Archive for the ‘Liturgy’ Category

“A Son Builds The Temple!”

Posted August 19, 2025
Filed under: Bible, By Richard Andrews, Children's Ministry, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Discipleship, Evangelism, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Inclusion, Jesus Christ, Liturgy, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Pentecost, Perichoresis, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Resurrection, Scripture Paraphrases, Sermons, Song, The Church, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, The Holy Spirit, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Part A:

Part B:

Full Message:

Scripture: 1 Kings 8: 10-61

Summary:

In this sermon, Pastor Richard Andrews reflects on the high point of Solomon’s reign: the construction of the Lord’s temple (1 Kings 6–8). The temple was more than a building, it was the visible fulfillment of God’s covenant promises to Abraham and David, a sign of His faithfulness, and a testimony that “the Lord is God.” God vowed to dwell among His people, making Jerusalem the center of worship while pointing forward to Christ as the true temple.

Solomon’s reign of peace and prosperity enabled him to complete this crowning achievement, establishing not only Israel’s defenses and economy but also a permanent dwelling place for God’s glory. At its dedication, God’s presence filled the temple in a cloud so overwhelming that the priests could not continue ministering (1 Kings 8). This affirmed God’s covenant faithfulness, His nearness, and His mission to make His name known among the nations.

Yet the temple ultimately pointed beyond itself. Jesus identified Himself as God’s temple, embodying His presence, fulfilling His promises, and extending His mission to the world. Through His life, death, and resurrection, believers are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, living testimonies of God’s dwelling on earth. Just as Solomon’s temple declared God’s faithfulness, so today the church exists as His living temple, called to reflect His presence in word and deed so that the nations may know He is Lord.

“The place of God’s glorious dwelling is not to be found in an ornate temple of marble, gold, and precious stones, but rather in Jesus. The place of God’s glorious dwelling is the flesh of his Son!”— Sam Storms

Key Points and Highlights

  1. The Temple: God’s Presence With His People 🏛️✨
  • Theme: The temple visibly displayed God’s glory and affirmed His desire to dwell with His people.
  • Discipleship Question: How can you live more aware of God’s nearness in daily life?
  • #GodWithUs
  1. God’s Covenant Faithfulness 📜✅
  • Theme: The temple fulfilled God’s promises to Abraham and David, proving that His word never fails.
  • Discipleship Question: Which promise of God do you need to hold onto more tightly this week?
  • #FaithfulGod
  1. Jesus, the True Temple ✝️🔥
  • Theme: Jesus embodied God’s presence and fulfilled the temple’s purpose, becoming the true center of worship.
  • Discipleship Question: How can you keep Christ, not self or tradition, at the center of your worship?
  • #JesusIsTheTemple
  1. Believers as God’s Living Temple 🙌🕊️
  • Theme: Through the Spirit, God dwells in His people, making our lives sacred spaces that reflect His glory.
  • Discipleship Question: How can you honor God’s presence in your body, words, and actions this week?
  • #TempleOfTheHolySpirit
  1. The Mission: Making God Known 🌍📢
  • Theme: Just as the temple testified that the Lord is God, the church now carries that mission through word and deed.
  • Discipleship Question: Who in your life needs to see and hear through you that Jesus is Lord?
  • #MakeGodKnown

“One cannot pass without interruption from Christ to the Church. The Cross stands between. In being the Body of Christ, the Church meets her Lord; she does not prolong Him, but she expresses Him here and now. She does not replace Him, but makes Him visible, demonstrates Him without being confounded with Him.”— Thomas F. Torrance

Reflective Moment:
As Solomon’s temple declared God’s presence and faithfulness, our lives as the temple of the Holy Spirit are meant to do the same today. The world is not looking for perfection but for evidence of God’s presence at work within us. Reflect: in your words, actions, and relationships, what story are you telling about God-Father, Son and Holy Spirit? May we live as temples of His Spirit, carrying His presence into our homes, workplaces, and communities so that others may see and know the Lord is God.

“What The Father Wants Most From You/Us!”

Posted August 12, 2025
Filed under: Ascension, Ascension of Jesus, Bible, By Pastor Timothy, By Tim Brassell, By Timothy Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Discipleship, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Inclusion, Jesus Christ, Liturgy, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Pentecost, Perichoresis, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Resurrection, Scripture Paraphrases, Sermons, The Church, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, The Holy Spirit, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Part A:

Part B:

Full Message:

Scripture: Acts 2: 22-36

Summary:
In this continuation of the Acts 2 series “Take It Personal and Be Relational With Father!”, Pastor Timothy Brassell unpacks the vital truth that what God the Father most desires from humanity is His Son, Jesus Christ standing in for us, substituting for us in every part of our human life, and sharing His perfect relationship with the Father in the Spirit. Drawing from Acts 2:22–36, Pastor Tim shows that God’s desire is not for our independent efforts, moral achievements, or political victories, but for us to live in Christ’s union with Him.

The sermon confronts the false hopes we often place in politics, national identity, or even human unity apart from Christ, warning that these can become idols when they replace God’s kingdom purposes. Pastor Tim emphasizes that true peace, justice, and reconciliation flow only from participation in Jesus’ relationship with the Father, not from human effort or ideology.

