Every year about this time, the President gives the State of the Union Address. The purpose is to take an overall assessment of where we are as a Nation and to lay out your vision of where we should go in the future and how we are going to get there.
Unfortunately, the State of the Union is rather dismal right now. We have massive debt reaching numbers we cannot comprehend. Our nation is divided and polarized to the degree it reminds some of the Civil War years of the 1860’s.
Still, the President tries to sound hopeful and optimistic that his agenda and vision for the future will prevail.
While we can’t do anything about the state of the Union, we should consider taking a look at the State of the Church. As Pastor of these three congregations in North Carolina, allow me to take a moment and give a “State of the Church” Address.
In assessing the overall condition of the churches in Asheville, Hickory and Greensboro, I would use words such as: dynamic, enthusiastic, grounded and loving. Each congregation seems to radiate an attitude of excitement about where we are going and who we are. There is that sense that we are part of something that is going to literally change the world.
The most important point that I have been attempting to convey to the congregations through word and deed is the message contained in Eph:4:16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
I am pleased to report significant progress has been made! Growth is evident in your personal lives and in the congregations as a whole. There is a spirit of unity and harmony like never before! I have become aware of loving acts of kindness and concern that the members have for one another as you “bear one another’s burdens”.
What are our goals for the future? Simply continue on keeping the faith. Grow in Godly love for one another. Be deeply grounded in the foundational doctrines. Put away any remaining root of bitterness that may remain. Have Godly relationships. Love the Sabbath and Holy Days, and all God’s laws with all your heart. 2 Peter:1:10Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, you shall never fall.