“Kingdomtide” is a liturgical season observed primarily by Presbyterians and Methodists since the early 20th century, with a focus on personal spiritual growth and the growth of the Kingdom of God. During this season, which continues up until Advent, special emphasis is placed on acts of service, teaching, and evangelism within our communities. You’ll notice that we begin this morning’s service with a hymn which declares that “The Lord omnipotent is King!” (The Lord Is King). All through October we’ll sing from Psalm 95, telling of our God’s “Almighty power,” His “exalted reign,” and His sovereignty over land and sea (O Come Before The Lord Our King—Psalm 95). Further, the hymn O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing reminds us that the glorious “God and King” we serve calls us to “spread through all the earth” the honors of His name. As we enter this new season, let’s seek the Lord to speak boldly to our unbelieving family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues, that His church would be built and strangers brought home to the Kingdom. —Henry C. Haffner
Key Words: Know, Enslaved, Turn Back, Become, Anguish, Formed
Keystone Verse: My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! (Galatians 4:19)
Galatians 4:8-20
8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.12 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.