10/05/2024
Still Under Same Management for 2000 Years by Neville Buchanan
Isn't it amazing how God writes our stories? This journey began in Bloemfontein, South Africa, meandered through the bustling streets of Nairobi, Kenya, and now finds its newest chapter right here with you in Florence, Kentucky. It's a tale of continents crossed, lives touched, and hearts transformed by God's grace.
From New Beginnings
As of Tuesday, October 1st, God has opened a new chapter for His Florence church family. In just these few days, something beautiful has been unfolding. The once-locked office door now stands open, welcoming a steady stream of visitors. It's as if God is whispering, "Watch this. I'm doing something new right before your eyes."
Through Laying Foundations
As we begin this journey together, let's remember Timothy, that young protΓ©gΓ© of Paul. "As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine" (1 Timothy 1:3, ESV). Like Timothy, we have a mission - not to change what's been faithfully taught, but to fan into flame the embers of our shared faith.
To Growing in Service
Paul's words to Titus echo through time: "This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order" (Titus 1:5, ESV). Like Titus, we have the joy of organizing, of bringing order to the beautiful chaos of a growing church. But remember, we're not just arranging furniture; we're arranging hearts for God's service.
Then Nurturing Believers
Consider Barnabas, sent to Antioch to nurture new believers. The Bible tells us, "When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose" (Acts 11:23, ESV). Let's strive to see the grace of God at work among us! To rejoice together, to encourage one another, to remain faithful with steadfast purpose.
And Building on Our Legacy
Finally, we have Apollos, who "greatly helped those who through grace had believed" (Acts 18:27, ESV). Like Apollos, our task is not to start something new, but to water what's already been planted. To nurture the seeds of faith that have long taken root in this community.
We're Moving Forward Together
Florence Church of Christ, we stand at the threshold of a new beginning. The door is open - literally and figuratively. God is moving, hearts are stirring, and lives are being changed. Together, let's step boldly into this new chapter. Let's rekindle our passion for God's Word, strengthen our bonds of fellowship, and reach out to our community with the love of Christ.
Friends, as we embark on this journey together, I challenge each of you to take one step forward in your faith this week. Whether it's inviting a neighbor to our next service, volunteering for a ministry, or simply spending more time in prayer, let's commit to actively growing our church family and deepening our relationship with Christ. The same God who has guided His church for 2000 years is still at the helm, ready to do amazing things through us if we're willing to step out in faith.