Can I share with you what the vision of our church is? The Bible says, “Without a vision the people perish.” If we can’t see where we’re going, we’re not going. We need a vision or we’re going nowhere. Here’s what we’re about.
To extend the Kingdom of God
one life at a time
in West Horsley
and the surrounding area
by becoming more like Jesus Christ
one day at a time
The Kingdom of God is not seen in the Bible as a limited geographical area, like our little village of West Horsley. Instead the word Kingdom could be better rendered as ‘Kingship.’ The Kingdom of God is wherever God is King. Wherever he reigns and rules.
He is God of the whole universe he created. That’s his right, that’s his position. Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of Lords. But non of us are born his subjects. Like a friend of mine has recently rejoiced in becoming a citizen of this country, we have to accept his rule, and say, “My citizenship is in heaven.’ That’s how his kingship comes. One life at a time. Not crowd by crowd, or group by group.
The Kingship of God starts out small, Jesus says it’s like a mustard seed; maybe it begins with someone being bold enough to look toward heaven and pray a little prayer, “God, if you’re there- I want to know you.”
Then as God answers that prayer and reveals his love, the kingship grows and spreads: “Jesus, forgive my sins, lead my life.”
It spreads again, Jesus says the yeast of the kingdom goes right through the dough. As we allow it. Inviting our Father to change us from the inside out, we pray, “Your will be done! Your kingdom come!”
God, be king over my fears, my family, my work life, over the parts of my heart and attitudes no-one sees. Be king over my family. Rule over my health. Be king over my time, my finances, my gifts, increase your rule.” And he does. Over time, one decision at a time, one life at a time. Bit by bit, the Kingdom of God advances.
Jesus’ first sermon in the Bible was really short. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Jesus, God’s Son steps out of heaven and into time and comes to extend the kingdom of God, one life at a time. And people like us get to say, “Yes please,” or “No thanks.”
He gives everyone that privilege. Everyone who hears the message. Everyone who reads this. One life at a time. And now we’re called to be the messengers.