Date: October 25, 2026
Speaker: Pastor John Hardie
Sermon Series: What a Kingdom, What a King
Sermon: Kingdoms at War
Scripture: Luke 9–11
Message Summary
There are two kingdoms at war, but our enemy is no match for our King. Throughout Luke's Gospel, Jesus demonstrates His authority over evil spirits and empowers His followers to participate in His victorious work. Though the spiritual realm is invisible, the battle is real, and no one can remain neutral. As followers of Christ, we are called to recognize the enemy's influence, resist deception and temptation, and live fully surrendered to Jesus. Through the Holy Spirit, we can stand firm in faith, walk in freedom, and confidently participate in the work of God's Kingdom. Yet our greatest joy is not in exercising spiritual authority, but in knowing that we belong to Christ and that our names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20). Our confidence rests not in our own strength, but in the victory Jesus has already won through His death and resurrection.
Quote of the Week
“Yes, there are Two Kingdoms at war, but our enemy is NO MATCH FOR OUR KING.”
— Pastor John Hardie
Key Lessons: Seven Practices of New Spiritual Life
New spiritual life comes from sincerely:
1. Confessing Jesus as Lord. Recognizing Jesus as King and giving Him authority over every area of our lives.
2. Seeking and extending forgiveness. Asking Jesus to forgive all our sins and to help us forgive, from the heart, everyone who has sinned against us.
3. Surrendering control to Christ. Aligning our lives with the values of His Kingdom rather than insisting on our own way.
4. Trusting Him with our lives. Placing our confidence in His grace, love, and sovereign care.
5. Being formed by His Word. Allowing God's Word to shape our thoughts, decisions, relationships, and actions as we grow in faith and obedience to Him.
6. Being filled and refilled with the Holy Spirit. Continually depending on the Spirit's presence, guidance, and power.
7. Denying the flesh. Turning away from pride, envy, selfishness, and the desires that compete with our devotion to Christ.
Each of these works of grace leads us toward the freedom and joy of living as children of God, born from above.
Recognizing the Enemy’s Influence
Pastor John also challenged us to recognize five spiritual dangers that can go unnoticed in everyday life:
· Failing to recognize Satan’s influence: Forgetting that we live in a world where spiritual opposition is real and that we must remain attentive to the battle around us.
· Deception: Allowing lies, cultural influences, and distorted ideas to pull us away from God’s truth.
· Willful disobedience: Choosing our own desires over God’s commands, even when we know what is right.
· Too much time alone with the internet: Recognizing that isolation and unrestricted access to virtually anything can create opportunities for temptation and compromise. As Pastor John warned, “Alone is where Satan tempts the most.”
· Embarrassment about our faith: Hesitating to openly identify with Christ or embrace the fullness of His teachings because of how others might respond.
The answer is to be a strong Christian, attentive to the Advocate—the Holy Spirit. We are not called to live in fear or retreat from the world, but to stand confidently in Christ’s victory, filled with love, joy, peace, and righteousness.
Reflection Questions
1. Who is truly King of my life? Are there areas where I confess Jesus as Lord but still resist surrendering control to Him?
2. Am I recognizing the spiritual battle around me? Which of the five dangers Pastor John identified might be influencing my life without my realizing it?
3. How am I cultivating new spiritual life? Which of the seven practices needs greater attention in my daily walk with Christ?
4. Am I living confidently in Christ’s victory? Do I approach spiritual opposition with fear and hesitation, or with trust in Jesus and dependence on the Holy Spirit?
Prayer Focus
Lord Jesus, we confess that You are King and that no power of darkness can stand against You. Forgive us for the ways we have surrendered to deception, disobedience, pride, or fear. Open our eyes to the spiritual battles around us and teach us to recognize the enemy’s influence without losing sight of Your victory. Fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit, strengthen our faith, and help us surrender every part of our lives to Your lordship. Make us courageous, faithful servants who stand firm in Your truth, walk in Your freedom, and advance Your Kingdom through love, joy, peace, and righteousness. Amen.
