It is one thing to observe or participate in something that happens, it is another to recognize the significance of it – to see it in light of the big picture, and recognize the “dots” of a higher purpose that are connected. From the earliest days of the Church recorded in the book of Acts, the growth of the Church was directly tied to the spread of God’s Word – the gospel of grace in Jesus Christ taught as the apostle’s doctrine.
Through interactions with many of you, and the enthusiasm of the congregation, I had a keen sense of continuity with the early church on a momentous day last Sunday as two things were evident in the events of the day. The Word of God is spreading by faithful and accurate teaching of that Word as our sufficient authority. As a result the church is expanding. Luke records, “the Word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied” (Acts 6:7). God is drawing people to Himself as people respond to the call of Jesus, “Follow Me.” For that reason, the church is increasing numerically, which is why last Sunday was a ceremonial launch of the expanding church meeting place.
Luke also records that the as Church leaders went out to report of Spirit-led direction, and teach the Word of Christ, the churches were strengthened. For example, “Paul and Silas departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches” (Acts 15:40–41). The teaching of the Word of God by ordained men of God is what strengthens the Church.
So, hopefully, you sense, as I do, our connection with the historic Church from its earliest days – the expansion of the church at our groundbreaking ceremony Sunday morning, and the strengthening of the church at Max Floyd’s ordination Sunday night. The same Word and the same Spirit are at work in the church in the same way they were so many years ago because this is the work of God who transcends time and promised to build His Church.
May we also sense the magnitude of it and rejoice in the privilege of being a part of God’s redemptive purpose through the ages. What a high calling and what a joy it is to be a member of the family of God – the beautiful Church where God’s Spirit is manifestly at work.
“God’s household is the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15 (NIV)
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