Worship Preparation - October 4, 2026
Read the sermon text: Luke 13:10-21
Read the sermon summary: The British Empire, the Qing Dynasty, the Mongol Empire... What characteristics are shared by every great empire throughout history? Naturally, we think of military might, economic flourishing, and powerful leaders. In our passage for this Sunday, Jesus gives us images of what the kingdom of God is like. It looks like a gardener planting a tiny seed which grows into a large tree. It looks like a cook mixing leaven through her dough. We might think that these parables are disconnected with the healing of the disabled woman, but notice the author connects them with the words, "He said, therefore" (v. 18). The kingdom parables, then, function as an explanation for what has just happened. What does this text teach us about the kingdom of God? What does it teach us about who's welcomed in and who's left out?
Read the following song lyrics in relation to the sermon:
King Of Kings
Verse 1
In the darkness we were waiting
Without hope without light
Till from Heaven You came running
There was mercy in Your eyes
To fulfil the law and prophets
To a virgin came the Word
From a throne of endless glory
To a cradle in the dirt
Chorus
Praise the Father
Praise the Son
Praise the Spirit three in one
God of Glory
Majesty
Praise forever to the King of kings
Verse 2
To reveal the kingdom coming
And to reconcile the lost
To redeem the whole creation
You did not despise the cross
For even in Your suffering
You saw to the other side
Knowing this was our salvation
Jesus for our sake You died
Verse 3
And the morning that You rose
All of heaven held its breath
Till that stone was moved for good
For the Lamb had conquered death
And the dead rose from their tombs
And the angels stood in awe
For the souls of all who'd come
To the Father are restored
Verse 4
And the Church of Christ was born
Then the Spirit lit the flame
Now this Gospel truth of old
Shall not kneel shall not faint
By His blood and in His Name
In His freedom I am free
For the love of Jesus Christ
Who has resurrected me
CCLI Song #7127647
Brooke Ligertwood | Jason Ingram | Scott Ligertwood
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