Sermon Recap
This week’s message reminded us that praying “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” is not a light request—it’s asking God to bring His Kingdom into our world and into our lives. If we are truly going to live as ambassadors of heaven here on earth, we must prepare our hearts. Just like no one runs a marathon or passes the bar exam without preparation, we cannot live out Kingdom Culture without first letting God get our hearts ready. Preparation is not optional for followers of Christ.
The Bible often uses farming imagery to describe preparation. Hosea and Jeremiah both spoke of “breaking up unplowed ground,” meaning we need to soften and prepare our hearts so God’s truth can take root. Jesus echoed this in the parable of the sower, where only seeds planted in good soil produced a lasting harvest. If our hearts are hard, neglected, or resistant, God’s Word will not grow deeply in us. Preparation means asking God to examine us, expose sin, and remove idols so that our hearts are ready to receive His Word and produce fruit.
This process begins with repentance and surrender. We must face areas of sin honestly, lay down pride and control, and invite the Holy Spirit to shape us. When we prepare our hearts in this way, we become true ambassadors of God’s Kingdom—living not just religious lives on the outside but transformed lives on the inside. God’s promise is that if we return to Him and prepare our hearts, He will still use us to bring His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
Key Scripture
Matthew 13
Hosea 10:12
Jeremiah 4:1-3
Psalm 139
Discussion Questions
When you pray “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done,” what does that really mean for your own life?
What does it look like for your heart to be “unplowed ground”? In what areas might your heart be hardened, neglected, or resistant to God?
How does the parable of the sower challenge you to prepare the soil of your heart so God’s Word can take root and grow?
Why is repentance and surrender such an important first step in preparing for Kingdom Culture?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting me into Your Kingdom work. I confess that there are parts of my heart that have been hard, neglected, or resistant to You. Today I ask You to search me, break up the unplowed ground, and prepare my heart to receive Your Word. Teach me to repent quickly, surrender fully, and live as an ambassador of Your Kingdom here on earth. May my life bear fruit that brings You glory and blesses others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Life Application
Examine Your Heart: This week, pray Psalm 139:23–24 each day: “Search me, God, and know my heart… see if there is any offensive way in me.” Journal or note what the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
Break Up the Ground: Identify one “idol” or barrier in your life—whether busyness, pride, control, or unforgiveness—and take one concrete step to lay it down and surrender it to God.
Don’t Forget!
Sign up for classes this Fall
Rooted- Sept 21 after second service
Conversations Through Ephesians- Wed nights Sept 24- Oct 29th
Kids Club: Live Like Jesus- Wed nights Sept 24- Oct 29th
Starting Point- Sunday Mornings Sept 28- Oct 26
Additional Resources
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