Have you ever felt overwhelmed by worry, lying awake at night anxious about tomorrow? In this powerful message, we explore Jesus' direct command and invitation: "Don't worry." Drawing from Luke 12:22-34 and John 15:9, discover how God wants to bring you into His joy and happiness, not leave you trapped in anxiety.

Key Scripture: "That's why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing." - Luke 12:22-23

Jesus uses two beautiful illustrations to teach us about God's care:

• The Ravens: These ceremonially unclean scavenger birds don't plant or harvest, yet God feeds them. How much more valuable are you to Him?
• The Lilies: Flowers don't work or make clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory wasn't dressed as beautifully. If God clothes temporary flowers with such beauty, how much more will He clothe you—made in His image for eternity?

The Root Issue: Jesus cuts straight to the heart—worry reveals "little faith." The extent to which you worry is the extent to which you don't trust God. Worry denies God's promise, wisdom, goodness, and sovereignty.

The Solution: "Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need." (Luke 12:31)

What does seeking God's kingdom look like?

1. Pursue God's royal rule in every part of society
2. Proclaim the death and resurrection of Jesus
3. Extend grace towards others
4. Reflect God's kingdom in your worship, work, play, and relationships

Remember: You have a Father in heaven who already knows what you need. The same God who provided salvation through His Son knows how to provide for your daily needs. Jesus himself lived this truth—having no place to lay His head, yet trusting His Father's provision every single day.

Prayer Focus: Release yourself from those "little demons of worry" that feed only on the anxieties you give them. Starve them by trusting your good Father. As Jesus commanded in the imperative tense—this isn't a suggestion but an instruction: Do. Not. Worry.

Challenge: Every time you see a live flower, let it remind you of God's providence in your life. If He can do that for a temporary flower, imagine what He has prepared for you!

Are you ready to exchange worry for faith, anxiety for trust, fear for the joy of knowing your Father in heaven has got this?

We'd love to hear how this message impacted you. Please like, comment, or subscribe to stay connected. If you need prayer or want to know more about following Jesus, reach out to us.

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into one of Jesus' most challenging parables - the story of the rich fool from Luke 12:13-21. After 24 weeks of exploring the Kingdom of God, we examine what truly defines our lives and how the pursuit of possessions can distract us from our ultimate purpose.

"But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you've worked for?' Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God." - Luke 12:20-21

The Motive of Self (00:00-15:00) We begin with a man interrupting Jesus' teaching to demand help with an inheritance dispute. Jesus refuses to get involved, instead warning against "every kind of greed." Learn why knowing your calling means knowing what battles aren't yours to fight.

Life Is Not Your Possessions (15:00-30:00) Jesus teaches that life is not measured by how much we own. Through personal stories - from driving a Porsche for the first time to giving away a God-given car - we explore how possessions can possess us and why true contentment comes from stewardship, not ownership.

The Parable of the Rich Fool (30:00-45:00) We examine the wealthy farmer who had everything except wisdom. His six fatal flaws:

• Thankless - Never acknowledged God's provision
• Selfish - Hoarded instead of shared
• Self-absorbed - 33% of his words were "I," "me," or "my"
• Anxious - Worried about storage, not souls
• Self-indulgent - Lived only for pleasure
• Presumptuous - Assumed he had many years left

Being Rich Toward God (45:00-end) The episode concludes with seven practical ways to be "rich toward God":

1. Make His glory your highest goal
2. Offer all talents for Kingdom work
3. Serve those in need and give generously
4. Embrace simplicity to bless others
5. Live below your means for Kingdom impact
6. Become a giver, not a taker
7. Give yourself fully to God's purposes

"Greed is a fat demon with a small mouth. Whatever you feed it is never enough."

"The way you know whether you own something or something owns you is what happens when God says, 'Give it away.'"

"Every single person on this earth dies poor with nothing."

"The bellies of the poor were much safer storerooms than his barns." - Augustine

• The miraculous provision of a car and God's call to give it away
• A father's wisdom in distributing inheritance while alive to prevent family division
• Donald's testimony - 25-year leukemia survivor who lived each day as if it were his last

What has God given you to give away? This week, identify one possession, talent, or resource that God might be calling you to release for His Kingdom purposes.

