HE KNOWETH NOT HOW!

HE KNOWETH NOT HOW!

Mark 4:26-29

26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.

Eph 3:20-21

20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

          Our church picked as its theme for this year: “Beyond Your Wildest Dreams” which is based upon  Ephesians 3:20. It just felt right. We are now enjoying the fruit and it is beyond our wildest dreams. We have recently seen an attendance goal of 200 reached but it is not at all about numbers. Questions naturally come at a time like this.

          What had we been doing wrong that we are now doing right? In rubbing our chin an scratching our head, we couldn’t figure out a formula for success. Church growth, like the harvest, is mostly in the hands of God. If you were to ask us for a map of how it might be done, our answer might be “we know not how” although some things are evident. We will share a few insights.

          There must be a stubborn adherence to the truth of the Word of God for that is the “seed” (Luke 8:11). Our audience is smart enough to discern gimmicks and tricks so we limit them. In Acts 20:32, we read that the Word of God is “able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” Likewise, James says: “receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:21)

          There must be a steadfast commitment to “one – another” ministry. We, through the Holy Spirit, are sensitive to one another. Because the Spirit removes selfishness, we share. Because the Spirit births love in us we are compassionate. The Spirit enables us to “esteem others better than ourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)  The seed sprung and grew up but we know not how! 

Dear Lord, let us put in the sickle because the harvest is come. AMEN