This year Spring came upon us with boldness and set the stage for the Summer Season. Now, here we are alive and invigorated by the warm weather and the brightness of the sunshine. The trees are full of vibrant green leaves and all around us is the green grass rolling endlessly as far as the eye can see. Flowers of all kinds with amazing colors can be seen throughout the city in unique arrangements. There is wonderful anticipation of what the summer means here in Chicago—backyard barbecues, baseball, fireworks, Buckingham Fountain, the different Music Fests, and Taste of Chicago to name a meager few. This is the time of year when all Americans and particularly Chicagoans should relax and enjoy all the beautiful things that help define what life is all about.
Yet, we must all be careful in that while we are celebrating the season and indulging in all of the festivities, we never cease to pray for God’s divine protection and safety. We must remember that with nice warm weather more people are out on the streets and everybody does not consider the well-being of his/her fellowman. The reason for this lack of consideration that manifests itself in fist-fights, mob action, gun shots, road-rage, and so much more negative and antisocial behaviors is SIN.
That’s right…plain and simply put SIN is the reason for the heartache, misery, and destruction that affects everyone. In a law-breaking, angry, and selfish society, no one wins and in some way or other everybody loses. We are all affected when there is any kind of disregard for human life and the general welfare of others.
Let the church of Jesus Christ commit to praying and fasting for the city of Chicago, and all places throughout the United States that are
crime-infested.
Let the church of Jesus Christ stand strong and be a witness to a sin-cursed and dying world.
Let the church of Jesus Christ love all men everywhere regardless of race, creed, gender, and even sin and immorality. Remember, we are required to love unconditionally and leave the judging to God. Also, never forget that hope for this world and all of its ills is in the Church.
If people can’t find understanding and help in the Church, then we have truly lost sight of what Jesus Christ and the Gospel are all about. Lastly, on this note, “Where would you be if God had not rescued you from the destructive path that you were on?”
The Zion Grove Baptist Church is a beacon light shining throughout the world for all people everywhere to experience and come to know Jesus Christ in the pardon of sins. Let’s make sure that our example is one that helps people see that there is reality in serving the true and living God. Let’s not be ashamed to live for God or to praise and worship His Holy name.
This has been and will continue to be a wonderful year of Praise, Worship, and Spiritual outpour for the Zion Grove Baptist Church. Let’s take advantage of this glorious opportunity and get all we can to continue to grow and development in our spiritual walk and relationship with God.
Lastly, we welcome all of our new members to this noisy and friendly household of faith. We encourage you to be faithful and press your way to church when services are going on. It may not seem likely at first, but I promise God will take care of you if you press your way and make it your business to show up. Showing up is 50% of the battle being fought and won.