We vacated the building in watchfulness and prayer. In elders meetings, property team meetings, and members meetings, we discussed the spiritual ramifications of this time in the “wilderness.” All could see that a season of dislocation would pose challenges to us as a church. Temptations to seek self, to act with impatience, to exhibit inflexibility…these are typical temptations of church life. We expected these temptations to be amplified during a season where our normal rhythms were disrupted. Without watchfulness and prayer, our time away from our building could be spiritually draining at best, extremely costly at worst. So as a congregation, as elders, as individuals, we have prayed for unity, patience, and flexibility in order that we might not merely survive this period, but thrive in it.
We return to the building with great thanksgiving. Surely, we will thank God on our first Sunday. Additionally, we will devote a good portion of our October prayer gathering (10-7, 6:30p) to thanking the Lord for His many provisions over these months. I hope as many who are able will join together for this special occasion.
Let us also “return to normal” in watchfulness and prayer. In John Flavel’s “Keeping the Heart” he suggests various seasons in which believers must exercise extraordinary spiritual vigilance. The very first he mentions is “the time of prosperity.” PBF may appear to be entering a season of ease compared to recent months. Yet, consider that ease can breed complacency. Complacency is the handmaiden of spiritual vulnerability. What an tragic irony if we were to return to our building only to be sifted like wheat (Luke 22:31-32).
I’m reminded of Deuteronomy. The people of God were poised to cross the Jordan, leave the wilderness behind, and enter the promised land of Canaan. To prepare them, Moses gave warning after warning after warning to keep their eyes and minds on the Lord as they entered and settled into the land.
10 “And when the Lord your God brings you into the land that he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give you—with great and good cities that you did not build,
11 and houses full of all good things that you did not fill, and cisterns that you did not dig, and vineyards and olive trees that you did not plant—and when you eat and are full,
12 then take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. Deuteronomy 6:10–12
Let us not return from our time away only to forget how much we always need the Lord. We would do well maintain the watchfulness and prayer of the past few months. To that end let us…
Be all the more God-centered. It’s not about me, my wants, my preferences. Each of us have been bought with a price. Our minds, hearts, ambitions, and our very bodies belong to Him. He is the center of all things. We exist to reflect and enjoy His glory. To the extent that He is central to our life together, we will function as intended and enjoy life as He designed it. So we must watch against the temptation to make much of self, and pray for the desire to make much of Him.
Be all the more Bible-focused. It may appear that we have fewer crucial decisions to make. Perhaps. However, we must maintain the determination to follow biblical principles at every opportunity. With eyes directed prayerfully toward the Scriptures, let’s continue to ask, “What would the Lord have us do?” We must watch against the temptation to veer from the Word, and pray toward the direction that only the Word provides.
Be all the more gospel-driven. There is one name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved: Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). Salvation in Him—from regeneration to glorification—for the glory of the Father is the whole reason we meet anywhere, whether a parking lot or a newly renovated building. We are tasked with ministering the gospel to the saved and sharing the gospel with the lost. We gather for the former; we scatter for the latter. Let our entrance into the building remind us that the gospel is true and we are called to its propagation. So, we must watch against the allure of lesser tasks, and pray toward a passion for discipleship and mission.
The Lord has been kind to us in the watchful prayer of recent months. He has seen us through our time away. We have not merely survived, but we have thrived. All glory belongs to Him. Let’s not take a foot off the gas, but continue watching and praying until He comes.
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