A Better Kingdom

Jesus is Better

“Are we in the West?” This is the first thing that Peter Strelzyk said when he and seven others landed their homemade hot air balloon. The West German border patrol said, “Of course, where else would you be?” And at this response, all eight of the refugees broke into rejoicing. They had finally escaped and found freedom from their communist oppressors. 

Several years earlier Peter Strelzyk had teamed up with his friend Gunter Wetzel to plan an escape from East Germany. The plan was straight forward but audacious. They would secretly construct a hot air balloon and float across the border at night. For eighteen months they worked on sewing together scraps of cloth to build the envelope and welding bits of metal to build the gondola. They had to be very careful to keep their work hidden lest the Stasi (East German Police) found out about their plans. They would surely face imprisonment or worse. 

Twice they had failed attempts at crossing the border. Each time the balloon envelope was just too small. But finally on the night of September 16, 1979 these two men, along with their wives and children, got into the gondola and floated to freedom. 

Their story was an inspiration to the world, displaying the human spirit for freedom. In our passage for this Sunday, we see a call for every Christian to desire a better country. A call to flee from the kingdom of fear and death into the kingdom of freedom and life. In this kingdom, there is a better city, a better community, and a better kingdom. And what we will see is that we are all called to come into this better kingdom to eternally enjoy the reward of faith. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon Hebrews 12:18-24, Exodus 19:16-25, Isaiah 25:6-9, John 14:1-3, 1 Peter 2:9-12, Revelation 21:1-4, and the Westminster Confession of Faith 8.

As we gather to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit this Lord’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “All You That Fear Jehovah’s Name,” the Acclamation of Praise, “Rejoice, the Lord Is King,” and the Hymn of Response “By Faith.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him! 

Sermon Information

Text: Hebrews 12:18-24

Title: A Better Kingdom 

Outline:

1. Every Christian Must Desire a Better City (v. 22a)
2. Every Christian Must Desire a Better Community (vv. 22-23)
3. Every Christian Must Desire a Better King (vv. 23-24)

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