THE MISSIONAL CHURCH
I love how varied the Kingdom of God is and how diverse the Bride of Christ is. It is one of my favorite attributes of the church. I am reminded of this whenever I travel for ministry. And I don’t have to travel far to recognize this fact again and again. Sometimes it is just going to another church locally, other times a few hours away to like McCall, or a pastor’s conference or ministry convention, and of course the times on overseas or distant mission trips. The kingdom of God is vast and varied and vivacious.
The church spans the globe. It is in every country on earth and there isn’t a nation that hasn’t benefited from the goodness, grace-filled, generosity of the Christians living there. It reminds me of Jesus’ prophetic message and teaching from the gospels using the mustard seed as a simile. Check it out…
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
30 Jesus said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”
It has been the destiny of the church, since before its inception, to spread across the world taking root, growing up, and shading her neighbors with faith, hope, and love. I think Deer Flat does this well and it makes God smile.
This Sunday be sure to stop by the Voice of the Martyrs table in the lobby to see some of the kingdom’s variety. Or go to the missions’ tab on our webpage to see the many “mustard seed” organizations and missionaries around the world that your tithes and gifts support.
This missional church is something you and Deer Flat are a part of and can be proud of as we seek to follow Jesus together. May God plant us as mustard seeds and bless us until those around us can perch in our shade.
Also, a quick reminder that the baby bottles for Lifeline Pregnancy Center are due back by June 19th!
Have a great weekend and I hope we see you Sunday!
Pastor Martin Flaherty