He highlights the deeply relational nature of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and the call for believers to reject isolation and individualism, choosing instead to live in loving connection with God and others. The message calls listeners to see repentance, baptism, ministry, and obedience not as self-generated acts, but as participation in what Christ has already done perfectly on our behalf.

Ultimately, the sermon urges believers to shift from asking, “What can I give God?” to receiving the reality of what God has already given in Jesus. This is the foundation for Christian living, mission, and worship: abiding in Christ, trusting His work, and letting every good deed flow from His life in us.

Key Themes and Reflection Questions:

1) Union With Christ Above All 🤝✝️

  • Theme: God’s greatest desire is for us to share in His Son’s relationship with Him through the Spirit. Everything else flows from that union.
  • Discipleship Question: How can you shift your focus this week from “what can I give God” to “how can I receive and live in Christ’s life”?
  • #UnionWithChrist

2) Resisting Cultural Idols 🛡️🌍

  • Theme: Political power, national identity, and even human unity apart from Christ cannot satisfy God’s desire for us. These can become distractions from His kingdom.
  • Discipleship Question: Which cultural values or movements do you need to evaluate in light of Jesus’ reign and relationship with the Father?
  • #KingdomFirst

3) Living Relationally, Not in Isolation 🏠🤗

  • Theme: God, as Father-Son-Holy Spirit, is relational by nature and calls us out of self-centered isolation into loving participation with Him and others.
  • Discipleship Question: Who can you intentionally connect with this week as an expression of sharing in God’s relational life?
  • #RelationalFaith

4) Christ as Our True Representative 👑🙌

  • Theme: Jesus, fully God and fully human, stands in our place, resisting sin, fulfilling righteousness, and offering His perfect obedience to the Father on our behalf.
  • Discipleship Question: How does knowing Jesus stands in for you change your approach to repentance, service, or worship?
  • #JesusInMyPlace

5) Receiving Before Giving 🎁💖

  • Theme: God doesn’t want anything from us apart from His Son. He first gives us Christ, and we respond by participating in what He has already done.
  • Discipleship Question: In what ways can you practice receiving God’s gifts this week before rushing to give something back?
  • #GraceFirst

Context:
This message follows a previous sermon answering, “What Does the Father Want Most for You?” and now addresses “What Does the Father Want Most from You?” Using Acts 2:22–36 as the foundation, Pastor Brassell teaches that the answer is always the same: Jesus Christ, standing in for us, representing us, and sharing His relationship with the Father by the Spirit. The sermon confronts common cultural substitutes for God’s kingdom, affirms the relational nature of Christian life, and calls believers into deeper dependence on Christ as the only way to give God what He truly desires.

Reflective Moment:
The gospel begins with a gift, not a demand. God’s greatest desire is not your best effort but for you to share in the perfect love and obedience of His Son.

“Union with Christ is really the central truth of the whole doctrine of salvation not only in its application but also in its once-for-all accomplishment in the finished work of Christ.”
— John Murray, Redemption Accomplished and Applied

Pastor Timothy Brassell: “What the Father most wants from you and from us is His Son, Jesus Christ, standing in for you and substituting for you in every part of your human life.”

This is what Acts 2 reminds us: God’s greatest desire isn’t your performance, but for you to live in the life His Son has already secured for you. When you rest in Christ’s finished work, you are already giving the Father what He most wants from you.

This week, slow down, receive the reality of Christ’s life in you, and let that be the wellspring from which all your actions and relationships flow.

“Light For The Journey!”

Posted July 29, 2025
Filed under: Bible, By Karan Barthelmy-Harris, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Discipleship, Evangelism, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Inclusion, Jesus Christ, Liturgy, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Pentecost, Perichoresis, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Sermons, The Church, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, The Holy Spirit, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105 (CSB)

We live in a world anxious for what’s ahead, craving step-by-step GPS-level certainty from a God who often only offers us a lantern. The promise of Psalm 119:105 is not a floodlight for the future. It is a lamp for the next faithful step. Jesus doesn’t offer us a spotlight that reveals everything. He offers Himself, a Lamp to our feet and a Light to our paths.

God’s Word doesn’t reveal everything all at once, only enough to take the next step in trust. He offers not a complete itinerary but a faithful Guide to Himself. Jesus, the Living Word, walks with us by the Spirit. He illumines our path not so we can control the future, but so we can walk with Him into it.

When you belong to Christ, your steps are not left to chance. They are lovingly guided by His hand. Though He never promised the road would be easy, He promised to walk it with us, step by step, as the Living Word.  Psalm 37: 23-24 tells us: 

“A person’s steps are established by the Lord, and he takes pleasure in his way. Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the Lord supports him with his hand.”

His promises do not always erase life’s uncertainties, but they do guarantee that in Him, we are never alone on the journey. In Him alone, we have certainty, and we can rest on that! He illuminates every step and anchors us in the Father’s will by the Spirit. His Word is not only written, but also embodied. It is personal. It is Him.

Even when life knocks you down, when the fog rolls in thick, and your next season feels unclear, you are not lost or alone. Jesus remains your compass. The Scriptures are not abstract advice. He uses the scriptures as words through which He speaks, pointing forward, guiding gently, and reminding you who walks beside you.

