Monday, July 28, 2014

125th Anniversary Reflections

One hundred and twenty five years. That seems like a lot. Many people have passed through the doors of our church in those years. Many have found salvation in Christ, seen their lives and families transformed by His grace, worshiped the Savior, and served the Lord through all those years. Celebrating our anniversary July 27 was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on and give thanks for all the ways that God has worked in and through the congregation of our church.

God has exciting days ahead for us. People all around NHBC and our world need to know the love of Christ. That's our focus. That's our call. That's our vision - to Love God, Love People, and Grow Together.

I can't wait to see what God is going to do in year 126!

Monday, July 7, 2014

Different, yet same

What a wonderful two weeks of VBS we had. It's hard to believe they are both already over. Since we have one at church, and one at an apartment complex, they are VERY different. Tons of kids and workers vs. a handful of workers and a few kids; rooms all over the church, decorated and in use compared to one room for all; three hours for five days instead of two hours for three days--just to name a few. However, the message is the same for both...the message of Jesus--a real man who loved us and died for us, and the redemption that can be ours. And the kids are ultimately the same....just like us, in need of a Savior. It doesn't matter if they've heard of Him, have a church home, or what their family life is like.

Just as these two VBS weeks differ, everywhere we look in the world, we see change and inconsistences. What a blessing to know that Jesus NEVER changes. "Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike them, He never changes or casts shifting shadows" (James 1:17)." "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).

Big church, small church, blended family, raised in church or not, young, old, male, female....it just doesn't matter. We've all sinned. We're all condemned on our own. But the wonderful news is...He died for all, and desires that no one perishes. It truly is the good news of the gospel!!!!