Leadership Thought:
As the world navigates through challenging times, divisive elections, and economic and social challenges, it’s easy for people to become discouraged and divided. As leaders, we are called to help people live with a higher focus, keeping the Kingdom of God at the center of our lives. Regardless of what happens in the political or social landscape, our hope is not in earthly governments or systems but in the eternal, unshakable Kingdom of God. Jesus declared that His Kingdom is “not of this world” (John 18:36), and as His followers, we must live with this reality in mind.

The Kingdom is Eternal:
The Kingdom of God is eternal,  beyond what we see in the here and now. While earthly kingdoms and governments rise and fall, God’s Kingdom remains unshaken and eternal in Heaven (Hebrews 12:28). Our focus must be on living for eternity—understanding that heaven and hell are real and the choices we make here have eternal consequences. Most importantly the choice to follow Jesus as Lord is what enables us to have hope since He makes it possible for us to enter His Kingdom. Additionally, we must also recognize that our works on earth will be rewarded in eternity (Matthew 6:19-20).

Attributes of the Kingdom:
The Kingdom of God is defined by values that are very different from the world's systems. Leaders are called to help people live with Christ as Lord and demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, etc,.) in everything we do. These qualities not only reflect God's character but also serve as a living example to a world that desperately needs hope and healing. As we live the values of the Kingdom in our lives we literally bring heaven to earth around us. If every Christian lived like Jesus, the world would be a different place.


The Mission of the Kingdom:
The central mission of the Kingdom of God is to bring God's light to the world through the preaching of the Gospel and by making disciples. We are called to shine God's light in the darkness, bringing hope, truth, and the message of Jesus to a world that desperately needs it. When our lives demonstrate Christ's character, and we are intentional to proclaim the Gospel to others we point people to Christ and His Kingdom.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

  • What does living with an eternal focus mean, and how can we help people shift their perspective from the temporary to the eternal in their daily lives?

  • How can we help people to embody the attributes of the Kingdom—love, joy, peace, and righteousness—especially in times of tension or uncertainty?

  • How can you practically live out the mission to be a light to the world in your current context and lead others to do the same?


PRAYER:

  • Pray for your groups to keep their focus on God's Kingdom and live with an eternal perspective amidst earthly concerns.

  • Pray for the church to be a light in this world, advancing the Kingdom through love, peace, and righteousness.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

LEGACY OFFERING 

The Legacy Offering is the annual end-of-the-year offering that we receive above and beyond the tithe designated for our mission of expansion and spreading the Gospel around the world. Gifts can be sent through the Pearlside App, online on our website, pearlside.org/give, or at any of our services until the end of the year.

ADOPT AN ‘OHANA

At Pearlside, one of our values is to make a difference by loving and serving the families in our communities. Each year, we partner with local organizations, schools, and connected families in need to ensure that those within our reach have gifts for Christmas. Starting the weekend of November 22, 2024, you can visit one of our services at the Main Campus to “adopt an ‘Ohana.” For more information, please visit pearlside.org/cares.

PAST NOTES & GUIDES

We are excited to announce that you and your group members can now access past message notes and discussion guides in the Pearlside App! 



UPCOMING CLASSES:

GriefShare

  • GriefShare is a Christ-centered program to help apply biblical principles to those who are dealing with the emotions and life stresses following the death of a loved one. This next session will help to navigate grief through the holidays. To sign up for our “Surviving the Holidays,” GriefShare session happening November 11, 2024, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, visit pearlside.org/lifematters. 

Freedom Weekend:

  • Kahala Men’s Freedom Weekend, Saturday, November 16, from  9:00 am - 2:30 pm in the Hub at Main Campus

  • Main Campus Women’s Freedom Weekend, Saturday, November 23, from  9:00 am - 3:30 pm in the Hub at Main Campus

  • Main Campus Men’s Freedom Weekend, Saturday, November 23, from  9:00 am - 3:00 pm in Classroom 1 at Main Campus