“The word of God is the source of clarity for all our questions and perplexities. It is not the solution of a problem, but the solution of life itself.”
— Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Meditating on the Word, p. 36

A Story to Reflect On:

Corrie ten Boom, a Christian who became a voice of gospel hope and forgiveness, reflects in her memoir The Hiding Place, on a childhood moment with her father when she was afraid she wouldn’t be strong enough to suffer:

“Corrie,” he began gently, “when you and I go to Amsterdam, when do I give you your ticket?”
“Why, just before we get on the train.”
“Exactly. And our wise Father in heaven knows when we’re going to need things, too. Don’t run out ahead of Him, Corrie.”
— Corrie ten Boom, The Hiding Place, Ch. 2 (“Full Table”)

This moment of wisdom stayed with her for the rest of her life, and it remains a powerful reminder for us, too. God gives what we need when we need it. Not before.

It’s the same pattern we see in Scripture.

When God led the Israelites through the wilderness, He didn’t give them a month’s supply of manna. He gave them just enough for one day:

“The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day.… No one is to keep any of it until morning.”
— Exodus 16:4, 19 (CSB)

Why? So His people would learn to trust not just His provision, but His presence. Because daily bread trains daily trust. God wanted His people to look to Him each morning. Not to stockpile certainty, but to walk in dependence. Like manna in the wilderness, God’s Word nourishes us one step at a time. Not for hoarding, but for walking. Not for control, but for communion.

God doesn’t hand us the full journey plan or all the strength up front. He gives us the grace, wisdom, and guidance we need, not before, but exactly when it’s time to step forward. Like a good Father, He knows how to prepare us, not for the unknown in general, but for the next moment of trust.

When we feel like we’re wandering or waiting, His Word reminds us we are still being led. The Light of the world never leaves His own in darkness. Every promise, every command, every whisper in the pages of Scripture is meant to anchor our hearts in His presence.

So, if you’re in a season of not knowing, whether about work, family, health, or calling, lean into the lamp. Trust that God’s Word will guide your next right step, even if the tenth one is still hidden.

 Where do you need God’s guidance right now?

Pause. Open His Word. Listen. Then move forward, one step at a time, with Him.

Prayer

Lord, when I can’t see what’s ahead, help me trust the Light You give. Quiet my fears, steady my steps, and lead me by Your Word. One step at a time with You. Amen.

“The next step is all that is required.”
— C.S. Lewis, Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer

“The Good Shepherd!”

Posted July 22, 2025
Filed under: Bible, By Richard Andrews, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Discipleship, Evangelism, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Inclusion, Jesus Christ, Liturgy, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Pentecost, Perichoresis, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Resurrection, Scripture Paraphrases, Sermons, The Church, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, The Holy Spirit, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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A Sermon on Psalm 23 by Pastor Richard Andrews

Part A:

Part B:

Full Message:

Scripture: Psalm 23

Summary:

In this reflective and Spirit-led sermon, Pastor Richard Andrews explores the richness of Psalm 23, reminding us that Jesus is not just a shepherd, He is the Good Shepherd. Though often read during times of sorrow, Pastor Richard encourages us to reclaim this psalm as a daily declaration of trust, provision, and faith.

He begins by tracing David’s journey through the earlier psalms, where themes of battle, betrayal, praise, and prayer reveal a life lived in dependence on God. By Psalm 23, David is no longer speaking theoretically, he’s testifying that the Shepherd’s presence transforms every season.

Jesus confirms this in John 10, calling Himself the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep by name, leads them, protects them, and lays down His life for them. Pastor Richard emphasizes that this relationship is both personal and present. To say, “The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need” is to declare Christ’s sufficiency in every part of life.

“We have all things and abound; not because I have a good store of money in the bank, not because I have skill and wit with which to win my bread, but because the Lord is my shepherd.”— Charles H. Spurgeon

This quote captures the heart of the message: our sufficiency is not in what we possess, but in who possesses us.

Rather than centering on our struggles, the sermon shifts our focus to the One who walks with us through them, guiding, comforting, and carrying us when needed. And even when we stray, He gently leads us back by grace.

We also see that the Shepherd calls us into community, not just a personal walk with God, but life together in the body of Christ. Pastor Richard challenges us to encourage, serve, and love one another as members of the same flock.

Psalm 23 closes not in fear, but in peace and promise: a table prepared in the presence of enemies, an overflowing cup, and the assurance that goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives.

