I thank my God every time I remember you.” – Paul to the church at Philippi

I thank my God every time I remember you.” – Paul to the church at Philippi

Philippians 1:3 (NIV)

I was recently part of a Zoom meeting with several other pastors, speaking about prayer needs within the lives of our churches.  I listened closely to the other pastors speak about sinful situations within their congregations.  Some of the concerns voiced included rudeness, unforgiving spirits, laziness, pride, hypocrisy, and racism.  When it came my turn to voice prayer concerns for the Lakewood family, I was overcome with joy at the fact that I had nothing to share in the way of sinfulness, at least nothing of which I am aware.

I want to be clear – we are all sinners, and we acknowledge this.  We are in no way “better” than any other biblically faithful congregation.  We regularly search our hearts and our membership and ask the Lord to rid us of “sin in the camp” (Joshua 7).  We are not patting one another on the back and proclaiming, “job well done!”

However, I do thank God daily for you.  If you are reading this, I thank God for you and the Spirit which lives in you, which guides and directs our lives.  It is a Spirit of peace, not of sin.  And the Spirit is alive and at work at Lakewood Baptist Church.  In my brief few months of service to Lakewood, I have been blessed beyond measure by all of you, and I can already call this as one of the great highlights of my life.  

Let us work diligently to seek out sin in our own lives, confess than sin to God, and to remain at peace with one another daily.  Let the light of the gospel be set on “high beams” so that it shines bright and far.  Let us continue to labor side by side for the gospel, and rejoice in the Lord always.

And once again, you do not need an appointment to see your pastor.  If my black truck is parked outside the church, you are welcome to come knock on the door of my study and sit and chat about anything.  If you need me at a time when I am not at the church, please call my cell phone and I will answer.  (615) 545-5824

Blessings, 

Pastor Bruce