A Good Church

There is so much negativity in the world and in the church today. We know that the world is not perfect and we know that the church is not perfect. The good news is, one day God is going to make both His created world and His church perfect! Until that day comes, as long as we live in this world, we are going to have to put up with imperfection from ourselves and from everyone and everything around us. I know that Whitewater Baptist Church is not a perfect church. I know that because I am not a perfect Pastor. Thank God for His mercy and grace, to love us, keep us and continue to use us in spite of our imperfections, faults and failures! While I know our church is not perfect, I also know that Whitewater Baptist Church is a good church. Let me tell you some of the reasons why. #1, Because of the love we give and share. No church loves perfectly as they should but our church does a “good job” (if I can use those terms) of expressing, demonstrating and sharing the love of God in worship, fellowship, outreach, encouragement and service. My prayer is that we will be ever-increasing in our love for the Lord, for the lost and for each other. #2, Our church is a good church because we try to treat everyone the same. I often think of what James told the early church. James 2:1-4 “My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.  If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet,"  have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” May we never be guilty of the evil sin of partiality and favoritism. #3, Our church is a good church because of our love for the Bible as the Word of God. May we always have a hunger to grow in our knowledge, understanding and in obedience to God’s Word.  #4, Our church is a good church because  of our emphasis on worship. Worship is the priority and the heart of the church. The quality of a church’s worship is the most important factor in determining the character of a church and the quality of its fellowship, outreach and service. May we always see our Sunday morning and evening worship services as sacred and holy times when we come before the Lord to love Him, worship Him and honor Him. #5, Our church is a good church because of our emphasis on missions, evangelism and proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. #6, Our church is a good church because of our love for and ministry to children, youth and families. May that always be. No, we are not a perfect church but I believe we are a good church and I am grateful to be a part of the Whitewater Baptist Church family!

See you Sunday, Bro. Chris