A Moment With Pastor Fred

Recently a pastor friend had someone claim to him one can love Jesus but not the church. He and I not only found that strange but unbiblical. I love the church. I have given my life to serving in a church.

Jesus loves the church too. The church is his body – we are his bride. No one is denying the church is perfect. We won’t be till we see him. The church isn’t a museum. We’re a hospital. If you’ve been a Christian for long you’ve been hurt by people at church. But I am thankful how I’ve been spiritually healed by people a church too. When a church is in love with Jesus she will be transformed.

While HBC might be “small” compared to other congregations (by the way, the apostle tells us not to compare ourselves with others) – did you know the average attendance in a US congregation is 65?!  That means half of the churches have less than 65 people. HBC is in that upper half. Erwin Lutzer, pastor  emeritus at Moody Church wrote, “There are no big places or small places of service, there are only faithful people and unfaithful people.”

I hear how HBC feels like a family – a lot. We must not be content with that but always striving to be friendly, receptive and loving. It is exciting seeing each of you on a Sunday morning. It is rewarding hearing how God is meeting needs, how prayers are being answered, how folks are growing in Christ. Let us continue. And if you have needs – please let us know. God loves the church and so must we. Eph 3:10, So that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.