Today we come to the fulfillment of many months of planning and construction. This new building is the product of many hours of effort on the part of many of our members, dozens of carpenters, electricians and other craftsmen, the committees that chose colors, textures and made other necessary selections.
We have heard that such an effort often results in differences of opinion and contention. How can we expect such an endeavor to be brought to completion without such things? Only if Christians live up to that name. Mature people can usually differ without rancor and unkind words. I believe such describes the past months of work here in Dripping Springs.
Some twenty-two centuries ago, God’s people were returning from seventy years of captivity in Babylon. Upon their return they discovered that their cities were in need of much repair. One of those who led in that repair was the man, Nehemiah. He had grieved over the condition of Jerusalem, and as they re-built the walls of that city they received some very vicious opposition. They often were forced to work and watch for enemies at the same time. But the work was finished, and is recorded in Nehemiah 4:6:
“So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work,” Nehemiah 4:6.
We can understandably be pleased that we have been able to do what needed to be done here, and to have done so because of a lot of “…people [who] had a mind to work.”
What now? With all that work behind us we now must use it as God would have us, each of us willing to respect how God values our achievement. Now that we have this building, what do we do with it?
In the 1st century, Christians were commanded to assemble, worship together, Hebrews 10:24-31. That command clearly implies authority for a place to assemble, although the details of that place were not specified. Early Christians met in rented halls, privately owned buildings, schools, homes and out in the open. Obviously, we have been given authority to assemble, to have a place to assemble, and with considerable discretion concerning the expediency of choosing a place to assemble. We have considered our options, both spiritual and physical, and sought to be good stewards of those blessings given by our heavenly Father.
Some caution, however, is needed as we move into these new surroundings. We have understandably looked forward to this day with anticipation, but we also understand that mortar, stone, wood, shingles, carpet and paint do not have the ability to institute or complete the work of seeking and saving the lost. That task is given to each of us who sit in these new pews today. This certainly helps us to see the significance of God’s Word in 2 Corinthians 4:7:
“We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not us.”
This building and our mortal bodies can be seen as “earthen vessels,” while the treasure of the gospel is God’s “power unto salvation,” Romans 1:14-16. All of us must take the commitment of the last few months and apply it to the task of reaching the lost.
This new building, beautiful and useful as it is, is not “us.” It may represent us, but it is a physical, man-made object, and can be effective only if we use it properly.
It has limitations. Note the following:
- This new building cannot be the church, the church is God’s called-out people, not property and things.
- This new building is an inanimate object; therefore, it is incapable of preaching the “unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ,” Ephesians 3:8. That requires human effort from you and from me.
- This new building cannot help those who are grieving or in need, either economically, emotionally or spiritually. That’s where we come in.
- This new building cannot invite our neighbors and our family to come and visit with us; that requires the interest, concern and effort of each Christian here.
- This new building will not pay for itself, take care of itself or keep itself clean; that will require the assistance of each of us, young and old alike.
- This new building will not assure the preaching and teaching of God’s unadulterated truth; that takes the vigilance and diligent interest of every one of us, 2 John 9-11, 1 Timothy 4:16, 1 Corinthians 15:58.
Fifteen years ago next month we moved into the former/old building. An article appeared in that Sunday’s bulletin concerning that building project, and I repeat what was written those years ago:
“We have discovered the potential power that rests in this body of people. We have learned that when we work together we can accomplish great and good things. It is now imperative that we use that same dedication, that same energy, that same spirit of cooperation to fill up this community with the gospel of Jesus Christ and its power to save. We know we can do it, so let’s get busy accomplishing God’s will.
“Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not,” Galatians 6:9.
For our visitors – Welcome! Come again!
For the rest of us, let’s remember this day and the blessings God has poured out upon us all
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