Connecting People to God: Our Kingdom Mission

Summary

As we stand on the threshold of a new season, both in the calendar and in the life of our church, we are reminded of our calling to be “force multipliers for good” in Chatham County and beyond. This means being an expression of God’s kingdom—actively partnering with God and others to bring about His goodness in our community. Our focus today is on the first of our three-year goals: connecting people to God and to each other. Baptism, as we witnessed this morning, is a vivid picture of this connection. It is not only a personal declaration of faith in Jesus but also an adoption into God’s family and a commissioning as representatives—diplomats—of Christ’s kingdom.

Drawing from Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we see that the gospel is not just spiritual advice or a ticket to heaven. It is the proclamation that Jesus is Lord and King, and that His kingdom is breaking into the world in real, tangible ways. This message was so radical in Paul’s day that it landed him in chains—not for offering spiritual comfort, but for declaring allegiance to a King greater than Caesar. The gospel challenges every power and authority that claims ultimate allegiance, reminding us that all authority is derived from Christ and is accountable to Him.

Our identity as followers of Jesus is that of dual citizens: we belong to earthly nations, but our primary allegiance is to the kingdom of God. Like ambassadors, we are sent into the world to build relationships, learn from those around us, and invite others to experience the life and love of God’s kingdom. Our church, and even our gatherings, become embassies of the kingdom—places where people can taste and see what it means to live under the gracious rule of King Jesus.

This calling is not about imposing God’s kingdom by force or political means, but about receiving and representing it through faith, prayer, wisdom, and gracious conversation. We are to be alert to opportunities, grounded in gratitude, and wise in our interactions, always seeking to connect others to the hope and reality of Christ’s reign. As we prepare for our fall kickoff, let us pray for open doors, for courage and wisdom, and for the privilege of being points of connection between heaven and earth, inviting others into the kingdom of light.

Key Takeaways

- Baptism is more than a personal milestone; it is an entry into a new identity as both family members and diplomats of God’s kingdom. This means our faith is not private or isolated, but inherently communal and missional, calling us to represent Christ wherever we go. Our lives become living invitations for others to encounter the reality of Jesus and His kingdom. [42:27]

- The gospel is a public proclamation that Jesus is Lord over all, not just a spiritual comfort or a future hope. This message challenges every earthly power and authority, reminding us that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, whose kingdom is already at work in the world. Living out this allegiance may bring tension, but it also brings purpose and clarity to our lives. [48:14]

- Our role as Christ’s ambassadors is to immerse ourselves in the world around us—learning, listening, and building genuine relationships—while remaining distinct as representatives of the kingdom of light. We are called to invite others to experience the goodness of God, both within the church and in everyday encounters, making every place we go a potential embassy of God’s love and truth. [53:28]

- Representing Jesus means staying rooted in prayer, gratitude, and alertness. Prayer keeps us aligned with God’s purposes, gratitude grounds us in His goodness, and watchfulness helps us recognize both opportunities and temptations. This posture enables us to faithfully navigate the challenges of dual citizenship, remaining in the world but not of it. [58:12]

- Our conversations and actions should be marked by grace, wisdom, and patience, reflecting the character of our King. We are not called to have all the answers, but to point others to Jesus through authentic relationships and humble witness. By making the most of every opportunity, we become bridges between God’s kingdom and those still searching for light. [01:00:09]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[39:46] - New Season and Church Vision
[42:27] - The Meaning of Baptism
[44:05] - Paul’s Mission and the Gospel
[46:51] - Paul’s Chains and the Cost of Allegiance
[48:14] - Kingdom Language and Its Implications
[51:10] - The Nature of God’s Kingdom
[52:08] - Our Role as Christ’s Diplomatic Corps
[53:28] - The Church as an Embassy
[55:08] - Representing the Kingdom in Daily Life
[56:47] - Paul’s Practical Instructions
[58:12] - Staying Aligned: Prayer, Watchfulness, Gratitude
[59:17] - Praying for Open Doors
[01:00:09] - Grace-Filled Conversations
[01:01:35] - Preparing for Fall Kickoff
[01:02:22] - Final Encouragement and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

