BRANSON – Missouri Baptists should become “laser-focused on the Kingdom of God,” Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) president Jon Nelson told messengers attending the MBC annual meeting here, Oct. 25.
“So many times, we would rather secure our own fiefdoms than the Kingdom of God,” Nelson, pastor of SOMA Community Church, Jefferson City, said. “God’s Kingdom is a gift to us, one we should never squander. … The thing we need most is the Kingdom of God.”
BRANSON – Heather Nelson introduces her husband, Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) President Jon Nelson, before he speaks to MBC messengers.
Referring to Matthew 6:33, Nelson said the Kingdom of God was a central theme in Christ’s teachings when He was on earth, and Jesus is central to the Kingdom.
“The Kingdom of God is about Jesus,” he said. “Jesus plus nothing equals the Kingdom of God. That’s it. … The best thing we bring to the table is Jesus.”
“If we are subjects of the Kingdom of God,” he added, “then God is the ruler of our lives. He is the ruler. He is our King. … You are a representative of the Most High Kingdom of God.”
“You have Kingdom work to do,” Nelson said. “You’re doing that work.” Despite distracting controversies in the Twittersphere and on Facebook, he told messengers he is “excited about what God is doing among Missouri Baptists,” and he encouraged them to join hands and continue the work God has called them to do.
Nelson encouraged older Missouri Baptists to glean energy and passion from their younger counterparts, and he encouraged them also to mentor and build up young Christians. “For my older saints in the room,” he said, “we need you.”
Whatever their age or circumstances, all Missouri Baptists have a part to play. “The Kingdom of God,” Nelson said, “works through every blood-bought believer in this room.”
“Now is the time,” he added, “to ask the Lord, ‘What can I do to be a good Kingdom person?”