Remember: To live is Christ. Your life is not defined by what you have, but by whose you are.

Have you ever felt that life is unfair? That others receive blessings they don't deserve while you work hard for everything? In this powerful message, we explore Jesus' revolutionary parable of the workers in the vineyard and discover why God's "unfairness" is actually our greatest hope.

Key Scripture: Matthew 19:23-30, Matthew 20:1-16

Pastor Greg begins with a relatable story about being pulled over at a stop sign while others speed past unpunished, illustrating how we all wrestle with fairness. But here's the radical truth: If God was fair, we'd all go to hell. The gospel itself is beautifully unfair - the sinless Son of God became sin so sinners could be declared righteous.

Main Points Covered:

1. What Do We Get Out of This? - Following Jesus isn't about earning rewards but receiving grace. The disciples, despite their youth and foolishness, were promised to sit on twelve thrones judging Israel - not because of their ability, but their willingness to say "yes" to Jesus.

2. The Call to Work - The parable reveals a massive harvest requiring many workers. Whether called at 7am or 5pm, all workers receive the same wage - eternal life - based on the owner's generosity, not their effort.

3. God's Glorious Unfairness - God gives gifts we don't deserve and withholds punishment we do deserve. The thief on the cross received the same salvation as lifelong disciples. This isn't boring grace - it's amazing grace!

4. The Curse of Comparison - The early workers' complaint reveals our heart condition. When we compare ourselves to others, envy creeps in and sours our gratitude. As Paul warns, "When they measure themselves by themselves... they are not wise" (2 Corinthians 10:12).

5. Two Kingdoms Colliding - There's the worldly order of competition where the privileged rule, and God's kingdom where He takes the rejected and makes them beautiful. We become touchpoints between these two realms.

6. Cheap Grace? - Grace is free to us but cost the Father everything. With a simple "Come, follow me," Jesus invites us from last place to first, from nobody to somebody, from purposeless to purposeful.

Powerful Truths: - "The last will be first, and the first will be last" (Matthew 19:30) - Your weakness qualifies you for God's strength - Work gives purpose, not just provision - We're called to reign as priests on earth (Revelation 5:10) - Whether saved at age 10 or 70, all receive the same eternal life

Application: Stop comparing your spiritual journey to others. Whether you've served God for decades or just arrived at the 11th hour, His grace is equally generous. Your "inability" is exactly what God wants to use for His glory. Say yes to His call, regardless of the hour.

Prayer Focus: If you don't know Jesus personally, He's near you right now. Simply confess Him as Lord, acknowledge your need for Him, and receive His amazing, unfair, generous grace.

Connect with us for resources, find a local church, or share how this message impacted you. Remember: In God's economy, nothing + nobody + willingness = everything!

What if unforgiveness is keeping you locked in a prison of your own making? In this powerful message, we explore how forgiveness isn't just a nice idea—it's a miracle that transforms lives and sets captives free.

Scripture Foundation: Colossians 3:12-15

Drawing from Jesus's parable of the unmerciful servant in Matthew 18, we discover that forgiveness is not optional in God's kingdom—it's the very currency of grace that flows from the Father's heart to ours, and then to others. When we refuse to forgive, we become our own torturers, trapped in cages of bitterness while holding the key.

Key Takeaways:

• Forgiveness is "forward-giving"—it looks ahead, not behind
• God forgave you millions; don't withhold forgiveness over thousands
• Unforgiveness can manifest as physical illness, depression, and relational dysfunction
• The power of asking: God forgives simply because we ask
• Forgiveness costs—it cost Jesus everything, and it will cost us our pride

Through a deeply personal story of watching his mother's wedding ring being taken by a debt collector, the speaker illustrates how harboring revenge creates a prison where we are the only prisoner. Three years later, after meeting Jesus, God revealed this truth: forgiveness opens prison doors we didn't even know we'd locked.

