Covenant Church

Maybe it is me, but it seems like this year has “zipped” past us at jet speed. Leave it to the media to try and do a summary of geo-political-social-military-economic-technological, et al, issues.

Focus at Covenant Church has been on the mission field. We have been taking an intense look at who we are and what we are doing for Jesus. We will not be just another church building beside the highway. Our purpose and determination is to fulfill the Great Commission. 

The building complex and surrounding grounds are but mere backdrop and lighting. Imagine you go to see a famous drama.  The stage is decorated. The décor of the theater is an architectural marvel. The curtains are impressive. You sit and wait. Wait. Wait. An hour. Two hours. All night. All day. No person ever comes on stage. All your excitement about the building will be lost.

House churches have their place. But if house churches do what they are supposed to do and grow, the house becomes too small. Either the group divides or moves to a public building, as house churches did in the New Testament. Hundreds of thousands of house churches in oppressed countries long for the day when they will be free to have a public place to worship. Yes, the building does provide comfort from inclement weather, security and a place for the gathering of saints and a welcome center for sinners.  

Herod’s Temple was a glorious work of art and architecture. It was begun about 19 B.C. and not completed until 63 A.D. Eastern walls were white marble that glistened in the rising sun until it was difficult for the eyes. Herod, a wicked and evil king, built it for his glory. It was used and abused by those who considered the building more holy and sacred than their reverence for Jesus. They kept the building and crucified Jesus.

We respect the building complex. It does represent our love for Jesus. We want it to look clean, beautiful and serve us well. This week we have been especially blessed. Mike Kneller has completed a make-over of external lighting. So wonderful! With seasonal lighting done by staff the complex looks so good at night.  

Jim Riddle, a Christian brother, trimmed all our trees…taking away some trees…all this work for only $1300. Unbelievable! We are so blessed! If a commercial firm had priced this….OUCH!

As I am writing this a crew is preparing to build the Live Nativity set for December 15,16,17,18, 22,23,24. Make plans to drive by. 

So, let’s talk about Christmas. Here is the real deal. Christ came to “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Special volunteers have been such a blessing to help prepare our home to welcome you to invitational events (sign-up front lobby). Why does our family open doors of our home for these celebrations? We do not imbibe spirits that mess with the Holy Spirit. We do not tell off-color jokes. We do not play games or engage in practices that Jesus would not be welcome. We spend time together in sweet Christian fellowship.

What is the heart of Covenant, the pastoral staff and this writer? We pray that all our efforts will make Jesus so beautiful to lost souls that they will come in from the night of sin. We want them to see past the buildings and see Jesus, not as the Babe in a Manger, but as Risen Lord, Ruling Potentate, and Coming King.  

Jesus has all power and authority over sin. He alone is able to deliver precious souls from the evil snares of the devil.

Whatever your plans for Christmas, join with me in a determined effort of prayer and evangelism to share, openly and boldly, the Story of Jesus. Let us pray that we may bring lost souls to Jesus.

Jesus is the real deal.  

Pastor Bare             

Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift

2 Corinthians 9:15 (KJV)