As we finish the final preparations on our 150th Anniversary celebration a few things have come to my mind. Reading the history of how the church was carved out of stone, loaded on horse drawn wagons, and prayerfully placed together gives me a real life image of Jesus telling Peter, “On this rock I will build my church.” (Mt 16:18) Jesus was not telling Peter he would be the human leader of the Church, but it was the faith of Peter Jesus was talking about; much like the faith of our forefathers who struggled and toiled to build this church.
In a world of fast food, digital cameras, and 900 channels on the television, it is great to see how the faith of our fathers has truly stood the test of time. North Grove Church has seen many changes in the world. From the first mission project sending clothing, supplies and Bibles to the troops and their widows in the Civil War, two World Wars, the Great Depression, both the Korean and Vietnam wars, the fall of Communism, the New Millennium, and now in the uncertainty of our own nation’s financial well-being this church has been a house of worship.
How many lives touched by countless blessings given in the name of Christ we will never know. There have indeed been lean years in this church, but the faithful maintained their focus on God and God did not disappoint. What a blessing God has been to this church. As we look back at this heritage, it may be easy to say it doesn’t get any better than this. The good old days were great and it is hard to top them, but we are not yet finished. We still live in a broken world. A world in desperate need of God’s love and grace. We are the agents of His love and grace. Hebrews 10:23- 25 gives us this call: Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
We need to maintain our course into the next 150 years. I have talked to many of you who remember the good old days like they were yesterday. (I only wish I had your memory.) We need to realize we are setting a foundation for the next 150 years. Of course none of us will be around to see it, but think of all those picture and memories we pass on to the next generations. We want all who come behind us to find us faithful as well (1 Cor 4: 2). This is a great milestone to be celebrated, but pressing on toward the goal, with memories in mind, to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus should be our prayer and goal for those who don’t know Jesus as Lord and Savior.