Kingdom Builders (February 22 Message)
Seek First
Matthew 6:33- "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." (NLT)
Jesus acknowledges that the things we worry about: food, clothing, provision: are real and important. But He calls us to an extreme level of trust: to believe that God provides for our day-to-day lives, not just our eternity. The way we live out that trust is by seeking His Kingdom first.
Three translations capture the weight of this call:
NLT: "Above all else"
NKJV: "Seek first"
Amplified: "First and most importantly"
The promise is clear… if God is first in our lives, He is at work pulling all things together.
The Honest Reality
Our church's general fund ran at a significant loss in 2025. The Elders and Trustees have reviewed every line of the budget, made cuts, and reduced where possible. Our budget, staffing, and spending are appropriate for a church our size. What doesn't match is the giving from within the congregation.
At the same time, we are growing in attendance, growing in Next Steps, and seeing incredible stories of life change. This is an unusual situation and it's one we're addressing with transparency and faith.
Core Statement: There Is a Generational Call to Make His Church Your Church.
1. Generational
In Scripture, the age of twenty often marks a generational transition from childhood into accountability, ownership, and responsibility (Numbers, Exodus).
Our church has seen this pattern play out:
~40 years ago: A founding generation sacrificed to start this church, meeting in rented spaces and purchasing the old Baldwinsville Academy for $50,000.
~20 years ago: A new generation stepped up alongside the old to build the current building.
Today: This is the call for our generation to rise up, take ownership, and shoulder the responsibility to continue the mission.
Generations before us paid a price so we could be here. But the nature of generations means they can't carry us forever. There must be a rising up from a new generation.
Joshua 5:2–5- Just as the new generation of Israel had to make their own commitment before entering the Promised Land, we are called to make ours.
If you're here now, you are this generation. A previous generation built this building. This generation is called to keep filling it up.
2. Ownership
This is Jesus' church. But if this local congregation is your church, it means:
You care about the mission
You rejoice at every baptism knowing you played a part
You help others belong and you know you belong
It bothers you when we face a challenge and you share in the victory
You financially support the church to make it all possible
1 Corinthians 12:26- "If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad."
Romans 12:15- "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep."
Ownership goes beyond attending a service. It means being known, building relationships, joining a LIFE Group or team, praying for others and being prayed for. It means church doesn't just happen at you- you are an active part of the mission.
3. A Strong Foundation
This church has over 40 years of faithfulness. We have a strong reputation in the community and an undeniable legacy of generosity and impact.
The power of the church is the Holy Spirit and as we bring what we have to the table, the Holy Spirit multiplies our efforts.
4. If Everybody…
"If everyone did what you're doing, are things getting better or worse?"
Today the specific question is: If everyone financially supported the church the way I'm financially supporting the church, are things getting better or worse?
Don't assume this challenge is for someone else. Take ownership, and recognize that financial giving is a significant step in spiritual maturity.
5. Kingdom Builders
Step 1: Tithes & Offerings: This supports church operations and week-to-week ministry: kids, youth, care ministry, and everything that makes this church a blessing to our community. Our primary calling is to be a faithful and effective local church in our zip code.
Step 2: Above & Beyond Giving: Missions, outreach, compassion projects, camp scholarships, new ministry initiatives, and community impact. When Step 1 is healthy and strong, we can dedicate more and more to Step 2.
6. Test God
Malachi 3:10- "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do," says the Lord of Heaven's Armies, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!"
This is the only time in the entire Bible that God invites us to test Him. Take a bold step of faith, put Matthew 6 trust into practice, and watch Him come through.
Remember
The history of this church is full of stories of people who took ownership, sacrificed big, cared deeply about the mission… and saw God do great things.
The future of this church will be full of stories of people who took ownership, sacrificed big, cared deeply about the mission… and saw God do great things.
This isn't about pressure or guilt, it's about participating. It's the call to take ownership of your church and make a generational declaration that the mission Jesus gave the local church will advance in His name.
