Community Update from Dr. Bob: 4/17/2024
In Mark 4:26-29, we see Jesus talking about what I like to call “all by itself” growth:
He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”
We scatter the seed. God causes the growth. This is what the Kingdom of God is like. God has a part to play and we have a part to play. God won’t do our part. And we can’t do God’s part.
Think of a garden. You can sit back in your chair and say, “God, give me a garden. I’d like to see a garden out there.” Day by day, you could sit in your chair, praying for a garden. Weeks and months go by and what happens? Probably not much. Maybe some weeds.
To do your part in creating that garden, you have to cultivate the soil, plant the seeds, water it, tend it, and weed it. You can’t make it grow; that’s God’s part. But you do have a part and God isn’t going to do the work he’s given you to do.
We all want the church to grow. So, ask yourself: What’s your part? Jesus told us to not just take care of ourselves, but to engage in his mission. So set aside some time today and pray this prayer Pastor Brett wrote—it’s an important one:
“God, remind me this week that Jesus spent His time with His mission in mind. Renew my heart so that I can share in Your loving compassion for my neighbors and friends who aren’t following you. Help me to see them as you do, make space and time in my life for them the way that Jesus would, and love them without measure or thought of the return. Let me care, love, and serve simply because it is what Jesus would do. Here I am, Lord, send me. Amen.”
Then ask yourself:
- Think of where God has sent you to live, learn, work, and play. What would it look like for you to live with a Kingdom-minded intentionality in these spaces?
- Take an audit of your time and relationships. How much time do you spend with those who are not yet following Jesus? What is one thing that you could do this week to either increase that time or be more intentional with that time?
It’s not too late to join Vision Discernment Groups. Our meetings will be in step with the Kingdom Churches messages, and we want to see all of you there. We know life is busy and you have other commitments—please make engaging in these vision discernment groups a priority for 6 weeks. If your other commitments involve people, maybe even your small group, invite them to join. Because we want as many of you as possible to join. There are 2 options to choose from. Please RSVP below.
Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm – In Person @ Community
Thursdays, 7:00-8:00pm – Zoom Meeting
