Pastor's Post 9/29/2023

Dear Shiloh Family,

     Hospitals are like cultural, physical, and emotional theme parks.  People of every walk, race, creed, and color come for repair, recovery, renewal, and revelation.  They are filled with a plethora of conditions and provide a rollercoaster of emotions.  And for the most part, most of the patients would rather be somewhere else.  However, there is usually one wing in most medical institutions that is the exception to the rule…the maternity wing.

     Parkridge East, in my opinion, is one of the best examples I can give to illustrate.  The main entrance is stigmatized with the usual anticipation, anxiety, and dread as most medical centers.  However, if one should traverse down the main hallway, turn right and proceed through the double doors, a new atmosphere and perspective is presented.  

     The waiting room is often filled with young and old buzzing with excitement and anticipation.  The doors to the left lead to a loving and competent staff who are reassuring and ministering to trembling potential new moms and dads.  The doors to the right open the way to new parents being skillfully trained in how to care for their new screaming, pooping, peeing, bundle of life.  Nevertheless, most of the attention is directed to the glass windows.  This place draws the center of attention.  On the other side of the glass is the evidence of new birth.  Cameras are flashing, Dads and Grandads are boasting, and Grandmothers are torn between smiles and tears, often both at the same time. 

Luke 1:12: 14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. KJV

Matt 18:5:5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.  NKJV

     The church should look somewhat like a hospital.  Any and all should be welcome, but they shouldn’t enter with fear nor dread.  Folks should enter with anticipation and leave with joy.  Every door should lead to ministry and healing.  The waiting room auditorium should be filled with praise and potential.  Most importantly, there should be a constant flow of gazers looking through the glass. 

     Shiloh, I am ecstatic about the blessing of new birth (physical and spiritual) in our church.  My favorite photo from last Sunday’s baptism was the little guy leaning over the glass of the baptismal pool as his older brother was baptized.  I wish everyone could see the faces as families peer through the glass as their loved ones show evidence of new birth.   

    The past two services were electric and filled with the Holy Spirit.  If you want that to continue, and if you desire to function and grow as the Body of Christ, KEEP LEADING PEOPLE TO JESUS. 

  Oh!  By the way, we are baptizing again this Sunday.  Praise the Lord!

Acts 2:46-47: 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. NKJV

New birth brings new birth.

Our hearts are saddened for brother Jeff Clemmons and family in the passing of his dad Bernard Clemmons Jr. Please continue to pray for the family.

God bless you all,

Pastor Derrel