The Last Kingdom, Part 1: Lost in Translation // Andy Stanley
Jan 19, 2025
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Discover the profound implications of viewing Jesus as the ultimate king rather than just a ticket to heaven. Delve into the political weight of the term 'Christos' and how it shaped Jesus' interactions with Roman authorities. Explore the transformative concept of His kingdom on earth and learn why this perspective changes everything about faith. Get ready to rethink your understanding of the good news that Jesus' arrival brings to all people.
Re-centering faith around Jesus as the king rather than merely a savior enriches our understanding of his kingdom and purpose.
Critically reflecting on simplistic faith frameworks can lead to a deeper, more active participation in God's everlasting kingdom.
Deep dives
The Last Kingdom Series Introduction
The episode introduces a new series titled The Last Kingdom, drawing inspiration from the historical fiction series by Bernard Cornwell and its Netflix adaptation. The speaker emphasizes that while the original Last Kingdom reflects a historical narrative, the New Testament authors assert that God's final kingdom will last forever. This belief stems from their close relationship with Jesus, whom they viewed not merely as a savior, but as the king who establishes an everlasting kingdom. The speaker's goal is to have listeners accept Jesus as this king and to see the New Testament through this transformative lens.
Framework of Faith
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the simplistic faith frameworks they grew up with, which often determine their perspectives on Christian beliefs. The speaker describes his own upbringing, where foundational narratives about God’s creation, the fall of man, and salvation through Jesus were presented as a linear belief system. These templates shaped understanding of sin, the afterlife, and the very nature of faith itself. As individuals grow and seek deeper understanding, these frameworks often require revision or modern interpretation to make sense of their faith in today's context.
Jesus' True Identity
The speaker asserts that common understandings of Jesus as merely a savior diminish the richness of his identity as the king, which the New Testament emphasizes. He highlights the significant discrepancy that Jesus himself never claimed the title of savior; instead, his titles often pointed to his kingship and authority. This critical yet overlooked distinction aims to shift listeners' perspectives, encouraging them to recognize Jesus's inherent royal status rather than limiting his role to personal salvation. This re-centering on Jesus as king reshapes the understanding of his teachings and invites a more profound engagement with his narrative in the New Testament.
Invitation to Participate in the Kingdom
Listeners are invited to view their faith as an opportunity to participate in God’s kingdom rather than a mere insurance policy for the afterlife. The speaker stresses that the essence of Christianity is not about individual salvation alone but involves being an active member within God's final kingdom on Earth. By reframing this relationship, individuals can discover a deeper purpose in their daily lives, one that reflects the king and his kingdom values. The overarching message encourages listeners to open their eyes to the reality of Jesus as king and the transformative implications of this understanding.
If we re-center our faith around the arrival of a King rather than a ticket to heaven, we will discover why his arrival and his kingdom is good news for all people.