So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.
1 Corinthians 3:7
This is one of the most exciting concepts of God’s kingdom to me. It not only conveys the essence of Christianity (God is central), it also contains the idea that we are part of a great parade of saints marching through history to the eternal kingdom that is here now and is coming as we close with the end of days. It helps me remember that everything hangs on God. We who are given the honor of participating in ministry (all believers) aren’t anything special except to God who delights in using the base things of this world to bring down the high things. But God who gives the increase will judge each one at the end.
Let’s remember we are focused on what God is doing in the future of our communities. Even as we look back and celebrate ALL Jesus has done through this expression of Himself in each of our regions we are really celebrating what is coming. Increase! Jesus has promised to increase His kingdom forever. (Isaiah 9) We who believe are part of that increase. His kingdom and the grace that it is founded on will continue to increase throughout eternity!
We have only to look forward to see that we will increase as Jesus raises His kingdom to new glories and strength. Our Brother Paul wrote this to the Thessalonians …But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you… May I urge you to the same increase? It is an increase that is without the personal drama so many live with in their daily lives. The drama in our lives should be what Jesus is changing us into, protecting us from and providing for us. We are blessed as we celebrate and look forward to and increase even in celebration.
May the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another,
Pastor Jason
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