This past Sunday, March 11th, 2007, was an important one in the life of BridgePoint Church. It was not what we had been anticipating – we thought we’d be worshipping alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ at Washington EFC in Valparaiso, exploring the possibility of merging the two churches. As it turns out, their deacons informed us just days earlier that they’d decided to discontinue the merger exploration and cancel the combined worship service.
So there we were – back at Simatovich. Another round of calls had been made to inform everyone that the merger exploration process had been terminated and that we BPC folk would gather in our familiar setting for just one worship service. So gather we did, and the sense of anticipation in the room was palpable. We all knew “the deal was off”, but why? What would be said to clarify the situation and the plan?
Pastor Scott explained the surprising and abrupt decision made by the deacons of Washington Free, summarizing their rationale as fear of being “taken over” by BridgePoint. Despite assurances to the contrary, their decision had been made. Scott expressed how frustrating and discouraging this was for him as he thought of the welfare of both churches and the name of Christ in this area.
What might God have to say in His Word about a situation like ours? Scott proceeded to open the Scriptures, helping us to process the events.
- In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. (Proverbs 16:9) – this doesn’t mean that the Lord isn’t grieved by this or other situations, but we can rest in the fact that God is good and is in total control.
- And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) – not “in some things”; in all things! God is working through this situation for the good of His people at Washington and BridgePoint.
- Amidst disorienting change, we rejoice in the gloriously unchanging reality of the gospel – that the God of the universe has chosen and forgiven and cleansed and liberated, and will resurrect, us!
- I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (Mt. 16:18) Men will not stop the advancement of the kingdom of Christ. We are to continue, on the offense, to “kick in the gates of hell”, setting the captives free as we proclaim the glorious gospel: that God has made a way for us in Christ!
Forgiveness is needed, and Scott shared how, amidst his disgust during that memorable Tuesday morning meeting, he recalled the realities of the gospel – that he is justified by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Reveling in this, he entrusted the situation to the judgment of God and began the process of forgiving the men.
Worship music leader Matt Courtney describes the time of singing that followed Scott’s remarks as unparalleled – he was amazed at the way you all sang your hearts out like never before. The “open mic” time that followed included powerful testimonies affirming our pastoral leaders and attesting to God’s faithfulness. Sunday allowed us some “family time” for healing and, it would appear, we are more unified than ever and confident that the Lord has great things in store for us…whatever those might be!
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jer. 29:11-13)
P.S. What now? We continue with the decelerated pace of our “Step by Step” campaign, turning our attention back to hopefully purchasing the YMCA by summertime, without ruling out other options of course! Between now and Easter (April 8th), we will focus on just being together with the agenda to love God and one another and preach the Gospel.
No comments:
Post a Comment