BATTLE READY - What Kingdom Building Looks Like

WHAT KINGDOM BUILDING LOOKS LIKE
Sunday, March 23rd Sermon Recap

Log Cabin Builders: What Kingdom Work Really Looks Like
At Marsh Lane, we’re continuing our journey of becoming battle ready, and March has been all about what it means to be kingdom builders. From our powerful missions conference to celebrating Cade’s ordination, we've seen God calling people into both foreign and vocational ministry. But what about the rest of us? What does kingdom building look like for those not called to the mission field or full-time ministry?

The truth is, we all have a role to play. And we need a mindset shift to grasp it.

Many Christians fall into the trap of asking, “How can I fit God into my life?” But Scripture calls us to something radically different: to seek first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33) and to set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2).

Kingdom building isn’t about inviting God into our story; it’s about surrendering to His. We aren’t the architects asking Him to bless our blueprints. He is the King, and we are the builders called to follow His plans.

There are three common mindsets people adopt when it comes to the church and kingdom work:

1. The House Hunter: You show up to a church that fits your preferences—good music, comfortable chairs, convenient location—and enjoy the experience. But there’s little personal investment.
2. The Architect Observer: You have big ideas for ministry and what the church should look like but expect the pastors or staff to implement your vision. You observe, critique, and stay uninvolved.
3. The Log Cabin Builder: You roll up your sleeves. You don’t just dream about what ministry could be—you build it. You see kingdom work as your responsibility and use your own hands, time, and gifts to make it happen.

God is calling all of us to be Log Cabin Builders.

Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:17, “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus...” Kingdom building isn’t limited to church activities. It includes your work, your home, your neighborhood, and your everyday life.

If you’re a Log Cabin Builder, you:

• Use your time for God – Your job is a mission field. Your family is your first discipleship group. Even your lunch break can become prayer time.
• Use your treasure for God – Instead of budgeting a sliver for God, you ask how to use all your financial resources for His glory.
• Use your tools for God – Whatever you’ve been gifted with—creativity, leadership, compassion, craftsmanship—you use it for kingdom purposes.

Yes, It Will Be Hard
Building a log cabin isn’t easy. It takes effort, energy, and yes, it will leave you tired. But God’s strength is sufficient. You weren’t meant to do it on your own—you were empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) to be His witness.

Everything is a Gospel Opportunity
Too often, we compartmentalize our lives. We see church and mission trips as "spiritual," but work, sports, and hobbies as "secular." That’s not biblical. Everything is an opportunity to reflect the love and character of Jesus. Whether you're running a business, parenting kids, coaching a team, or working in a cubicle, your life is a platform for the gospel.

Build the Kingdom by Letting Jesus Reign
John Piper notes that while Jesus talked constantly about the kingdom of God, the New Testament writers shifted their focus to declaring, "Jesus is Lord." Why? Because building the kingdom is about letting Jesus reign in your heart. Every area of your life bows to Him.

That’s how His kingdom comes.

So, ask yourself: Which type of builder are you? Are you a house hunter, an architect observer, or a log cabin builder?

God doesn’t need spectators. He calls builders. Let’s be a church of hands-on disciples, crafting something eternal with the time, tools, and treasure He’s given us.

Let’s be log cabin builders.