August 9, 2026
OPENING: Where Belonging Actually Starts
John 20:21 (NLT) — “As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”
INFORMATION: Walls That Divide Us
1 Peter 2:4-10 (NLT) — “You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple… And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests… But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”
Three lies that keep us from belonging:
1. “I can follow Jesus just fine on my own.”
- Following Jesus was never designed to be a solo project — you were built to fit with others.
- Ephesians 4:16 (NLT) — “He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”
2. “I don’t need anybody in my business.”
- Self-sufficiency feels like strength, but it’s really just a slower way of staying stuck.
- 1 John 1:7 (NLT) — “If we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.”
3. “I’ll connect once I’ve got my life more together.”
- You don’t earn a seat at this table — you already have one.
- 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NLT) — “He called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light… now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”
INSPIRATION: The Table Was Always Set
1. The Father is already running toward you.
- If you’ve been waiting for an invitation, this is it.
- Luke 15:20 (NLT) — “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. He ran to meet his son, embraced him, and kissed him.”
2. Somebody you know is waiting on that same response.
- You might be the only person close enough to give it to them.
MOTIVATION: What Holds Us Back From Inviting Others
Obstacle 1: “I don’t have time for one more thing.”
- Inviting someone doesn’t add to your list — it just refocuses the time you already have.
- Ephesians 4:16 (NLT) — “He makes the whole body fit together perfectly.”
Obstacle 2: “I wouldn’t know what to say, and what if they say no?”
- You’re not responsible for their response — only for the invitation.
- 1 Corinthians 3:6 (NLT) — “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.”
TRANSFORMATION: Who We Are
TRANSFORMATION: Who We Are
Our mission: To reach our communities locally and globally with the message of freedom and fullness found in Christ.
Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT) — “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Our vision: As the Community of Believers, we are committed to gathering, growing, and going while being built up in love, as each person does their part.
Ephesians 4:16 (NLT) — “He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”
It’s all summarized in one statement: as believers, we are each called to be…
Following Jesus, Sent On A Mission
THREE CALLS TO ACTION:
- Immediate — Decide to show up this fall. Invite someone to join you on the journey.
- Weekly — Join a Kingdom Living small group this fall — Kingdom Relationships, Finances, or Career. Pick the one that meets you where you’re at, and bring somebody with you.
- This month — Be at the Launch Party, Wednesday, August 12. Potluck dinner, then a walk through every small group option for the fall — no pressure, just come see.
Following Jesus, Sent On A Mission
The Community