Drawing a Line
Watch or listen to
the full sermon here.
Preached by Pastor Mike Woodard
Follow The Valley Church
We’ve been walking through our Kingdom Culture series, discovering how Jesus’ upside down kingdom actually leads to a right side up life. In John 18, during His trial before Pilate, Jesus drew a clear line when He said: “My kingdom is not of this world.” Those words not only shaped history, they shape how we live today.
Freedom in Drawing the Line
Back in the early 1900s, June McCarroll painted the first white line down the middle of a road. That simple act has since saved countless lives. Lines aren’t about restriction—they’re about freedom, safety, and direction.
In the same way, Jesus drew a line between His kingdom and the kingdoms of this world. He made it clear: you can’t live in both lanes. Following Him means choosing His path, His way, His kingdom.
Jesus Before Pilate
When Pilate questioned Jesus in John 18, he couldn’t understand why the religious leaders wanted Him executed. Jesus explained that His kingdom wasn’t built on political power, armies, or rebellion. If it were, His followers would have been fighting to rescue Him. Instead, His kingdom is eternal, spiritual, and rooted in truth.
This is what separates the kingdom of God from every earthly system: it isn’t fueled by human agendas but by God’s authority, power, and love.
What Side of the Line Are You On?
Jesus’ words draw a line we can’t ignore. We’re either living for the truth of His kingdom or the lies of this world. Pilate asked, “What is truth?”—while the Truth was standing right in front of him.
The same choice faces us today. Will we live like our old life still owns us? Or will we draw the line and step fully into the freedom Jesus gives?
Kingdom Culture in Everyday Life
Being part of God’s kingdom means more than words—it’s how we live:
Hungering and thirsting for righteousness.
Planting seeds of faith and trusting God for the harvest.
Choosing love over bitterness.
Serving others with humility.
Living by truth instead of lies.
When we draw the line and live as people of the truth, we discover the freedom, hope, and joy of belonging to a kingdom that is not of this world.