Sermon Recap
This week in part two of the “Kingdom Culture: The Invitation”, focused on Jesus’ call to His first disciples and the stark contrast between worldly culture and Kingdom culture. Using Matthew 4:18–20 as the central theme, the message highlighted how Jesus invited ordinary fishermen—Peter and Andrew, James and John—to leave behind their nets and follow Him. Unlike the world’s system, which is built on performance, possessions, and self-promotion, Kingdom culture is rooted in Christ, humility, forgiveness, and eternal purpose. The heart of the invitation is simple yet radical: “Come, follow Me.”
Discipleship in Jesus’ day was not a casual commitment but an all-consuming way of life. A disciple’s entire existence revolved around three goals—being with their rabbi, becoming like their rabbi, and doing what their rabbi did. When Jesus issued His call, He wasn’t offering self-help advice or a new philosophy; He was calling people into an entirely new way of life. His invitation broke cultural norms, as He chose not the elite or religiously qualified, but fishermen, tax collectors, sinners, and outcasts. Through Luke 9:23, it was emphasized that Jesus’ call is still the same today: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
The story of Peter’s calling in Luke 5 added further depth. After witnessing a miraculous catch of fish, Peter fell to his knees, confessing his unworthiness. Yet, Jesus still chose him, showing that He doesn’t call the perfect, but the broken—those willing to drop their nets and follow. This is the essence of Kingdom culture: Jesus sees not who we were, but who we can become in Him. He takes the overlooked and transforms them into world-changers. His invitation is available to anyone who will say “yes.”
The message concluded with a challenge. Too often, believers desire Jesus as Savior but resist Him as Lord, seeking forgiveness without surrender and blessing without obedience. But Kingdom culture requires submission to the King. To follow Christ means to drop the nets of comfort, self-reliance, and worldly priorities, and step fully into His way of life. The invitation is open to all: follow Jesus, not your own heart; release what holds you back; and embrace the abundant life of the Kingdom. This is the call of discipleship. This is Kingdom culture.
Key Scripture
Matthew 4:18–20 – Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John to leave everything and follow Him.
Luke 5:1–11 – Peter’s miraculous catch of fish and his response to Jesus’ call.
Luke 9:23 – Deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Jesus.
Discussion Questions
Following Jesus vs. Worldly Culture: The sermon contrasts worldly culture with Kingdom culture. In what areas of your life do you find yourself following worldly values instead of Christ’s ways, and how can you begin to align with Kingdom culture?
Dropping Your Nets: Peter, Andrew, James, and John left everything to follow Jesus. What “nets” in your life—habits, priorities, or comforts—might you need to let go of to fully follow Him?
Discipleship: Jesus called ordinary, broken, and overlooked people to follow Him. How does this truth affect your understanding of who can be a disciple, and how can you live out that Kingdom culture in your community?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us into Your Kingdom and inviting us to follow Jesus with our whole hearts. Help us to drop the nets that hold us back—our comfort, our pride, and our worldly pursuits—and fully surrender to Your plans. Teach us to live in Kingdom culture, loving others, serving with humility, and seeking Your righteousness above all else. Strengthen us to trust You, obey You, and walk daily in Your presence, so that our lives bring glory to Your name. Amen.
Life Application
Identify and Release Your “Nets”: Reflect on the habits, priorities, or comforts that are keeping you from fully following Jesus, and take concrete steps to let them go—whether that’s an ungodly relationship, a career focus, a personal ambition, or a lifestyle choice.
Practice Kingdom Culture Daily: Commit to living out Kingdom values each day—seek God first, serve others with humility, show forgiveness and love, and align your decisions with Jesus’ teachings rather than worldly expectations.
Don’t Forget!
Sign up for classes this Fall
Rooted- Sept 21 after second service
Conversations Through Ephesians- Wed nights Sept 24- Oct 29th
Kids Club: Live Like Jesus- Wed nights Sept 24- Oct 29th
Starting Point- Sunday Mornings Sept 28- Oct 26
Additional Resources
Sermon Playback & Video Resources | Spotify Playlist | Church Center App