2025.03.09 | Are You Living with Eternity in Mind?

I remember the first time I really stopped to think about what Jesus meant when He described the Kingdom of Heaven. As a lifelong believer, I had heard the parables countless times... stories of mustard seeds, hidden treasures, and fishing nets. But sometimes, familiarity dulls the urgency of what Jesus is actually saying.

This past Sunday at Hope Community, our pastor walked us through one of those parables... Jesus’ story about a fishing net that gathers all kinds of fish, only for the good to be kept and the bad to be thrown away (Matthew 13:47-50). As I listened, I saw myself in the parable for the first time.

Where do I stand?...

Am I in the net just because I’m near the church?...

or am I truly part of the Kingdom of Heaven?...

Jesus isn’t vague about what happens at the end of the age. There will be a separation. Those who belong to Him will be gathered into His eternal Kingdom. Those who don’t? The passage is sobering. And it made me realize how much I take for granted the fact that I know about Jesus... but do I know Him?

What struck me most was the reminder that the Kingdom of Heaven isn’t just something we wait for... it’s something we live in now. 

It should shape how I walk, talk, love, and lead my family.
 
If I truly believe Jesus’ words, my life should look different.
 
My priorities should shift.
 
My heart should long for others to know Him, too.

That’s why I’m so grateful for this church, this series, and this moment of reflection. Hope Community has been a place where I’ve been challenged to grow deeper in my faith, ask the hard questions, and be reminded that Jesus’ words are just as powerful today as they were 2,000 years ago.

So, I want to invite you into this conversation...

Have you thought about where you stand in the story Jesus is telling?

Are you living with eternity in mind?

If you’ve never considered what it means to truly follow Jesus, or if you’re ready to take a step closer, I encourage you to check out the full sermon series on our YouTube channel. Let’s wrestle with these truths together and grow in faith as a community.

Watch the full message here: