Mark 4:26-34. How does the Church grow/live??? 14/6/09
{26) He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. {27} Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. {28} All by itself the soil produces grain--first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. {29} As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come." {30} Again he 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 seed you plant in the ground. {32} Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade." {33} With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. {34} He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
This mornings reading highlights the very idea that I have been forced to consider in these past few weeks: What makes the church and we as Christians grow and live? What is the reason and purpose of me being laid up for an extended period when I have just entered a new parish with so much that seemingly needs to be done? Along with that is the whole issue for this congregation; how do we grow and become the congregations that we should be? These things were constantly on my mind through these last weeks. Here this morning our reading here reminds us of the same conclusion that was impressed on me.
The kingdom of God grows and lives without being dependent on what you and I do. While I was flat on my back for ten days without being able to move in any reasonable way, I was totally dependent on God and what he had provided for my total existence. Not only was I enabled to stay alive, but I was provided healing and growth; even spiritually. My life was lived and grew even though I was not able to contribute toward it. God was at work through every different facet of those days. For this I am deeply thankful.
Now we here need to reflect on that same truth for our congregation and our own Christian lives. Let me say here right at the beginning, this congregation and each of you in it, are very important and have a very important role to play here in this corner of Adelaide and the wider church and world as well. From here The Lord is looking to produce a great harvest; and for us to be a shelter in which others can perch in its shade. God’s kingdom is here and it will grow.
‘But – but – but we are so small; so insignificant; and in the world’s eyes we are near on dead!’ We ourselves, so often feel that we do not have what it takes to grow and be what we are told we should be. We just can’t do it. So if it is to be done, pastor, it is up to you. Then the pastor gets laid up in hospital and can not do a thing to help himself, far less grow the church.
However, listen again to the parable A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain--first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."
The grain of wheat can do nothing by itself. It is dead! Useless! It is only as the seed is placed in the soil and receives the needed nutrients and moisture that it grows and becomes a fruitful plant. Each of us can do nothing by ourselves. We as a congregation can not grow on our own. It is only as we are surrounded by what God gives that we can live and grow as God’s people. This thinking is the next important thing for us to see as basic to our existence. We began by, and need always to understand Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection as central to who we are as God’s people. He and who he is and what he has done is all important. And now as we focus on us and the Christian life and growth we need to forever be aware that it is God and what he does that makes us alive as Christians and who helps us to grow.
Today in a world and ‘christian’ scene which focuses very heavily on us as individuals and what we must do to live and grow both as individuals and as a church, we need to be critically aware of what Jesus is saying to us here. We can do nothing by ourselves. It is only as we are placed in a suitable environment that we are able to gain life and to grow and produce the fruit required. It is God’s water and nutrients alone that will be of any help to us. I could not have got the help and healing that I needed had I stayed at home lying on the floor; or by the power of positive thinking or what ever. It is only by being taken to the hospital that I could get what I needed.
The Christian life is no different. God uses this church to give life and growth to us and those around-about us. Here he makes available that which is needed. Here alone people are given life and growth.
For it is here that baptism is central to our being given life as Christians. Baptism is God’s work of placing us into that which gives us life. The waters of baptism gives life to that which was dead. Here God himself joins us to himself and his family, Here God’s Holy Spirit is placed in our lives so that we get the true help that we need. Here we are connected by God to Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection for us; So that forgiveness of sins, life and salvation can be ours. Here we are placed within the realms of his Church so that we can be fed and nurtured throughout the rest of our lives.
So being placed in the Church we are then fed with God’s Word on a regular basis. Here the truth of God’s Word which focuses us on Jesus Christ and what he has done for us is what gives us that which is needed for life and growth. Teaching through Sunday School, Confirmation, youth and Adult Bible Study along with the reading and preaching of God’s Word where our focus is continually drawn to that which is important is alone what will sustain and grow that life. Just as a meal once or twice a month will not sustain our human life; so also our Christian life will not grow if we do not regularly feed it [and not just with a few lollies and ice cream]. We need to feed on good solid food, which centres on the things that are important. It is only as we trust in what Jesus Christ has done for us that we have any real hope for the future and for our salvation and life.
Here Scripture makes it very clear to us that Holy Communion is also central in the sustenance and growth of our Christian life. Week by week as we kneel at the Altar rail Jesus gives us his very body and blood, which he shed on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. Here then we are given that which enables us to live and grow knowing for sure that we do have forgiveness for all our sin, and with that have salvation and eternal life as a guarantee. Along with that, we have the assurance that Jesus himself goes with us and lives with us as we go about our daily life.
All this is what is given to us in order for us to gain life, growth and fruit. As we simply receive these gifts then we find that certainty and confidence that enables us to go forward knowing that we are a part of that which is truly important. This is God’s kingdom: God at work sustaining and growing his people. It all happens here, even though we may not always see it.
Here let us remember that the results then are in God’s hands; not ours. As long as we faithfully allow God to work through the truth of his Word and the right administration of the Sacraments, God will be at work. At the same time, be aware that God himself tells us that numbers are not the criteria for life. In fact he says broad is the road with many people on it, that is going to hell. Many people will choose not to avail themselves of the gifts that God has for us; instead choosing to do what that want to do with their lives. However, God will continue to maintain and grow his kingdom through this congregation and our lives as we allow him to give us what he wants for us.
So now then, surely we can go forward with confidence and certainty, for Jesus Christ himself is telling us these things. God’s kingdom: God working in and through us, will produce the growth and the harvest that he wants. That surely encourages us to continue to regularly gather together here week by week to allow God to do what he wants in our lives. It also encourages us to hold fast to that which has been passed down through the history of the Church as that which will help give life to, grow and produce the harvest that God is looking for and has given down through the ages.
To our great God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, again then, be all glory and honour, now and always. Amen.
Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish
{26) He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. {27} Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. {28} All by itself the soil produces grain--first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. {29} As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come." {30} Again he 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 seed you plant in the ground. {32} Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade." {33} With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. {34} He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
This mornings reading highlights the very idea that I have been forced to consider in these past few weeks: What makes the church and we as Christians grow and live? What is the reason and purpose of me being laid up for an extended period when I have just entered a new parish with so much that seemingly needs to be done? Along with that is the whole issue for this congregation; how do we grow and become the congregations that we should be? These things were constantly on my mind through these last weeks. Here this morning our reading here reminds us of the same conclusion that was impressed on me.
The kingdom of God grows and lives without being dependent on what you and I do. While I was flat on my back for ten days without being able to move in any reasonable way, I was totally dependent on God and what he had provided for my total existence. Not only was I enabled to stay alive, but I was provided healing and growth; even spiritually. My life was lived and grew even though I was not able to contribute toward it. God was at work through every different facet of those days. For this I am deeply thankful.
Now we here need to reflect on that same truth for our congregation and our own Christian lives. Let me say here right at the beginning, this congregation and each of you in it, are very important and have a very important role to play here in this corner of Adelaide and the wider church and world as well. From here The Lord is looking to produce a great harvest; and for us to be a shelter in which others can perch in its shade. God’s kingdom is here and it will grow.
‘But – but – but we are so small; so insignificant; and in the world’s eyes we are near on dead!’ We ourselves, so often feel that we do not have what it takes to grow and be what we are told we should be. We just can’t do it. So if it is to be done, pastor, it is up to you. Then the pastor gets laid up in hospital and can not do a thing to help himself, far less grow the church.
However, listen again to the parable A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain--first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."
The grain of wheat can do nothing by itself. It is dead! Useless! It is only as the seed is placed in the soil and receives the needed nutrients and moisture that it grows and becomes a fruitful plant. Each of us can do nothing by ourselves. We as a congregation can not grow on our own. It is only as we are surrounded by what God gives that we can live and grow as God’s people. This thinking is the next important thing for us to see as basic to our existence. We began by, and need always to understand Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection as central to who we are as God’s people. He and who he is and what he has done is all important. And now as we focus on us and the Christian life and growth we need to forever be aware that it is God and what he does that makes us alive as Christians and who helps us to grow.
Today in a world and ‘christian’ scene which focuses very heavily on us as individuals and what we must do to live and grow both as individuals and as a church, we need to be critically aware of what Jesus is saying to us here. We can do nothing by ourselves. It is only as we are placed in a suitable environment that we are able to gain life and to grow and produce the fruit required. It is God’s water and nutrients alone that will be of any help to us. I could not have got the help and healing that I needed had I stayed at home lying on the floor; or by the power of positive thinking or what ever. It is only by being taken to the hospital that I could get what I needed.
The Christian life is no different. God uses this church to give life and growth to us and those around-about us. Here he makes available that which is needed. Here alone people are given life and growth.
For it is here that baptism is central to our being given life as Christians. Baptism is God’s work of placing us into that which gives us life. The waters of baptism gives life to that which was dead. Here God himself joins us to himself and his family, Here God’s Holy Spirit is placed in our lives so that we get the true help that we need. Here we are connected by God to Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection for us; So that forgiveness of sins, life and salvation can be ours. Here we are placed within the realms of his Church so that we can be fed and nurtured throughout the rest of our lives.
So being placed in the Church we are then fed with God’s Word on a regular basis. Here the truth of God’s Word which focuses us on Jesus Christ and what he has done for us is what gives us that which is needed for life and growth. Teaching through Sunday School, Confirmation, youth and Adult Bible Study along with the reading and preaching of God’s Word where our focus is continually drawn to that which is important is alone what will sustain and grow that life. Just as a meal once or twice a month will not sustain our human life; so also our Christian life will not grow if we do not regularly feed it [and not just with a few lollies and ice cream]. We need to feed on good solid food, which centres on the things that are important. It is only as we trust in what Jesus Christ has done for us that we have any real hope for the future and for our salvation and life.
Here Scripture makes it very clear to us that Holy Communion is also central in the sustenance and growth of our Christian life. Week by week as we kneel at the Altar rail Jesus gives us his very body and blood, which he shed on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. Here then we are given that which enables us to live and grow knowing for sure that we do have forgiveness for all our sin, and with that have salvation and eternal life as a guarantee. Along with that, we have the assurance that Jesus himself goes with us and lives with us as we go about our daily life.
All this is what is given to us in order for us to gain life, growth and fruit. As we simply receive these gifts then we find that certainty and confidence that enables us to go forward knowing that we are a part of that which is truly important. This is God’s kingdom: God at work sustaining and growing his people. It all happens here, even though we may not always see it.
Here let us remember that the results then are in God’s hands; not ours. As long as we faithfully allow God to work through the truth of his Word and the right administration of the Sacraments, God will be at work. At the same time, be aware that God himself tells us that numbers are not the criteria for life. In fact he says broad is the road with many people on it, that is going to hell. Many people will choose not to avail themselves of the gifts that God has for us; instead choosing to do what that want to do with their lives. However, God will continue to maintain and grow his kingdom through this congregation and our lives as we allow him to give us what he wants for us.
So now then, surely we can go forward with confidence and certainty, for Jesus Christ himself is telling us these things. God’s kingdom: God working in and through us, will produce the growth and the harvest that he wants. That surely encourages us to continue to regularly gather together here week by week to allow God to do what he wants in our lives. It also encourages us to hold fast to that which has been passed down through the history of the Church as that which will help give life to, grow and produce the harvest that God is looking for and has given down through the ages.
To our great God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, again then, be all glory and honour, now and always. Amen.
Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish
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