Binbrook Baptist Church, where I preached the word of God yesterday, is a church that has existed since 1839 that now finds itself in a community experiencing a building boom as the surrounding city moves ever closer. Quiet, rural Binbrook has become a place of refuge for those who want to be near the city and all that it has to offer, and, yet, at the same time, want to enjoy a quieter lifestyle. While the invasion of developers and builders followed by proud new homeowners may signal the end of an older way of life, it also means that there are new people who need to hear the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. They have probably not come to Binbrook for that reason, but in the providence of God, he has already established a church in that community as a testimony to his grace. And it is exciting to think of what God might do in that community, through Binbrook Baptist Church in the days that are ahead.
In some ways, however, Binbrook Baptist Church is not unique. Until Jesus comes again churches are lighthouses shining in the darkness, they are people who have been rescued from a sinful way of life and set apart for God. Even though their surroundings are always changing -- because nothing stays the same forever -- amid the change they live out their faith to the glory of God. They are evangelists and missionaries who by their example and their confession of Christ point to the world to come, that new heavens and earth which the Bible describes as 'the home of righteousness.' To do these things effectively they must rely upon God's power while at the same time using the gifts God has given them as creatively as possible. In a day when too many churches are literally dying of old age, it is wonderful to see places like Binbrook where God has been pleased to replace those who have gone before with those who continue to love the Lord Jesus.
It is my prayer that God will bless Binbrook Baptist Church under the leadership of pastor Ian Vaillancourt in the days ahead. May they continue to do what the apostle Paul instructs every church to do: "Do everything without grumbling or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life" (Philippians 2:14-16).
1 comment:
Thanks so much, Kirk. Our church family REALLY appreciated your ministry this past Sunday. I was glad to be back from retreat speaking in time to be blessed by your PM service.
I just finished reading Young, Restless and Reformed and found the epilogue very encouraging - although God has raised up great churchs and great leaders like Piper, Mahaney, etc, it's the small, normal, faithful churches in small communities scattered across the world that are at the heart of God's work. We fall into the 'small, normal' category, and strive towards the 'faithful' one as much as possible.
Ian.
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