Dear Church of the Open Bible,
What are your favourite things to talk about? What can you shoot the breeze about without noticing the time pass? I have friends who are amateur experts in vehicles, hunting, and sports. A few questions in these areas are all it takes to see their eyes light up and their bodies lean into conversation they’re passionate about. A few less typical topics that I can “go off” about are homiletical hermeneutics and board games. But right up there would be the church, the local gathering of believers.
I’m not being paid to type that. I love talking about the church in general and our church in particular. There is so much beauty and power in Christ’s Body, especially in our weakness, that I get excited about opportunities to talk about it. This is why I’m looking forward to tomorrow night. Like me, you’ve probably had that date circled on your calendar for months now, with exclamations like this, “AGM!!” Tomorrow at 7:00pm is our Annual General Meeting! And while previous experience or even the fact that it’s called a “General Meeting” might lessen your excitement, don’t let it. The church is the means through which the manifold wisdom of God is being made known to rulers in the heavenly places (Eph 3:10). The church is loved so much by Christ that He gave Himself up for her, and He continues to nourish and cherish her (Eph 5:25, 29). So tomorrow night is a time to remember, celebrate, and work towards living that out!
This is my official invite for each of you to come out tomorrow night. If you’re a member, come. If you’re curious, come. If you’re unsure, come. Let’s spend some time talking about what really matters.
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. - Romans 15:5–7