• A strange character from the Old Testament that is spoken about often - Melchizedek
• Genesis 14:18–20 (NLT) — 18 And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine. 19 Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. 20 And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered.
• Psalm 110:1–4 (NLT) — 1 The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.” 2 The LORD will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem; you will rule over your enemies. 3 When you go to war, your people will serve you willingly. You are arrayed in holy garments, and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew. 4 The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
• Hebrews 7:1–3 (NLT) — 1 This Melchizedek was king of the city of Salem and also a priest of God Most High. When Abraham was returning home after winning a great battle against the kings, Melchizedek met him and blessed him. 2 Then Abraham took a tenth of all he had captured in battle and gave it to Melchizedek. The name Melchizedek means “king of justice,” and king of Salem means “king of peace.” 3 There is no record of his father or mother or any of his ancestors—no beginning or end to his life. He remains a priest forever, resembling the Son of God.

Body

1. The Vision of a Kingdom
   1. Melchizedek and a higher Kingdom
      1. In the presence of earthly kings, there was one that didn’t match. 
   2. The vision of the Kingdom is all about the King!
      1. Kingdom — מַלְכוּת (malAKOOT)
      2. King — מֶלֶךְ (MEHlek)
      3. The words are based on each other like King-Dom or Kings Dominion. 
   3. The realm of the King
      1. Not geographical.
      2. Whoever accepts their rule and seeks to fulfill their will. 
   4. The King is responsible for all in His Kingdom
      1. Their protection
      2. Their provision
      3. Their justice
   5. His Kingdom is based upon the idea that he has
      1. Authority - The ability to execute justice
      2. Loyalty - The people’s desire to be ruled
      3. Covenant - The king's relationship with them secured in covenant 
   6. Jesus is this King
   7. Here is the big question... Will you join his Kingdom?
      1. Come under his rule
      2. Seek His will
      3. Serve His purpose
      4. Receive his protection, provision, peace
2. The Vision of a Kingdom of Priests
   1. Melchizedek was a priest, and Abraham was just like him
   2. Exodus 19:5–6 (NLT) — 5 Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. 6 And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”
   3. The role of a priest
      1. Comes from the word kohen or “to stand”
      2. To stand in the presence of..
   4. The vision is an entire kingdom of people who “stand” in the presence of God
      1. Standing there to reflect
      2. Standing there to mediate
      3. Standing there to sacrifice and worship
   5. Everyone in the Kingdom STANDS in the presence, reflects, mediates, and offers worship
3. The Vision of a Kingdom of Kings
   1. Melchizedek was a king, and Abraham was just like him
      1. Protecting his own
      2. Providing for his own
      3. Multiplying his resources
   2. Jesus is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords
   3. Revelation 5:9–10 (NLT) — 9 And they sang a new song with these words: “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth.”
   4. As a king, you are Invited into victory 
      1. Dominate over sin, death, and the devil
   5. As a king, you are Invited into stewardship
      1. Given talents to steward, invited to rule in greater and greater ways.
   6. As a king, you are Invited into influence
      1. Expanding the Kingdom of our King
   7. Advancing the Kingdom Initiative 2025!