerful message, we explore Jesus' revolutionary parable of the workers in the vineyard and discover why God's "unfairness" is actually our greatest hope. Key Scripture: Matthew 19:23-30, Matthew 20:1-16 Pastor Greg begins with a relatable story about being pulled over at a stop sign while others speed past unpunished, illustrating how we all wrestle with fairness. But here's the radical truth: If God was fair, we'd all go to hell. The gospel itself is beautifully unfair - the sinless Son of God became sin so sinners could be declared righteous. Main Points Covered: 1. What Do We Get Out of This? - Following Jesus isn't about earning rewards but receiving grace. The disciples, despite their youth and foolishness, were promised to sit on twelve thrones judging Israel - not because of their ability, but their willingness to say "yes" to Jesus. 2. The Call to Work - The parable reveals a massive harvest requiring many workers. Whether called at 7am or 5pm, all workers receive the same wage - eternal life - based on the owner's generosity, not their effort. 3. God's Glorious Unfairness - God gives gifts we don't deserve and withholds punishment we do deserve. The thief on the cross received the same salvation as lifelong disciples. This isn't boring grace - it's amazing grace! 4. The Curse of Comparison - The early workers' complaint reveals our heart condition. When we compare ourselves to others, envy creeps in and sours our gratitude. As Paul warns, "When they measure themselves by themselves... they are not wise" (2 Corinthians 10:12). 5. Two Kingdoms Colliding - There's the worldly order of competition where the privileged rule, and God's kingdom where He takes the rejected and makes them beautiful. We become touchpoints between these two realms. 6. Cheap Grace? - Grace is free to us but cost the Father everything. With a simple "Come, follow me," Jesus invites us from last place to first, from nobody to somebody, from purposeless to purposeful. Powerful Truths: - "The last will be first, and the first will be last" (Matthew 19:30) - Your weakness qualifies you for God's strength - Work gives purpose, not just provision - We're called to reign as priests on earth (Revelation 5:10) - Whether saved at age 10 or 70, all receive the same eternal life Application: Stop comparing your spiritual journey to others. Whether you've served God for decades or just arrived at the 11th hour, His grace is equally generous. Your "inability" is exactly what God wants to use for His glory. Say yes to His call, regardless of the hour. Prayer Focus: If you don't know Jesus personally, He's near you right now. Simply confess Him as Lord, acknowledge your need for Him, and receive His amazing, unfair, generous grace. Connect with us for resources, find a local church, or share how this message impacted you. Remember: In God's economy, nothing + nobody + willingness = everything!