God’s Compass for the Church

Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

A lot of churches are trying to make a name for themselves, branding themselves, seeking numbers over converts. There will always be those who politicize rather than evangelize, the social reformers rather than Christ conformers, trying to keep up with the times rather than defining the times. We ought to be turning this world upside down for Jesus Christ.

God didn’t tell us to build the church or to write our own program. That is why many churches are lost in the weeds today trying to find their way out. Jesus said, “I will build MY church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). We are not God, but we are servants of the Most-High God. As servants, God sets the direction, and has done so very clearly.

What is the direction for First Baptist Church of Easton?

Our ministry seeks to be Christ-centered in its philosophy and practice. This church under the authority of Christ desires to be a gospel powerhouse. Paul, from the book of Romans chapter 1 and verse 16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth…” First Baptist Church of Easton will be great communicators of the gospel first and foremost.

The dynamic of our church is based first on the power of salvation, but second, on the power of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 – “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” We recognize that we can do nothing without Christ. God gave us the Holy Spirit that we might serve HIM with great power. First Baptist Church will be great servants of the Lord Jesus Christ as HIS witnesses both here and beyond.

The third dynamic of our church is based on the power of sacrifice. 2 Corinthians 8:3-5 – “For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.” The greatest power that we have is in following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ and surrendering ourselves to the Lord’s will, and that requires sacrifice. Jesus told HIS disciples to “take up their cross, and follow ME” (Matthew 16:24). It is not easy to say, “Thy will be done,” but that is the nature of those that are called Christians.

Jesus is the captain of HIS ship, the local New Testament church. The Lord never asked us for PERMISSION; HE desires SUBMISSION. May we carry out HIS great commission for God’s glory!

 Pastor Henry Funkhouser