I am blessed to have been part of Providence Baptist Church for nine years now. So much has happened in that time. Yet, that is less than 5% of the time this local body of believers has been meeting. This week, we are celebrating its 183rd anniversary. This is incredible!
As I consider that length of time, a couple thoughts come to mind. ( Beyond, of course, whether or not my mother-in-law was actually a founding member... ;D)
1. This is not about us. This is God's Church and will remain so only so long it it remains in His will.
Colossians 1:16-18 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
For 183 years, God has seen fit to use a body of believers in this place. Praise The Lord!
2. So, let's not forget what being the Church is about. We are the body of Christ working together to perform His will. To be His hands, feet, eyes, ears...etc. We are to love as He loves and spread that love. Consider just the following verses.
Mark 12:30-31 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."
Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Love God. Love People...enough to tell them about God.
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