Our worship today begins with a patriotic theme that stems from a long-standing tradition at Faith to celebrate our nation’s freedom and liberty along with thousands of other residents of the Fox Valley. In 1949, an Act of Congress signed by President Truman officially recognized June 14th as National Flag Day and the first Flag Day Parade in Appleton was held the following year. As we celebrate Flag Day in worship, let us do so always remembering that our first allegiance is to Jesus Christ, whose “kingdom is not of this world.”

Today, we also begin our summer sermon series called “Life in the Kingdom”. Each weekend we will explore the Gospel of Matthew, especially the portions that detail the teaching ministry of Jesus. If one was to read through the book of Matthew, one might notice how often Jesus speaks of “the kingdom of heaven”, a way of talking about the kingly reign of God. Throughout His life, Jesus encourages His listeners to live according to God’s will since we are ultimately under His authority and kingship.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus has a lot to say about life in the Kingdom of God. Throughout our “Life in the Kingdom” series, we will examine specific ways Jesus encourages us to live out our lives as His disciples. Today we will focus specifically on how we are called and sent into the world for “the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37).