A Knock at the Door | Sep 2nd

 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.”

  Revelation 3:20

  Beloved, this verse is likely familiar to many Christians. While it is sometimes used in evangelistic contexts, its original setting involves Christ addressing His church. Many of us may not give careful attention to Christ’s words, and we may not be responding to His call.

  Let us ask ourselves a few questions in light of this verse to see if we hear the knocking of our Lord. How often do we read Scripture with the intention of meeting with the Lord? What characterizes our prayer life? Are our prayers focused solely on personal comfort and success, or do we seek, through prayer, to become more like Christ? Do we rely on the Spirit of God to enable us to live for God, to accomplish His will in our lives, and to cultivate the mind of God in every circumstance? Are repentance, worship, evangelism, participation in advancing God’s will on earth, and fellowship with the saints part of our Christian life?

  These are a few areas where the Lord may be knocking on our hearts, inviting us to deeper fellowship with Him for His name’s sake and as part of His work in and through us. If you sense the Lord knocking in any area of your life, respond, and He will enter and have fellowship with you.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

A Needed Change | Sep 1st

“A time to keep, and a time to cast away.”

  Ecclesiastes 3:6

  Along the front entrance to our home, a small walkway leads to a bench. This path was once separated from the entrance by a hedge of boxwoods. Over the years, and particularly due to the severity of this past winter, the hedge deteriorated significantly. As a result, I removed the boxwoods, which has left the area feeling barren. However, their removal was necessary to allow for new plantings, ensuring the space will be full and vibrant by spring.

  Beloved, casting things away is often challenging. Nevertheless, it is sometimes essential to make room for new growth. We must allow the Holy Spirit to continue His transformative work, removing what hinders our spiritual development so that we may grow in Christ. Although this process can evoke a sense of loss, the Lord replenishes our lives with what is good. The resulting emptiness is replaced by peaceful contentment and renewed joy in the blessings God provides.

  In a few years, the hedge will have grown back, healthier and more beautiful than before. The small path and bench will once again offer a secluded place to sit and enjoy the afternoon sun. Let us remain obedient to the guidance of Scripture and the Spirit as we discern what to cast away.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

A Physical Reminder | Aug 31st

 “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

  1 Corinthians 11:24, 25

    In my study, I have an old sign that belonged to my great-grandfather, which advertised his carpentry business. The sign itself is made of wood and is hand-painted. Beside it hangs a photograph my father took of an old church back home in Mass. Located on the bookcase is a collection of books from my childhood Pastor. These books hold some of his notes, underlining, and a few portions cut out, and were probably added to his sermon notes. All of these things serve as reminders of those who have gone on before me—men of faith and love. Seeing them, holding them, or reading them has an encouraging quality. How much more the eternal things of God.

  The Lord’s Supper is a physical reminder of the atoning work of Christ. A gift from God that we can see, hold with our hands, and partake of. We are commanded to partake of communion as a reminder that Christ died for our sins and will return.

  Beloved, let us not take for granted what the Lord has blessed us with in coming together as the body of Christ and receiving His body for us. We have precious things in our lives, such as pictures or belongings of loved ones who have passed. We cherish such things. Today, find the same comfort in taking your Bible in hand and pouring over its pages as a sacred reminder of who God is and what He has done for you. Prayerfully consider what you have read as we look forward to breaking the bread and taking the cup of the Lord together.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight