Forest Hills Baptist Church

Bringing glory to God by contending for His truth, multiplying servants of Jesus Christ, and caring for one another.

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The Cost of Progress

May 27, 2018 Leave a Comment

Oxen in a barn

Our recent facility campaign has brought us through a season of change and uncertainty—and other changes are being considered for our worship service schedule for the fall. Most of us (myself included) don’t like change. But progress usually requires us to step out of our comfort zone. Consider the words of Proverbs 14:4 – “Without oxen a stable stays clean; but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.” In other words, the farmer could keep stinky manure out of his barn by removing all of the animals. But if he removes all of the animals he won’t get anything done on the farm!

This simple proverb reminds us that progress is messy—and sometimes painful. Attempting a new endeavor is difficult, unsettling and often risky. Restoring that deck might mean blisters. Adopting that child might mean some sleepless nights. But if we don’t endure the discomfort, we won’t enjoy the accomplishment. If you have ever been present for the birth of a baby, you will know that it is a messy and painful proposition. But it is well worth it. And if you choose to avoid the pain of childbirth, you miss the blessing of the baby.

It was ten years ago that FHBC relocated from our Cascade Rd. facility to our Fulton St. facility. At the time, there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding that decision. We had to buy the new facility before the old facility was sold. We had to put in a lot of volunteer hours in renovating and cleaning the new facility. Many of our people had to work through the emotions of leaving the only church facility they had ever known. But God brought expanded ministry opportunities out of that “mess.”

Let’s not forget that God never designed the church to accommodate our comfort. It is not a country club. It is a military outpost for soldiers. It is an emergency room for the dying. It is a family, but one that is constantly bringing in other adopted children. I would encourage you to let your barn get a little dirty. The mess just might be an indication that something is happening!

Pastor Jeff

 

Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/en/animal-barn-bull-cattle-cow-farm-1866527/

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Filed Under: Pastor Jeff's Weekly Tagged With: change, growth, Prepare the Way

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Forest Hills Baptist Church is a church in Grand Rapids, MI that focuses on gospel-centered teaching, worship, spiritual growth in the context of community, and reaching the world with the good news of Jesus Christ.

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