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The Kingdom Encounter Series focuses on cultivating a missional mindset within the church, urging believers to prioritize the kingdom of God above all else. It emphasizes the importance of living with purpose and intention, engaging in activities that advance God’s mission on earth. The series encourages the church to go beyond simply meeting together for worship and instead adopt an outward-facing approach that reaches the community, brings people into the kingdom, and reflects God’s love and justice in all aspects of life. It challenges believers to live as active participants in God’s redemptive work, making a tangible impact both locally and globally.

Dan Robinson starts by talking about how common it is for people to feel like they don’t belong. He acknowledges that this can be a difficult experience and that it might take people a long time to find a place where they feel at home.

God’s Invitation

He then transitions into talking about how God invites everyone to belong to His family. Dan explains this is more than just a label; it’s a real relationship with God and other Christians. He emphasizes that this relationship requires people to accept God and be willing to grow in their faith.

Dan quotes John 1:12 (NIV):
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
This verse highlights the transformative power of believing in Jesus—it grants the right to become part of God’s family.

Dan compares the church to a family and points out that through Christ, people are no longer disconnected from God. He then quotes Ephesians 2:19 (NIV):
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.”
This scripture emphasizes that belonging to God means being part of a larger, eternal family, the Church, with support, love, and connection.

Dan shares personal experiences of going through difficult times, when members of his church supported him. He sees these events as proof that God places people in each other’s lives to help them through challenges.

The Wrong Kind of Belonging

Dan cautions, however, that people can sometimes look for belonging in the wrong places. He uses Matthew 13:1-8 (NIV), the Parable of the Sower, to illustrate this.
In this parable, Jesus describes how a farmer scatters seed on different types of ground. Only the seed that falls on good soil grows into a healthy plant. Dan relates this parable to people seeking a sense of belonging.

He shares an experience from his own life when he spent a lot of time at a bar, feeling a sense of belonging. However, he now realizes that it was a shallow, temporary connection. He compares this experience to the seed that falls on bad soil and fails to grow.

Dan then contrasts this with the seed that falls on good soil, representing finding a real sense of belonging in God’s family. He points to Matthew 13:8 (NIV):
“Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
This scripture signifies that true belonging in God’s family leads to real growth, as the seed planted in good soil produces lasting fruit.

How to Live Out Belonging

Dan then talks about ways to show we belong to God’s family. He emphasizes the importance of creating environments where people feel loved and accepted. This starts with individuals but also extends to churches, which are called to be inclusive.

He encourages Christians to follow Romans 12:15 (NIV):
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
This scripture stresses the importance of empathy—genuinely listening to others, sharing in their joys and sorrows.

Dan also points to James 5:16 (NIV):
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Here, he sees vulnerability and honesty as key to building trust and helping others feel less alone. Confession and prayer create a deeper connection, allowing people to experience healing together.

Dan encourages Christians to reach out to those on the margins of society, citing Galatians 6:10 (NIV):
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
This reminds Christians to show kindness to everyone, particularly those who are part of the faith community.

Dan emphasizes that Christians are called to break down barriers that divide people, whether those are differences in belief, lifestyle, or social status. He stresses the importance of celebrating diversity and helping everyone thrive. He calls on his listeners to follow Romans 15:7 (NIV):
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
This verse highlights the importance of accepting others, just as Christ has accepted us, to honor God and promote unity.

Conclusion

Dan concludes by reminding people that a relationship with God provides a sense of belonging that cannot be found anywhere else. This relationship is eternal, and it comes with purpose and connection. He urges his listeners to accept God’s invitation to belong to His family and to help others find their place in it.

In her powerful sermon, Pastor Zoe Hatcher calls us to examine how we respond when God calls us to a task greater than ourselves. Through the story of Moses and the burning bush, she explores the tension between human insecurity and God’s unwavering call. Pastor Zoe encourages us to stop making excuses and start stepping into God’s mission, trusting that He will equip us with everything we need.

God Calls Moses: Leaving Comfort Zones and Recognizing the Call

Pastor Zoe begins her message by drawing us into the familiar story of Moses at the burning bush, as recorded in Exodus 3:1-10:

“Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, ‘I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.’ When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’ And Moses said, ‘Here I am.’”

