One Church Many Ministries Banner by Lois Prahlow

"One Church Many Ministries Banner" by Lois Prahlow. Png. not for republishing

“The Lord God planted a garden in Eden and watered it with the crystal river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. You are that garden rooted in His love, spreading His fragrance.”

       This colorful banner celebrates the variety of ministries in which the baptized Church engages in grateful response to God for the salvation they have received in Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain for them. It draws from and combines imagery in Genesis 2:8ff, John 4:7ff, Matthew 28:16-20, II Corinthians 2:14, Ephesians 3:14-19, and Revelations 22:1-5.

       In the waters of Baptism and by His Word, the Church is united with Jesus Christ in His death and resurrection. They are planted by God like flower in a garden, and are watered with pure, life-giving crystal water, untainted by sin or death. They are empowered by the Holy Spirit and filled with the water of life flowing from the rainbow-encircled throne of God and the Lamb. Filled with love and the joy of salvation in Christ Jesus, their Lord, they go into the world, the street of the city, and there let the living water flow through them in service to God and mankind whom He wants to save. They draw sustenance from His love in which they are rooted, and they spread the fragrance and knowledge of Christ wherever they go. article and design by Lois Prahlow.