SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
DATE: 9-13-26
As always, it’s a joy to be with all of you this weekend at Gateway Church. And there’s one thing I want you to know — and this is true whether you’re worshiping with us for the first time or are joining us online — I want you to know that God loves you, and I love you too.
PASTORAL PRAYER
INTRODUCTION
Once a year, we take time to remember, celebrate, and be thankful for all that God’s done and is doing in and through our Gateway Church family. And each year we take one of our discipleship characteristics and use it as the glue for our ministry celebration services. Now, if you’re newer to Gateway, you may be wondering, “Discipleship characteristics? What’s that about?”
So here’s the quick version.
Imagine four columns. Each column represents a key component of a local church. The first column is the pastor — that’s me. The second column is the church’s key leaders. The third column is the church’s discipleship process. Here at Gateway, that’s Worship, Connect, Serve, and Go. Then the fourth and final column is the kind of disciples of Jesus we’re desiring to make here at Gateway. Meaning — what’s the goal of having you worship, connect, serve, and go? The goal is for you to be a disciple of Jesus. But what does that mean?
Well, here at Gateway, our vision — our spiritual goal for every follower of Jesus — is that we’d be disciples…
1. Who are…Word and Spirit Christians.
2. Who are…generous.
3. Who are…family.
4. Who are…disciples who make disciples.
5. And who are…Kingdom-minded.
If you want to learn more about these discipleship characteristics, I encourage you to visit our website — gatewayepc.org — and search for our Vision series from 2024. We also have this booklet at the Resource Center, which explains in more detail what I just covered.
So back to our ministry celebration. Each year, we look back at God’s faithfulness — and look ahead in anticipation of God’s future faithfulness — to us as a church. And we do so through the lens of one of our discipleship characteristics: Word and Spirit Christians who are generous, a family, who make disciples, and who are Kingdom-minded.
And — this year — being Kingdom-minded will be the thread that ties this service together.
KINGDOM-MINDED COMMITMENT
So — with that as an introduction — if you have your Bible, please turn with me to the gospel of Matthew. We’ll be in Matthew chapter six — looking at verse thirty-three. That’s Matthew chapter six — verse thirty-three.
There we read…
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
I’ve titled this sermon “Kingdom-minded commitment”. And the question I want us to ask is this: What does it mean to be a Kingdom-minded follower of Jesus? Here’s my answer: It means that we’re committed to prioritizing the Kingdom of God above everything else. It means aligning our lives with God’s purpose for his creation. It means that in this world — that’s full of distractions and competing priorities — being Kingdom-minded means we focus — and often must refocus and refocus and refocus — our lives on God’s Kingdom.
And — when we do so — God will be glorified. He’ll be made to look awesome through our lives — both individually and corporately — as his will is done here on earth through our obedience and commitment to his cause. And — as if that’s not enough — when we commit to being Kingdom-minded followers of Jesus, a wonderful promise becomes ours. The promise that God will provide all that we need to glorify him as we accomplish his will. That’s the “all these things will be added to you” part of our verse. God fully supports his people when they’re committed to being Kingdom-minded.
CONCLUSION: TWO QUESTIONS
Now I want to quickly answer two questions before we celebrate together. First, what is the Kingdom of God? If we’re to be Kingdom-minded, we need to know what we mean by the word kingdom.
One definition of the kingdom of God is this: The Kingdom of God is “God’s governing activity and the sphere in which God’s reign is experienced and accepted.” God’s governing activity and the sphere in which God’s reign is experienced and accepted.
What’s the sphere of God’s reign? Everything and everywhere, right? All of creation. From the farthest star in the universe to the lowest depth in the ocean and everything in between — that’s the sphere of God’s reign. But God’s reign isn’t accepted everywhere, is it? And for those who are Kingdom-minded — that’s the issue. For we want more and more of God’s creation to accept his reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.
This primarily happens when the gospel is proclaimed and believed. That’s why going is so important to us. It’s why we say, “You are sent” at the end of every worship service. For we’re sending you out as ambassadors of Christ to expand his kingdom by making his gospel known.
So that’s what we mean by the kingdom of God.
Second question: What does this look like in real life? Meaning, what are some examples of being a Kingdom-minded follower of Jesus? This won’t be an exhaustive list, but I hope it’ll be inspiring. That you’ll either be inspired to do something you hear, or be inspired with an idea that you’ll start doing in order to be even more of a Kingdom-minded follower of Jesus than you are right now.
Some examples:
Parents, life can be stressful. Kids fight. Spouses fight. Conflict happens. To be a Kingdom-minded family, set aside one evening a week for a family kingdom gathering. Read a chapter of the Bible that focuses on loving one another, forgiving one another, or being patient with one another. Then talk through ways you can do what you just read as a family. Maybe there’s a current conflict where you can practice forgiveness, or an unkind word recently said that you can repent of. This will help you to be a Kingdom-minded family as you grow together as followers of Jesus.