Moses, living a comfortable life as a shepherd, had no idea that this moment would change the course of history. When God called Moses from the bush, Moses was filled with doubt and insecurity. He questioned why God would choose him to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. Pastor Zoe reminds us that Moses’ reaction mirrors our own hesitation when God calls us to something beyond our comfort zones. She asks, “What type of burning bush is God drawing your attention to right now?”

She challenges us to reflect on those moments when God stirs something deep within us—perhaps through a passion for a cause or a burden for a specific group of people. Often, these “burning bush” moments ignite a sense of urgency or passion that points to God’s calling. Pastor Zoe urges us to pay attention to where God might be drawing our attention, even in the midst of our insecurities.

Confronting Excuses and Remembering Our Creator

Moses’ response to God’s call was filled with excuses. In Exodus 4:1-14, he continues to resist, saying:

“Moses said to the Lord, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.'” (Exodus 4:10-12, NIV)

Pastor Zoe draws a direct parallel between Moses’ reluctance and our own tendency to focus on our weaknesses. Moses didn’t believe he was equipped to speak on behalf of God, but God reminded him that He is the Creator of all things—even his speech. Pastor Zoe emphasizes that God does not call the equipped; He equips the called.

She urges us to stop focusing on our limitations and to trust in the One who created us. When we acknowledge our dependence on God, we open ourselves to His power working through us, despite our flaws and perceived shortcomings.

Finding Confidence in God, Not Ourselves

Pastor Zoe then moves to the New Testament, referencing 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, where the apostle Paul writes:

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:7-9, NIV)

In this passage, Paul compares our fragile human bodies to “jars of clay,” emphasizing how our weaknesses are part of God’s design to showcase His power. Pastor Zoe points out that, even though we experience hardship and difficulty, God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. She encourages us to lean into God’s strength, rather than relying on our own abilities. It is not about how capable we are, but about how capable God is to work through us.

When we embrace our vulnerability and trust in God’s strength, we become vessels that showcase His glory. Our insecurities and frailties do not disqualify us from the mission; they make space for God’s power to shine even brighter.

Living Out Our Faith: Moving from Consumerism to Action

As the sermon continues, Pastor Zoe shifts the focus to a critical issue in today’s culture: consumerism in the church. She urges the congregation to move beyond a faith that is centered around personal comfort and desire, pointing out that faith without action is dead. She quotes James 2:17, where James writes:

“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:17, NIV)

Pastor Zoe reminds us that faith requires action. It is not enough to simply believe in God and attend church; we are called to live out our faith in tangible ways. She challenges us to move from a mindset of “what can I get from God?” to “what can I give to God and His kingdom?” She explains that the more we focus outward, the more we align with God’s mission in the world.

Embracing God’s Mission: Leaving Our Comfort Zones and Trusting God

In her closing remarks, Pastor Zoe challenges us to consider what our “burning bush” moments might be—those places where God is calling us to act. Whether it is stepping into a leadership role, serving in a ministry, or reaching out to a neighbor, God is inviting us to participate in His mission.

The key is trust—trusting that God will provide for us just as He did for Moses. Pastor Zoe encourages everyone to take the first step of faith, knowing that God will equip us as we go. When we step out in faith, we demonstrate that our confidence is not in ourselves, but in the One who calls and empowers us.

Conclusion

Pastor Zoe’s sermon reminds us that God’s call on our lives often comes when we least expect it, and it’s often accompanied by feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. But just as God empowered Moses and Paul to fulfill His mission, He will empower us as well. When we shift our focus from our own limitations to God’s limitless power, we can step boldly into the mission He has called us to.

As Pastor Zoe so eloquently puts it, we must “move from comfort to action” and trust that God will equip us for whatever He calls us to. It’s time to embrace our “burning bush” moment, step out in faith, and be part of God’s incredible mission in the world.

Key Scriptures Referenced:

• Exodus 3:1-10: Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush.
• Exodus 4:10-12: Moses’ excuses and God’s response.
• 2 Corinthians 4:7-9: Paul’s declaration about God’s strength in our weaknesses.
• James 2:17: Faith without works is dead.

In our ongoing series, Kingdom Encounter, we explore moments where Heaven touches Earth—those intersections where God’s kingdom becomes manifest in our lives. Today, we focus on a crucial element of that kingdom: community.

