A description of the course that explains what you will learn and how it will help you grow closer to Jesus
4 lessons
4 lessons
4 lessons
The kingdom of God often starts small and unnoticed, like a mustard seed
In ten years of campus ministry, I often had a frustrating experience: I was personally experiencing the love of God in my heart, telling a student about the hope of Christ, and seeing them respond to me as if I had lost my mind.
Have you ever felt discouraged in trying to share the hope of the gospel with a friend?
Paul is proud of the church in Colossae because their hope had spurred them onto a strong faith in Christ and a transformative love for one another. Their dynamic commitment to God and one another caught the attention of their community, and more people started to follow Jesus. Their sincere hope fueled the growth of God's kingdom.
But during Advent, we remember the unlikely start of the church: a helpless baby was born to a poor family in the insignificant town of Bethlehem.
As Jesus taught, the kingdom of God is "like a mustard seed, that when sown upon the soil, is the smallest of all the seeds on the ground. And, when sown, it comes up and grows taller than all the garden plants, and produces large branches, so that the birds of the sky can nest in its shade" (Mark 4:31-32).
Perhaps your faith is weak. Your family doesn't care about God. Maybe you've been hurt by the church. Your evangelistic efforts fall on deaf ears.
Remember this: the kingdom of God often starts small and unnoticed, like a mustard seed. Your current struggles and disappointments do not determine the ultimate fruitfulness of your faith and efforts. The church in Colossae began with simple faith and hope, and by God's grace, grew into a vibrant community of believers.
Likewise, the baby in Bethlehem, seemingly powerless, was the starting point of a movement that transformed the world. For now, he entrusts unlikely men and women like us to carry his hope to our communities. And one day, he will return in glory, and completely fulfill our hope.
Colossians 1:3-6
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints because of the hope reserved for you in heaven. You have already heard about this hope in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. It is bearing fruit and growing all over the world, just as it has among you since the day you heard it and came to truly appreciate God's grace.
Does your faith feel as small as a mustard seed? How can Advent help you persevere?
How will placing your hope in heaven empower you to love others today?
What's one way your hope in heaven motivates you to love a neighbor this week? Take action on it.
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