* Article was published in the May edition of The Herald; a monthly publication of Green Hill Baptist Church.
“…but through love
serve one another.” Galatians 5:13
It’s a joy to be part of the body of Christ and to love and
serve together as a member of His church. May we never take that privilege for
granted. The church is not a social club or civic organization. It’s not a
place for paying dues and receiving perks. No, the church is a people. Indeed,
we are God’s people and He has given us the opportunity to love and serve Him
and to shine the light of His truth into a dark world.
How do we love and serve the Lord? Consider a few examples.
We love and serve Him by learning and growing in our faith; by using our gifts
and talents to further the work of His kingdom; by praying and encouraging one
another in our journey of faith; and by walking together through the stresses
and successes of life. Friends, the Father has truly blessed us as His children
and He has given us a unique opportunity to love and serve Him.
Recently, in recovering from hand surgery, I’ve been
considering the joy and blessing of what it means to be part of the church. To
know that I have brothers and sisters who love me and pray for me along the
way. I want you to know that it’s been a great source of strength and comfort. Friends,
this is true regardless of the situation or stage of life we are in. There’s
nothing like the church because there’s no one like our God! In Christ, God has
given to us a new family; a spiritual and eternal family. He has given to us an
earthly picture of the heavenly relationship between the Father, Son and Holy
Spirit. Scripture teaches that as the church, we are to love one another and
serve together in a way that reflects the Trinity, and we are to walk together
in peace and unity.
I pray that we will continually grow in God’s grace and in
the knowledge of what it means to be His people, and that we will love and
serve Him by loving and serving one another. In admonishing the believers in
Galatia to do this very thing, Paul said, “but
through love serve one another.” Green Hill, I want to thank you for loving
me and for demonstrating God’s love in every prayer you have prayed, phone
call, text, or card you have sent, or kind word you’ve spoken. It’s a real joy
and blessing to serve as your pastor.
I’m looking forward to moving into the summer months. I
really believe God has much in store for us as we continue to grow in faith and
follow Him in obedience. It blesses my heart to see new believers being baptized
and new members being added to our family. I pray God’s blessings on us as we
continue to seek His face.
Loving and Serving Together,
Pastor Brett
