The kingdom of God is the reign that God brings about through Jesus Christ.

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ¹⁵ “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” —Mark 1:14-15 NIV

The kingdom of God is growing and subtly taking ground.

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. ³² Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” —Matthew 13:31-32

The kingdom of God is where all people can find a home.

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, ¹⁰ and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” —Revelation 7:9-10 ESV

How does the kingdom of God grow? God outfits us with His power to be his witnesses.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. —Acts 1:8 ESV

• Often, we don’t see God’s power because we’re waiting for the power of God to move us; and God is waiting for us to move so He can demonstrate his power.

When we take small steps of faith in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit, God demonstrates his miracle power.

• God shows his power through our lives when we respond to his call.

When we do what God leads us to do, God does what only He can do.

• The power of God is on the other side of our obedience.

Discipleship Guide

Let’s Connect

• Share a time when God did a lot with just a little in your life. What did you learn from your experience?

Let’s Talk About It

The kingdom of God is the reign and rulership that God brings about through Jesus Christ. God invites us to participate with Him in the expansion of His kingdom. The early followers of Jesus understood this. Wherever they walked, people were healed, saved, and delivered. As illustrated by Jesus in the parable of the mustard seed, God uses the small and seemingly insignificant to spread His power and love. The same power that empowered Jesus’ disciples is available for you! It’s a power that is active to heal, save and transform.

Mark 1:14-15; Matthew 13:31-32; John 12:24; Acts 1:8; Revelation 7:9-10; Mark 16:15-18; 1 Corinthians 2:9

• What part of the message impacted, caught your attention, or challenged you?

• Read Mark 1:14-15. When you think of the kingdom of God, what comes to mind?

• Read Matt 13:31-32. How have you seen God use seemingly small & insignificant things to display His power through your life or through the lives of others?

• Read Acts 1:8. Discuss with your group what Pastor Gregg said: “Often we don’t see God’s power because we’re waiting for the power of God to move us; and God is waiting for us to move so He can demonstrate his power.” How does having greater conviction about who Jesus is and His power, motivate you towards greater action for Jesus?

• Pastor Kaui and Jeanne took small steps of faith in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Where might God be waiting for you to respond to his call, so he can show his power in or through your life? What step of faith should you take in response to his call?

Take a Step

• Take some time to quiet your heart and listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying. Take a step of obedience in that direction.
• Perhaps baptism is your step! Talk to your Grace Group leader about our upcoming baptisms on October 24 & 31.
• SOAP reading: Download the Grace Honolulu app to view this week’s SOAP reading. Select “Bible” in the bottom banner of the app. You’ll find the plan to the right of the book selection.

Here’s My Prayer

• Lord, thank You that You choose to work through the small and seemingly insignificant things. Work through my life to expand Your kingdom. Increase my faith to take small steps into what You’re calling me to do. In Jesus’ name, amen.