Kingdom Fellowship Weekend

Join us as we explore the reality of poverty and some of the ways to measure it. What we identify as the cause will determine what we propose as the solution.

We'll be discussing economic disparity, considering the opposite of poverty (it's not wealth), and precedents in poverty alleviation.

Imagine what the world might be like if communities applied what God has shown us of His heart for the marginalized and the vulnerable. How did the early church respond. What will it cost us, where do we begin, and what can we expect?

As Anabaptists interact more freely and frequently with news media, they are faced with greater pressures—internally and externally—to become involved in national and international affairs. Should we be doing more? If so, what is the more we should be doing? This talk is not entirely descriptive (since a small percentage of Anabaptists are involved to one small degree or another politically), but it is more prescriptive as we look at ways non-resistant Christians are and should live consistently, clearly and caringly toward the broader national culture in which we find ourselves.

Prayer for political leaders:

Dear God, thank You for the peace and stability You have granted us. Please move upon the leaders of this nation and help them recognize the responsibility they have before You. I pray for President Biden, Vice President Harris, the Supreme Court justices and all judges across this nation. I pray also for the representatives and senators, both state and national. I lift the governor, the county commissioners, the township supervisors, and all who are in authority, to You. Help them to lead in such a way that we may live quiet and peaceable lives. I pray that You would bring to nothing the counsels of the ungodly, foil the plans of the evil one and let truth prevail. In all these things I pray Your kingdom come and Your will be done in this nation and in every nation on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

The sands of time are sinking! This message is an urgent call to devote our hearts, lives, time, and energy completely to the kingdom of Jesus. Jesus said his followers are the light of the world, but before that can happen each of our own lamps must first be lit by a personal walk with Jesus.

Time moves on, eternity draws nearer every day, and the world and our own flesh are trying to distract us from our mission: to keep our eyes on the Bridegroom, and to expand his glorious kingdom! We need to refocus, to set our affection on things above, to examine our hearts and see if we are in the faith, and to live always in the joyful anticipation of the glorious dawning of the day when the last sands slip through the glass, the dawn of heaven breaks, and the Bridegroom comes for his bride!

Jesus is building a spiritual kingdom on earth in earthen vessels sanctified for the Master’s use with none other than resurrected, crucified flesh! His kingdom doesn’t exist in a vacuum, but in flesh and blood, in a world groaning and broken by sin.

"So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us." -1 Thessalonians 2:8

Does it matter if we share, or do not share, our souls and emotions in sharing of the Gospel? Just how far do we go in sharing our souls and emotions and resources? How does this verse challenge me and all of us in areas of business and hospitality to share our souls, emotions, and resources, along with the Gospel of the kingdom?

In this panel discussion, moderator Wendell Martin fielded questions from the audience in relation to these preceeding three messages:

• “Multiplication or Fragmentation: How to Develop Healthy and Helpful Relationships with Other Church Groups” by Melvin Lehman, Guys Mills, Pennsylvania
• “People of Integrity” by Justin Wadel, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
• “Three Keys to Greatness in the Kingdom of God” by Andrew Kurtz, Granby, Massachusetts

Andrew Kurtz contrasts Jesus’ teaching on greatness with the worldly methods of self-exaltation and power politics. Jesus teaches that the ones being served have greater value than the leader. An attitude of humility and service is more important than the leadership structure.

Justin Wadel speaks about the need for Christians to “be real,” living above the compromise and division that too often characterize Christianity. Each person is a necessary part, required for the Church to work properly. Corporate discipleship is how we press into the Kingdom, with self-examination, setting goals for personal growth, and being the change that is needed in the world.

Beginning with a call for us to be unified in Christ, Melvin gives an overview of historical changes in the Anabaptist movement. He reminds us that we need all the members working together for the body to flourish. Melvin urges us to respect boundaries and to be proactive rather than reactive to issues that need to be addressed.

What is the mission of the Church? What does God want to see from us as Christians? The church has withstood many adversities throughout its history, and there have always been true followers of Jesus that have carried His message to the world. God has always had a remnant of people who have carried the faith further.

Listen as brother Trent shows how God has faithfully kept a remnant throughout history to show his glory to the world. We need not be discouraged because of hard times. We need to see that there is a glorious opportunity for us a Christians to portray Gods glory and honour, especially in times trouble and persecution.

Self-denial. It sounds like a very negative thing. But is it? What is Gelassenheit? What does it take for brothers to have Brotherhood Agreements? What does it take to live in true Community as Jesus intended? What does it mean to deny self? Why should I deny self? Why is it necessary to submit my life to other members in the church?

These questions get answered in this message, and the importance of denying ourself is explained. If viewed correctly, it is a glorious thing to deny self. Self gets in the way of so many things. Let us strive to deny and crucify self!