Day 101 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 1 Samuel 7-9; Luke 13:1-21 )
THE KINGDOM OF GOD GROWS
He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.”(Luke 13:18-19 ESV)
Jesus reminds us that the kingdom of God will grow. From the seed of God’s Word, the souls of sinners are filled with faith and the gifts of forgiveness and heaven. There is great comfort in the fact that God the Holy Spirit grows the Church and that we don’t. We simply get to share Jesus and His love with fellow sinners.
Looking back over the 44 years that I have been privileged to be a pastor, one of the joys has been to witness the Lord growing His Church. He has done this through the clear preaching of God’s Word - Law and Gospel, and through the friendliness and receptivity of God’s people as they share the love of Jesus with new people. Yes, it cannot be overstated how important the friendliness of a congregation (or lack thereof) influences first time visitors. My prayer for St. Paul’s - Brown Deer, as well as Immanuel - Sheboygan, Zion - Menomonee Falls, and St. Paul - Woodland, Indiana is that they will continue to welcome visitors with the open arms of genuine Christian kindness and friendship. May the Lord grant this in all Christ-centered churches.
Heavenly Father, thank You for growing Your kingdom in the hearts of those to whom You give faith. Thank You for including me in Your kingdom and in the exciting activity of sharing Your kingdom with others. Please help our churches to be welcoming places to all who gather to worship You. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
LINK to St. Paul’s 9 am live stream of the April 18 Sunday Worship Service:
Those who opt for the live stream service are asked to send an email to the church office so that you attendance can be recorded. Here is that address:
IN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am
both with Holy Communion
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm
Password: 843774
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