25th Anni. Afternoon Remarks

Leeds

Mayhak

Marsden

Dow

The pastor’s wives

Thanks to the members over the years who have faithfully served, sacrificed, and given

Most of all we are thankful to the Lord for His goodness, provision, and direction over the years

We also thank God for His promises

Especially His promise in “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

This is a promise not only to Peter but to subsequent generations that Jesus Christ…the Son of God will build His church

This gives me three quick thoughts/reminders

1- It is Jesus’ church

Some may have sacrificed

Some may have given much

But it is our reasonable service to sacrifice, serve, and give

Jesus Christ paid the price to redeem the church not you and I

We are just His servants

2- Christ is the foundation

He has always been the foundation and needs to always remain the foundation

He calls Peter the rock upon which He will build His church

Is Peter the foundation? NO!!!

It is Peter’s declaration in verse 16

“And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Jesus Christ and the Word of God is the foundation of the church

Not a program, personality, or denomination

It is Jesus Christ and Him alone

3- There is nothing we can do to stop Satan and his attacks

But the good news is that Jesus Christ has promised to build His church in the face of those attacks

You and I cannot overcome the obstacles and attacks But when we rely on Christ Satan doesn’t stand a chance

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”

It is His church not ours

Because He purchased it, Because He is the foundation of it, because He is the one who protects it

As we move forward into the next 25 years we need to keep Jesus Christ as the possessor, provider, and protector of this church

As long as we do that the gates of hell cannot prevail over us

But we must…above all else…keep Christ as our focus

Let's close in prayer…in a prayer of not only thanksgiving for the past but of dedication to the future.