✨ Key Themes and Reflection Questions:

1. The Shepherd Who Satisfies 🐑🛏️

Theme: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need.” Christ alone provides for every need: physical, emotional, and spiritual.
Discipleship Question: Are you truly trusting Jesus to meet all your needs, or are you still striving for things outside of Him?
#ShepherdWhoSatisfies

2. Divine Rest in a Restless World 🌿💧

Theme: Jesus gives us rest: true soul-deep peace beside quiet waters and green pastures, not based on circumstances but grounded in His presence.
Discipleship Question: Where do you need to receive God’s rest this week, and what distractions might you need to lay down?
#RestInHim

3. Guidance with Purpose 🧭🚶‍♂️

Theme: “He leads me along right paths for His name’s sake.” God guides us not only for our good, but for His glory. Our lives are testimonies of His faithfulness.
Discipleship Question: Is your life reflecting the guidance of the Good Shepherd or being pulled by your own plans?
#GuidedByGod

4. Peace in the Dark Valley 🌑🕯️

Theme: Even in the valley of shadow and death, Jesus walks with us. His presence replaces fear with peace, and His rod and staff offer protection and comfort.
Discipleship Question: How can you lean into the Shepherd’s presence in your current valley?
#PeaceInTheValley

5. Anchored in Eternal Hope 🏡✨

Theme: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me… and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Our future is secure in Christ.
Discipleship Question: How does the promise of eternity with Jesus give you perspective for today’s challenges?
#EternalHope

Reflective Moment:

Psalm 23 isn’t a soft whisper; it’s a bold declaration. It reminds us who our Shepherd is and reclaims the peace and purpose that come only from His presence. When we live from the truth that “The Lord is my Shepherd; I have what I need,” everything changes: our thinking, our direction, our relationships, and even our rest.

Let this passage be more than comfort in hardship. Let it become your anthem for everyday life.

“A Sinner Receives Forgiveness!”

Posted July 15, 2025
Filed under: Bible, by Tony Marra, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Discipleship, Evangelism, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Inclusion, Jesus Christ, Liturgy, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Pentecost, Perichoresis, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Resurrection, Scripture Paraphrases, Sermons, The Church, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, The Holy Spirit, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Part A:

Part B:

Full Message:

Scripture: 2 Samuel 11: 1-17 Psalm 51: 4-10 (CSB)

Summary:

In this powerful and sobering message, Pastor Tony Marra explores the tragic story of King David’s sin with Bathsheba and the profound need for divine mercy. Despite David’s status as a man after God’s own heart, he falls deeply into sin, ultimately arranging the death of an innocent man. Yet even in this dark narrative, the grace of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit shines through, offering forgiveness to all who genuinely repent. The sermon emphasizes our universal vulnerability to sin and the unmatched mercy of God, who provides a better King—Jesus Christ—as our perfect intercessor and redeemer.

Key Points and Highlights

1. Even the Faithful Fall 👑💔

  • Theme: David, though called a man after God’s own heart, fell into grievous sin. His story reminds us that no one is above temptation.
  • Discipleship Question: What daily practices are keeping your heart soft, and your eyes focused on Christ?
  • #EvenKingsFall #GuardYourHeart

2. Repentance Begins with Confrontation 🪞📖

  • Theme: Nathan’s boldness opened the door to David’s restoration. God uses confrontation not to shame, but to heal.
  • Discipleship Question: Who in your life speaks truth to you when you’re blind to your own sin?
  • #FaithfulWounds #SpeakTruthInLove

4. True Repentance Requires Brokenness 💧🕊️

  • Theme: Psalm 51 reveals David’s heart: crushed, humbled, desperate for renewal, not self-justifying.
  • Discipleship Question: Do you grieve your sin or just its consequences?
  • #BrokenAndContrite #Psalm51Heart

5. God’s Grace Is Greater 🌊✝️

  • Theme: While the consequences remained, God’s forgiveness was immediate. Mercy meets us at our lowest.
  • Discipleship Question: Do you believe God’s mercy is stronger than your biggest failure?
  • #GraceGreater #MercyTriumphs

6. Restoration Doesn’t Erase Consequences ⏳🩹

  • Theme: Though forgiven, David still faced discipline. God—Father, Son, Holy Spirit restores us spiritually, but consequences can still shape us.
  • Discipleship Question: Are you allowing discipline to shape your character or harden your heart?
  • #RestorationNotEscape #GodDisciplinesInLove

7. Jesus Is the King We All Need 👑🌟

  • Theme: David’s failure points to the need for a perfect King, Jesus, who rules in righteousness and redeems in love.
  • Discipleship Question: In your daily life, are you trusting Jesus to lead you where human strength cannot?
  • #BetterKing #ChristAlone

Context

This sermon by Pastor Tony Marra revisits the story of David and Bathsheba to teach us about the devastating impact of sin and the depth of God’s mercy. David’s journey from moral failure to heartfelt repentance reveals that no one is beyond the need for grace or the reach of it. Through Psalm 51, David models the kind of brokenness and humility God desires. The story ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the perfect and eternal King, through whom forgiveness and restoration are made possible. Pastor Tony’s message calls believers to transparency, repentance, and reliance on God’s- Father, Son Holy Spirit transformative grace.

“Grace That Goes First!”

Posted July 8, 2025
Filed under: Ascension, Ascension of Jesus, Bible, By Karan Barthelmy-Harris, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Discipleship, Evangelism, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Inclusion, Jesus Christ, Liturgy, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Pentecost, Perichoresis, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Resurrection, Sermons, Spiritual Warfare, The Church, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Father Loves and Like You Celebration, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, The Holy Spirit, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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“We love because He first loved us.” —1 John 4:19 (CSB)

Before you ever moved toward God, He moved toward you. Before you repented, before you prayed, before you even believed, He had already set His love upon you. THAT’S GRACE!

