calvary updates 06/05/26.
- George Winfrey
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
You're looking at a couple of my plants in the picture. This is my first year to plant them. I'm looking forward to my first stew in the fall or a little extra zing in my salad this summer. I planted a few extra veggies late last night. I put in a second batch of sweet corn, tomato seedlings and five more hills of squash. It is fun to watch your garden grow. Always anticipating a harvest.
God loves to see his garden grow and produce fruit. Jesus is called God's firstfruit from his harvest of souls. In this reference he is referring to the first one to be resurrected from the dead and receive his eternal reward.
From explorethebible.lifeway.com we find, "In the Old Testament, God commanded His people to give the first and best portions of the harvest as an offering to Him (Ex. 23:16; Neh. 10:35). This included grain (Ex. 23:16; 34:22), olive oil (Num. 18:12; Deut. 18:4), new wine (Num. 18:12; Deut. 18:4), honey (2 Chron. 31:5), sheep wool (Deut. 18:4), fruit (Neh. 10:35), and even their herds and flocks (Deut. 15:19).
By giving the firstfruits as an offering to God, the Israelites acknowledged that all the harvest—in fact, everything they had—came from God and belonged to Him. The offering of firstfruits was likewise an expression of faith that something else—the harvest of the rest of the crop—would come later. Therefore, the firstfruits offering acknowledged God’s ownership of everything, expressed thankfulness for His provision, and anticipated what was to come."
I am looking forward to more veggies this year, but it is a gradual process. Jesus as "firstfruits" was also looking forward to a later wonderful and abundant harvest of souls.
I Corinthians 15
20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.
I want you to think for a moment as you share seeds of the gospel in the minds and hearts of those around you, you are calling them to let the gospel seeds take root and grow. And then at the end of the age to be harvested into God's glorious kingdom. Make it so, Lord.
Sunday,  June 7th   Sunday School at 9:15 and Worship at 10:30 AM.
Another week to honor our good God.  My message Sunday is a brief recap of what we've learned from our Discipleship Alignment series. The message is titled, "My Last Words" Our Sunday School provides two options exploring I Samuel or the book of Daniel. Donuts and coffee at 9:15 AM.
A Song you will hear this Sunday
Shane and Shane: Lord of Hosts
Flourish.  Tuesday, June 9th from 10-12 noon.
Prayer Wednesday, June 10th 5:30-6:30 PM. Cheryl has our devotions.
Men's Breakfast Saturday, June 13th at 8:30 AM
Brazil Missions Trip. Continue to pray for and consider investing in sending our team to Brazil, July 10-19! Mission envelopes at the rear of the Sanctuary.
Today's readings were:Â Deuteronomy 9; Isaiah 37; Psalms 92, 93 and Revelation 7. If you are looking for a different reading plan, you might enjoy:
What is the force that stands behind and gives life to the Scriptures according 2 Timothy 3?
In Jesus joy,
Pastor Frank Winfrey
cell: 309-645-9621