Happy Anniversary Christ Baptist Church!

Yesterday, we celebrated God's kindness to us at Christ Baptist Church. We have been meeting on Sunday mornings for 1 year now. Before my sermon, I read this anniversary letter to the church:

Dear Christ Baptist Church,

It is with love and joy that I write this letter to you on the occasion of our first anniversary of meeting on Sunday mornings. God willing, I would love to write a similar letter each year for our anniversary celebration. The intention of this letter is to recall to mind the kindness of God to us over this past year and to look forward to all God has in store for us this next year. This is certainly not meant to be an exhaustive recounting of every detail of God’s grace to us (that would take a year to rehearse). This is simply a reflection from a grateful and happy pastor.

On September 17, 2006, we gathered here at the school not knowing what to expect. We began our service by reading Psalm 1 as an expression of our commitment to God’s Word. We centered that first Sunday morning gathering on this truth: The Church exists for the glory of God.

Over this past year, at least three things have been confirmed and solidified in my heart. First, it has been overwhelmingly evident that Wilson needs Christ Baptist Church. There has been a famine of The Word in this area for a long time. We intend for Christ Baptist Church to be a gospel witness in this community until Christ returns. Secondly, God has confirmed over this past year that I was made for this. I love to preach God’s Word and I have known His blessing over this past year. I have a lot of growing and learning to do, but I have never felt more at home that I do as your pastor. Thank you for your kindness, encouragement, and patience with me. Finally, it has been confirmed that planting a healthy church is hard work. Elmer Towns has said, “To ask for a pattern for church planting is like asking for a pattern for wrestling an alligator. The critter is so slippery and dangerous that the best advice is, ‘Don’t Get Killed!’” Christ is the only one who can build the church. It is our job to be faithful and leave the results to Him.

The memories of this past year have been sweet. After reflecting on our first year, here are a few memories that I hope to never forget.

First, I hope I never forget the prayer gathering we had on the Saturday before our first Sunday morning service (it was one year ago today). We gathered outside the doors of this school to declare our confidence in God and to ask Him to do great things. During that prayer time, Carolyn McGoogan expressed her confidence in God by saying something like, “Lord, our perspective on Christ Baptist Church is one of uncertainty and disconnection. However, we know that you see Christ Baptist Church in its completion. You see the fulfillment of these prayers.” Carolyn, I cannot tell you how much that simple reality has helped me over this past year. My perspective is so limited. But God is not bound by my limited, earthly view. He sees us as His spotless bride, purchased by the precious blood of Christ.

Second, I hope to never forget our covenant affirmation Sunday. That was a memorable Sunday in many respects. For those who remember, that was the Sunday the final point of my sermon got interrupted by the fire alarm. That fire alarm was an expression of God’s kindness to us. It was a humble reminder that God is totally in control, and that His plans are often different and better than our own. It forced us to lean more fully on Christ. Because it was a false alarm, we moved the service outside and had a sweet time as we observed the Lord’s Supper and affirmed the Church Covenant together.

Finally, I don’t want to forget what we have learned from God’s Word this past year. In the midst of all the experiences, let’s not forget to thank God for leading us deeper into His truth.

-From Ephesians we learned that God is sovereign and that the church is meant to be a display of His glory to all creation.
-From Jonah we learned that God relentlessly pursues sinners and utilizes all creation to fulfill His purposes to show mercy to all nations.
-From Galatians we are learning that the gospel of justification by faith alone is the article upon which the church stands or falls.
-Each and every Sunday morning has been an opportunity to rejoice in the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The gospel has been and will remain “of first importance” to Christ Baptist Church.

It is with eager anticipation that I look forward to this coming year at Christ Baptist Church. Who of us can know what God has in store for us as we pursue maturity in Him? I’m sure He has buckets of grace ready to pour out on us every moment of this next year. Here are some of the things I desperately want to see Him do in and through us. I hope you will join me pleading with God for these things this year at Christ Baptist Church.

-I want to see God deepen our knowledge of and affection for the gospel. Let us never assume that we have a sufficient grasp on the gospel.
-I want to see God deepen our commitment to corporate prayer.
-I want to see God deepen our confidence in His promises.
-I want to see God deepen our love for and service to each other.
-I want to see God deepen our passion for His global purpose to display His glory in all the world.
-I want to see God deepen our humility and destroy our pride.
-I want to see God deepen our faithfulness in sharing Christ with friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

Only God can do these things. Let’s depend and rely totally on Him. Thank you for a great year. I close with the invitation of Psalm 34:3: “Glorify the Lord with me, let us exalt His name together.”

In Christ Alone,
Pastor Justin
Romans 8:1