Community isn’t just an abstract concept; it’s at the heart of God’s design. From the very beginning, God declared creation incomplete when Adam was alone. True completion came through relationships, reflecting the communal nature of God Himself, as seen in the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

In the book of Acts, we see a beautiful model of biblical community. The early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. They shared everything, ensuring no one was in need. This wasn’t convenient or easy—it required sacrifice, vulnerability, and intentionality. Yet, their communal love overflowed, drawing people into God’s kingdom daily.

This image of selfless, Christ-centered community is compelling. But it stands in contrast to our individualistic culture, where personal convenience often takes priority over collective well-being. So, what would it take to live in the kind of vibrant, sacrificial community we see in Acts? What are we willing to give up to experience the fullness of God’s kingdom through deep, meaningful relationships?

These questions challenge us to reconsider our priorities and take intentional steps toward creating and sustaining the kind of community that reflects Heaven on Earth. Stay tuned as we explore how to embrace this Kingdom call in our everyday lives.

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” — Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)

Pastor Zoe begins by acknowledging how, in both families and the body of Christ, we encounter a diverse mix of personalities—some that we find easy to connect with, and others that challenge us. She humorously references the “weird Uncle Jeffs” and the “crazy Aunt Zoe’s” that we all know within our own families. But she draws a parallel between these dynamics and the church community, saying it’s no different. Just as families are made up of individuals with distinct quirks, so is the body of Christ, with all its diverse members contributing in their unique ways.

“Are we willing to be weird together?” Pastor Zoe asks. She challenges the congregation to show up authentically and to be real in their relationships with one another, emphasizing that we don’t need to have it all together. It’s okay not to have the picture-perfect life or to have it all figured out. “We don’t have to wipe away the tears because we’re afraid to cry in front of other people,” she says. Instead, we are called to show up as brothers and sisters, embracing one another in our brokenness and imperfections, just as Christ has embraced us.

Pastor Zoe shares a key principle: “Practicing biblical hospitality is a crucial part of being an authentic community.” She points out that hospitality in the Christian sense goes beyond social entertainment, where everything is about perfection and outward appearances. Social entertainment, which is often seen in the realm of Martha Stewart-type perfection, focuses on impressing guests. But Christian hospitality focuses on making people feel welcomed and loved, regardless of the state of the house or the perfect presentation. The focus is not on performance but on presence and offering genuine love.

Romans 12:13 says, “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Hospitality is not about impressing people with our homes but about creating an environment where others feel safe and loved. Pastor Zoe emphasizes that you don’t need to have the “spiritual gift of hospitality” to open your home and your heart to others. “I don’t have the gift of hospitality,” she admits. “But I can still open my door and invite others in. And I hope they feel welcome, loved, and accepted.”

She continues to highlight how Christian hospitality, unlike social entertainment, is not about perfection but about offering a place where people can experience genuine connection. She uses an illustration to explain this: a necklace featuring a piece of pottery that’s been broken and repaired with gold. This process is called kintsugi in Japanese culture, where broken pottery is mended with gold, making it more valuable than it ever was in its original, unbroken state. “The beauty is found in what knits them together,” she says. This metaphor reflects the beauty of the church—imperfect people, mended by God’s grace, creating a community that is far more beautiful because of its imperfections.

In her closing thoughts on community, Pastor Zoe speaks candidly about how our expectations can hinder us from fully embracing the authentic community that God intends for us. “Community is what we make it, not what we expect it to be,” she says, acknowledging that sometimes, people leave a community because their expectations were unmet. This, she confesses, has happened even in her own life, and it can be devastating. But she encourages the congregation to let go of unrealistic expectations. When we remove those expectations, we can better experience the beauty of what God has in the community.

She reminds the congregation that family, including church family, often brings both joy and pain. “When you have children, you know that some of your greatest pain comes from your family, but also some of your greatest joy comes from them too,” she shares, drawing a direct parallel to the church. “It’s the same with the body of Christ. Sometimes it’s messy, but it’s also the greatest joy of my life to be part of this community.”

Pastor Zoe draws from her own personal experience, describing her years of homeschooling her children and how, even though she often found herself isolated, she yearned for community. Now, with a busy life surrounded by people, she sometimes finds herself withdrawing because community can feel overwhelming at times. “People are messy and demanding,” she admits, but then reflects on the true value of authentic Christian community. “What we really want is true community that reflects God, and sometimes it takes sacrifice, time, and effort to make that happen,” she says.