“God does not wait for man to turn to Him; He goes to meet him.”—Karl Barth, Church Dogmatics IV/2, p. 752

In Christ, the Father and the Spirit ran to embrace humanity: fallenness, rebellion, shame and all. Jesus didn’t wait for us to get it together. He stepped into our mess. The Spirit didn’t demand we earn His presence. He was poured out freely. The Father didn’t withhold His love until we deserved it. He gave us His Son while we were still enemies. “But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”—Romans 5:8 (CSB)

This is grace: God didn’t wait for you to change. In Jesus and by the Holy Spirit, He came to change you by love.

“God does not wait for us to believe or behave before including us in His grace. In Jesus, He already has.”—Gary Deddo, Clarifying Our Theological Vision, GCI.org

God is not keeping His distance, waiting for you to fix yourself. He has already come near, already included you, already begun the work of making you whole in Jesus Christ. The cross isn’t a symbol of what we must do for God; it’s the declaration of what He has already done for us and with us.

The love of the Trinity is not reluctant, it is relentless.
The Father ran to meet us.
The Son gave His life for us.
The Spirit came to dwell within us.
Three Persons, one God, moving together in love to bring us home. “For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.” —Ephesians 2:18 (CSB)

So now the question becomes:

Who do you need to pursue today, not because they’ve earned it, but because God pursued you? Maybe someone has hurt you. Maybe they’ve drifted. Maybe you’ve distanced yourself, waiting for them to make the first move. But what if grace calls you to go first, not in your own strength, but with the strength of Christ and by the Spirit who lives in you.

Let your life reflect the rhythm of the Triune God:  ✨ A love that doesn’t wait.  ✨ A grace that goes first.

Prayer

Lord,
You loved me before I ever reached for You.
You came near when I was far, and gave Yourself without waiting for change.
Thank You for pursuing me with grace.

Now help me do the same.
Where I’m tempted to hold back, let me move forward in love.
Where I want to wait, give me courage to go first.

Let my life reflect the mercy You’ve shown me.
Make me a witness of Your grace in motion.

Amen.

“Remembering What Is Often Forgotten about Pentecost! (Relationship!)”

Posted July 1, 2025
Filed under: Ascension, Ascension of Jesus, Bible, By Pastor Timothy, By Tim Brassell, By Timothy Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Discipleship, Easter, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Inclusion, Jesus Christ, Lent, Liturgy, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Pentecost, Perichoresis, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Resurrection, Sermons, The Church, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, The Holy Spirit, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Part A:

Part B:

Full Message:

Scripture: Acts 2: 17-21

“The Holy Spirit is not a power you activate; He is a person you relate to.” – Pastor Timothy Brassell “God has made us this way, in his own image, because he himself is a personal, relational being.”– Gordon D. Fee, Paul, the Spirit, and the People of God

“The Holy Spirit is not merely an influence or a power or an illumination but is a Person just as real as God the Father or Jesus Christ His Son… To have as one’s ever‑present Friend, and to be conscious that one has as his ever‑present Friend, the Holy Spirit … this is true Christian living.”– R.A. Torrey, The Person & Work of the Holy Spirit

Summary:

In this sermon, Pastor Timothy Brassell challenges modern misunderstandings of Pentecost by reframing it as a deeply relational encounter, not merely a spiritual experience or ritual. He explains that the Holy Spirit is not a force to be “activated,” but a divine person—the third person of the Triune God who is meant to be known, honored, and related to in reverent intimacy.

Through biblical exposition, early church creeds (such as the Athanasian Creed), and real-life analogies, Pastor Tim explores the often-overlooked relational nature of the Spirit. Drawing especially from Acts 2 and John 3, he re-centers Pentecost around God’s desire for personal connection rather than performance or emotional hype.

This message clarifies the Spirit’s role and presence in the believer’s life, calling us not to treat the Spirit as a tool for spiritual success, but to embrace Him as God with us. It invites believers into deeper understanding, relational trust, renewed thinking, and Spirit-led participation in God’s ongoing redemptive work.

🔑 Key Points and Highlights:

 The Holy Spirit Is a Person, Not a Power
• The Spirit is not an impersonal force to be triggered; He is God, to be reverently related with.
• Theme: Recognizing the Holy Spirit as a divine person
• Discipleship Question: In what ways am I tempted to “use” the Holy Spirit instead of honoring Him?
#HolySpiritIsPerson

🌟 Pentecost Is Relational, Not Ritualistic
• Pentecost celebrates the Spirit’s personal presence among God’s people, not just an event or tradition.
• Theme: The personal nature of Pentecost
• Discipleship Question: How do I relate to the Holy Spirit: as a person or as a tradition?
#PentecostIsPersonal

🎁 True Worship Is Centered on God, Not Results
• The Holy Spirit cannot be manipulated or bought; true worship honors His personhood.
• Theme: Authentic worship is grounded in reverence
• Discipleship Question: Am I approaching God to worship or to “get something”?
#WorshipNotTransaction

