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The Grove Covenant Church
Your Kingdom Come: The Rise of the Messiah, Part 4
Join us as we explore the Gospel of Matthew and discover the arrival of God’s kingdom through the life and ministry of Jesus. Through this sermon series, we will learn what it truly means to live as faithful citizens of God's kingdom by following the teachings and example of Jesus.
Locations & Times
The Grove Covenant Church
3600 S 9th St, Lafayette, IN 47909, USA
Sunday 8:10 AM
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https://www.thegrovecov.church/daily-scripture-emailsYour Kingdom Come: The Rise of the Messiah, Part 4
August 23, 2026
Pastor Stacey Littlefield
Matthew 3.1-17
August 23, 2026
Pastor Stacey Littlefield
Matthew 3.1-17
A Question to Ponder
Think of a time you had to start over or change direction — a move, a career shift, a new habit, a fresh start. What was the moment you realized the old way wasn't working, and how did it feel to turn around?
Think of a time you had to start over or change direction — a move, a career shift, a new habit, a fresh start. What was the moment you realized the old way wasn't working, and how did it feel to turn around?
A Question to Ponder
The sermon explained that the Aramaic tuv, the Hebrew shuv, and the Greek metanoeō all point to turning around or changing your mind — an invitation, not a condemnation. What images or feelings has the word "repent" carried for you in the past? How does hearing it as "look at how you're living, rethink things, and go in a much better direction" change the way you'd receive it — or the way you'd offer it to someone else?
The sermon explained that the Aramaic tuv, the Hebrew shuv, and the Greek metanoeō all point to turning around or changing your mind — an invitation, not a condemnation. What images or feelings has the word "repent" carried for you in the past? How does hearing it as "look at how you're living, rethink things, and go in a much better direction" change the way you'd receive it — or the way you'd offer it to someone else?
A Question to Ponder
The sermon reworked the sidewalk-preacher sign, noting that "has come near" carries the sense of something at arm's length — close enough to reach out, grab, and pull toward you. If the Kingdom is a beginning available now rather than a reward waiting after death, what would it look like this week for you to reach out and take hold of it? Name one concrete, arm's-length thing — and what has to be surrendered to make room for it.
The sermon reworked the sidewalk-preacher sign, noting that "has come near" carries the sense of something at arm's length — close enough to reach out, grab, and pull toward you. If the Kingdom is a beginning available now rather than a reward waiting after death, what would it look like this week for you to reach out and take hold of it? Name one concrete, arm's-length thing — and what has to be surrendered to make room for it.
Bible Cross-Reference Graphic
Click the link below to download a digital image of the graphic in today's sermon, or to purchase a poster.
https://www.chrisharrison.net/index.php/visualizations/BibleVizThe Bible Project: Matthew
Follow the link below to watch part 1 of the Bible Project's video on the Gospel of Matthew.
https://bibleproject.com/videos/matthew-1-13/Weekly Prayer
Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.