Last Sunday we finished up a short sermon series called “WHAT THIS CHURCH IS FOR!” As we are beginning a new year, we need to understand what our purpose is as a church family. What are we here for? Well, if you were here over the last three Sundays, or you watched the live-stream, you know that the purpose of Calvary Bible Church is Up-Reach (worship), In-Reach (building up the body of Christ), and Out-Reach (evangelism).

Much more could be said about our purpose as a church, but my point is to simply sharpen our focus at a really crucial time for CBC. Not only is it the beginning of a new year, but we are hopefully about to begin emerging from a pandemic that has literally altered life as we know it. Regardless of your views of this virus, we live in a world that is very different from the way things were just one year ago, and we will be feeling the effects of Covid19 for many years to come.

I frequently find myself saying, “I am looking forward to things getting back to normal.” And that is true in terms of things like masks and social distancing, but when it comes to being Calvary Bible Church, I really don’t want things to just get back to normal. I want all of the trials and challenges we have experienced in 2020 and otherwise, not to just be a distant memory. I want them to accomplish what God intends for them to accomplish in our lives. In case we are wondering what that might be, James 1:2-4 tells us, “Consider it all joy, my brethren when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance, and let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (cf. Romans 5:3-5).

So, as we move forward together, let us not long for the status quo of easy church attendance, or a society where Christians are comfortable. Let’s seriously consider how we can be the church God wants us to be, knowing that we are not here by accident, but “for such a time as this.”

This Sunday, we will be jumping back into our study of the book of Genesis. The sermon is called “How to Walk Before God” (Genesis 17:1-27). In preparation for worship on Sunday, you might consider reading Genesis 17, and as you do ask yourself two questions. What has God promised to do in my life? And what does He want me to do in light of those promises?

God Bless,

Pastor Ron