Practical Steps to Walk in Forgiveness:

2. Don't ruminate on the offense—focus on Jesus instead
4. Pray for those who hurt you, asking God to bless them
6. Remember: you cannot truly forgive without God's help
8. Live in the shelter of God's goodness (Psalm 91)
10. Stop making others earn what God freely gave you

The Biblical pattern is clear: go directly to the person involved, not to social media or fifteen friends. If someone offended you and doesn't know it, release them in Jesus' name. But if both parties know something's wrong, have the courage to address it face-to-face.

The Bottom Line: To the degree we walk with Jesus is the degree we can quickly forgive. When we struggle to forgive, we must examine our relationship with Him. As Jesus said from the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do"—this is our model.

Prayer Focus: "Freely I receive forgiveness, freely I give forgiveness."

If you're carrying unforgiveness today, know this: God wants to release you from the torturer. The miracle of forgiveness awaits—will you turn the key and walk free?

Has this message impacted you? We'd love to hear your story. Please like, comment, or subscribe to let us know how God is working in your life. If you need prayer or want to connect with a local church, reach out to us.

In this powerful episode of our Kingdom of God series, we explore the vital importance of preparing our hearts and living in a state of readiness for God's work in our lives. Through Jesus's parables of the faithful servant and the ten virgins, we discover what it truly means to be "ready" in God's kingdom.

• Guarding Your Heart - Why Scripture tells us to guard our hearts above all else, as from it spring the issues of life
• Jesus's Faithfulness - How Christ continues to intercede for the church at the Father's right hand
• Living Ready - The difference between having moments with God versus living in constant movement toward Him
• The Parable of the Faithful and Unfaithful Servants - What our actions reveal about where our treasure truly lies
• The Parable of the Ten Virgins - Being prepared with "oil" for when the Master returns
• Encountering Jesus in Others - How serving "the least of these" is serving Christ Himself

"Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be."

"Those who were ready went with Him" - Are you a factor in your Master's life?

"When you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me."

• Ask yourself: What do I treasure? What consumes my thoughts and concerns?
• Move from having spiritual "moments" to living in constant movement toward God
• See every interaction with others as an opportunity to encounter and serve Jesus
• Stay watchful and prayerful, maintaining spiritual readiness daily

This episode challenges us to examine our hearts and ensure we're living as faithful servants who are ready for the Master's return - not tomorrow, not yesterday, but TODAY. Because today is the day of salvation, and the kingdom of God is both here and coming.

If this message has impacted you, please like, comment, or subscribe to let us know. If you need to connect with Jesus or find a local church, reach out - we're here to help you on your journey.

Understanding the Kingdom of God - Part 20 July 6, 2025

Key Scripture

Psalm 130:5-6 - "I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning."

Isaiah 40:31 - "Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles."

The Season of Waiting

What Are We Waiting For?

• Creation waiting to be freed from the curse
• Answered prayers and breakthroughs
• God's will and timing to be revealed
• Family and friends to come to the Lord
• Healings and miracles

Our Promised Land Moment

Like Joshua crossing into the Promised Land, we're entering a new season where everything will be different. After 27 years in our previous season, we must:

• Be strong and courageous
• Keep God's Word central
• Put worship and God's presence at the center

Why We Focus on Worship & Prayer: The Ark of the Covenant went ahead of Israel - representing God's presence and covenant. Our battles to take spiritual ground happen from this place of waiting and worship.

God's Mission Continues

John 5:17 - "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working."

We're called to be a church on mission - a warship, not a cruise liner! God is preparing our hearts for sustained revival.

Jesus' Turning Point

After Israel's leaders rejected Him, Jesus went "hardcore" with His followers:

Luke 14:26-27 - "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother... he cannot be my disciple. Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."

The Cost of Discipleship:

• Count the cost (building analogy)
• Consider the battle (king going to war)
• Give up everything to follow Him

The Kingdom Stone (Daniel 2:34-35)

A stone "not made by hands" will crush all earthly kingdoms. This Kingdom advances through spiritual warfare as disciples challenge demonic strongholds worldwide.

Our Weapons (2 Cor 10:4-5):

• Divine power to demolish strongholds
• Taking every thought captive to Christ
• Demolishing arguments against God's truth

The Temple's End (Matthew 24:1-2)

When disciples pointed out the Temple's beauty, Jesus prophesied its complete destruction. God shakes man-made religious structures that blind people to His truth.