Romans 12:4-5 illustrates this beautifully: “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Pastor Zoe explains that just like the human body functions best when all its parts work together, the church functions best when each member contributes what they have, even if it’s not perfect. The church is not meant to be individualistic. Rather, we are called to focus on growing together in community. This, she says, is the way God designed the church to thrive.

Romans 12:6-8 further emphasizes the importance of using our gifts to serve one another: “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously.” Pastor Zoe stresses that we are all called to use our unique gifts within the community. When we withhold our gifts, the community suffers. “If you’re pulling away in isolation, your community is hurting because they need what you have to offer,” she says.

Pastor Zoe also points to Romans 12:9-13, which provides a clear description of how we should live in Christian community: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

She challenges the congregation to consider: “Are we willing to show up, not just to be seen, but to be present in the lives of others? Are we willing to do the hard work of community, which sometimes means folding laundry together, doing dishes together, or even confronting each other in love when necessary?” These, she says, are the marks of genuine Christian love and community.

In the closing of her message, Pastor Zoe speaks of the sacrifice required for true community. It takes time, energy, and effort, but the rewards of authentic connection are priceless. “Community is work,” she acknowledges, “but it’s worth it. When we engage in true community, we find love, care, and support in ways that we could never experience if we remained isolated. And through that community, God will meet our needs and help us grow.”

She closes with a final question to the congregation: “What do we really want? Do we want to live life on our own terms and remain isolated, or are we willing to sacrifice our comfort for the greater joy of community?” In the end, Pastor Zoe encourages all to lean into the messiness of community, knowing that it’s in the midst of the imperfections that God’s love shines the brightest.

The Kingdom Encounter Series has been an opportunity to explore what it means to be a missional church, and to be missionally minded as we follow Christ. In this installment, Josh Hatcher examines the good news.

The main focus of Josh’s message is on the good news, or the gospel, beginning with the prophecy from Isaiah 61, which he reads:

Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV): “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”

Josh explains that this prophecy, written 700 years before Jesus, foretells the coming Messiah, and Jesus himself later reads this passage in the synagogue, as recorded in the book of Luke:

Luke 4:18-21 (NIV): “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, ‘Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.’”

Josh points out that Jesus boldly claims that the prophecy is about him, and he went on to fulfill it by preaching good news and healing the sick.

Josh also references Matthew 9:35-38, where Jesus, after fulfilling the prophecy, goes through towns preaching the gospel and healing people, feeling compassion for the crowds who were lost and without a shepherd.

Matthew 9:35-38 (NIV): “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”

Josh explains that the word “gospel” comes from the Old English word “godspel,” meaning good news. This good news, as Josh puts it, is about the love of God, which is the essence of the gospel. Josh reflects on the gospel being summed up in John 3:16, a verse he heard often growing up:

John 3:16 (KJV): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Josh shares how his childhood pastor emphasized the words “love” and “whosoever” in John 3:16, viewing it as the gospel in a nutshell—the message that God loves us, despite our sin, and sent Jesus to die for us so we could have eternal life.

Josh explains that the good news is not only about going to heaven after we die but about being part of God’s kingdom both now and in the life to come. Jesus’ death and resurrection offer new life, conquering death and sin, and allowing us to be part of God’s kingdom.

Reflecting God’s Love

In 1 Corinthians 13, the Apostle Paul provides a profound teaching on the importance of love. He writes in verses 1-3:

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3, NIV)

Paul clearly communicates that love is not just an accessory to the Christian faith, but its very foundation. Without love, even the most impressive spiritual gifts or acts of service are rendered meaningless. Love is not something to be added to life when convenient; it is the very reason behind everything a believer does. It is the lens through which all actions should be viewed.

Paul goes on to describe what love looks like in action in the following verses:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, NIV)

Love is patient—it does not demand immediate results but waits with grace. Love is kind—it actively seeks the good of others, choosing compassion over indifference. Love is humble, never boasting or elevating itself above others. It keeps no record of wrongs; it forgives and moves forward, not holding grudges.

