We make the road by walking

“Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on . . . this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on . . .”

Philippians 3:12–14

You are not finished yet.

You are still ‘in the making’.

You are not the finished article.

You have the capacity to continue to learn, mature, think, change and grow, but you also have the freedom to stagnate, regress, and lose your way. You have a choice – which road will you take?

What’s true of you, is also true for Bessels Green Baptist Church.

Like individuals this church is also unfinished, constantly ‘in the making’. We have the capacity to move forward, if we choose . . . or we have the freedom to stagnate and regress.

We live in a fast-changing world that is pulsing with both danger and promise. Every organisation is now having to deal with constant change. How is the church to respond? Some churches will respond negatively and reactively, tightening like angry fists, hunkering down against the evil lurking outside. While others may respond positively and constructively, opening their arms, eager to see what God is doing in this changed and challenging world.

I for one want Bessels Green Baptist Church to participate in a way that is positive, constructive and open. We have the chance to explore new possibilities, to develop unfulfilled potential, to discover new ways to bless, inspire and enliven; that is, if we don’t shrink back from this moment. I believe God is calling us to walk into this opportunity with faith, hope and love.

Over the next fifty-two weeks we are going to open the Bible together and look at this question. How do we respond to such a changed and constantly changing world? We are going to journey through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, looking at God’s story, the story of this radical faith movement; the way that God has lead his people through times of change and challenge.

So, if you’re a seeker exploring Christian faith, or if you’re new to faith and seeking a good orientation, over this year you’ll find the introduction I wish I had been given.

If you’re a long-term Christian whose current form of Christianity has stopped working and may even be causing you and others harm, I hope and pray you’ll find a reorientation from a fresh and healthy perspective.

If your faith seems to be a lot of talk without much practice, I hope this journey will help you translate your faith to action.

And if you’re a parent trying to figure out what you should teach your children and grandchildren – knowing you want to introduce them to a Christian faith, but not exactly the version you were given – I hope the next twelve months will meet that need.

You are invited to join us on Sundays at 10am or 4.30pm as we set out on a yearlong quest for Spiritual Formation, Reorientation and Activation.

The road of faith is not finished. There is beautiful land ahead.

I hope you’ll join us and be part of the adventure.

Grace and peace,

 

Charlie Ingram

Charlie is the Senior Minister at Bessels Green Baptist Church.
Services are at 10am and 4.30pm on Sundays.
Please go to bgbc.co.uk for more information about the church and all that goes on during the week.