I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another. Romans 15:14
On this first day of December, after a week of thanks-giving and at the beginning of this season of advent, I am struck by the goodness of God. I know, there are many who might take exception to this sentiment at this time. Certainly, many have experienced significant loss at the hands of this pandemic in personal illness or the death of loved ones. This is in addition to the many in healthcare risking their own health and working long hours to care for others. Which is in addition to the many more who have experienced severe financial strain, the loneliness of protracted quarantines and the paralyzing power of fear. It is easy, at such times, to lose perspective, especially when we are tempted to isolation-induced depression and in the throes of media-exacerbated anxiety. Yet we must not lose sight of the goodness of God…especially in God’s goodness expressed in the goodness of His people. As I sit in this beautiful new office, a labor of love by so many in our body, watching the sun rise as it lights up the rich wooden beams supporting the entrance to our new church, I am grateful for God’s goodness displayed through the faithfulness of His people. As I read Paul’s words to the believers in Rome—affirmations of their goodness, grasp of divine truth and growth together through Biblical instruction—I think of the body of believers who make up Renton Bible Church. It’s true, our body can be hard to see at times. Our sanctuary, though much fuller by percentage of our congregation than the vast majority of churches, is still lacking so many who are a part of our family. And though we have been diligent in seeking to preserve as many spiritual growth opportunities as possible, both in-person and virtual, our ministries have been significantly paired down by government restrictions and health concerns. Still, I see our body, in occasional visits at the church, in worker bees doing little projects from raking to repairing doors, in gracious notes, in encouraging emails, in Life on Life group connections and definitely in weekly worship, whether in-person or online, a blessing we’ve been privileged to enjoy throughout this pandemic, a privilege I do not take for granted. I continue to see and give thanks for the saints that comprise the fellowship of RBC. By the way, that is who we are…saints, holy ones, sanctified in Christ Jesus. Paul uses this word three times in Romans 15, a word that might make some nervous, but doesn’t bother Paul in the least. Nor does it seem to bother Paul to say that these saints are full of goodness. Makes me think of our congregation, our faithful ones, our family. Speaking of faithful, Paul also affirms the saints in Rome for their material blessings, assistance, contributions, financial fruit! As our finance committee has recently produced the budget for 2021, and in view of the surprisingly healthy financial statements month after month, I am struck by the faithfulness of our people to support the ministries of this church…ministries that extend around the globe! I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, on this Giving Tuesday, in view of the sacrificial generosity our body has demonstrated over the years not only in general giving, but in stewardship campaigns and special offerings for special needs. I am simply grateful for the way God’s work goes forth. So many entities have put everything on hold. (We’re beginning to wonder if we’ll ever see our final certificate of occupancy paperwork since the city has stopped returning calls or emails!) But the ministries of Renton Bible go on. God’s Gospel work through us and those we partner with moves forward. Reminds me of Jesus’ promise to build His church and that “the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matt. 16:18). And so, we celebrate the goodness of God. Even in the face of our own trials and tribulations, we acknowledge our heavenly Father’s faithfulness and provision. Above all, we rejoice in a glorious hope that no pandemic, politician or protester can take from us. We say with the apostle Paul, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). As those who have been richly blessed, may we continue to be a blessing to all around us, seizing the opportunity in these strange days to shine light into the darkness! Especially in the advent season, the season of light, where we celebrate Christ’s first coming and look with expectation to His return, may we be found faithful in continuing the work that He began. So, with gratitude for the blessings we enjoy, in the knowledge of how our gracious God continues His work in us and through us, I conclude as the apostle Paul concludes this fifteenth chapter of Romans, “The God of peace be with you all. Amen.” Pastor Dan
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Dan GannonDan has ministered at Renton Bible Church, with his wife Debbie, since 2003. Archives
June 2022
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