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Thank you so much for joining us at Grace and Peace Church! Below you’ll find song lyrics, scriptures, sermon notes, and information relating to this week’s service! Also take a minute to fill out our connect form. If you are new we have a FREE MUG for you at the back welcome table.

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Grace & Peace to you!

 
 

SERMON NOTES

GP Mission: We are a community established on experiencing the life-giving grace and peace found in knowing Christ.

"We participate in God's mission as a people. There's individual actions, there's individual moments, but ultimately, this is a symphony." -- MARK SAYERS

Preaching/Teaching; We typically preach through the weekly passages of Revised Common Lectionary

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From LectServe.com
 

Title: “Kingdoms”

Sermon by Nate Wells

How did you decorate your space as a kid?

Matthew 13:31-33

The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast

31 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

33 He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

Matthew 13:44-50 // The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

The Parable of the Net

47 “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48 When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. 49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Essential Elements of a kingdom; 

  • A King: The ruler or supreme head who holds the power and authority to govern the realm.

  • A Territory: The physical place, land, or domain where the king has the right to rule.

  • Subjects: The citizens or people who live within the land and answer to the king.

  • A Law: The rules, commands, or standards set by the king that guide how the people live.

Philippians 3:7-8

“Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ…”

Psalm 16:11

“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence…”



John Mark Comer in Practicing the Way // “Following Jesus is learning to organize your whole life around becoming like him.”

The Kingdom welcomes everyone now—but it will not include everyone forever.

Matthew 13:47-50

“The kingdom of heaven is like a net…”

2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise… He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”


C.S. Lewis

“There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, ‘Thy will be done.’”

Action Step

Action Step

Ask yourself:

Am I merely around the Kingdom, or have I truly surrendered to the King?

This week:

  • Read Matthew 13 again and prayerfully examine your heart.

  • Share the hope of Christ with one person, remembering that God’s patience is an invitation to repentance.


Do a brief inventory this week of what competes with the kingdom for first place in your time, resources, and passions. Choose one concrete step of “selling”—releasing or reordering one lesser attachment—so that the treasure of Christ’s reign can occupy its rightful place. Live this week in light of the coming separation: pursue righteousness not out of fear alone, but out of love for the King whose kingdom is worth everything.


Blessing…

Rejoice in knowing that we never walk alone.

Know the grace and peace of Christ walking beside us, guiding and protecting us.

Share this comfort with one another and feel his presence each moment of each day. Amen


Lasting Change Haiti

The option to give toward the ministry we partner with in Haiti is always available…

God is at work in Haiti, and we’re grateful to share just a few of the wonderful things God allowed our team to accomplish this past week through your support and generosity.

  • Successful crops from all the beans that went out to churches and families

  • New roof for a church in need in Fond Lantanier

  • Bibles for Pastor Wilson’s Church

  • Microfinance loans for widows to start small business

Thanks to the funds you sent, the outreach was a huge blessing. We were able to purchase gas, water, and supplies—and most meaningfully, we bought Bibles. With support from LCH and the local church, they are now walking in new obedience and joy.

 

Bible Study Resources

Number one task of a Christ follower; Stay in that rhythm of receiving nourishment. A tree doesn’t work to receive but we choose what soil and if it’s near water source or in the care of a constant gardener.

SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES LIST

 

Lectio Divina Journals

We use Lectio Divina Journals as a guide for our daily spiritual formation. If you would like to journey with us you can order a journal here or pick one up at the welcome table at church.

Through the Word

If you’re looking for a great simple way to study the Bible check out the through the word app, study plans, and other resources.

GP Bible Study

Join the Grace and Peace bible study to study with us in person.

 

Connect

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