Colossians 4:2-6 (ESV)
> Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Colossians 1:12-14 (ESV)
> Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Colossians 4:2-6, what are the specific instructions Paul gives to the church about prayer, their attitude, and their interactions with outsiders?
2. In the sermon, what does baptism symbolize beyond a personal declaration of faith? ([42:27])
3. What does Paul mean when he says he is “in chains” for the gospel, and why was this message so controversial in his time? ([46:51])
4. How does the sermon describe the church’s role in the community, using the imagery of an embassy or diplomatic corps? ([53:28])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul connect prayer, watchfulness, and thankfulness together in his instructions to the Colossians? How might these practices help someone live as a “dual citizen” of God’s kingdom and the world? ([58:12])
2. The sermon says that the gospel is not just spiritual advice or a ticket to heaven, but a public proclamation that Jesus is Lord. How does this understanding challenge the way people often think about faith? ([48:14])
3. What are the implications of being called “ambassadors” or “diplomats” for Christ’s kingdom? How does this affect the way believers relate to their neighbors and community? ([52:08])
4. The sermon mentions that representing Jesus is not about imposing the kingdom by force, but about receiving and representing it through faith, prayer, wisdom, and gracious conversation. What might this look like in everyday life? ([51:10])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to see baptism as an entry into a new identity—both as family members and as diplomats of God’s kingdom. How does this change the way you view your own faith journey? Is there a step you feel prompted to take in living out this identity more fully? ([42:27])
2. Paul asks the church to pray for “open doors” for the message of Christ. Who in your life could you begin praying for this week, asking God to open a door for spiritual conversation or invitation? ([59:17])
3. The idea of “dual citizenship” means our primary allegiance is to God’s kingdom, even as we live in earthly communities. Are there areas in your life where these loyalties feel in tension? How do you navigate those situations? ([48:14])
4. The sermon describes the church as an “embassy” of God’s kingdom. What are some practical ways you can help your small group or church become a more welcoming and inviting place for those who are curious about faith? ([53:28])
5. Paul encourages conversations that are “full of grace, seasoned with salt.” Think of a recent conversation with someone who doesn’t share your faith. Was it marked by grace and wisdom? What could you do differently next time? ([01:00:09])
6. The sermon calls us to be alert to both opportunities and temptations as we represent Christ. What are some specific temptations or distractions that make it hard for you to live as an ambassador for Jesus? How can you stay grounded in gratitude and prayer this week? ([58:12])
7. As we prepare for a new season in the church, what is one concrete step you can take to connect someone to God or to the church community—whether it’s an invitation, a conversation, or an act of service? ([01:01:35])

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Devotional

Day 1: Living as Dual Citizens of Christ’s Kingdom
Through faith in Jesus, believers are not only adopted into God’s family but also become citizens of Christ’s kingdom, called to live out their new identity in the world while representing the values and priorities of their true King. [42:27]

Colossians 1:12-14 (ESV)
"Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Reflection: In what ways does your daily life reflect your citizenship in Christ’s kingdom rather than the culture around you? Where might God be inviting you to live more fully as his representative today?


Day 2: The Good News: Jesus is Lord of All
The gospel proclaims that Jesus is not only Savior but also the true King over all creation, challenging every other claim to ultimate authority and inviting us to live under his loving rule. [48:14]

Colossians 1:15-17 (ESV)
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: What “thrones” or authorities in your life compete for your allegiance? How can you intentionally acknowledge Jesus as Lord over those areas today?


Day 3: Representing Christ as His Diplomatic Corps
Believers are called to be ambassadors for Christ, building genuine relationships, immersing themselves in their communities, and inviting others to experience the goodness and love of God’s kingdom. [53:28]

2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV)
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."

Reflection: Who in your life might God be sending you to as his ambassador this week? What is one practical way you can build a bridge or extend an invitation to them?


