Kingdom Sunday
God has called us to grow God’s Kingdom here in Lewis Center, Delaware County, and even in the far corners of the globe. We answer that call by making disciples of Jesus Christ, with special attention to children and youth and their families. To that end we continue the “Growing God’s Kingdom” Campaign for the construction of new building to enhance our ministries among children. The building is simply a tool to respond to God’s call. Here are some passages about God’s call to mission and ministry.
Prayer: God on the go: give me a glimpse of your hopes and dreams for my church, my family, and my life. May I help grow your Kingdom in my world, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
MONDAY- Matthew 22:34-40
This is called the Great Commandment and it is at the heart of every church’s call to ministry. Jesus is set up by the religious professionals, hoping they could discredit him in some way. (And you thought that only happened in our day and age?) Jesus quoted Moses from Deuteronomy 6:5. But then he took it one step further and added Leviticus 19:18. How is Lewis Center Church doing in fulfilling the mission? How are you doing in fulfilling the mission?
TUESDAY – Matthew 28:16-20
This is called the Great Commission and it, too, is at the heart of every church’s call to ministry.After Jesus’ death and resurrection, he gathered his disciples and revealed what was next.Now it was their mission, and our mission today, to go into all the world and make disciples.This is not a grab for market share.This is the way to bring the hope and peace of God’s Kingdom to wounded and weary people in our world.How is Lewis Center Church doing in fulfilling this mission?How are you doing in fulfilling this mission?
WEDNESDAY – Acts 1:1-8
I’m guessing I have preached on this passage more than any other single passage. This is after Jesus’ death and resurrection. In Luke’s gospel and the sequel, Acts, these are Jesus’ last words to his disciples. They are words of mission and commission. How do we serve as Jesus’ witnesses in today’s world? How is Lewis Center Church doing in fulfilling the mission? How are you doing in fulfilling the mission?
THURSDAY- Genesis 12:1-9
Even though this story is way back in the Old Testament, I believe it was God’s intention from the very beginning to partner with people of faith to “grow God’s Kingdom” here on earth. God called Abram (Abraham) and Sarai (Sarah) to launch a new initiative. What did God promise them? What is the purpose/mission of this promise? How is Lewis Center Church doing in fulfilling the mission? How are you doing in fulfilling the mission?
FRIDAY – Jeremiah 29:10-14
This is one of my favorite verses. Jeremiah is speaking to a people serving as slaves in exile. Their beloved city and temple have been destroyed. Israel is no more. But even then, God makes a promise. What is that promise? Sometimes we pretend that if we trust God, we will live happily ever after. Not so. We will still face tough times. But the mission is to lean into our faith even more when life happens. How is Lewis Center Church doing in fulfilling the mission? How are you doing in fulfilling the mission?
SATURDAY- Joshua 14:6-15
Caleb is such an interesting character.He and Joshua were the only two who believe God will lead them into the land of promise (see Numbers 13).A generation later, Joshua is now the Commander and Caleb is still waiting for his tribe to claim space in the Promised Land.For what does he ask?Why?(The Anakim were giants like Goliath.)After all these years, he still believes in God’s mission.How is Lewis Center Church doing in fulfilling the mission?How are you doing in fulfilling the mission?