Eight years ago this weekend, I met a preacher at my brother’s church that looked about 16 years old. I was helping my brothers lead worship in song when I saw him come in. After the music portion was over, I sat next to my sister-in-law as we tried to guess his age with the brief history he gave during his introduction. Then we forgot about his age as we listened to him preach the Word boldly to the congregation. After church finished, I went up to thank the young Navy Chaplain to be for serving God and Country with his bold preaching. How was I to know that I would join him in this journey? How was I to know that we would decide to commit to this journey together two nights later in Newport, RI?
This Saturday night, Barrett preached once again…this time to his brand new congregation in a new location and time. Barrett preached on the vision, aim, and pillars of the chapel. He laid the foundation of how we rest in the grace and mercy we have been given by Jesus paying the penalty of our death deserving sin on the cross. Then when Jesus rose again on the third day, He then gave us His righteousness and the hope of everlasting life with Him in heaven when we trust in Him alone. Because of this, Grace Hill Chapel will now love God, love each other, and then go out and love the world.
How often do we go to church because we always have or because we desire to make penance for something that happened this particular week? How often do we use church to show the world that we are good people? How often do we use church to tell ourselves that we are good people? In reality, the purpose of church is to be reminded of what we have in Christ so we can glory in the Father! The purpose of church is to serve one another with our gifts and help each other persevere in this hard life. The purpose of church is to teach us doctrine that so fills us with thanksgiving and joy we can’t help but share this good news with those we meet each day.
Saturday night I once again helped with worship in song before the worship of preaching the Word began. This was the first time I have done so since being married to Barrett. I sat down next to my friend and realized that I once again was thankful for this still youngish Chaplain honoring God and Country with the truth of the Word. That he still tells people there is a purpose to our lives as Christians and those who need Christ. There is a purpose to going to church, to loving God, and loving our neighbor. What is it? The chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever.
This Memorial Day Weekend seems extra special for us as we see how the Lord has brought us back to how we met. I am so thankful to be covenanted with this man for life, in sickness and in health, in good times and in very bad. =0) The Lord is faithful to complete what He has begun in us.
Thank you also, all you who have served our country. We are here because you have paved the way. We are so thankful for all those families who have had a loved one pay it all for our freedom. You are not forgotten.