“What I Love About CBC”
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brothers (and sisters) to dwell together in unity!” Ps 133:1
I love the verse at the head of this page. There is something life-giving and energizing about being amongst those who call the Lord Christ Savior and share in the journey of faith together. For two decades now CBC has been my increasing joy and delight. I’ve taken a break from the routine nature of this newsletter to reflect for you what I absolutely love about the faith family of Community Bible Church.
First, that Christ is central to everything we do. Now I realize that some of you might be thinking, “Isn’t that what church is supposed to be and do?” and I answer “Absolutely!!” But the sad reality is that not everything called church is Christ-centric. Personal experience and observation reveal that some churches exist for their own existence. That is, the fact that they remain open and have a pulse make them a church. Technically, I suppose that is so, after all, the word church—ekklesia—simply means a gather for same purposes. Our gatherings are for the purpose of lifting Christ up, as John 12:32 says, and Jesus declares that in that moment he will draw others to Himself.
Second, God’s word has singular priority. Again, some of you may be rolling your eyes and to say, “Yeah, that, too, is what church is supposed to be.” Not always the case—I recall a time when a pastor of a church I knew told me he spends more time reading the newspaper (first things every Sunday morning actually) so that I can talk about contemporary things. Let me tell you that sermons from the newspaper don’t inspire anyone I know to “grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).” Someone once wisely quipped, “Sermon-ettes by preacher-ettes make Christian-ettes.” I love that God’s word has such a prime standing in our midst.
Third, is the quest towards authenticity. I have long believed that the models of David in the Old Testament and Paul in the New Testament detail by life how to live authentically in Christian community. Faith that is real is inspiring! True authenticity “rejoices with those who rejoice and weeps with those who weep (Romans 12:15).” It is incredible to watch the CBC family cluster together so regularly to build up one another, pray for each other, and “encourage one another all the more as we see the day drawing near (Heb 10:25).” The fruit of that sincerity is sweet to the taste, and I am certain that it is a pleasant aroma to the Lord our God.
Fourth, the many men that are serious about their relationship with Christ. Pause button: this in no way means that I’m not just as enthusiastic about how serious the women are concerning their relationship with Christ! I absolutely love it. But here’s the thing: I am utterly convinced and deeply convicted that the health, vitality, and future fruitfulness of our congregation will be in direct proportion to the men in our midst. God’s design is for men to take seriously not only their faith, but also the mandate to lead effectively, positively, and spiritually. Ladies, I encourage you to pray for those guys participating in Wild at Heart every other week. The fruit of this year-and-a-half with men is going to be crucial, especially in light of the cultural/social regression our region/state we see manifest each day.
Fifth, I love you, each and every one of you. I love that you are part of the CBC family, that you are growing in your faith, that you accept challenges to engage in ministry even beyond your comfort zone, and that you actively love on my family (the hodge-podge mix that it is) like the Velveteen Rabbit—you’re rubbing our fur right off. Thank you. From the depths of my heart, thank you. Your love, grace, generosity, care, interaction, gifting, and on are incredible. We are fortunate to all this place home. May God bless each of you in abundance for your continued faithfulness to Him!
Blessings on the Journey, Pastor Dewayne