Minister's Blog

Unbroken Branches
I cannot help but get a little nostalgic this year as we near graduation time and my little girl is preparing to cross the stage and move into a new stage of her life. Later this month we are taking a little trip as a family. Christina and I are trying to savor these moments during all the busyness of the season. Maybe that knowledge will help frame my thinking. I was listening to Romans 11 on a recent run, and I was struck by the idea of branches being broken off the olive tree representing God’s people (Israel). The branches were broken off because of their unbelief, so that wild olive branches (Gentiles) could be grafted in. There is no room for boasting by the wild branches (us) because we have been grafted in according to the grace of God in Christ and we stand by faith. Then verses 20 and 21 state: True enough; they were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but beware, because if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Is Paul speaking of individuals being broken off? I would contend this must correspond the Hebrew branches broken off due to their unbelief in Christ.
What does this have to do with us, our church, my family, or graduation?!? One of the stumbling blocks to the Jews was their arrogance, pride, and self-righteousness. This same attitude very easily manifests itself in the hearts of “church people” who are very religious in attendance and outward righteousness. This is why we must be so careful to heed the example of Jude in verse 3 of his letter: Dear friends, although I was eager to write you about the salvation we share, I found it necessary to write, appealing to you to contend for the faith that was delivered to the saints once for all. I would hate for my children or any in our church to believe salvation is secure because of their family name, father’s occupation, church membership or attendance, or their superficial obedience to rules or regulations. If that is true, our faith legacy will be like a branch broken off. It will be void of life, power, and hope. This is why it is so vital for us to impress upon one another and those who will come behind us where our confidence is found. We are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone according to the scriptures alone to the glory of God alone! May our families and our church be vigilant, unbroken branches of faith in the Gospel!
Special Thanks
We had a great time of testimony and thanksgiving last Sunday evening. It was a blessing to look back over the past two and a half years of ministering to men through our sober living ministry. I want to thank Emmanuel for supporting and embracing this ministry and the men the Lord has sent us. There was a huge amount of cleaning products and paper goods donated. Your help and continued prayers are greatly appreciated. If you would like to help with this ministry in other ways, like transportation, devotion and/or meals for Monday night meetings, or have other ministry ideas please reach out to Brother Shadd or myself.