Church just one part of God’s plan

FAITH MATTERS

Our church celebrates our 125 years of ministry this weekend.

One-hundred and twenty-five years is quite a milestone. To make some Biblical comparisons, it’s a little more than three times the time the Israelites spent wandering the desert. It’s approximately four times as long as Jesus’ earthly incarnation. It’s about five years longer than Moses lived, but it’s only about one quarter of the time that passed from the end of the Old Testament until the events of the New Testament.

So, clearly, a lot can happen in a life of faith in 125 years.

Let me tell you what this anniversary-of-our-church column won’t be: It won’t be a list of all the great things First Baptist Church has done in Niagara Falls over the last 125 years (although the list is impressive); it won’t be to brag about all the great people who have called, and continue to call, First Baptist home over the years (although that list is equally long); nor will this column be a plea to have you join us Sundays at 11 a.m. (although you all will be most welcome if you do).

This column can only be about one thing: God’s faithfulness to his people, and we have been recipients of his abundant faithfulness, grace and mercy for a long, long time.

And in this regard, we are not a special, or unique, group of believers. We are one small part of the larger Church. While we can, and do, experience all of God’s faithfulness, grace and mercy on an individual level, to be a Christ-follower means to receive those gifts in community — and that community is the church.

Sadly, in our drive to have people understand the importance of an individual relationship with God, too much emphasis has been placed on the “individual” part and not enough on the community aspect, but this was never the original intent.

Notice that Jesus called a group of 12 to walk with him, not just one person at a time. Think on the events of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2. The Holy Spirit, through the apostles, changed the hearts and minds of about 3,000 people, creating an instant community.

In Jesus’ last recorded prayer before his crucifixion (John 17), he prays that believers would know community as he has known community in the Trinity. It’s important to understand the significance of this prayer. On the last night of his earthly life, during his last time for prayer, Jesus prays that believers would know community. The last prayer of the Messiah on the way to his death is that we would know community.

First Baptist Church is not unique, but we are loved. We are part of God’s plan for sharing the gospel truth of Jesus Christ, who is the hope for every community.

We also hope to be joining other churches in doing the same for at least another 125 years ... or until the Lord returns for his church.