Dear Friends and Members of Shepherd of the Hills,

The Kingdom of Heaven is like…” When we hear this from Jesus, as we do this weekend, we should perk up.  When we hear this from Jesus we are hearing about this Kingdom that we are part of even now.  

Faith is not just a future reality, but a reality that we live here and now.  There may be elements of this Kingdom that have yet come to pass in its fullness, but make no mistake, these things are true for us now. 

How about you?  Do you live in such a way that this Kingdom that you are part of now is real and true?  What does that look like?  When we hear these parables from Jesus we must see them as true for us now and as something that is to be revealed in all its fullness when Jesus returns in His Glory.  

This changes how the day feels.  This changes how this season of your life feels.  Perhaps it is a comfort.  It can also be a challenge.  No one sermon or no one Bible study can give you the whole council of God.  Instead the fullness of the council of God is given to us in bit sized consumable bits that feed and nourish our faith for a lifetime.  

This is why we need our brothers and sisters in the faith to learn and grow with.  As we are comforted by this Kingdom that is present through them, we are also challenged being part of this Kingdom together.  

I thank God for doing this Kingdom life together with you as a fellow brother in the faith.  I am also humbled to serve you as an under shepherd of the Good Shepherd, a pastor here at Shepherd of the Hills.  God be praised for the Kingdom of God alive and well here at this congregation.  

In His Love and Service,

Pastor Rust