NOT ME BUT US!

Sunday, August 4, 2019

NOT ME BUT US!

Eph 4:11-16

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and  carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

           Today marks my 22^nd year as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church. I’ve been thinking about this for a few days and I realize it is not a day to honor a man but a relationship. It is not about my persistence or steadfastness or even the church’s patience and endurance. It is about us! It is about how we pressed ahead through the good times – which have been many – and the bad times – which have been few.

            From that first, almost dark, evening when our tired U-haul backed into the driveway of the old parsonage and Brenda Waldrop climbed up into it to play “I’ll fly away” on Irene’s piano, until today, it has been quite a ride. We were so warmly welcomed!

           So many things had been put on hold until the New Pastor arrived that I had no need to plan anything. VBS needed to be planned and the construction of a new fellowship hall and Sunday school needed to be built. Everything runs together in a rush of memory – not just days but years. Births, baptisms, weddings, and funerals all add their thread to the fabric like a memorial quilt.

           I preach – and little else. My golf clubs are tucked away in the closet and I don’t think I have been fishing locally since Bill Phillips passed away. I have no interests or hobbies that do not include people.

           A church is not a building but an always changing collection of souls. Even when it is packed it is not full and when the crowd is sparse it is never empty. Every “joint” supplies some essential ingredient to the whole. Every person is important. There is no empty spot except the one we haven’t yet filled. We’re “sticky”! We are like Velcro on a sweater! We are family.

Eph 3:14-21

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Thank you, Lord, for my church family. AMEN