🕊️ The Spirit Works Uniquely in Each Life
• The Spirit works uniquely in each person’s life; not everyone experiences Him the same way.
• Theme: God works uniquely in every believer
• Discipleship Question: Am I open to how the Spirit might work differently in others than in me?
#SpiritMovesUniquely

🧠 Transformation Through Renewed Minds
• Pentecost means more than emotional experience. It calls for a renewed mind and perspective.
• Theme: Spiritual renewal begins with our thinking
• Discipleship Question: How is my mind being shaped by the Spirit today?
#MindRenewed

Reflective Moment:

Are you relating to the Holy Spirit as a person or treating Him like a distant power source? Consider your posture in worship and prayer. Do you come to church seeking God for who He is, or for what He can do for you? Pastor Tim’s message reminds us that the Spirit’s work is intimate, relational, and often surprising. Reflect on how you can engage more personally with the Triune God—Father, Son, and Spirit—not just through religious activity, but through relational trust and reverence.

“Remembering What Is Often Forgotten About Pentecost (TRINITY)!”

Posted June 24, 2025
Filed under: Ascension, Ascension of Jesus, Bible, By Tim Brassell, By Timothy Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Discipleship, Easter, Evangelism, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Inclusion, Jesus Christ, Liturgy, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Pentecost, Perichoresis, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Resurrection, Sermons, The Church, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, The Holy Spirit, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Part A:

Part B:

Full Message:

Scripture: Acts 2, Matthew 28: 19-20, 1 Corinthians 12: 4-6, 2 Corinthians 13:14 John 14

Summary:

In this insightful and foundational sermon, Pastor Timothy Brassell challenges us to move beyond a fragmented view of God that emphasizes one Person of the Trinity over the others. Instead, he calls us to embrace the full relational unity of the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our worship, discipleship, and daily life.

Drawing from Acts 2, John 14, and the Nicene Creed, Pastor Tim calls the Church back to honoring God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, indivisible and fully unified. He reminds us that Pentecost is not merely about the Holy Spirit’s arrival; it’s about encountering the whole God in unified action. When we divide the Trinity, we distort the gospel and hinder our spiritual growth. But when we hold the Persons of God together, we see clearly, live rightly, and worship fully. This is a call to deeper reverence, relational intimacy, and Christ-centered living empowered by the Spirit.

Key Themes & Highlights:

1. The Trinity in Full Unity 🔺💞

  • Theme: The Church often emphasizes one Person of the Trinity over the others, but true worship involves knowing and honoring God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, united not divided.
  • Discipleship Question: Are you growing in relationship with the whole Triune God, not just a “part” of Him? Are you remembering that He doesn’t come in parts but in Whole?
  • #WholeGodWorship

2. The Forgotten Side of Pentecost 🔥🔄

  • Theme: Pentecost is more than the Holy Spirit’s outpouring; it’s an encounter with the entire Trinity, working in love and mission.
  • Discipleship Question: How can you celebrate the full presence of the Trinity in your spiritual life this week?
  • #TrinitarianPentecost

3. God Revealed Through Relationship 👨‍👦‍👦💬

  • Theme: God reveals Himself through the relationship of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—not abstract doctrines, but living, loving Persons.
  • Discipleship Question: How does viewing God as relational impact the way you relate to others?
  • #GodIsRelationship

4. True Doctrine is Like Glasses 🤓📖

  • Theme: Sound doctrine isn’t just theology; it’s a gift from God to help our broken minds see Him more clearly, like corrective lenses.
  • Discipleship Question: Are you viewing doctrine as a tool for clarity or as a burden?
  • #DoctrineAsGlasses

5. God Is Not Distant—He’s Hidden for Our Good 🌫️❤️

  • Theme: God’s hiddenness (especially through the Holy Spirit) is intentional. It protects our free will and invites pursuit.
  • Discipleship Question: How can you respond with trust even when God seems silent?
  • #HiddenButPresent

6. Worship the One, Not Just the Parts 🙌💠

  • Theme: Dividing God into Father-only, Jesus-only, or Spirit-only leads to spiritual confusion. Worship must be holistic.
  • Discipleship Question: In what ways can your worship better reflect the unity of the Trinity?
  • #UndividedGod

7. The Holy Spirit Always Points to the Son and Father 🕊️➡️👑

  • Theme: The Spirit doesn’t draw attention to Himself. He glorifies Jesus and leads us to the Father.
  • Discipleship Question: Are your spiritual experiences drawing you deeper into relationship with Jesus and the Father in the Holy Spirit?
  • #SpiritLeadsToChrist

8. The Trinity Teaches Us to Hold Things Together 🧩🫂

  • Theme: Just as God’s nature is united in three persons, we are called to unity, not division, in doctrine, worship, and life.
  • Discipleship Question: What part of your life needs the integrative healing of the Triune God?
  • #HoldItTogetherInChrist

9. Baptism and Salvation Are Trinitarian Acts 💧✝️

  • Theme: Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit reflects that salvation is the shared mission of the Triune God.
  • Discipleship Question: How can you live as someone who’s been baptized into the fullness of God?
  • #TrinitarianBaptism

10. God Is Always Working—even in Chaos 🌍🔧

  • Theme: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are actively involved in redeeming the world, even when it seems chaotic.
  • Discipleship Question: Where can you discern the presence of God working in the brokenness around you?
  • #GodInTheMess

Context:

In a time when many churches tend to highlight the Father’s authority, the Son’s grace, or the Spirit’s power in isolation, this message calls us back to the wholeness of who God truly is. Pentecost is often reduced to a celebration of the Holy Spirit alone; but what if we’ve forgotten something essential?

