Have you ever had moments where you felt disconnected, not quite representing God's love as you should? Maybe others have felt the same way about you. These moments can sometimes leave a chilly impression of church, not the warm, welcoming community we aspire to be. But fear not, for there are moments of reconnection and re-centering.

Imagine being part of a church where unity, not uniformity, is the driving force that exemplifies Jesus' message to the world. We're diving into these principles: stewardship over ownership, prioritizing community over isolation, and practicing generosity over greed. Let's examine Jesus' prayer for unity and its significance in revealing God's love. Join us on this journey as we embark on a series we call "Hello Church." Unity is a central theme, a crucial element sometimes missing in the church. Disconnected moments often stem from a lack of unity—disagreements, personal agendas, and priorities misaligned with God's heart.

Before we dive in, let's acknowledge that unity is not a destination but a journey. A journey marked by growth and progress, not an end point. Just like my wife and I, who constantly pray for unity in our marriage, we understand that unity requires patience and effort. Unity isn't about our will; it's about God's will. In Ephesians 4 we can discover the profound significance of unity in our faith journey. Our goal is not uniformity but unity amidst our differences, reflecting God's love in diverse ways.

Stewardship over ownership is a vital principle. It's about using what God places in our hands for His kingdom, not just for ourselves. Community over isolation emphasizes that we're not meant to walk this faith journey alone. We're part of a larger family, supporting and uplifting one another. Lastly, generosity over greed reminds us that a life of generosity, beyond monetary aspects, is a lifestyle that benefits others. It's about having an open hand rather than a clenched fist, demonstrating God's generosity in our lives.

The early church in Acts provides a beautiful example of unity. They shared everything, worshiped together, and enjoyed meals with joy and generosity. Their unity attracted people, and each day, more were added to their fellowship. In essence, a unified church is a powerful instrument for reaching the unreached. Unity dispels doubt about Jesus' authenticity. When the world sees us united, it confirms God's love for them.

So, as a church family, let's commit to unity—unity that doesn't erase our differences but allows us to work together for God's kingdom. Let's prioritize stewardship, community, and generosity. May our unity speak volumes to the world, removing doubt about the love of God. Together, we can authentically show God's love to others.

Let's pray that God reveals areas in our lives where unity needs to be restored and that He moves us to action. Unity isn't just a concept; it's a call to live out our faith in a way that reflects God's love.

Welcome back to the third week of our series, "Hello Church." If you missed the previous two weeks, I encourage you to go check those out as well! In week one, we explored the power of unity within the church and how our understanding of the church can sometimes be different from God's vision for it.

We discussed the importance of unity, even though we've all seen instances of disunity within churches. God's desire is for His church to be unified, and this sometimes requires us to sacrifice our personal desires for His greater purpose.

In week two, Pastor Pat delved into the idea of God's kingdom always expanding. The concept of colonization in ancient Rome, where they established little Romes in conquered lands, demonstrated the idea of growth and expansion. Similarly, the church is not meant to be exclusive but to extend its reach into the world.

Today, we're diving into another aspect of what it means to be the church, as we explore a passage from the book of Luke. This passage challenges us to reconsider our perspective and priorities.

Jesus attended a dinner at a Pharisee's house on the Sabbath, a day when work was prohibited by religious standards. The Pharisees closely observed Jesus to see if he would break this rule. During the meal, Jesus encountered a man with swollen limbs and asked if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath. When no one answered, Jesus healed the man, which offended some.

Jesus used this moment to address the Pharisees' legalism. He asked them if they would hesitate to help their own child or animal in need on the Sabbath. This emphasized the importance of mercy and compassion over rigid rules.

Then Jesus observed the guests' behavior at the dinner table. They all wanted to sit in places of honor, closer to the head of the table. Jesus advised them not to seek honor for themselves but to take the lowest seat. In doing so, the host might invite them to a better seat, exemplifying the principle that those who humble themselves will be exalted.

This teaching challenges our societal focus on self-promotion and encourages us to let God exalt us rather than seeking recognition for ourselves.

