Chris' Corner -- Sunday, May 1, 2022
Today is a day of rejoicing. Not only because it’s another day the Lord has made for us to enjoy (Psalm 118:24); and not because it is the Lord’s Day of worship and praise (Revelation 1:10). Both of these days are great reasons to rejoice. We rejoice today because it is River Road’s 63rd Anniversary. It is a day of celebration—a day of appreciation. (Please be sure to read John’s article above and add it to our thoughts here).
Milestones are always exciting. They give us a sense of accomplishment. There’s satisfaction in knowing we have reached some goal and we’re starting out on our journey to the next one. Still, we must remember not to measure the future by the past, unless it’s to find room for improvement.
The great apostle Paul wrote, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind” (Philippians 3:12–16).
We should refuse to sit still, being satisfied with our past accomplishments or wallowing in our mistakes of yesterday. We measure each new day with the resolve of doing better, doing more, doing whatever we can to promote the Lord’s kingdom in this world. Today, we honor & praise our God in heaven and our Lord, Jesus Christ for the blessings we have abundantly received all these years. The cause of Christ can go forward in our city and beyond only if we stand true to God and committed to the truth of His word.
Today, we honor those faithful workers who have gone before us. If it wasn’t for so many dedicated, hard-working soldiers of the cross, we wouldn’t be here today. Many of us can remember our brothers and sister with whom we have worked but are no longer with us. They have moved or gone on to their reward. Going back further, some will recall those who worked at River Road a few decades ago. A few knew some of those we refer to as the pioneers who started the congregation in 1959. We are forever grateful for our roots.
We rejoice today. And if the Lord delays His coming, we will rejoice again next year, and the next, if we keep some things in mind. First, we have a tremendous responsibility to stay true to the Lord’s will in all things (Colossians 3:17). Second, we must strive to follow the examples of the faithful who have gone on before us (1 Corinthians 11:1). Third, if we expect the congregation to stand the tests of time, we must teach others to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). Forth, the kingdom of God will continue to grow in New Port Richey as long as we are committed to the work (1 Corinthians 15:58). Fifth, pray (Philippians 4:6,7).
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY RIVER ROAD!!
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