The harvest was a very important time of celebration for the Israelites. The three pilgrim festivals surround harvest. Moses tells the Israelites in Deuteronomy they are called to recognize that God gives us all things. And our relationship with God and others are more important than things.

Paul talks about the unity of all things in heaven and in earth. What does that look like? We talk about that today.

In Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth he speaks about this new covenant that was entered into through Christ. Where God’s word is written on our heart through the Spirit. We are called to work in cooperation with the Spirit in living this new covenant out. We are called to be ministers of reconciliation and one key part of that is to view everything and everyone from the view of the cross.

Marriage looks very different in the Kingdom culture. It looks like self sacrificial love for both. It looks like a mutual submission which brings healing and restoration for both. May we love that way.

Love looks very different in Kingdom Culture than it does in earthly culture. Love looks like putting others first. Ultimately love God gives us is healing and restoring to us, we are called to love that way- the most excellent way to show we are God’s people.

The Kingdom Culture is different than the earthly culture. So how do we live that out in our every day lives? One way we do that is understanding that all are made in the image of God AND we are called to love God and love others without exception. May our lives always reflect Kingdom Culture even in the times when the world seems out of control.

The parable of the mustard seed reminds us that “little is much when God is in it”. May we always be faithful in the little things so God can use it for His glory.

The parable of the treasure or pearl of great value is a great lesson for us. The kingdom of heaven is of great value. So valuable we should give up everything for the kingdom. But another aspect we need to think about is how valuable we are as well. Jesus gave up everything to offer us relationship. That is valuable.

Jesus speaks in parables in Matthew 13. The first one reminds us not to let the adversary get us off track.

Ephesians 2:1-10 tells us that there are two paths and we have to choose one. There isn’t a middle ground. There will come a point of time in our life that we have to make a decision. Either we live our life for God or for ourselves.

Thomas in Christian circles is usually referred to as Doubting Thomas as a negative. But doubting or having questions aren’t a bad thing. We see that in Jesus’ actions, meeting Thomas in his doubt and drawing him out of it.

In Acts chapter 2 we have a story of how the Holy Spirit came upon those who were gathered to pray as Jesus had told them to. In that moment their purpose shifted. The Holy Spirit now empowered them to move forward and tell others about the good news. To be disciples who make disciples.

Isaiah chapter 6 is a powerful chapter. May we understand how big God is and be willing to be sent out.

Jesus washed feet and instructs us to do the same.

The story in Exodus 33 is at opposite ends of spectrum from Exodus 32. The people wanted a presence even if it was a false one, Moses only wanted God’s presence. Where do we fall on the spectrum?

Ezekiel was given a vision of a stream of living water. Where it went life was abundant. It is much like the vision given to John that he writes about in Revelation. We can agree where God’s presence is there is a change of landscape. How do we as a church help God’s mission be carried out here in Chariton?

Ezekiel has a vision of standing in the valley of dry bones. God tells him to prophesy to the bones to come to life and the form flesh and tendons. Then God tells Ezekiel to prophesy to the breath. When the breath comes in the landscape is changed. What was once dead is now back to life.

When Jesus taught us to pray we are asked to pray to our father. That wouldn’t have been how they prayed to God back in that time. To see God as a father would be somewhat controversial. But that is part of what Jesus calls us to see, that God is a father figure. We might have had truly the world’s greatest dad, or a dad who wouldn’t win awards. No matter what we have the best Heavenly Father far better than any other.

Today we look at the name Yahweh. It was a reminder to the Israelites that God was present, is present and will always be present. It is a reminder to us today as well.

Who is God? Is that a question we can give a personal answer to? Will we just give the Sunday School answers? Have we had personal experiences with God to where we can tell others that might ask who God is? The names that the Israelites called God in the Hebrew spoke about different aspects of who God is. Join us as we look at these names.