Next, Jesus turned to the host and advised him not to invite friends, relatives, or rich neighbors to his gatherings. Instead, he should invite the poor, crippled, lame, and blind. Jesus explained that those who invite people who cannot repay them will be rewarded by God at the resurrection of the righteous.

This challenges us to consider who we invite into our lives and how we extend grace. It's easy to help those who can repay us, but God calls us to serve those who cannot.

The passage concludes with a guest's comment about the blessedness of attending a banquet in the kingdom of God. Jesus responded with a parable about a man who invited many guests but encountered excuses. The master then sent his servant to invite the poor and marginalized, ensuring his banquet would not go to waste.

In today's context, we are among those who have been invited to the banquet, and we must be mindful not to make excuses or prioritize other things over God's call. We must also remember to extend the invitation to others, especially those society often overlooks.

In summary, our purpose as a church is to help those who cannot help us in return. We should emulate Jesus by showing compassion, humility, and a willingness to serve without expecting anything in return. The church is a place where all are accepted, not because they are good enough, but because we all understand our need for God's grace.

Let us remember that we are all a work in progress, continually seeking God's guidance and grace. As a church, we aim to be a community that reflects God's love and extends His invitation to all.

In the heart of Jesus' teachings lies a profound and enduring message: the kingdom of God. From the earliest days of His ministry to His final moments on Earth, Jesus emphasized the significance of God's kingdom. Today, we delve into what this means for us as believers and how we can actively play a part in expanding God's rule on Earth.

The Kingdom's Proclamation

In the Gospel of Matthew, we encounter Jesus' powerful words in Matthew 5:3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for they will receive the kingdom." This is just the beginning. In Matthew 10:7, He instructs His disciples to declare, "The kingdom of heaven has come near." These words weren't mere statements; they were a call to action. Jesus wanted His followers to understand the imminent presence of the kingdom.

Furthermore, in Matthew 24:14, Jesus unveils the profound truth that "this is the gospel of the kingdom." He foretells its global proclamation, signaling the nearing of the end times. The message is clear: the kingdom is central to His mission and our faith.

The Kingdom vs. The New Birth

It's intriguing to note that while the new birth is undeniably crucial, Jesus seldom preached about it. He mentioned the new birth to one individual on one occasion. Instead, His primary focus was on the kingdom. The new birth serves as the entry point into the kingdom, but it's just the beginning of our journey within it.

The Roman Influence

To grasp the divine plan at work, we must consider the rise of the Roman Empire. This powerful empire introduced a novel approach to expansion: colonization. Instead of uprooting conquered people, the Romans brought their culture and order to the conquered territories. This approach influenced Jesus' ministry, and here's why.

God sent Jesus into a world controlled by the Roman Empire because the stage was set perfectly for His message. He came as the governor of the conquered land, bringing the culture of heaven to Earth. This was a strategic move by God to prepare the world for the kingdom message.

Our Role in Expanding the Kingdom

Today, as believers, we continue this mission to expand God's kingdom. We are the modern-day ambassadors, charged with bringing the culture of heaven to Earth. But how do we achieve this? There are three clear markers of the kingdom's expansion:

1. Undeniable Display of God's Power: Miracles are a testament to the kingdom's authority. We must not shy away from praying for healing and supernatural intervention, as we serve as vessels for God's power.

2. Overwhelming Sense of His Presence: Revival is marked by an overwhelming sense of God's presence. Every moment, from our waking hours to our interactions with others, should be infused with a profound awareness of God's nearness.

3. Irresistible Draw of the Spirit: The Father draws people to Jesus. As the church, we are His representatives and ambassadors, demonstrating forgiveness, love, kindness, and more. Through our actions, we create an irresistible draw toward God.

In essence, the mission of the church, including our own C3 community, is to expand God's kingdom through the gospel of Jesus Christ. We accomplish this by embodying the principles and values of the kingdom in our daily lives and interactions.

Let's embrace our divine calling, going into our communities, workplaces, and schools, and actively bring the culture of heaven to Earth, just as Jesus did during His time on this Roman-dominated planet. Our role is pivotal in expanding God's kingdom, and together, we can help bring heaven to Earth.