A New Team...

And now, here they are, wearing the same jersey, working together, passing the ball, covering for one another, and genuinely celebrating each other’s wins. It is fun to watch. Their coach has done a great job helping them see that their different strengths are not liabilities but assets. When those differences come together, they form something stronger than any one player on her own.

It struck me how familiar that feels.

In Ephesians 2:11–22, Paul reminds us that before Christ, we were not just a little off or slightly disconnected. We were separated, outsiders, even enemies. But through the death and resurrection of Jesus, everything changed. We have been brought near. We have been given a new identity. We are no longer strangers but citizens of a new kingdom, part of one household, being built together into something God is forming.

If I am honest, sometimes the church can still feel a bit like those old rival teams. We come in with different backgrounds, perspectives, and preferences. And yet, because of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, we are not competing anymore. We are family. We belong to one another.

This Sunday, we have the privilege of hearing from Jim Shoberg. Jim and his wife Debbie have spent years serving faithfully with Avant Ministries to reach the unreached in places that look very different from one another. Over the past several decades, they have served in a remote village in Ecuador and also in Paris, France. Now here in Kansas City, they continue to invest deeply in building leaders and strengthening the work of the gospel. We are grateful they are part of our church family.

Jim will be opening Ephesians 2:11–22 and helping us see more clearly the new identity we have because of Jesus. It is a message we need, one that reminds us who we were, who we are now, and how we are meant to live together as citizens of a different Kingdom.

I am looking forward to it, and I hope you will be able to attend. Services are at 8:00, 9:15 (Full KidCity available), or 10:45 am (Full KidCity available), or you can watch the Livestream on YouTube (Like and Subscribe) or on our New Life website at 9:15 am. Also, we would LOVE for you to follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. 

Come early for some coffee and to meet a few friends,

Troy

P.S. There is still time to sign up for Core conversation (4 pm), Child dedication (5:15 pm), and baptism (5:45 pm) on Sunday. We will hear more about the Spanish service and be able to celebrate with our church family.

P.P.S. There is also room for you at our men's breakfast tomorrow at 9 am. Steve Puleo will be sharing about the discipline of worship.