Haggai 2:6 - "In just a little while I will again shake the heavens and the earth."

Application

Waiting isn't passive - it's preparation. As we wait on the Lord:

• Our hearts are being prepared for mission
• We're positioning for breakthrough
• We're building strength for the battles ahead

Are you ready to wait with expectation and prepare your heart for what God is doing?

What happens when a father's unconditional love collides with religious resentment? In this powerful conclusion to our "Lost and Found" series, we explore the parable of the Prodigal Son—but this time, focusing on the older brother's struggle with mercy.

Discover God's scandalous generosity, why mercy triumphs over sacrifice, and how jealousy can blind us to incredible grace. Whether you're the "prodigal" coming home or the "perfect" one standing in judgment, this message will transform how you see the Father's heart.

Key Points

1. The Father's Giving Heart

• God may have a giving heart, but do you have a receiving heart?
• You can't give what you haven't received by revelation
• God ultimately gives us what we want—relationship or alienation

2. Big with Pigs - Tasting Consequences

• Sometimes people must see for themselves
• The father's heart goes with the wandering child
• God runs toward us while we're still "far off"

3. The Sound of Scandal

• God erases, the enemy reminds
• Mercy brings the lost and rebellious home
• Hosea's story illustrates God's pursuing love

4. The Power of Mercy

• The father had forgiven before the son returned
• The older brother's jealousy opened doors to torment
• It's the kindness of God that leads to repentance

Key Scriptures

• Luke 15:11-32 - The Prodigal Son
• Hosea 6:6 - "I desire mercy, not sacrifice"
• Romans 2:4 - God's kindness leads to repentance
• 1 Samuel 18:6-11 - Saul's jealousy toward David

Reflection Questions

• Are you responding to God's mercy like the younger or older brother?
• Can you receive forgiveness, acceptance, and blessing from God?
• Who needs to experience God's mercy through you this week?
• What "chains of criticism or jealousy" need breaking in your heart?

Prayer Focus

Ask God to help you receive His mercy fully, break any jealousy or criticism in your heart, and give you overwhelming generosity toward others who receive His grace.

Key Quote

"The surest way to lead someone to repentance is to be merciful to them. The surest way to drive them into wrongdoing and anger is to be unmerciful. It is the power of mercy that conquers the hardened heart."

# Episode 18: Actions Speak Louder - The Parable of Two Sons

Series: Understanding the Kingdom of God | Date: June 22, 2025

Scripture: Matthew 21:28-32

## Recap

- Real worship flows from a forgiven life

- Understanding your forgiveness helps you forgive others

- God pursues our hearts with unrestrained acceptance

## The Parable: Two Sons, Two Hearts

The Story: Father asks both sons to work in vineyard

- Son 1: Says "No" but later goes anyway

- Son 2: Says "Yes, sir" but doesn't go

Jesus' Point: Tax collectors and prostitutes enter God's kingdom before religious leaders who don't truly obey.

## Key Insights

### Religious Appearance vs. Heart Reality

- Nice religious exterior can hide rebellion, bitterness, unforgiveness

- Everything must happen on their preferred terms

- Outward compliance without heart transformation

### The Lost Who Find Grace

- Those who know they're lost can genuinely repent: "I will return"

- Those who've never seen themselves as lost resist God's openness

- Question: "You think God just forgives people like that?"

## Personal Application

Examine Your Obedience:

- Are you sitting on unfulfilled instructions from God?

- What opportunities are "lying on the floor" waiting?

- When unsure of next steps, return to what God previously asked

Heart Check:

- Do actions match your words of commitment?

- Which son represents you today?

## Memory Verse - James 4:7-8

"Humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you."

## Truth to Remember

Actions speak louder than words. True obedience comes from genuine repentance and changed behavior, not empty promises or religious performance.

God's Expectation: "To whom much is given, much will be required." Past instructions don't expire until fulfilled.

## Next Steps

1. Examine - Review unfulfilled instructions from God

2. Act - Take one step toward previous obedience

3. Humble - Ask God to reveal performance vs. genuine faith

4. Pursue - Look for waiting opportunities

The air is pregnant with possibility and opportunity!