Grace and Peace

I meet new people every week when I come to worship at Enon Chapel.  Yesterday, I was asked a familiar question by a new couple, "Pastor, what is your vision for this church?"  While the question was not new, I was challenged by it in a new way and was caused to think about what values and passions set the agenda at Enon Chapel.  Let me share a few of those thoughts with you during this week.

Up front, the number one priority of Enon Chapel is to be a church that loves God.  I know that it might sound odd to state something that should be so obvious and fundamental, but I am convinced that not all churches love God first and foremost. 

• Some churches love their tradition above all
• Some churches love their programs above all
• Some churches love their prosperity above all
• Some churches love their "super star" pastor above all
• And the list goes on and on

Loving anything more than God is a huge problem for a church or an individual.  The Scripture is clear about this issue.  The Old Testament states it in the negative:  "You shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3 ESV)  The New Testament states it in the positive:  "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment." (Matthew 22:37-38 ESV)

That being said, what does it mean to be a church (or a person) that loves God?  Fortunately, God answered that question for us in John's Gospel.  On the last night of Jesus' life before His crucifixion, He spoke these words to his disciples, "If you love Me, you will keep my commandments." (John 14:15 ESV)

Obedience to God's Word is the greatest evidence of our love for God.  But do not think that our obedience earns God's love in return, for His love has already been freely demonstrated through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus.

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 ESV)