I went to Church Sunday!

Last Sunday, I got to leave my church at 10:30am and wander 4 blocks away to a neighboring Baptist congregation.   Bethlehem Baptist Church invited me to participate in a worship service recognizing our town’s fire department and rescue squad. 

When we wandered into the church we were greeted with smiles, hugs, and kind words.   As is the custom with many African American churches, the minute I was recognized as a minister I was invited into the pastor’s study to prepare for the service.  I was honored to pray with the team before the service and accompany their pastor during the service.  They even gave me a chance to “give a word” to the congregation. 

The experience reminded me of how the kingdom of God will be one day and how we often fail to live out God’s promises here on earth.  I shared with the congregation that I brought greetings from our church, First Baptist, and that it was good to be with them.  And then I reminded the group that we may have gathered here from many different churches, but we should remember that God has only one church.

I sometimes wonder what God thinks of us as he looks at what we’ve done with his church.  I would bet that it hurts him deeply to see how divided we have become.  Not just concerning race, but over politics, theology, and power.  Some people believe the greatest divide today is between those who are wealthy and those who are poor. 

There is a lot I could write about concerning the divisions we face (and I may do so another day).  But today I think I’ll just share how glad I am, that Winthey Hatcher, Pastor Ricky Lee and the good people at Bethlehem Baptist,  invited me to join them in service. 

Thank you for sharing the Kingdom of God with me.  Well done!