This blog post discusses the call for kingdom advancement in the new year, emphasizing the importance of devotion, the Great Commission, intentional discipleship, prayer, holiness, and the power of the Holy Spirit in fulfilling God's will.
In this season, there is a strong call for believers to fully engage with the Spirit of God and to become carriers of His heart and will. This message is not intended to induce guilt but to inspire conviction, prompting each of us to reflect on our contributions to the kingdom of God. The focus is on advancing the kingdom rather than merely seeking personal breakthroughs or material blessings.
It is crucial to understand that the gospel transcends material wealth. The belief that the gospel is solely about financial prosperity is a misrepresentation. Many who are not saved can attain wealth, which indicates that the essence of the gospel lies beyond materialism. The call is to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, as stated in Matthew 6:33, with the promise that all other things will follow.
The first area of advancement is in our devotion. Jesus exemplified this in Mark 1:35, where He rose early to pray in solitude. This highlights the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God. Many of us may struggle to dedicate time to prayer, yet true devotion will make time spent with God feel effortless. The call is to elevate our devotional practices, ensuring they are consistent and meaningful.
In Luke 5:16, we see that Jesus often withdrew to pray. This consistent practice of prayer is essential for knowing God's heart and will. As believers, we are encouraged to deepen our prayer lives, moving beyond requests to seeking a relationship with God.
The second area of focus is the Great Commission. In Acts 1:8, Jesus instructs His followers to be witnesses. This is not just a task for a select few but a mandate for all believers. Each of us has a story of transformation and should share that with others. The essence of being a witness is to testify about what we have seen and experienced in our faith.
Discipleship is crucial for fulfilling the Great Commission. Matthew 28:19-20 commands us to make disciples of all nations. However, we cannot disciple others without first being discipled ourselves. This year, the church is called to prioritize intentional discipleship, starting with foundational classes that explore the tenets of faith and encourage spiritual growth.
The fourth area of advancement is in our prayer life and intercession. Luke 18:1 reminds us to pray always and not lose heart. Jesus modeled a life of prayer, which was essential for His ministry. As we deepen our prayer lives, we should seek to know God's heart and intercede for others, recognizing that prayer is a powerful tool for change.
Hebrews 12:14 emphasizes the importance of pursuing peace and holiness. While we are made righteous through Christ, we are called to actively pursue holiness in our lives. This requires intentionality and reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide us in living a life that pleases God.
Finally, we are called to step up in the power of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 states that we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us. This empowerment is essential for living out our faith, sharing the gospel, and fulfilling our God-given assignments. The Holy Spirit is our guide, comforter, and source of strength.
As we enter this new year, the call for kingdom advancement is clear. We are invited to deepen our devotion, embrace the Great Commission, engage in intentional discipleship, strengthen our prayer lives, pursue holiness, and step into the power of the Holy Spirit. This is a season of growth and transformation, and each of us has a role to play in advancing the kingdom of God.
