I want to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful community we have here, and how truly blessed we are to be part of something so special. This church isn’t just a building. It’s not confined to four walls, nor is it limited by traditions or routines. It's a family, a place of growth, and a reflection of God’s goodness in our lives. Today, I’m filled with gratitude and a sense of celebration for what God is doing among us.
A Family That Grows Together
I’d like to start by expressing my deep appreciation for everyone here. There’s a warmth and a welcome in this church that’s hard to describe, but you feel it the moment you step through the door. We don’t just attend service together; we live life together, lifting each other up in prayer and supporting each other through everything. I thank God for this family, and all of the people who have embraced this community wholeheartedly. They’ve not only become leaders but also a personal example of God’s love in action. And now, we're welcoming a new granddaughter—what a joy! We celebrate with them, knowing that every child born into this family is a blessing from God.
Church Beyond the Walls
As much as I love this building and the people who fill it, I’ve always believed that God wants us to get out of the building. We sometimes think that church has to fit into a certain mold, but God is showing me that church happens wherever we are. Jesus said, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them" (Matthew 18:20). That means God is not confined to these walls; He is present in our homes, workplaces, and wherever we gather. We’ve been blessed to visit other churches and see how God moves in different ways. Church is not a box we fit into—it’s a living, breathing community, and God is bigger than any box we try to put Him in.
God Is the Great "I Am"
One of the things I love about God is that He doesn’t need a definition. When Moses asked God for His name, He said, "I Am who I Am" (Exodus 3:14). There’s no single word that can fully describe Him because He is everything we need, whenever we need it. He’s our provider, our healer, our strength, our peace—He is the great "I Am." And as we grow in our understanding of Him, we begin to see how limitless He truly is.
The Power of the Word
We talk a lot about growth here, and a big part of that growth comes from studying the Word of God. Recently, someone mentioned how transformative it has been to dive deep into Bible study. Our Bible study group is growing, and it’s not just about learning facts or stories—it’s about applying God’s Word to our lives. As Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." We’re seeing that light guide us in our daily lives.
One of the most powerful testimonies came from a young man who was struggling to get into his faith. He shared how difficult it was for him to choose the right Bible translation. But when he was gifted a Bible and began reading it regularly, it transformed his life. There’s something about spending time in God’s Word that changes us from the inside out. It speaks to us at different moments in our lives, offering comfort, correction, and direction just when we need it.
The Bible Speaks to Us
I’m proud to say that many in this church have taken up the challenge to read the Bible from cover to cover. It’s not just a book to skim through; it’s the living Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
When you commit to reading the Bible, you’ll find that it speaks to you in ways you didn’t expect. Just like a parent who speaks to their child with both love and discipline, God’s voice changes depending on what we need in that moment. Sometimes He speaks softly, comforting us, and other times He corrects us with firmness. But every word comes from a place of love.
Write It on Your Heart
We are a busy people, and finding time to read the Bible can feel difficult, but it’s worth every minute. There’s a saying that if you write something down, it comes from the heart. And that’s what we’re called to do with God’s Word—write it on the tablets of our hearts (Proverbs 3:3). The more we read it, the more it becomes part of us. It’s not just about head knowledge; it’s about heart transformation.
If you’re looking for God to speak to you, the best place to start is in His Word. Many in this congregation have shared how they’ve experienced God speaking directly to them through scripture. It’s not a coincidence; God knows what we need, and He meets us in the pages of the Bible.
A Church That Knows the Word
I’m proud of this church for more than just attendance or participation; I’m proud because we are a people who know the Word of God. We don’t just come to hear a sermon once a week; we dig into the Bible, and we live it out. That’s something worth celebrating.
As we continue to grow, let’s not lose sight of the power of God’s Word. Let’s keep reading, studying, and sharing it with others. Let’s be a church that lives out the love of Christ every day.
Closing Thoughts
In closing, I just want to say how much I love and appreciate each and every one of you. We are more than a church; we are a family. And God is doing something special here. He’s growing us, stretching us, and calling us to go beyond the walls of this building.
Let’s continue to celebrate the goodness of God in our lives, and let’s keep growing in our faith together. God has great things in store for us, and I’m excited to see what He does next.
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