Let’s talk about work. Work can be a place full of competition and stress. Some of your co-workers may have no issue making unethical decisions in order to get ahead. But you want your Kingdom-minded commitment to be on display at work. So how about taking a quick moment to pray when you feel the competitive culture taking over you? Or try starting a Bible study during your lunch break — even if you’re the only one in the study. By the way, Christians aren’t the only people who get upset with unethical practices, so maybe some of your co-workers — even non-Christian ones — would be interested in creating some sort of ethical accountability. Maybe you can even suggest some biblical principles that can create a more ethical work environment in your company.
You can display a Kingdom-minded commitment by volunteering with one of our local ministry partners: The Women’s Resource Center, Chopin Hall, City Mission, Christian Clearing House, Life Wise…these organizations are always looking for folks who love Jesus and want to see our community be blessed and for God’s Kingdom to grow.
You can volunteer at one of our local schools. I personally know teachers and principals who’d welcome the help — not only teaching their kids to count to one hundred, but also being a positive influence in their lives. By doing so, you’ll know how to pray for kids and their teacher by name. And I feel obligated to give this public service announcement. If your volunteering includes throwing a football or frisbee with second-grade boys, don’t take their word that they know how to catch. If you don’t test them at short range, you may end up hitting them in the face. I speak from experience.
Finally, being Kingdom-minded means sharing the gospel. To your children. Co-workers. Our local community. To people in our country who don’t believe. And — ultimately — to the ends of the earth. Every week in our next gen ministry, the Kingdom of God is expanding as students of all ages hear and believe the gospel. Because we’re Kingdom-minded, we hosted six interns over the summer — potential future leaders in the church whom we believe God will use to expand his kingdom. It’s why we’re investing in a pastoral residency with Chandler and Nick. They’re here to gain both the education and experience they need to be sent out as pastors to expand the kingdom of God. And it’s why we go to places like Cuba, Beirut, Bangladesh, Tajikistan, and others — because we’re committed to being Kingdom-minded followers of Jesus.
You’re going to hear a lot today about how our commitment to being Kingdom-minded is playing itself out in all areas of our church. From next gen to Life Groups, from worship services to our finances. I hope you’ll be encouraged. I hope you’ll be thankful. But my biggest hope is that you’ll be inspired — inspired to be even more committed as a Kingdom-minded follower of Jesus. Let’s pray.
PRAYER
Father in Heaven, inspire your people today to be even more Kingdom-minded. Spirit, as we celebrate your faithfulness to us — in using us for your glory — keep us humble. And, Jesus, all of this is possible because of your love and commitment to your Kingdom expanding throughout your creation — including each of our lives. Help us to play our small part in your Kingdom-expanding even more. And we pray all of this in your name. Amen.
CONNECTION TIME
At this time, we’re going to take some time to greet one another. And a video will play to signal you to return to your seats. As Christ has welcomed us into his family, go ahead and welcome those around you.
DEPARTMENT PRESENTATIONS
COMMUNION
Friends, this is the joyful feast of the people of God! In eternity, people will come from east and west, and from north and south, to sit at the table in the Kingdom of God. According to Luke, after he was crucified and raised from the dead, Jesus ate a meal with his disciples. And during the meal he took the bread, blessed it, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him.
This is the Lord’s Table. And our Savior invites those who trust him to share the feast which he has prepared.
Hear the words of Paul: The Lord Jesus, on the night of his arrest, took bread, and after giving thanks to God, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat. This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way he took the cup, saying: This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood, shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me. Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the saving death of the risen Lord, until he comes.
Now, with thanksgiving for all the things God has done for us in his Son Jesus Christ, let’s spend a moment in silence, offering God our grateful praise for cleansing us from all our unrighteousness.
—moment of silence—
God, in your wisdom, you made all things and sustain them by your power. You formed us in your image, placing us in this world to love and serve you, and to live in peace with your whole creation. When we rebelled against you, refusing to trust and obey you, you did not reject us, but still claimed us as your own. You sent prophets to call us back to your way.
Then at just the right time, out of your great love for the world, you sent your only Son to be one of us, to redeem us, and to heal our brokenness. Therefore we praise you — joining our voices with the choirs of angels and with all the saints of every time and place who forever sing to the glory of your name — words which are on the screens if you’d like to say them with me.
Congregation: Holy, holy, holy. God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Amen.
INSTRUCTIONS
At this time — those who will be serving communion can make their way to the tables. In a moment, ushers will dismiss you by rows so you can come forward to receive the bread and the cup. Take both before returning to your seats. Baskets are available up front for you to place your empty cups in. We also have a gluten-free wafer option for those who need one. If you’re unable to come forward — raise your hand and let the usher know as they dismiss your row — and someone will come and serve you in your seat.
And — if you’re not coming forward for communion today — know that no one’s judging you for staying in your seat. We would appreciate it if you could help those coming forward make their way past you. And if you have any questions about communion or what it means to follow Jesus, please stop by the resource center before you leave today.
Finally, to any of our homebound members — who are watching this from home — know that your shepherding elder is available to bring communion to you in your home. Please reach out to him if you’d like to have communion brought to you.
BENEDICTION (Prayer teams available / DISCIPLE BOOKLET)
May you go committed to being a Kingdom-minded follower of Jesus. Amen.
God loves you. I love you. You are sent.