The Value of Christ’s Kingdom

Heading south on the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Parkway’s lowest point at the James River, the parkway begins to climb.  With the scenic stop at Thunder Ridge some ten miles up the mountains, there’s a brief walk to a stone observation deck.  The scene from the quiet perch towering over the Arnold Valley some 2,600 feet below has always been a treasure to me.  The fact that it’s close to home allows our family to visit this spot frequently. 

With a sense of wonder and joy, the gaze west to mountains fifteen or more miles distant create a sense of awe and contentment. While a mere token compared to our life in Christ’s kingdom, I come to enjoy an increasing wonder as I treasure Christ and life under His rule.  While we face frequent challenges that sometimes hinder our steadfast response,  the Scripture affirms that we may yield and trust our God and Savior with joyful hearts.

This Sunday in worship, we’ll explore the last three parables that Jesus shares in Matthew 13.  To come prepared for worship, please spend some time in Matthew 13:44-50. As you study the Parables of the Hidden Treasure, the Pearl of Great Value, and the Net,  consider two questions.  First, what would motivate a laborer to sell joyfully all that he has in order to buy a field with one treasure and a merchant who in finding one pearl knows to give all that he owns to buy it?  Second, what are we willing to sacrifice for our relationship with Jesus Christ and life in His kingdom? 

As you pray for worship, look forward to singing the Hymn of Praise “Tell Out, My Soul, the Greatness of the Lord,” the Acclamation of Praise “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us,"  and the Hymn of Response “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.”  Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him! 

Sermon:  “The Value of Christ’s Kingdom”

Sermon Text: Matthew 13:44-50

Sermon Outline:

    Yielding our Hearts

1. Discovering the Kingdom
2. Pursuing the Prize
3. Understanding the Net

     Exalting Christ

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