Seeking God's Kingdom: Trust, Community, and Transformation

On this ninth Sunday after Pentecost, we gather as a diverse community, united not by sameness of thought or background, but by a shared longing for God and a willingness to show up for one another. The Holy Spirit continues to breathe life, energy, and love into us, calling us to be authentic and welcoming, to celebrate our differences, and to seek God’s presence together. Our gathering is an act of seeking—a recognition that when we show up, God does too, meeting us in worship, song, prayer, and fellowship.

We explored the parable of the hidden treasure, a story Jesus told to illustrate the incomparable value of the kingdom of heaven. Like the person who discovers treasure in a field and joyfully gives up everything to possess it, we are invited to recognize the profound worth of God’s kingdom—a treasure that transforms our priorities and compels us to let go of lesser things. The kingdom is often hidden, yet available to all who seek it with open hearts.

Trusting God is more than believing in God’s existence; it is a deep, sometimes difficult, act of surrender. Many believe God is real, but struggle to trust that God is interested and active in their lives. Our perception of God shapes our actions, our morality, and our openness to others. Jesus modeled and taught a trust in God who is present, trustworthy, and deeply invested in our well-being. We are called not just to believe, but to live as disciples—people whose lives reflect a growing trust in God.

We remembered Abraham and Sarah, who trusted God’s promises even when fulfillment seemed impossible. Their story reminds us that God’s faithfulness endures beyond our doubts and limitations. We, too, are counted among the stars—spiritual descendants of Abraham—invited to trust in God’s promises and to see ourselves as part of God’s unfolding story.

Jesus urges us to live with readiness and generosity, trusting in God’s good will. This trust frees us from anxiety about possessions and empowers us to give, serve, and remain spiritually alert. Spiritual practices—especially gathering in worship—help us stay awake to God’s presence and to one another. In community, we experience God’s voice, care, and transformation.

As we pray, give thanks, and serve, we are sent out to embody God’s love and welcome in the world, trusting that God shows up, keeps promises, and delights in giving us the kingdom.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Kingdom of Heaven Is a Hidden Treasure Worth Everything Jesus likens the kingdom of heaven to a treasure hidden in a field, discovered by someone who joyfully sells all they have to obtain it. This parable challenges us to consider what we truly value and whether we are willing to let go of lesser things for the sake of something infinitely greater. The kingdom may be hidden, but it is available to all who seek it with open and expectant hearts. [25:06]
• 2. Trusting God Goes Beyond Belief—It Requires Surrender Belief in God’s existence is only the beginning; true trust involves surrendering control and relying on God’s interest and care in our lives. Many struggle to move from belief to trust, especially when God’s promises seem delayed or circumstances appear impossible. Yet, as with the trust fall exercise, it is only in letting go that we discover God’s faithfulness and presence. [29:10]
• 3. Our Image of God Shapes Our Lives and Relationships How we perceive God—distant or present, judgmental or generous—profoundly affects how we live, treat others, and understand ourselves. If we see God as uninterested, we may become self-protective or dismissive of others. But if we trust in God’s good will, we are freed to live generously, ethically, and with compassion, reflecting God’s character in our daily lives. [30:03]
• 4. Spiritual Practices Keep Us Awake to God’s Presence Staying spiritually alert is not about following a rigid set of rules, but about engaging in practices that help us notice and respond to God. Worshiping together, sharing communion, and hearing God’s word in community are central ways we experience God’s presence and are transformed. The right practice is the one that keeps you awake to God right now, in this season of your life. [42:15]
• 5. God’s Promises Are for Us—We Are Counted Among the Stars Just as Abraham was invited to count the stars as a sign of God’s promise, we are invited to see ourselves as part of God’s ongoing story of faithfulness. Even when fulfillment seems impossible, God delights in giving us the kingdom and calls us to trust in divine care. Our prayers, trust, and willingness to be sent are ways we join in God’s work and receive the abundance God longs to give.
  
  ** [46:22]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [13:36] - Gathering and Seeking God
• [14:53] - Radical Welcome and Community
• [15:45] - Worship and Singing Together
• [19:56] - Children’s Parable Box: The Hidden Treasure
• [21:49] - Exploring the Parable with the Children
• [25:06] - The Treasure and the Kingdom of Heaven
• [26:17] - Belief vs. Trust in God
• [29:10] - The Challenge of Trusting God
• [32:46] - Trust in Action: Atticus and Abraham
• [35:45] - God’s Promise to Abraham
• [39:34] - Jesus’ Teaching: Readiness and Generosity
• [40:52] - Spiritual Practices for Staying Awake
• [42:15] - The Power of Worship and Community
• [46:22] - Praying and Counting the Stars
• [50:01] - Prayers of the People
• [53:00] - Offering and Thanksgiving
• [57:39] - Communion and the Lord’s Prayer
• [59:36] - Sending and Blessing
• [61:35] - Announcements and Community Service
• [65:14] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

Bible Reading

Matthew 13:44 (ESV) — > “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”

Genesis 15:5-6 (ESV) — > And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.

Luke 12:32-34 (ESV) — > “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Observation Questions

1. In the parable Jesus tells, what does the person do after finding the hidden treasure in the field? What does this show about the value of the treasure? ([25:06])
2. According to Genesis 15, what promise does God make to Abraham, and how does Abraham respond? ([35:45])
3. In Luke 12, what does Jesus say about God’s attitude toward giving us the kingdom, and what actions does he encourage his followers to take? ([39:34])
4. The sermon mentions that spiritual practices help us stay “awake” to God’s presence. What are some examples of these practices mentioned? ([42:15])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a hidden treasure, rather than something obvious or easy to find? What does this say about how we experience God’s kingdom? ([25:06])
2. The sermon talks about the difference between believing in God and trusting God. Why might it be difficult for people to move from belief to trust, especially when God’s promises seem delayed? ([29:10])
3. How does our image of God (whether we see God as distant or interested, judgmental or generous) affect the way we live and treat others? ([30:03])
4. Abraham and Sarah’s story is used as an example of trusting God when things seem impossible. What does their story teach us about faith and waiting on God? ([35:45])

Application Questions

1. The person in the parable gives up everything to gain the treasure. Is there something in your life that you sense God inviting you to let go of, in order to experience more of God’s kingdom? What might that look like for you? ([25:06])
2. The sermon says, “Believing in God is one thing. Trusting God is another. Trusting God is tricky.” Can you think of a situation where you believed in God but struggled to trust God with the outcome? What helped you take a step of trust, or what is holding you back? ([29:10])
3. How has your image of God shaped your actions or relationships recently? If you realized you see God as distant or uninterested, what is one step you could take to open yourself to God’s care and involvement? ([30:03])
4. Abraham was invited to “count the stars” as a sign of God’s promise. When you think about God’s promises for you, do you find it easy or hard to trust them? What helps you remember God’s faithfulness? ([35:45])
5. The sermon highlights the importance of spiritual practices, especially gathering in worship. What spiritual practice helps you feel most awake to God right now? Is there a practice you want to try or return to in this season? ([42:15])
6. Jesus urges readiness and generosity, saying, “Sell your possessions, and give to the needy.” What is one practical way you could practice generosity or readiness for God’s work this week? ([39:34])
7. Our community is described as diverse and welcoming, united by a longing for God. How can you help create a more authentic and welcoming environment in your small group, church, or daily life? ([14:53])