The Kingdom of Heaven, When Christ Breaks In

Описание: What is the Kingdom of Heaven — and what happens when God’s rule interrupts a life with irresistible force?

In this sermon, recorded at St Jude & St James, Canon Phil Harris introduces the Church-year theme THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN: WHEN GOD’S RULE BREAKS IN.

Drawing on Acts 9, Jeremiah 1, Psalm 67, and the Gospel, this message explores how the Kingdom of Heaven is not an abstract idea or future hope, but God’s active reign confronting, reordering, and reclaiming human lives.

On the Feast traditionally known as The Conversion of Saint Paul, the sermon challenges the assumption that Paul was “converted from Judaism to Christianity”. Instead, it reflects the ancient and Orthodox understanding that Paul remained a Jew, and that what occurred on the Damascus Road was fulfilment, not abandonment — Israel meeting her Messiah.

Paul did not leave Israel behind.
He finally saw her promises standing in front of him.

The sermon also marks Holocaust Memorial Day, calling the Church to remember with truth and humility, and to resist antisemitism, theological arrogance, and misdirected zeal wherever they appear.

This is a message about:
• The Kingdom of Heaven as God’s rule breaking into history
• Fulfilment rather than replacement
• Zeal, blindness, and sight
• Christ’s authority to interrupt and reclaim a life
• What it truly means to pray, “Thy Kingdom come”

📖 Readings: Jeremiah 1:4–10 · Psalm 67 · Acts 9:1–22 · Matthew 19:27–end

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