"And the multitude of them that believed were of one
heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which
he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power
gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace
was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as
were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and the prices of the things that
were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made
unto every man according as he heed. And Joses who by the apostles was surnamed
Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, the son of consolation) a Levite, and of
the country of Cyprus, Havding land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it
at the apostles' feet."
(Acts 3:32-37)
What Makes First Baptist Great?
Have you ever done any musing about what makes a church great? What is it that compels individuals to travel 60 miles or more from Silver Spring, Upper Marlboro, Mitchellville, Bowie, Centreville, Ashburn, Manassas, and other distant locations to First Baptist? From these faraway locations, there are many fine churches, yet many of our members pass them all, in route to First Baptist.
What makes First Baptist so great? Is it the melodious singing of our choirs? Is it our wonderful and creative youth ministry? Is it our inspiring and superb Sunday School that attracts them? Maybe its the 30 or more ministries that provides service to individuals, families, and communities that draws them. Or, maybe its our state of the art building that causes them to travel to our location. In my flesh, I would like to think that it is the stirring, challenging and inspiring preaching that motivates them to come to our church. but I am well aware that Northern Virginia is blessed with a host of powerful preachers where they could go.
While, I'm sure that our singing, ministries, and maybe even the preaching are factors, I do not believe that neither of them is the cardinal reason. Well then, what do you say makes our church great?
The answer to this question, concerning the basis for our greatness is in the text cited above. The early Christian acted in the community. There was unity among the believers, who "were of one heart and soul.," that gave a powerful testimony to the world. They attempted to display the discipleship call by Jesus when He said, "By this shall all men know that you my disciples if you have love one for another." (John 13:35) First, they have a great love for the Lord. It was to follow Jesus that they were willing to give up houses, friends, and land. Secondly, they were preoccupied with ministering to each other. So intent were they on meeting each other's needs that they had no concern for satisfying their own desires. They esteemed others better than themselves. (Phil 2:3-4). Thirdly, they were focused beyond themselves to reaching the lost world with the truth of the gospel. Love of Jesus, selflessly loving each other and and a sense of urgency to win the world for Christ, was the mind of the people.
So, just as with the early church, our greatness lies with our people. It is the church, not the building, but the people that causes others to want to be a part of us. On many occasions I have been told that within our church there is a sweet, sweet spirit. When members leave our congregation and I have an opportunity to speak with them, most of the time they will say they miss the sweet spirit and genuine concern that is at this church. When members get sick and I call or visit, they express to me the outpouring of concern from the people of the church. I think I can state without successful contradiction, that our church is great because we have great people. It is that smile, that helping hand, that concern, those hugs, and prayers for each other that makes us great.
But, we must not be satisfied with 99, we are called to make 100. Paul admonishes us with these words, "Brethren I count not myself to be apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high called of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil 3:13-14)
Out of you love for Jesus Christ, concern for your neighbor, and an imperative to win the world for Christ, will you join me in making our church even greater for Christ's sake?
We are a great church -- because we have great people!
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