SMALL CLASS, BIG FAITH

Mat 13:31-32: He presented another parable to them: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It's the smallest of all the seeds, but when grown, it's taller than the vegetables and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and nest in its branches."

I love, love, love our Sunday School class. Today we were small in number but oh, so big in our love for the Lord and for His Word.

We talked about the church. And how the gospel has spread over the past twenty centuries from the hands of a few faithful men to encompass nearly the whole world. Jesus likened it to a tiny mustard seed. The simplicity of the gospel in the hearts of faithful men and women bursting forth to change lives, neighborhoods, communities, and the world. Wow.

A few days ago our wonderful Christian radio station highlighted a local church and invited its pastor to share with the audience. I cringed as the pastor detailed all the programs, special events, and enormous numbers of people there, and then ended the conversation without ever mentioning the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. History tells the story of churches that became far too great in power and domination. There are churches that have become more interested in social policy than the salvation of souls. Our Christian satellite stations offer vivid examples of churches that have made a name for themselves but neglect to lift up the name of Christ. And we have access to megachurches that have become places for megawealth and mega-identity, “tickling the ears” of its congregants but neglecting to sound out the transforming truth of the gospel of Christ. Perhaps that is the picture Jesus has painted of an ungainly, unnatural church that allows believers and nonbelievers alike to nest in its branches.

On the other hand, as our class pointed out this morning, the mustard seed is also an illustration of the gospel of Christ planted in our hearts that grows and changes us from the inside out. As we yield to the truth of His Word, God transforms our hearts more and more into the likeness of His Son, until others are able to see Christ in us. The fruit we bear through the power of the Spirit of God impacts others around us. WE are the church. And because Christ Jesus is alive in us, He impacts our world through the lives of believers who are yielded to Him.

We are privileged to worship with a body of believers who agree together to “worship Jesus Christ, edify believers, evangelize the lost and minister to others.” We are incredibly fortunate to be led by a staff that is committed to biblical accuracy, and who are passionate about serving Jesus.

So, we all agreed that we need to be intentional about studying, obeying (and, after the incredible example of scripture memorization in our service this morning, perhaps committing to memory) the Word of God so that the Spirit of God can empower us, strengthen us, and make us fruitful and useful for the kingdom of God.

All that from two verses of scripture. Why, oh, why, would anyone not want to go to Sunday School?