Forty-Nine And Doing Fine.

This weekend, Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene celebrates forty-nine years of ministry.

Thus far, Bronx Bethany has remained in the same geographic location. We believe that God has called our local body of believers to serve Him by serving the community in the Northeast Bronx, and that is where our local church will be based unless He says otherwise.

Our challenge, though, is that although we are called to rest in a particular geographic location, we are never called to rest on our laurels. It is fun and perhaps even appropriate to spend the entire weekend celebrating what God has done for us over the past forty-nine years. But we must also remain open to the call of God concerning the new things He wants us to do as we approach year fifty and beyond.

There is much I could say about particular programs or outreach efforts, but I think it might be more expedient to ask one question: If you worship at Bronx Bethany, are you moving forward with what God has chosen to establish in Bronx Bethany?

And, for those readers who are not members of Bronx Bethany, the essence of the question stands. Do you want to be found doing what God has asked His people to do? Or, are you exerting energy toward the undermining of His work?

Today, I invite us all to reflect on the first chapter of Second Thessalonians. May it teach us as we consider God's goodness toward His churches, His communities, and His people.

Lord, Ruler and Owner of all things, You have blessed Bronx Bethany! You have kept it alive and thriving these forty-nine years. We pray that You will always find her faithful to Your word, joyfully obeying every command You have given. We are deeply grateful for Your love toward us. Live in us. Work though us. Keep us holy. We are so happy to be identified with Your Son, Jesus, whose work on the cross bought our triumph. We ask that Your Spirit of truth will help us accurately represent You in the Bronx and in the world, to the glory of Your Name. Amen.