Brethren, with my last blog I want to encourage this congregation to continue with the great work you are doing. As you all know we have grown slowly but, steadily over the past few years. This is in contrast to many congregations that are, sadly, slowly shrinking over time. One of the things that is causing this congregation to grow is the way all of you reach out to visitors when they come to worship with us. Nearly everyone who can goes back to meet, greet and welcome those who are visiting with us. That is one of the things I have heard people mention when talking about this congregation - the way you reach out to and welcome visitors. I want to encourage you to continue doing this because of the tremendous impact it has on others. Another thing I have heard mentioned is your devotion to the truth of God’s word as a congregation. The fact that you, as a congregation, are devoted to teaching and practicing only that which is in complete agreement with God’s word in every way. Another thing that is helping this congregation grow is the attitude of the men here. This is something that visitors can’t see or know about but, it really affects all of the church family here. That attitude is the attitude that really wants to grow and mature, grow and mature in their knowledge of God’s word; grow and mature in putting their Christianity into practice; grow and mature in their ability to serve the Lord by serving the church in every way they can. I just don’t have the words to even begin to describe the encouragement these men have been to me as I observed their devotion to the Lord and His church. When I see their willingness to sacrifice their time and effort, willingness to give up things of the world to be faithful in attendance at every service, willingness to get up and serve by leading prayers, serving the Lord’s Supper or anything else they are needed to do it is really encouraging to me and, to all who see their great example in all these things.
Now, do all of these things make this a perfect congregation? No, of course not! None of us are perfect and that means there will always be room to grow, room to improve and even get better at what we do or how we do it. But, brethren, I hope and pray that the goal of this congregation is exactly that of the Apostle Paul as said in Philippians 3:12-14 where he stated where he stood, “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do; forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Brethren, I believe with all my heart that this congregation will do exactly what Paul did here.
I love you all, may God bless you richly
Dan
Now, do all of these things make this a perfect congregation? No, of course not! None of us are perfect and that means there will always be room to grow, room to improve and even get better at what we do or how we do it. But, brethren, I hope and pray that the goal of this congregation is exactly that of the Apostle Paul as said in Philippians 3:12-14 where he stated where he stood, “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do; forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Brethren, I believe with all my heart that this congregation will do exactly what Paul did here.
I love you all, may God bless you richly
Dan
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