Pastor Tim leads us into a richer understanding of Pentecost as a revelation of the entire Triune God. Through Acts 2 and the Nicene Creed, he urges the Church to honor God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, indivisible and fully unified, working together to redeem creation and empower His people.

Reflective Moment:

✨ What part of your faith practice has become one-dimensional?
✨ Are you embracing God as Father, Son, and Spirit or just the “parts” you’re most comfortable with? ✨ Where can you discern the presence of God working in the brokenness around you?

This message emphasizes reverence, sound doctrine, spiritual maturity, and a return to a fully Trinitarian gospel. Let it lead you into deeper worship, clearer understanding, and a renewed desire to live in step with the fullness of God.

📖 Rediscover Pentecost through a Trinitarian lens.
💬 Reflect. Repent. Receive the fullness of God.

“Living In The Divine Dance: The God Who Includes You”

Posted June 10, 2025
Filed under: Ascension, Ascension of Jesus, Bible, By Tim Brassell, By Timothy Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Discipleship, Evangelism, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Inclusion, Jesus Christ, Liturgy, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Pentecost, Perichoresis, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Resurrection, Scripture Paraphrases, Sermons, The Church, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, The Holy Spirit, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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From the beginning, we were made for communion. Not for striving or performing on our own strengths, or standing at arm’s length from God but to be drawn into the eternal joy shared between Father, Son, and Spirit. This isn’t abstract theology. It’s the dance we were born to join.

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
— 2 Corinthians 13:14

As Trinity Sunday approaches, we’re reminded that Christianity is not just about following rules or imitating Christ. It’s about being included in a relationship so deep, so eternal, that it reshapes how we see ourselves, each other, and the world. We are invited to stand in awe of the mystery and majesty of God-Father-Son-Holy Spirit; one God in three Persons. As Jesus commands in Matthew 28:19:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all Nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
This isn’t just a ritual. It’s a revelation. An invitation into God’s own life.

T. F. Torrance writes, “God draws near to us in such a way as to draw us near to Himself within the circle of His knowing of Himself.”
God is not distant. He is relational. He is love and through Jesus Christ, He brings us near.
“God loves you so utterly and completely,” Torrance continues, “that He has given himself for you in Jesus Christ His beloved Son… He cannot go back upon it without undoing the Incarnation and the Cross.”
Our inclusion in God’s life is not temporary or fragile. It’s secured in who God is and through the Holy Spirit, we are not left on the outside. We are brought inside the fellowship of God Himself.

Gary Deddo explains:

“Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, [Jesus] gives us a share in His meaning, significance, security…”
We are not just followers—we are participants.
We are not just observers—we are included.

Jesus Himself prayed:

“May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me.” — John 17:21
In Christ, we are welcomed into the very oneness Jesus shares with the Father. A unity brought alive by the Spirit.

Gary Deddo deepens this vision:

“This is the trinitarian life. We are given to share in this life—in the Spirit (which is Jesus’ Spirit)—sharing Jesus’ own joy, life, righteousness, peace, work, evangelism…”
In Christ, we don’t just work for God. We work WITH Him.
“Ministry is going with Jesus—doing what he is doing, going where he is going; sharing obediently in His ministry… Obedience and fellowship are one and the same thing.”

When we lose sight of this, ministry becomes a burden. We chase effectiveness, compare our outcomes, trust in our techniques. But Gary Deddo reminds us:

“It’s not our ministry—it’s Christ’s ministry. Jesus continues to minister by His Spirit… Sometimes we’re tempted to trust in our own loaves and fishes—programs, techniques, even our theology. But just give it to Him and let Him use it. Focus on sharing in Christ’s continuing ministry.”

Jesus doesn’t just reveal the message of God, He is the message, the center, and the way into the life of the Trinity and by the Spirit, He leads us to the Father and holds us in the communion we were made for.

So, take a breath. Let your soul rest in this truth: You are not alone. You are not forgotten. You are known, loved, and invited into the divine dance of GOD-Father, Son, and Spirit.

Reflection:

This Trinity Sunday, let us reflect on how profoundly we are known and loved. Be awakened to the wonder of being included in the life of the Triune God. God dwells in unity and through Christ and the Spirit, He welcomes us into His life. As T. F. Torrance says, step into “the circle of His knowing.”  Your soul isn’t alone. It’s wrapped in the eternal fellowship of the Trinity. As Gary Deddo teaches, we are invited to share in Christ’s joy, peace, and ministry through the Spirit. And as Scripture declares:

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
— 2 Corinthians 13:14

Prayer:

Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—You are one God in perfect communion. Your love transcends time and space. In You, I find belonging. In Christ, I find redemption. In Your Spirit, I find life. On this Trinity Sunday and always, remind us how deeply we are known and loved. You dwell in unity, and through Christ and the Spirit, you welcome us into Your life. Our souls are not alone; they are held in the eternal fellowship of Your love. Guide me today as I walk in the shadow of Your presence. Let my life reflect the dance You have drawn me into; one of joy, peace, purpose, and shared ministry. Amen.

