SEPTEMBER 7, 2025 | STEVE PIXLER
We are completing our series, THE TABLE: THE ACTS 2:42 EXPERIENCE.
The purpose of this series has been two-fold:
To restore THE PRIESTLY MINISTRY OF THE SAINTS through weekly (at least) Acts 2:42 worship around THE TABLE. (Sabbath suggested)
To restore THE AUTHORITY OF THE KINGDOM HOUSEHOLD (OIKOS) under apostolic oversight as the foundation of THE RESTORATION OF THE FAMILY.
This is why we are doing GROUPS. We have aligned this message with the launch of FREEDOM LIFE GROUPS fall semester, and we encourage you to sign up today at myfreedomlife.com/groups.
But the goal is not just to promote “small groups.” The goal of Groups is to prime the pump, seed the soil and shape the culture of Freedom Life Church to live out the goals outlined above.
Today, reaching back to what we discussed last week, I want to focus on THE TABLE & THE THRONE. Let’s look first at Luke 22:
Luke 22:14–30 (ESV): 14 And when the hour came, he reclined at TABLE, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”
17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” 23 And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.
24 A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.
28 “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, 29 and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, 30 that you may eat and drink at my TABLE in my kingdom and sit on THRONES judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
We are ASSIGNED a “kingdom metron”—an “assigned area of influence” (2 Corinthians 10:13).
We must learn to SERVE in PRIESTLY MINISTRY at THE TABLE.
We are qualified to RULE with Christ in his kingdom on THE THRONE only after we have learned to practice KOINONIA at THE TABLE.
We are (1) PRIESTS at THE TABLE and (2) KINGS on THE THRONE.
This order of priestly-kingly ministry—the table before the throne—is essential in the kingdom. It is also especially true in our homes. Parents who develop relationship with their children around the table gain relational equity that grants permission for parental authority.
The only way we can restore kingdom authority in our home is to first recover priestly ministry!
We must restore THE TABLE and THE THRONE.
CONCLUSION
Revelation 3:20–22 (ESV): 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me (TABLE). 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my THRONE, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
→ Invitation
At the close of the message today, I want to ask who in the room would like to put your faith in Christ and join his faith community. Who would like to share in the koinonia of Christ and his church? (Prayer)
Declaration of salvation
To everyone who has put your faith in Christ today, your sins are forgiven. Welcome to the family! Your next step is to be baptized into the body of Christ and authorized as a Christian with all the rights and privileges pertaining thereto. Please scan the CONNECT QR CODE on the WELCOME CARD in the back of the seat, and we will send you details regarding NEW BELIEVERS CLASS and BAPTISM.
KOINONIA
As we have learned from the Scriptures, our primary act of koinonia as believers is GIVING. Today, let’s prepare to give our tithe and offering as PARTNERSHIP–RELATIONSHIP (KOINONIA) with this ministry and this house.
GALATIANS 6:6-10 (ESV): 6 Let the one who is taught the word SHARE (koinoneito) all good things with the one who teaches.
7 Do not be DECEIVED: God is not MOCKED, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life (life of the age to come).
9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in DUE SEASON we will reap, if we do not give up (lose heart).
10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
→ GIVE: Now, let’s give to the Lord and declare these words together:
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be ENRICHED in every way to be GENEROUS in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving (eucharistian) to God.
The gifts you give are a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
COMMUNION
Let’s stand as we prepare to celebrate communion together.
Let’s proclaim together what we believe:
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy universal Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Now, let’s pray THE LORD’S PRAYER together:
Our Father, who is in heaven,
hallowed be your Name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Let’s receive COMMUNION together:
→ Now as they were eating, Jesus took BREAD, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”
→ And he took a CUP, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 26:26–28)
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION
Holy Father, we lift up supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
[PRAYER FOR FAMILIES & GROUP LEADERS]
Song
BENEDICTION
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face to shine upon you
And be gracious to you.
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you
and give you peace.
OVERFLOW