I love mornings. I always have, even since I was little. I think I like the “newness” of the day. It is usually quiet. There is so much potential, so many things you could choose to do. I like other new things… like a new car. You can even buy “new car smell” in a can! But, you can’t buy “old car smell” in a can. I have smelled that smell. Not very pleasant!
Sunday June 4 was a new beginning here. A great group of faithful people met in the fellowship hall of the 151st Street church of Christ in Olathe, KS, to begin worshipping together in preparation for our LAUNCH on September 10. It is amazing how exciting it was, and how encouraging to be there and to see it. Seating was tight, the sound system acted up, and there were a few things we will try to do differently next Sunday. But, all in all, it was an excellent beginning.
I have observed that people love being involved with a church plant. Often, people who have not been engaged start to do more, folks who had been sitting back and watching the action get involved, and new people see a chance to start over. Something new creates these kinds of opportunities, and we all at times need a new chance.
The truth is, Jesus died to give us that chance. The chance to start over is available to all mankind, and there are so many that need it. There are people who had such great plans and ideas in the past, ideas about life and how they were going to live it. Choices were poorly handled, decisions made hastily, without really thinking through the long term consequences. We can all relate to wishing we had some days back.
As God’s people, we have access to the ultimate “do over” for folks lost in sin and suffering. God planned it out this way. God has given us the chance to learn about who He is, who we are, and how wonderful things can be if we will turn our lives over to Him.
Romans 6:4 reminds us, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
We have a chance for a new life. Here in Olathe, KS, we have a chance for a new church. A new beginning for lots of folks, and a new chance for us to fulfill God’s work among a lost and dying people. We can start over, and so can they!
If you live near Overland Park, Leawood, south Kansas City, we would love to have you come and visit.
There is a chance to start again. It’s even better than new car smell.
Keep growing in Him,
JOE