Day 4: Devoted to Prayer and Watchfulness
Followers of Jesus are urged to stay in constant communication with God, praying for themselves and others, remaining alert to opportunities, and being thankful for the privilege of representing Christ. [58:12]

Colossians 4:2-4 (ESV)
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak."

Reflection: Who are three people you can begin praying for today—asking God to open doors for meaningful conversations or invitations to experience his kingdom?


Day 5: Grace-Filled Conversations and Making the Most of Every Opportunity
Christ’s representatives are called to engage others with wisdom, grace, and patience, letting their words and actions reflect the love and truth of Jesus in every interaction. [01:00:09]

Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV)
"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

Reflection: Think of a recent or upcoming conversation with someone outside the church—how can you intentionally make your words more gracious and your presence a reflection of Christ’s love?

Quotes

When Paul preached the good news of Jesus the Messiah, he wasn't offering a spiritual path to an otherworldly heaven. He was proclaiming Jesus as Lord of heaven and earth, announcing that in Jesus, God's kingdom was breaking in upon the whole world in fresh and very unexpected ways. [00:45:45] (25 seconds)  #JesusKingdomBreakingIn Edit Clip

So the gospel, the good news that Paul proclaimed and which has been entrusted to us here today is the message that Jesus the Messiah is Lord of lords and King of kings. The good news challenges the thrones, powers, rulers, and authorities that claim that they alone are the ones in charge, that they are what hold all things together. [00:50:31] (28 seconds)  #JesusLordOfLords Edit Clip

God's kingdom cannot be imposed. It can only be received through faith and allegiance to Jesus the King. Jesus alone is Lord and King and that means no one else is. No political or religious leader or party. No country or form of government. Jesus is Lord. And whatever thrones, powers, rulers, and authorities there may be, their authority is derived from Jesus. And they are fully accountable before him about how they use what has been entrusted to them. And one of our jobs is to remind them regularly and repeatedly of this accountability. [00:51:33] (52 seconds)  #KingdomReceivedByFaith Edit Clip

What kind of life becomes possible when we are wisely governed by the king who is patient, kind, good, compassionate, just. A king who, instead of punishing his enemies, instead of seeking revenge and retribution, willingly gives his life for them in order to transform his enemies into his friends? What is it like to be ruled all the way up, all the way down, and all the way through by the God who is love? [00:54:39] (41 seconds)  #LifeUnderKingdomRule Edit Clip

``The goal is not to build a larger and larger and grander embassy. It is to penetrate the whole world with the good news that Jesus Christ is Lord, that his kingdom is already here and now actively at work all around, and that they are invited by King Jesus, personally and by name, to be released from the dominion of darkness and welcomed into the kingdom of God's beloved Son, the kingdom of light. [00:56:06] (33 seconds)  #GoodNewsPenetratesWorld Edit Clip

Be thankful. What a refreshing change from 21st century American life. But even more, be thankful. Stay grateful. Stay grateful. Remain grounded in who God is. All that God has done for you and the world in Jesus Christ and for the immense privilege and high calling of representing him. [00:58:35] (25 seconds)  #GratefulKingdomService Edit Clip

Paul wrote, be wise, make the most of every opportunity. Look for ways to move toward people in your world as opposed to waiting for them to move towards you. Meet them on their turf. Don't insist they meet on ours. A door opened, even a crack is better than one tightly shut. Make the most of every opportunity. [00:59:50] (27 seconds)  #SeizeEveryOpportunity Edit Clip

Let your conversation be full of grace, seasoned with salt. You don't have to dump the whole load. That's like over-salting the food. Be patient, kind. Be open to people's stories and questions. Sometimes it's really good to listen more and tell less. Show more, which oftentimes opens the doors to being able to tell more so that you can answer everyone. [01:00:17] (34 seconds)  #GraceFilledConversations Edit Clip

Ask God to give you the wisdom and courage you need to walk through whatever doors he opens, even doors that don't look like doors or in places where you're not expecting a door to be. [01:02:42] (15 seconds)  #CourageToWalkThroughDoors Edit Clip