After eight-years of writer’s block, I’m writing again for The Herald.
It’s hard to believe how quickly the years have passed. Many things have
changed, but God has not. He is the same yesterday and today and forever (Heb.
13:8). Through it all, He has remained faithful and true. I’m excited to be on
this new journey with you and I look forward to all that God has in store for
us as a church.
In preparing to write my first article, some words Jesus spoke to His
disciples came to mind; “…and upon this
rock I will build My church…” (Matthew 16:18). Let’s consider two things
from this verse.
First, Jesus builds the church.
Every structure must be built upon a solid foundation. Jesus is the solid foundation
and the cornerstone upon which the church is built. The church is not a
building, but a people who have been redeemed and reconciled by the blood of
Christ. When a person comes to faith in Christ at conversion, they become part
of Jesus’ building process. Peter says that we are “living stones” being built
up as a spiritual house called the church (1 Pet. 2:5). But, the story doesn’t
end here. “And He gave some as apostles,
and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and
teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the
building up of the body of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:11-12).
God has called us
to be faithful in serving Him, which involves giving our time, talents, and
treasures for the sake of the kingdom. Each one of us has been equipped by God
for the purpose of building up the body of Christ. Jesus is building the church
and we get to be a part of it!
The second thing I want to point out is that the church belongs to Jesus. We are His people. We are His church. We belong
to Him. It’s not about a pastor or a people, but about a person whose name is
Jesus. It’s all about a Savior who carried our cross, bore our sins, died our
death, conquered our grave and is one day coming again for us. The church is
not about what we have done for Him, but what He has done for us.
There are great days ahead for Green Hill. As we remember God’s
faithfulness to guide and provide in the past, let us also continue in our faithful
service to Him, so that we can embrace the future He has prepared for us. Indeed,
it’s time to turn the page and move forward.
Jesus builds the church and the church belongs to Him. Let’s keep these
two truths ever before us as we march on. I am humbled and honored to be your
pastor. God bless you and your family.
Love,
Pastor Brett
