Why We Call Ourselves "Wheat Church"
At Wheat Church, our name holds deep spiritual significance rooted in the Scriptures. We draw inspiration from several key biblical passages where wheat symbolizes true believers, spiritual growth, and the harvest at the end of the age.
1. Wheat Represents True Believers:
In Matthew 13:30 (KJV), Jesus tells us:
"Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn."
Here, wheat represents those who are faithful and true believers in Christ. By calling ourselves Wheat Church, we embrace the vision of being a community of sincere followers who are dedicated to God and destined to be gathered into His eternal kingdom.
2. Wheat and Spiritual Growth:
John 12:24 (KJV) says:
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit."
Jesus uses the grain of wheat as a metaphor for spiritual growth and sacrifice. Just as a grain of wheat must die to bring forth new life, we strive to follow Christ’s example, embracing sacrifice and growing spiritually to bear fruit for God’s kingdom. Our name, Wheat Church, reflects our commitment to nurturing spiritual growth and fruitfulness.
3. The Harvest of Souls:
Matthew 9:37-38 (KJV) reminds us:
"Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."
We are called to be laborers in the harvest field, working to lead others to Christ and prepare for the final harvest of souls. Wheat Church signifies our dedication to evangelism and discipleship, emphasizing our mission to actively participate in gathering souls for God's kingdom.
4. Wheat as Purified and Tested:
In Luke 22:31 (KJV), we read:
"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat."
Wheat must be sifted to remove impurities, symbolizing the spiritual testing and refining of believers. Our name, Wheat Church, acknowledges that while we will face trials and challenges, we trust in God's grace to strengthen and purify us as we stand firm in our faith.
Summary:
By calling ourselves Wheat Church, we align with biblical themes of faithfulness, spiritual growth, and readiness for the harvest. Wheat in the Bible represents true believers, those who bear fruit, and those who are gathered into God's eternal kingdom. As a church, we are committed to being a community of dedicated, fruitful believers, grounded in the Word of God and prepared for the harvest to come.
1. Wheat as a Symbol of God’s Provision:
Psalm 81:16 (KJV):
"He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee."This verse expresses God’s desire to bless His people with the best provisions, with wheat symbolizing abundance and sustenance.
Joel 2:24 (KJV):
"And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil."In this passage, wheat represents blessings and prosperity, indicating God's favor upon His people.
2. The Parable of the Wheat and Tares:
Matthew 13:24-30 (KJV):
"Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also."In this parable, wheat symbolizes the true believers or righteous people, while tares represent the wicked or false believers. At the time of harvest (the final judgment), the wheat will be gathered into God's barn (His kingdom), while the tares will be burned.
Matthew 13:30 (KJV):
"Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn."
3. Wheat and Sifting:
Luke 22:31 (KJV):
"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat."Jesus tells Peter that Satan wants to test him like wheat is sifted. This means that Peter’s faith will be tested, just as wheat is shaken to separate the grain from the chaff.
4. Wheat as a Metaphor for Resurrection:
John 12:24 (KJV):
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit."Jesus uses wheat here to illustrate His own death and resurrection. Just as a grain of wheat must be planted and die in order to grow and bear fruit, so must Jesus die to bring forth eternal life for many.
5. Wheat and God’s Judgment:
Amos 8:5-6 (KJV):
"Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit? That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; yea, and sell the refuse of the wheat?"In this passage, God condemns those who exploit the poor and cheat people, even selling the "refuse of the wheat" (low-quality wheat). It highlights God’s concern for justice and fairness.
Summary:
Wheat as a Symbol of Righteousness and Believers: In parables like the wheat and tares, wheat represents true believers who are part of God's kingdom.
Provision and Blessing: Wheat symbolizes God’s physical provision and prosperity for His people.
Testing and Purification: Wheat is sometimes used to describe the process of testing and refining faith, as in the case of sifting.
Resurrection and New Life: Jesus likens His death and resurrection to a grain of wheat dying in the ground to bring forth life.
Wheat, as both a literal and symbolic crop, reflects God's blessings, the faithfulness of His people, and the ultimate separation of the righteous from the unrighteous.
