Monday, September 18, 2006

MSMBC's 64th Birthday

Following are the notes that I wrote for this past Sunday's bulletin, as Mt. Sinai Church celebrated its 64th church anniversary:

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in him!” – Lam. 3:22-24 (KNJV)

Today, we celebrate sixty-four years the Lord God has faithfully blessed, sustained, and utilized the ministry of MSMBC to his glory. At this point, only God knows how many souls have been saved and how many lives have been changed through this congregation’s witness for Jesus Christ. And we wouldn’t be able to name all the people the Lord has used in a special way to build up the body of believers here at Mt. Sinai. Likewise, many can testify to the various ways this church has been “light” and “salt” to influence our surrounding community (and beyond) for the kingdom of heaven. But as we reflect on the rich history and legacy of this church, one thing must be remembered: God did it all! So it is only appropriate that we pause today, not to congratulate ourselves, but to praise God for all that he has done, is doing, and will do through Mt. Sinai Church.

Mt. Sinai Church exists to win more Christians and to develop better Christians to the glory of God (Matt. 28:18-20). And because this “Great Commission” is executed by the authority of Christ, and with his presence, we have every reason to expect the Lord to do great things in and through us in the days to come. We are truly grateful to God for all that he has already done. But our dreams are even greater than our memories. There are many more souls to win, peoples to reach, and need to meet. That’s why we’re still here. God has much more work for us to do. We must not “be at ease in Zion.” We must steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord. After all, the Lord does not need us – any of us. We are mere trophies of his amazing grace. Praise God for it. And may we be faithful stewards of the opportunity we have given to spread the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Soli Deo Gloria.

H.B. Charles Jr.
September 2006