The Whole Story: A Life in God's Kingdom, Part FourSample

Family Devotional:

One of the most crucial aspects of understanding the kingdom of God is to grasp the importance of allegiance. Allegiance, or loyalty, is the decision to side with a party in both thought and action. In today’s reading, we see the issue of allegiance rear its head. In these days, many outside influences were begging for the loyalty of Israel – pagan practices, beliefs, and worship. YHWH, however, asked that his people would turn from such allegiance, and instead place their loyalty in him. In many ways, the theme of allegiance is a thread that runs throughout the whole story of the Bible.

Daily Demonstration:

Similar to Israel in the Old Testament, today’s world consists of many aspects of culture that demand your loyalty. Everything from brands, to thought patterns, to financial institutions demand your allegiance. Perhaps there is no greater time to examine where your loyalties lie than today. Are there aspects of culture that have put God in the backseat? Be honest about those things. Look to God as your source for life today and pray a prayer of allegiance and loyalty to his kingdom.

Additional Resources:

• Seven Minute Seminary, YouTube, Seedbed, John Barclay, The Gospel & the Empire
• Matthew Bates, Gospel Allegiance, (Amazon)