Selected quotes from:
Gary Deddo, Clarifying Our Theological Vision, — Parts 1–5 Grace Communion International – 2013–2015Published on GCI.org

Selected quotes from:
T.F. Torrance, The Christian Doctrine of God: One Being Three Persons (T&T Clark, 2001) and The Mediation of Christ(Helmers & Howard, 1992)

“Sent to Share – Living the Resurrection Now!”

Posted May 27, 2025
Filed under: Ascension of Jesus, Bible, By Pastor Timothy, By Tim Brassell, By Timothy Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Discipleship, Easter, Evangelism, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Inclusion, Jesus Christ, Liturgy, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Perichoresis, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Resurrection, Scripture Paraphrases, Sermons, Song, Spiritual Warfare, The Church, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, The Holy Spirit, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Devotional By Pastor Timothy Brassell

Scripture: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.”
— John 20:21 (CSB)

Today’s Reflection:

In the quiet after the resurrection, Jesus didn’t come with fire from heaven, but with something even more powerful: peace and purpose.

“Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”

These are not just words for the disciples; they are words for us. The resurrection isn’t only a celebration of the past or a promise of the future. It’s a living reality that changes how we walk through each moment of each ordinary day. We’re not just receivers of grace; we’re sharers of it. As we live sent lives, we don’t go alone; we go for and with each other

“The Christian needs another Christian who speaks God’s Word to him… again and again when he becomes uncertain and discouraged.”
— Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Sharing grace isn’t always dramatic, it’s often quiet, relational, and consistent. God sends us to speak encouragement, truth, and hope into one another’s lives, especially when faith feels uncertain.

Mary Magdalene was told not to cling to the risen Jesus, but to go and tell. That same divine pattern lives in you. Even your “boring days” are holy ground when you live under Christ’s reign.

“Your day has purpose. Jesus is walking with you on your boring days.”

And the great comfort is this: “The urgency is on, but the pressure is off.”
God-Father-Son-Holy Spirit, sends you, but it’s not on your shoulders. It’s His Spirit working through you that does the heavy lifting.

God and Evil Are Not Equals:

One of the most profound truths is this: Evil is not eternal, and evil is not God’s equal.

“Evil doesn’t sit beside God as an equal force; it’s a distortion; a twist in creation that God is straightening out in Jesus.”

There is no cosmic tug-of-war. There is only one Sovereign God, and in Christ, evil has been decisively defeated. It’s not a matter of if, but when it will be gone forever. Evil may have twisted creation, but in Jesus, God-Father-Son Holy Spirit, is redeeming what He made, not replacing it. Our bodies, our relationships, our time, all of it is being redeemed and we’re called to participate in that straightening work, not by power, but by presence, prayer, and proclamation.

“The resurrection is not the reversal of a process but its completion. It is not the denial of the cross, but its vindication.”
— Lesslie Newbigin, Truth to Tell, p. 45

Living on God’s Calendar:

When you live under God’s calendar, nothing is wasted. That means when you’re doing dishes, struggling through studies, or enduring pain Jesus is there. The time you once saw as pointless is now sacred. You’re not waiting for heaven to begin resurrection life. You’re already living in it.

You are a dual citizen, walking in this world while belonging to the next. That’s why your habits, priorities, and even relationships begin to shift. You’re not just reacting to life anymore; you’re living sent with purpose.

“You can live slower and stronger now under the calendar of Jesus Christ.”

Just as the Father sent Jesus into a broken world to redeem it, He now sends you into your family, your neighborhood, your job, your daily routines to participate in that same redemptive work. We live between resurrection and return. In this in-between time, we are not passive. We are active participants in God’s Kingdom mission.

“Our sole future is that He will come, just as our sole present is that He has come.”
— Karl Barth, Dogmatics in Outline

This quote reminds us that we don’t just look forward; we live fully in the now. The resurrection isn’t an interruption to history; it’s the anchor of it. Christ has come. Christ is coming. And in the middle, we live sent.

Reflective Moment:

Take a breath. Sit with these questions:

  • What has Jesus taught me lately?
  • Am I clinging to safety… or stepping out in faith?
  • Who around me needs to know that evil doesn’t win?

Let the Spirit place someone or something on your heart. Then move toward them with love, light, and truth. Today, take what you’ve learned, big or small and share it. Write it. Speak it. Text it. Live it. You don’t need to be perfect; just present. You’re not sent because you’re strong; you’re sent because Jesus is risen, and He lives in you.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life. You’ve not only called me to Yourself ; You’ve sent me into the world You are redeeming. I confess the times I’ve retreated into fear or comfort when You were calling me to share. Help me live in the truth that evil is already defeated, and that time is not my enemy; it’s Your tool. Let my moments be filled with eternity. Fill me with peace. Move me in power. Let me live and love as someone sent. In Your victorious name I pray, Amen.

Commissioning:

Now go; loved, empowered, and sent by the risen Christ. Live sent.

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