This love is not merely an emotion or a fleeting feeling. It is a choice, an intentional act of will. It is a reflection of God’s love for humanity, a love that is sacrificial, unconditional, and never-ending.

In fact, love is not just a reflection of God’s nature; it is the means by which His nature is made visible in the world. It serves as a mirror for others to see the heart of God in His people. Paul writes:

“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12, NIV)

The mirror that Paul refers to is tarnished and cloudy, much like the way humanity’s understanding of God is. As believers, we are called to reflect God’s love, though it is not always perfect or clear. But over time, as people grow in their relationship with God, this reflection becomes clearer. As the light of Christ shines on them, they become more effective mirrors of His love to the world.

Even though believers are imperfect in reflecting God’s love, they are still called to show that love to others. The love a believer reflects should not be confined to certain people or groups, but extend to all. Jesus’ parable of the great banquet in Luke 14:15-24 illustrates this inclusive love:

“A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses…” (Luke 14:16-18, NIV)

The people who were invited initially—the ones who should have been honored—made excuses. But the host, representing God, then instructs his servant to:

“Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame…Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.” (Luke 14:21, 23, NIV)

God’s love is extended to all, regardless of their social standing, their past mistakes, or their present struggles. No one is excluded from the invitation to His banquet. This is a love that reaches across boundaries, overcoming divisions and welcoming all people into the family of God.

In Matthew 21:28-32, Jesus tells another parable, this time about two sons. One son is asked to work in the vineyard and initially refuses, but later changes his mind and goes. The other son says he will go but never follows through. Jesus asks:

“Which of the two did what his father wanted?” (Matthew 21:31, NIV)

The answer, of course, is the first son—the one who repented and acted, even after his initial refusal. Jesus uses this parable to remind us that love is more than words. It requires action. It is not enough to merely say one follows Christ; one must live out that love through obedience, repentance, and a commitment to reflect God’s heart.

Love is not just about feeling affection or agreeing with a cause. It is about reflecting God’s heart through actions that align with His will. This is a love that transforms lives—our lives and the lives of those around us. It is a love that compels people to change, to move forward, and to live for something greater than themselves.

God’s love is not just for the righteous or the deserving; it is for everyone, regardless of where they are in life. The call to reflect that love is not for the spiritually elite but for all believers, as they are the vessels through which God’s love is poured into the world.

So, the question remains: How clearly is God’s love reflected through us? Are we allowing the mirror of our lives to become clearer, or is it still clouded by selfishness, pride, or bitterness? God’s love compels believers to take action—not just to talk about love, but to live it out, to reflect it, and to invite others into the banquet.

In 1 John 4:7-8, it is written:

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:7-8, NIV)

Let this truth settle deep in the hearts of all believers. The way we love others is the clearest reflection of how deeply we know God. If God is love, then those who belong to Him must reflect that love in every area of their lives.

the heart of the gospel is clear: God’s relentless pursuit of His people. A love so deep that it transcends the boundaries of what we know, touching the brokenness, fear, and pain that we so often try to hide. It’s the kind of love that a parent feels for their child, willing to do anything to rescue them, to bring them home safely. This is the love that God has for each of us—and it extends beyond what we can even comprehend.

For those of us who follow Christ, the mission is simple but profound: to be the bearers of the good news. God is calling all believers to preach this gospel, to be His hands and feet in a world that is hurting, lost, and in need of grace. It’s not a call to professional ministry alone; it’s a call to every believer, just as the Samaritan woman who, in her brokenness, shared the story of Jesus with her entire town.

However, the path to this mission isn’t without its cost. Jesus challenged those who wished to follow Him to lay down their nets, to surrender their possessions, and to even forsake their personal grief to follow Him. For some, it means letting go of the things that hold them back—whether that’s relationships, unhealthy habits, material pursuits, or lingering emotional burdens.

Take a moment to reflect on what might be standing in the way of answering this call. What do you need to release to step fully into God’s mission? Ask God to show you His heart for the lost, and be willing to let go of anything that hinders your walk with Him. If you haven’t yet surrendered your life to Christ, today is the day to make that decision and begin your journey in His kingdom.

This isn’t just a call to hear the gospel—it’s a call to live it, to share it, and to be part of God’s greater story of redemption for all His children. Let these moments of worship stir your heart to respond to that call, wherever you are.