The story in Acts 5 may seem distant, but it reveals powerful truths about God’s kingdom and our roles within it.

Understanding the Context

The apostles were performing signs and wonders, gathering at Solomon’s Porch, and drawing people to Jesus’ teachings. This wasn’t just about miraculous healings; it was about living out the ethics of the kingdom of God. The apostles were not merely performing miracles; they were embodying a new way of life, one that stood in stark contrast to the Roman Empire’s values.

The Role of the Apostles

The term “apostle” in the New Testament isn’t just a religious title; it carries a political connotation. In the Roman Empire, an apostle was someone sent to make a new territory more Roman. Similarly, the apostles of Jesus were sent to make the world reflect the ethics of God’s kingdom. Their lives were characterized by teaching and practicing forgiveness, going the extra mile, and turning the other cheek.

Signs and Wonders: More Than Miracles

When we read about signs and wonders, it’s easy to think of them as miraculous events beyond our reach. However, these signs and wonders are fundamentally about living according to the kingdom’s ethics in every action. Treating others with love, justice, and mercy demonstrates the true miracle of the kingdom—a life shaped by ethical values that bring hope and transformation.

The Call to Action

The sermon challenges us to take specific action. Are we living out the justice and righteousness of God’s kingdom in our daily lives? How can you bring calm to the storms around you today? Who needs you to offer water or shelter right now? Decide on one concrete way you can serve others this week—then do it.

Living the Kingdom Today

In our communities, we encounter injustice, oppression, and need. Addressing these issues is not just about programs or organizations; it is about each of us living out the kingdom’s ethics. We are called to bring the values of heaven into our daily lives, to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world longing for justice, mercy, and hope.

Conclusion

As we go about our lives, let’s remember that we are not just volunteers or participants in a religious tradition; we are also part of a larger community. We are each called to be active agents of God’s kingdom, bringing signs and wonders into the world through our actions and decisions. Let’s embrace this calling and make the world around us look a little more like heaven.

Identify one practical step you will take this week to live out the kingdom in your context. Share it with someone and follow through on your commitment.