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Week Seven - The Kingdom of God

Welcome to Week Seven of our Bible Study! This week, we will continue our study of the parables of Jesus. It seems fitting that we will discuss the Kingdom of God as we end 2020 and look forward to the turning of the calendar to a brand new year. Rather than be singularly focused on our own ambitions and improvements, which are good things, we should also reflect on our service in the Kingdom. What is our place in God’s Kingdom and what are we doing to accomplish His purpose? These seem like good questions to ponder daily but certainly so as we reflect on the past year and consider where we will be in 2021.

We have been under the cloud of Covid for most of 2020 and that has looked different to everyone depending on what stage of life you are in, your vocation, and what state/city you live in. For many, 2020 has been a year of suffering, isolation, and economic distress, and for others it has been much frustration as we waited for the curve to flatten and see some semblance of normalcy return. Regardless of our circumstance, God is not surprised nor is He wringing His hands on the throne. We can be encouraged and hopeful in knowing that He will never forsake us nor will He leave us. He cares about us and our daily lives. While the cloud of Covid remains, it need not define us and it need not steal the joy that we possess in knowing we are children of the King.

So this week we will ponder the Kingdom of God and consider our purpose and position. We will look at two parables, the first of which is only found in Mark 4, verses 26-29. Again Jesus uses the planting of a seed and its maturation and harvesting to represent the Kingdom of God. We will also look at the parable of the mustard seed, found in Mark 4: 30-32, Mathew 13 and Luke 13. Please take some time this week to ponder what Jesus was communicating in these short parables, and why He was communicating these thoughts.

As always, we have lots of things to discuss and ponder this week. I look forward to seeing you all Sunday at 7 pm.

Here are the details about joining us on Zoom.

About Zoom:  We will use Zoom for this Bible study. If you are using a computer, just type in www.zoom.com and select “Join a Meeting” at the top of the page, then enter the meeting ID: 696 778 0839.

If you are using a phone, iPad or other portable device, then you will need to download the free Zoom app. Once you have the Zoom app, just open it and select “Join” a meeting, and use this ID:  696 778 0839. I would encourage everyone to go into their Zoom settings and add in a name, at a minimum, so everyone can see who you are.

Alternately, if you don’t want to download the app, you can open your device browser and enter www.zoom.com and follow the instructions above.

Regardless of what device you use, once you join, you will enter a waiting room and then I will admit you. I will typically open the meeting about 10 minutes early so folks can get joined and work through any technical issues. You are free to join with or without video, but if you want to talk, which I really encourage everyone to do, please turn your camera on so we can see you.

I have the meeting set up so that it automatically mutes everyone when you join, so don’t forget to “unmute” when you want to talk. Again, I encourage everyone to discuss topics, answer questions, ask questions or otherwise participate in the discussion. Please jump in if you have information to help clarify a point or you just need to talk. It’s all fine!

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