This is the fourth of a series of reflections of gratitude on 20 years of ministry at GBC.
One thing I particularly prayed for when coming to GBC was peace and unity. We have it. The question is, why?
Obviously, such a gift is due to the grace and kindness of God. But there is another factor. Paul identifies it in his first letter to Timothy:
In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. (1 Tim. 4:6-10)
A church is corporately unified and at peace when the people of that church individually hear, receive, embrace, love, and apply the truth of Scripture to their own lives. This is the reality at GBC. You love the Word of God and fix your hope on it (v. 10). It is primary in your lives (v. 8). You receive it for what it really is — the Word of God (1 Thess. 2:13). And it is not only for the good of individual people in our body, but it has also created a corporate sense of unity and joy in the church body.
A pastor is not as encouraged by comments like “good sermon” as he is by people wanting transformation because of what they read and hear. Nothing makes a pastor happier than people responding to the truth by saying, “I need to change because of what I now know and understand…”
A few times I’ve seen people harden their wills and hearts (4:2; 2 Tim. 4:3), but generally this is a church that loves and embraces the truth and wants to change into greater likeness to Jesus Christ. And because of that, I am happily and excitedly grateful.
Your hearing of the Word of God is a great act of worship and a gracious gift to the church.
Words of Grace 