The Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed (see Mark 4:30-32). It is a revolution that is quietly growing, but will one day come to full fruition. Christ has planted the seed by first coming to redeem us. He will one day return to reap the harvest, purging the world of all that is inconsistent with his Kingdom and restoring creation as it was meant to be. As followers of Christ, we have the opportunity to participate in this future Kingdom reality, today. Like John the Baptist, we are preparing the way of the Lord. One sign of this mustard seed revolution is seen through the baptism of believers.
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Baptized into the Revolution
• Greg Boyd
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The Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed (see Mark 4:30-32). It is a revolution that is quietly growing, but will one day come to full fruition. Christ has planted the seed by first coming to redeem us. He will one day return to reap the harvest, purging the world of all that is inconsistent with his Kingdom and restoring creation as it was meant to be. As followers of Christ, we have the opportunity to participate in this future Kingdom reality, today. Like John the Baptist, we are preparing the way of the Lord.
One sign of this mustard seed revolution is seen through the baptism of believers. Baptism is a sign that one has repented (turned) from living for oneself, and has decided to follow Christ, living out a life of love and forgiveness to others. Baptism is a one-time event, but the decision to follow Christ and live a Godly life is a life-long process. Repentance is to be seen as way of life for us as believers. In doing so, we are helping to bring about his Kingdom.
As followers of Christ, we are called to live out a life that produces fruit. This means turning away from the way the world operates and living solely for God. God’s way of living stands in stark contrast to the ways of the world. God calls us to live a life that is about serving others, being generous, and being truthful. We are called to love as Christ has loved us to all people. This is not based on nationality, credentials or observance of religious customs. Rather, God desires individuals who are genuine and freely choose to follow him.
Hide Extended Summary Topics: Baptism
Sermon Series: Baptism
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Focus Scripture:
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Luke 3:4-14
4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:
"A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
'Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.5 Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.6 And all people will see God's salvation.' " a]">
7 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."
10 "What should we do then?" the crowd asked.
11 John answered, "Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same."
12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?"
13 "Don't collect any more than you are required to," he told them.
14 Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?"
He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely—be content with your pay."
2 thoughts on “Baptized into the Revolution”
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Do you have any churches in the phoenix ax area
Hi Beverley, at this point we do not offer specific church recommendations, but a possible resource is TribeNet. The site was designed to help Kingdom people network together and you can read about its purpose on Greg’s website here. Hope that helps!