From the Pastor's Heart,                                                                             September 3rd, 2023

Starting this month, I will be preaching on the Church.  We all know that church has two expressions: 1) the church universal which is all followers of The Lord Jesus Christ since his ascension and exaltation, 2) the local church which the vast majority of scripture references are about.  

Obviously, we are a local church.  The Lord has plans for us and woe is us if we do not follow His leading.  We are made up of people with differing viewpoints of what Ruffin-Stacey should be doing.  We are human beings who tend to want a church that "meets my needs".  But God's call for us is to put aside our own preferences in order to glorify God, lift up Jesus, and let the Holy Spirit have His way.  In a healthy church every member must be on board with this attitude.  The "little foxes spoil the vine".  In a call for a vote, it should not matter how many are "in favor" or "opposed" to a motion but instead be "how many sense The Lords Will" on this matter.

We should want to love and keep every member of this church.  Differing opinions are welcome.  What is not welcome is backbiting, complaining, stirring up trouble, gossiping and the like.  In love, I suggest that if you are not happy with the direction of Ruffin-Stacey that most members feel God is leading, find a church in which you can be happy.  And if all you want to do is tear down, rather than building up, all I can say is "May the Lord forgive you and help you".

God is on the Move!  As He leads and pours His life into us, we can expect "everything that can be shaken, will be shaken".  We are looking for a "city that has foundations whose builder and maker is God".  Let's determine to let go and let God do His will in us.

In Christ Love, Harry